23 Weeks!

Today marks 23 weeks! Nothing has really changed from last week as far as how I am feeling. I have realized though that I need to drink more water, esp with it being so hot out. Other than that I am feeling great! I have a Doctors appointment on Monday and then I will have one the end of July and then I will be getting a new Doctor when we move. That means I will probably get another ultrasound! YAY!

In other news, Jason and I have been packing each room a little every night. I think we are going to need a few more boxes. =) Our goal is to have the house completely packed by the first week of August, that way we can take that last week we are here and try and do a few things in the local area that we have been wanting to do. We will also have Joel's birthday party that last week. So since we are gone for 3 weeks in July we are trying to do much as possible before we leave. To help us do that as of July 1st our direct TV will be put into suspension. Which means we are still customers but we are not paying for service while we are moving and packing. Once we figure out where we will be living the we will reactivate service. Plus, we are really not going to have time to watch much TV while we are trying to get all this stuff done. It will also save us a little money in the meantime.

So around here we are just packing and getting things ready for the big move!

This weeks activities...

This week has already been a crazy one. The weekend was relaxing though, we did absolutely nothing except catch up on sleep. It was the first weekend in a long time where we were not entertaining, making dinner for someone, traveling some where, or have any type of commitment at all! As a family we needed this weekend to rest up and get energized again.

Here it is Tuesday and I feel like I need another two days to re-energize. I have a feeling though that the next 6-8 weeks will be kinda crazy and busy. We are doing as much as we can to minimize the stress of moving. However yesterday was very stressful for me. The day started out fine everyone was in a good mood, I was able to get a few things done around the house and I was able to run some errands. Then once nap time came everything took a turn for the worse. Bo wasn't listening, Joel kept getting out of bed, I was starting to get a headache and the baby was sitting on a nerve that was sending shooting pains down the back of my leg. That made it hard to get things done. Things just got worse from there. I was stressing about all that needed to be done the next few weeks. I was trying to finish up making some baby blankets and my sewing machine was acting up. Then I made dinner and the rice was over cooked. Then, I was trying to clean my bathroom and Bo decides to write on the wall with permanent marker. By this time dinner is not sitting well in my stomach and I feel like throwing up. On top of it all I was still extremely tired. So I decided to go to bed early.

Today was much better except I woke up with a stiff sore neck from sleeping on it wrong. I am still tired but not irritated. We'll see how the rest of the day goes...=) I have been working on laundry all day and now it is time for the boys to take a nap. I think I may have to take a small one as well! Then I can focus on making dinner and doing some more packing this evening while Jason and Bo are at Boy Scouts!

Our goal by the end of this week is to have Bo's old bedroom and the guest room completely packed and cleaned. I would also like to have most of the master bedroom packed. I am also going to take the boys to the pool one afternoon, so they can get out of the house. So hopefully i can stay on task and get everything done!

I will work on posting a new menu later tonight!

22 Weeks, updates and more

Actually I am going into Month 6! Not month 5 like the picture says. I am 22 Weeks and man has this past week just flown by. It has been a whirlwind really. I am really starting to feel the baby kicking, sometimes it really hurts and it happens out of nowhere and it is extremely painful. It feels like I pulled a muscle for the brief second. However feeling the baby kick and move around is my most favorite part of being pregnant! I am still having restless nights, except the last few I have slept really well. Probably due to complete exhaustion.

Jason's birthday party ended up being a lot of fun but there was some major stress and drama all day Friday trying to get things ready. I will spare you the long drawn out story, but basically I forgot several things for different recipes, Bo had VBS, I had to pick the Keg up, Clean my house, Make all the food and still take care of the boys. The Keg is a whole another story. Basically we ended up not getting a keg because the guy at the class six store was a COMPLETE jerk and they didn't get our keg delivered. So All day Friday I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Over all the though the party was a lot of fun.

We had so much beer left over that we decided to continue the party Saturday night with some of our close friends! Saturday was go, go, go as well. Jason had some Boy scout stuff to do, we had a retirement party to go to, things to clean up around the house and then people were coming back over at 6 Saturday night.
Sunday was more of a down day. I was so exhausted and burnt out that we stayed home from Church and just slept. How bad is it that I don't even remember what we did Sunday afternoon?

This week I have been exhausted as well. Our Friends Mike and Laura and their 3 kids have been staying with us for the past week while they wait to close on their house. It has been so much fun having them stay with us! It just makes for Late nights, Early mornings and busy days. Just because us adults stay up till midnight/1:00 doesn't mean the kids will sleep past 6:00 LOL All this week with the exception of today it has been raining outside so the kids, I think all got cabin fever yesterday and my patience was wearing thin with the boys. They really needed to get outside and play. Luckly tonight is supposed to be nice so I think we are all going to try and go to the park down the street after dinner!

Now on to the chaos that is coming up. I realized today that I have exactly 18 days before we leave to go house hunting, Pampered Chef conference and the Family Reunion in NY. Eeeek. I have so much to do. I really need to get my butt in gear and get some stuff packed. I have gotten a few boxes packed here and there but I really just need to keep out the essentials and get everything packed up. I also need to finish up some sewing projects that are for the family reunion. I need to start getting my pampered chef stuff put together for the conference. I need to do some more house hunting online and set up a time to view the houses when we will be in Dayton to house hunt. I have a Pampered Chef show that I have to do next week and finish getting ready for! I also have to start a cleaning list of things that need to be or can be done prior to moving out. So my list is getting longer and longer everyday. I mean I am really down to the wire. I basically have 2 1/2 weeks to get most of this done. My July is shot. When I do get home I have the pre-inspection walk through and then it's August. I have Joel's Birthday party on the 7th and then we are cleaning the house and packing the truck all that next week and we will be living in TLF come that week.

Anyways, I am feeling discontent and a little overwhelmed at the moment. I need to be content in where we are at. I am so anxious to move and for August to be here that I feel like I am missing out on just enjoying the moment however busy it may be. My patience is also wearing thin, I try to get certain things done and with the boys running around getting into stuff just makes me loose it sometimes. Maybe I will have a packing party! Have some friends come over and help me pack and take care of the boys and get all the stuff they get into packed up and then I just don't have to worry about.....What a great Idea! =)
Ok so Saturday June 19 if you want to come hang out and help for awhile I will be here packing away and I will feed you and make Iced Coffees!

Ok sorry for such a long post I always seem to go on and on. But thanks for reading and I will give updates later this week!

Jason's Birthday Party Update!!!

I have been planning Jason's birthday party now for two weeks and the time has finally come to actually put things together! I am so excited! About a week about i post a menu but I have since then modified it =)

I ordered the keg today and I pick it up on Friday! I also did the grocery shopping today and tomorrow afternoon I get to start baking some of the dessert. It is going to be hard not to eat any of it till Friday...lol

We are going to have outdoor games, water balloons for the kids, the fire pit going for smores and music playing! It should be a good time to relax and just hang out.

Anyways, here is the revised menu:

Garlic butter Cheeseburgers
Hot dogs
Fresh strawberries w/creamy lime filling
Homemade Au Gratin potatoes
Angie's Baked beans
Cole slaw
Strawberry Spinach Salad

Desserts:
Root Beer Float Cupcakes
Strawberry cobbler
Cinnamon sticky buns
Cheese Cake with fresh strawberries

Drinks:
Keg of Bud
MGD
Killians
Lemonade
Sweet tea
Various soda
Water

If you feel like dropping by feel free we will have plenty of food and drinks!!!

20 Weeks update...

I am a few days behind again on posting. Oops. Anyways, at my Ultrasound last week the doctor told me that the baby weighs almost 1 pound and is about 7 inches long.

This past week and a half or so I have REALLY started to notice this baby get all up in my ribs and stretch out and kick up into my lungs. I get winded doing the simplest tasks (like walking up the stairs) that I used to be able to do fine before baby.

I have also been having problems sleeping. REALLY ALREADY....UGH. I get hot really easily because the air circulation sucks in our house, yes it is a brand new house, but that is another story. I have also noticed that my feet and hands fall asleep really easily and my feet are swelling sometimes. All of these wake me up in the middle of the night. So I have been feeling a lot more tired come 2:00 or 3:00 in the afternoon.

I am really enjoying being able to feel the baby move! It's my favorite part of being pregnant! Jason and I are also staring to work on names....Any suggestions? There are so many of them out there.

I have a doctors appointment tomorrow and I am nervous about getting on the scale. I have been trying so hard to keep my weight down and in control, but I feel like the baby has gotten really big over the past 5 weeks since my last doctors appointment. I guess we'll see tomorrow.

I hope to be getting to the pool a lot over the next few weeks. The boys love it and it relieves a lot of the pressure in my lower back.

I am really excited for this baby! I am having so much fun looking at little girl things! I have been trying to decide on bedding and the colors I want to do in the nursery. I found a set at The Land of Nod which is the kid/baby section of Crate and Barrel. I absolutely love it...I think. I like that is is girly without being really babyish. I also love the fact that it has purple, pink, orange and green in it! The only thing that I am not happy about is the price. The cool thing about this site is if you request swatches they will send them to you free of charge. So they are sending me some, and that way I can take the fabric to the store to see if I can't find something similar and then my mom and I can just make the bedding. I really only want to make the bumper, bed skirt and blanket. I am fine with buying sheets and throws at the store because they are more reasonable price wise.
Let me know your opinion about the bedding!

Well that about does it for now

Deep Covered Baker Placed on STOP SELL LIST...

I had some important information regarding the Deep Covered Baker that I needed to share with you. Effective June 15, 2010 The White Deep Covered Baker will be placed on the STOP SELL LIST until further notice. Due to the high demand over the past year the manufacturers can not keep up with production for this amazing product. ALSO, Effective July 1, 2010 The Cranberry Deep Covered Baker will be available for HOST's ONLY.

If you have wanted the Deep Covered Baker NOW is the time to get it! I am offering a 10% discount on your order. If you want the WHITE Deep Covered Baker I need to have your order NO LATER THAN June 15. If you want the Cranberry Deep Covered Baker I will be taking orders for them until June 30th. If you are a past host that is 20% off!!! In order to get the 10% off you need to respond to this email, call me, comment on this post or Facebook me!!! Order 2 or more Deep Covered Bakers are Receive another 10% OFF!!! PLUS with your purchase of the Deep Covered Baker receive a FREE Deep Covered Baker Cookbook!!!

If you are interested in getting the Deep Covered Baker for FREE I have a few June and July dates available, contact me for available dates.

It's A Girl!!!

Today I had m 20 week ultrasound! I totally went in expecting it to be a boy, I mean I was hoping for a girl, but I for sure thought it was going to be a boy. As the tech was doing the measuring part of the ultrasound I was watching the screen hoping for a glimpse or a clue as to whether it was a boy or girl. The tech was measuring the legs and I was thinking "There is nothing there...am I really getting a girl?" After the Tech was done he went and got Jason and the boys who were in the waiting room. The got to see the baby on the screen and Bo was excited! The tech then went on to say that he was 95% sure that it was a little girl. He said he saw nothing during the whole ultrasound that would indicate otherwise! Jason and the boys and I were very excited! The tech gave us 2 photos and we let Bo hold them. He walked out of the hospital saying I gunna have a sisster, one sisster and two sissters. We were like no There is only one sister. He couldn't wrap his head around that there was only one baby in my belly, why would, he he was holding two pictures. He hasn't stopped talking about how he is going to have a sister!

When we got home we called the Grandmas and they are sooo excited. Then I called close friends and other family members and of course posted it on Facebook! Everyone is so excited, I am no longer going to be the only girl! YAY

Now when it comes to babies I think everyone is special and should get a shower. I wouldn't think twice about it when a friend is on her second, third or however many and has a registry and baby shower. However when it's my own, I feel bad. I don't know....People have been telling me not to feel bad esp, since I have never had a girl and therefore have nothing.
So I decided to get over feeling bad and just enjoy the celebrating! So I did go and create a registry at Babies "R" Us. I don't want people to feel like they have to get anything because you so don't have to. I did the registry so that people know the room theme, colors etc.. There are a few things on there that we do really "Need" and then there are some things that would be fun to have or just make life easier now that we will have 3 kids.

Here is the link to the registry for those of you who have asked.

Ahhh I am so excited!!!

June is Jumpin with the Pampered Chef!!!

JUNE IS JUMPIN' WITH THE PAMPERED CHEF!!!!!!

CHECK OUT THE RECIPES AT THE END OF THIS POST!
I am jumping with joy to tell you about why June is so exciting with The Pampered Chef ~ A COOL NEW PRODUCT and FANTASTIC FATHER'S DAY SPECIAL!

By reading this post, you have the exclusive opportunity to PRE ORDER BOTH!!!!!!!!!!! AND you can get a Triple Bonus Special from me!

1. Just in time for Father's Day ~ Save $5 on the GREAT GRILLING SET!
Now thru June 5 only $14 - (Past Hosts pay only $12.60)

Click here to see the amazing flyer and special!

FATHER'S DAY SPECIAL - Grill It Quick Set!

Set includes the Chipotle Rub, the BBQ Rub, and the Jamaican Jerk Rub, Grill it Quick spiral bound cookbook, plus a gift bag.
Want to add to the Great Grilling Set? Choose from multiple grill tools to make a complete grilling package!

Check out all the great grilling tools on my website:
www.pamperedchef.biz/abindewald

BBQ Turner $17.50,

BBQ Cleaning Brush $15.00,

BBQ Jumbo Turner $18.50,

BBQ Basting Brush $17.50,

BBQ Tongs $18.50,

BBQ Flexible Turner $18.50,

BBQ Skewer Set $18.00,

BBQ Basting Bottle $15.00

2. Just in time to beat the summer heat ~ the new COOL & SERVE TRAY is only $42! (Past Hosts pay only $37.80).

See the new cool serve on this June Host Bonus Flyer!

Cool & Serve - June special!

Brand new and available starting June 1, the new Cool & Serve is definitely the must-have this summer! The green trays stay cold for 6 hours, keeping your eggs, veggies, fruits, meats, and dips cool and safe to eat in the summer sun! The tray completely configures a multitude of ways and is the most versatile "chilled product" we have ever offered! You can
pre-order your new Cool & Serve with me through this post.

See end of post for multiple recipes!

3. Just in time to save you more money ~ a TRIPLE BONUS FROM ME!
Because you have read this post, I want you to enjoy some exclusive bonuses!

· First, with your purchase through this post of $60 (before shipping and tax), you will receive for free your choice of either the Kernel Cutter or the Corn Cob Nobs and Corn Butterer Set for FREE!

· As an added bonus, if your order is $120 (before shipping and tax), you will receive the Kernel Cutter or the Corn Cob Nobs and Corn Butterer Set PLUS 2 SPICES/RUBS of your choice for FREE!

SPICES & RUBS
Asian, Dill, Southwestern, Italian, Rosemary, Korintje Cinnamon, Cinnamon Spice Blend; Thai Red Curry, Lemon Pepper Rub, Chipotle Rub, Crushed Peppercorn Garlic
Rub, Citrus Basil Rub, Smoky Barbeque Rub, Creole Rub, Jamaican Jerk Rub, Greek Rub, Moroccan Rub

· For your TRIPLE BONUS, if your order is $150 (before shipping and tax), you will receive everything mentioned above PLUS, FREE SHIPPING AND your choice of one item for 60% off - either

the set of all 3 Collapsible Bowls - $24

the set of Outdoor Party Sticks - $15.60

the Grill Basket or the new Grill Tray - Basket $10.60, Tray $11.80

Keep in mind that these totals can be your personal order or get together with some friends and send me a combined order!

Be sure to order by June 5 for pre-orders and for Father's Day delivery!

WANT A FREE COOL & SERVE TRAY?
If you book one of my open cooking show dates in June or July you can get the cool and serve tray FREE! Email me today for a list of my open dates!

To get you in the spirit of using your new Cool & Serve with great summer
dips (both sweet and savory), below are a collection of easy and impressive
dips you can use with your new Cool & Serve!

Butterscotch Dip
Ingredients:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butterscotch ice cream topping
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients in Small Batter Bowl; mix with Bamboo Spoon until smooth.
2. Chill. Serve with fresh fruit.
Yield: 1 1/4 cups

Caramel Apple Dip
Ingredients:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup apple butter
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup peanuts, chopped
5 apples or pears, wedged
Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients except peanuts and apples in Small Batter Bowl; mix well. Chop peanuts using Food Chopper; add to Batter Bowl. Mix well; chill.
2. Wedge apples using Apple Wedger; arrange around dip and serve.
Yield: 16 servings (2 cups)
Cook's Tips: Apple butter can be found in the jams and jellies section of most grocery stores. Substitute 1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained, for the apple butter.

Cheesy Bacon Dip
Ingredients:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, pressed
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
6 slices bacon, crisply cooked, drained and crumbled
1 large tomato, seeded and diced, divided (about 1 cup)
1/2 cup sliced green onions with tops, divided
Cocktail bread slices or crackers (optional)
Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. In medium bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise and garlic; whisk until smooth. Add cheddar cheese, bacon, half of the tomato and half of the green onions to cream cheese mixture; mix well. Spoon into Mini Baker.
2. Bake 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Top with remaining tomato and green onions. Serve with cocktail bread slices or crackers, if desired.
Yield: Yield: 3 cups (24 servings)

MAKE A DIP WITH OUR RUBS AND SPICES!

Try Barbecue Rub, Chipotle Rub, Dill. Southwestern - Try them ALL!

Ingredients:
1 cup (250 mL) mayonnaise
1 cup (250 mL) sour cream
2 tbsp (30 mL) Rub or Spice
Assorted fresh vegetables or potato chips (optional)

Directions:
1. Combine mayonnaise, sour cream and rub in medium bowl; mix well.
Cover; refrigerate 1 hour to allow flavors to blend.
2. Serve with assorted fresh vegetables or potato chips, if desired.
Yield: 16 servings (2 cups/500 mL dip)

Cool & Creamy Chocolate Fondue
Ingredients:
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels
1 container (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
1/2 teaspoon Pantry Korintje Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon rum or vanilla extract (optional)
Assorted fresh fruit dippers such as whole strawberries, apple, peach or pear wedges (optional)
Directions:
1. Place chocolate morsels and half of the whipped topping in Small Batter Bowl. Microwave, uncovered, on HIGH 1 minute or until chocolate is melted and smooth, stirring after each 20-second interval. Fold in remaining whipped topping, cinnamon and rum extract, if desired; mix until smooth.
Cover; refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
2. To serve, spoon fondue into small bowl. Serve with fruit dippers, if desired.
Yield: 2 cups (16 servings)
Cook's Tips: Ground cinnamon can be substituted for the Korintje Cinnamon, if desired.
Use the Apple Wedger to easily cut apples and pears into uniform wedges.
Dip the apple, peach and pear wedges into lemon juice to prevent them from turning brown.
If preparing the fondue ahead of time, store covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Stir in 1-2 tablespoons milk for a creamier consistency.