Back at it.

So, I've been going crazy for about a month or so.  We moved at the beginning of last month and it was a whirlwind.  Things just never seemed to fall into place after we moved.  It's just been a mess and I didn't fall back in to my schedule for a while and Joey had a vacation which threw things off more and then I took on way too many things for Easter and I got sick on top of all that.  My goodness, it's been insane.
I've finally been feeling better that past day or so and I'm determined to get back to things.  I've been really lazy (and lucky) up until now, baby food has been on sale or clearance every time I went to the store and haven't made much until now.  But I just can't be lazy anymore, baby food won't be on sale forever but it did help me stock up on baby food jars and the like so making my own is a touch easier now.
This morning I made three types of baby food for my little one.  Today made roasted grapes, roasted grapes with peaches, and apples with peas and spinach.  And it's so much easier now that Norah's bigger because I don't have to strain everything after it's pureed. On my cooking list for the day (after the baby food of course) is some ham (in the crock pot now) some lentils for baby, and homemade English muffins for my hubby.
I have some pictures of our new apartment and all the things that I've been making:

living room curtains

office curtains that coordinate with the living room

that painting that I've been working on for the kitchen for what seems like forever

On to my next thing on my schedule for the day, my meal planning:
Monday: Crock Pot 'baked' Ham with Spinach salad
Tuesday: baked fish Tacos
Wednesday: whole wheat Spaghetti & meatballs (baby food version too)
Thursday: Spinach and Ham Quiche (using Monday's leftovers)
Friday: Veggie Ravioli Florentine (spinach bechamel sauce)
Saturday: Nothing planned, it's my Grandfather's Memorial service and I may bring something but I'm not planning on doing any cooking that day.
Sunday: Mac and cheese and tuna salad or egg salad

Well, that's it for me today.  Here are some pics from Easter:

Daily Schedule day 4

So, things have been going sort of according to schedule.  I think I need to add in some more flexibility for baby crankiness.  I've missed one thing on my list everyday.  I'm not quite sure how to remedy that.  I've been looking into different daily schedules from different blog and the like but I haven't found one that I like.  I made myself a little checklist that I put up on my fridge with my schedule of stuff.  It's next to my grocery notepad. I like to see things checked off on a list; it makes me feel good. 
I'm thinking that I may need to do a little research into my day and figure out where I can trim the fat and fit in some new things. 
Today on my agenda: waiting for my Peapod.com order (I had enough coupons to more than cover the cost of shipping), then depending on if everything come in that order: making homemade pop-tarts, making play dough, updating my meal plan, vacuuming, making lunch and dinner, planning our big shopping trip for Saturday or Sunday and getting both girls bathed. 
Wow, that's a long list when I write it all out.  But today is project day with Joey, and some of those home made pop-tarts are going to be her Valentine's gifts for her schoolmates.  Fun right, they're going to be fun to make and eat and way better than candies, I think.  And most of her old play dough is all dried up and it's one of her favorite things to play with so it's time. 

A cleaner clean

So, things have been looking up at the Palm Tree House.  Danny's doing well at his job, I'm plugging away at mine.  Coupon-ing has been helping us keep our budget under control.  And I'm on a mission do see where in our budget I can trim even more fat.  Here are my next two steps:
I found a recipe for household cleaner that has all edible components, has a nice smell, and I can buy all the ingredients using my SNAP benefits which means less money coming out of my out of pocket expenses. 
To make simple household cleaner combine one part vinegar to four parts hot water, mix in fresh grapefruit juice and baking soda and let it sit for a few minutes. 
Recipe from Pittman & Davis.
I have baking soda around for baking, I got three grapefruits on sale at the store the other day and I just got two gallons of white vinegar at Sam's Club for $4.  I think I'll be set for a while! A container of "green" cleaner usually runs about $6 but I just got supplies to make probably a years worth for $6. I call that a win!
WOOT WOOT!!

Next, I found a tutorial for making stiff fabric storage bins for Joey's room using things I already have around the house. (That counts as free to me) And it'll help me (and her) to keep her room clean.  I'm hoping cleaner will help baby proofing to be easier.  My goal is for the girls to be sharing a room but right now the room is barely big enough for one girl let alone two once Norah is more mobile. 
Well, I'm off; the baby needs to eat!

New Baby Crazy

Hey folks, things are well and good with the Palmquists. 

We're all gearing up for Joey's first day of school on Monday so things are a little crazy.  Even more so because Danny's been working nearly full time hours.  Which is great for us until I go back to work.  But a little crazy making since Joey and I have such similar personalities that we kind of rub each other the wrong way when confined together for extended periods of time.  Danny tends to come home to us stressed out and needing a break from one another but with her in school I am much more confident in retaining my sanity until I go back to work and get some regular grown up interaction again.  In the mean time, I'm hoping to have some free time at home while the little one is napping to get back to crafting.  I have so many things planned in my head. 

Here are some photos that a friend took for us of our little ones! Enjoy!!

momma and baby

baby eating her hands

such a loving big sister

so sedate (sometimes)

and a big yawn

Projects Projects Projects

I've been up to so much lately.  Prepping for baby is fun stuff though. I've made lots of cool stuff for both girls.  And I've finally got pictures! Woot Woot!! So, here they are!!

Joey's Birthday Dress, I've added a little purple fabric flower since this photo!

Joey's back pack for school! She is very excited about this one.

Changing pad cover that used the leftover fabric from both girl's baby blankets. 

Another diaper bag.  I think I like this one almost better than mine!

diaper bag again

and again!

I've only got a few more sewing projects left on my nesting agenda.  I want to make new curtains for our living room.  I need to make bench cushions for our kitchen corner unit.  I use our kitchen table as my sewing area and it really digs into the back of my legs after a while so, it needs cushions.  I also want to make a changing pad for on the go use.  I don't know what I want that to look like yet and I feel like I may even have our old one lying around somewhere, even though, I don't know where that might be at the moment.  I'm also trying to meal plan in advance for while I'm laid up from my c-section.  I want to have lots of frozen meals ready to go, and lots of crock pot meal ideas but I haven't been able to stock up on anything yet but I have been printing out recipe ideas.  Well, I'm off, I have some inquiries to make about grocery delivery options.  Tootles!

Internetless me

Hey Folks,

I know I've been a total blog-slacker lately.  I'm sorry.  We're without Internet for a bit.  Our laptop died and we have no funds to fix it and then our desktop died.  We were given a desktop to use in the mean time but since we've had our Internet/cable/phone shut off.  And without a laptop to be able to go off and use in wi-fi hot spots we're a little cut off from all our far-off loved ones.  We're having a bit of an issue with some of our income sources.  Social Security withdrew Danny's SSI and we've trying to reconcile our electric bill since we were unable to get Energy Assistance over the winter.  We're doing what we can and we've been extremely blessed to be surrounded by people who care enough to help us manage and squeak by but I think we'll be without Internet access for a while until we can get things more in order.  It's just one more expense that we don't need now that Danny's not in school. 
We're also trying to sell off all of the things that we'll be needing to get rid of in order to move to Colorado next year.  I'll be taking photos of some of my handmade crafts and posting them to sell soon.  I wish I could afford an etsy.com account but it's just too pricey for me at the moment.  So, I'll probably be posting them on craigslist, google, and facebook.  I know it'll be a harder sell but I gotta do what I gotta do. 
We've been cleaning out closets and donating clothes and selling instruments and all we can think of to make space for another person in our little apartment.  It finally seems like the mess is getting smaller.  Cleaning out closets always seems to make things worse for a while before they start to get better but we're making headway slowly but surely. 
I'm planning on making Joey some summer dresses since she's been really into pretty dresses lately and I've been a slacker on making them for her.  I really want to make her a nice pretty dress for her birthday in August.  She seems really excited about that idea.  I also have decided that I need another cute summer maternity/post baby dress and I haven't been able to find anything not super low cut.  I also think I need a cute pair of maternity shorts and I just don't like the ones in the store, nor can we afford to go buying clothes willy-nilly.  I also want to make Joey some pillows for under her bed.  I think I've mentioned that her new bed is a low loft bed so she has a little play area all her own underneath.  So, those are my projects for a while.  I don't know how to get everything done but I shall try.  I plan of breaking out the sewing machine again as soon as we get some of our donation bags out of the house. 
I'll post pictures once everything is in progress and out of chaos.  Right now our apartment is in a total state of chaos until we can get more cleared out.  I just have to keep reminding myself that progress is being made and that it can only get better from here.  
But that's our life for a while.  Not much else going on.  Danny's been hunting for jobs something fierce and I'm really proud of him.  He's also on a mission to lose 45lbs before Norah is born and he's already lost 30lbs.  Yay DANNY!!  It's really been helpful for me too since it keeps me on track as far as my weight gain too.  It may make life a little more crazy to have to be planning meals and making sure that we're portioning food out when we buy it so that we're only making what we should be eating in a sitting at a time.  But it's super helpful that it's a team effort.  I'm so proud of him.  He's really trying so hard to do so many things and I know it's not easy for him but he keeps on going.  And he keeps on sacrificing for his family and I'm really excited for things to come.  Well, that's all for me for now. 

Provision and more

So, I don't know if I've mentioned how much I adore our church.  Danny and I as many of you readers know are in a serious financial pinch lately.  Our church is so lovely, upon hearing about the whole mess with the Energy Assistance program/ our electric company, they are giving us the money to cover our missing rent this month.  I am beyond grateful.  God is so GOOD!

I am currently fighting with Unemployment Insurance over my current claim/extension/something about a new claim that I have to make but am not eligible for because I work for a non-profit.  I don't know but they're not making a decision in any kind of timely manner.  And I've called them everyday this week and gotten a different answer about the same questions but no results.  Why must the headache be so redundant.  I've accepted that I'm not eligible for the new claim, I'm ok with that.  I kind of have to be, it's the law and it's not up for negotiation.  So, why not just drop it and let me keep what I've got.  It seems like so much work on their part, to fight for me to get something we both know I can't have, when I'm not asking for it.  I just need my check this week (and next for that matter) to pay for things like gas and rent and our other bills that are all due at the beginning of the month. 

I hate bureaucracy! I've never understood the point of making people jump through hoops for things that they need.  Have some compassion and just do your job efficiently.  It makes the most sense for everyone involved.  But, I'm keeping calm about it all, and I'm having faith.  God will make what needs to happen, happen. 

On a totally other note, I finished cutting my pieces for Norah's baby quilt.  It's looking so cute.  Joey helped me pick out all the fabrics and they're just perfect.  The colors match her baby quilt but aren't quite the same.  I'm also going to be using a different pattern to make Norah's so that they're sure not to get confused.  I'm very excited for it.  It's going to be such fun to make.  I just need to give myself time to get the house back to a state of clean before busting out another mess.  I'm almost there.  Some of the pieces of my last project are still lingering around.  Joey likes to 'help' so, things wind up a little bit of everywhere. 

Crafty McNester Pants

Last night I worked diligently and finished the diaper bag I've been working on.  I'm so proud of myself.  It's perfect and I used up a ton of scraps and It looks great.  

front inside

front with flap and strap

inside pocket

It's so cute.  I just need to add a few closures and it's all done.  Woo Hoo!!  I also made this car organizer last week. 

back or car seat organizer

I love it too!  Nice and bright for all things baby related when we need to have a stash of quickly accessible things for rides in the car.  I installed it the other day and I totally need to take a picture of it in. 
I've still got a baby quilt on my craft to do list and some other ideas that I'm still kicking around before our newest little makes their appearance.  I want to make myself another maternity dress but I still haven't found the right fabric for it (at the right price).  I will find it though, I'm sure.  I just know that I'll be needing something cute to wear this summer.  I made a really cute maternity dress when I was pregnant with Joey but I don't know what happened to it. 

Meal Planning and To Do list

So, I've been slacking on my meal planning, I really need to stay on top of this.  I have been more diligent on creating checklists to keep myself on task though.  I'm starting to get ideas for some frozen meals for when baby comes.  So much to do.
I've been trying to figure out organizational things for the apartment. Today I ordered some drawer organizers.  I figured that I'm just not going to find the time or tools to make them myself.  I've also been peeking at car organizers at Target but I'm pretty sure that I could make one myself for way cheaper.  It's essentially just a apron with a bunch of pockets in different sizes and elastic or velcro closures.  I have all that I need already to make something like that.  The only thing that I think I will surely need to purchase is the soft, leek-proof trash container for the car.  I haven't figured out how to make one leek-proof myself yet.  :-/
I finished up the sketching of my painting that I'm working on last night.  I'm hoping to get started on the painting sometime this week but I don't know when I'll find the time.  I think it might be better to get started on the car organizer today since I can clean up the fabric and stuff easier than I can the paint.
So, my to do list for the day: start a project (just one), do dishes, make a meal plan, do two loads of laundry, vacuum, a nap.  Not a long list but my brother's also coming over later to hang out a bit so a short list is better I think.

Meal Plan:

Thursday
breakfast: cereal and bananas
lunch: leftovers
dinner: frozen pizza

Friday
breakfast: eggs & oranges
lunch: sam's club combo
dinner: chicken stir-fry

Saturday
breakfast: fruit pancakes
lunch: mac & cheese & peas
dinner: hotdogs & baked beans

Sunday
breakfast: eggs & yogurt w/ berries
lunch: cheese ravioli & baby carrots
dinner: grilled cheese & tomato soup

Monday
breakfast: leftover pancakes
lunch: leftovers
dinner: chicken tikka masala & rice noodles

Tuesday
breakfast: eggs & oranges
lunch: egg salad sandwiches/ pb&j & celery sticks
dinner: cheese tortellini & sauce

Wedensday
breakfast: cereal & bananas
lunch: leftovers
dinner: balsamic glazed chicken & potato salad

Wintery wonderful snacks...

Today I made took my second crack at homemade marshmallows.  I DID IT!  I actually made marshmallows.  I even made them in holiday shapes and saved the scraps to float in hot chocolate.  Which of course prompted me to make some yummy hot chocolate.  Joey's still working on getting those last yummy drops out of her big girl mug.  I love making things from scratch.  It's especially nice when my treats are met with such enthusiasm from the family.
My goal for tomorrow is to make some homemade frozen burritos.  I'm going to make some lunch/dinner style ones as well as some breakfast burritos.  I got the idea from a friends blog Twinkling Along.  I bought some large tortillas at Sam's today and I'm soaking some beans right now.  I'm going to blend some up with some queso dip for easy spreading.  I may even try to make some meatball pizza style burritos, just for some variety.  Today, I totally forgot to eat before jetting off to work, and I do it far too often.  I need to eat real food in the morning so I'm not raging with hunger when I get home.
I'm also working on knitting myself a new scarf for the season and I want to figure out how to knit gloves or mittens and slippers.  I've got some lovely thin yarns that will make great mittens for myself and Joey, I just have to figure it out.  It's the thumb hole that really baffles me but I just must figure it out.    I want so much to be able to make mittens and slippers for my little one.  I have some lovely vinyl that will make great bottoms for the slippers so she's not slipping and sliding all over the floor.  I also want to make a pair for my little sister but I need to get the figuring done first.
But Joey and I finished making ornaments for her to give as gifts to all the family.  I let her paint them herself and she had such a blast.  I think she might even still have a few bits of paint hanging out on her hands from it but a thorough scrub down in on the agenda for her for tomorrow. Ok, I'm off, I got started on her Christmas dress today too.  The skirt I'm using is longer than I remember, I make even be able to use a little to trim up the black wrap dress that I'm planning on making for myself for Christmas.