Moms meatballs

Italian meatballs 

Hamburger chopped onions garlic cloves Italian seasoning Parmesan cheese egg bread crumbs. Mix all together shape into balls and brown in oil. 

If using for sweet and sour meatballs omit the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.  Season with season all, salt and pepper instead. 

Shopping list

Mom says I need to post my shopping list. I just typed up a list of what we normally buy and made it so  that I can just print out. I love it! I just use different colored highlighters to mark what store I plan to purchase the item at. I have been making much more complete lists and I don't feel as tired and stressed when shopping. This list is done specifically for my family but I encourage you all to make one for your family.

You can download a copy of the shopping list from Google Drive here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0YSY_9a0yWFVTF3SjBDaWFrZ2M

DIY swaddle me blankets

After trying a swaddle me when Scylla was born we decided we loved them! They kept the baby swaddled and tucked in while not coming undone like swaddling with just a blanket does. The only problem is they cost a lot! So I searched all over for a DIY instructions to make my own. Well the limit amount of ones I found were not only different in shape they don't seem to be able to work the same. So I took one I was given that was pretty beat up unpicked it and used it as a pattern but my first attempt made me realize that this was the large size and given that I already have 3 large size I want the smaller ones I can use after Orson is born. So I had to cut down my "pattern" so this is for the smaller size which I'm hoping will work for a new born on up but seeing how Scylla dolls don't really work well for testing I'm going to have to call it goods for now and adjust if needs be when he is born. 

Step 1: I used extra left over flannel fabric on all of mine. I didn't double layer it but if you use cotton I probably would unless its for a summer baby. But mines a fall/winter baby so I'm sticking with flannel but you can also use fleece but I found with the fleece ones I used when Scylla was born that she always got too hot in it so again if you use fleece do only one layer of fabric.

Cut out pattern. I don't have the measurements for mine but you get the idea of the shape and leave a comment of anyone wants me to measure it out so they can make one just like mine if not use this as a guideline. Also see the 2 triangle shaped slits in the curve of the smaller piece? That's to give the baby's legs more room.

Step 2: Surge along all edges and surge the slits closed by placing the good side of the fabric together giving you a tiny point at the bottom of the curve. 

Note: You can also sew instead of surging but I was going for easy and didn't want to fold down the edges and make a clean edge to finish. So I left my edging surged which works for a blanket that will mostly be used at home anyways. 

Step 3: With good sides of the fabric together place the two pieces together matching the curve and making it straight with the to of the large piece of fabric. Pin together then sew or surge together along the curve. 

This is a picture of mine pinned notice how I will surge at about the edge of the curve on the "wings" of the large piece. 

Step 4: Turn right side out then pin Velcro. It will take a few adjustments so make sure you try out folding the swaddle me before you sew down the Velcro. Once you have it pinned in place top stitch the Velcro on. 

Here's how I placed my Velcro. (This is what I might have to adjust when I try using it on Orson because I'm not sure if its going to be snug enough)

That's really all to it! You can always make the edging of the fabric finished edges but I didn't see the need. Below is some photos of it using my daughters Ariel doll which is 18 inches tall.

 

Best ever Enchilada (beef or pork) in the crockpot

I made the most amazing enchiladas tonight this is by far my favorite. I wasn't thinking and forgot to take a picture.  

 Make mom's enchilada sauce but add an extra cup of water so it is runny. 

Then pour the sauce over the steak or pork in the crockpot. (I used 2 frozen cheap steaks I had in the freezer) 

Cook on high for 4 hours but at the 3rd hour the meat will be tender enough to shred to soak up the yummy sauce. 

In the meantime make some plain white rice and open then rinse a can of black beans. 

Preheat oven to 350

When meat is done scoop some of the sauce in the bottom of a cake pan then dip the tortillas into the sauce from the crockpot the fill with black beans, rice and scoop sauce/meat over the rice. Add plenty of meat. Fold tortilla shut. 

After the pan is full grate some cheese over the enchiladas then place in oven long enough to warm.

Serve with sour cream, guacamole, shredded lettuce etc. 

Enjoy! 

Baby Clothes

We had some productive shopping trips to Other Mothers this weekend.  It was Quarter Sale (.25) weekend. We ended up with a whole bunch of baby boy clothes and even a boppy for Kristal all for about $30!  I feel so much better knowing that these baby boys that are joining our family will have something to wear that isn't pink.  Kristal has her ultrasound on Wed.  If she has a girl she is set with clothes from Kelsey.  If its A boy she will be in on the clothes distribution on Friday. So excited!  

Enchilada sauce

I have been making this sauce for years. I don't remember where I came across the recipe but I do remember that not long after we moved to the middle of nowhere I wanted to make enchiladas. It wasn't worth $4.00 a gallon for gas and 40 minutes out of my life to go buy a can so I made this recipe and it has been a family favorite ever since!

Enchilada Sauce

2 Tb oil

2 T flour

2 T chili powder

1/4 t garlic salt 

1/2 - 1 t cumin

1 small can tomato sauce

1 C water 

Heat oil in skillet.  When hot stir in chili powder and stir constantly for about 2 minutes. Add flour and stir. Add garlic salt and cumin then pour in tomato sauce and water.  Stir well, turn down to simmer for about 10 minutes.