U/S appointment.

For about 6 months, I posted on another blog.  This a post that was copied from that blog.  I used different names for the family.  Just so you know the names were as follows:

Prince Charming - Wandering Aengus
Princess Belle - Lilly
Princess Magpie - Rose
Princess Snifflefritz - Lotus
Little Prince - Reed

Went to my U/S yesterday.  It is a good thing they didn’t take my blood pressure because I am sure it would have been sky high!  I was so nervous everything wouldn’t be okay with my baby boy.  But my little guy is still a baby boy and he is  a BIG baby boy!!! He is measuring 3 1/2 weeks older than he is!!!  That is definitely a result of my Gestational Diabetes. He is footling breach but he is healthy, has a good strong heartbeat, good blood flow and good healthy kidneys.  After already having two c-sections, I knew this little guy was going to be another one, but he decided to try a new kind of breach position.  My girls were all transverse, but he is head up and feet right down on my cervix.  That really explains why I feel the painful kicks down there.  He was so sweet with his little head of hair and his chest rising a falling while he did his practice breathing.  I am so in love with this little guy!

Nervous

For about 6 months, I posted on another blog.  This a post that was copied from that blog.  I used different names for the family.  Just so you know the names were as follows:

Prince Charming - Wandering Aengus
Princess Belle - Lilly
Princess Magpie - Rose
Princess Snifflefritz - Lotus
Little Prince - Reed

I don’t know why but I always get nervous when my baby is getting checked out.  I think of them doing the U/S today and I am terrified that they will find something bad.  I am going in for a fetal assessment and an U/S today.  And even though I have no reason to think I need luck, I would like to ask you to wish me luck that nothing bad turns up.

32 Weeks

For about 6 months, I posted on another blog.  This a post that was copied from that blog.  I used different names for the family.  Just so you know the names were as follows:

Prince Charming - Wandering Aengus
Princess Belle - Lilly
Princess Magpie - Rose
Princess Snifflefritz - Lotus
Little Prince - Reed

Well, I am 32 weeks pregnant now  and I haven’t been hospitalized yet even though my blood pressure and blood sugars are high.  So that is good.  I have the babies room basically ready.  It isn’t cute yet, but it can be a home for my baby should we need it soon.  The baby is as active as heck and I love to feel him beating and banging around in there.  He is such an active little guy it makes me feel good.  He feels huge inside me compared to how my girls felt, I guess I will find out how big he is at my U/S tomorrow.

Here is another awful pic of me.  This one was taken at 32 weeks and I have flour on my arm from making breakfast bars for my girls breakfast.  (I love making breakfasts that can be nibbled on all day.)

Conversations with 3 Year Old Rose

For about 6 months, I posted on another blog.  This a post that was copied from that blog.  I used different names for the family.  Just so you know the names were as follows:

Prince Charming - Wandering Aengus
Princess Belle - Lilly
Princess Magpie - Rose
Princess Snifflefritz - Lotus
Little Prince - Reed

*sigh* “Mommy, I sad”

“Oh, why are you sad?”

*unrecognizable babble* “need cupcake”

“Do you need a cupcake?”

*Big Breath of relief* “Yeah!”

“Well if all it takes to make my baby happy is a cupcake, you can have one. Here you go.”

“Thank You Mommy!”

If only all life’s problems were as easily solved.

Just another little note, I never felt like I was an older pregnant mother (even though I knew intellectually I was) until today when  a friend told me that she was soon to be a grandmother.  Wow, if I had started my family earlier that could be me.  I am certainly old enough.

I love to listen to them in the room

For about 6 months, I posted on another blog.  This a post that was copied from that blog.  I used different names for the family.  Just so you know the names were as follows:

Prince Charming - Wandering Aengus
Princess Belle - Lilly
Princess Magpie - Rose
Princess Snifflefritz - Lotus
Little Prince - Reed

One of my favorite things is to listen (eavesdrop) on the girls in the room at night. It is too cute and kind of heartwarming to hear them together. Like this conversation while Lilly was sleeping I could hear this:

3 year old Rose:
“Heave! Ho!”
*pause*
“Heave! Ho!”
*pause*
“Heave! Ho!”
*pause*
“Mommy!”
*pause*
“Don’t worry Sissy, I called Mommy.”

Daddy goes to door and peeks in.

“Daddy, Sissy is stuck, Can you save her?”

Daddy sees 2 year old Lotus stuck under the bed and pulls her out. It is too cute that little Rose was trying to rescue her sister.

Keeping Tabs

For about 6 months, I posted on another blog.  This a post that was copied from that blog.  I used different names for the family.  Just so you know the names were as follows:

Prince Charming - Wandering Aengus
Princess Belle - Lilly
Princess Magpie - Rose
Princess Snifflefritz - Lotus
Little Prince - Reed

I don’t mean to be complaining, but I am still feeling yucky. I do have another doctor’s appointment tomorrow, on the 23rd, the 27th and the 29th. I am a little worried that I will end up in hospital soon. But in the meantime, I will keep following up on all their concerns, doing all the tests that they want and keep good tabs on my baby boy.

Update

For about 6 months, I posted on another blog.  This a post that was copied from that blog.  I used different names for the family.  Just so you know the names were as follows:

Prince Charming - Wandering Aengus
Princess Belle - Lilly
Princess Magpie - Rose
Princess Snifflefritz - Lotus
Little Prince - Reed
I am feeling kind of yucky today. I just feel tired, short of breath and kind of headachey. I hope this is not a sign of things to come. I don’t want to spend the remainder of my pregnancy feeling a general feeling of yucky.

I had some tests done yesterday and I had some more today. So hopefully I will have good news from that. (or at least no bad news anyway)

Looking up

For about 6 months, I posted on another blog.  This a post that was copied from that blog.  I used different names for the family.  Just so you know the names were as follows:

Prince Charming - Wandering Aengus
Princess Belle - Lilly
Princess Magpie - Rose
Princess Snifflefritz - Lotus
Little Prince - Reed

Well today I got some good deals on used furniture. I spent about $180 and got some bunk beds for the girls, a hide-a-bed couch for the living room, a play pen, and a stroller. On Monday another really nice leather couch for the living room is being delivered and a 4 in 1 crib and a bunch of baby boy clothes has been promised to me. I am so relieved. We are set now. We needed so many things and I was stressing on how to get them all. Things were wrecked in our move and I suddenly found myself needing things for our home. I needed somewhere to sleep for the guest who is coming to help Wandering Aengus with the girls when I am in the hospital. I needed better beds for the girls, because their room is too small for all those beds and the toddler beds have been destroyed anyway. I needed somewhere for the baby to sleep and I needed some more clothes for the baby. In one short day, I got all of that taken care of. I love it when things come together like that.

Pina Colada Oatmeal

For about 6 months, I posted on another blog.  This a post that was copied from that blog.  I used different names for the family.  Just so you know the names were as follows:

Prince Charming - Wandering Aengus
Princess Belle - Lilly
Princess Magpie - Rose
Princess Snifflefritz - Lotus
Little Prince - Reed

I decided to try a treat for breakfast this morning and I invented Pina Colada oatmeal. The kids LOVED it and it smelled heavenly.

In the rice cooker, I put:
2 cups oatmeal
4 cups water
1 packaage instant coconut pudding (vegan as far as I could tell)
1 can of pineapple chunks.
Sweeten to taste

When it was done, it smelled just like a yummy pina colada and it was a huge hit with the girls. They have been loving all the new ways I have been trying oatmeal lately.

Thought

For about 6 months, I posted on another blog.  This a post that was copied from that blog.  I used different names for the family.  Just so you know the names were as follows:

Prince Charming - Wandering Aengus
Princess Belle - Lilly
Princess Magpie - Rose
Princess Snifflefritz - Lotus
Little Prince - Reed

Just a little thought, knowing that my blood pressure is up and that there is a good chance I could end up in the hospital very soon is doing nothing to bring my blood pressure down. Now, I am rushing around trying to make sure everything is ready for any emergencies that may occur.

Prenatal Appointment

For about 6 months, I posted on another blog.  This a post that was copied from that blog.  I used different names for the family.  Just so you know the names were as follows:

Prince Charming - Wandering Aengus
Princess Belle - Lilly
Princess Magpie - Rose
Princess Snifflefritz - Lotus
Little Prince - Reed

Well, I had a prenatal appointment this morning. And, my blood sugars are up, my blood pressures are up and we are apparently probably going to be on the fast track for this little one. I am going to be on insulin and blood pressure medication. I am a little panicked. I have tests to schedule, U/S to schedule, and things to do. Not the news I was hoping for. Since we only just moved recently, I am NOT ready for this little guy. But with all my previous pregnancies hospitalization followed soon after my blood pressures going up. I am going to be on blood pressure medications and insulin. On Monday we are going to go out and buy a crib and get some stuff for the house for if I get hospitalized again and some stuff for me. I was really hoping to have at least another month before my blood pressures started going up.

Relief regarding homeschool

For about 6 months, I posted on another blog.  This a post that was copied from that blog.  I used different names for the family.  Just so you know the names were as follows:

Prince Charming - Wandering Aengus
Princess Belle - Lilly
Princess Magpie - Rose
Princess Snifflefritz - Lotus
Little Prince - Reed
One thing that I have noticed about our homeschooling this year is that we have done better than I thought we would. I was really worried that with the move and the delays caused by it, we were going to be really behind and then with the baby coming, I really figured we would have to do work all summer to keep up. But truthfully all the pressure I put on us was pointless. We worked so hard that we are actually ahead of where I wanted to be. Even with the baby coming and the inevitable time off that will entail, we are going to be done early. We will have lots of time to do unit studies and fun things which makes me happy. The only thing we will have to be working on during the summer is math, but I am good with that because it is such a weak point with Lilly that I would rather keep it fresh in her mind all year through. I am going to do some unit studies and some field trips and fun things during the summer just because we like it. But I do feel a lot better about where we are now.

Once Again

Once again a headache has taken me out. I am barely functioning with the pain this time. Ugh, this sucks.

Baby stuff, homeschool and yummy food.

For about 6 months, I posted on another blog.  This a post that was copied from that blog.  I used different names for the family.  Just so you know the names were as follows:

Prince Charming - Wandering Aengus
Princess Belle - Lilly
Princess Magpie - Rose
Princess Snifflefritz - Lotus
Little Prince - Reed
I got more done on the nursery today. I was sorting through clothes and picking out the bags I was going to take to the hospital and puttering away at it all. I am feeling more confident that we will have it all done in time now. I did realize that I am going to have to shopping for some baby clothes, but truthfully picking out clothes for my new baby to wear is NOT a chore. LOL

I realized today that Lilly and I are doing REALLY REALLY well with our homeschool schedule for this year. I am going to have time to do unit studies and to take time off when I have the baby. I am so glad. The only thing we will have work on over the summer is math, but that is NOT our strong suit and it will be good to keep it fresh in her mind.

I made a kind of yummy breakfast bar this morning. It would be really really good with nuts in them too.

For supper I made a version of Pasta Puttanesca. I made it a little spicy and it was really really good. Even Lilly had two servings. MMmmmmm . . . yummy!

Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Breakfast Bars
Ingredients:
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cup sugar or sweetener of choice
1/2 cup almond milk
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp cinnamon
1 cup raisins
3 cups rolled or quick cooking oatmeal

Steps:
1. Mix all ingredients together and press into a 8 x 13 pan. Bake 15 – 18 minutes, or until done. Cut while warm but don’t move until cooled. These were a little soft in the middle and VERY TASTY!

Pasta Puttanesca
pasta, any long variety of your choice
1 1/2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
1 – 2 tbsp capers
3/4 cup pitted brine-cured olives, chopped (use a combination of black and green)
12-ounce jar roasted red peppers, diced
2 large cans diced tomatoes
1 tbsp olive brine
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, or to taste

Cook the pasta in plenty of rapidly simmering water until al dente, then drain.
Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add the garlic and sauté until over low heat until golden, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the olives, roasted peppers, tomatoes, capers, olives and red pepper flakes. Reduce heat to low, and add the brine and tomatoes.

Cover and simmer for at least fifteen minutes.

Combine the cooked pasta with the olive sauce in a large serving bowl.

Season with salt and pepper, and toss together gently. Serve at once.

Random Thoughts

For about 6 months, I posted on another blog.  This a post that was copied from that blog.  I used different names for the family.  Just so you know the names were as follows:

Prince Charming - Wandering Aengus
Princess Belle - Lilly
Princess Magpie - Rose
Princess Snifflefritz - Lotus
Little Prince - Reed
I am making headway on the nursery. I have it mostly empty except a few boxes we have to go through. I am relieved about that. I am hoping to have the crib in the next couple of weeks.

I am loving how much stronger this babies kicks and movements are than my girls were. He is so strong and definite in his kicking that it actually hurts sometimes. LOL It gives me confidence in him and his health. It makes me wonder whether he may be bigger than the girls were.

I love on how I reinvented leftovers and used them three days in a row in different ways. The first day I made a pasta sauce, the second day I used the sauce added spices, beans and veggies and turned it into a quick veggie chili type dinner. The third day, I made a cornbread and put over the leftovers. It was sooo yummy. (Although for my personal tastes, I would make the cornbread less sweet, but that is how Aengus likes it.

Random Thoughts

For about 6 months, I posted on another blog.  This a post that was copied from that blog.  I used different names for the family.  Just so you know the names were as follows:

Prince Charming - Wandering Aengus
Princess Belle - Lilly
Princess Magpie - Rose
Princess Snifflefritz - Lotus
Little Prince - Reed

I am making headway on the nursery. I have it mostly empty except a few boxes we have to go through. I am relieved about that. I am hoping to have the crib in the next couple of weeks.

I am loving how much stronger this babies kicks and movements are than my girls were. He is so strong and definite in his kicking that it actually hurts sometimes. LOL It gives me confidence in him and his health. It makes me wonder whether he may be bigger than the girls were.
 
I love on how I reinvented leftovers and used them three days in a row in different ways. The first day I made a pasta sauce, the second day I used the sauce added spices, beans and veggies and turned it into a quick veggie chili type dinner. The third day, I made a cornbread and put over the leftovers. It was sooo yummy. (Although for my personal tastes, I would make the cornbread less sweet, but that is how Aengus likes it.

Mmm . . . Yummy!

For about 6 months, I posted on another blog.  This a post that was copied from that blog.  I used different names for the family.  Just so you know the names were as follows:

Prince Charming - Wandering Aengus
Princess Belle - Lilly
Princess Magpie - Rose
Princess Snifflefritz - Lotus
Little Prince - Reed

We are having a nice relaxing Saturday today. I haven’t taken a my yucky medication yet and so I still have energy. I am thinking I may try to get some things done before I take it and feel miserable again. I just feel so good right now and I am enjoying it. For breakfast I wanted to make something yummy for the girls so here is what I made.

Leftover Rice Rice Pudding

2 cups leftover cooked brown rice
3 cups vanilla almond milk
1/2 cup sugar (I actually used a sweetener instead)
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon,
Combine all ingredients in a rice cooker and let it run it’s cycle. It was easy and yummy. I will say you have to watch that it doesn’t bubble over in the rice cooker, but the girls loved it. They couldn’t even wait for it to cool toe at it.
If you have the patience, divide rice pudding into individual serving dishes serve warm or chilled.
Makes 4-6 servings.

I have a little extra chili in the house today and for lunch I thought I would make some cornbread and bake over top of it. I will let you know how it turns out!

Here is my idea:
Leftover Chili topped with Cornbread

Ingredients:
Leftover chili (or canned veggie chili)
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all purpose flour
2/3 cup sugar (or sweetener)
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup vanilla almond milk
1/2 cup water
Spread chili in the bottom of an oven safe dish. Then mix dry ingredients in a bowl with a fork or a whisk. Stir in wet ingredients but don’t mix too much.
Spread over chili and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the edges are a little brown and tests done with a toothpick.

For supper I am making a hash of root veggies which is always a big hit in our house.

Mmm . . . Yummy!

For about 6 months, I posted on another blog.  This a post that was copied from that blog.  I used different names for the family.  Just so you know the names were as follows:

Prince Charming - Wandering Aengus
Princess Belle - Lilly
Princess Magpie - Rose
Princess Snifflefritz - Lotus
Little Prince - Reed
We are having a nice relaxing Saturday today. I haven’t taken a my yucky medication yet and so I still have energy. I am thinking I may try to get some things done before I take it and feel miserable again. I just feel so good right now and I am enjoying it. For breakfast I wanted to make something yummy for the girls so here is what I made.

Leftover Rice Rice Pudding
2 cups leftover cooked brown rice
3 cups vanilla almond milk
1/2 cup sugar (I actually used a sweetener instead)
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon,
Combine all ingredients in a rice cooker and let it run it’s cycle. It was easy and yummy. I will say you have to watch that it doesn’t bubble over in the rice cooker, but the girls loved it. They couldn’t even wait for it to cool toe at it.
If you have the patience, divide rice pudding into individual serving dishes serve warm or chilled.
Makes 4-6 servings.
I have a little extra chili in the house today and for lunch I thought I would make some cornbread and bake over top of it. I will let you know how it turns out!

Here is my idea:
Leftover Chili topped with Cornbread
Ingredients:
Leftover chili (or canned veggie chili)
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all purpose flour
2/3 cup sugar (or sweetener)
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup vanilla almond milk
1/2 cup water
Spread chili in the bottom of an oven safe dish. Then mix dry ingredients in a bowl with a fork or a whisk. Stir in wet ingredients but don’t mix too much.
Spread over chili and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the edges are a little brown and tests done with a toothpick.
For supper I am making a hash of root veggies which is always a big hit in our house.

Oh Boy!

For about 6 months, I posted on another blog.  This a post that was copied from that blog.  I used different names for the family.  Just so you know the names were as follows:

Prince Charming - Wandering Aengus
Princess Belle - Lilly
Princess Magpie - Rose
Princess Snifflefritz - Lotus
Little Prince - Reed
I realized today that I know nothing about the hospital here in HRM. I have had three kids before but none here. I don’t know what I need to bring for the baby, I don’t know what the procedures are. I really need to do some research. It is scary to think that this is creeping up on me so quickly and I have so many things to get organized!!!!

Oh Boy!

For about 6 months, I posted on another blog.  This a post that was copied from that blog.  I used different names for the family.  Just so you know the names were as follows:

Prince Charming - Wandering Aengus
Princess Belle - Lilly
Princess Magpie - Rose
Princess Snifflefritz - Lotus
Little Prince - Reed

I realized today that I know nothing about the hospital here in HRM. I have had three kids before but none here. I don’t know what I need to bring for the baby, I don’t know what the procedures are. I really need to do some research. It is scary to think that this is creeping up on me so quickly and I have so many things to get organized!!!!

Getting it done.

For about 6 months, I posted on another blog.  This a post that was copied from that blog.  I used different names for the family.  Just so you know the names were as follows:

Prince Charming - Wandering Aengus
Princess Belle - Lilly
Princess Magpie - Rose
Princess Snifflefritz - Lotus
Little Prince - Reed
I worked hard today, trying desperately to clear out all the boxes that are in Reed’s nursery to be. I got a lot done. I am hoping to have it done within a week. Wandering Aengus doesn’t understand why I need to have it done so soon when I am not due until April. But, we know that given my prenatal history, I probably have a month or so at the most and for my own sense of well-being I need to have the nursery done and my hospital bag ready. So, here’s to my being industrious and getting it all done soon.

Getting it done.

For about 6 months, I posted on another blog.  This a post that was copied from that blog.  I used different names for the family.  Just so you know the names were as follows:

Prince Charming - Wandering Aengus
Princess Belle - Lilly
Princess Magpie - Rose
Princess Snifflefritz - Lotus
Little Prince - Reed

I worked hard today, trying desperately to clear out all the boxes that are in Reed’s nursery to be. I got a lot done. I am hoping to have it done within a week. Wandering Aengus doesn’t understand why I need to have it done so soon when I am not due until April. But, we know that given my prenatal history, I probably have a month or so at the most and for my own sense of well-being I need to have the nursery done and my hospital bag ready. So, here’s to my being industrious and getting it all done soon.

Hmmm . . . now what do I do?

For about 6 months, I posted on another blog.  This a post that was copied from that blog.  I used different names for the family.  Just so you know the names were as follows:

Prince Charming - Wandering Aengus
Princess Belle - Lilly
Princess Magpie - Rose
Princess Snifflefritz - Lotus
Little Prince - Reed

Since starting my plant based diet, I have noticed that my Gestational Diabetes has gone through the roof. My sugars just keep getting higher and higher and I am really not sure what to do about that. I am going to approach it by trying to increase my proteins and lower my carbs and see if that helps. I am open to any ideas anybody out there may have.

Hmmm . . . now what do I do?

For about 6 months, I posted on another blog.  This a post that was copied from that blog.  I used different names for the family.  Just so you know the names were as follows:

Prince Charming - Wandering Aengus
Princess Belle - Lilly
Princess Magpie - Rose
Princess Snifflefritz - Lotus
Little Prince - Reed

Since starting my plant based diet, I have noticed that my Gestational Diabetes has gone through the roof. My sugars just keep getting higher and higher and I am really not sure what to do about that. I am going to approach it by trying to increase my proteins and lower my carbs and see if that helps. I am open to any ideas anybody out there may have.

Some pics of my book loving little sprouts

For about 6 months, I posted on another blog.  This a post that was copied from that blog.  I used different names for the family.  Just so you know the names were as follows:

Prince Charming - Wandering Aengus
Princess Belle - Lilly
Princess Magpie - Rose
Princess Snifflefritz - Lotus
Little Prince - Reed

 







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Homeschooling Question and Experimentation

For about 6 months, I posted on another blog.  This a post that was copied from that blog.  I used different names for the family.  Just so you know the names were as follows:

Prince Charming - Wandering Aengus
Princess Belle - Lilly
Princess Magpie - Rose
Princess Snifflefritz - Lotus
Little Prince - Reed

Now, I have a question for all you homeschooling moms out there, when you are homeschooling at your kids are tired, do you try to get them to continue on and do their work anyway? I don’t know. I did today, but for the most part, I don’t want our schoolwork to be a drudgery. I would like there to be enthusiasm, but at the same time I don’t want it to be a matter of simply pleading tired and then you don’t have to do anything? How do you find a balance? I am interested in your thoughts on it.
For supper tonight I experimented with making split pea soup in a slow cooker today. It apparently takes a LOT longer than I expected so I am leaving it in there to cook away and I am improvising with something else yummy for supper. This is the basic recipe that I am making, but as this is just the idea I have come up with and I will be making it for the first time, I will be experimenting with it a little.

Broccoli and Tofu with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Dried rice noodles
1 lb firm tofu (that has been frozen, thawed, pressed and cut into chunks)
1 lb broccoli
1 red pepper cut into same strips
1 yellow pepper cut in the same way
1 courgette/zucchini cut into strips
1 1/2 tablespoons peanut oil or canola oil
2 cups onion
1 tablespoon fresh ginger
4 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 scallion, minced
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup hot water
6 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons honey
1 red chili pepper flakes (to taste)

Directions
1.Cook the rice noodles according to the instructions on the packet – often this is just pouring boiling water over them and leaving them for a while.
2.For the Sauce: Place peanut butter and water in a sauce pan, heat on low heat and whisk until mixture is uniform. Add vinegar, honey, soy sauce and red chili flakes.
3.Set aside.
4.In a wok, heat half the oil, half the ginger, and half the garlic.
5.When hot, add tofu and stir fry for a few minutes.
6.Add tofu to sauce and set aside.
7.To wok add the rest of the oil, ginger, garlic, and onion.
8.When hot add the broccoli (which should be chopped into manageable bits, including the stems) and the other veggies, then stir fry a few minutes.
9.Add the soy sauce and stir fry until broccoli is just tender and bright green.
10.Add sauce to broccoli and stir until everything is coated with sauce.
11.Add the rice noodles and combining well (you may want to cut them up if they are very long). .
12. Top with lightly toasted chopped nuts and scallions.

I thought I would share a belly pic today. It is NOT a good one, I hate my hair, the angle and everything, but it does show my HUGE belly at exactly 29 weeks. I am feeling really, really tired lately and I am worried about having enough energy to get the things done that I need to do.

Sunday Stuff

For about 6 months, I posted on another blog.  This a post that was copied from that blog.  I used different names for the family.  Just so you know the names were as follows:

Prince Charming - Wandering Aengus
Princess Belle - Lilly
Princess Magpie - Rose
Princess Snifflefritz - Lotus
Little Prince - Reed

Wandering Aengus is carnivore of the biggest degree, motto is that it isn’t food unless something died.  But he is giving my plant based diet a try!  He willingly volunteered to try this meal plan but when it came time to actually eat, he grudgingly gave  it a shot.  And he is actually liking it!  Last night, I mixed leftover veggie chili with rice, beans, zucchini,  corn,  green onions and salsa.  Then I served it in vegan wraps with a little extra salsa, green onions, and some tofutti cream cheese (I added a little spicy hummus to mine).  He LOVED IT! He ate so much at supper, his belly hurt and then he proceeded to eat a  couple more over the course of the evening!  He said, you can’t feel deprived eating food like that.

For breakfast this morning I made oatmeal and added chopped apple, raisins, cinnamon and sugar.  For the girls, I topped it with a little peanut butter.  They LOVED it!  Rose even had seconds.

Tonight I am making Root Veggie Hash.

Ingredients
1 onion, peeled and cut into rings
2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
3 to 3-1/2 pounds root vegetables, such as parsnips, carrots, celery root, parsley root, turnips and/or potatoes in any combination
cabbage (optional but we like it a lot)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons dried (thyme, rosemary, tarragon, etc.)

To simply roast the veggies:
Preheat oven to 450ºF. Place vegetables in large bowl and toss with remaining ingredients. Spread on large baking sheet to form a single layer. Bake for 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to 400ºF and roast an additional 30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender when pierced with a fork.

To make it more of a hash like we serve it:
Place veggies in oven in an oven safe dish.  Roast at 300ºF – 350ºF adding veggie broth to moisten as needed.  I like it cooked low and slow until the veggies get extra soft and start to create an almost creamy texture along with the veggie broth.  I like this a little salty and served with fresh bread but season to your taste. It is also good with a yummy vegan mushroom gravy mixed through it.

I looked around today and I loved what I saw.  Lilly was curled up in a chair reading one of her favorite “learning” books, stopping every once in a while to share some exciting thing she hadn’t know before.  Lotus was running around with a board book looking at all the colors and shapes and Rose was sitting with her daddy on the couch, telling him all about the book she had, explaining all about it and getting it right!  I love days like this that show how much my girls love to learn.

Not too bad

For about 6 months, I posted on another blog.  This a post that was copied from that blog.  I used different names for the family.  Just so you know the names were as follows:

Prince Charming - Wandering Aengus
Princess Belle - Lilly
Princess Magpie - Rose
Princess Snifflefritz - Lotus
Little Prince - Reed

I was feeling tired and worn out today.  It is a by-product of my medication combined with my pregnancy.  Anyway, I let Lilly do some reading today for homeschool.  She read for about 3 hours straight.  She picked out science books and history books.  She took projects out of the books to try and was excited to show me what she was doing.  She even took an interest in the Egyptian books we have and tried to write her name and mine (mom) in the way that they did.  Afterwards, she took out some art books and did some pop out art.  So, she did good even if I was worn out.

For supper last night I made a fabulous veggie chili.  Today I combined the leftovers with rice, some extra seasoning and some veggies and made wraps.  I like to be creative and nobody is missing the meat yet. I even had fresh bread made for everyone for their lunch today, which is always a big hit.

So all  in all, my day was not too bad

Vegan Peanut Butter Oatmeal Raisin Breakfast Snacks

For about 6 months, I posted on another blog.  This a post that was copied from that blog.  I used different names for the family.  Just so you know the names were as follows:

Prince Charming - Wandering Aengus
Princess Belle - Lilly
Princess Magpie - Rose
Princess Snifflefritz - Lotus
Little Prince - Reed
I tried something new today.  I wanted to make something different for the girls for breakfast.  They were a real hit and I will definitely be making these again.

Ingredients:
1/4 cup margarine (make sure it’s vegan!)
1/2 cup Peanut butter or nut butter of choice
1 1/2 cup raw sugar or sweetener or choice
1/2 cup almond milk
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp cinnamon
1 cup raisins
3 cups rolled or quick cooking oatmeal

Steps:
1. Mix all ingredients together and drop in balls onto cookie sheet. Bake 10 minutes, or until done. Mine came out still in balls and the girls thought they were great.  These would be good with sunflower seeds or nuts in them and formed into bars as well.  I am going to try it that way next time.  VERY TASTY!

These days

For about 6 months, I posted on another blog.  This a post that was copied from that blog.  I used different names for the family.  Just so you know the names were as follows:

Prince Charming - Wandering Aengus
Princess Belle - Lilly
Princess Magpie - Rose
Princess Snifflefritz - Lotus
Little Prince - Reed
I am definitely feeling pregnant these days.  I am tired and grouchy.  I don’t remember my belly feeling this heavy with my other pregnancies.  I do love feeling the baby move, I just wish I had more energy to get everything done that I need to.  We are doing our homeschool, I just wish I had enough energy to put a little extra stuff into it right now.

Excited Find

For about 6 months, I posted on another blog.  This a post that was copied from that blog.  I used different names for the family.  Just so you know the names were as follows:

Prince Charming - Wandering Aengus
Princess Belle - Lilly
Princess Magpie - Rose
Princess Snifflefritz - Lotus
Little Prince - Reed

I went to the local fruit and vegetable market yesterday.  It is called Dave’s Fruit & Vegetable Market and it is WONDERFUL!  I went hog-wild picking up a full shopping cart of fruits and veggies and I was nervous when I got to the register that I had over-spent, but when I got there, I had only spent $60 on enough fruits and veggies that I could hardly fit them all into the fridge.  I actually had to get a large basket and put on the top shelf so that I could stack a bunch of them up in it.  It was wonderful! There was just so much variety, I can’t wait to make another trip.  I honestly can’t see me buying any fruits and veggies at the regular grocery store again.  I will be making weekly trips down the road to the market instead and getting local, organic, yummy, inexpensive fruits and veggies.

I used some spiced peppers, onions and potatoes with a little hummus and Tofutti Cream Cheese on a vegan wrap for my breakfast this morning and it was FABULOUS!!!  I am making Ratatouille for supper tonight and I can’t wait to dig in!

Simple Ratatouille
(Makes 6 servings)

Ingredients
1 medium  eggplant
2 small  zucchini
2 small  yellow squash
1 medium  green bell pepper, chopped
1 medium  onion, finely chopped
2 medium  tomatoes, each cut into fourths
1/4 cup  olive oil
1/2 teaspoon  salt
1/4 teaspoon  pepper
1 clove  garlic, crushed

Directions
1. Cut eggplant into 1/2-inch cubes.
2. Cut zucchini and yellow squash into 1/4-inch rounds.
3. Cook all ingredients in 12-inch skillet over medium heat 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until zucchini is tender.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 serving (244.3 g)
Calories 132
Calories from Fat 85
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 9.4g 14%
Saturated Fat 1.2g 6%
Trans Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 206mg 9%
Total Carbohydrates 11.8g 4%
Dietary Fiber 4.6g 18%
Sugars 5.8g
Protein 2.4g
Vitamin A 23%     •     Vitamin C 99%
Calcium 3%     •     Iron 4%

In regards to homeschooling, I am so excited to have found a Scholar’s Choice store here in town.  There are so many things I can’t wait to buy.  There are so many resources there that I will be using to help my girls.

I am also amazed at how much my girls learn by just having a learning environment.  Lilly is always coming up to me and telling me things she has read in a science book, or a history book or some other ‘learning’ book that we have.  Rose has demonstrated that even before I started to really offer my help via book homeschooling, she knows all her colors and her numbers up to ten and most of her alphabet.  She is only three and she is amazing me already.

And Lotus is already proving to be farther along than Rose was at her age.  She speaks more clearly, has almost no baby talk, counts to five and we keep finding out she knows so many things that we didn’t realize she knew.  And she is only TWO!