Tasty Tuesday

Don't let these past few posts fool you... I am not a "Betty Crocker." I do enjoy cooking at times, but only if it's quick, simple, and delicious. That's not asking too much is it?!?

Last night we went to my inlaws for supper (which we do every Monday) and I wanted to contribute in some way so I offered to bring dessert.  I saw this recipe on Pinterest and I knew right away that it fit the  criteria listed above, and I had all of the ingredients on hand. You can choose any type of frozen fruit or pie filling so it is also a very versatile recipe. Last night I used strawberries, but want to try it with apple pie filling next. Yummy!

So, without further ado, below is the recipe. Let me know if you give it a try.  :)

Ingredients
1 box yellow cake mix
1 stick of butter, softened
Frozen strawberries, slightly thawed

1. Preheat oven to 350 and lightly spray the bottom of a glass baking dish.
2. Spread out strawberries in the dish.
3. Use a fork to blend the box of cake mix and butter together. It will make a "crumble."
4. Dump the "crumble" mixture on top of the strawberries and spread out.
5. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
6. Serve with vanilla icecream or Cool Whip!

YUM-O!!

Friday Favorites

Well, three weeks in to this new baby thing,  I am beginning to feel more like myself.  He is still eating about every two hours,  but I am slowly seeing a schedule begin to take shape.  The girls started back to school from their week off and I have enjoyed having the one-on-one time with my little buddy!

Have you heard of the Netflix original, The Unshakeable Kimmie Schmidt? It is hilarious! Besides some of the language, it is a relatively clean show and will make you laugh out loud a lot! Several bloggers that I visit regularly were raving about it and after one episode I am already hooked.  I usually watch an episode a day when I am nursing and need a little pick me up!

This week I also finished a book that you need to read immediately. Yes, it is that good! I was familiar with Boo Mama through her blog,  and this book did not disappoint.  Given all we have been through over the past year with the move to Raleigh, move back home, new job for me, new church, new house, and now a new baby...I really believe that home IS where my people are. We are so blessed to be surrounded by people who love us and we get to do life together. This book actually deserves its own post so I can share all my highlighted sections...maybe I'll get to that soon. ;)

I snapped this picture the other night as I was putting the girls to bed. Mackaylan always chooses what she is going to wear the night before and places her outfit on the floor (right next to a chair I might add!) Anyway,  I have been working with Lydia to pick out her outfit as well in order to make mornings a bit easier.  After she decided what she was going to wear she was quick to take it to Mackaylan's room (where she has been sleeping) and putbher outfit right next to KK's. It was just a sweet moment that I want to remember.

Ace had quite a few firsts this week.... His first time taking the girls to school, his first time to the District Office, his first time to Bucket Group, and his first time to Bilo. Whew, a busy week for a little man!

So, there you have it.  A few of my favorites from the week. Now, let's see what the weekend has to hold.

Happy Saturday!

Chicken Crescents

We usually go out to lunch on Sundays after church,  but since Ace and I were home, I decided to cook for my family (be impressed,  friends! ) I have tried similar versions of this recipe in the past,  but this morning while browsing Pinterest I think I found the secret ingredient...Ranch Dressing Mix. It really added a nice touch. The best part about this recipe is it is simple and you can mix up the filling and then pop it in the fridge until you are ready to bake the crescents.  Score! I can already tell that this recipe will become a staple here over the next few months, esp. with a nursing baby who seems to have his "fussy" time late in the afternoon/early evening when supper needs to be prepared.  My mom, one of the most efficient people I know, gave me this bit of advice when she was staying with us a few weeks ago. .. "Do what you can to prepare parts of  supper while he naps in the afternoon."  So, taking that to heart, I can make this filling during his afternoon nap and then all I will have to do is recruit my big girls to help assemble the crescents and then bake. ;) Add a veggie and VOILA! We have dinner.

Ingredients
3 chicken breasts, shredded
1 block cream cheese, softened
1 bag of Mexican Style shredded cheese
1/2 pack of Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix
"Splash" of milk
1 can cresent rolls
Butter, melted
Bread Crumbs

1. Boil chicken and shred.
2. Mix together the shredded chicken, bag of cheese, cream cheese, a little milk (just enough to make the mixture mix well), and the dressing mix.
3. Spoon the mixture into the crescents and roll up.
4. Brush melter butter on each crescent and sprinkle with Italian Bread Crumbs.
4. Bake at 350 for approximately 10 minutes.
5. Serve with a veggie or salad.
6. Enjoy!!

Let me know if you give these a try or if you have another quick, easy, and delicious recipe that this mama can handle as she continues to adjust to life as a family of 5!

Fri-yay!

This week was Spring Break for Mackaylan so Lydia had the week "off" from daycare as well. I had originally thought we would try to get out and do a few fun things together, but that hasn't happened.  Mackaylan has been sick since this weekend and today is the first day she has actually been up and playing. Thank goodness for wonderful inlaws who let her crash at their house in order to keep my stress levels down and everyone here well. They are lifesavers that is for sure!!

Ace is growing each and every day. He is becoming more and more alert, and is slowly beginning to get on some sort of "schedule." Hopefully in another week or so we will feel like we can actually get out of the house and join the real world. However, I must admit, I do love lazy days at home in my yoga pants snuggling my baby boy! I'm cherishing every moment!!

Lydia has been my sidekick this week!  While the week hasn't been full of fun activities I was affirmed that she was content just being home with me when she looked at me yesterday and said, "Mama, I love hanging out with you!" It was precious. I haven't noticed tok much jealousy except in the fact that she doesn't need me to do anything or want to sit in my lap until I'm feeding or holding Ace. However, she loves this baby boy to death and always comments on how "tute" he is and she offers to help by holding him, etc.

I'm not sure what the weekend holds except a 4-wheeler race for Mickey.  Hopefully, the weather will be nice and maybe the kiddos and I will venture to the park and walking trail or something just to get out of the house for a bit. No matter what, we will be together and that is all that matters to me!

Introducing...

Wallace "Ace" John O'Shields, II was born on March 23, 2015 at 8:37AM. He is perfect, and even though it has only been a little over a week since he made his debut, it is hard to imagine life without him!

As you can see, his big sisters are smitten and love him so much! They love to hold him (as long as he is not crying) and smother him in kisses! It has been neat to see how Mackaylan has reacted to him as opposed to when Lydia was born. She always asks to hold him and loves to walk around holding him just to show off her maturity,  I guess!  ;)

And of course,  Mickey and I are still in awe that we have another child,  especially a baby boy!  We have so much to be thankful for and feel blessed beyond measure!

Welcome to our family,  Ace! We are definitely not perfect,  but will do our best to point you to The One who is! We love you!