A TIME TO EAT

The holiday season has arrived in full force and many responsibilities of life have replaced by desire to blog.  I think about it often, but there is always something that has to be done.  I never wanted my blog to be something that I had to add to my to do list and check off, but it seems that is the only strategy I can use to ensure that my words are brought to your viewing pleasure.  You are welcome for the sacrifice. J

At the close of the last couple of weeks, I have scheduled adnoids and tubes surgery for my daughter, signed a contract to confirm my first ever planned concert, shared a sneak peak of the bun in the oven with my family, spent quality time with my 92 year old grandmother, visited the gravestones of my missed everyday grandparents, sold some unused items for extra cash money, enjoyed the serenity of the woods with my extended family, stuffed my face with food only consumed once a year (while counting carbs), scored some mad black friday deals, introduced RL to "ho ho ho" and lastly welcome the annual Christmas explosion into my home!  More coffee anyone?  I am certainly glad that I am not a strict no caffiene when I am pregnant follower.

I have recently been selected to carry the honor of gestational diabetes for the duration of my pregnancy.  It was a shock to be chosen as I was not prepared to carry this title.  Nethertheless, it  is what it is and there is no first runner up to replace me in this role.  It definitely put a unique twist on pregnancy eating.  How many people want to count out wheat thins when you literally feel as though you are starving to DEATH!  The overall diet isn’t too bad, except for the fact that it is holiday season and I can have no desserts….seriously, I speak the truth.  The challenge is really the restrictions on when you can eat, cannot eat, and must eat.  What’s a little more control in your life? As if a controlling “terrible twos” stage is not enough?  Who doesn’t love to wake up at 3 AM to eat a banana after multiple trips to the bathroom at 1:00, 1:45 and 2:00? Anyone? Bueller?  Because I am so educated now, feel free to question me on the carb content of any of my posted meals!

I will give you a full warning regarding what is coming next in this post.  It will be nothing exciting.  My cooking life is simply on cruise control.  Nothing creative, no fun pinterest recipes, simply what I can get onto a plate before the Emory’s spiral out of control.

Meal #1  - Chicken over mashed potatoes. 

I was craving something rich, home cooked, and filling.  This meal was clearly consumed before I got the diabetes.  I shall review in fond memories and look forward to our reunion in 7 weeks.

This chicken is great!!  It is frozen and in a puple bag labeled LSU tigers Championship Chicken.  I am not kidding....it really does.

The following meal is post the diagnoses.  I had left over shredded BBQ chicken and Ham so I used them all in crescant rolls with cheese of course and combined with a low carb side.

Super wonderful.  The hard part is not eating more of these bite sized bits of perfections.  Lucky for me, D took care of any leftovers so that "I wouldn't be tempted".

I hosted a baby shower last weekend that requested I bring a little decor....

I love the animals on top and so did RL.  They are from Hobby Lobby for about 60 cents.  I am not sure what that are intended to be used for, but they could definately be an inexpensive learning tool for kids!

Finally, here is a precious little pic of the little one and her bear.

This wonderful little love button has begun to demonstrate a new personality with her 2 year old birthday quickly approaching.  I am not a fan.  Strategies for sanity will be discussed at a later date.

TIME TO RETURN...

Well after an extreme break I have decided to step back into the blogging world.  The blog may need to evolve a bit seeing that I have become less of a chef lately.  After nineteen weeks of pregnancy sickness, I have discovered that my family can survive without a home cooked meal everynight.  Who knew? I sure didn't.  I honestly have not felt as guilty for this decision as I thought I would.  Lately I have tried to make it a goal to cook maybe twice a week and even those meals arent masterpieces.  For me, it has made my life a little more enjoyable and given me more time to spend with my only child (for the time being).  I am accepting the realization that I just can't do it all...........and not doing it all is okay!! I choose to work a second job so that financially speaking things are a little less stretched.   The anticipation of two kids in daycare can cause a nervous breakdown!!  However, working two jobs can make your mind, nerves, and patience stretched to the point of explosion.  So as long as I can keep that in check....we can sail right through life making memories full of fun times together, laughter, and without a  psychotic stressed out mom! 

The next couple of months are almost completely booked with parties, visits, and holiday cheer.  It is absolutely my favorite two months of the year!!  Within this timeframe, we must plan and execute a two year old birthday party, prepare for the new baby, make freezer meals (this has been on my list for years) and enjoy celebrations around us.  My goal is to plan the party and the nursery using as many coupons as possible!!  Yes...Yes...I still make time for couponing.  It really is a tremendous money saver and I dont understand why you would not coupon?

So if you choose to enter into my blogosphere, the above is what I will be updating about.  Maybe not as useful as quick weekly meals, but it is what it is.  I can't please everyone. :)