"We don't become southern, we're born that way."

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Announcing...

Caden Andrew Thompson
Born in Albany, GA
March 19, 2014 at 13:12
He is 7 lbs. 14 oz. and 20 in.
Mommy and baby are doing great.
I was blessed to have a natural birth in a hospital- whew!
And make it home at the 24 hour mark!
To God be the glory!!

Can't wait to try to cloth diapers!!

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

      Another rice casserole recipe, I know. But it was really good and I am on a mission to find meals to fit into my wheat free diet. I served this with fresh steamed greenbeans and fresh roasted parmesan cauliflower. It was a super yummy combination. And once again the casserole is half eaten- oops!


1. Precook:
1 C. brown rice
1/4 C. wild rice
2. Sautee the following in butter or olive oil: (preheat oven to 350)
1/2 C. diced onion
2-3 grated carrots
1 minced clove of garlic (optional)
salt and pepper to taste
3. Mix together:
2 C. chicken broth
1 T. cornstarch
4. Then add into the sauteed vegetables and bring to a boil. (remember to stir constantly so that the cornstarch doesn't clump) Turn off heat. Stir in:
1 C. sour cream (or plain yogurt)
small can of green chile peppers (optional)
5. Pour into a large mixing bowl. Add in:
cooked rice
2 C. shredded cooked chicken
4 oz. grated cheddar cheese
6. Mix all together. Pour into a greased 9X13 casserole dish. Top with:
additional 4 oz. grated cheddar cheese
cilantro
7. Cover and bake on 350 for approximately 30-40 minutes.


Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole



Monday, March 10, 2014

The Morning Sickness Handbook

You might be wondering, why would I be thinking about morning sickness when I will be 40 weeks pregnant tomorrow. But, I think that it is natural to look back over your pregnancy when you are reaching the end of it. I always get morning sickness- well around the clock sickness would be a better description for me. With my first it lasted for 6 whole months. With my second and third it was pretty much over as I began the second trimester. But, I will still get queasy if I do not eat properly. And my body requires different eating habits while I am pregnant than when I am not. I must have some whole grain carbs while I am pregnant. I can get away with much less when I am not. So with that being said, I would like to recommend "The Morning Sickness Handbook" to you. I discovered this at the beginning of this pregnancy and I have to say that I was able to get through the sickness so much better this time around. It was not constant or as intense. There were so many wonderful recommendations in this book. It was even divided into sections according to the intensity of your sickness to help you make the most of your time and choose the best remedies for your sickness. Super helpful. I think that any mama suffering from morning sickness should have a copy. There is something in this book for everyone.

Where to buy.







Sunday, March 9, 2014

Mushroom, Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

So I made a new recipe tonight and it turned out so good that I had to share it. I wasn't planning on that, so that is why it is a picture of it half eaten! It goes great with a green vegetable or a side salad. I made steamed peas tonight. And the best thing about this is that it is ALL real food! No cream of soups in here.

1 C. brown rice and 1/4 C. wild rice (uncooked measurements) cook it beforehand
8 oz. package of fresh baby bella mushrooms sliced and sauteed
1/2 C. onion diced and sauteed
2 C. cooked chicken breast shredded
1/2 C. chicken broth
1/2 C. sour cream (or plain yogurt)
1/2 C. parmesan cheese shredded
8 oz. block of colby jack cheese shredded and divided in half
salt and pepper to taste

1. Cook your rice.
2. Prepare and sautee the mushrooms and onions. Do them separately. Preheat your oven to 350.
3. In a large mixing bowl combine the chicken broth and sour cream. Add in the parmesan and half of the colby jack and the shredded chicken. Add in mushrooms and onions as finished. Salt and pepper. Combine. Add in the rice. Mix in gently.
3. Spread into a greased 9X13 casserole dish.
4. Sprinkle the rest of the colby jack over the top and cover with foil.
5. Bake for 30-40 minutes on 350.
6. ENJOY!

Mushroom, Chicken and Rice Casserole


Cute finds on the Belk clearance rack

Still waiting for a baby...
I found a couple of flyaway 3/4 sleeve cover-ups at Belk for a total of $14! They were previously $36 each. A little extra coverage is always nice postpartum and while breastfeeding. And so is a couple of fresh clothing articles.

Belk clearance finds


Saturday, March 8, 2014

Last minute sewing

So in my quest to find a non-toxic changing pad for my table I ran across this in my google searches: Holy Lamb Organic changing pad. And thought 'holy cow!' when I saw the price and then I thought, I could totally make that. No mine wouldn't be organic cotton twill filled with eco wool, but still it would be alot better than any of the other options that were in my budget range. So I made a copycat. My 2 year old was my tester and he didn't want to get off of it! He said, "It's fwuffy and warm Momma!" My husband said that means it will be comfy for a little baby then.


Homemade changing pad!

And a few days ago I FINALLY finished my ring sling. I finally figured out the padding and pleating the way I like it. I actually redid the very first sling that I ever made because it is my favorite fabric.



Padded rails/inside
Shoulder pad


Shoulder pleats