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Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Aubree Started Talking!


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No Bake Peanut Butter Bars!

These are so delicious and they don't require any baking! perfect!

Ingredients:
1 cup butter melted
2 cups graham cracker crumbs(store bought are easier because you need them fine)
2 cups confectioner's sugar
1 cup and 4 tbsp peanut butter
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

In a medium bowl mix together the butter, graham cracker crumbs, confectioner's sugar and 1 cup of peanut butter until well blended. Press it evenly into a 9x13 ungreased pan. In a bowl melt the rest of the peanut butter and the chocolate chips, stir until smooth. Spread over the peanut butter mixture. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.


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Monday, July 30, 2012

Cheesy Chicken Lasagna Recipe YUMMY!

I love this recipe. Lasagna is one of my favorite foods and this makes it taste even better that it is chicken!

Ingredients:
2-12oz cans of evaporated milk, not fat free
1-1oz packet dry ranch dressing mix
3 cups, cooked & cubed chicken
1/8 tsp pepper
12oz cooked lasagna noodles
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
2 cups grated mozzarella cheese

First cook the noodles and the chicken at the same time. Rinse the noodles in cold water and set aside. Cube the chicken. Mix the evaporated milk and the ranch mix in a 3 quart saucepan. Put over low heat and stir until the dry ingredients are dissolved. Add the chicken and pepper and simmer uncovered for about 25 minutes. Make sure to stir it frequently. Layer half of the noodles, chicken sauce and cheese in a 9x13 pan. Repeat layers a 2nd time. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until lasagna is hot and bubbly.


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Sunday, July 29, 2012

Healthy Strawberry Muffin Recipe

Ingredients:
2 1/2 oats, old-fashioned kind not the quick oats
1 cup low fat plain Greek yogurt
2 eggs
1/2 cup baking stevia or 1 cup of sweetener that measures like sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 cup strawberries, diced and patted dry


Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a 12 muffin pan with either silicone liners or tin ones as this will stick to the paper ones. Place all the ingredients except for the strawberries into blender or food processor and blend until oats are smooth. Pour into a medium bowl and mix in the strawberries. Pour into liners and bake for 20-25 minutes.



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Saturday, July 28, 2012

Strawberry Chocolate Triffle Recipe

Ingredients:
1 pack of chocolate cake mix
1 quart fresh strawberries
15oz strawberry glaze
2- 12oz frozen whipped topping
1 cup chocolate frosting
shaved chocolate

Prepare and bake cake according to package directions, using a 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Cool completely on a wire rack. Save 5 strawberries for garnishing and slice the rest of the strawberries. Cut the cake into 1-inch pieces. Place half of the cubes in a 6-qt. glass punch bowl. Top with half of the sliced strawberries and drizzle with half of the strawberry glaze. Spread with 3-1/2 cups whipped topping. Heat the chocolate frosting in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until pourable. Drizzle half of it onto the whipped topping. Repeat layers of cake,  strawberries, glaze, whipped topping and frosting. Cover with remaining whipped topping.Cover and refrigerate until serving. Garnish with shaved chocolate and reserved strawberries.


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Saturday, July 21, 2012

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Brownie Recipe

Ingredients:
Package of premade chocolate chip cookie dough
box of brownie mix
package of regular size Reese's peanut butter cup

You can use either a 9x13 pan, a cupcake pan or a square brownie pan

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

If your using the 9x13 pan fill the bottom with the pan with about an inch thick of cookie dough and put the pb cups 3 x4 in the pan. Then pour the brownie mix over top.

If  you are using the cupcake or brownie pan put about 1/2 inch thick of cookie dough and put a pb cup in each pocket. Then pour the brownie mix to the top of the cups.

Bake for 18 minutes. The 9x13 pan probably will need a few more minutes.



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Friday, July 20, 2012

Getting School Stuff Started...Finally

This past week I've been trying really hard to start getting my college stuff ready so I can start school in the fall. I have a lot to do in a short time before school starts but I think I can get it done. I'll have to take online courses this semester until I can purchase a car. I want to go for Radiography. I've always been fascinated when I go to the E.R. and have to get x-rays taken. It also is a good paying job, and being a single mom that is what I really need. I would love to do this course. When I get settled and have a good job and place to call my own I wanna go back for Ultrasound tech also. I just want to have my options open so I never have to settle for less then I want. 
I want to give Aubree the best possible life I can as a single mom. I know I'll meet someone one day and get married, but for now I want to be as independent as possible and not have to rely on others for help. It'll take me sometime but its possible. I know I'll be able to do it. 
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Sunday, July 15, 2012

NoMoreRack.Com

For all my lovely followers who love amazing deals and saving a bunch of money. Go visit nomorerack.com and get great items from electronics to clothes to toys and kitchen gadgets all for really cheap! :)

http://www.nomorerack.com/?cr=1966702
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Loaded Baked Potato Dip Recipe

This has got to be the best tasting dip I have ever had. I am absolutely in love with it. 

Ingredients:
16 ounces sour cream
16 slices (12-ounce package) bacon, cooked and crumbled(I used real bacon bits because it was midnight and I wasn't about to cook some bacon. Haha.)
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
1/3 cup thinly sliced scallions or chives


Take all of the ingredients and mix them in a bowl. Chill for about an hour before serving. I ate it right away and it still tasted amazing.


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Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Sandwiches

These are so easy to make and they taste so yummy. They are a great way to snazzy up those boring pretzels in kids lunches for school or for parties.

Ingredients:
Pretzels
Peanut Butter
Almond Bark( regular chocolate one)

Take peanut butter and spread it on a pretzel. Put another one on top to make a sandwich. Make as many of these as you want. Then put the almond bark in a microwaveable bowl and melt it, stirring until there are no chunks. Take the sandwiches and dip them into the chocolate. 


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Saturday, July 14, 2012

Aubree Realizes I'm Filming Her Cry

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Thursday, July 12, 2012

How To Make Footprint Butterflies

Supplies You'll Need:
Paint
Canvas
Marker



Take a paint brush and paint the bottom of your child's foot. You can make it one solid color or you can print blotches of different colors. Press it down on the canvas. Repeat with the other foot. But make sure that the feet are together by the outside of the foot. Use the marker to draw a body, head and antennae. 




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Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Bottle Cap Caterpillar Craft


What You'll Need:
6 Bottle Caps
Green Paper
Scissors
Glue
Crayons
Pipe Cleaners
Googly Eyes


First, cut a leaf shape out of the green piece of paper. Have your child color the bottle caps the colors they chose. Pour a bit of glue onto a scrap paper and have your child dip the cap into the glue then stick the caps onto the leaf in a line. Glue eyes and a pipe cleaner smile onto the first cap. Glue antennae above the face bottle cap and use a crayon to draw legs underneath the rest of the caps.


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Update On Miss Aubree

Saturday we took Aubree to the Emergency Room. The Dr. there said she had a hernia and that we had to take her to her pediatrician so they could give us a referral to her surgeon. We took her to the pediatrician and she said that she had a hernia too. 
Today we took her down to Charlotte to meet with her surgeon and he said she doesn't have a hernia. They said that it is just where there is a weakened section of her diaphragm muscle from when she had her hernia surgery before. He said that it disappears on its own but that it would take several months for it to. He told me that if it was still there in a few months and that it was still creating concern for me that I should call them for another appointment and they will take another look at it.

chilling at the drs office today.
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Monday, July 9, 2012

Cute Video Of Aubree In The NICU

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Aubree Making Funny Faces


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Saturday, July 7, 2012

Like I Said When It Rains, It Pours

Like I said in my last post when it rains it pours right? 
Today I was trying to clean out Aubree's clothes to see what fit her and what didn't. I had taken her onesie off because I was trying a few thing on her. She started to fuss so I stopped cleaning to feed her. While she was eating she stopped and started crying and arching her back. I looked down and notice this lump protruding from her lower left abdomen. 
I called my mom in to have a look at her. We decided to rush her to the E.R. When we got there it felt like an eternity before we were seen. I was so scared that her Diaphragmatic Hernia had come back even though I knew it was too low for it. They took some xrays of her and then we sat in the patient room for what felt like forever again. Finally my mom went out to ask if we could feed her and if anyone was gonna come and look at her. About 5 minutes later, a doctor walked in. He said that she has another hernia but this one is not life threatening. I couldn't believe it. My poor angel. He said that I needed to call her pediatrician on Monday to schedule a follow up so she could get her scheduled to meet with a surgeon. I feel terrible for her. Only just turned 3 months old and she will be having her 2nd surgery in the near future. I feel like this is my fault even though they are common in babies. I wish there was something I could do to help her. I feel as though I'm failing at being her mother. A parent is supposed to protect their child from harm and I am doing a terrible job at it. Every time I look at her I want to cry. How could God put such a tiny helpless person through so much so early? 
I will keep you guys updated on her condition as we learn more about treatment plans and such. Please keep us in your prayers.
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A Summertime Update

So this summer has been pretty eventful for Aubree and I. We have been to the lake and the pool a bunch of times with her Auntie Desirae, Uncle Jake and Rhylan. She has learned to love the water. The first time I put her in she was screaming bloody murder. Now she just lays there sucking on her pacifier enjoying the water. It is probably because it has been so hot outside lately! The temperature here in NC has been in the high 90s and we have even had some days above 100 degrees! While I love this weather it has been a bit ridiculous. 

We spent the 4th of July at the lake with Auntie Tiff, Auntie D and all of her family. I love that family. Since I can remember they have always made me feel like I was apart of the family. I have spent many a days hanging with them since I was about 12. We seperated for a few years and didn't talk, but I am so glad that they are apart of my life again. 
We went to watch her "cousin" Rhylan in the 4th of July parade that they were having in town. The lights and sirens from the firetrucks and police cars and the marching band from the high school did not phase her one bit. She just sat there being nosy and looking around at everything.
her adorable 4th outfit

waiting for the parade to start

We also had a few big milestones the last couple weeks. Aubree has discovered her thumbs finally and is starting to suck more on them then her pacifier. She also started rolling over from her stomach to her back. You can check out the video that I posted on our youtube page to see that. 
Youtube.com/BlessHerCottonSocksL

She turned 3 months on Friday. She is growing up way to fast. Sometimes, I wish she would just stop. She is constantly grinning away and her colic seems to have gone away (thank the Lord).

picture her talented Auntie Desirae took.

We will soon have more adventures to write about. A few will be challenging ones and I hope plenty more milestones and happy memories. 

As for me, I will be turning 24 on the 29th of this month. I feel so old when I look at the number but I still feel like the quiet 20 year old who needs to step out of her shell more often and start speaking up for myself and what I believe is the truth. 
I'm still working on my relationship with my Lord Jesus and trying to get more comfortable with who I am, body and mind. I have a few great friends that I can go to for anything and I know they wont judge me. They both have blogs. You should really go read them. 
vivaciousinred.blogspot.com
weretheyoungfamily.blogspot.com
and extremesavingwithcoupondivadesirae.com
they are both amazing and profound women who have a lot to say.
And Desirae is an extreme couponer. She has helped me a ton!

I'm still on the search for a job. I'm hoping and praying that I will be blessed with one very soon. I dislike other people paying for stuff for me. I have always been full of pride and feel like a deadbeat when people buy stuff for me no matter how little the cost. I would really like a job by the end of the month. My original goal was to be moved out by Christmas. Realistically I doubt that will happen but I will try my best. I was planning on going back to school in the fall but without a car to get back and forth to the college I have had to postpone those plans as well. When it rains it pours right?

I apologize for the length of this post, but it feels great to be able to write and get stuff off my chest.





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Thursday, July 5, 2012

Aubree Finally Rolls Over For The Camera

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How to Make Red, White, & Blue Fruit Kabobs

These fruit kabobs are such a pretty food to make for the 4th of July. You could have the kids make them to let them feel involved in the cooking process for a party. 

Ingredients:
mini star marshmallows
raspberries
blueberries
strawberries- cut in halves or quartered
wooden skewers


Take the ingredients and layer them onto each skewer. I would start each of them with at least 1 blueberry the other fruits slide of the skewers otherwise. I also wouldn't start with a marshmallow because when you slide it down the skewer it rips apart if there isnt any berry juice to help slide it along.


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Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Red, White, & Blue Cake Recipe

You don't have to make this cake red, white, and blue. I made it those colors for Independence Day :)

Ingredients: (need 2 separate mixes in 2 bowls)
1 cup sugar x 2
1/2 cup butter x 2
2 eggs x 2
2 tsp vanilla x 2
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour x 2
1 3/4 tsp baking powder x 2
1/2 cup milk x 2


Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease 2- 9" round cake pans

In 2 medium mixing bowls, cream together the butter and sugar. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. 
In separate bowls combine the baking powder and flour, then add to the cream mixture, and mix well.
Add the milk and stir until mixture is smooth. Add food coloring to the bowls for whatever colors you would like the cake to be.
Pour into the pans and bake for 30-40 minutes.

Ice the cake with vanilla frosting and add sprinkles for a little more festive color.



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Tuesday, July 3, 2012

How to Make Edible Eggless Cookie Dough

I love this recipe! I used to eat regular cookie dough even though I knew I could get sick, so it's awesome that I can make this and know that it's perfectly safe to eat. :)


Ingredients:
3/4cup brown sugar
1/4cup butter, softened
1/4 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup milk
1 cup flour
pinch of salt
1/2 chocolate chips

In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar and butter until it's smooth.Stir in the milk and vanilla. Mix in the flour, salt and chocolate chips until well blended. Chill in the refrigerator.



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Single Serve Brownie Recipe

This tastes amazing and it's great portion control. If i was left with a whole pan of brownies I would devour them all. Lol.

Ingredients:
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup flour
2 tbsp cocoa
pinch of salt
2tbsp olive oil
3tbsp water

Mix all the dry ingredients. Add in the oil and water. Cook it in the microwave for 1 minute and 40 seconds.


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Monday, July 2, 2012

Single Serve Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

This is great to make when you're craving a chocolate chip cookie and don't want to go through the hassle of making a whole batch.


Ingredients:
1tbsp butter, melted
1tbsp white sugar
1tbsp brown sugar
3 drops of vanilla
pinch of salt
1 egg yolk
1/4 cup flour
2tbsp chocolate chips

Mix it all in a mug or bowl and microwave for 40-60 seconds.


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Aubree Trying To Roll Over

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