Organized Electronics

Above is what my dream electronics drawer would look like.  Hardly anything in it, organized, and everything is visible.  Neat-o!  Below is the actual nightmare of an electronics drawer that I have been living with (and choosing to do nothing about) for 3 years in our current house.

Folks, I'm embarrassed by it, but if you can't put an honest "before" picture on your blog, then where else can you put one!? 

Needless to say, something drastic needed to be done.  I enlisted the help of my husband and started by taking everything out of the drawer - which wasn't easy, because as you can see, there was one HEAPING HOT MESS OF CORDS IN THERE!  But, untangle them we did and ended up finding things that we seriously do not need and more importantly, DO NOT HAVE SPACE FOR!  Some fun examples include headphones from Continental Airlines (which I'm pretty sure date back to a trans-Atlantic flight to England circa 2007), a camera for our computer (2 computers ago, we did not have a built in camera!), and cell phone chargers for cell phones we haven't owned in 3 years.  EEEK!

After an hour of sorting and organizing, here is what we ended up with:

It's not perfect, but LOOK!!!  It's organized!  Those darn Wii-wheels were the only things that gave me real trouble because they don't fit easily in a storage bin.  But now, everything has a home within the home of the electronics drawer.  I used a couple tupperware bins for storing video game supplies and music devices/headphones, etc. I used a spare little basket for miscellaneous cords and chargers (only for those items we currently use).  Our video camera and camera are neatly in the corner.  Some spare red/white/yellow cords are tucked right up front.  WHEW!  A vast improvement!  And the best part?  Every bin is labeled so whenever anyone puts anything back (ahem, husband) there is no excuse to not put it back in the proper place!

Well I don't know about you, but I feel a lot better!  That's one small step for organizing my house...but it feels like one giant leap for organizing kind!  I have lots of other projects (bigger and even better!) swimming around in my brain, so hopefully these next few weeks will continue to be productive ones!

The Summer of Getting Stuff Done!

My husband and I (now that we are back from our WONDERFUL vacation to Disney World) have officially declared this:  "The Summer of Getting Stuff Done!"  We are trying to use the summer (when he's out of school) to do as much as we can around the house:  painting, repairs, organizing, cleaning so that we can be ready for when this baby comes!  And also...because this is the time of year when we can actually work collaboratively to get some bigger projects done.  It's just hard to dedicate much time to organizing and home improvements when you are pregnant and chasing a toddler all day.

Here are some of the projects I have in mind: 

1. Continuous, CONSTANT de-cluttering!  The logic is:  we are adding another family member to this tiny house in the fall and we simply need more room.  And we have too much stuff, as I have posted about before.  If it doesn't bring us joy or serve a purpose, it's going out the door!  We are still contemplating whether or not to have a garage sale or just donate everything - we'll see how truly ambitious we are feeling by the end of August before we make that decision!  I am paring down ALL my clothes, and even Josh's clothes (though I know there will be another boy who will need them at some point).  But for now, there is clothes overflow...we are going to SIMPLIFY life and keep just what we actually need.

2.  Find a place for EVERYTHING - I'm preparing for label-palooza!  So much of our problem with stuff is that we don't have a place (ONE PLACE) to put it all...it just gets thrown wherever and stays there until...whenever.  Which is sometimes a very, very long time.  So we're done living that way - I'm going label-crazy in the hopes that my hubby (and even Josh) will join me in putting things back WHERE THEY BELONG when they are finished with them.

3.  DEEP, DEEP cleaning - I am not the type of person who enjoys spring cleaning.  Or even regular cleaning.  Of course, I like the end result, but I am not a fan of the actual process.  I have requested my husband take our son to the lake or playground for a few hours a week so I can pump up the jams and get our house shining like the top of the Chystler Building - hopefully so clean, even Miss Hannigan would be proud. 

That's the main list for now - there are other little sub-projects that fall under the above categories, but for now, I'm trying to keep things as simple as possible.  Because, after all, isn't that what the decluttering and organizing is all about?

The Happiest Recipes on Earth

Perhaps it's the Disney kid in me, or perhaps it's our upcoming trip to Disney World in 1 month and 2 days (but who's counting?), but I have been thinking of all things Disney lately!  Seriously, I'm pretty sure I've got Disney fever...and the only cure?  More cowbell!  I mean...more Disney!

In preparation for our trip, I have been doing a lot of research on all things Disney.  One website I have been on a lot is called Allears.net.  It has every menu at every restaurant, every hotel, every attraction, behind the scenes info, etc.  Seriously, if you ever just want to get a quick Disney fix (or is it just me?), a visit to the website is sure to put a smile on your face!

The thing I love best about the website is that there are actual recipes from the Disney restaurants there!  Not all the recipes, but a lot of them! I guess it's Disney policy that you can ask for any recipe at any restaurant and they will give it to you, no questions asked.  How magical is that?! 

Anyway, I tried this one out the other night to rave reviews from my hubby and Josh boy:

Katie Coyote's Grilled Chicken Pasta
Whispering Canyon Cafe
Wilderness Lodge
Yield 4 servings
Boursin Cream Sauce
Ingredients1 Cup White Wine
2 Cups Heavy Cream
2 tablespoons Shallots, finely diced
1 Cup Boursin Cheese
1/2 tablespoon Thyme, fresh
1/2 tablespoon Garlic, fresh, chopped
To Taste Salt and Pepper

Method of Preparation1. In a stockpot, add White Wine, chopped Thyme, chopped Garlic, and Shallots and reduce by half.
2. Add Heavy Cream and Boursin Cheese and bring to a boil, then turn down to low heat for about 8 minutes.
3. Season with Salt and Pepper to taste.
4. Strain and set aside.

Roasted Poblano Pepper
Ingredients1/2 tablespoon Olive Oil
To Taste Salt and Pepper
2 Each Poblano Peppers
Method of Preparation1. In a small bowl, add the Olive Oil, Salt, and Pepper, and toss the Poblano Peppers in the mixture to coat.
2. If you have a gas-top stove, place your Poblano Peppers right on top of the burner. Roast the Poblano Peppers on all sides until they are blackened.
3. If you do not have a gas-top stove, you can put them on a baking
sheet in the oven under the broiler, but be sure to keep an eye on them so they do not burn. Broil Poblano Peppers on all sides until they are blackened.
4. Under cold water, peel and de-seed the Peppers and dice. Set aside.
Blackened Chicken Breast
Ingredients2 - 8 ounce Chicken Breasts
To Taste Blackening Seasoning of your choice
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
Method of Preparation
1. Season both sides of the Chicken Breasts with the Blackening Seasoning.
2. Add the Olive oil to a sauté pan and sauté both sides of the
Chicken Breasts until done, then cut into very thin strips (julienned.) Set aside.

Mixed Vegetables
Ingredients1 Each Carrot, sliced
1 Each Red Onion, sliced
1 Each Squash, sliced
1 Each Zucchini, sliced
1 Each Broccoli, chopped
1 Each Red Pepper, sliced very thin (julienned)
Method of Preparation1. Combine all the vegetables together and set aside.

Kate Coyote’s Grilled Chicken Pasta
Ingredients1 tablespoon Olive Oil
Boursin Cream Sauce, prepared as directed
Roasted Poblano Peppers, prepared as directed
Blackened Chicken Breast, prepared as directed
Mixed Vegetables, prepared as directed
Penne Pasta, prepared as directed on the box
Method of Preparation1. In a sauté pan, add 1 tablespon Olive Oil and pre-heat the pan.
2. Add the Chicken and sauté for 5 minutes.
3. Add the Mixed Vegetables, diced Poblano Peppers, and Boursin Cream Sauce. Add Salt and Pepper to taste.
4. Serve over a bed of cooked Pasta.
5. Top with grated Romano Cheese.

It's a bit labor intensive, and I did make a few adjustments - I didn't blacken our chicken because I'm not a fan of anything too spicy.  Also, I only used red pepper and zucchini rather than all the other veggies (for cost's sake).  Finally, I omitted the poblano pepper step (again - not sure about the spice factor).  But the flavor of the sauce was flavor enough for us - the heavy cream with the melted Boursin cheese - DELISH! 

Whispering Canyon Cafe @ Fort Wilderness

I'm planning on trying a few more recipes from the wonderful world of Disney in the month to come.  If I find any as delish as this, I will be happy to share! 

Blessed Beyond Belief

I have been feeling so blessed lately and I just wanted somewhere to write about it - I guess this is the place!  The following is a list of things I am very grateful for which have been on my mind lately:

1.  Great time with family - Matt's parents and mine were recently just here for a visit - both traveling LONG distances to get here and spoiling our whole family the whole time they were here.  We are so blessed to have such wonderful family that loves us so much!

2.  Big, huge, unexpected surprises - because seriously, those are just always FUN.

3.  That being said, I will soon be finding out the sex of my sweet little baby - and yes, I still feel I will be surprised when the ultrasound tech tells us as I would be the day of delivery...to each his own, but we are super pumped to find out!

4.  Health - ours and our family's - my dad's cancer is undetectable at the moment and our family members are enjoying very good health.  I have some friends struggling through cancer and other serious illness in their family - my heart just breaks for them.  Thankful to God for watching over us.

5.  Feeling little flutters in my tummy as I type this - I know people say 17 weeks is too early to feel anything but I DO.  And I LOVE IT!!!!  Yay for a healthy, sweet new life in there!

I could go on and on, but I seriously have a monster clothes pile that needs folding.  I can't say I'm thankful for that - but I should be because it means we have clothes to wear and our needs are being met daily.  God is so good.  All the time.  Just had to share!

Memorial Day Weekend

Well I wanted to be better about posting with more regularity, but I guess that hasn't been working out so well!  We have been very busy (as usual!) and I am still trying to get my energy to a normal level...which I'm pretty sure will actually happen when baby # 2 goes off to college.  This way, if it happens sooner, I'll just be pleasantly surprised.

We just had a very nice visit with my husband's parents and celebrated my sweet boy's SECOND birthday! I can't believe he's two already - I literally reached for the little number 2 candle for his birthday cupcake and starting crying right in the store.  SO embarrassing. I'm chalking it up to pregnancy hormones.  Because I can.

In other news, my parents are now currently en route to my house!  We've had a busy few weeks of house guests, but it has been/will be wonderful to see everyone.  We plan to celebrate Memorial Day weekend outside (it's supposed to be beautiful).  Our neighborhood is having a big to-do with kids' games, hot dogs, cotton candy, face painting, etc.  I'm sure little Josh will love it.  Then there will be the parade on Monday morning, a cookout with friends on Monday afternoon, and date night on Monday night! 

It will be a most special date night indeed, because I'm surprising my  husband with a special dinner out to celebrate a major accomplishment - he has recently received notice he got tenure at the school where he teaches!  I am SO proud of him for how hard he has worked, and sticking with the job/district even when the going got VERY tough.  We certainly are giving ALL the glory to God, who not only continues to provide us with everything we need, but who has drawn us closer to Him and Matt and I closer as husband and wife through these last few (at times trying) years. 

When Matt first found out he got the job 4 years ago, we celebrated by going to the Melting Pot for a four course fondue dinner.  Now, 4 years later, I am surprising Matt with dinner at the Melting Pot again - it seems fitting, don't you think?  Yes, it's expensive, but this man surely deserves a splurge! 

That's the news for now - I have a doctor's appointment on Thursday and will probably be able to schedule the ultrasound then.  I can't WAIT to find out if it's a little boy or a little girl in there!  I'll keep you posted!!  Have a great weekend!

I'm Back, Preggo, and Better Than Ever!

Sorry I've been absent for...oh dear, I guess it's been over 2 months now!  Well I have to say, after the long wait (seven months but it seemed like forever to us!) we are FINALLY pregnant!!  And not only that, but I am at the very start of my SECOND TRIMESTER!  One down, two to go!

I have to say I can't complain about my pregnancy thus far too much (especially because I longed for it!) but I definitely had my share of feeling sick.  BLECH.  I never actually GOT sick (again, I shouldn't be complaining!) but I felt sick all the time for the better part of 5 weeks.  I know most women have it WAY worse than that, so I will just say that I was simply feeling too tired and sick and out of it to write for a while.  But I'm feeling much better now so I will try to keep up posting with a little more regularity!

Needless to say, my husband and I are completely thrilled and anxiously awaiting our November 5th due date to meet this new little addition to our family.  I have to say this pregnancy is different in a lot of ways - some days I hardly have time to remember I'm pregnant because I'm so busy chasing my toddler around and attempting to keep my house in SOME sort of order.  And it hasn't been pretty around here, I must admit!  I do believe the floors just got scrubbed on Monday for the first time all trimester.  Please don't judge me.  Actually, judge away.  I'm still too tired to care!

Thankfully, my husband has been amazing throughout everything - majorly stepping up to the plate doing dishes, laundry, and even cleaning out the fridge (because he knew it would make me barf).  It's times like these I really stop and thank God for the amazing man he gave me as a husband and the father of my child(ren)!

All right, no more time to gush - I've got cleaning to do and Sesame Street is only on for another half hour - time for this mama to get busssssy!

Make it March

Last month Josh and I had Fort February. This month, we are moving on to "Make It March." We're going to spend some time in the kitchen, making some easy, yummy recipes and decorating/setting the table.

Today we made place mats which we will use at dinner tonight. Josh and I colored on blank white paper with crayons - nothing fancy, no oil paints or anything like that. Just some delightful scribbles from my budding little Picasso. I'm sure Daddy will at least get a kick out of them when he comes home for dinner tonight. Unfortunately, our place mat-making session had to be cut short early when Josh started coloring with crayon all over the cute little kid-sized chair that Grandma & Grandpa got him for Christmas. Not good! We're hoping to develop the skill of knowing where to keep crayons (ahem, on the paper!).

Here are some kid-friendly (well toddler friendly, I hope) recipes we may be trying out in the next few weeks:

Rice Roll Ups
Stir 2 tablespoons shredded carrot, 1 tablespoon sweet-and-sour sauce, and 1/8 teaspoon salt into 3/4 cup cooked brown rice. Spoon 2 tablespoons of rice mixture onto a thin slice of deli roast beef. Top with a slice each of red pepper and avocado; then roll up. Cut rolls in half diagonally. Repeat steps to make 12 pieces.

Cheesy Bruschetta
Slice a 1/2-pound whole-grain baguette into 16 pieces and arrange them on a baking sheet. Bake at 450 degrees F. for 6 to 8 minutes or until just toasted, turning once. In a small bowl, stir together 2 seeded and chopped Roma tomatoes, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Spoon mixture onto each bread slice. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Return to oven and bake 2 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

(both recipes taken from Parents.com)

Clover Cookies (in honor of St. Patty's Day!)

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup butter at room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 tbsp. vanilla extract
Green food coloring


Measure the flour, baking soda and salt into a medium-sized bowl. Stir well
and set aside.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer for about
1 minute. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter and sugar, mixing well after
each addition. The dough should be stiff.
Add several drops of green food coloring. Knead the dough until the color is
evenly distributed. (Make sure children wash their hands immediately after
kneading--food coloring can be messy.)
Gather the dough into two balls, flatten into disks beginning at the edge of
the dough and working toward the center. Cover with plastic and chill for at
least 2 hours or overnight.
After the dough has chilled, place one half on a large piece of plastic wrap,
cover with another piece of plastic wrap and then roll until it is 1/4-inch
thick. Lift off the top sheet of plastic wrap and cut out shamrocks, beginning
at the edge of the dough and working toward the center.
Place each shamrock on an ungreased baking sheet. Heat the oven to 350
degrees. Bake for 8 minutes or until the edges begin to lightly brown. Remove to
a rack to cool. For particularly festive shamrocks, decorate them with green
candies or frosting.Makes about 34.

(recipe taken from FamilyFun.com).