Sunday, January 26, 2014

Freezer/Pantry Challenge Update #4

This week Joe and I made some major head-way in the nursery, and in the freezers.  We were able to use up quite a few things from the chest freezer, and the pantry cupboards.  I probably won't be able to defrost the freezer after next week, so our freezer/pantry challenge will continue into February.  As for the nursery, I'm going to post a progress update soon, it is looking amazing.  Over the weekend I steam cleaned another section of rug, and Joe helped me move some furniture around.  This week I washed our sweet little baby's clothing and blankets, and tucked them away in the chest of drawers.  Joe also got the crib mattress opened up and put in the crib so it can air out.  Sunday I baked up some lemon pie bars, and some blueberry muffins, both are my favorite!  We worked at Joe's grandfather's house again on Thursday, his basement is coming together, but it is such a slow process, especially when your pregnant.  Here's how the meals went down this week...

Sunday: Today I got caught up on laundry.  Joe Finish-Feedered the baby's chest of drawers, which now looks gorgeous!  I worked on emptying out the crib of gifts from our first shower, so we can get the mattress in.  Joe helped me move some furniture around in the nursery as well, and re-hooked-up our printer.  I also got my baking for the week done, lemon pie bars, and blueberry muffins - yummy!  Overall it was a very productive day, but I was seriously tired when all was said and done, hence the simple menu from today.
Breakfast - Waffles for Me, Zone Perfect Bar for Joe
Lunch - Smothered Pork Chops (*New Recipe), Mashed Potatoes, and a Steamed Vegetable
Dinner - Sandwiches - Easy dinner, I was tuckered out
Snacks - Tortilla Chips with Salsa, Veggies and Dip, Lemon Pie Bars, Blueberry Muffins

Monday: Today was cleaning day. I cleaned the kitchen and bathroom, and Joe took care of the litter boxes and the vacuuming.  I finished going through baby gifts and Joe was able to get the mattress in the crib.  I can't wait to post an update of the nursery next week, it is looking so good.  Today's menu was pretty simple as well, being pregnant is starting to catch up with me, and that second trimester energy is starting to diminish into third trimester tiredness.  By 2 o'clock most days, I'm shot.  Joe's been wonderful though, such a huge help.
Breakfast - Blueberry Muffins
Lunch - Leftover Pizza from Saturday Night
Dinner - Pancakes with Chipped Beef Gravy
Snacks - Tortilla Chips with Salsa, Veggies and Dip, Lemon Pie Bars, Blueberry Muffins, String Cheese

Tuesday: We awoke to some snow this morning, it was light enough that we went out and ran our errands this morning.  We left the house a little after 7 and were back by 9:30.  By that time things were starting to get pretty slick out.  Joe worked on some projects in his work room, and I worked on blogging, and baby laundry.  I can't wait to get everything folded up in the dresser drawers.  We ate pretty simple again today, since I just haven't been feeling right.  I don't know if it's just this stage in my pregnancy, or if I'm coming down with something, but I just don't feel good.  Sleeping is getting harder too, unfortunately.  But I only have about 11 weeks to go, so the bad will soon pass ;)
Breakfast - Blueberry Muffins
Lunch - Hotdogs, Annie's Mac and Cheese
Dinner - Baked Fish Sticks and French Fries
Snacks - Tortilla Chips with Salsa, Veggies and Dip, Lemon Pie Bars, Blueberry Muffins, String Cheese

Wednesday: Today was a little better, I was still feeling pretty rough.  I mostly worked on the computer and earned Swag Bucks while Joe worked on some projects next door.  I did manage to get some laundry done, but other than that I just rested.  I kept the meals simple too, but Joe didn't seem to mind.
Breakfast - Blueberry Muffins
Lunch - Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Chips
Dinner - Sandwiches
Snacks - Tortilla Chips with Salsa, Veggies and Dip, Lemon Pie Bars, String Cheese

Thursday: Today I was feeling much more energized.  We worked at Pap's for most of the day, and he treated us to Chili's for dinner - yum-o!  Joe and I shared a 2 for $20, and we were stuffed when we left.  Needless to say, we were both tired, so once we got home we just took showers, checked our email, and went to bed. 
Breakfast - Blueberry Muffins for Joe, Special K Bar for Me
Lunch - Pretzels from the Amish Market
Dinner - Chili's - Bacon cheeseburger with french fries, and a chicken bacon quesadilla.
Snacks - Tortilla Chips with Salsa, Veggies and Dip, String Cheese

Friday: Today one of the cats woke up sick, so we had to take him to the vet.  Luckily it only cost about $60.  Unfortunately they don't actually know what's wrong with him, so he has to go back for some blood tests soon.  For now we are trying a round of antibiotics.  Needless to say, that threw a kink in our morning, and Joe grabbed us a pizza on his way home from the vet.  Then came the fiasco of trying to give a cat medicine.  He was pretty well behaved, but he's also 13, so he's getting a little too old to care about fighting us.  After that our day got pretty much back to normal.  I baked some brownies for Joe, and sorted through some books my Dad brought me to sell on Amazon.  I also did some more laundry; I'm so glad to be caught up on that finally.  My niece came to visit, so we just had a quick snacky dinner after she left.  Overall, the day turned out to be fairly productive, and we were well fed, even if we did have a sick kitty to contend with.
Breakfast - Blueberry Muffins for Joe, Cream of Wheat for Me
Lunch - $9 Meal Deal from Little Caesar's
Dinner - Snacks
Snacks - Tortilla Chips with Salsa, Veggies and Dip, String Cheese

Saturday: Joe had to take the cat back to the vet for some blood work and pain medicine, because he was just meowing in pain.  It wasn't cheap, but hopefully it isn't anything too serious, and he won't need surgery.  We ran out quickly in the morning to get my newspapers from the Dollar Tree, and stopped next door at Joanne's to get the jersey fabric and elastic Joe needs to make my maternity pants.  I can still fit in my regular pants at 29 weeks, but they are starting to get uncomfortable, so I'll be happy for some more forgiving pants to wear.  I stripped the bed and wash the linens, and I got all the Christmas decorations boxed up, including the tree.  Joe worked on finishing up some projects so his table is clear to work on my pants.  Shortly after our delicious dinner, my sister called to tell me my niece was in the ER, and if I could go sit with her until she could get there.  My niece is 19 and had never had an IV before, and she has panic attacks over needles, I was so glad that I was able to be there for her and help to keep her calm.  She was a trooper, and luckily it doesn't seem to be anything major at the moment, but please keep her in your prayers just in case.  We got home at de-germified with showers and laundry, and then it was bed for this prego lady :)
Breakfast - Fruit and Grain Bar for Joe, Yogurt with Granola and a Special K Bar for Me
Lunch - Leftover Pizza for Joe, Cheese Quesadilla for Me
Dinner - Chicken Fajitas, Mexican Rice
Snacks - Tortilla Chips with Salsa, Veggies and Dip, String Cheese