Wordless Wednesday

Pumpkin Patch

It will be Butterbean's first Halloween so this was her first trip to the Pumpkin Patch. We got there a little late so it was a quick trip!

Ladybug still insists on the small pumpkins so we let her pick one for her and Butterbean, then Chris and I got one for him and Ladybug to carve later this week.

Menu Monday

Not a whole lot going on this week. It will be the last week of football for Chris unless they make the playoffs (we won't know until Saturday). It will be such a blessing to have him at home in the evenings, I know the girls will love getting to spend more time with him (I will too).

We have a rerun this week since Chris was so kind as to take us out to dinner on Friday night.

Monday - Brunswick Stew
Tuesday - Pot Roast
Wednesday - At Maamaa and Poppi's
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday - Spinach and Bacon Linguine with Grilled Chicken
Saturday - Pizza Pockets at the game
Sunday - Salmon, broccoli, rice

Laundry Room Update - Halfway

We finally finished painting and then deciding how to arrange everything.
We found a rolling laundry room organizer that fits nicely under the countertop.

This where the washer and dryer will live.

So now all we have to do is put everything back in the room and find a storage/hang rack to put above the countertop.

Wordless Wednesday

Menu Monday

We don't really have much going on this week, which is good as we are all recovering from being sick. It will also give us some time to get the house back together.

Monday - Chicken Pot Pie
Tuesday - Fish sticks, Mac and Cheese, Green Beans
Wednesday - Grilled chicken, Asparagus, scalloped potatoes
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday - Pot Roast, Potatoes, Salad
Saturday - 31 Party
Sunday - Tenderloin

Recipe Friday - Chicken and Dumplings

This is one of our favorite dreary day, cheer up foods. It's quick too, perfect for after work when it's been a rough day. This could be easily adapted to be made even quicker by pre-chopping and freezing the veggies and chicken so all that needs to be done is cook.

Chicken and Dumplings

4 chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
4 carrots, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
4 celery stalks, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 onion, diced
2 tblsp olive oil or coconut oil
4 tblsp flour
2 quarts chicken stock (water will work too)
1 tblsp salt
1 tsp thyme (or poultry seasoning)
1 tsp herbs de provonce
1 tsp pepper

Dumplings
2 cups Bisquick
2/3 cup milk
or 1 recipe for biscuit dough

In a large stock pot over medium heat, add oil, carrots, onion and celery. Cook 5 minutes, add chicken and cook 10 minutes. Add flour, thyme, salt, pepper and herbs de provonce. Stir to coat chicken and veggies. Pour in stock, cover and simmer 15 minutes. Combine bisquick and milk, or prepare biscuit dough. Drop dumplings by tblsp into the simmering stock. Cover and simmer 10 minutes.

Serve hot.

Southern Women

I ran across this article the other day and it got me thinking. It touches on a lot of things that I find myself doing (or getting frustrated because I can't do) and then wondering why it's so important to me in the first place.

The article is true, us southern women do have a lot of expectations and rules that we follow, not because we have to but because it's who we are and where we're from. There is something to be said for traditional southern hospitality and values. It means something to someone when you take the time to hand write a note (not just sign a card or shoot and email), bake or cook a meal (not pick it up at the store) or really make an effort to look your best (it really does make you feel better). Now most people will say that it's the thought that counts and that may be true in most cases; however actions always tell the truest story. That little extra effort so that others truly see that you care, I believe it is part of the southern DNA.

So I will continue to write thank you notes, bake cookies, take meals when people need comfort and open my home (no matter what it looks like) because making the effort is part of what makes me a Southern Woman.

Wordless Wednesday

Apple Time

We made our annual trek to Charlottesville to pick apples at Carter Mountain. This is Ladybug's third trip and she was very excited about going. Butterbean didn't seem to care either way, but that's only because she didn't know what to expect.
The best seat on the mountain! Daddy gets a great workout pulling the wagon every year.

Which one to get?

Both girls had two apples while we were there. Butterbean sucked the juice out and Ladybug actually ate the better part of the apples.

Ladybug was really into picking the apples this year, I think she felt 'big' since she was keeping up with our sitter's children.

We brought home one bag and two bushels of apples. My plan is apple pie filling, applesauce and apple butter. Maybe some dried apples in there too.

Menu Monday

It's getting to be comfort food time! The weather here is starting to cool off and signs of Fall are beginning to peek through. The leaves are starting to change and the humidity is not as oppressive.

I'm trying to eat my way through the freezer in preparation for restocking and hunting season.

Monday - Leftover Chinese for my, the girls will eat at the sitters since I have to work late.
Tuesday - BBQ Chicken, Rice, Broccoli
Wednesday - Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Zucchini
Thursday - Leftovers or Brunswick Stew
Friday - Mahi Creole, quinoa, Salad
Saturday - Grilled Italian Chicken, Grilled peppers, Rice
Sunday - Chicken Pot Pie/Pizza Pockets

Baby Shower

My best friend is having a baby next month and I was honored to throw her a shower. The theme was 'The Apple of My Eye'.

Caramel apples for favors.

Everything went well and this baby is already thoroughly loved! Amy looks great and we wish her and Mike nothing but the best. We can't wait to meet the newest little BOY!