Monthly Update

Oh my goodness.

It's been forever since I've posted a monthly update (this should have been posted in September). Whoops.

I missed 5 months AND 6 months. What kind of mother am I?!

A fabulous one, duh.

Don't worry. I know posting monthly updates does not reflect at all on my abilities as a mama.

I'm going to update y'all know. Mostly because, in 15 years, it will be fun to have something to show Kid.

Who am I kidding? He'll be 15. He won't care. I'll show him when he's 30. And has his own children.

Kid Stats: Month Five

Weight: No doctor appointment until 6 months. We guess that you're about 15 or 16 pounds. Big guy!

Length:  We'll get your true measurement next month.

Head: Let you know at month six!

Clothing You've moved up to the 6 month clothing, big boy!

Diapers: Size 3 while you're at daycare. Cloth diapers the rest of the time (it is going so well! WAY easier than I thought it would be!).

Favorite Food: it's still breast milk. Your doc said we could start cereal in a month in a half, but I'm not sure that's where I want to start... we may start with a veggie (like an avocado!) first.

Favorite Toy: You've really started to show an interest in your hands. I think you just realized that you control them!

New Developments: You love your puppy and your daddy! You're becoming more and more vocal each day.

Okay, I can't give a true update on the new developments at month five because my brain is so full of what you're doing now. Sorry, buddy.

Unexpected

Look what showed up at work today!

Today, I was reminded of how meaningful random acts of kindness can be.

Lately, I've been tired. I've been exhausted. I've been up night after night with a teething boy. I've been moving through the motions of the day, with eyes glazed over. This new mommy stuff is tiring! Well. All mommy stuff is tiring.

It was such a wonderful reminder to know that the hubs is appreciative. Of course, I know he appreciates how much I do day in and day out. He tells me all the time. But sometimes, all times, actions speak louder than words. The fact that he took the time to send me flowers? And pick out a vase in my favorite color? AND INCLUDE CHOCOLATE!?!?

That says a lot.

The smile still hasn't left my face.

Weekly Meal Plan

Another week has come and gone. The fridge has been restocked with fresh fruits and veggies.

The husband and I have gotten into the habit of doing a big meat purchase, and other necessities, in bulk once a month at Costco. Then, once a week I make the trek to the grocery store for produce for the week. I would love to purchase produce from Costco in bulk as well, but the husband and I don't eat it fast enough for it to be worth it.

This week, we will be eating:

Sunday: Homemade Chicken Soup

Monday: Spicy Venison Chops

Tuesday: Fajitas

Wednesday: Beef Stew

Thursday: Caesar Chicken

Friday: Salmon Lime Lettuce Wraps

Saturday: Venison Burgers

Notice the venison still in the weekly meal plan? Yep. We still have a few pounds left in the freezer. Although I have been buying beef (very sparsely) from the grocery store, one deer has lasted us quite some time. Okay. Only six months.

Deer season is just around the corner, though, and I'm hoping the husband will get one or two to restock the freezer. I'm still hoping to accomplish my not-so-secret secret dream.

((this moment))

((this moment))

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

 ~SouleMama~

{recetas} White Wine Chicken Thighs

The experimentation finally paid off.

Okay. That makes it sound like I tried a million times.

I only attempted this recipe twice. The first time was an epic fail. Super bland, not good chicken. I still ate it, so it wasn't horrible. But it wasn't worth sharing (or making again).

But this time! This time, it all worked out!

White Wine Chicken Thighs

What you need:

• 4 chicken thighs (or legs, or breasts)
• 2 heaping teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon basil
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup white wine

What you do:

• In a medium sized bowl, combine the olive oil, white wine and garlic.
• In a small preparation dish, mix the basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper. Combine the seasoning mix with the wine and oil mixture.
• Add the chicken to the bowl. Agitate to cover the chicken pieces with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for a few hours (I did 5). Or all day. Or overnight. Do what works for you!
• When the mood strikes you, or it's dinner time, preheat the oven to 350. Place all four chicken thighs in a baking dish. Pour the marinade over the top of the chicken. Bake the chicken for an hour--but check the internal temperature to be sure it's done.

Experimental ... Fail

As I've mentioned time and time again, someday, I'd like to be able to create recipes. Or, to concoct amazing meals without following a recipe.

Today is not that day.

I decided on doing a trial run for the white wine chicken legs.

It was a complete fail. Super bland chicken. No fun.

Needless to say, I won't be sharing the recipe. Nor will I be using it on Tuesday. Or ever again.

No fear. There is a plan B.

At least they look good, right?

Weekly Meal Plan!?

That's right, my friends.

I'm back at it!

I made it through parent/teacher conferences alive, and finally feel as though I have some time on my hands to do some blogging.

So, I thought I'd start with a meal plan.

Sunday (tonight): Venison Chili

Monday: family dinner

Tuesday: White Wine Chicken Legs

Wednesday: Grilled Salmon

Thursday: Homemade Chicken Soup

Friday: Hot Pepper Stir Fry

Saturday: Zuchinni Carrot Soup

Tuesday's and Saturday's meals are creations that I've never tried. Experimental meals. I haven't looked for recipes. I plan to make them up as I go. Well, not really as I go, since I've already begun to think about them. If they turn out, I will definitely share!

((this moment))

((this moment))

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

 ~SouleMama~

Home Grown!

I grew a cantaloupe!

I'm not sure why, but I always thought growing fruit would be difficult.

Truth be told, it's not. In fact, we completely forgot about our cantaloupe and watermelon plants until just a few days ago. Eight cantaloupes and five watermelons! Can you believe it!? I couldn't...

We finally picked one of the cantaloupe.. My oh my, was it delicious!

I'm not sure if you're aware, but homegrown fruits and vegetables taste so much better than the store bought variety!

((this moment))

((this moment))

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

 ~SouleMama~