Chicken & Dumplings...finally mastered!!

My husband's dad makes the best chicken and dumplings!  So obviously, I wanted to master the recipe.  I tried making them a long time ago and failed, so I've been a little cautious ever since.  I've been craving them, so I thought I'd give it another go. They turned out fabulous and were pretty simple. Try it out!

Boil 1 whole chicken (some people boil just chicken breasts, but I think you get so much more flavor from the whole chicken). De-bone the chicken and tear apart into small pieces. Save the broth. Chop 1 bell pepper, 1 medium onion, and 3 stalks of celery. Add 32 oz of chicken broth to the original broth, 1 can cream of chicken soup, and 1 can of water (using the cream of chicken can). Bring to a boil. Add the veggies. Take 3 cans of cheap biscuits and press flat with your hands.  Cut into fourths (I used a pizza slicer). Coat each individual biscuit fourth with flour and drop into the boiling mixture one at a time...if you just throw in a bunch of biscuits at the same time, they could get all stuck together and cause a mess. You're going to think you have way too many biscuits, but it'll be fine!!  Then add the chicken. Try to stir gently and as little as possible. Add salt (easy with the salt due to the chicken broth and cream soup), black pepper, and garlic powder. I also added 1 1/2 sticks of butter for a wonderful, rich flavor. Boil/simmer for about 45 minutes stirring occasionally. Enjoy!


Definite husband pleaser!



Chicken and Veggie Chowder

Apparently I take after my grandmother, Mamie, by never following a recipe!  I found a recipe for Corn and Potato Chowder on Pinterest, but I totally changed it up to make it my own.  It was easy and delicious, I must say so myself...but so did the hubs.  Even though it has chicken and corn in it (not his faves), he loved it!

First, I baked 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which I had seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder...cut into cubes when done. Then saute 1/2 chopped onion, 1 chopped green bell pepper, and minced garlic in 1 stick of butter. I used the jarred minced garlic,  but you could use fresh. Then add some chopped baby carrots to the mix. Throw in about 2 tbsp of flour. Add about 5-6 cups chicken broth, bring to boil. Add a bay leaf, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley flakes (or fresh). Cut up cream cheese into cubes and add to the broth mixture. Once the cream cheese is pretty much melted into the mix, add about 2 cups heavy whipping cream. Now add frozen broccoli, corn, and chicken. Allow to simmer for about 20 minutes. Remove bay leaf. Serve with shredded cheese on top and more parsley if you like...mainly for looks.
I served cheesy toast on the side. I used leftover hamburger buns. Spread them with butter and sprinkle garlic powder. Add mozzerella, parmesan, and cheddar cheeses, broil in oven for about 3-5 minutes.

36 weeks survey and my Jasper shower

 Last weekend, my husband's family through us our 2nd baby shower.  It turned out so cute! They went with a nauticle-type theme. My in-laws live on the lake where the shower was held, so it worked out perfectly. Here are a few pics...

Diaper cake made by my talented sister-in-law.

My parents...patiently waiting on their first grandchild!

35 weeks

My mother-in-law and mom.

My mother-in-law and sister-in-law.

Cute sand bucket made of fruit with adorable fruit crabs and starfish!

Total weight gained/lost: hahaa!!! Who's counting?? 

Maternity clothes: I'm working with what I've got.  I'm too close to the end to buy anyhing new. I'm very thankful I wear scrubs to work.

Best moment of the week(s): My shower last weekend was great. I think I've got everything I need for this little guy. I've been busy washing clothes, socks, blankets...just getting ready for his arrival.

 Movement: He's still moving alot. He loves my ribs on my right side. I never feel him in my left ribs. Every now and then there's a kick or movement that is so dramatic that I actually kinda jump!

Sleep: Hmm there are nights I sleep great and nights that I toss and turn. I try to squeeze in a nap when I can on the weekends and sometimes after work. I know I'll need all the rest I can get pretty soon.

Food cravings: Lately nothing special. I have been eating alot of avocados though now that I think about it.

Food aversions: Nothing really. I still haven't eaten shrimp. And last night I made homemade hamburgers and I thought the smell of the raw beef was disgusting, but it didn't stop me from eating the final product!

Morning sickness: No, thankfully.

Gender: Boy...and ready to meet my new man! :)

What I miss: Being able to jump up and do whatever I want to do. I've been dealing with some major sciatica pain or something of the sort. My left hip has been giving me a fit which is really slowing me down. I have to take lots of breaks or just stay seating to be comfortable. Doctor said the best cure is to evict this baby! Ha!  Hopefully this is a pain that will disappear as soon as he's born!

What I'm looking forward to: Wednesday I go for my last ultrasound and we will check his growth and have a good idea of what size baby we're dealing with!

Weekly wisdom: Allow people to help!!! Now that I've been dealing with this hip, I've had to learn to take people up on their offers to do stuff for me. :)

My Nacogdoches Baby Shower!!

 Some of my closest friends and family on my side of the family put together a super fabulous baby shower last weekend!  I seriously could not have asked for a more fun, creative, sweet shower. They really went all out for me and I felt so very special. Here are a few pics to prove just how wonderful that day was...

My creative friend, Anna, made this super cute diaper cake.




My mom's best friend, Kelly, did it again with another awesome fruit display (aka fruit-a-palooza)!



A onesie creation station!

Beautiful cake and onesie cookies hanging from the clothesline :)

Yes, I got a few gifts!

Making onesies!

This is all the "junk" I've been craving during this pregnancy!

Baby wishes for Drake...these will be so neat to read years from now.

All of my wonderful hostesses!

The hostess with the mostess!!!

Love my wreath made by Anna!



Enjoying some HOT FRIES!




Me with my sweet Mom!



Spicy Italian Sausage & Chicken Pasta

So, I haven't blogged about food in a while mainly because my creative juices haven't been flowing. I ended up combining a few of my favorite recipes together to come up with what Justin calls "the best thing you've ever made!"

Here's what you need:
1 lb ground Italian sausage
1 small package boneless, skinless chicken breast
bell pepper (I used 1 large green and a very small red), chopped
1 small onion, chopped
Olive oil
1 block of cream cheese, softened
about 1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 small package of fresh mushrooms
shredded parmesan cheese
pasta (I used bowtie)
seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes

Here's what you do:
Brown the sausage. Scoop it out onto papertowels to drain. Add the chicken to the skillet in the sausage grease. If needed, add a little olive oil. Add onion and bell pepper. Season with the above seasonings. Cook until chicken is done. Add sausage back to skillet. Move the meats to the outer edges and add the cream cheese to the skillet. Melt down, then add the heavy whipping cream, about 3/4 cup parm cheese, and mushrooms. Stir all together. You probably need to add more of the seasonings at this point. Simmer on low for about 15 mintues. Add your cooked pasta. Top with about 1/4 cup parm cheese.

31 weeks....9 to go!

I can't believe we are counting down in single digits!! :)

Total weight gained/lost: I just don't ask :)

Maternity clothes: I am a lucky girl with lots of friends that have handed down lots of cute maternity clothes.  

Best moment of the week(s): Mom missed out on the last ultrasound, so she wanted to go back to Early View and take a look at her first grandchild, so seeing our cute little baby on Friday was my favorite moment this week! I love these 4-D ultrasounds...you can see so many details! I love his little lips! The cutest I've ever seen.

Movement: He moves all the time. He loves having his feet in my ribs. Friday, I was feeling very uncomfortable, I assume because of his position. I felt like I had no room at all for my stomach, lungs, or bladder. I guess he moved into a more comfy position because I haven't felt that uncomfortable again since. I know this is probably just the beginning of the uncomfortable stuff though!

Sleep: I'm not having any trouble sleeping...other than waking up 2 or 3 times a night to go to the bathroom.

Food cravings: I'm still loving my junk food, but thankfully a new craving for me has been salad! Yay!  Especially with avocado.

Food aversions: Nothing really.

Morning sickness: No, thankfully.

Gender: All boy!

What I miss: Being able to go outside without feeling like I'm going to DIE! It's so so so hot...but since my temperature is way off, it feels like 200 degrees out there to me! My poor husband is constantly freezing in our house nowadays and has to stay bundled up.

What I'm looking forward to: So much! We start birthing classes this Tuesday, I take maternity pictures on Saturday, and my showers!

Weekly wisdom: Work on enjoying "downtime."  I've been complaining to a few people how I'm bored, but I think it's just because I'm so ready for the next chapter to begin. Everyone keeps saying to enjoy the boredom. I'm trying.



8/3/12 @ 30 weeks, 4 days
You can't tell me those aren't the cutest lips you've ever seen!




8/5/12  31 weeks
Definitely growing, growing, growing!!!



29 weeks!!

Total weight gained: I have not been keeping up with this at all. I do not own a scale and when I was at the doctor on July 9th, they weighed me, but I just didn't even ask how much I had gained since the last appointment. My doctor is happy with the weight gain, so that's all that matters. And as far as measurements, I'm measuring right on target for our due date of October 8th.

Maternity clothes: I'm still able to buy some non-maternity shirts. Luckily alot of stylish clothes are loose and flowy.

Best moment of the week(s): My sister-in-law's sister had her baby a little over a week ago. She had a boy too and it got me all excited and ready for Drake to get here!

Movement: This kid is busy!  Justin calls him "Karate Kid" and I swear he's doing flips. I can tell when he's resting, but the majority of the time, he's moving!

Sleep: Oh goodness, sleep is getting more and more difficult between getting re-adjusted, crazy dreams, hips/legs/arms falling asleep, and my sinuses being stopped up at night. But, like they say, it's preparing me for when Drake keeps me up all night :)

Food cravings: I'm still craving junk! Lately I've been wanting a chili cheese coney, chili cheese fries with jalapenos, and a Coke....I just haven't had the chance to go to Sonic yet....but it'll happen SOON!

Food aversions: Still avoiding shrimp. I did actually eat it in a sushi roll a couple of times, but just plain shrimp, I can't do right now.---same

Morning sickness: No, thankfully.

Gender: According to the tech at my last ultrasound, he's all boy.  Her exact words were, "That's definitely a boy, look at those testicles!"  I just wish Justin had been there to hear that!!! HA!

What I miss: Mainly wine!

What I'm looking forward to: Mom didn't get to go to the last ultrasound, so she wants to see him one more time before he makes his arrival. We scheduled an elective ultrasound for August 3rd. Maternity pictures on August 11th and then my baby showers!

Weekly wisdom: Take this time to get prepared and do some fun stuff that may not get to happen for a while!

7/13/12~~27 weeks, 4 days

24 Weeks!!!

Total weight gained: 10 pounds total at my last doctor's appointment.

Maternity clothes: I haven't bought any more maternity clothes, but luckily most of my friends have already been through this and are letting me borrow some of theirs. Some of my clothes still fit though, so I am feeling pretty good about all my selections.

Best moment of the week(s): I got to spend some time with my friend Chelsey's tiny little 2 month old this week. It got me even more excited and ready for our little one!

Movement: I've been feeling kicks for a while now, but lately I feel like he's doing flips in there! It's the coolest feeling.

Sleep: I'm still sleeping good, but I wake up just about everytime I need to turn over or re-adjust.

Food cravings: I have to admit that I crave pure junk food!  I am loving Coke, Hot Fries, Salt & Vinegar Pringles, Mrs. Bairds cinnamon rolls, and Little Debbie Cosmo brownies. I do eat healthy stuff too, but these are my snacks.

Food aversions: Still avoiding shrimp. I did actually eat it in a sushi roll a couple of times, but just plain shrimp, I can't do right now.

Morning sickness: No, thankfully.

Gender: BOY!

What I miss: I have to say, there have been a few days where I miss being able to come home and drink a glass of wine (or 2...or 3).

What I'm looking forward to: Maternity pictures on August 11th and then my baby showers!

Weekly wisdom: Enjoy every moment of this...including the Hot Fries and naps because in a few months, I'll be at the mercy of a newborn and working on getting back in shape!

24 weeks

18 weeks!

I had several appointments Wednesday...ultrasound, blood work, and doctor appointment.  First was the ultrasound.  I was excited to find out that they did 3-D there!  The main reason for this u/s was to check for all organs and measure bones. He was being a little modest this time around. He wasn't quick to show off his "goods" this time like he was last time!  The tech actually didn't confirm he was a boy until the very end when he finally moved into a position where she could get a good look.  Here are a couple of pics of our baby boy, Preston Drake Smith.



This is Drake just chillin' out with his hands behind his head :)



Next was the bloodwork appointment.  The girl drawing my blood had me a little nervous because she took forever finding my vein, then lost it, then found it, then lost it...then just went in blind.  Thankfully, she hit it the first time!  I've always been difficult to stick, so I was glad she got it the first time. Finally, was the doctor appointment. By this time, he already had the u/s results.  He said everything looked great! According to his bone measurements, he is estimated to weigh 8 oz.  We feel so blessed!! 

17 weeks!!!

Total weight gained/lost: From my first doctor appointment to my second doctor appointment, I had gained 2 lbs.  I go back for my 3rd appt on May 9th, so we will see then...I have a feeling it's more than 2 lbs this time!  Also, they don't count the weight you gained before your first doctor appt and I know I had already gained a few by then (but again, those don't count!!!). 

Maternity clothes: I can still wear some of my clothes.  I'm having to wear maternity shorts for sure though.  Luckily, I wear scrubs to work, but even those are starting to get tight!

Best moment of the week(s): I got a full hour massage on Friday!!!  It was awesome!  I have always looked at massages as a treat, but after feeling all those knots in my back, I realize that I need to get a massage regularly.  I'm not going to argue with the facts!

Movement: I am starting to feel tiny little kicks!!!  This is the most amazing feeling!  I don't feel them that often. 

Sleep: I've been sleeping good.  I've even been sleeping past 6:30 on the weekends!  My only complaint is that about 3 years ago, I didn't even get up to pee during the night, then it turned into once/night, now it's twice/night!!  I can't imagine how it'll be a few months from now!

Food cravings: I have still not had any strange or consistent cravings.  One thing I notice I'm eating alot more of is breads though...biscuits, rolls, bread, bagels...LOVE it!!  Justin, however, has been eating ice cream and pickles at night!!  Weird!

Food aversions: I think the shrimp aversion is starting to fade.  I ate some tonight at dinner that was in sushi and I didn't barf, so I guess it's gone.

Morning sickness: No, thankfully.

Gender: BOY!!!!!!  We are so excited!  We are starting to plan the nursery.  I have already ordered the furniture. Of course, I picked out a style that was discontinued and out of stock. I had to call the company and do some investigation to find out that there were only a few more being made and I got my name on one!! YAY! Persistence pays off ;)  We have decided on a name....Preston Drake Smith.  We will call him Drake.

What I miss: I really don't miss anything.  My 30th birthday is coming up and I'll be spending it with girlfriends and I'm sure that night I'll miss my wine.

What I'm looking forward to: My doctor appointment on the 9th when I get to see our little guy. And so happy I've had more energy lately. Yesterday I worked all day then came home and cleaned the house!

Weekly wisdom: It's never too early to start planning...I would not have gotten the furniture I wanted if I hadn't gotten on the ball!



17 weeks
This picture serves 2 purposes...to show off that growing belly and to show off my beautiful knock-out roses.  I'm all dressed up because Justin took me out to dinner tonight to celebrate our 2 year anniversary :)



12 weeks!!!

Total weight gained/lost: I am still not weighing.  Could this be a form of denial? I will know more about this at my doctor's appointment next week.

Maternity clothes: I'm still not wearing any maternity clothes, but I am definitely having to un-button my pants from time to time!

Best moment of the week(s):  Listening to all of our friends make their predictions on the gender.  It appears I have only one friend thinking girl!  Everyone else seems convinced we're having a boy.  All of our friends are super excited for us and that makes us so happy :)

Movement: I can't feel the baby moving yet. 

Sleep: I'm actually able to stay up past 9pm lately!  Yay!!  This weekend we went to Nacogdoches for a little reunion with college friends.  I stayed up past midnight both nights...go me!

Food cravings: Still nothing specific, but when I get a thought of something that sounds good, I've gotta have it!~~this is still true.

Food aversions: Shrimp.

Morning sickness: No, thankfully.

Gender: Make your predictions!!!!


What I miss: Still missing my energy.  I bought some new workout clothes this week in hopes it would motivate me to go to the gym!~~~still the same and it seems the gym clothes didn't do the trick!

What I'm looking forward to: Going to the doctor on April 4th and getting to see our baby again!

Weekly wisdom: Don't rush it.  This is an exciting time that may only happen once.


12 weeks!!



9 weeks, 6 days

Total weight gained/lost: I am going to use the weight they took at my doctor appointment on Wednesday and go from there since I don't really know what I weighed when I got pregnant.  So, I will be able to fill this in later. But I will say, I weigh more than I've ever weighted...EVER!!!! 

Maternity clothes: I got my Bella Bands in the mail this week.  I'm not having to wear them yet, but I'm looking forward to it!! Still waiting on my Old Navy maternity shorts that I ordered a couple of weeks ago.  I'm excited to be pregnant during the summer months so hopefully I can wear alot of my dresses that I already have.

Best moment of the week(s):  Justin and I got to go to my first doctor appointment on Wednesday.  We got to see little Butterbean and watched the heart beating. He was kicking his little legs around like crazy!!  I can't wait to be able to feel them.  We also got to hear the heartbeat for the first time.  It was the most amazing thing!!  The doctor said that everything is looking good!  I go back to the doctor on April 4th...then I guess the appointment after that is when we'll find out what we're going to have! 

Movement: I can't feel the baby moving yet. 

Sleep: All I want to do is sleep!!!  The doctor said this is normal and I can expect to get my energy back after the first trimester...so just a few more weeks, hopefully.

Food cravings: Still nothing specific, but when I get a thought of something that sounds good, I've gotta have it!

Food aversions: Shrimp.

Morning sickness: No, thankfully.

Gender: Can't wait to find out in about 6 weeks...I hope!

What I miss: Still missing my energy.  I bought some new workout clothes this week in hopes it would motivate me to go to the gym!

What I'm looking forward to: I'm ready to have a baby bump instead of just a lump!

Weekly wisdom: Sleep when tired, eat when hungry, get stuff done when energetic.  I don't have to be the busy bee I was before.

8 weeks, 2 days

8 weeks, 5 days

This idea came from Anna.  One of her friends did this survey throughout her pregnancy.  I hope I can keep it up.  It'll kinda serve as my e-baby book ;)

Total weight gained: I honestly do not know the answer to this.  I didn't weigh before I got pregnant.  If I had to guess, I would say I've already gained a few pounds.  I have definitely seen an increase in my appetite.  I'm still working out, yet not as vigorous as before.

Maternity clothes: I ordered 2 Bella Bands this week.  These bands are worn around your waist to hold up your regular jeans so you can leave them un-buttoned and wear them longer.  I've heard mixed reviews, so I hope they work for me...my pants feel tight!  I also ordered 3 pair of maternity shorts from Old Navy.com this week!  I got 3 pair for $72 and free shipping.  Can't wait to get them!

Best moment of the week(s): Nothing much went on this week.  I'm looking forward to Wednesday when Justin and I get to go to OB appointment!

Movement: It's too early to feel the baby moving.  I am feeling twinges/light cramps from time to time.  I hear that it could be my muscles stretching and shifting.

Sleep: I'm wanting to sleep all the time!  I have most of my energy in the morning.  By the evening, I am yawning and can only think of how much longer I have to be awake.  I would go to bed around 7 or 8 if I could.  Last night I was in bed at 9 on a Friday night.  I'm still waking up super early though, like 6:30 this morning and 5:45 yesterday (and didn't even have to work)!  I wish I could sleep in and maybe I could stay up a little later...that would make hubby happy.

Food cravings: I don't have one specific craving. But when I start to crave something, GET OUTTA MY WAY!! I'm going to find it!!  Last night it was pizza.  I had already started heating up a casserole that I had frozen, but I couldn't get the thoughts of greasy, melty, yummy pizza out of my head, so I went out and picked up THREE!  So now we have tons of pizza left over AND a casserole :)

Food aversions: Shrimp.  Wondering how this crawfish boil will go today that we're going to...since they're in the same family.

Morning sickness: No, thankfully.

Gender: We don't know yet, but we're so excited to find out.  Hopefully we'll find out in April!!

What I miss: My energy. It's like the loss of it hits me with a ton of bricks.  I will be going full force, then it's just zapped out of nowhere.

What I'm looking forward to: OB appointment Wednesday!

Weekly wisdom: Everyone's got their opinions, stories, advice.  Remember that not every pregnancy is the same...don't compare everyone else's experience to my own.  I'm making my own personal experience!! ;)



This is 8 weeks, 4days.  Justin said, "I don't know why you're doing this.  You're going to be eating ice cream and crying over this picture in 6 months!!"  Ha! I love him.



Baby Made in East Texas

I haven't blogged in far too long!  My husband has been working out of town on and off for a while, so my [cooking] inspiration has been absent.  However, I have a new topic to bring to my blog now...A BABY!! After 7 months of wishing, hoping, praying, and ummm you know...we are expecting our first in October...that makes me 8 weeks.  We could not be more excited!! Justin has a 9 year old from a previous marriage and he is super excited to be a big brother.  I am happy to have this blog to document all of my pregnancy pictures, updates, cravings, stories, rants, etc (thanks to my friend Anna from We The Gingers for suggesting).  I am on Facebook, but I don't really feel like forcing everyone to see my "baby bump" or my sonogram pictures of what looks like a blob right now.  My mom has named my little blob "butterbean" simply because she says it's shaped like a butterbean.  My husband is not keen on the nickname...I think he's afraid it will stick around!  So far, I have not had any major symptoms.  I'm super tired in the evenings and I have grown to love a nap!  My husband's biggest complaint is my snappiness.  And yes, I have become a major snapper!  He can say one thing and I could go off on a tangent for hours!  I hope this subsides because I want him to be able to enjoy this wonderful experience as much as I am.  We had our first ultrasound on February 20th.  I was able to see our little baby's heart beating at 125 beats per minute and it was the most wonderful sight!!  I can only imagine what's to come!!  My next appointment is actually with the doctor on March 7th.  I'm not sure what will happen at that appointment, but I sure hope we get to see that little nugget again!


Our little bitty baby at 7 weeks on February 20, 2012