New Years Revolution!

That wasn't a typo! Since the beginning of the year, I have certainly had an inner revolution! Yes, I know, its only been 6 days, but indulge me here, please. I have noticed changes in myself and a drive to keep those changes and further better myself like never before. I have thrown myself into mommy-ing and housewivery and wife-ism the past few years, and I noticed that I was so wrapped up in everything that 1.) Everything I did was just mediocre, and 2.) I forgot about Me-ery. (Like those made-up words, dontcha?) When you have so many things expected of you, its really easy to forget that each of them, while incorporated day-to-day, are very seperate things. Kind of like school. Sure, you can try to be "good," at school, but being good at all the individual subjects is a completely different story. Doing what I do on a daily basis is mostly a balancing act. So, in 2013, I'm resolving to spend more time on bettering myself as a mother, wife, and as a person in general. One at a time, of course.

I've been striving to keep my house clean(er). I am NOT a nasty person, but I am one that once things get out of hand, I throw my hands up and wait until the kids are asleep and I have the energy to get everything back in order. I've realized I have a touch of OCD. I cannot handle dishes in he sink anymore, things HAVE to be a certain way, the poor boys must think I'm crazy because if everything isn't lined up and in the exact spot it needs to be, I fix it immediately. You might think, hey, awesome! I would love to have a clean house all the time! ANK! Wrong! You're house is never clean, even when its spotless. And just because you want something done perfectly doesn't mean you have an endless supply of energy and drive to dedicate to it. And when you don't have those things, and it can't/won't get done, its like you're mind won't stop harassing you. It's really frustrating. However, now that I am getting a handle on things, its not so out of whack! I'm feeling much better and more confident about it.

The boys have actually been (mostly) on their best behavior the past week. They started going to bed a lot easier, I no longer have to play soothing music or go sit with them till they go to sleep. Its such a change! I'm also being more active with them and trying to change things up more often. We try different activities and I make sure I actually do ALL of it with them instead of using it to occupy their time. They have really grown and learned so much the past year, and they are constantly amazing me with what they can do. My jaw hits the floor daily, and they are usually making me laugh with the funny stuff they picked up. They are only this little for so long, and I'm truly enjoying it. They won't come for kisses and hugs and lovies for too much longer:(

I was the girl who swore up and down I wasn't going to gain 100lbs and let herself go once she got married and had kids. Dinner would be on the table at 5:30 sharp, and I would do all of the housework, deal with the kids, and still have time and energy to put into my husband. Yes, I know, 50's stepford wife, I got it. Well, HAHAHAHAHA! Life happened! I didn't gain 100lbs, but I did gain quite a bit (Thank you 2 kids, a car accident and depo!) Working it off is HARD, harder than it really should be, but my metabolism sucks and sometimes, I just lose all motivation. This year, I've already done better at taking care of myself. Watching my portions, eating healthier, and trying to do some cardio in door. It gets dark too soon for me to go running, and HELLO!? I live in freakin San Antonio. Not exactly the best place to walk around at night. I have also put in the effort to make sure I wasn't just presentable, but "dressed up," for the hubby. For one, it makes me feel better, and he likes the extra effort, too! He deserves it. He works hard and its the least I can do for him. And I've always HATED taking off my makeup at night. Like, its the WORST chore int he world for me, and idk why. But, I've done it every night! Again, Yes, I know, its only day 6, but give me a break! A routine is a routine and I have to encourage myself! lol.

So, there ya go. My revolution to better myself. I've made other resolutions, saving more money (doing well on that one, but we will see), keeping in touch with family better, stuff like that. I'm hoping this year is "different," that I can keep up with them all. I know it will be a workout, but hey, you only live one, right? And hey, I also resoluted (is that a word?) to try a new recipe and blog about it at least once a week! Can't wait to see how that goes!

Its beginning to look a lot like... Fall.

The past few weeks have been absolutely crazy. My father-in-law came to stay with us for a week, surprising my husband on his 26th birthday. Old man, haha. He left on Halloween, and I had the most adorable little Mario (Tripp) and calf (Easton) to take out trick-or-treating. James thinks they are too young to take out door-to-door, so we did a Trunk or Treat and called it a night. Halloween day, Easton had an evaluation for Speech. It turns out he is in the 85% percentile for his age in speaking, but they went ahead and referred him for 16 visits anyways. He started last week, went twice, and really did very well! I don't know what they do with him in the back room, but I can already see he is trying to say more words! He is being very communicative, too. On Thursday, he will be 2 years old. I won't lie, his birthday snuck up on me. I didn't plan a party, get a cake, or even begin shopping for birthday presents. I feel like a horrible mother. It just seems like we had Tripp's birthday! I guess its because there hasn't been TOO drastic of a weather change here. So this week, I will be working on getting all of that together. And, to wrap up this short and sweet post, I say, thank you. Yesterday was Veterans Day, a very important day in our country's history. Thank you to all the troops who've served in the past, currently those in the past, and all those who've fallen.

Waiting On Payday Casserole

You know when things have been particularly tight, and you are just waiting for the next paycheck to come? You keep thinking, Okay, I have this, this, and this, WHAT AM I GONNA MAKE FOR DINNER!? Welp, this IS a recipe I created on my own, and I'm pretty darn proud of it:) Its very basic, but in a pinch, you can whip this up, and ta-da! No worries, you have something to feed the fam.

Ingredients:
3 boneless-skinless chicken breasts
1 cup white rice
1 can green beans (drained)
1 can corn (drained)
1 Lg can cream of chicken
1/2 cup water
1 cup cheddar
2 cups cracker crumbs

Cook rice and chicken according to instructions
Mix all ingredients, minus cheese and crackers
Pour into baking dish.
Crush crackers, mix with cheese and spread on top.
Bake for 15 minutes at 350°

Alfredo Sauce

I absolutely LOVE chicken alfredo. It is one of my favorite meals, and I've searched long and hard for the "right" recipe. This one is fairly simple, easy ingredients, and it really doesn't  take long to make. Combine it with chicken and noodles, and you have one scrumptious entree!

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
1 package cream cheese
2 tsp garlic powder
2 cups milk
6oz. grated parmesan
1/2 tsp. black pepper

Melt butter in medium sauce pan
Add cream cheese, whisk till smooth
Stir in parm, garlic powder, & pepper
Add milk, a little at a time, stirring well
Remove from heat when desired thickness is reached

Italian Chicken

I love my crockpot. It's always there for me when I need it the most, lol. I tried this recipe, and I really liked it. James loved it as well. Its very different than most pasta dishes I make. I will say, its not too great for leftovers, its a little dry. But it IS yummy for dinner!

Ingredients:
2-4 skinless boneless chicken breasts
1 package cream cheese
1 can cream of chicken
1 package Italian dressing seasoning

Cut chicken in strips
Combine all ingredients in the crockpot
Cook on high for 4-6 hours

Twice-Baked Potatoes

I love these!!! They are my husband's favorite food, and its taken me awhile to find the perfect recipe. 

Ingredients: 

3 large baking potatoes

1/2 cup chicken broth

1 cup 2% cheddar

1/4 cup light sour cream

1 tsp. dijon mustard

1/4 tsp. paprika 

Pierce potatoes with sharp knife and bake for 1 hours at 400°

Immediately cut in half and scoop out centers, leaving 1/4 inch in the shells

Beat potato pulp, 1/2 cup cheese, sour cream and mustard till blended

Spoon in shells, top with cheese and paprika

Bake for 20 more minutes  

Laundry Detergent

So, like I said in one of my blog earlier, I am making my own laundry detergent, just to try it out, to see how it works. From what I've seen, I'm very happy with it!! My towels just came out of the dryer, and they look, smell, and feel amazing!! I don't have a recipe link, I got it from my awesome girl Danielle Deckard (props!). This recipe will make a little over 2 gallons of detergent, and I use 2 tablespoons per load, so you can imagine how long this will last! I started using it on November 1st, 2012, so the day I use my last little bit, I will blog about how well it did, and how long it lasted. This experiment isn't just gratifying because "I did it myself," it's also going to save a TON of money! Also, thanks to my husband for being patient with me trying out all this stuff and helping me out:)

What you need:

1 large box of borax
1 4lb box Baking Soda
1 box Super Washing Soda
3 bars Fels-naptha bars, grated (this is a pain in the arse, won't lie, but worth it!)
1 3lb tub oxyclean
1 large container of Purex crystals (this isn't absolutely neccesary, but it is what gives it the "fresh and clean smell.")

Just mix it all together! Make sure you have a large container!

So, here it is! Hope its as successful for you as it was for me! Let me know if you try it!