38 weeks

Ok so I am almost to the 38 weeks point in my second pregnancy and I am feeling a combination of energy and misery.  I so want to nest but don't seem to have the energy.  I want to vacuum and yet I have been staring at the same Cherrio on the ground all day long... just the thought of bending over to pick it up is stressing me out.

I am also having to chase after my 2 year old who has seemed to reverted back to pre-potty trained days and just pee's whereever he wants to... so running after him to make sure that he doesn't wet his underwear is making me stressed.

The only thing that has made my day was the 2 hour nap that he and I took together.  I spooned him after reading his books to him and cuddled his little head in my arms the whole time.  I love that little guy and his sweaty head.

I guess that I just need to deal with it until the baby comes out... the one thing I am looking forward to is my birthday on Friday and sushi (no raw stuff yet) with my family...

31 here I come!!

Laundry

ok... so I seriously doubt that there are many of us who enjoy doing laundry.  I don't mind it the problem I have is putting everything away.

Yesterday was my laundry day and I made it through... only 4 loads.  But I realized that if I put everything away and ironed the clothes that need it, when I was done that it made my evening so much easier.

Trust me... I know that this seems like common sense and something that your mother probably told you a million time but I have to admit it makes life a lot easier.

1. Do laundry
2. Iron laundry
3. Put away laundry

And don't wait until the next day... trust me I have gone a week without putting away the laundry and it just created more heartache...

Cauliflower Pizza Dough?

I know that many people out their are trying watch their carbs and are steering away from wheat... my mom sent me this recipe and have yet to try it.

I love making homemade pizza for my family but I buy the whole wheat pizza dough from Trader Joes... if you try it let me know.

Cauliflower Pizza Dough

1 Cauliflower – steam & mash w/fork

1 egg – whipped

Start  with ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese added to mixture of Cauliflower & egg.

Shape onto pizza stone or pan … Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown at 350-375 degrees.

Add desired toppings & put back in oven for final baking … 350 degrees for 10 minutes – or til done.

Asking for Help

I know that asking for help is something that is hard to do. Whether it is from your family or the government... it can be hard. But what you need to remember is that that is what family is for... plus the government has ways to help make sure that your family and children get the best start.

I had to suck up my pride in order to ask for help... my family is currently getting WIC. It is a program that helps support women, infants and children until the kids are 5 years old. They give you coupons for milk, eggs, cheese, cereal and now fruits and vegetables.

Since I am pregnant I do get extra to make sure that I am getting the nutrition that I need but on average I get about $80 in groceries, which helps immensely. They help guide you on what is nutritionally better for your family.

I didn't want to admit it to anyone but I realized that this is only temporary. My family deserves the best... so why not put my pride on hold and ask for help.

Check out the resources in your area to see what is available... also if you need help from your family ask for it. If they are going to the store ask them to pick you up a gallon of milk. Utilize your resources... if they have a wholesale club card ask if you can come with them and get some things too.

Don't be shy... your family is worth it.

Good Luck!

Good Morning

Some little tricks that I like to do before going to bed to ensure that I have a good morning.

I love waking up to a clean kitchen... a clean house would be great but I can't stand to wake up and see a pile of dishes waiting for me.

So before I go to bed every night I make sure that the dishes are done. Sure there are nights when I do not want to but I always regret it if I don't.

I sometime like to get my coffee ready at night too... put the coffee in the filter and fill up the water and all you have to do in the morning is push the button... I don't have a timer on my coffee pot but if you do get it ready and wake up to the smell of a nice hot cup of coffee.

I wish you a happy morning...!

Homemade Chicken Stock

Ok ladies... I know the first thing that pops into your mind when you hear the word homemade... NO WAY!!!

But don't worry it is so much easier than you think...

• When you are cleaning carrots, celery and onions for other dinners don't throw away the tops. I take the tops plus the skin of the carrots and store them in ziploc bags in the freezer. Keep them separate so it it easy to put in the pot.

• Many of us buy the rotisserie chickens from the store and simply throw away the bones and juices. STOP!! This is the best way to make easy chicken stock. So whenever you have a store bought chicken keep it. If you aren't ready to make stock them put it in a freezer bag and keep it.

Homemade Chicken Stock Recipe

1. Place rotisserie chicken in large pot
2. Place scraps from 1 bunch of celery, 1 lb of carrots and 2 onions plus one medium onion (quartered) into the pot.
3. Place 2 bay leaves and a tbsp of dried thyme in the pot.
4. Cover the chicken with water.
5. Bring to a boil and put on low for 2-3 hours.
6. Strain over a large bowl and divide as you wish.

I like to divide my stock into 3-4 cup freezer safe tupperwares. I made some stock today and have 12 cups of stock... not bad for not having to chop anything! Another trick (if you have the time) you can put your stock into ice cube trays so that you can use your stock a little here and there. I love to do this but haven't had the time lately.

Just make sure to mark that date on your stock and you can store it in your freezer for 6 months. I love to make homemade chicken soup (again... don't worry about the first word). You can add extra flavor to rice but swtiching out the water...

There are tons of uses for chicken stock and I love giving my family something that I made rather than store bought because I can control the ingredients... so I know that I am giving them the best I can...

ENJOY!

The Beginning

My husband and I are the parents of a wonderful 2 year old son and are expecting our second child within weeks. I recently started a blog on how my family is going to attempt to be organic and purchase food locally. But I needed a place to put my thoughts, tips and tricks on how we have been able to survive on one income for 2 years all while purchase a new car and a home.

I stopped working on November 2, 2007 and my son was born a month later. I went back to work at Starbucks for only 3 weeks and realized that I couldn't bear to be away from him... even for 4 hours in the evening. I absolutely hated pumping on the toilet during my breaks and was exhausted afterwards only to come home to a frustrated husband and crying 3 month old.

I would spend my days at home nursing and loving my son while watching the news... which was not the smartest thing to watch. Apparently it was the perfect time for the surge of nanny cam stories and I just couldn't bear the thought of eventually putting him in day care. Plus my mom told me of how she went to pick me up when I was six months old from a private day care... and found the older kids jumping over me as I lay on the ground. The day care provider simply told my mom that if she was coming to pick me up early that she should call (I assume so that she can make it look like she was actually caring for me!).

So my husband and I decided that it would be better if I stayed home to care for our son. We knew that it was going to be hard but it was definately worth it.

I plan to use this blog to give you some tips and tricks on everything from breastfeeding, transporting kids, recipes and cleaning. I hope it helps and you enjoy the time with your kids.

L