Christmas

We decorated for Christmas today.  A little early for us but Isaac is having his tonsils out tomorrow and wanted to do it while he felt like it. 
Our decorations are a hodgepodge.  We have no theme.  Its just a collection of general things that I like.   Our tree will never be featured in a home decorator's magazine, but it makes my children's eyes light up so its perfect.  Each ornament means something...like the one with James' footprint from his first Christmas, the stylized Halmark "Our First Christmas" that I chose because it looked kind of like our cake topper, the crooked bead candy cane Isaac made, the ornament my Home Ec teacher gave me in highschool, the few I brought from home when I got married, and the cats that remind us why our limbs are all bent and sagging.  Our tree represents US, which makes it perfect, we are a little lopsided and a little big of hodgepodge too...

Lonely

That moment when you are having a bad night and need someone to talk to...and Facebook says you have "499 friends" yet you sit alone with no one to whine too...yeah...that.  Think I'll put the kiddoes to bed and call it an early night...lack of sleep and stress is starting to take its toll on me...

Crockpot Chicken and Rice (or noodles)

This has quickly become a staple recipe in our household.  Thanks to Pinterest!  I've modified it a bit to make it even easier and its a win! 

3 or 4 chicken breasts, boneless strips, thighs, or whatever you like, its not rocket science
1 block cream cheese
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 packet dry Italian salad dressing mix (a new pantry staple for me!)
Minute rice, cooked rice, or cooked noodles

Mix everything but rice/noodles in crockpot.  Cook on low all day, or high all afternoon (real technical huh? Lol).  I stir every now and then to mix up cream cheese/sauce as it melts together.  When done I shred up chicken.  You can serve over cooked noodles or rice, but I've been lazy and want a one pot meal so I add some Minute rice...1/2 cup or so....and cook on high until rice is done and its starting to dry up.  Otherwise its pretty saucy, I like it a bit drier myself.  My family gobbles it up, even the kids!  Add a few veggies as a side and done! 

I love cloth diapers.  For one they are so pretty, finally got my temporary clothesline up, they look so pretty flapping in the wind, like little colorful flags..that also hold poop!  Lol