Christmas Recap!

We had a lovely Christmas this year. I was afraid it would be sad and dreary, but it really wasn't at all. We kind of got off to a rocky start though.

On Christmas Eve, as we're headed out to my grandpa's, Doug asks me if I really didn't buy him anything for Christmas, because of course, he didn't buy me anything. (We'd agreed to this previously.) I assured him that no, I did not buy him anything and that even if I had, it would certainly be too late for him to get me anything. Which wasn't a big deal. We really didn't get each other anything for Christmas and I didn't really notice it either. We did however get some nice things elsewhere. At my grandpa's we had a gift exchange where we each bought a wrapped gift and then drew numbers and that was fun. I got candles and Doug got a long sleeved t-shirt (that actually fit). My grandpa also gave us a savings bond for the baby, wasn't that sweet? We have to wait until after the baby is here to actually get it, but the thought was nice.

At my mom & dad's we did get our TV stand and Doug and my dad put it together right away. It looks great in our living room and matches the rest of our furniture quite nicely. I also got an immersion blender and some new cookie sheets. Mom is also making me an apron, but she hasn't finished it yet. Doug did pretty well too. My brother gave him back his exchange gift that he brought to my grandpa's, which made him very happy. Doug really wanted to keep it after he bought it. He also got some new track pants, this book, and a gift card to MC Sports. We also got movie passes, yay! And of course, my parents could not resist buying Christmas presents for the little peanut that is on it's way. :) The peanut (our prego nickname) got this book, this book that also came with a penguin toy, a set of penguin dishes (so cute!), and a penguin blankie. Notice the theme? My mom had to read the Some Babies Sleep book to my belly that morning too. I think my brother took a picture of it. I'll send it to you sometime.

Later that day, we went to see my grandma for a few minutes before heading to Doug's dad's. She gave us a Cracker Barrel gift card in a cute little pair of baby KC Chiefs socks. :) At Doug's dad's we got another baby gift, a Christmas sleeper from Aunt Becky & Uncle Eric. Doug's parents gave us Christmas money, which was much appreciated. We've used it this past weekend at the after Christmas sales. Doug & I each bought ourselves some badly needed new sweat/lounge pants. Doug also got a new coat and gloves. I found some cologne he'd been wanting for awhile in a gift set 50% off (no more perfume wearing for him, I still haven't told him!) The very last little bit of my Christmas money went for a new set of dishes (I know, I know...) that I ordered this morning. We both overspent a little bit, but since we didn't get each other anything for Christmas really, I think we're excused. It was definitely nice shopping the sales and getting such good buys.

Reading over that kind of makes me feel spoiled. We probably didn't need nearly that many gifts, but I'm sure next year everyone's Christmas spirit will be focused on the peanut, so it was a nice last hurrah!

How was your Christmas? Did the grandma's abide by the 2 gifts rule?

Ack! I'm a Bad Blogger!

Sorry I haven't posted in forever. I was feeling pretty low last week, but this week is better. Everything is totally back to normal, well, as normal as it can be, I suppose. I'm trying really hard to give up my coffee, but it is not working! I'm kind of sad about the whole changing of my due date thing. You see, before I would have been 8 weeks today. With this new due date, I'm like 7 weeks and 3 days. I know, I know, it's only 4 days! So after last week's scare, I've been doing my best to take it easy after work. Last night, I had to run to the store, but I went ahead and picked up something for dinner while I was there. When I came home I ate my dinner, did a few dishes and threw in a load of laundry, which is still in the dryer, btw and then laid on the couch for the rest of the night. We have free HBO for a month, so I watched bits and pieces of movies. It was lovely. I've now decided that I'll be waiting for that energy boost in my 2nd trimester before I'm really going to tackle any major housecleaning. As long as I keep things picked up the house shouldn't get too bad in the next month, right? :)

Menu Planning SUNDAY

I've decided that Monday doesn't really work for menu planning since I grocery shop on Sunday. :) So, now I'm going to do Menu Planning SUNDAY.

Another revision to my plan is to incorporate a budget. For the meals below, not including items I already have in my pantry, I hope to spend less than $40. Wish me luck.

SUNDAY: Sweet Potato & Black Bean Burritos
MONDAY: Turkey Hash Brown Casserole
TUESDAY: Chicken Cordon Bleu w/Rice
WEDNESDAY: Eggplant Parmesan
THURSDAY: Honey Dijon Crockpot Chicken & Cornbread muffins
FRIDAY: Butter Bean Burgers
SATURDAY: A meal on the town! (celebrating our Anniversary)

MPM - A Review

Okay, so my first Menu Planning Monday went... okay. I did enjoy doing it, and think it will only help me stick to my food budget, but I didn't follow my menu as closely as I could have.

Here's a review of the week. Blue I did as planned, red, a revision:

Monday: Turkey Tenderloin with Mac & Cheese
Tuesday: Spaghetti w/ Garlic Toast
Wednesday: Bean & Sweet Potato Burritos (MOVED TO SUNDAY)
Had frozen pizza instead.
Thursday: Hash Brown Casserole w/Turkey (MOVED TO MONDAY)
Had Spud Special Soup instead.
Friday: Spud Special Soup (ATE ON THURSDAY)
We ate at my Holiday Christmas party.

So... out of the five meals I planned for, we only actually ate three of them. On to next week!

Paranoia

Remember when you told me that I'd need to use my other test? Because I would think I didn't feel pregnant or something? Well, was it supposed to happen so soon? I got crazy paranoid today, because my boobs quit hurting. Probably because I didn't sleep on my stomach last night and wore a tighter shirt, along with a cami and bra. So I came home from work and immediately pulled out that test. Of course it was positive, there was no doubt about it. I feel silly now, but definitely feel a little less crazy. I've got to quit googling my symptoms and message boards aren't much help either. Apparently pregnancy hormones make everyone paranoid!

Menu Planning Monday

I'm not sure how accurate this will be, but it's definitely a good idea. I can definitely plan what I want to cook for the week and then make it whichever night I feel like it.

Monday: Meatloaf, roasted carrots, and potatoes
Tuesday: Working late, eat leftovers
Wednesday: Spaghetti
Thursday: Working late, eat leftovers
Friday: Chicken tender wrap
Saturday/Sunday: Barbecue chicken legs, roasted sweet potatoes, lima beans

Going Post Crazy Today...

But I I added link sections to the sidebar if you want to add any. :)

Also, I this is a little insane, but I think it's sweet.

Menu Planning Monday

So I found this site and I thought I'd give the whole menu planning idea a try. Wanna try with me?

My first menu is pretty uninspired, but I was going for cheap and filling.

Monday: Turkey Tenderloin with Mac & Cheese (It was good!)
Tuesday: Spaghetti w/ Garlic Toast
Wednesday: Bean & Sweet Potato Burritos
Thursday: Hash Brown Casserole (w/Turkey)
Friday: Spud Special Soup & Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Your turn!

A Girl & Her Little Tree