"Fruit of my Womb"

hehe, I stumbled upon this picture of my little man last night.
It was taken July of 2007, he was a month shy of being two and a half years old.
I can't believe how much his little face has matured over the year that has gone by.
He still had a baby look here and that look has been replaced by a little boy who will start school next year.

dirty little secrets...

It's almost one am.
My lower ribs are killing me because they are spreading and spreading ribs, well, hurt. I've been feeling so shitty lately. Tired. Headaches. and bad nausea. Ooh yeah, it's been great fun.
It's all beginning to leave me a bit worried.
I daydream about this little guy being here. I just want to hold him close, smell him, touch his velvety soft head but I am beginning to worry about how well I am going to manage it all with Fibromyalgia.
My OB has warned it me it usually hits with a vengeance after you give birth.
My regular MD who managed my fibro warned its not a good idea to strictly breastfeed if you have bad fibro.
(I was going to pump for the first six weeks but then I decided I'll just go with it as long as I can. I breastfed Cyler without pumping or bottles for 20 months! Then it totally hit me, I need to go back on my meds ASAP after the baby is born which is why I was only going to pump for 6 weeks.
How could I forget that?)
Fibromyalgia has changed my life in ways most cannot imagine.
Somedays I feel like someone has left me in dryer that's ran all night long.
Other days it feels like someone has beat me head to toe with a stick.
And on the really "great" days it feels like someone took a baseball bat straight to my lower back, knees, and arms.
It's left massive black holes in my memory.
I have the hardest time focusing and studying.
I'm leaving a lot out but I'm pretty sure you get the idea if you're taking the time to read this.
Bottom line: It's hard. It sucks. and as a Mother, it can be heartbreaking. I have no idea how I am going to manage the newborn stage.
I guess only time will tell.

now, feeling totally overwhelmed and vulnerable, with my guard down, it happens.
My dirty little secret.
Kate Bush. Running up that hill.
Song gets stuck in my head for I kid you not about a month -straight.
I've been free for about two, maybe three weeks.
BAM!
It's back!
A month I will walk around singing this song being a total effin Kate Bush 80's nerd and in some moments re-enacting the video.
Why?
Because I can. Because I live in the middle of nowhere (Pop 8,000, 1 walmart, no starbucks small town) and apparently that's how I entertain myself.
Welcome to my secret world...
..............................
And if I only could, I'd make a deal with God, And I'd get him to swap our places, Be running up that road, Be running up that hill, Be running up that building. Say, If I only could, oh...



................

ooh I here I go, don't let me go, hold me down, its comin' for me.
Help me darlin' help me please, take my shoes off and throw them in the lake and I'll be two steps in the water...

Oh Baby: steal of the day

I was able to buy this: http://www.armsreach.com/pages/shop-pv-c10-2.html for $139.00 today.
Plus we can pick it up in the store so no shipping charge.
It was a total whim that I went to walmart online last night just out of curiosity.

As for the Co-Sleeper, I wasn't planning on getting one but with the Husbands hand he's not really in the position to take apart the crib, haul it down the stairs and put it back together again; and if he did there's the chance of having a major set back in his healing process. ugh.

I was also able to pick up the BPA-free bottles I needed, along with the baby tub for dirt cheap.
Lowest prices I've found anywhere for these several things and trust me when I say I have been scouring everywhere for the best steals on all the things we need for this little guy.
But look at the bright side, or shall I say the blue side (it's a bit extreme in it's blue isn't it?)cheap and easy... Everything is finally coming together.

Next month I need to pick up wipeys, Pampers, pacifiers, sleep sacks, bottle liners and extra nipples, and a Moby wrap if I can bring myself to buying it (any of you Mamas have it?).
And then, believe it or not, I think we're good to go.
It just all started coming together, finally, a huge thanks to the financial help of my family.
I can breathe a little easier now. I should have everything ready by November giving me 4 weeks of rest before the big day. (Okay, totally freaked myself out by saying that, eek!)

Cylerman: "But I don't Like that!"

I have a horrid headache today, they get horrific if I stand or sit up but for the most part it just feels like tons of ungodly sinus pressure.
This has been going on for over a week now but todays the absolute worse.

Needing some comfort I make tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches for our very late lunch.

I tell Cyler what I made and he says "but I don't like that" and starts crying.
Seriously. crying. tears streaming down his face.
wtf moment of the day. So not like him to ever pull this with tears.

So he sees me pull the shredded cheddar out of the fridge, along with the salsa and sour cream. I add the salsa to his soup, then the cheese, then the sour cream. Sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips.

"ooh, is that for me? Can I have some now?"

Me: of course you can, then I show him to dunk his sandwich into his soup.

Guess whose ENTIRE grilled cheese on wheat and tomato soup is GONE.

That'd be correct folks. Not mine, but his.

I glance over to see him finish it off and he's looking all around his plate and bowl, FOR MORE!!!
Then he picks up his bowl and slurps up any left over drops of his soup, turns to me with a huge smile on his face and says:
"I ate all of my cheese sandwich and soup because it was good!"

kids are funny... and by funny I mean strange in their special kid minds... heh
It just dawned on me he's dressed like donnie darko today.
Maybe I should pop on some Tears for Fears...

Sunday Morning Frittata

The perfect Sunday morning breakfast.
Enjoy.

Sunday Morning Frittata
1 Tbs. Vegetable oil

4-6 potatoes, peeled and shredded

Salt & Pepper (to taste)

1/4th tsp. garlic powder

4 oz. turkey sausage, quartered lengthwise and sliced crosswise

6-8 eggs, beaten

1/3 cup Salsa (mix Salsa into beaten eggs)

1 oz. Parmesan cheese, finely shredded
-----------------------------------------
1. Heat oil on medium in a large ovenproof nonstick skillet.
Add potatoes and sprinkle lightly with garlic, salt and pepper.
Cook until potatoes are lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
Press potatoes into a uniform layer.

2. Top potatoes evenly with turkey and egg.
Cook, uncovered, for 5 minutes, occasionally tilting skillet and lifting frittata around the edges with a spatula to allow uncooked mixture to flow underneath.

3. Turn on broiler. Broil egg mixture 4 to 5 inches from the heat for 2 to 4 minutes, or the until the top set.
Sprinkle frittata with cheese.
Let stand 5 minutes before cutting.

We Made Cookies!

Man, I've been messing with this recipe several times this month and I finally got it down.
Go bake some, they are awesome. Nice moist center, nice crunchy edges. I hope you enjoy!
^.^

Maiden Mothers Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
dash of nutmeg (how big of a dash is up to you!)

1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
2 tbsp. milk
2 eggs

2 cups rolled old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips


Mix together flour, baking soda, baking powder and spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg).


Beat together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a separate bowl until light and fluffy.
(I do this part by hand, as in not with an electric mixer).
then beat in vanilla, milk, and eggs.


Beat flour mixture into butter mixture until well blended.
Fold 1 cup oats and 1 cup chocolate chips into batter, when well mixed fold in another cup of oats and chocolate chips.





Refrigerate dough for 10 minutes. During this time preheat oven to 350.
Shape dough into 1 inch balls, placing cookies 2 inches apart on lightly greased baking sheets. (I use an olive oil spray to grease baking sheets).
Flatten the cookies slightly.

Bake 10-12 minutes, leaving cookies on baking sheets a few minutes before you transfer to cooling racks.

Makes 2-3 dozens depending on size.

Cylerman: remember this

this is just a little personal remembering sticky blog that will be updated often (I hope) with things I will end up putting in Cylers' book.

8/5: Cyler: makes his own PB&J sandwich!

8/6: Cyler: tries a pop tart for the first time and is awe!
Listens to NPR with a walkman and headphones (what is that???)

8/7: Cyler ask for Enchiladas and potatoes for breakfast "so he'll like it."

8/8: Cyler paints for the first time and loves it. Talk about 40$ of supplies well spent.

8/10: Cyler takes care of his "friends" (stuffed animals) like their babies, wrapping them in blankets, carrying them around and putting them to bed on the crib. hehe, too cute!

8/11: Cyler wants to paint a picture with our hands so we now have a canvas in green with blues and white and our hand prints in the paint mix he created.

Cyler helps give Zach a bath then helps dry him off and takes him for a walk (in the back yard). "look Mom, my dog is nice and clean, say good job!"

9/4: Cyler and Daddy have a crash on bike. Cyler gets severe road rash, as does hubby, but hubby is left with a broken hand. :(

9/5: Cy goes to Dr to have his wounds double checked. He weighs 38 lbs and is 40" tall. He leaves his sunglasses on during the exam because he doesn't like anyone to look at him when he is really hurt or sick. :(

9/14: Cyler picks his Halloween costume (a blue Power Ranger) then proceeds to wear his costume all day! this happens for several days.

9/16: Cyler eats his first "dreamsicle" and I forget were in the same room together as he silently eats it in amazement. :)

Cyler tells me he loves dad, then proceeds to ask "where'd we buy him from, Texas?" haha...

***Cyler talks to Papa Greg, then Grandma Michelle, then Nessa (my lil step Sis) he tells Nessa that "Mommy doesn't have road rash or scrapes from accident, but she's growing a baby and getting big, you can't see the baby because there's no room for you in her belly, I know ~she won't let me in there either." ***

9/18: We drive to Tempe (which is quite a haul) for dinner at Claim Jumpers. We get there and sit down and Cyler says "WOW! ~this is WAY too fancy!" haha.

9/20:
Cyler helps Mama bake cookies!

Cyler ask me "where'd we buy you from?" I tell him I came from Fresno and then he says Grandma sent you to me because she loves me. ^.^

Oh Baby: The Carseat

Baby Jake's car seat came in thanks to his awesome grandparents.
It's a lovely seat, my only concern is the material for the cover.
it's definately different, imagine a weather resistant, anti-rain, feel to it if that makes sense. I worry about him being too hot in it. Which wouldn't be hard. During the 6 months of "summer" here in AZ you have to understand that walking out of your front door is a lot like opening the oven after you've been baking, ALL DAY.

We'll see how it goes. I guess it's a silly thing to worry about.
The kids going to be hot and sweaty in everything when it's 115+ degrees out.

Sweet Sweet Zach

March 2007 (age 4.5 months old)
I miss the puppy stage as much as I miss the baby stage of Cyler.
Maybe because it's super fast for our furkids; They are with us for such a short time you know? and rarely does it occur to one that the stage has passed until its over and done and onto the next chapter. I think it's harder with giant breeds because they get so big, so fast, you blink and the puppy breath has been replaced by a 50, 60, 70 lb monster "puppy".

Allie Brown's Layouts

You see this my wonderful blogger friends???

I (by total fluke) stumbled upon 'Allie Brown's Layouts' site last night during a hideous salt craving attack that is leaving me sleepless and in need of water (go figure right).

You have to go and check out this amazing womans blogger page.
http://alliebrownslayouts.blogspot.com/
Her work is so refreshing and clean, not to mention beautiful!
So, Miss Allie, thank you for sharing your beautiful creations (for free at that). Not only do I have a lovely new layout but with your help it was incredibly easy to set up as well.

Cylerman: Haircut & Halloween

I finally got Cyler in for his haircut.
It was on my to-do list for August and August turned into September, and lets be honest, September is fast on her way to turning into October.
The last few weeks he's looked in the mirror and gasped:
"OOOH! look at my hair!!! Why does it look like this? I need a haircut so my hair looks nice again. "
oi.
So he was a very happy boy to get a haircut today.
It took forever to get him to leave the shop.
He adores the lady that cuts our hair and she thinks he's the greatest thing.

Then Sunday I held true to last years promise and we got him a Halloween costume early. We were in the costume isle in Target for a very long time. I had to be sure he was certain on whatever costume he wanted. After what seemed like FOREVER we walked away with the Blue Power Ranger costume (which he's been wearing for hours at a time since). We also picked him up a candy bag for trick or treating, some "flash" lights that snap on for safety and a cool little light up necklace, plus he talked me into getting him a Halloween night light that's been in his room since as well. He's so excited about Halloween. Everyday he ask if we "can go to Halloween now."
It may be a silly thing to be grateful for but I am so grateful my little man adores Halloween as much as his Mom does.

I know, I know, pictures, pictures, tomorrows goal is to snap some pictures of my devilishly handsome cheeky bird.

Oh Baby: Beautiful Dreamer Cocooon

This is the Arm's Reach Beautiful Dreamer Cocoon:
http://www.armsreach.com/pages/shop-pv-c10-75.html
If you had to compare it to something it'd be the Amby baby bed, but unlike the Amby ($300+) this guy retails for $160.
I purchased it today at http://www.bellacroft.com/ for $134.00 but the best part: $5.00 shipping. Yep. five bucks.
I've seen ridiculous shipping cost on this cocoon (sometimes up to $70.00).
So the shipping alone was a steal.
I really hope he likes it, my last swing was a total life (and sanity saver) during Cyler's infancy.

(a recap of our previous swing history)
Our first swing was the Fisher Price Aquarium swing.
It lived, I mean, lasted us a year and if it wasn't for that swing I never would have slept.
At one point in time, I went 48 hours on 5 random hours of sleep because my little guy had major issues thanks to things a cruel case of infancy eczema, and I never produced enough milk, and he couldn't tolerate formula. any formula. Turns out he was severely lactose sensitive.

I was one of those Moms who didn't want to give into him not being able to sleep in the crib (he would only crash out in my arms, nursing). finally, I caved into letting him sleep in the swing after that 48 hours. I had too, I simply couldn't go on anymore. I popped him in the swing and the poor sleep deprived kid slept 8 hours.
I kid you not, 8 hours, my poor babe, poor me!
We were exhausted sleep deprived messes.

**on a side note**
If only I had known about and read http://www.thehappiestbaby.com/ during Cylers infancy.
Read it Moms to be, especially if your a first time Mom. or, if you had a difficult babe the first time around. It can't hurt you to pick up this book from Amazon ($10.00) and give it a spin.
It encourages swaddling, Swinging, and sucking. All so very basic right? but when you read his thoughts on why, it really makes sense.

~back to Swing talk~
This time around I was going to go with the Fisher Price Rain forest Swing and bouncer and while the bouncer does look great, I actually saw the swing this weekend and it looks so rigid and uncomfortable.
The quality is in no way comparable to the Aquarium swing I had with Cyler.
So I when I saw the cocoon I did my endless weeks of research reading reviews and decided to go with this in place of the swing and the bouncer.
If need be we can always pick up the bouncer from the local Walmart but I think this will be adequate especially for the first three months of little guys life, plus I'll able to use this in place of a bassinet in the living room.

Oh Baby Rambles...

I had my glucose test done yesterday.
I felt like royal shite all day, I was very weak and very moody.
Joy to all!
The stuff was disgusting. Point blank. Disgusting.
I pray I passed. I passed with Cyler and I didn't have to do any weird "don't eat this, that or this" back in 2004 so we'll see what happens. It was really hard considering I've turned my life around a great deal diet wise since being pregnant with Cyler and now fruits are a large part of my diet (esp.breakfast) since I don't eat processed foods or fake sugars.

My regular OB is on her honeymoon. Poor girl got married in March and is just now getting to take her honeymoon!

Anyways this new guy was alright. Nothing invasive, typical measuring of the uterus and asking of questions. Then he said it, any bleeding or contractions, fluid leaking? My reply:
Ah, no, YES, and no.
Truth is I've been having contractions for a month.
But they are very hmmm, short?
They weren't very intense, until this week.
And, they're beginning to happen a little more and more each day,
along with a lot of pressure from the baby's head.

The Dr says it's totally normal since I've had a baby recently (apparently in Dr land recently is 2005) the bones in your pelvis do not reshape, I mean to a degree they do, but everything is much more lax, including your muscles, cervix and uterus.
Which explains already feeling all that great pressure beginning to push down on me.
My two week appointments have officially started.
ALREADY!
I'm not ready for that, I am not ready for this.
I have these little milestone goals now:
Like, making it to 30 weeks, and then 32 weeks, and then 34 weeks.
The Dr told me if I go into labor anytime after 36 weeks (Nov 11th) there not going to try to stop it, but try not to worry about delivering early because right now all of my numbers are great.

Numbers?
that's right, he said numbers.
My numbers are great so don't go worrying.
Which fine, I'll buy that, I am not a Dr, you are.
But numbers??
Screw that Motherly intuition in the pit of my stomach that says:
This baby is going to come early.
I'm just working on keeping him in there long enough, lung maturity would be nice you know...

well, alrighty then...

Scouring the Google News Headlines I unexpectedly come across this:

Nina Hartley's Guide to Pregnant Sex
Her latest movie offers a sex-positive approach to that oft-neglected subject
By Tristan Taormino
"I flew to Minneapolis last month to celebrate the fifth anniversary of feminist-women-owned sex shop the Smitten Kitten (smittenkittenonline.com). Co-founder and owner Jennifer, with her partner Davis, just had a baby, who was then two and half weeks old. Usually they're up to their eyeballs in dildo harnesses and butt plugs, but this trip, these two sex activists were all about cloth diapers and breast-feeding."

the entire article is here: http://www.villagevoice.com/2008-09-10/columns/nina-hartley-and-pregnant-sex/1

ah, nuff said...

because:

this video always makes me giggle.
"The first video from Devendra Banhart's latest album, Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon."
Don't know who Devendra Banhart is??? You are missing out!
Devendra is an amazing folk/Indie artist. He's got a very soothing voice when he's not being silly with Bollywood videos.
You can visit his website here at:
devendrabanhart.com
or have a listen at his Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/devendrabanhart
be sure to listen to Korean Dogwood, love that song!
Now for the video. Watch it, and giggle...

Mashed Potato-Meat Loaf Casserole

I made this tonight ~and it was great!!! Do try!
It's a bit loaded with calories for me but damn if comfort food isn't saying "let me comfort you."
Obviously, comfort food wins -this time.


Potato Filling:
2 pound(s) (4 large) baking potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks

1/2 cup(s) sour cream or plain yogurt

1 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter

1/2 teaspoon(s) salt

1/8 teaspoon(s) pepper

1 egg

1/4 cup(s) fresh basil, cilantro, or parsley, chopped

1 tablespoon(s) sesame seeds


Meat Loaf Shell:
1 tablespoon(s) olive or vegetable oil

2 onions, chopped

1 clove(s) garlic, minced

1 teaspoon(s) dried oregano, crumbled

1/2 teaspoon(s) dried basil, crumbled

1 pound(s) lean ground beef or meat loaf mixture

2 eggs

1/2 cup(s) plain dry breadcrumbs

1/2 cup(s) tomato sauce

1/4 cup(s) parsley, fresh basil, or cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup(s) dry white wine

1 tablespoon(s) cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon(s) salt

1/4 teaspoon(s) pepper

Directions:
1.
Place potatoes in large pot of salted water. Bring to boil over high heat; reduce heat, partially cover, and simmer 15 to 20 minutes until tender.

2. Meanwhile, start meat loaf shell. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a shallow 2-quart casserole. In medium skillet, sauté onions in oil 5 minutes over medium heat. Add garlic, oregano, and dried basil; cook 1 minute. Spoon into large bowl and cool about 10 minutes.

3. Crumble meat into onion mixture. Add eggs, breadcrumbs, tomato sauce, fresh basil, wine, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix just until thoroughly combined. Place in casserole, and press over bottom and up sides to make a shell.

4. Drain potatoes well. Place in medium bowl. Beat in sour cream, butter, salt, and pepper. Add egg and beat until fluffy. Beat in basil. Fill center of shell with mashed potatoes; sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake 50 to 60 minutes until potatoes puff and are lightly browned. Let stand at least 15 minutes before serving.

Tips & Techniques:
Variations: Use all ground beef or half ground chicken or turkey. If using parsley in meat loaf shell, you can add 1/2 cup pimento-stuffed chopped green olives.To reheat: If room temperature, bake 40 minutes at 350 degrees F; if cold, 55 minutes.

Maiden Mother Rambles

Yesterday was insane.
I accomplished so much after I shook the nausea from my Iced Coffee.

Cyler and J' had a bicycling accident Thursday night and good God it has been hell.
My little man was messed up with nothing but roadrash but you cannot even begin to imagine the severity of "just" roadrash. I will blog about the entire incident more for memories sake. Who knows maybe he'll have a little boy who'll eat it big time and he can tell him all about when he was a little boy who ate it big time.

So basically everything has been playing catch up.
Sunday I finally brushed and trimmed my Zacharoo, He's such a handsome boy.
Then I vacummed the entire downstairs, dusting baseboards and everything.
Yesterday I basically cleaned the entire house which is just nuckin' futs considering -but it needed to be done. I even washed all the bedding.
Bottom line, Cassandra needs to drink more coffee regardless of how sick it makes her feel.

27 weeks pregnant today.
13 weeks left to go until due date but!
I'm being induced (for medicial reasons) a week early which brings us to a whole 12 weeks to get EVERYTHING in order for baby Jake. *breathes*
I'm far behind, as in, I would have liked to be more prepared by this point but what can you do you know.
So.
Here I sit.
I'm exhausted.
and I still need to put laundry away (the one thing I didn't do is always put the laundry away).
But honestly.
I just need a nap.
Some music (some Portishead to be exact).
Some ice H20.
and the fall to get here already.
This heat needs to go the hell away, literally.
Bring me fall and I will bring you miracles.
>>well, I'll try<<

Lesson of thy day

I have been craving coffee (iced) for days (I'm not a coffee drinker, I stick to tea).

so last night before bed I did a cold brew of some Vanilla Biscotti coffee for the morning.

Lesson of thy day:
Drinking coffee while one has a baby with "Happy Feet" in their belly is not very, um, smart. Happy feet turn into some sort of violent tap dancing up in your ribs...

*damn thy coffee craving
Damn thy intense need to vomit because my system is not used to such caffine levels.
it was good though!

Seriously though: I've never done drugs or those upper pills they sell at gas stations but this must be what taking uppers feels like... Does acid make you hyper??? It's definately a trip (my cofee high).
Goodness gravy, too bad I don't feel like cleaning house, if I didn't feel so woozy that'd be great...

On a sidenote:
I now have an intense craving to make my own Biscotti. This should be interesting. Stay tuned...

Mashed Sweet Potatoes -dinner style

With November just around the corner the way this year is flying by make sure you keep track of this recipe. Stay tuned for the dessert style version!

Ingredients:
4 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch chunks.
4 tbsp margarine or butter
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 green onion

Directions:
In 5- to 6- quart saucepot place potatoes in just enough water to cover; on high heat bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and to a medium low, cover and cook 10-15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Drain well.

In the same saucepot, melt margarine over medium heat, add soy sauce and potatoes.
With potato masher (though I use a hand-blender), mash potatoes until almost smooth.
Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with sliced green onions.

Italian Cheese & Pepper Biscuits

Using my biscuit recipe here:
http://maidenmother.blogspot.com/2008/09/homemade-bisquits.html
prepare biscuits as recipe follows with the exceptions of adding:

1/4 c. freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or even a bagged Italian cheese blend)
1/4 tsp. ground pepper (again I use Kirklands Signature). Mixing these ingredients into the dry portion of the biscuit recipe.

Then add vegetable juice (like V8) in place of the milk.

Drop dough by a scant onto a large ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes.

Homemade Bisquits

INGREDIENTS
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon white sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened at room temperature and sliced)
3/4-1 cup milk

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Gradually stir in milk until dough pulls away from the side of the bowl.

Turn out onto a floured surface, mixing until all of the dried portion has mixed together nicely. Pat into a circle about an inch high and cut biscuits with a large cutter or juice glass dipped in flour. Repeat until all dough is used. Brush off the excess flour, and place biscuits onto an ungreased baking sheet.

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges begin to brown.
You really need to watch them though, the worst thing you can do is walk away from the oven when you are baking biscuits, stay with them and when the edges begin to brown pull them out or you'll find yourself with crispy hard bottoms and nice soft centers.

It was as easy to capture

as it appears! haha.
My Cylerman and I with 26 weeks down and 13 weeks to go until Baby Jake joins us outside of his womb.

Taco Salad

A friend recently shared her recipe for taco salads ( I could live off of taco salads!) and it inspired me to do this post sharing both of our versions. I hope you enjoy, give them both a try. :)

My version
2lbs sliced grilled or baked chicken (cooled)
1 med. head of Romano lettuce (bit sized)
1 container of cherry tomatoes or 3 medium tomatoes (diced)
1/2 can black olives (sliced)
1 cup rinsed Black beans
2 cups crushed tortilla chips
1 sliced avocado...
Cheddar cheese and Italian or Catalina dressing (amounts as desired)

Jenn's Version
Ingrediants
1 1/2 lbs. ground turkey (or beef)
1 sm. onion
1 med. head lettuce(cut to bite size)
3 med. tomatoes(diced)
1 envelope taco seasoning mix
1(4oz.) package grated sharp cheddar
1/2 can(3-4 ozs.) black olives(sliced)
2 C crushed taco flavored chips
about 1/2 C Italian or Catalina dressing

Brown meat and onions; drain, and let cool. Then mix all ingredients, toss w/dressing.

Happy eating!

Hearty turkey and veggies.

1 lb. ground turkey
1 crown of broccoli
1 bag frozen vegetable mix (broccoli, carrots, cauliflower)
1/2 tbsp EVOO
1 lg. onion, chopped coarsely
1 minced garlic clove
1 tsp of Seasoning Salt (I used Kirkland Signiture)
1/4 tsp pepper
1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
1/2 c. water
2 bay leaves


Saute onion and turkey in oil until the turkey is fully cooked.
Then add rest of ingredients, mixing well to distribute tomato sauce evenly. Stir well. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes without removing lid.

The flavor here was really really great and this is a great hearty recipe that doesn't need carbs if you are trying to watch your carb intake. All in all a simple, easy, and healthy homemade meal. Try it, you won't be disappointed!