I've been having a hard time finding time to do anything I enjoy. Not that I don't enjoy taking care of my family, but I don't remember the last time I sat down to make cards. It was before our precious Anna was born I know that. Another thing I haven't been able to do since being in the throes of pregnancy has been coming up with a creative weekly menu.
It has taken us these past two months to get back into some kind of rhythm, and we are no where near our new normal yet. Going from two to three kids has been a struggle. The other night James made the comment that things used to be so simple. Children now out number adults, and it is a daily struggle to make sure everyone's needs are met.
SO, my new concept? Share something new each child has done that week, and share any new recipes I may have tried.
As I'm typing Anna is making sure I know how much her legs hurt. Poor thing had to have 3 shots today. Thankfully, she is growing and thriving. At two months old she weighs 10 pounds 13 ounces, and is 21 1/2 inches long. She's such a sweet thing and a true joy to our lives.
Monday was a day off of school in celebration of Easter (the joys of being Catholic and attending Catholic school!) On Tuesday Claire went with a few girls in her Little Flowers group to Color Me Mine where they all were able to choose and paint a product of their choice. I had the privilege of driving Claire, Addie, and Brooke to the venue. The girls were SO excited and had such a great time! Claire received First Communion on the 11th. She looked absolutely beautiful in her white dress, shoes, and veil, and did an excellent job with her reading. ALL the 2nd graders did an amazing job, and I know it was a special day for them. We celebrated after Mass by attending the reception the Ladies Auxiliary hosted, and Claire opened her special gift from Grandma and Grandpa.
Sam has become more outgoing and talkative the past few weeks. It's so amazing to see this change in him. He definitely still has his stubborn streak and moments when he decides to be shy. He's been adding "but," "actually," and "probably" to his daily vocabulary. I find it really funny. The other day I asked him if he was poopy. He said, "No... Yes, actually." He is so much like James, and I find his personality endearing (albeit frustrating at times.)
I have been insanely busy with the three kids and our house. Not only has taking care of the kids been a challenge, but keeping up on the housework has been a struggle as well. I have found that if I make a to-do list for the week, I feel more focused and ready to tackle what needs to be done. It's only Tuesday and most of my list has been crossed off! Last Wednesday was a much needed coffee date with my cousins, and that evening was my second NFP meeting with my new teacher. Another thing to add to my daily chaos is the chore (that's really what it feels like right now) of charting while breastfeeding. I've been praying for my cycle to start just so it would be easier and more definitive. Although it has been hard I am so happy to be back in the swing of things. I haven't been in contact with a teacher in a loooooong time, and have a great connection with my new one. Let's hope I can keep up the good work!
Another part of my new concept is to share any new recipes I've tried in the past week. The last two weeks of Lent I tried vegetarian chili recipes I found on Pinterest. One was a hit, the other not so much.
Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili was a huge hit with my husband and myself. It was flavorful without being overpowering, and full of nutrition! It felt good to serve my family something that was packed with good ingredients that would help them thrive. If only my kids had tried it...
The failure? Lentil Chili. Part of the reason this recipe failed was my lack of knowledge on cooking lentils, and the fact that I started the recipe entirely too early. By the time James made it home (it just so happened to be a night he worked late) it had turned to a disgusting mush. It tasted like refried beans, which are good, but not when it's supposed to be a chili like consistency. I ended up throwing this one out.
Last week I made two recipes from a book I got for Christmas from my father-in-law.
The first was Sweet Potato Black Bean Squash Enchiladas. I thought these were absolutely delicious! My husband liked the flavor, but not the texture (which I find quite funny as how I'm usually the one with texture issues.) I would definitely make this recipe again! Maybe even use the filling for something different like a burrito bowl or something.
The second recipe I tried was Tortilla Soup. I guess I should mention that this cookbook is entirely vegan/vegetarian, so when I saw that Tortilla Soup was in it I knew I had to try it. I would make this recipe again, too, except I would maybe omit the chickpeas and add black beans and corn instead. It would even be good with shredded chicken added to it.
I have found that my menus for the past two weeks have had a theme. Last week was more "Mexican" in nature. I think I made cheesy roll ups for the kids, and had Chimichangas listed as well (except I never got around to make these, and are consequentially on my Italian menu this week.)
I'm really hoping (fingers crossed!) to blog again next week. My goal is to make the time every Sunday and just DO it! I find that writing about my week helps to ground me, and releases a bit of pent up creative energy.
Stay tuned...
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