Homemaking Pilgrim

Pictures...

2012-01-27T20:40:00.000-08:00

We are enjoying adjusting to being a family of 4, and things are busy! I have been working a bit on Nathanael's birth story, but it will probably be a little while before I finish as spare time is a bit hard to find these days. He eats like crazy...pretty much every 2 hours from start to start both day and night. Must be because he's a boy... Here are a few pictures of our little munchkins.

He's Here! He's Here!

2012-01-19T18:17:00.000-08:00

We are so thrilled to announce the arrival of our newest addition! Our chubby baby Nathanael ("Gift of God") has arrived, weighing in at 9 lbs 8 oz.

Thanks to the prayers of many, I was able to have a successful VBAC. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of you who prayed; many of you I do not even know personally, but I am SO thankful you took the time to pray for his safe arrival, that he came right on time, and I was able to have a vbac.

We were all able to go home only 8 hours after he was born! It is SO nice to be home already, and I feel amazingly well. Nathanael is nursing well, is a big-time snuggler who likes to be held a lot, and has his days and nights very mixed up right now!

We are all just SO happy and loving every moment with him. Children are such a blessing and we are all in love with him. One of these days I will write up his birth story and share it with you all. I know you'll all understand if I'm missing in action in the blog world for the next while. If you want to know where I am...a safe bet would be on the couch snuggled up with our precious son, soaking in every moment because the days are going to fly by :-)

No Baby Yet, Colds, & Menu Plan

2012-01-16T10:21:00.000-08:00

Nope...no baby yet :-(

I had false labour on Friday for about 4 hours with regular (but not very painful) contractions, but I was pretty sure all along it wasn't the real deal. I debated whether or not to phone the midwife, but then all of a sudden everything slowed down to a near stand still, and here I am on Monday with no baby or imminent signs that anything is really happening. Boo. Tomorrow is my 41 week appointment. I'll probably find out how much time I "really" have before I am forced to switch care over. I am seriously dreading it because the clock is t-i-c-k-i-n-g. I am stressed out. I will probably have to have an idea of which OB I "want" to switch to, and honestly I am not overly thrilled with any of my choices as just about anyone will likely be very c-section pushy. I am trying oh-so-hard to not get discouraged.... Pray for me, please.

On Friday we were at my hubby's Mom and Dad's house for a visit, and Ellie started sneezing a lot. Well in the night things got quite brutal and she was up just about all night crying and not feeling good with a major stomach ache. So, yes, I was up nearly all night too. On the plus side, my hubby is off work now so he can help me out a lot more now, which is a HUGE blessing. Last night she was so exhausted she slept nearly all night! Thankfully I got a half-decent sleep, too!

It is FREEZING over here right now. Last week we had temps above zero Celsius and practically all the snow was melted, which is WEIRD for prairie winters. This week it is like a shock to the system...snow and COLD COLD COLD. Icy roads. -20's Celsius.

As for the menu...I'm not planning much since things could change quickly in the next few days.

Crockpot Pepper Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Veggies

Waffles with Saskatoon Berry Sauce, Eggs, Bacon, Fruit

Pizza & Salad

(Im)patiently Waiting,

Due Day!

2012-01-12T13:09:00.000-08:00

Today is the official due day, and no baby yet. :-( I am getting soooooo impatient - mostly because the pressure is on and the clock is ticking to still have a chance at a VBAC. If it wasn't for that, I think I would feel less stressed. I pretty much need to have this baby in the next 8 days in order to stick with the midwife program and avoid a scheduled C-section. I am trying to remain optimistic and realistic. I know I will be a bit disappointed if I end up having another c-section; there is just no way around that. However, I do pray that if things should go that way, I will be at peace about it knowing it was the Lord's will.

BUT...any prayers sent up on my and baby's behalf would be much appreciated...please pray this baby would come in the next week (tonight would be even better ;-) ) I can't be induced and must go into labour on my own before 41 + 1 days in order to avoid a transfer to an ob/gyn which would almost certainly mean a C-section.

I am feeling very uncomfortable, nervous, a little anxious, and like I can do nothing but think about this baby all day long. Sleeping at night has been horrible, so I'm pretty much out of commission most of the day, which I feel badly about. I'm just focusing on keeping on top of the basic housework, trying to walk on the treadmill once in awhile (that is becoming increasingly difficult!), and resting when I can since I'm sleeping so poorly at night. I have to confess that I am not one of those women who really enjoys being pregnant. Yes, I still find joy and rejoice in being pregnant and the miracle that it is, but I do not really enjoy the many aspects of being pregnant, if that makes any sense. This pregnancy has been AWESOME, though, health-wise as compared to my first one, so that is a tremendous blessing. I was so terribly sick with Ellie and then at the end I was very, very faint and had to head to the ER a few times because my blood pressure would dip so low. I have had none of those issues this time around.

At least we know that one way or another....it will be a January baby!! 2 weeks or less and I 'll be holding my little bundle....:-D

Boy or Girl? What do you all think!?

Tuna Macaroni Casserole

2012-01-11T12:48:00.000-08:00

This recipe is very quick and easy to put together. Since I always have a can of tuna, cream-of-something soup, and macaroni on hand, it is one of my go-to meals when I am pressed for time or have no idea what to make. It is one of Little Ellie's favourites.

Tuna Macaroni Casserole - adapted from a family cookbook

1 1/4 cup macaroni (dry)
1 can cream of celery soup (undiluted) (or substitute your favourite condensed cream soup)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup crushed corn flakes
1 1/2 Tbsp melted butter
3/4 tsp paprika
1/3 cup milk
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp prepared mustard
1 can tuna, drained and flaked

Cook macaroni for 8 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a 2 quart casserole dish, mix together soup, milk, mayonnaise, and mustard. Stir in cheese and tuna. Fold in the cooked macaroni. Combine the crushed corn flakes and melted butter. Sprinkle over casserole. Sprinkle paprika on top. Bake uncovered in 350 F oven for about 30 minutes or until heated through. Serves 4-5.

Brown Butter Brownies

2012-01-10T07:07:00.000-08:00

I have tried quite a few brownie recipes, and this is definitely the best one I've made so far. This will give you a chewy, rich brownie. If you are still on the look out for the perfect brownie recipe, give this one a try.

Brown Butter Brownies - I found the recipe here

Nonstick vegetable oil spray
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon water
1/2 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder (spooned into cup to measure, then leveled)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs, chilled
1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon unbleached all purpose flour
3/4 cup pecan pieces (original recipe calls for 1 cup walnuts)

Place rack in bottom third of oven; preheat to 325°F. Line 8x8 inch metal baking pan with foil, pressing foil firmly against pan sides and leaving 2-inch overhang. Coat foil with nonstick spray. Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking until butter stops foaming and browned bits form at bottom of pan, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; immediately add sugar, cocoa, 1 teaspoon water, vanilla, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir to blend. Let cool 5 minutes. Add eggs to mixture 1 at a time, beating vigorously to blend after each addition. When mixture looks thick and shiny, add flour and stir until blended. Beat vigorously 60 strokes. Stir in nuts. Transfer batter to prepared pan. Bake brownies until toothpick inserted into center comes out almost clean (with a few moist crumbs attached), about 25-30 minutes. Cool in pan on rack. Using foil overhang, lift out of pan and cut into pieces.

Menu Plan

2012-01-08T23:44:00.000-08:00

I'm getting impatient. These last days seem to go by so slowly. Hurry up, Baby! I'm going to try to stay busy so I'm not just sitting around here waiting...waiting...waiting. I think I'll do some of the baking listed below if I get restless.

Here's the plan for this week:

Sunday
Went out for lunch
Leftover homemade pizza for supper

Monday
Company Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Carrots

Tuesday
Leftovers

Wednesday
Firecracker Salmon, Stir Fry Veggies, Rice
*this one's been on my menu for many weeks now, but I haven't gotten around to it yet*

Thursday
Waffles with Saskatoon Berry Sauce, Eggs, Bacon, Fruit

Friday
BLT sandwiches & Potato Wedges

Saturday
Potato Soup & Baking Powder Cheese Biscuits

Baking/Other
Honey Whole Wheat Bread
Gingerbread Cake (NEW) with Whipped Cream
Banana Chip Muffins
French Breakfast Muffins (NEW)

*For more menu ideas visit Menu Plan Monday hosted by orgjunkie.com*

Ebook Giveaway

2012-01-05T19:15:00.000-08:00

Jacinda from Growing Home just came out with her first ebook! She's giving away a copy to one of her readers. Go here to check it out!

Insomnia, 39 Weeks, & Potty Training

2012-01-05T10:53:00.000-08:00

Insomnia

I. can't. sleep.

I don't know what my problem is, but for the past 3 nights I have been up ALL night till about 7 a.m. when I finally doze off and then I am woken up a few minutes later by a, "Wake Up Mommy!" This terrible sleep thing has caught up with me and is making me feel horrendous today. I feel like I have the flu or something. Muscle aches, back ache, stomache ache, indigestion, woozy head feeling, etc. This morning I resorted to doing something I hardly ever do - going downstairs with a blanket and pillow, turning the tv on and letting Ellie watch shows all morning while I tried to get a few short naps in. I pretty much never watch tv during the day when I'm home. We don't have a tv upstairs anymore, so I have to make an actual "effort" to go downstairs to watch something, which just doesn't happen. Anyway, the plan is to skip my afternoon nap today in hopes of being really, truly, exhausted and fall into bed for a decent night's sleep tonight. I hope that plan doesn't backfire on me. At night my mind is going a million miles a minute thinking about the baby, and then the terrible back aches keep me just uncomfortable enough to not sleep. Please, please, baby come quickly!

Midwife & VBAC update - 39 weeks
I had my midwife appointment yesterday, and the baby's head is now engaged. I am hoping this means the baby will arrive sooner rather than later. I am starting to feel anxiety about going over my due date because that will likely mean another c-section. I was under the impression that I *could* still be induced should I go too far over my due date and still try for a VBAC. However, I just found out this is not the case in our city. Once I am 41 weeks + 2 days over I will have to switch from the midwife to a doctor who will then be scheduling a C-section (and according to the midwife, most of them will push to have it done that day!) I could possibly do shared care with the midwife and doctor at that point, but the doctor would then be the boss, and most doctors here are not very VBAC friendly. They will not induce me here due to the increased risk of uterine rupture, so if I want a chance at a VBAC I *MUST* go into labour on my own ideally before 41 weeks 2 days to stick with the midwife and definitely before 42 weeks. A city a few hours away has some new technology that allows for safer induction of VBACs, but it is unlikely any doctor there would be willing to take me should I get to that point. With Ellie going 11 days overdue (41 weeks 4 days), I am feeling a little stressed even though I still have 2 weeks or so from today to go into labour on my own. We are praying, praying, praying this baby will not go that much overdue. Ultimately, though, this baby's birthday is already written in His book, so we do what we can do and leave the rest up to Him.

So far this baby is in an anterior position, which is optimal for birth. Ellie was posterior, and the labour was HORRIBLE from the beginning. There was really no easing into it. Then again, I have no idea what labour will be like this time, so maybe all labours are that horrible?? :-) I also had tons of strong braxton hicks with Ellie for weeks prior to going into labour but have had none that I know of with this one. It is so different this time around, so I'm hoping the labour will be *better* and faster this time, too, since this one is anterior so far.

Potty Training
I am happy to report that Ellie is now day-time trained! She hardly has any accidents anymore (maybe one every few days or so), and we only put a diaper on her at naptime and bedtime. We started a potty prize box to motivate her to stay dry, and this seems to have done the trick. I didn't really expect her to be trained before the baby arrives, but she was definitely ready and into it, so we gave it another go.

That's all to report for now....

Crockpot Chicken Curry

2012-01-05T07:57:00.000-08:00

I am often experimenting with different curry recipes to find one close to my husband's favourite restaurant dish. This is one I came up with on my own after looking at several different recipes, and it's a winner for me and my husband. I think it's one of my new favourite meals. It makes the house smell SO good. This is also gluten free.

Chicken Curry

3-4 large chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
1 28 oz can diced tomatoes with juice
1 small can tomato paste
1 400 ml can coconut milk
1 tbsp curry powder
1 tbsp garam masala
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp cumin
salt and pepper
pinch of cayenne pepper
1 tsp freshly grated ginger
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 onion, diced finely

Saute onion, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes for a few minutes in a tablespoon of oil. Add everything to the crockpot and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until chicken is done. Serve over jasmine or basmati rice and naan bread.

Greek Salad with Creamy Feta Dressing

2012-01-03T08:05:00.000-08:00

I love, love, love Greek salad. Instead of a vinaigrette, I made up a creamy feta dressing instead that is a definite keeper.

Greek Salad with Creamy Feta Dressing
Romaine Lettuce
Cucumber, sliced in half
Roma Tomato, cut into wedges

Creamy Feta Dressing - adapted from here
1/2 cup mayonnaise (not that fake sweet dressing-type stuff)
1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
2 Tbsp olive oil
dash or two or Worcestershire Sauce
1 Tbsp corn syrup (start with about 1/2 this, and then adjust to your preference)
1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried parsley
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
salt and pepper, to taste

Whisk everything together, or if you like a smoother dressing, process in a food processor. I didn't bother processing it. Drizzle over salad. This also makes a great dip for veggies.

Menu Plan

2012-01-02T08:37:00.000-08:00

Only 8 days away from my due date! (or 10 days if using a different calculation). I'm drinking my red raspberry leaf tea, chowing down pineapple, and have a few spicy dishes for this week. I'm getting terribly impatient!

Here's the plan for the week:

Sunday
Invited over for lunch
Leftovers for supper

Monday
Creamy Tomato Pasta with Salad

Tuesday
Firecracker Salmon, Stir Fry Veggies, Brown Rice

Wednesday
Crockpot Coconut Chicken Curry (using this recipe as a base), Mashed Potatoes (or leftover rice), Mixed Cooked Veggies

Thursday
Leftovers

Friday
Homemade Pizza & Caesar Salad

Saturday
Leftovers

Lunch Ideas
Oven Toasted Ham & Cheese Sandwiches
Curry Egg Salad Sandwiches
Greek Salad with Creamy Feta Dressing

*For more menu ideas visit Menu Plan Monday hosted by orgjunkie.com*

Picture Post & Baby Countdown!

2011-12-29T19:00:00.001-08:00

Excited about the toy puppy that walks and barks from Grandpa and Grandma.

Her very "cheesy" smile :-)

Presents from Mommy and Daddy this year...an apron sewn by me, the book God's Wisdom for Little Girls (what a sweet book...highly recommend!), and a play castle. I actually picked up the play castle at a garage sale last summer for only $3. I had no idea when I picked it up that with the parts and everything it came with, it's worth 100 x that brand new. She was pleased as punch about it and plays with it a lot!

Christmas Day was SO warm this year, although a little bit windy. A bunch of our family went skating at my grandparents' house on their pond. Ellie LOVED being on the ice, carried around by her Dad and Grandpa. She talked about it for days after. "Skates? Skates? Maybe when I'm older?"

And....the baby countdown is ON! My due date is about 2 weeks away. I saw my midwife today, and she said this baby is READY to come! The head is very, very low, and it's been that way for a couple weeks already. Of course, I'm not going to get my hopes up for an early-ish baby since Ellie was 11 days overdue. I'll be shocked if it comes before it's due date. Oh yes...and it's going to be a big baby. Yay...

We haven't totally decided on names yet. I'm not packed up yet. And...the baby's room is not ready yet. I have some work to do...

So, So, SO happy and thankful to be with the midwives; I'm feeling confident that a VBAC is very possible. In fact, one of my midwives has a 100% VBAC success rate with her clients so far. Both are absolutely fantastic, and I know that I will not end up with an unnecessary C-section this time. I totally trust that they will do what they can to help me avoid one this time around, and if I end up with one, well, I can accept that it was the Lord's will and necessary.
Joyfully anticipating this little one's arrival....I can hardly wait!! :-)

Who is that Baby Born in a Manger?

2011-12-23T11:42:00.000-08:00

During this busy Christmas season...

We hear Joy to the World! the Lord is come playing through the speakers in the mall.
People who do not know Him sing about Him.
People who do not know Him talk about Him.

But, who is He?
Who is that baby born in a manger?

photo credit

Have you stopped to think about who He really is?
Have you stopped to think about why He came?

Does He matter to you?
Does He make a difference in your life?
Or do you just celebrate the birth of a "special baby" every year around December 25th because it's the thing to do?

Was He just a good example? A good teacher? A mere human who lived a good life?

No.

"For unto is born this day in the city of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord"

Is He your Savior? If you claim He is, do you know what He saved you from? Is he your LORD?

These are important questions.

The birth of Christ, although very important, would have been meaningless if that baby had just stayed in a manger instead of growing up to lay down His life on the cross, shedding His blood and dying for our sins. It would have been meaningless had He stayed dead in a grave instead of conquering sin and death by rising again.

The Bible says that baby, the Son of Man, came to seek and save that which was lost.

Has He found you yet?

...that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. ¹¹ For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” Romans 10:9-11

Candy Cane Bark

2011-12-21T12:22:00.001-08:00

Christmas baking doesn't get much simpler than this! Be sure to only make this if you are planning on taking it somewhere. It's dangerous...very dangerous... to keep this stuff around the house.

Candy Cane Bark - yields one 9 x 9 pan

1 1/2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips
20 mini candy canes (approximate - I didn't really count or measure)

Preheat the oven to 250 F. Line an 9 x 9 inch pan with foil and spray with cooking spray. Spread out semi sweet chocolate chips in pan with foil and let melt in oven for a few minutes. Spread melted chips with a spatula to evenly cover the bottom of the pan. Chill in fridge for at least 30 minutes or until completely cooled and hard. Spread candy canes on a cookie sheet, cover with a tea towel and crush until quite fine. Separate out the bigger pieces from the very fine pieces and candy cane dust. Melt white chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave on medium power for a few minutes, stirring every few minutes. Add some of the candy cane dust and very fine pieces to the melted white chocolate. Spread white chocolate mixture over cooled pan of semi sweet chocolate. Sprinkle remaining candy cane pieces on top and press down gently with a spoon to help pieces stick. Put in fridge to cool completely. When cooled, lift foil out of pan and cut into squares.

Baking Powder Cheese Biscuits

2011-12-20T07:53:00.000-08:00

Baking Powder Cheese Biscuits - yields 2 dozen

4 cups flour
2 Tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 Tbsp sugar
1 cup cold butter
2 cups milk, or less
2 cups cheddar cheese

Mix dry ingredients together. Stir in grated cheese. Cut butter into mixture with pastry blender until pea-sized. Add about half the milk, and mix by cutting with a metal spoon. Keep adding milk until a soft dough is formed. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead by folding, about 8 times. Roll out to about 3/4 inches thick. Cut into desired shapes. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 350 F for about 12 minutes or until golden brown.

Menu Plan

2011-12-19T07:05:00.000-08:00

As I was typing this up I just had to add in Ellie's comments as she's playing with her doll. It's so funny listening to her play!

"Are you supposed to speak that way? No, don't speak that way."
"Look at me in the eyes when I speak to you."
"Don't push. That's not very nice. You need to be nice to ____ (cousin's name)"
"Here, let me help you. You don't have to be afraid."

Anyway...

I'm trying to keep it pretty simple for the next few weeks since we'll be busy with all the family gatherings, I'm not sleeping much, can barely walk anymore, and I seriously feel/look like I'm ready to burst any day. People are shocked when I tell them I am still 3 weeks away from my due date. Yep, I'm hoping it's not a 12 pounder. And if I go terribly overdue again...help.

I'm so thankful my husband LOVES soup. It's one of his favourite meals. He would happily have homemade soup several times a week, which is nice because soup is simple and usually fairly healthy. Here's the plan for this week:

Monday
Oven Toasted Ham & Cheese Sandwiches, Easy Homemade Tomato Soup, Leftover mashed pototoes

Tuesday
Homemade Pizza (no-rise crust) & Caesar Salad

Wednesday
Leftovers

Thursday
Beef Barley Soup & Cheese Biscuits

Friday
Chicken Fingers, Oven Fries, Veggies & Dip

Saturday - Christmas Eve
Leftovers

*For more meals ideas visit Menu Plan Monday hosted by orgjunkie.com*

Oven Toasted Ham & Cheese Sandwich

2011-12-17T11:09:00.000-08:00

Most of my family knows I am picky when it comes to sandwiches. I never was much of a sandwich person and usually had leftovers in my lunch as a kid. Bologna, peanut butter & jelly, salami with butter on white bread...I'd probably rather wait till the next meal :-) However, I find it hard to pass up a really good sandwich, wrap, or sub. A good sandwich with some type of protein, veggie, and cheese on whole wheat is my pick for a simple, balanced lunch. This one is a winner in my books, and I will definitely be making it again.

Oven Toasted Ham & Cheese Sandwich - yields 2 sandwiches

4 slices of bread
4 tsp mayonnaise
4 tsp Dijon mustard
4 slices (or more) ham
1 tomato, thinly sliced
2 slices cheese (use whatever cheese you prefer)

Preheat oven to 425 F. Spread 1 side of each slice of bread with mayonnaise and place 2 slices on greased baking sheet, dressing side down (helps it brown.) Spread with Dijon mustard, 2 slices (or more) of ham each, a slice of tomato and slice of cheese. Top with remaining bread, dressing side up. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown. Flip and bake for another 5-7 minutes.

Feminine Friday & 36 Weeks

2011-12-16T10:28:00.000-08:00

Did another week really just fly by? I cannot believe that this baby will soon be making his/her appearance! We are SO excited (and a bit nervous, too). I feel like I'm about to pop any day and hoping I don't go too much overdue. The baby has already dropped a bit and according to the midwife the head is very low already, so I'm enjoying some relief from the heartburn with the tradeoff of "other pains" from the baby dropping. Walking...make that, waddling... is no fun these days. With Ellie I was 11 days overdue, so I'll try not to get my hopes up for a slightly early or on the due-date baby.

Linking up to Feminine Friday.

In other news, Ellie has been sleeping better this week, but unfortunately I haven't been able to take much advantage of that due to the discomforts of pregnancy. Oh well. I remember sleeping better with a newborn than I did being pregnant in the later weeks. We'll see how that goes this time around. In potty training news, I have sabotaged progress way too many times in the last couple months. This time I am determined to be more consistent and to embrace the accidents. This week she's been totally diaper free other than for naps and bedtime. We are doing alright, and I think if I stick with it rather than giving in and giving up, this will be it. I plan on getting rid of the nap time diaper after Christmas if she can stay dry. Speaking of consistency, we are really trying to get on board with consistent discipline. Oh it is difficult some days...okay most days. I am trying to focus especially on obedience and bad attitudes. We are going for first-time obedience, and I am trying so hard to follow through every time with either training or appropriate discipline depending on the situation. We are making slow progress, I think...I hope.

Spaghetti Sauce

2011-12-15T09:17:00.000-08:00

Spaghetti Sauce - original recipe from here

Ingredients
2 lbs ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
3-4 garlic cloves, minced
1 large (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
2 small cans tomato paste
2 15 oz (398 ml) cans tomato sauce
1-2 cups water (start with one cup and add more if needed during simmering)
3 tsp basil
2 tsp parsley
1 1/2 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4-1/2 tsp crushed red chili peppers
1/4 cup red wine (optional, but it really enhances the flavour)

Directions: In a large pot, brown ground beef with onions. Drain off fat. Add garlic, tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Add red wine, basil, parsley, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and crushed chili peppers. Stir well and bring just to a boil. Turn down and simmer for at least an hour, stirring occasionally. Add more water during simmering if needed.

Note: I often use this same recipe for lasagna

Turkey & Rice Casserole

2011-12-13T07:13:00.000-08:00

This is a great way to use up leftover turkey & dressing.

Turkey & Rice Casserole - serves 8

2 cups cooked and chopped turkey (or chicken)
1 cup diced celery
1/2 small onion, diced
1 cup sliced almonds
4 cups cooked brown rice (approx 1 1/2 cups uncooked)
1 cup light mayonnaise
1 can cream of celery soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
3/4 tsp salt
3/4 tsp pepper
2 Tbsp lemon juice
2 chicken bouillon cubes dissolved in 1/2 cup boiling water

Combine all ingredients. Place in a large casserole dish. (I get 2 medium casseroles with this recipe.)

Topping: Mix 3/4 cup crushed cornflakes with a tsp of melted butter. Sprinkle on top. Alternatively, you can spread leftover turkey dressing on top. Both ways are good.

Bake at 400 F for 45 minutes.

Menu Plan Monday

2011-12-12T07:24:00.000-08:00

photo credit: Can't wait to try these easy Rolo Pretzel Turtle treats from Comfy in the Kitchen

Stressed. Out. Yep, that about sums it up. The busyness of the season mixed with pregnancy hormones has me feeling like I'm on a roller coaster. One moment I'm feeling pretty calm, cool, and collected. The next moment I am feeling like I have a bazillion things to do before the baby arrives and no time to do it. Lists are my friend. I think. Ah well, sooner or later I will have a little bundle to cuddle and snuggle and it really won't matter what I did and did not get accomplished on my list. See? There I go from completely stressed out when I first started typing this post to suddenly calm and collected at this moment.

Anyway...

Here's the plan for this week:

Sunday
Lunch: Went out after church
Supper: Hubby threw in a frozen pizza since I was out and about getting a few groceries and things. Note to self: A store filled with every bulk item and goody imaginable is temptation city for a pregnant woman. A pregnant women during Christmas time? It's hopeless!

Christmas Goodies to Make:
Peppermint Bark
Rolo Pretzel Turtles

Other:
One Bowl Chocolate Pudding Cake
Honey Whole Wheat Bread

Monday:
Lunch: Turkey sandwiches with veggies & dip
Supper: Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu, Scalloped Potatoes, Steamed Carrots, Tossed Salad

Tuesday
Lunch: "Homemade" Creamy Tomato Soup, Grilled Cheese
Supper: Leftovers
*Make Spaghetti Sauce for tomorrow*

Wednesday
Lunch: Spaghetti & Meat Sauce, Cooked Peas, Caesar Salad
Supper: Leftovers

Thursday
Lunch: Turkey Wraps, Fruit Slices
Supper: Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Veggies

Friday
Leftovers

Saturday
Something Simple (Chicken Fingers, etc.)

*For more meal ideas visit Menu Plan Monday hosted by orgjunkie.com*

Feminine Friday & 35 Weeks

2011-12-09T16:31:00.001-08:00

35 weeks. I think it's going to be another big baby!

Linking up to Feminine Friday at Buildeth Her House

Toddler Ruffle Apron

2011-12-08T07:07:00.000-08:00

I finally got around to making an apron for Ellie. She just loves helping me in the kitchen and always wants to wear my apron, so I figured it was time for her to have her own. It's supposed to be part of her Christmas present, but I just had to have her model it for the pictures. I followed a tutorial for it here at Babblings and More. It's not perfect, but it's made with a lot of love. I ran out of pink material, so I used white ribbon for the ties instead. It's so girly and cute. I think she looks just adorable in it!

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Company Meatloaf

2011-12-06T07:04:00.000-08:00

No matter how hard I try, I'm just not talented enough to make meatloaf look pretty!

There are a million-and-one ways to make meatloaf. I've tried a few recipes, and this is one of my favourites. I am not a big fan of ground beef if it tastes like ground beef. That probably sounds weird, but I need it seasoned. This is a nicely flavoured meatloaf that even I love because...well...it doesn't taste too much like meat. :-)

Company Meatloaf (easily doubled)

1 egg
1/2 package onion soup mix
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tbsp water
3/4 cups bread crumbs
1 lb ground beef
Cheddar cheese slices

Topping
1/4 cup ketchup
1 1/2 tsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp dried mustard (I substitute prepared mustard if I don't have this on hand)
1/4 tsp nutmeg

Beat egg and stir in soup mix. Add ketchup, water, and bread crumbs to ground beef. Add the soup and egg mixture. Gently mix. Put half into a loaf pan. Put cheese slices on top, then the rest of the ground beef mixture. Cover and bake at 350 for about 30 minutes and then pour off and discard juices. Spread topping on and bake uncovered for another 30 minutes or until cooked through and no longer pink.