Carsen's Birth Story :)

So I know it has been quite awhile since I have been on here! I have been busy with my kiddos preparing for Mr. Carsen

Finally on May 13th (Mother's Day) may I add my little surprise was born at 8:54 am!! I was so ready to not be pregnant!!

Crasen is my 3rd & final baby he was a complete surprise. Especially b/c my middle is just turning 18months! I was on birth control & breast feeding Brycen when Carsen was conceived! I will admit I was scared, not exactly excited and worried when I found out I was pregnant with him! I didn't know if I wanted a 3rd baby & defiantly never wanted my kids so close in age! But someone had a different plan for me & my family. I came to accept that.

Now that my little surprise is here I already can't imagine life without him he is only 4 days old but I am so in love with him, he is so sweet & so little the littlest of my 3 weighing in at 6lbs & 4oz! He is truly my littlest man :) & he has stole my heart all over again!

At 2am Sunday I started having some strong contractions I got out of bed & started walking around they were not stopping so I started to get stuff ready for my kids. Our great friends Liz & Jose had offered to watch Aiden & Brycen when I went into labor. So I started a list of what the boys would need where things were & got a pot of coffee ready for them.

At 3am I got in the shower contractions were still strong & nothing seemed to be helping I knew it was baby day! They were coming about every 5 minutes so at 4am I told my husband you might want to get in the shower! Before I could finish that sentence he literally flew across the bed & ran into the shower it was 1 min of comedic relief from my pain!

At 4:30 am I called Liz & Jose & they were excited & got ready & got here so we could leave I didn't even get to say bye to my boy's since they were asleep :( but I couldn't sneak in i was in some pain!

We got to the hospital at 5 & got checked in & up to the labor & delivery floor at 5:30 I was checked & got disturbing news the nurse said I was still at 3cm but more thinned out! THERE WAS NO WAY! She was wrong my contractions hurt & I knew i was in labor! Now I'm not trying to sound mean but she was an older lady like late 60's & when she checked me it didn't hurt I don't believe she was able to check me right. I KNOW MY BODY!!

7:30am I was really in pain clenching the side of the bed some obscenities were coming out my mouth I was in pain & uncomfortable! I was moaning & groaning & trying to breathe through my pain it was BAD! Que the nurse (a new one) Jessica so nice!! She was around my age maybe a little younger well that girl knew what she was doing & when she checked me she said OH YA! It's baby day you are at 6cm. Thank you god!! I yelled!! I told her she had given me the greatest news! Off she went to set up my labor room!! She came back got me I walked to the new room felt like forever b/c I had to stop b/c of my contractions! I had not had any type of medicine for pain or any other type. She asked do u want an epidural I said YES YES please! Originally my plan was to go without but I was in too much pain I wanted relief!

Well they took my blood to see if I could even get an epidural had to wait on the results it felt like forever I had my face buried in the side of the bed & my eyes closed I was breathing & moaning through my contractions & telling Brandon (my husband to SHUT UP) I wanted quiet & I wanted it dark! In comes Jessica (my nurse) & she says ok you can get an epidural we paged the anisetoligist so were just waiting on him! Well with in a minute of that news LITERALLY!! I felt warm & wet (did I pee myself?) I reached my hand down brought it up & it was covered in blood ahhh... I said to Brandon I think my water broke! (Mine had never broke on it's own so I had no clue) Brandon looked & said um yep there is a puddle he calls the nurse! In comes Jessica & she checks me ya your at 9cm now! NO EPIDURAL for this momma it was too late! So within about another minute I feel lots of pressure! I said to Jessica well I either have to push or I have to poop! She came over & said oh no you go to push! She ran to the door to tell someone to get the Dr.

I heard them say she's delivering & Jessica said well tell her to hurry!! Jessica looked a little nervous & said ok well were gonna push & if he comes before the Dr then he does. OH LORD! Well I had to push so I did! In runs the Dr throws on her stuff & she tells me to push again I said I can't I'm just to tired! I was exhausted! She said to me honey your half way done & you have no choice you got this now push! & I did & next thing I felt was relief he was out!! I threw my head back on the pillow it's over I'm so tired! Then they put Carsen on my chest my baby my tiny little baby was here he had a good strong cry! As soon as I moved my gown & layed him skin to skin he stoped he knew who I was! I was so filled with love!

I also was filled with Joy & empowerment holy crap I did it with no medicine of any kind I felt amazing!! I had a amazing recovery as well I was up able to walk very shortly after having Carsen. They even let me walk to my post partum room. My bleeding was not bad & I have only had to take 2 ibuprofen for the after contractions. I've been to stores, apts, Aiden's gymnastics class I feel amazing! Brandon was really proud of me as well for how well I did even though he had some nail marks in his arms & thought I was going to break his fingers lol!! He was an amazing coach rubbing my back talking to me! Don't know what I'd do without him!! I love that man! & he has given me the 3 greatest gifts of my life my 3 boys!!!

Aiden & Brycen love their little brother Aiden wants to hold him all the time! Brycen wants to touch him but we have to be careful b/c Brycen does not know his own strength but I must admit this was way easier than I thought! Hopefully it stays that way!! -Candice-

Carsen 6lbs 4oz

 Daddy & biggest brother

 Me & Carsen before bed the night he was born :)

 All 3 of my boy's snoozing in the car <3

Banana Muffins :)

Aiden & I made these yesterday & added 2 of our favorite things chocolate chips & coconut!! These muffins are so good! I'm sure they would be really good with out or add-ins as well but we like to add to things around here :)  Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 large bananas, mashed
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• Chocolate Chips (optional) we used prob about 1/2 cup
• Coconut (optional) we used prob about 1/2 cup for this too :)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Coat muffin pans with non-stick spray, or use paper liners. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
2. Combine bananas, sugar, egg, and melted butter in a large bowl. Fold in flour mixture, and mix until smooth. Scoop into muffin pans.
3. Bake in preheated oven. Bake mini muffins for 10 to 15 minutes, and large muffins for 25 to 30 minutes. Muffins will spring back when lightly tapped.
4. Enjoy -Candice-

This recipe made a dozen muffins but as you can see we have been enjoying them :)

chipin

Call me a slacker!

I have been slacking at my blog posting :( I'm sorry! Things have just seemed to get pretty Crazy around here lately! Aiden has T-ball on Monday the hubs has Softball on Tuesday & Thursday. Aiden has Gymnastics on Thursday School M,W,F & his Awana on Sunday evening! Yep that's my life lately go go go!! & it is taking it's toll on me!! I am one tired momma!! I am ready for the end of May for all of it to end!

 I had a Dr apt last week I was 34 weeks & had dilated to 1 1/2 cm YAY!! I have been having quite a few contractions on & off & just feeling run down! Yet I have the urge to purge! Lol I have been cleaning organizing making trips to good will I just need to get things in order!

 I feel like I have procrastinated with having things ready this pregnancy we just started hanging things up in Carsen's room finally did one load of laundry for him & put it away I have to still have the hubs bring more of the baby clothes down to wash! Pack my bag, ugh it never ends!

We officially moved Brycen into Aiden's room he has been sleeping through the night & napping on his bunk he's doing great :) One less thing to stress over now we need to convert the crib back lol!! But were getting there slowly!!

I go back to the Dr May 2 I will be 36 weeks & am hoping to have progressed more so that Carsen will be here at 37 weeks just like his big brothers! I am just dragging & Have no energy to run & chase Brycen :( So fingers crossed!!! I am hoping to go May 9th or that weekend maybe Mother's Day?? How cool would that be??

Today Aiden & I made Chocolate chip banana muffins & we added some coconut we love coconut in this house :) I'll post the recipe later or tomorrow!! & I will really try to be like my old self & post everyday or at least every other. -Candice-

Let's Catch Up!

So it's been over a week since my last post sorry! It has been a crazy week with Aiden on Spring Break!  I have to keep that boy busy b/c busy is what he likes to be. We went to one of Brandon's softball games last Tuesday & Brycen played in the mud he was covered but he had a blast, he however rode home in his diaper lol!

We went to the park a couple of times last week & got lunch one day, we dyed Easter Eggs & made sugar cookies & decorated for Easter. We spent lot's of time outside playing in the yard Aiden riding his bike & Brycen trying to ride a skateboard it was pretty funny! We took the boy's to an Easter Egg hunt held by his preschool's church, the boy's had so much fun & the both did really good!!

The hubby & I made Easter dinner together & had a couple friends over to eat with us it was so nice we basically made Thanksgiving all over! But I love eating like that so it was perfect!! I love that I have a husband who enjoys cooking & that we can tag team & do it together!!

We had a great Easter for the most part but we did have some meltdowns from the boy's. (too much excitment & maybe sugar overload) Yes they got way more candy than they truly needed, but I think the Easter Bunny was being smart, I mean the boy's have a pregnant mom so if the Easter Bunny didn't get alot of candy the boy's would have ended up with none b/c mom prob would have ate it all. That Easter Bunny is smart I tell you!

Here are some pics of our past week to catch you up on our life :) -Candice-

Playing in the mud at softball true Boy!

 Our Easter eggs we made :)

 Our Easter cookies we decorated

At our favoriate park after our lunch date :)

 Helping Brycen at the Egg hunt

Aiden on the move!

Spring Break! & A Fab chicken recipie

Aiden is on Spring break from preschool, run for your life just kidding! But the boy's are ganging up on me already pulling out every truck & ball possible & running yelling through the house Brycen ha already fell 3-4 times! They are insane!

I have a Dr. apt today at 1 I will be 32 weeks Wednesday, this weekend I have been so sore & having some sharp pains in my lady area :( also some bad back pain so I think I will as the Dr to check to see if something is going on down there. I had pre-term labor with both boy's dilating to 2cm at 33 weeks & delivering them both at 37 so I'm wondering if were already starting the process we shall see.

Well anyways last night I made this amazing chicken recipe from pinterest of course it was so good we will def be eating this again soon!!! thanks http://cassiecraves.blogspot.com

Here it is:

Jalapeno Popper Stuffed ChickenSource: adapted from Allrecipes

1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
4 strips of bacon, diced
4 (6 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs (I used regular bread crumbs and seasoned them with salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder)
1/4 cup vegetable oil

1. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels.

2. Stir together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon, and jalapenos in a small bowl.

3. Cut a pocket horizontally through the thickest side of each chicken breast, and fill with 1/4 of the cheese mixture. Secure with toothpicks.

4. Roll the chicken breasts in bread crumbs to coat. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and cook chicken breasts until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 8 minutes per side. If your chicken breasts are thick, like mine were, they can be finished in a 350-degree oven. YUMMY!!! ENJOY!!! -Candice-

Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff

 I made this for dinner Wednesday it was good!

 

Thanks http://crockingirls.com/

 

1 & 1/4 pound cubed beef stew meat
2 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (98% fat free for a healthier choice)
1 chopped onion
2 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
1/4 c. water (or a little more if you want saucy).
I use beef broth or red wine or a mixture of both
Dash of garlic salt
8 oz cream cheese (cut up)
Egg noodles or Amish noodles  

Directions:

1. In slow cooker, combine uncooked meat and all ingredients EXCEPT cream cheese and noodles.
2. Cook on low setting for 8 hrs or high for about 5 hrs.
3. Approx. 15-20 min before serving, add the cream cheese; stir occasionally until melted.
4. Approx. 10 minutes before serving, add uncooked noodles, push down in sauce to get lightly coated; replace lid, but stir occasionally until noodles are soft and ready to eat.

*A small can of mushrooms or fresh mushrooms is a good addition.
**You can serve with sour cream or not if you wish.
Enjoy!!! -Candice-

Whatever your name is!

So my husband is playing softball again this yr he usually does a spring & fall league. As if we are not busy enough! This week he had 2 games one on Tuesday & one on Thursday, he playing for his work so he is on base b/c he's a Marine. Well we live a 1/2 from base so instead of him coming home driving back & coming back home he's been staying at work till his game & then comes home. Helping to save on gas $$ since it's almost $4.00 a gallon now UGH!

So this means preggo mommy has both the boy's from sun up to sun down! Let me tell you those boy's need their time with daddy to run around & such b/c this week has been insane! Their energy levels have been through the roof & I try to do as much as possible with them we take walks, go to the park. Go to the store and walk around I mean were pretty much going all the time Aiden also has his T-ball, gymnastics & preschool. So I am so worn out! I am tired & sore & having tons of painful braxton hicks contractions, sciatic pain, but I do my best to keep going with the boy's!

Yesterday they were little terrors! We had gymnastics from 9:30-10:30 we were half way to base so after I thought let me manage my time wisely & go get groceries after this way I didn't have to go today & waste more gas! Well backfire! Usually the boy's are so good out not yesterday! Aiden was climbing from the front to the back of cart hanging on then hes shaking the cart pulling it as I'm trying to push! Brycen was trying to climb out of the front so I figure ok I'll put him in the big part with the food! MISTAKE there went my groceries one by one as he threw them out! I was so flustered & when I get flustered I can't think! So I end up calling the wrong kid by wrong name eventually I end up saying Whatever Your Name Is! LOL!!

I was trying to be really good & really budget & use my coupons well I pretty much stuck to my budget but was hoping to spend less but I just could not think! I do believe I will go back to grocery shopping on the weekends by MYSELF!! The boy's will stay home with daddy so I can think! It can be my down time!

Today starts Aiden's spring break from preschool! Oh boy! He's already saying what are we doing today, where are we going?? Well I do have to go to Walmart not very exciting for them :( but I am thinking we will stop at the pet store so they can look at the animals they love that! May try to hit up the park it's really nice out again if I can find my darn sprinkler I may let them run around out front in that for a bit. We will see but we will be doing something b/c otherwise mommy will be losing her mind! Hope everyone has a nice Friday & great weekend :) -Candice-

Tuesday Tuesday!!

Well it's Tuesday supposed to be BUM day, BUT... Aiden has a dentist appointment, he's actually excited??? Craziness although I must say his dentist is pretty awesome & so is the place, plus the kid knows he gets a surprise after his cleaning!

2 years ago Aiden had to have a tooth pulled due to a collision with him & our 70lb Boxer they were running chasing each other & collided. Boy was that a scary time! So first Aiden asked mom are they going to pull a tooth? When I told him no your just getting your teeth cleaned is when the excitement started lol!! Glad he's to the point that he truly understands things!

 Aiden  is my easy child! He truly truly is I never realized how easy he was till Brycen came along! Lol that boy well he may be the death of me! He is a trouble maker & wants everything his way!  Middle child syndrome?? Could be maybe he know all along he was going to be a middle child! Oh well!

Later after Aiden's appointment we are off to a lunch date with some fabulous ladies & then we are going to an antique shop I guess you'd say, I really need a chair or 2 for my front porch!! I would love to sit on my porch in the am & drink my coffee :) I want something different so why I'm going to look at a shop. The amazing Liz Marie from  http://www.lizmarieblog.com/  is going with me I need her expertise on furniture! She is AMAZING to say the least!! Have you seen her amazing stuff?? If not please check out her blog she rocks!!! I wish I had her talent!

So anyways that is what we have in store for us today, hopefully Brycen cooperates through all of this we shall see!! Oh & I have to do a mommy brag real quick sorry.. Aiden had his first T-ball practice yesterday he LOVED it!! He did very well too he really was focused unlike last year at soccer haha he is older but I also think he is more of a baseball fan & may be also why it hold his attention better. Well that's it for now. Have a great day :) -Candice-

Blueberry/Cream Cheese Danish OK!!!

So since my hubby has been off of work due to his nose surgery, I was having fun  making nice breakfast's for us everyday! We love breakfast it is our favorite meal!!

So of course I was pinteresting & I saw some recipe's for danishes we love danish!! So i decided to make my own. & It's really easy!! Here's how:

Ingredients:
1 tube Pillsbury crescent rolls
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 cup fresh blueberries (or whichever fruit you would like)

To make the icing:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, flour and vanilla. Set aside.
Pop open crescent roll dough and unroll, leaving crescents in rectangles. On an ungreased baking sheet or  lay the crescent roll rectangles together, lining them up width wise. Dough should be almost the entire length of a half sheet pan.Press edges together to even out edges and seal any holes. Cut 1/2 inch diagonal strips up each side of the dough. Carefully spread cream cheese filling down the center of the dough to be about 2-3 inches wide. Top with fresh fruit. Fold 1/2 inch dough pieces up over filling alternating sides to get a braided pattern. You may have excess dough once you reach the end of the danish, so fold them in as best as you can. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until filling is set and crescent dough is golden in color. Cool before removing from baking sheet.
Once danish has cooled, remove to serving platter. In a small bowl, mix together powdered sugar, vanilla and cream to create icing. You may need to add more cream to get the desired consistency. Drizzle icing over danish. Cut into pieces and serve.
End result deliciousness :) Enjoy -Candice-

 

Homemade Gronola Bars!!

I made these Sunday night with Aiden so he could take them to preschool on Monday for his snack day!! He was super excited 1- b/c we made them together 2- They have chocolate chips in them & 3-he gets to be line leader today since he brought snack :) Oh the little things that make kids happy!!

I hope the kids & teachers enjoyed them. The hubby & I sure did they are super easy & super good! I think I will be making another batch today to have for snack for us. Thanks to:http://www.laurenslatest.com/ for sharing this recipie :) Hope you enjoy these -Candice-


Ingredients:
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup honey
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 cups quick cooking oats {not rolled oats!}
1 cup crispy rice cereal
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
Directions:
In a large bowl, stir oats and rice cereal together. Set aside. In a small pot, melt butter, honey and brown sugar together over medium high heat until it comes to a bubble. Reduce the heat and cook 2 minutes. Pour in vanilla and stir. Pour over dry ingredients and mix well to moisten all ingredients. Pour into lightly greased small jelly roll pan {about 12x8x1} and press out to be about 3/4 inch in thickness. {If your pan isn’t small enough, pack the mixture into one side. You really want to press them down so they stick together.} Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips and press down lightly. Cool on a countertop to room temperature for two hours or until the chocolate chips are set before cutting into bars. Wrap in parchment or plastic wrap and store at room temperature.
Recipe Notes: If your granola bars don’t seem to be staying together when you cut them, you may have made them too thin or you didn’t pack them in tight enough. Stick them in the fridge for 20 minutes and that should help keep them together. {Be sure not to keep them in there too long or else they’ll become super hard!} The next time you make them, try reducing the butter to 3 tablespoons and really packing them down.

Monday Night's Crock Pot Dinner

So since my oven was broke & I didn't know how long it would take for part to come in I planned my meals to be in the crock pot or stove top! Monday night I made broccoli -cheese chicken & rice thanks to http://crockingirls.com/recipes.html

4 to 6 boneless, skinless chicken breast
2 (10 oz) cans broccoli-cheese soup
1/2 c. milk

Directions:

1. Add all of the ingredients to your crock pot that you have sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Salt and pepper to suit your taste.
3. Cook for about 4 hours on high. Stir occasionally

I decided to make some minute rice & throw it in a couple mins before I served it! Easy one dish dinner :)
-Candice-

Crock Pot Ravioli & Banana Cake

Last night I made Ravioli's in the Crock Pot they were really tender & yummy!! Thanks to http://crockingirls.com/ I love their website so far everything i have made from there has been delicious!!

Recipe:
1 bag frozen cheese ravioli
1 lb browned ground chuck seasoned to taste
1 large jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce, I use Ragu Traditional recipe
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

1. Put first two ingredients in slow cooker then add sauce.
2. Empty sauce into slow cooker then fill jar half full with water, shake it up to get all the sauce left in jar.
3. Add this to slow cooker. This gives it the moisture you need for the ravioli.
4. I usually start my slow cooker off on High and after a couple of hours reduce it to Low. Can be done on low setting if you will be away all day.
5. It's done when raviolis are tender.
6. Cover with cheese and serve with salad and garlic bread.

My oven is working again YAY!!! So I baked a cake while my dinner was crockin away lol! It was a banana cake with cream cheese frosting & chocolate shavings on it. -Candice-

Want the recipe?? Here's the link:
http://www.bakeorbreak.com/recipes/2011/12/13/banana-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting/

Crock Pot Chicken Cordon Blue

Wow is all I can say about this I am so happy I found this recipe!! Pinterest I love you even more this was AMAZING!!!! I made it Thursday night it was a hit! Thanks to: http://www.chef-in-training.com/2012/02/slow-cooker-chicken-cordon-bleu.html

• 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (I only used 3 breasts b/c that's all my family eats & we have leftovers)
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup milk
• 4 ounces sliced ham
• 4 ounces sliced Swiss cheese (I used provolone I don't like swiss)
• 1 (8 ounce) package herbed dry bread stuffing mix
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Mix together the cream of chicken soup and milk in a small bowl. Pour enough of the soup into a slow cooker to cover the bottom.

Layer chicken breasts over the sauce.

Cover with slices of ham and then Swiss cheese.

Pour the remaining soup over the layers, stirring a little to distribute between layers.

Sprinkle the stuffing on top, and drizzle butter over stuffing.

Cover, and cook on Low for 4 to 6 hours, or 2 to 3 hours on High.

Seriously you will not be sorry with this!! -Candice-

Happy St. Patricks Day!!!

Wanted to tell everyone Happy St. Patrick's Day!! I am Irish & I grew up celebrating this cute little Holiday every year we went to my Grandmas & she mad a special Irish cake that had been passed down from her mother! I need to get the recipe!

This year for the first time ever I am making Corned Beef & Cabbage for my family :) I have said for years I was going to & never did but I want to start a lil tradition with my family. I have great memories of dressing in green & going to grandmas so I want to pass on a little heritage to my boys.

This morning I also made some yummy pancakes with greek vanilla yogurt (I colored it green) & topped with fruit! We then spent the morning/afternoon downtown feeding ducks & visiting our farmers market we have had a great day! I thought I'd share my Corned Beef & Cabbage recipe with you so here it is... Enjoy -Candice- & It is a crock pot recipe :)

Ingredients

• 2 stalks celery, halved
• 4 carrots
• 1 medium onion, cut in 4 wedges
• 4 to 6 red potatoes, quartered
• 1 4-pound corned beef brisket
• 12-ounce bottle stout or dark ale
• 1 tablespoon corned beef spices or pickling spices (or spices that come with the brisket)
• 1 medium head cabbage, cut into 6 wedges

Directions:

Place celery, carrots, onion and potatoes in the bottom of a large slow-cooker or crock pot. Rinse the corned beef brisket and place over vegetables. Add the bottle of stout, spices and enough water to just cover the meat. Cover and cook on LOW for eight to nine hours.

Remove the meat and vegetables from the pot and cover with foil to keep warm. Increase heat to high and cook cabbage until softened but still crispy, 20 to 30 minutes.

Slice brisket across the grain, serve with vegetables Pass extra cooking liquid at the table.

Crock Pot Mac & Cheese

I made this tuesday night it is really creamy & yummy!! My oven was on the fritz so it was crock pot to the rescue :)

• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 ½ cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 3 eggs (I omitted the eggs)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 (10 ¾ ounce) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ teaspoon dry mustard
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

1. Boil the macaroni in water for six minutes. Drain.
2. In a medium saucepan, mix butter and cheese. Stir until the cheese melts.
3. In slow cooker, combine cheese mixture and add the eggs (I omitted the eggs), sour cream, soup, salt, milk, mustard and pepper. Add the drained macaroni and stir again.
4. Cook on low for 2 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally
5. Enjoy -Candice-

Read more: http://www.food.com/recipe/paula-deen-crock-pot-macaroni-and-cheese-257276#ixzz1pEcDY2U4

Oreo Bark!

I have had such a sweet tooth with Carsen! It is unbelievable & since my oven has been on the fritz I needed something I didnt have to bake. So why not some yummy Oreo bark!
All you need is:
 white chocolate chips
& 15 Oreo's (crush in a bag)

I melted the chocolate in microwave in 30 second incriments till melted stired in almost all the crushed Oreo's spread on wax paper sprinkled with the rest of the crushed Oreo's & threw in the fridge till harden then break into pieces & store in a container in fridge :) Enjoy -Candice-

Homemade Chick Fil-A

Ok so I have been trying to get on here all day to post this but have had gymnastics & errands to run & oh ya cable guy here from 12-8 (yes you read that right 8 hrs) Trying to install Tivo & fix my Internet gah!

Anyways I want to share a recipe from pinterest I found it sounded appealing b/c we love chick fil-a here in NC!  Thanks to http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2011/09/homemade-chik-fil-chicken-nuggets.html   I made these once hubby loved them & then I made them again last night with a little tweak & omg sooo much better!!!

Ready:
Ok so first time I made I did not have canola oil I used veg. oil (make sure you use canola it makes a difference)  Also this recipe calls for regular milk but I used buttermilk last night & WOW So much yummier :) Enjoy -Candice-

Ingredients:
1 lg egg
1 cup milk
1 lb. skinless and boneless chicken breasts
1-1/4 cup flour
2 Tbsp powdered sugar
2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp chili powder
canola oil for frying

Preparation:
In a large bowl whisk milk and egg together
Place chicken on counter and cut into cubed bite size pieces; trim any fat that you may see
Put the chicken in the milk mixture and mix so that all is coated and place in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes
In another large bowl combine the dry ingredients listed above and stir
In cast iron pot or sauce pan pour in oil so that its at least an inch deep on med/high heat
Remove the chicken from refrigerator and place about 8 pieces in milk mixture and then into the flour mixture
Make sure all the chicken is coated with the flour and then place into the hot oil
Cook each side for at least 2-3 minutes or until golden brown (You want to make sure that chicken is no longer pink so you can cut one piece to test it out)
Place the chicken on some paper towels to soak up any oil
Repeat the same steps with the rest of the chicken and serve

Cake batter rice crispy treats!!

I know it has been a week since I last blogged :( I'm sorry!! My hubby had nose surgery he had a horrible deviated septum & that was last Wednesday, so since then I have had another person to tend to making smoothies, cutting food, washing his hair &  plus I've had to pick up the slack on what he normally does!

I never realize how lucky I am until the hubs is deployed or has had surgery & is not allowed to do anything. He truly is a huge help to me! Now I need him well again!

Oh did I mention my oven stoped working grr... so normal baking has had to subside for a lil we ordered the part hopefully it will be here Monday!

So anyways Tuesday it is supposed to be Bum day right?? Well not today I had to go grocery shopping with the kids BOO! Lol They were pretty good at the first store not so much the second. Well after we got all that done Aiden & I made cake batter rice crispy treats!! Yummy! Found this on pinterest compliments of:  http://gimmesomeoven.com/cake-batter-rice-crispy-treats/

They are good! & Aiden loved that they have sprinkles in them so they are more colorful & fun :) Hope you all have a great day!!

Were having Crock pot Mac & Cheese tonight I'll post tomorrow with that!! Look forward to lots of crock pot recipes this week since that is how dinner is being made this week lol! -Candice-

Smore's Cookies!

Smore's Cookies I think so! It's Tuesday our BUM day lol!! Today Aiden & I will be making these delicious little treats compliments of http://fahrenheit350.blogspot.com/2009/08/rain-or-shine.html this yummy looking treat I found on pinterest :)

1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
Cream together butter and sugar until incorporated

Add:
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
Beat thoroughly

Add:
2 cups flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup chocolate chips, or one giant Hershey's bar, chopped
1 cup mini marshmallows
Stir to incorporate

The most fun part about these cookies is that you actually bake the cookie on top of a whole graham cracker.

Bake at F350°, for no more than 11 minutes (after 11 minutes, the graham cracker will burn).
Some of the marshmallow may toast off the cracker, but simply remove the cracker from your cookie sheet and quickly transfer to a wire rack.

My fav baking buddy :)

Proud baker of his cookies :)

Overnight French Toast Casserole

So yesterday as I was pinning away on Pinterest b/c I am addicted lol!! I came across some breakfast casserole recipes, my family is big on breakfast. I can say it is def our favorite meal, so on the weekends we usually always do a yummy big breakfast.

I was looking for something different with not much fuss so that I didn't have to be at the stove all morning, I came across this french toast casserole recipe I tweaked it a little. End result YUMMMY!!! Kids loved it Brandon enjoyed it. It was a success so I shall share it with you all. The original recipe was from Taste of Home.  Enjoy -Candice-

**** I added cinnamon & nutmeg & a little extra vanilla to the egg mixture it gave it great flavor so you may want to do that I think it may have been to bland if I fallowed the recipe exactly

• 1 loaf (1 pound) French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 eggs, lightly beaten
• 3 cups 2% milk
• 4 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• TOPPING:
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• Maple syrup, optional

Directions

• Place bread cubes in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla and salt. Pour over bread. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
• Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Dot with butter. Combine sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over the top.
• Cover and bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 5 minutes. Serve with maple syrup if desired. Yield: 12 servings.
• It took an hour in my oven
•                                   Ya we were a little hungry this morning :)

Homeade M&M Brownies

So are weeks are starting to get busier, Aiden has preschool M,W,F he is starting gymnastics on Thursday, he goes to his Awana class on Sunday & soon he will be starting T-ball & that is looking like Saturday games. Busy Busy!!

Well since our weeks are going to be crazy for awhile Tuesday is going to be our really only down day! So I have decided Tuesday will be BUM day lol!! Were just gonna hang out at home play outside if  it's nice & do something fun together. Aiden loves to bake with me so today we made some Brownies from scratch.

Aiden loves to add his favorite candy M&M's so we did that & some chocolate chips!! They are so good I don't think we will buy box Brownies anymore!! I love baking with my son & teaching him while doing it, I hope one day far far in the future he has the great memories of us baking together & maybe he will bake with his kids. Anyways here is recipe let me know what you think :) -Candice-

Preheat oven to 350
1 1/4 c. flour
1/4 c. cocoa
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
3 eggs
2 c. sugar
3/4 c. butter, melted
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup M&M's candy
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Mix together flour, cocoa, salt, baking powder in one bowl

In a larger bowl mix eggs, melted butter, sugar & vanilla until smooth

Mix the flour mixture into the butter/sugar mixture then add M&M's & chocolate chips
Spread in greased 9x13 pan bake 20-30 min I started at 20 & checked by inserting a butter knife every 5 min till it came out clean! End result chewy soft center with crispy edge!! YUMMY!!!

Broccoli Cheese Soup

I made this for dinner tonight in the crock pot..
 soo easy & soo good it was very thick & creamy! It was a hit with the hubby & my Bff Kate :) I made some biscuits to serve along with it! Enjoy
-Candice-


2 Cans Campbells Cheddar Cheese Soup
2 Cans cream of Potato Soup
1 Box of Frozen chopped Broccoli thawed and patted dry.
1 Quart of Half and Half

Directions:

1. Put all in a slow cooker.
2. Cook on low 2-5 hours

What a whirlwind

I apologize for the lack of blogging, I have had a rough couple weeks I have lost 2 family members & been dealing with a sick child for a couple weeks now.

Last week I spent most of the week sleeping in the recliner with Brycen or on his floor b/c he had a terrible cough that kept waking him. When I took him to the Dr 1 1/2 weeks ago they told me it was lingering from a cold he had just gotten over, & that the cough could last awhile longer.

 Well I had his 15 months checkup Monday& we saw our normal Dr he said well Brycen has a nasty little cough doesn't he & I said yes & explained how I had been here recently, but I wanted his opinion. Dr listened & said it did not sound good he was wheezing & instantly wrote 2 scripts for inhalers for him. Brycen has to have each inhaler 3x's a day & he hates it. It is a fight but it does seem to be helping.
 
Well The Dr also noticed fluid in his left ear & told me to watch him the next 2 days for fever, pulling on the ear, or crankiness, which could indicate it turned into an ear infection. Sure enough Brycen was pulling his ear yesterday & running a low grade fever during the day & last night around dinner it went to 101 & I was alternating Tylenol & ibuprofen I made sure I went & checked him every 4 hours with med ready & sure enough he needed it as soon as med wore off his temp was back. At 4:30am he hit 102 I got him up striped him down gave him med, got him to eat & drink & held him he luckily is sleeping now & I am listening to his heavy breathing on the monitor. My poor baby just waiting for 8am when the Dr's opens to get him in.

I hate when kids are sick it is heart breaking, I also have felt bad b/c i have been so busy with taking care of Brycen I felt like I was neglecting Aiden, I did however take Aiden to 2 different birthday parties for his friends this weekend. Brandon had a long weekend so luckily he has played with Aiden the whole time, they have had what they call their "dudes time" they were outside all day yesterday playing baseball & jumping on the trampoline, It sure was nice to have Brandon home yest so I could focus all my attention on Brycen.

I feel bad b/c my Grandpa passed away Sunday & this is first parent my mom has lost I wish I could be back home for her, his viewing is this Thurs & Fri & the funeral is Sat. Unfortunately with a sick child & me being almost 10 weeks from due date (b/c I have had both boy's at 37 they anticipate Carsen then) there is just no way i can make it home. It pains me b/c I was very close with my Grandpa & spent a ton of time with him. My mom even told me she knows there is no possible way for me to come home but it still hurts.

One of my good friends told me maybe it's God's way of distracting me & showing me that it is impossible for me to be there with Brycen being sick, so I should not feel guilty. She may be right just wish it could be a better distraction than a sick baby :(

Well I hear Brycen stiring so duty calls just wanted to let everyone know why the lack of blogging sorry & I will try to get a recipie on here tonight if I have time -Candice-

Pizza roll-ups

Tonight's dinner compliments of pinterest!! First can I just say I freaking love pinterest it is awesome & addicting!

 Well this week I have been lazy, I have had a sick lil boy & have not felt like cooking like at all. Going on 3 days of no sleep b/c my poor lil guy has a horrible cough that keeps waking him & he then wants momma!

Tonight I needed something really quick & easy for dinner I had come across this cute lil recipe a bit ago I had figured I'd make it for the kids for lunch one day & I had all the ingredients so I decided this was tonight's dinner...

What you need:
1-2 cans Pillsbury crescent rolls (depending on how many your cooking for I only needed 1)
1 pack string cheese
1 pack peperoni
1 jar pizza sauce (for dipping)

Unroll the crescent rolls individually place 4-5 slices of peperoni at bottom top with 1/2 a string cheese & roll up :) That simple!! Bake according to directions on package. Use pizza sauce to dip them in!
Super easy super yummy!!! Enjoy!! -Candice-

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day everyone :)
  We kind of celebrated last night I get too excited to give the kids their stuff & didn't want to wait till Brandon came home this evening. So last night we went & got take out from Carolina grill & gave the boy's their gifts!

 Aiden got 2 tag books & a spelling puzzle to go with his tag reader, I love educational stuff & helps to prepare for kindergarten.

Brycen got a remote control car for 18 months up so he will leave Aiden's cars alone & I don't have to hear a fight lol. & they both got a couple sweet treats.

Aiden had snack at preschool yesterday so we made mini red velvet cupcakes & homemade icing & colored it pink & had valentine sprinkles festive for Valentine's day right? He also had his Awana class Sunday night so we made sugar cookies on a stick. Aiden loves to help me bake it's something we enjoy together & well of course his favorite part is getting to lick the spoon lol.

Today I had planned to take the boy's to lunch at their favorite place Cow Cafe but the floor people called me & they are coming to install the new carpet for Carsen's room. Luckily I never told the boy's we were going to go to lunch. I never tell them things unless I am dead set we are doing it I don't want to ever disapoint them. That was one thing my mom & dad were great about too, if they told us we were doing something we did it! So Brandon & I both decided we would do the same with our kids If we tell them we are doing something well were doing it :)  So I plan to take them Friday Aiden gets out of preschool a 1/2 hour early so it will be something fun to do after. Well I hope you all have a great day with your loved one's. -Candice-

get up and go give away

Were hosting our second giveaway for all our wonderful active members of Just2Moms. 

Things will be done a little differently this time then it was last time. We will require you do a little more then just comment on our blog. You HAVE to be a active member of Just2moms facebook group! You will be required to post 3 photos on our facebook page; you will need to go to the Just2Moms page and click "add photo/video"; next you will see on the right "create album", post your photos in a album. Along with commenting on a status we will post on the last day of the giveaway from the times of 9am to 9pm. This giveaway will last for 3 days. We will have 4 items that ONE person will win. At 9pm on Feb.15th we will take all the names that are commented on the post and use random.org and pick a winner. You may only comment on the post 1 time with your name. We will explain that again when we post on Feb.15th. 

You need to take a photo of the following things.  

1. The silliest/favorite photo you have of yourself, your little one, or your pet.

2. Your favorite drink.

3. Something you have made yourself; a craft, a picture frame, anything that has been handmade. :) 

First gift in the basket:

Handmade burp clothes :)

Your choice of "1"either the girl or boy set.

Post on our blog what your favorite item is from this shop! :)

From: Embroidered Treasures 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/embroideredtreasures?ref=seller_info

Please go check out this shop, and add them to your favorites circle on Etsy! :)

LittleJoeyDesign etsy shop

http://www.etsy.com/shop/littlejoeydesigns?ref=seller_info

The set includes one reversible bib and two burp cloths. The fabrics are from the Valorie Wells for Free Spirit Collection. The bib secures with a pretty pearl snap in a coordinating color. The sets sell for $15 in the shop

Please go and add this shop to your favorites. 

Post on our blog what your favorite item is from this shop! :)

KBP Designs

Description

Handcrafted…adorable…unique.

Perfect for Sunday best or special occasions, KBP Designs presents a special line of handmade ties for little guys. Each tie is individually made from quality fabric and crafted with the love and skill that makes them one-of-a-kind.

Adorable designs come in many different colors created to look like the ties dad or big brother wear. Need a baby shower gift? Handmade ties are a great alternative to more predictable offerings from the local department store.

Order your little guy a special tie for family portraits. Easter and Christmas are the perfect reasons to add to your little boy’s tie wardrobe. Match with a coordinating diaper cover for an outfit that redefines the word “adorable.”

Description

Ties are pre-tied, no trying to figure out tying a tiny knot.

Handcrafted ties are made from 100% cotton fabric and

feature a Velcro closure to resemble.

Navy, blue, white and Yellow striped.

Toddler Sizes

• Typically fits 9/12 months to 2/3 year-old boys.

• Measures 10 inches from knot to tip

• Features a 13 inch neckband.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/kbpdesigns

Please add this shop to your favorites. Post a comment on our blog letting us know your favorite item from this shop.

NatalieJCollection

http://www.etsy.com/people/NatalieJCollection?ref=ls_profile

Personalized Happy Birthday Cupkake Plate in Your Choice of Name and Color in Blue, Purple, Pink and Green Children's Birthday GiftFrom NatalieJCollection

This colorful Personalized Happy Birthday Cupcake Plate comes in any colors you would like! This makes a great children's gift that they can use to feel "special" every year on their birthday

Please go add this page to your favorites and let us know in a blog comment your favorite item from NatalieJCollections.

You can pick any colors you'd like for this! :) 

2-3 week shipping on all!!!

7 years & many more to come

So on February 5th my husband & I celebrated our 7 year anniversary! How time flies when your having fun! Although I must say life was not always cupcakes & rainbows!!

9 years ago I walked into a tanning bed in western NY, my friend worked there so she was going to give me a discount :) Well I went in & her manager happened to be there along with this ghetto looking thug of a guy lol some crazy white boy dressed in Echo clothing with a big silver chain around his neck! I thought to myself oh please do not let him talk to me! (I was quite a snob back then) Well he did try to talk to me & I was not having it I gave him a snotty attitude & went back to tan! When I came out they were gone the phone rings & my friend answered it was Brandon (Mr. ghetto as I called him) asking why I was such a stuck up snob! So I got on the phone & was like I don't know you & you don't know me, & left it at that!
  
 Well about a week later I was at my friends the one who worked at tanning bed she was coloring another friends hair. Her cell rang & she told me to answer.. I said hello & I heard a guy say Jen? I said no this is Candice he said hey it's Brandon I met you last week (oh lord here we go again)! He asked if we wanted to come hang out at his apartment well we were bored so we we went & I don't know what it was but my opinion changed of him we talked & I saw something I liked, so we hung out more started dating and blah blah lol!

A couple months of dating & well I was pretty sure I was falling in love with Brandon crazy so fast right well the one day I go to his apartment & he says's we need to talk..(oh great he's breaking up with me,well it's been fun) He says to me I joined the Marine Corps today! I laughed (ya right!) He said no I'm serious & I want to know if your willing to stay with me & try long distance, I know it will be hard. I said yes I will, well we both ended up telling each other at that point that we loved each other.

Couple months later & off to boot camp he went, I wrote him everyday to reassure him I was still there & when I got his letters my heart melted I was going to marry him I just knew it. Graduation approached & I flew to see him for the first time ever! Seeing him was amazing to have him hold me again was like he'd never left! He came back home for a couple weeks then off to Pensacola Fl. he went to school I went & visited him twice & he would come back home for the holidays we talked every night. Well one night he called and asked me to marry him, he said when I come back in a couple weeks we will go pick out rings!! Ahhh my heart melted I knew I was going to marry him. Brandon asked to talk to my dad to make sure he was ok with it & my dad agreed (my dad loved Brandon they got along great).

Because of the Marines we had 4 months to plan a wedding so we planned Feb 5th because Brandon was done with school & would be at his permanent station Cherry Pt. NC. Now Feb in NY is usually horrible weather cold lots of snow well by a miracle it was georgous sunny & warm. I had the perfect Feb wedding, & I married my best friend my soulmate!

Our first 6 months of marriage were anything but blissful in my opinion we fought alot & I was depressed from being away from my family the whole first month I moved to NC I cried every night. Poor Brandon asked If I even wanted to be with him, I did I loved him but I missed home. He was a big partier still & I always had marines at my house drinking, I had puke to clean & spilled drinks & mashed food, was not the life I envisioned! But guess what marriage is work, it's not easy & I made a vow for better or worse so I sucked it up lol.

Well after 6 months Brandon got deployed to Iraq I moved back home. It was then I realized I was a big girl I didn't need my mommy & daddy I needed my husband, I missed him terribly & it was so hard! I moved back to NC a month before he was due back to set up our new apartment I had a way better feeling this time about being alone. I could not wait to share our new home with him again oh & at this time we had a male boxer Valo & a orange kitty Nemo (we still have them they are now 7 & 10). The day came when I went to pick up my husband my heart was racing I was so excited!! I didn't know this till a little later but apparently Brandon did not see me for a few min & thouhgt I was not coming :( poor thing! But I was there when he got off that bus we ran to each other & we didn't want to let go, best feeling ever I knew that even though we would still have tough times we were meant to be I loved him so much! Things improved so much after that Brandon was not as party hardy, I found work which really helped me not be bored. We bought our first house, and about a year yr and 1/2 later we found out we'd be having a baby!! (Aiden)

So 7 years later 3 deployments behind us we have 2 dogs, 2 cats, a 4yr old a 15month old & a new baby on the way! I could not be happier. I truly believe in fate & that everything happens for a reason, life is not always perfect but don't give up you have to work for things!! It's funny now b/c Brandon and I finish each others sentences or one of us will say you know what I was thinking & the other is thinking same thing, it's crazy how well we know each other. We have a great bond, we never fight, only a small argument but we both realized we both can be wrong took awhile for that lol. We have great communication & trust (those are key in marriage). So here is a couple pics of me & that crazy man I love <3
 -Candice-
                                                         Our wedding 2-5-05

                                             Disney trip with Aiden 2010

                                                      Welcome Brycen 11-2010

                                                              Marine Corp Ball 2011

I love this man I'd be lost without him! Thank you god for bringing us together!!