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. :)