Loving the country

Here are a few reasons we love our country life:
Lots of sunsets through the woods, lots of deer sightings, albino deer included! playing outside, sledding in our backyard, but now we just can't wait for some warm days to be outside!

Jewelry Steal!

See the pic below? Been loving these silver ball earrings and the most amazing part? They were $1 at walmart and they do not bother my ears unlike all other cheap earrings. 

I went back and bought a bunch more for me and for gifts!
Also loving my new Cole Haan sunglasses I got at TJ Maxx for $15 - that's a great place to look for sunglasses and accessories too!

A trip to VA

Roadtripped with the parents to Viriginia to visit my brother and his family - 9 days is a LONG time to be gone - but I'm so glad we went! Great memories, time for the cousins to play, got to watch some intense ND basketball games, meet some friends of D & A and enjoyed a couple days in the 70's. Forgot how lovely it was to sit outside and for the kids to run and play with no coats!
Even got a little sunburn! Here are some pics from our time in VA!

25 Weeks

Best moments this month: Feeling the baby moving around - and Joe feeling a kick too!

Food cravings: Fruit, Popsicles - been way more hungry lately in general compared with first tri

Gender: A June surprise!!

Belly button in or out: Almost starting to push out - eeks, have a ways to go!

Labor signs: some braxton hicks contractions around 21/22 weeks after busy days of working around the house and a lot of walking so trying to be moderate and not over do it

What I miss: not feeling sore/tired/big :)

What I am looking forward to: Getting outside with the kiddos - starting to get a tiny taste of spring and loving it! Also spring means we are all the closer to meeting this little one!

Milestones: Baby is 1.5lbs and 13.5 inches long - wow! getting there!
Getting rhogam shot and glucose test in 3 weeks :(

Clutter problems solved by Shower Rings

Thought these were some Great ideas from Good Housekeeping!
Now to find time to try them out.... :)
See all 8 ideas here

source

Loving the Little Years

Reading Loving the Little Years by Rachel Jankovic with some friends on Friday mornings - I highly recommend reading AND discussing this book with friends. It's been very timely for all of us! And then read Rachel's other book Fit to Burst. Also a fun, easy, convicting read!

Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Happened to have all of these ingredients on hand (frozen broccoli) and threw this together in 30 mins - and it was great! Ate along with baked potatoes and we were FULL! 

Recipe and photo from Damn Delicious

BROCCOLI CHEESE SOUP

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time20 minutes

Total Time30 minutes

Yield4 servings

Warm, cheesy, rich broccoli cheese soup made in less than 30 minutes that even the pickiest of eaters will go crazy for!

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3 heads broccoli, cut into florets and finely chopped
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

• Melt butter in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add garlic, onion and thyme, and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
• Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, vegetable broth and heavy cream, and cook, whisking constantly, until incorporated, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in broccoli.
• Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until broccoli is tender, about 6-8 minutes.
• Stir in cheeses, a handful at a time, until smooth, about 1-2 minutes; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Serve immediately.

NOTES

Adapted from Cooking Classy