Deep Dish Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

I really like this recipe, so I thought I would share... It's easy to make. I've altered it a little to my liking...

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup Kraft Light Done Right! Zesty Italian Reduced Fat Dressing
4 oz (1/2 of 8-oz pkg.) Philadelphia Neufchatel Cheese, 1/3 less fat than cream cheese, cubed
2 Tbsp. flour
1/2 cup fat free reduced soidum chicken broth
1 can (10oz) veg-all
2 refrigerated pie crust

Boil chicken for 20 min or so. Cool, shred. Put chicken back in skillet once shredded and add dressing. Mix then add cream cheese in cubes; cook and stir until melted. Add flour; mix well. Add broth and vegetables; simmer 5 min.

PREHEAT oven to 375 degrees.

POUR mixture into deep dish 10-inch pie plate. Cut 3-5 slits in the other pie crust. Turn 2nd pie crust upside down on top of pie crust with ingredients. Flute edges, and remove top pan.

BAKE 30 min or until crust is golden brown.

Makes 6 servings.

Emily Makenna - 1 Week Old

What have you been up to these days?

You were 7lb 7oz on Monday at your doctor's appointment. I'm sure you are probably close to 8lb now. When you were born you weighed 7lb 8oz but lost down to 6lb 14oz when we left the hospital. It only took you over the weekend to catch back up on your weight!

You wear size newborn diapers. Mommy and Daddy love the Huggies Supremes over the Pampers Swaddlers since they have a cut out for your umbilical cord, and have the wet indicator strip on them.

You have already outgrown some of your newborn onesies. You can wear some of your 0-3mo clothes, but all brands are sized differently.

You are doing pretty good at getting your days and nights straighten out. You are most alert with your eyes open first thing in the morning. You like to sit and look at the sunlight close to the window. Most of the time you sleep, unless you are hungry or need your diaper changed. Mommy and Daddy are so thankful for your swing and bouncing chair. You absolutely love them.

We first tried to get you to breastfeed, but you didn't want to latch so we decided to switch you to formula. You are eating all the time. Usually you eat 2oz every three hours unless it is night time and then you sometimes want to eat in 2 hours. During the day, if you are really sleeping good you will wait 4 hours to eat.

If Mommy lays you on her chest, or gives you tummy time on your blanket you are working on picking your head up.

Your not sure about bathtime yet. Hopefully you will start liking it soon.

You get the hiccups and sneeze a lot. That's okay though. Your doctor said that the hiccups will ease up as you get older, and you sneeze to clear your nasal passages.

You sure are changing/growing so much each day. It's hard to believe you are already a week old!

The Birthday of Emily Makenna...

It all started Monday night May 10th @ 8:00p.m. when I was admitted to the hospital to start the induction process. By 9:00p.m. I was given Cervidil for 10 hours. At this point I was not even dilated 1cm yet. Tuesday morning around 7:00a.m. the Cervidil was removed, and had not help me progress any. Next, I was given the pitocin around 7:45 a.m. My midwife (Leigh) came in a couple hours later and said she would probably break my water around lunch time. About 11:45 she returned, and indeed broke my water. Might I add is one of the "grossest" (if that is a word) feelings. Shew. We were hoping this would get the ball rolling. I am not sure at which times I continued to dilate... After my water was broke I asked for some pain medicine to be put in my IV. I didn't want to get my epidural until it was absolutely necessary. The pain medicine helped me to relax, but did not help with the contractions. The contractions started to be more intense. Within the hour I requested my epidural. This was probably only an hour or so after my water was broke. They told me the process took about 45 minutes to get the epidural in place. (waiting on them to get there, etc.) Once they arrived, I had about 3 contractions in the middle of them trying to give me the epidural. (Which by the way, I wasn't concerned about. Needles do not bother me.) Yes, I highly recommend this... Once I received the epidural, I could no longer feel any of my contractions. I continued to progress until about 11:45 p.m. This is when they started to get prepared for delivery. A few minutes after midnight the pushing began... Emily was born at 1:20a.m. on Wednesday May 12th. My midwife said the delivery was quick for a first time delivery. Over all I think everything went really well. I wasn't in too much pain before getting the epidural. The worst part was just waiting... She was born 29 hours after being admitted to the hospital. I guess this is what made me so exhausted. All of the nurses we had at the hopsital were awesome! We arrived Monday night @ 8:00p.m. and was not discharged from the hospital until Friday @ 10:00 a.m.

My how our lives have now changed. She is so precious. I'll leave you with a few pictures...

Proud Daddy

GrandMom and Emily

I've got my eyes open...

Proud Parents

First Bath...

Tips on How to Save / Budgeting

This week on Kelly's Korner:

 Show Us Your Life: Money Saving Tips

This is a topic I believe I could go on and on about. I do have a plan of action, but sometimes it falls between the cracks! Here's some things my husband and I have put into place that works really well.

• Create a budget spreadsheet. Include all monthly bills that you have, how much you will spend on fuel, eating, groceries, shopping, everything. We have a budget for everything that we purchase. We put all of our spending on one credit card for the month and pay it off every month. We have one that we found we get Cash Back rewards on. For every $1000.00 we spend we receive a check for $50.00 back. We have to have fuel, groceries etc. So why not make money from it? Although, we don't try to spend extra money to just get rewarded. Once we get our Credit card statement. I itemize it, and compare each category spent against our budget and see how close we were to our budget and we were need to improve.
• Do not have car payments if you can help it. Save until you have enough to purchase. Only buy what you can reasonably afford. This saves you so much money on interest. If you have a car payment, save as much as you can to pay it off early so that you do not have to pay interest. Regular car maintenance is so much cheaper than paying a huge car payment every month.  Even if you have some large maintenance's come up, they are usually only equal to one or two car payments.
• Every few months check to make sure you are getting the best price on Cable/Phones/Internet. Sometimes plans expire, and you are still paying an old price, when there's a much lower one out there. Do not keep the same provider just because you feel obligated for having the same one for so long. If someone else is offering a better price, check into it! We currently pay $50.00 for our home cable, and high speed internet total. We do not have a house phone, as it never got used before. The bundle plans are around $90.00 and they do not make much sense for us.
• COUPONS! - Subscribe to the weekend paper and cut coupons every week. As long as you save more than $1.50 each week you are paying for that paper. It's much easier to remember to cut coupons when the paper is dropped in your driveway Sunday morning. Make sure the coupons you use are actually a good deal. Sometimes the store brand is cheaper than the item that is on sale with a coupon. Most store brand items taste the same, but everyone has some foods that they just do not like in generic. I cut coupons every Sunday, and organize them by category. This way when I'm at the store I can quickly check to see if I have a coupon for something. I also weekly check to see if anything has expired. Before I go to the grocery store, I always check to see which store has the best sales for what groceries we need. I make a list and pull out the coupons I know I will be able to use. I want to improve on selecting weekly meals to purchase. I know lots of people try to plan their weekly meals by the sales ad. This helps to save the most money.
• Shop on EBAY. Any purchase we look to buy, we first check Ebay to see what we can purchase it for on there. You can find just about everything on there. We buy the majority of our purchases on Ebay. A few examples: I have bought almost all of my maternity clothes on there for a fraction of the cost, since I'm only going to be wearing them for 9 months. If your like me and think you have to have a new cell phone frequently, try to find one on Ebay. This works best if you are currently under a contract, or if you do not want to be under a contract. For example if you have Verizon (we do), you just have to confirm that the ESN # is valid (It's not still on another Verizon account, and is free to add to yours). You usually can get a phone in excellent condition for way less than retail price, and it doesn't affect your contract. Also, any phone chargers, (wall/car) /cases, covers, you can buy them on ebay for a couple of dollars, literally, where they are about $20.00 each at the phone store. This is a huge savings if you like to have multiple ones like we do. I also like to buy shoes on Ebay. I usually can get them soo much cheaper, brand new in the box, than at the store.
• Shop on CRAIGSLIST. This is great for local used purchases!
• Pick a temperature to put your thermostat on, and leave it alone! If you constantly move it during the Winter and Summer your electric bill will shoot through the roof. Try to leave it as warm (in the summer) and as cold (in the winter) as you can comfortably stand it. If no one is at home during the day during the Summer/Winter, turn it up/down 2 degrees (to keep it from running) while everyone is away, and it will save your unit from having to run as hard, making your electric bill cheaper.
• Invest in High Efficiency Washer/Dryers; DO NOT CUT THE DRYER BACK ON after your clothes are finished. First of all the dryer pulls so much power, and second you are taking the life out of your clothes, and shrinking them. Use a drying rack.
• Only keep necessary items in your house plugged into the wall. You may not know this, but your toaster, coffee maker etc is pulling power while you are not using it! Anything that you do not use everyday, keep them unplugged until you get ready to use it! Do you have a T.V., Lamp, radio plugged up in that extra bedroom you never go in?
• Replace all of your household light bulbs with (CFL's) Compact Fluorescent Lights... The spiral kind.. These last about 10x longer than regular bulbs and pull a whole lot less power.
• When the weather is nice use a Grill to cook dinner vs. the Stove in the Kitchen. The stove pulls a lot of power, and Grill is so much healthier!
• Cook at home! Set a limit on how much you want to spend on dining out a month. Do not buy drinks at restaurants. This can save you around $2.00 or more per person. When you do go eat out, try to pick somewhere that makes financial sense. Is it really worth going to a place that you may spend $50.00 vs. going somewhere that has a special where 2 people can eat for $25.00? If you chose the cheaper one you can dine out again for the same price!
• If you buy groceries at Wal-mart you can take other store ads and they will match the price. This is great if there are several ads that have great sales. You just have to make sure that Walmart isn't cheaper. Usually the BOGO free items are still a better buy. Most of the time, if I only need groceries I try to just go to the grocery store to refrain from buying other things that I know I will see at Walmart that I DO NOT NEED.
• Take your breakfast/ lunch to work. Try to cook extra at dinner to make a lunch plate. This can save you $25/30 per week depending on your daily lunch spending. If your use to eating out everyday, try taking your breakfast everyday, and lunch 3 days a week. Chose 2 days to purchase your lunch to mix it up.
• Only keep the money that you need, with a little nest egg in your checking account. PUT YOUR MONEY TO WORK. Check with your local bank about savings accounts, cds or a money market account. Put any savings you have in one of these that offers you the best interest rate. This way you get PAID for them to hold your money! Even if it's just a little bit, it all adds up, and it's FREE MONEY.

Okay, these are my money saving ideas!

Housewife in the 1950's

Not sure who they were trying to kid with this...
Enjoyable read.

1. As a housewife of the 1950's you won't be required to hold a job outside the home. In fact you really won't be allowed to because it would be an insult to the male of the family for not being able to provide for his wife and family! So relax and buy a box of bonbon' s.
2. Always wake at least two hours before your husband so you can shower, do your hair, put on make up and a really nice dress and high heels. You must always look your best when he see' s you first thing in the morning and never, ever have morning breath or look sleepy.
3. Next cook a nourishing breakfast for the whole family. Stuff them with eggs, bacon, biscuits made from scratch, gravy, milk, orange juice and don't forget the perfect jams and jellies you canned all by yourself during the dog days of summer. Stuff them until they can't move and are sure to gain enough weight to be a battle ship in dry dock.
4. Be sure when they are getting ready for work and their school day you have clean clothes out for everyone. Do not make them choose their own outfit. Silly woman, that's your job! Always make sure they are wearing the latest up to date styles so everyone will think they are keen.
5. Be sure you pack a good lunch for them. For the kid's pack a good sandwich, chips, carrot sticks, cupcakes, fruit, a thermos of milk and a thermos of hot soup! Don't forget the note with words of love and support.
6. Now it's time for you! First refresh your makeup and hair. Then start with cleaning the kitchen from top to bottom. Don't worry if the floors look clean enough because it's still best to clean them again so your family can make you eat off of them and not worry about your health.
7. Now for all the laundry you must gather from each room in the house and start washing. Never dry them in a dryer. That is a waste of money when you can spend time hanging them on an outside line for the fresh air scent. When they are finished drying you will bring them in, sprinkle them with a little water and roll them in a tight ball so you can iron it all the next day. Make sure to keep it all in the laundry room out of sight of the husband and kid's. They deserve a relaxed life.
8. Next pick up the living room, bedroom, and all other rooms in the house. Dust everything within an inch of it's life and vacuum all floors. Now clean the bathroom and scrub every surface for the fresh clean smell. You would never want your family to see anything disgusting in your bathroom and you really don't want the neighbors to inspect your work when they come to visit.
9. Well, it's time for a break. Make yourself a light lunch of salad, no dressing and an apple. Don't want to lose the figure you had the day you got married. You know, when you were 18 years old, 2 less kids, one less husband and 20 less years! While you are eating you can watch your favorite soap opera while darning the socks of the whole family or creating lovely clothes by hand or polishing all the stainless steel you own. Never let the grass grow under your pretty high heels! Be productive while relaxing.
10. The kids will be home from school soon so you must make sure you have made a batch of home made cookies with plenty of butter and sugar. A big glass of chocolate milk and their favorite TV shows while they do their homework.
11. You will be making dessert for tonight, putting the dinner to cook of ham, fresh peeled and mashed potatoes, fresh green beans with beacon, more biscuits and lots of butter!
12. Now all you have to do before hubby gets home from work is set the table, clean the rooms again, make the kids clean up and look cute as pie, refresh yourself with a new dress and different shoes. Evening hair do, nice makeup, a happy smile and NO complaints about anything.
13. As he walks in the door you hand him the paper, his favorite drink, ask how his day went and then leave him alone for 30 minutes while you finish dinner, get it on the table and quietly announce it's time to eat.
14. After he and the kids finish dinner you clear the table, wash all the dishes by hand, dry them and put them away, clean the kitchen again and look perky!
15. The family watches TV together or plays a game, eats more dessert and then wanders off to bed.
16. Now it's time for you to go to the bedroom, turn down the covers, fluff the pillows, take a quick shower and put on a pretty nightie, put on fresh makeup, do your hair again down this time and call for hubby to come to bed. You read while he relaxes and when he is ready for a little fun you will be just as ready and excited he is giving you his time. Oh,oh...he is tired now and finished. He rolls over, goes to sleep and you slip away to the bathroom to put on fresh makeup in case he wakes in the middle of the night and sees your face. You must always look your very best!
17. Ahhh... peace at last. Now for the well deserved 4 hours of sleep before you do it all over again.
18. Tomorrow is ironing day, baking bread day, going to the store day for anything the family wants and you will do it all as the lovely, skinny bride you were 20 years ago and with a smile on your pretty little face. After all you don't have to hold a job and support the family.

37 Weeks and other Random Thoughts

Pregnancy Highlights:



How Far Along: 37 weeks, 3 days!


Total Weight Gain/Loss: 34 pounds


Maternity Clothes: The maternity clothes that USE to be comfortable, are now tight, too short, and too hot (since they are mainly winter attire!). Not planning to buy anything else since I've only got a little more than 2 weeks, hopefully no more than 3 left :o)


Best Moment this week: Falling asleep at 7:00 last night :o) Much needed rest!

 Gender: It's A Girl - Emily Makenna! She weighed approx 6lb 1oz last week, so we will see what her birth weight is soon!

 Movement: When is she not? It's an amazing feeling, although now it's so strong, and she moves what feels like her whole body at time.


Food Craving: (This week) McDonald's Tea, French Fries, Chocolate, and anything Spicy.




What I miss: Actually sleeping more than 2 hours at a time, comfortably.

 Sleep: I usually wake up every two hours, or every hour to use the bathroom. If I don't have to use the bathroom, then my hip is hurting and I have to switch sides which is another whole process. Guess I'm getting prepared for 2 hour feedings :o) 


What I am looking forward to: Emily's arrival.. Counting down the days. It's soo close! I have plenty to do at work to keep me busy for the next 2-3 weeks! 


Belly Button: Oh my poor lil' belly button. What happen to you??

 Symptoms: Exhaustion, Braxton Hicks, Lack of Sleep.

Other thoughts...

I'm so glad that today is Friday. It has been one LONG week. Whew! I have so much housework to do, but finding the motivation plus energy to do it is another thing!

Mr. Sunshine Where have you been?

Happy Good Friday everyone! I took vacation today, and I'm so glad I did! Today was so beautiful. Spent some time out in the sunshine reading, and also had lunch with my husband. Laundry is almost all clean, ironed and put away. So not much cleaning will be going on at this house this weekend! Yay! So nice to have everything done before the weekend.

Excited about Easter in the Park this Sunday, 9:30a.m. @ Wilder Tower. Bring your chairs and or blankets!