Emma's Arrival

Our sweet little girl decided to grace us with her presence on Tuesday, October 23.  We are overjoyed to welcome her into our family, and are loving getting to know her!  My labor experience with Emma was so incredibly different than with Calvin.  Everyone told me it would be, but I didn't want to get my hopes up, expecting a quicker and easier delivery.  I wanted to be realistic.  With Calvin, I was in labor for about 30 hours, from first feeling contractions to actually meeting him.  I was up for two nights, progressed super slowly, and was totally exhausted by the time I asked for an epidural, allowing me to rest. 

This time around was so different.  Tuesday morning, I was feeling a little crampy, but not wanting to get my hopes up.  I was still a few days before my due date, and I had already mentally prepared myself to be late.  Calvin and I went to our Tuesday morning Bible study like normal.  The crampiness continued, but remained really light. When Jake headed to work around 11 am, I told him I was feeling a little off and I'd keep him posted, but didn't think anything was going to happen.  By the time I put Calvin down for a nap around 12:30, I was starting to feel pain in my back, similar to what I'd felt when I went into labor last time.  I started feeling really cold, but my palms were sweating.  I called my mom and told her what I was feeling and she knew I was in labor.  Around 2:30, I called Jake to come home, and within half an hour, I was really having to breath through the contractions.  Jake's folks came to pick up Calvin and I could hardly talk to them. 

We arrived at the hospital around 3:30, and after throwing up in the lobby, I checked in at 4 cm.  Yahoo!!  Last time, they sent me home because I wasn't far enough along and I did not want that to happen again.  The contractions had gotten so intense, so fast, I knew I would need an epidural.  What a wise decision that was :)  Thank you Lord, for modern medicine, and for anesthesiologists! 

Me...in labor! 

I got my epidural around 5:30 and had already progressed to 6 cms since checking in...much faster than last time.  Oh epidurals are wonderful!  My pain was immediately gone, and I was able to have visitors while labor progressed...amazing!  My water broke around 8:45 and they said I was ready to push.  I pushed for a whopping 6 MINUTES and Emma was born at 9 pm on the dot!!  She weighed 7 lbs 10 oz and 20 1/4 inches long.  Piece of cake!  I can't believe how different of an experience it was...everyone was right :) 

Our first two weeks have had their ups and downs.  Emma ended up back in the hospital for two nights with jaundice.  We went through the same thing with Calvin, although we were a little surprised considering what a better eater Emma has been.  We had our two week check up today, though, and she is back up to her birth weight and the doctor (and I) was very pleased.  I think she is a bit colicy (sp?) and has some good, long crying sessions, but we're figuring that out, too :)  I was blessed to have Jake home for two weeks, and today has been my first day at home with both kiddos.  It has gone great!  Calvin has been wonderful with Emma, and a great helper for me.  He tests me a little extra while I'm nursing, but we're working on listening and obedience, as we will continue to do for years to come :) 

We are so glad Emma is finally here and we can start figuring out life as a family of four.  I am already looking forward to the weeks and months ahead when we can get out and about more...as opposed to being stuck to the couch nursing constantly.  But I am doing my best to cherish the moments with my teeny little girl, even when they are in the middle of the night and the little sweety is screaming bloody murder. 

 

 

 

 

 

Counting down the days

That's right folks...we are two weeks, a mere 14 days, away from my due date!!  It is all seeming very real that at any moment, our lives are going to change again with the addition of a sweet little girl.  Our house is full of pink, fluffy goodness and we are all so excited to meet our new addition whenever the Lord decides it is her time to come. 

How crazy adorable is this??  A sweet friend made it for my baby shower this past week. 

I have been praying the last few months for a better attitude this time around.  If you knew me when I was pregnant with Calvin, I was a beast at the end.  Irritable, uncomfortable, emotional, and just really miserable.  And not that those things aren't true this time around, I've just been much more conscious of how I deal with it.  Being pregnant with your first, there is a lot of opportunity to sit around and think about how miserable you feel, and get overly anxious towards the end.  This time around, I have a crazy little two year old to keep me occupied.  I've also worked hard...maybe a little too hard...to be "prepared".  Yes, I have the drawers stocked with clean baby clothes and blankets, hospital bags are packed.  But I also have a stocked freezer with dinners to last us a lifetime, and baked goods so it will still taste like fall even if I don't have the energy to bake :)  My family will be much better taken care of this time around :) 

Now, we can relax and enjoy these last days of just the three of us.  I am trying to soak up every sweet Calvin moment I can.  Thankfully, Jake will have time off work to give Cal some extra attention once the baby comes.  Overall, I think he is going to do great and cannot wait to hold his little sister! 

Can't wait to announce our little girl's arrival to the world...hopefully sooner rather than later!!  I'm due the 26th, but our AMAZING birth photographer is leaving town the 23rd.  So pray for a baby before the 22nd!!  I would hate to not have images like these this time around :

Birthdays and Big Boy Beds

We had such a fun time celebrating Calvin's birthday with family and friends.  Last year, I made such a big deal out of his birthday.  It wasn't anything huge or fancy, but we invited a ton of people and I fed them all...big mistake...don't feed people!  It was such a special time, but I spent the entire day up until the party completely stressed out, baking a cake and making 80+ homemade tortillas for a taco bar. 

This year, I wanted low key.  Besides, birthday parties at this age are more for the parents than they are for the kids, right?  Calvin won't remember if there were decorations, or what the cake tasted like, or any of the details that I let myself get stressed out about.  So this year, we did cupcakes in the park with family and some close friends.  Everyone brought their own picnic dinner and we had a great time chatting, laughing, and watching the kids play. 

Why is there a candle in my pancake??

 

Cal LOVES the splash park! 

 

Enjoying his birthday cupcake...and he now thinks everything that comes out of a muffin tin is birthday cake :) 

 

With Grandma E

 

With daddy and Papa K

 

Our little family

 

And in other news at the Eschbach home...Calvin is in a big boy bed!!  I was a little nervous about the transition, but we wanted to have him good and settled before the baby comes.  He'll be sharing a room with his little sister once she's a decent night sleeper.  He has never tried climbing out of his crib, to my great surprise, but we didn't want to have two cribs, so the transition was made.  He has done great!  He was so excited to "help" daddy build it, and sleeps like a champ in it!  He has been waking up earlier, and either starts shouting for us, or pounding on his door.  But through the night has been great!  I did shed a tear or two as I was tucking him in the first night...babies don't sleep in beds, big boys do...where did my baby go??

 



SOOO Excited!!

 

 

 

As of tomorrow, I am 34 weeks along with baby girl!  Crazy how fast time has flown, but we are starting to feel more and more prepared.  I feel as though I am going to be much better prepared this time.  Not just in the baby department, but with house cleaning, meal prep, things like that.  With Calvin,  I was working full time until a few weeks before he was born.  So while I did a lot around the house, homemaking wasn't my "job", like it is now.  I am loving getting freezer meals ready, working on some canning, and getting to sew some of my own projects.  It has been a very different experience, and we just can't wait to meet our little girl in a matter of weeks!!

 

 

Happy Birthday!

Our sweet little boy turned two last week, but today is birthday party day!  We'll be gathering with family and friends at Calvin's (and my) favorite park to celebrate.  Hopefully I'll remember to take some pictures and will share some of the fun :) 

 

Can't believe this sweet, smiley boy is two already!  The years have flown by and he has just been the joy of our lives.  He makes us laugh constantly and is so loving.  We are so excited to watch him welcome his new sister into our lives in just a few weeks.  He is going to be such a good helper, entertainer, and protector of his "tiny". 

We love you sweet boy!! 

Homemade Laundry Soap

In an effort to cut costs and eliminate a few icky chemicals from our house, I have been making our own laundry soap for over a year now.  And if you couldn't tell, then it's probably working, right??  :)  I was blown away when I saw how easy the recipe was on a friend's blog so I thought I'd give it a shot.  And I haven't bought laundry soap for over a year.  The ingredients are super cheap and last FOREVER.  Forever as in I think I've only bought most of them once...ever!!  There have been loads that have required a little extra umph, like baby spit up or poo, and for those loads I have added a scoop or two of oxyclean.  But I would have done that with normal detergent too. 

The recipe I use comes from The Family Homestead blog...which is full of great recipes, household cleaners, organizing tips, and budgeting ideas.  It really is the easiest thing in the world, and if you are looking to cut costs in any area of your home, this is probably the easiest. 

Ingredients
1 bar soap OR 1/3 bar of fels naptha (a stronger soap, found on the detergent aisle)
1/2 cup washing soda
1/2 cup borax
water

Supplies
2 gallon bucket
large pot
wooden spoon (or something to stir with)
cheese grater

Instructions

1. Grate soap into a sauce pan.  You'll want to grate it completely, not just chop it up because it will take quite a while to melt if the chunks are too big.  I'd also suggest wearing rubber gloves if you are using fels naptha because it can be a little irritating on your skin if you handle it too long. 
2. Add 6 cups water and heat on medium until the soap melts, stirring occassionally. 
3. Add washing soda and borax and stir until dissolved.  Remove from heat. 
4. Pour 4 cups hot water into 2 gallon bucket, then add soap mixture. 
5. Add 1 gallon (16 cups) plus another 6 cups water and stir. 
6. Allow to sit for about 24 hours, then it's ready to use!  The consistency should be something like egg flower soup, with some thicker chunks, but mostly liquid.  Use about 1/2 cup per load of laundry. 

If you like scented detergent, you can use any scent of essential oil.  I believe the original recipe calls for .5 to 1 ounce, but today is the first time I used fragrance and I think I put in about 1/2 of the .5 ounce bottle of orange blossom oil.  We'll see how it turns out :) 

If you have a lot of space to store the detergent in the 2 gallon bucket close to your washer, great.  I don't, so I have a smaller bucket that I keep by the washer, and store the big bucket in the bathroom.  Some people also fill their favorite laundry detergent container and use that instead.  Whatever you like :) 

I have also successfully doubled the batch and the detergent still turns out just great. 

Happy laundry soap making!!

Too Cute

These were just too cute to not share :)  I love when I find Calvin somewhere unexpected, or doing something oh so cute...and he actually stays that way until I can get my camera!!  Word of advice...if you can save up for a fancy camera if you don't already have one when you have kids, do it!!  There were so many cute things and expressions I missed because my camera was so stinking slow!  Never again :) 

Working on a new song

My little refugee baby!  I found him this way at the end of his rest time. 

Summer Catch Up

My kid is suddenly a sleeper.  He's always gone down easily for bed times and naps, but I had grown so accustomed to his 1 1/2 hours of napping each day, that now I don't know what to do with myself!  He has been napping for over three hours...and this has become the norm.  Now, I'm not complaining...it's just wierd :)  So I thought I would take the opportunity to blog :) 

Our summer has been very fun!  Nothing too exciting, no great, grand adventures, but we've been enjoying the sunshine around here.  It's been pretty mild weather wise, which I am just fine with.  And with this new extended nap schedule, a good chunk of the afternoon is spent inside, so I don't mind when we have cloudy or rainy days.  This time two years ago, I was 9 months pregnant with Calvin and Jake would come home to me crying on the couch with my feet in cold water because it was so bloody hot outside!  So we'll just say this pregnant summer has been much more pleasant. 

A few of the highlights of our summer so far:

• Berry picking...I LOVE fresh berries, and I LOVE having a freezer full of strawberries and raspberries to use throughout the year.  I'm also going to make jam :) 
• Swimming!  We have a pool at our apartment complex and we have been taking full advantage of it on these hot days. 
• We spent the 4th of July up in Blaine, like we do every year, with my mom's side of the family.  We didn't stay to enjoy the fireworks, but came home, put the baby to bed, and were able to see the tippy top of the Bellingham bay show. 
• Woodland Park Zoo...we took Cal to the zoo for the first time and he was so excited to see all the "naminimals". 
• Calvin enjoyed his first ice cream cone at grandma and grandpa Eschbach's
• Jake and I were able to stay in Seattle and see Les Miserables for our 4 year anniversary
• And we've spent lots of time with both sets of grandparents, playing in the yard, learning about Calvin's deep love for the hose and lawnmowers. 

First ice cream cone...handled it like a champ :)

Enjoying an afternoon on Lummi Island

The world's happiest strawberry picker...we definitely got our money's worth!

Calvin continues to keep us busy and cause us to fall into bed at the end of the day...well, him and a couple episodes of "Breaking Bad", our latest addiction :)  He is just such a funny kid and we enjoy him so much.  It is going to be so much fun seeing how he welcomes his baby sister into our world in just a few short months!  One of his best friends just had a baby sister and he is IN LOVE with her! 

Calvin Lately:

• His favorite things are "mi mowmow" (lawnmowers).  I swear the kid can hear someone mowing their lawn a mile away. 
• He wants to "see" EVERYTHING and he'll pull his little stool up to me in the kitchen or wherever I am, constantly.  It's mostly cute :) 
• He really enjoys the pool, especially when daddy comes.  He absolutely adores the hot tub, however, and would gladly sit on the top step of the hot tub all day than be in the pool. 
• The kid can jump!  Like, both feet off the ground and all around the house (which, according to my weekly babycenter.com emails is a skill that shouldn't develop for months...ha! so advanced)  I think that's what helps him sleep so well...he is in constant motion. 
• He is so loving, gives kisses and squeezes and now says "I wuv wu" after each kiss.  Melts my heart! 
• He doesn't seem ready for potty training yet, which is ok because I don't think I am either.  He'll point to the toilet and say "pee pee", but as soon as I sit him down, he's all done.  No hurries here :) 
• He is still in his crib and has never once (to our knowledge) come close to climbing out.  I'm really surprised actually, but I think he just really loves sleeping, so we're going to go with the crib until it's time for baby sister to use it, I guess :) 
• He likes to hold hands and pray before meals or snacks, and he says amen when we're through.  It's so cute :) 



More Meals!

Woohoo!  Two weeks in a row of being prepared!  I love not having to think when it comes to "what's for dinner".  I'm also trying to do a better job of planning out snacks, breakfast, and lunches, but that's a work in progress.  I've been on a "mix" kick lately.  So far, I've made my own bisquick mix and brownie mix, and I'm wanting to make my own pancake mix once I have all the ingredients.  I don't know if it's exactly saving me money, since I wouldn't normally buy mixes, but it definitely saves me time, and it really doesn't take any fancy ingredients. 

I basically start to melt when it gets over 80 degrees, and since summer has finally arrived here in the Northwest, I'm trying to do as little cooking as possible!  These are the days when freezer meals come in handy!  Almost no prep time, so Cal and I can spend our afternoon at the pool, then pop dinner in the oven and done! 

Here's our week in meals...

Sunday - Tacos...pretty much my favorite meal ever!

Monday - Leftover tacos, or picnic at the lake with sandwiches

Tuesday - Cilantro Lime chicken with red beans and rice

Wednesday - Sweet and Sour Meatballs with rice (freezer meal)

Thursday - Chicken Satay with rice (another freezer meal)

Friday - homemade hamburgers and (hopefully!?) homemade buns!

Saturday - down at my folks for the day :) 

Happy sunny week!! 

My week in meals

I have been neglecting my meal planning miserably lately!  It started to go downhill around week 10 of my pregnancy, when it took everything in me to stomach a handful of crackers and some applesauce for dinner.  Yes, my poor family did suffer.  But I no longer have any excuses.  And not only does meal planning typically save me money, it saves me from having to think about dinner during the week, which is my favorite part. 

As I think about what life with two kids will be like, I am getting more and more motivated to plan ahead and stock my freezer.  So this is the beginning of my attempt to get back into planning mode!  Go me!!

And I have links to all the meals that aren't my own creation over on my Pinterest page, under "this weeks meals"...brilliant, I know :) 

This week's meals...

Sunday: Broccoli and Cheddar soup with homemade French Bread

Monday:  Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops

Tuesday:  Mexican Casserole

Wedesnday:  Kale and Spinach Soup

Thursday:  Leftovers

Friday:  Homemade Taco Pizza

Saturday:  Crockpot Rotisserie Chicken with potatoes

He thinks he's 2 already...

...Terrible Twos that is!!  I know everyone has different experiences with the "terrible" age, but I'm pretty sure we are entering ours, and Calvin isn't even two yet!  Within the last week or so, we have seen a drastic change in his behavior.  The positive thing is, there has been a change in ALL his behavior.  So while his temper is shorter and he is much more opinionated, he is also significantly sweeter, funnier, and has TONS of personality!  Even with the challenges, it has been a blast to be this kids mom!  We're learning how to deal with the tantrums, how to explain why we punish him, and how to get on the same page with how to deal with behavior issues. 

Such a little monkey!

Maybe this is crazy, but I actually think it's adorable to hear Calvin say "no".  And I appreciate that he can express his opinions now, in ways other than just screaming or crying.  That doesn't mean I allow him to tell me "no" for certain things, but I can't help but smile :) 

This is Analynne...Calvin loves her and someday, they will get married :) 

Pregnancy has been going well.  I'm still experiencing a bit of morning sickness, but it's over as soon as I dry heave...lovely, I know :)  It's crazy how much faster this pregnancy is going, just like everyone told me it would.  There are days I don't even have time to think about the little one growing inside of me, because I'm so busy chasing around the one that's already here!  I have been feeling little kicks for the last few weeks, but I'm so excited for them to get stronger and feel more movement...that is my absolute favorite part of pregnancy.  We have our ultrasound to find out the gender on June 11, and I'm sure it will be on my mind more once I get to start shopping :) 

Helping daddy in the kitchen!

Calvin has grown up so much in the past weeks, and Jake and I feel like he is going to be the perfect age to be a big brother, once baby comes.  He has met a few teeny babies recently and is so sweet with them.  He loves to hold babies, for about five seconds.  And he loves to point out their eyes and nose, and give sweet kisses.  He is also becoming such a good helper.  He loves to help me unload the silverware from the dishwasher, load laundry, and he can even climb into his own car seat and stroller.  He loves to throw things away, too, and I'm sure he'll become a great "picker upper" for mommy once my tummy gets bigger. 

Yep...he's munching on a lettuce leaf :) 

Life is good and we continue to feel extremely blessed! 

The Best Mother's Day!

So far in my short history of mother's days, this one takes the cake!  It wasn't anything glamorous...just a lovely day with my family.  Oh, and it also happens that I wasn't laid up on the couch with a thrown out back like last year!  

Jake's folks hosted a great lunch and picnic in their backyard.  My parents were able to come up as well, so no mother was left uncelebrated :) 

We enjoyed a GLORIOUS day in the sun!!  I don't think I have truly appreciated sunny, dry weather until I became a mom and spent months on end cooped up in the house with a rowdy toddler.  I love getting to relax in the sunshine and watch Calvin explore and play.  He is quite the little adventurer.  We learned he LOVES blowing bubbles, splashing his hands in the kiddie pool but not actually going in it, watching the sprinkler from the safety of grandma's lap, and he could run around in the sunshine ALL DAY LONG!!  Seriously, we all crashed after our first full day in the sunshine of the year.   

Our little family

Blowing bubbles/sucking the soap out of the bubble blower

The men playing bocce

So happy to not have clothes on!

It truly is a blessing to be called "mama" by this little dude.  I thank God for him every day, and I try my best to cherish every moment I have with him.  God has truly blessed our family and I couldn't be more thankful. 

A very Eschbach update

It's been a busy few months here in the Eschbach house!  Every day is busy, as our little dude is changing and growing rapidly, and we are amazed every day at what he is learning and doing.  Like all of a sudden he knows how to push stools and chairs up to the counter and get at just about anything he wants.  Or how he has figured out the magic of light switches and how fun they are to flip on and off.  And closing doors...at least he hasn't figured out how to open them :)  He is a busy little boy and we are enjoying him so much!  He's is still not talking much, but has LOTS of words and noises that are so fun to listen to.  He's pretty good at communicating, though, and through grunts, signs, and his words, I can usually figure it out what he wants/needs. 

But the biggest change in the Eschbach house is the coming of baby #2!!  We are so excited for our family to continue to grow and can't wait to welcome our next sweet little one into our lives towards the end of October.  It's a little crazy to think about and I definitely get overwhelmed some days at the thought of two little ones, but I keep praying for the Lord to give me strength and wisdom! 

Calvin can't wait to be a big brother!  He loves saying hi to the baby and kissing my tummy!

We feel so blessed in our home right now! I've never had to struggle with horrible morning sickness, but I am ready to start feeling more like myself.  Throwing up every morning is definitely not fun, and it has lasted longer this pregnancy than with Calvin.  But with friends who are miserably sick all day long, I try to keep perspective :)  Just like when I was pregnant with Calvin, though, I am blessed again with several friends who are expecting their next babies and several of us are due within a few weeks of each other!!  How fun!!

I'm going to try and do a better job of writing "pregnancy" updates, just so that I look back one day.  Life is only going to get more hectic once baby #2 comes, and I want to keep jotting down memories and stories when I have the time, so I don't forget them!! 

I was blessed with this verse today at church...

"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden ALL the treasures of wisdom and knowledge"

Colossians 2:2-3

What a blessing to know I don't need to figure out all the answers...but I can lean on the One who does!!

Black Bean Soup

I made a really yummy dinner tonight and I don't want to forget about it! 

I based it off of a recipe for black bean soup I found on Annie's Eats.  I jazzed it up a little bit and it was delicious!!  The addition of red peppers and onions added a ton of flavor.  And I made a double batch so we can have it for lunch the rest of the week and throw any left overs in the freezer.  I love soup leftovers more than any other leftover.  They are the one thing that I think actually gets better a day or two later.  Odd. 

Black Bean and Red Pepper Soup
1 red pepper, chopped
1 white onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cans black beans, drained
2 cups salsa
3 cups chicken stock
1 tsp taco seasoning
shredded cheese, green onions, and sour cream to garnish

Throw red pepper, onion, and garlic into a stockpot with some olive oil.  Cook until tender.  Add chicken stock, black beans, salsa, and taco seasoning.  Heat on medium heat for a few minutes.  With immersion blender, blend until smooth.  I heated it for a few more minutes, then topped with some shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and sour cream.  YUMO!!

And I'd love to provide you with a photo to prove how delicious looking this soup is, but I can't.  I don't have the ability to make food appetizing, and I actually think you should try this :)

This week's meals...

This week is a little crazy.  Besides being the last few days of the month and having only $9 left in the grocery budget...it's also Super Bowl weekend and Jake and I are getting the chance to get away for a night!!  So we won't be at home as much...which is good, considering the limited grocery budget we have left :) 

Monday - Crab salad with homemade french bread.  We finally have a bread machine!!  And I LOVE it!!I still need to train my taste buds a little bit...I have a tendency to not like something just because it                isn't what I'm used to...so I'm working on it :) 
Tuesday - Black Bean Soup
Wednesday - Pork Chops and Rice
Thursday - Tuna Melts and raw veggies
Friday - Night away!!
Saturday - Probably grab a pizza :) 
Sunday - Super Bowl...we'll be watching the game at friends...and eating way more than we should!

Snow Days!!!

We had the pleasure of a winter wonderland around here the last few days.  I absolutely LOVE the snow.  I don't particularly like having to travel in it, or even be out in it for too long, but I love getting to watch the snow fall.  And I love the peacefulness it brings.  I know it tends to stress people out, but I love how everyone has to slow down...the roads are quiet, the stores are less busy (if we decide to venture out), and it is a great excuse for extra cups of hot chocolate and snuggles on the couch.  We didn't have nearly as much snow as the rest of western Washington, but a good 4-5" is just perfect!  It was also super cold with temps in the teens, and with the windchill, dipping down into single digits.  So it wasn't necessarily playing outside kind of weather for too long. 

We didn't have snow that stuck around for too long last year, so this was really Calvin's first time out in it.  He also would have only been about 5 months old last time it snowed, so I don't know how much playing would have happened anyway :) 

He loved it!!  Well, unless it touched his hands.  He would not keep his mittens on, which meant he only lasted a few minutes outside (which was the perfect length of time for me) and once we came in, there was much screaming as his hands thawed.  But it was worth it :)  We can't wait for next year's snow fall when Calvin is a little older and can play for a little longer. 

Some proof we actually went out in the snow...

Before the "big" snow came and we only had a dusting.  Just checking things out...

Tasting his first snowball

Too cute!!

Meals...

I am so loving this day!!  I LOVE snow!!  The snow has been falling all day and it is so cozy in our little house.  This is the first time it has snowed since we've lived here and I love having all the windows to watch the snow fall!!  And since there is very little venturing outside (Calvin isn't too keen on playing in the snow for too long) it's a perfect day for menu planning!!

Monday - Spinach and Kale Soup
Tuesday - Honey Glazed chicken thighs and rice (from Fix, Freeze, and Feast...the BEST freezer meal cookbook)
Wednesday - Balsalmic Chicken and pasta (from the crockpot)
Thursday - Beef Stew.  I've never made it before, but today, I am making beef broth in the crockpot from some pieces of meat left over from our Christmas roast.  It smells SOOO good!!
Friday - Leftovers
Saturday - Salsa Chicken (from the crockpot).  This is the only meal that I actually need to pick up a couple things for, and since we are supposed to be getting several inches of snow, I'm saving my grocery trip until the end of the week. 
Sunday - Taco Soup with flatbread

It's a soup heavy week!  And it's the perfect week for it!!  I LOVE soup!  And Jake and Calvin love soup!  And we all love leftover soup.  I've decided I am going to try and do one vegetarian meal every week.  This week it's the Kale and Spinach soup.  Just to save money and experiment with proteins other than meat.

Several of my recipes this week were found on Pinterest.  If you haven't checked out...DO IT NOW!!!  Yes, it is easy to spend hours "pinning" things you might possibly never look at again, but there are also some really helpful, useful things on it.  It's great for getting ideas for meals. 

Yesterday I made my first loaf of bread in a breadmachine and it turned out great!!  I'm excited to do more experimenting with it and making other types of breads and doughs.  I really love to bake, but for some reason, kneading and letting bread rise just isn't working for me.  Some day it might click, but for now, the breadmaker is going to become my second best friend (the crockpot will forever remain my first).  

Happy Meal Planning!! 

Meal Plan!!

Well, now that the craziness of the holidays are over, it's time to get back in the swing of meal planning.  Ok...the holidays have been over for a little while, but I'm still getting organized :) 

Week of January 9
Monday- Grilled Cheese and veggies...we have a young married event at church, so dinner needs to be simple!
Tuesday- Lentil Soup...I'm going to try this recipe
Wednesday- Chicken Divan...a classic in the Eschbach house
Thursday- Sweet and Sour Chicken...I've been craving this for some reason, so I found this recipe on Pinterest
Friday- Breakfast for Dinner!!  I think I'll make pancakes...
Saturday- Tacos
Sunday- Homemade pizza...with whatever toppings I happen to have on hand. 

Some other homemade things I am excited to try out...and I'll share if I have any success...are: cleaning products, pancake mix, season mixes (like taco seasoning and onion soup mix), pitas, and english muffins.