Freezer Meals!

Freezer Meals!!

Wow, what a concept! I just hope they are as great as they sound. I had been Pinning several meals and such on Pintrest and came across Freezer Crock Pot Meals awhile back. I pinned them and then never did anything with them. Well, Mike isn't the most creative in the kitchen, so when I went back through and saw these, I just knew I had to make them before Little Bit gets here and then Mike can easily make me and him some dinner! It was a bit tideous, but I turned on my Pandora and grabbed a stool to sit on and started chopping away. All in all, it probably took me 2-3 hours from the time I got in the ktichen to the time I had cleaned up and was outta the kitchen. Which doesn't seem too bad for the 10 meals I was able to prepare! (That doesn't include grocery shopping time)

Yesterday, I had the day off, so I tried to get some things taken care of including the meals. I picked up a little, though it doesn't really look like it now, showered-that's becoming something I don't really enjoy--In 107 degree weather, it's like you can't get the water cool enough without turning it off! Plus, showers can be so overrated...isn't that right Melanie :) And I know there were a couple more things, I did, but I've already forgotten.

Mom and I had gone to Sam's and got the meat there and then I went to Reasor's and got the rest of my stuff there. I probably spent about $150 for all the meals, which includes these 10, and a few more I didn't get to yesterday because it required actually cooking the meat first. So I may do that tonight or tomorrow after work.

With the 10 I did prepare, I wrote out all the ingredients on the zip lock and the cooking instrutctions in Sharpie...make sure you don't put the Sharpie side of the baggie down on your countertops as I had nice little blue stains, thankfully they came off pretty easy! One pinner said they just chopped everything and then put things in their bag. For me, it was easier to get my baggies and chop what I needed for those bags and then set aside.

I did all the veggies first, then I added any sauces, spices, whatever else, then I added the meats. It worked out quite nice.

So these are the meals I prepared...

1. Honey Glaze Chicken (1 Bag)

2. Apple Dump Chicken (1 Bag)

3. Teriyaki Chicken (2 Bags)

4. BBQ Chicken (2 Bags)

5. Goulash (2 Bags)

6. Sausage and Peppers (2 Bags)

I really hope they turn out well, I guess even if they aren't the tastiest, it will still put food on the table.

So, here's what it looked like, I just kept everything out on the island and picked what I needed. This is everything minus the meats I used.

Here they are packaged and ready to be frozen.

And to their freezer home they go for the next few months.

Isn't that awesome??!! I am really excited to be so prepared.

Another thing I've been working on is cleaning...Those of you that know me, know that I really suck at it!  My good friend Amber would get "The Box" when we lived together in college, when I'd get too messy. Mike is a clean-freak...not so much on the everything has to be disinfected/scrubbed/dusted, clean-freak, he just wants everything to have it's place and be there. Me not so much. If it finds itself on the floor by the couch, that's good with me. I can go to bed with a messy room or things not put away and wake up with no problems.  I will say, I think I have rubbed off on Mike, a little. But now with Little Bit coming and the nesting really starting to set in, I've wanted things more picked up and clean lately. Once, I'm back on my feet after delivery, I get to spend up to 12 weeks at home with her and I am so excited. But I know I will need to have things picked up, so I am tyring to start a new lifestyle change for myself.

Again, with the help of Pinterst, I found some weekly cleaning chores. So far, I've only done one and a half days of it...not making that lifestyle change too quickly, am I? :) The big thing that all these different chores list have is that you don't have to do EVERYTHING all in one day. It's like they do a room/area for each day, then it's not suppose to be so overwhelming. So the Chore list that I like the most is this one.

Daily:

dishes

take out trash

wipe down stove & countertop

pick up & put away

wipe bathroom sinks & mirrors

make bed (though this will never happen unless I am washing the sheets or we are haivng people over)

vacuum as needed

laundry

Monday:

30 minutes

KITCHEN & DINING

sweep/mop

clean baseboards

wipe down walls, doors, cabinets

organize/clean out cabinets, refridgerator, & pantry

clean oven & microwave

dust ledges & blinds

clear cobwebs

wash windows

Tuesday:

30 minutes

LIVING ROOM

sweep/mop

clean baseboards

wipe down walls, doors, etc

dust

vacuum funiture

clean ceiling fan

wash windows and blinds

Wednesday:

30 minutes

MASTER BED & BATH

dust furniture

wipe down walls, doors

vacuum

clean baseboards

change sheets & towels

clean ceiling fan

hang up/put away clothes

clean toilet/shower/tub/vanity

organize/clean out vanity

Thursday:

30 minutes

GUEST ROOM & BATH

dust furniture

wipe down walls, doors

vacuum

clean baseboards

change sheets & towels

clean ceiling fan

hang up/put away clothes

clean toilet/tub/vanity

organize/clean out vanity

Friday:

30 minutes

KIDS ROOM

dust furniture

wipe down walls, doors

vacuum

clean baseboards

change sheets

clean ceiling fan

hang up/put away clothes & toys

Weekend:

NO CLEANING!!

Now, I have to be honest...I guess I hadn't really fully read ALL that was on that list, because it originally calls for Thursday being for the KIDS BATH and Friday for the GUEST BATH, so I feel I gained a little time in there.
There are definitely some kinks that I'd have to work out, but I really think this is a good start for me. When I did the Kitchen, it took way more than 30 minutes, so I don't know if they think doing all that only takes 30 minutes or if you're suppose to do a little of it each week.

Well there ya have it, my freezer meals and lifestyle change to cleaning...

Remember me mentioning Mike and I had our 5 year anniversary...and remember we went to Missouri a month or so ago to celebrate that and Babymoon.  So we didn't get each other anything. But I had this printed out on the ottoman (not where it was suppose to be) and Mike was picking up and he wanted to know where it went. I told him it needs to stay out so I will start doing it, so then he looked to see what it was, and I swear he was like a 5 year old on Christmas morning!  He was so excited that I had a plan to keep the house clean!  So Happy Anniversary to him!

36 Weeks! Full Term!

How far along: 36 Weeks!!!! Full Term!!!

According to What to Expect, we have a WATERMELON, about 19-22 inches and 6.5 pounds

I feel like I have a watermelon in my belly too!!

I have less than 4 weeks now and it could be even less!! She could be here anytime and that is just craziness to me!

What I've Learned from What to Expect: She is just practicing everything while she's hanging out...simulating breathing, sucking her thumb, blinking, moving. She also gaining more fat around her cute little arms and legs which will give her sweet little dimples!!

Total weight gain/loss: 11 pounds.... up two this week! I think its the swelling in my Shrek Feet!!

Stretch marks: Not that I've seen, but I there is a lot of area that I can't really see anymore.

Sleep: Good this week! Yay! Potty Breaks about every two hours.

Best moments this week: Let's see, Getting the afternoon off today (I'll also have tomorrow off and Thursday afternoon off!  Great week for me!) Getting to check things off my list. Going shopping with Grandma---sometimes she just can't help herself. Making the Cookie Dough for Preggers, which I give a 9 outta 10 on normal cookie dough....my mom asked me how the actual cookies were and she just didn't get that I made it just for the cookie dough. Feeling closer and closer to D-Day! Mike and I celebrated 5 years of marriage!

Miss Anything: Wine, I smell it and it is one of my favorite smells!! Breathing normal, being able to walk normal, ya know all those just normal things that I apparently just took for granted before being pregger :)

Movement: Umm, Yes! All the Time!! I love it...if I had to choose a favorite feeling, it would definitely be feeling my little girl move all around in my belly!!

Last night, she was moving all around after I got in bed. And if I had to describe how I feel my belly would look by her movements, it would be a Chipmonks cheeks that are full! She was stretching all sorts of out to the sides and I swear that's what it would have looked like!

Food cravings: Fruits, Dr. Pepper

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Same thing as last week...I always forget about this one, I know there are things that I've seen on TV or heard about that make me feel sick to my stomach. Nothing has actually made me get sick, THANKFULLY...but yes there are random things I see or smell that just give me the willies!

Labor Signs: Oh my good gracious, I really think she could possibly make her debut in the next couple of weeks!! I had friends that 'felt' thier little one would come early or late and I had no idea why they thought that, I can now understand....now it may just be wishful thinking also with the AWESOME 100+ weather we are having from here on out!  But anyway, if you continue to read this part, you may find yourself a little grossed out, these are possible labor signs, so just so you are prepared if you don't want to be shocked :)

Crazy amount of BH contractions, to the point that I made sure to start monitoring them because I thought I was having so many...I am having more, but they are still very inconsistant and thankfully not painful

I'm 99% sure I lost some of my (Get ready) mucus plug!  I didn't even know about this until we went to the class, but there was definiately something gross a few days ago, going to the bathroom and I will spare you the details, but since I didn't know for sure, I decided to google it. I was so shocked at all the disgusting people that lost thiers and thought, "Hey, I'm gonna take a picture of this and post it online!" Now with as much disgust I had, I was also so thankful because mine looked a lot like some of the pictures that were posted.

Last night, I really felt like she was just going to fall right out of me, several times, I was squeezing to make sure she stayed in. There was a little pelvic pain but mostly just pressure...some may say this is 'dropping' or 'lightening'.

I'm more and more tired than ever. Thankfully I've been able to take naps or sleep in on the weekends.

I still have those groin kinda pains, which I had friends say that had that too, so not too worried about it.

My belly is so big, that it is getting harder and harder to wipe after the bathroom.

Nesting and wanting to nest!

Feeling like I have arthritis all over my body.

Back Pain.

Shrek Feet

Belly Button in or out: Stretchie!!

Most Ridiculous thing I've Cried about or gotten Upset about: There was something I cried about earlier, but I don't remember what it was about...something silly though!

Gestational Diabetes Update: Managing Well. I don't think any high numbers this week. I really thought today I would have a high one after lunch, because I had a crousaint sandwich and then a strawberry smoothie. But it was low!

Pregnancy Symptom: Refer to Labor Signs...Round Ligament Pains in the side of my stomach if I move a certain way too fast--usually happens when I try to turn over in bed or getting out of bed. Getting more anxious and excited about the big day.

Wedding rings on or off: Off :( I was going to get a temporary ring, that I could then use as a right hand ring, but think I will just wait, because I feel that I keep swelling more and more, especially with the heat. So I'll just look like the 16 and pregnant, unwed momma...Funny story about the whole 16 and pregnant thing, I don't feel I look like I'm 16, but it seems alot of others do...we had taken our kids on an outing sometime ago to the arcade and Ruth was telling the guy we needed tokens for 5 (5 kids) and then the guy recounted and counted me and said 6?

Happy or Moody most of the time: TIRED! Able to take more naps, resting, and keeping my feet up. But otherwise, pretty happy this week!

Looking forward to: The big day, whenever that may be. Picking a name. Packing my bags---I did get the diaper bag packed, which I know I packed too much...but, it's so hard because, if we do go to due date, Little Bit could be 8-9 pounds---that's probably 0-3 month or 3 month clothes, if we go earlier, she could be less, which she could probably then fit into newborn...so I packed a couple of things for each size. Enjoying my time with her once she gets here.

And Anything Else: Not a whole lot for this...I think I mentioned all that earlier. Trying to stay inside and cool.  Mom and I went to Sam's today and they had an above ground HUGE pool for only $329! I've never had an above ground pool so don't know much about maintenace, but that seems like a fabulous idea to me! I'll have to talk to Mike about it and we have 4th of July coming up and how fun would that be to have people over and get in the pool too!!

We go back to the doctor on Thursday, where I will be tested for Group B Strep--or something along those lines. I don't know if she will measure LB or not again, but she will also check my cervex and all that fun stuff. So exctied!!

35 Weeks!

How far along: 35 Weeks!!!! Yippee!!

K, so I am not thinking clearly and at work, some friends were trying to figure out how far along I was...remember how I thought I was 7 months for SOOOO long...well, I completely missed my 8th month apparently and that's why I thought I was 7 months for so long. I start my NINTH MONTH in 4 days!!!!

I think it's actually funny and kinda sad, that I didn't even realize I was 8 months pregnant for 3.5 weeks. I guess that's what pregnancy brain does of ya!

According to What to Expect, we have a Large Cantaloupe (again), about 19-22 inches and 6 pounds, but, we went to see Dr. Cox on Tuesday and she measured LB at around 5.5 pounds.  Obviously there is room for error with those ultrasounds, so we are right on track still!

What I've Learned from What to Expect: Growth is slowing down, one reason is she is saving up her engergy for her big debut!! Isn't that cool?!  Her skull is soft (thank goodness!) Many of her systems are mature now--Blood Circulation, Immune System. But some are still needing these last weeks including digestion, which they say won't completely mature until after birth.

Total weight gain/loss: 9.5 pounds.... No gain this week

Stretch marks: Not that I've seen, but I there is a lot of area that I can't really see anymore.

Sleep: For the most part is Good! Yay! Potty Breaks about every two hours.  

Best moments this week: Oh, geez, going to the doctor, seeing her sweet little feet...little stinker still hides her face, hearing her heart beat, feeling her be a little dancing maching, out boppy came that I ordered from zuilily...which, thankfully I have some self-control, because I love that website, we received more gifts today that were delivered! That was way exciting to come home too! We went to the birthing class over the weekend. Which I am glad we went, because the instructor shared lots of personal stories she went through. A lot of the actual information was things I've read about or something I feel we would've made it though if we didn't know it. But it was very nice to hear 'REAL' stories. She also gave us recomendations based on her personal experince. So that was nice. I really liked getting to tour the maternity unit, it was perfect...everything was all right there.

Miss Anything: Wine again, cookie dough, and cake batter!!  But, thankfully a friend had a recipe pinned for eggless cookie dough! So I checked that out and I think I have all the ingredients!! Yay!

Movement: Umm, Yes! All the Time!! I love it...if I had to choose a favorite feeling, it would definitely be feeling my little girl move all around in my belly!!

Food cravings: Fruits, Cookie Dough

Anything making you queasy or sick: I always forget about this one, I know there are things that I've seen on TV or heard about that make me feel sick to my stomach. Nothing has actually made me get sick, THANKFULLY...but yes there are random things I see or smell that just give me the willies!

Labor Signs: So last week, I mentioned the BH being less...well, they've increased this week. Still really random, but more here and there, none are painful, but some are uncomfortable.

Belly Button in or out: Stretchie!!

Most Ridiculous thing I've Cried about or gotten Upset about: I again, can't remember or think of anything.

Gestational Diabetes Update: Managing Well. Met with dietitian and she was happy with all she saw. Dr. Cox was happy too. I've still had a few high ones here and there, but I am thankful that I have been able to maintain with diet so far.

Pregnancy Symptom: TONS of Back Pain, Wanting to nest and love it!! Peeing ALL the time! Pregnancy Brain, Back Pain, Sore Feet, Feeling more tired, oh did I mention Back Pain. Some Round Ligament Pains in the side of my stomach if I move a certain way too fast--usually happens when I try to turn over in bed or getting out of bed. Getting a little anxious about the big day.

Wedding rings on or off: This is so sad...they are now Off :( I did tear up when I did take them off this weekend. I've been looking at temporary ones and will probably get me one this weekend.

Happy or Moody most of the time: TIRED! Able to take more naps, resting, and keeping my feet up. But otherwise, pretty happy this week!

Looking forward to: The big day, whenever that may be. We still haven't picked a name, so it will be fun to pick one...I really have a feeling though, that Mike is gonna hold out until D-Day. Enjoying my time with her  once she gets here.

And Anything Else: This maybe a TMI section this time, just so you know, haha! I have felt her hiccups in my butt sometimes! It getting harder to wipe when I got to the bathroom because my belly is getting so big. I'm a waddler now. I think it would be my groin...but I feel like I've been riding a horse for days now...has any other momma's felt this...or like when you have worked out or stretched in ages, and then you go all out, the next day you can barely walk feeling. I've thought about packing a hospital bag, and that's as far as I got. But then yesterday, Sarah, Mike's cousin who is expecting Mr. H early July, sent me a list that her friend sent her and it is amazing!! So helpful!!! For the hosptial for me, LB, Mike, and great ideas to make sure I have at home. Thanks Sarah! I've also done a lot of pinning on pinterest for some freezer friendly and crockpot recipes that Mike will be able to 'cook' when we get home. So I plan on doing some major chopping this weekend to get those prepared.

Well I think that's about it for this week. I really can't believe she could be here ANY TIME now!!  I am so excited, but anxious, nervous, happy, and a little scared all at the same time.

And just by the way...I didn't have ANY misspelled words!!! That's amazing for this girl!!

Italy Part 6

Italy Part 6

Half Day Florence Tour with Elisabeth...but said with a very Italian accent. We met on the bridge--which had a name, something to do with gold, but I don't remember and then made our way to Piazza della Signoria-City Hall, where we saw Hercules, then headed to Duomo of Santa Maria del Flore, then to Brunelleschi's Dome which has over 400 steps if you wanted to take the hike to the 'heavens', and of course we stopped for Gelato. And we ended the tour at the Accademia where we saw the REAL David Statue!

Elisabeth was a great tour guide. She had a great sense of humor and did a lot of joking around, especially with Mike.

The Bridge, which is the oldest in Florence

City Hall--which I feel is where all the 'balls' started!

The backside of Hercules, I don't remember who's head he's cutting off.

Oh crap, I forgot which artist this was...either Da Vinci or Michaelangelo carved his portrait in the side of the Ufizzi Museum.

The Fake David outside the Ufizzi-we toured this the following day.

 Herc..

 The Duomo-Church. This clock goes backwards and one is at the bottom of the clock and goes to 24.

 Prayer Lights

 The Dome that has over 400 steps to get too.

After Gelato, we went to the Accademia...all these pictures are illegal by the way :)

 The Real David

 More David

 I don't remember what building this was, I just thought it was pretty.

 The end of our tour, the Square-Piazza della Republica

 After our tour, we napped, then went to eat at Gilli. Of course it was amazing. I had steak and this is where I found out that Italy Medium steak is like American 'not quite dead yet' steak. :) They were very nice and cooked it a little longer for me.

And another fabulous day in the oldest place I've ever been. It is so cool to see so many things that I saw and 'learned' about in school. Now, give me a test on anything that I saw or 'learned' and I promise you I'd still fail!

Happy Father's Day!!

Italy Part 5

Italy Part 5

The last of The Jewel's Tour of Tuscany

After our amazing Wine Tasting and Lunch we headed back out and about the Tuscany Countryside and went through San Gimangino (again, don't know if I spelled it right) and then headed to Pisa.

Countryside

 Remember, the towers were cut off when the Florentines took over.

 GELATO!!!  Along with a wine addiction, I also left Italy with a Gelato addiction!!

 Some Cheeses...Jo and I got kicked out of this cute little store, not litterly, but she told me I couldn't take pictures.

And on our way to Pisa...

 The wind turbines reminded me of home and T. Boone Pickens!

 This was a cute itsy-bitsy little church...and I really mean itsy-bitsy.

 And we are here!! I don't remember what these building were, but the Leaning Tower is to the right.

 The Leaning Tower of Pisa!! I don't know if the picture really shows how much it really is leaning. If I remember right, it continues to lean more every year! You could take a tour in the tower, we chose not too, only because it was getting late, but Mike also because of the leaning...it really looked like you would fall right out of those pillars!!

 The Blood Evans

  The only reason the Blood Evans can be reproduced :)

After our tour was over, it was really sad...Alessandro, was amazing. He was so personable and shared his own life stories with us throughout the day. We wanted him to join us everywhere we went, but he stayed professional and did what he was 'suppose' to do. I mean I know we are super fun people and who wouldn't want to hang out with us, but maybe he just didn't want to hang with us silly Americans.

Alessandro, also gave us dinner recommendations and even dropped us off at a restaurant that, of course, was incredible! And guess what, we had some more wine!!

More Italy to come soon!