Real Life BBQ Chicken Pizza


Life is real right now.  We're about to be parents, I'm getting increasingly big and unable to move as easily or switch sides while sleeping at night without feeling like I have to lift my stomach to do so, and our meals are well, more simple.



I have however made ice cream of late which probably redeems all of my simple dinners like loaded potatoes and loaded nachos.  Adding the word "loaded" onto the meal means it's more substantial, filling, nutritious, and therefore a meal.

We may have ordered pizza this weekend too.  I haven't ordered pizza in years.  In fact, Benjamin joked that Anderson will someday say, "people can order pizza from home?"  Oh dear.  I do think make-your-own pizza would be a fun family night thing to do.  That, coupled with movie night of course.  Hello, I'm a Mom.

Pizza really is great to make at home and oh-so-affordable too.  It's one of those wonderful meals where you can think, "I have nothing in my fridge or pantry.." and next thing you know, you have a whole meal. I really love when that happens.



So, when I turned to my fridge and thought, "I have nothing in here.." The chicken called out to me, as did the Maple BBQ sauce from the American Spoon company I was recently given.  Such a sweet present from the thoughtful Mom of a dear friend of mine.

So, BBQ Chicken Pizza it was.  I decided to bake the chicken like I do when I make Tortilla Soup, and then try out the Endeavor Farm pizza dough recipe.

So, in short- bake your chicken with the sauce at 375 for about 20-25 minutes then shred it.

Follow Instructions for making Pizza Dough from Endeavor Farm- my favorite family farm in Chagrin!

The dough takes some time but is overall simple and cooks up really well.  It cooked all the way through in the middle which can sometimes be a challenge.  I cut the recipe in half because I only needed to make one pizza.

When the dough has risen on the pan spread on your bbq sauce, sprinkle on the chicken, and then corn, red onion, and a mix of cheese.  Bake for 20-25 minutes until done and enjoy with some Frank's hot sauce!




The Hospital Bag(s)


In a week I'll be considered "Full Term."  Therefore, it's ok that I'm packing the bag(s) this week.  It's ok in my mind, that is and totally not a crazy-nesting-mom-to-be thing of me to do.  I hear we should have one bag that we'll need for labor, and one that Benjamin can get from the car after with clothes and such.



Do you really pack everything you need for the hospital?  Could you bring less? Probably.  More? Probably. I'm not too worried about it.  I have things laid out and calling it done.  I need to just make sure we remember the camera and pillows, but otherwise, I think we'll be okay.



About a week ago I called out to Facebook and asked what people recommend I bring.  I got some great recommendations and based what I'm bringing on those responses and some help from friends who have recently been there.  Today the final call was made on what to bring, mostly for Anderson.  We have a hospital tour in about a week so that'll be good to find out all they'll have for him, but I'm still pretty sure I'll just need ONE outfit to bring him home in.  I'm bringing THREE.  His clothes are so small...that's my justification. And what will the weather be like?!  Totally a normal concern since we're just switching into (I hope) fall.


For the Labor Bag:

  • Robe
  • Socks (these are Benjamin's.  My mother, and I think he, would suggest I get some feminine ones)
  • Lotion for massaging my hands and feet
  • Massage tool for when Benjamin get's tired ... I'm supposed to have sympathy for him or something
  • Wash Cloth for my neck to cool me down
  • Lip Balm - for all the breathing which I still don't have down yet
  • Water Bottle- to drink up
  • Mouth Wash- for Benny and me in case I all of the sudden have reflux or worse
  • Toothbrushes and paste for us both
  • Hairbrush and ties to hold hair back
  • Snacks for Benjamin - which he won't be allowed to eat in my presence knowing I'll get hungry fast
  • iPhone charger so we can listen to music...probably won't be thinking to do that though
  • 2 pillows
  • Camera!



For the Post-Anderson Bag:

  • Nursing nightgown
  • PJ pants
  • Nursing Tank
  • Nursing bra
  • Undies- though I'm resolved to the fact that I'll be wearing the attractive hospital ones
  • Lanolin 
  • Snacks for me!
  • Benjamin's coming-home outfit for Anderson
  • Newborn Onesie and little pants
  • Newborn longsleeve onesie
  • Cutest little blue hat ever
  • Blanket to swaddle him in but keep his legs out for the car ride home
  • little socks
  • Outfit for me to come home in- yoga pants and a maternity T and light sweater depending on the weather
  • Nursing Cover for when boys are in the room
  • Change of clothes for the husband

Well, I think that's it.  Am I missing anything?  If I get my act together there may be some cookies that I bake, throw in the freezer, and take out on the way to the hospital for the nurses.  I'm pretty sure I won't get that done though and hoping they'll still be super sweet.


Oh, and because we're all things baby right now, here's a better picture of the wood prints about the dresser!

{Tuesday with the Babe} Nursery Completion


So, I know many of you missed Sundays with the Babe.  "Many" being my Mom and Mother-in-Law.  Regardless, I want to keep the updates coming so here you go!  More belly pics.  These were taking while Anderson has been working on week 36, which essentially means growing stronger lungs and bulking up.



I saw the OB today and never tire of hearing his heart beat.  I also pre-registered at the hospital and paid a whopping $25 which will allow us to have our own room and also gets a meal for Benjamin and some parking passes.  $25 well spent.  The past two appointments I've been asked how tall I am, and then there has been some comment about how tall people hide babies well.  I'm not worried about the size as they say I'm measuring spot on.  Good job, kiddo.  More like, Thank you Jesus.



This weekend we put the pictures above the dresser and I'd consider the nursery done for now.  I need to get little hooks to keep the curtains back and better ties for them, but those things won't come into play right away so I'm letting it go.  See...I'm already learning to let things go and I'm not even a Mom yet....oh wait...I am a wife.



Don't mind the clothes on the changing pad and formula.  I don't plan on using formula however Similac apparently wanted to send me lots of it.  I'll keep it for a bit just in case and then if it's never opened and unused plan on donating it.

Today at the OB I should have had a name tag on that said, 'First Time Mom.'  Even though I've asked some of the questions before, I was once again asking when we'd go to the hospital, how we'd know, etc.  I really appreciate how laid back the OB I saw was in that she encouraged me to wait until they were 5 or maybe even 3 minutes apart.  When I asked her about some post-partem stuff since I may be just as nervous about that as I am about labor, she basically talked about how this is all natural and the body has a way of healing.  Amen.

And now, the hospital bag....post coming up next!

Vacated


Last week was pretty eventful.  Wake up to giggles and coo's from my nephew, head to the beach, and experience an earthquake then hurricane scare.  Good times.



We were thankful to be at the beach from at the perfect time and get back in time to hunker down for the weekend in DC.  Friday night we headed to the store to find there was no water left so we got some Gatorade which will remain in our house in case of emergency.  Although the hurricane did take down a huge limb from a tree outside our place, it hit our neighbors house and not ours.  Benjamin said Saturday night some other limbs were hitting our roof, but thankfully I slept right through that.



The earthquake however was another story. After all those years in California it took sitting on a beach in Delaware to experience an earthquake.  Really it just felt like someone was coming up behind me and shaking my chair.  Soon after my Mom was on Facebook to learn people felt it in Ohio and within 15 minutes we learned about it's origin.  Some pictures tilted in our apartment, but thankfully nothing fell.






















The rest of the week we spent at the beach with a couple outings in there to walk along the boardwalk and eat up some beach fries and ice cream as is standard when you're on vacation, or if you're pregnant, standard all the time.



It was a relaxing weekend and fun to splash in the waves as they increased in size with the storm coming.  Made me miss swimming in the ocean off Butterfly beach.  Mostly it was fun to be with my nephew.  I'm not sure it's possible that Anderson will be as smiley.  It'll be fun for them to meet in a month or so!

Unplugging


I'm unplugging for a week.  Beach week that is.  Going to relax and hold my nephew and spend time with family while sand goes between my toes.

I'm also going to give the Atlantic a chance and try not to wish I was on the Pacific instead.  I'm ridiculous, I know.

See you next week, kids.

{Sundays with the Babe} It's in the Details


Ah, the nursery.  I maybe go in there and rock on the glider just because.  I look at the little toys, old and new, the little shoes, and glance over at the crib thinking about the babe that will soon lay there.



This past week we finished childbirth classes.  We have a hospital tour and breastfeeding class yet to go to, but otherwise we have a diploma saying we completed the course.  And what did I learn?  Well lots, but on the other hand I feel like there's still so much unknown.  As we drove away from the class we both agreed that labor still feels a bit distant.  Like "someday we'll have kids" distant.



How does one really prepare for something you've never been through and have no idea how yours will be?  Every labor is different so as much as I feel as prepared as I can be, you just really don't know how easy, long, or hard, yours will be.  I have a feeling it'll be hard, not easy and am praying leading up to it for God's peace, courage and strength to get me through!



It's funny because as much as I've prepared and put away his clothes and washed certain items and have a basket all ready with teeny tiny diapers, I have yet to pack the hospital bag.  I'd feel crazy doing it now and am telling myself once I'm 37 weeks then I'm allowed to pack the bag.  If he comes sooner we'll be ok.  Thankfully family is close by and a friend just told me I won't be getting out of the hospital gown really, so I'm not too concerned.  Healthy delivery and baby is all I care about these days.


It is fun though as we get things in order, like putting out the precious blankets and quilts people have made for him, and finding the final missing peace of decoration, prints for over the dresser that we snatched up at a consignment store for just $24!  Much less expensive than I was thinking we'd have to pay and the colors go perfectly with what we have.


Don't you love the new pillow addition too?  Mamma T sent it knowing that the chair just needed a pillow.  She's so crafty.  She also sent along a few more outfits of Benjamin's, and of course ones she had made like the little circus jumper for when he had a circus birthday party!


We love you little one.  Can't wait for you to be here, but on the other hand keep cooking away, ok?  xoxo Mamma


Our Playful Maternity Pics


Once again I'm so thankful to have such creative talented friends, many of whom have mad skills with the camera.  Stacey took some pictures of us the other day after work.  We walked out the door to the playground near our house and decided it was the perfect backdrop.



As much as living here can be hard, I do hope Anderson gets to enjoy this little spot in our neighborhood as it's so close and will be really nice for when he needs to run around and burn some steam! Get that kid tired so he takes a good nap, right?!



After playing around for a bit we could see right where Anderson was hanging out in my belly.  So crazy that as he's getting bigger we can sometimes tell right where his bum and feet are.  So soon...so soon...we'll be able to hold him!


Thanks, Stacey!  For more pics and images of her work check her out here.

Happy Birthday Benny!


Happy Birthday to a wonderful husband, friend, and soon to be excellent father!  He's already been a good daddy talking to Anderson way more than I feel like I do.  Mostly he just says, "Anderson....what are you doing?!"


I'm sure it's going to be an excellent last year in your 20's old man.  Here's to lots of fun memories to come.  Love you!

Oh and yes, these are some shots from a Maternity Session a friend took of us the other day... more to come!

{GIVEAWAY} E.Three Notecards: Friendly, Foodie, and Fabulous


I'm so happy that for a giveaway my friend and the super talented Emily of E.Three is offering up 5 of her witty notecards.  You can't help but smile when you're around Emily.  Her laughter is contagious and she comes up with puns just about every day.  As you can see from these 5 cards (and envelopes) she's offering up, she's a ball to be around.






Aren't these perfect?  Emily does more than cards, she designs websites, blogs, headers, posters, business cards, and more.  She's also a photographer extraordinaire who we were lucky to have shoot our wedding.

Check out more about her and her services on her site.

{Who is Emily?}

Likes all things vintage.  Prefers porch swings over couches.  Says 'watch less, read more'.  Thinks notes delivered by the postman are just all out better.  Writes songs.  Attempts guitar.  Writes MORE songs.  Has a mild obsession with the #33.  Always drives with the sunroof open (even when it's drizzling).  Feels at home in Texas, Florida, Tennessee, AND California.  Will take live music in an intimate setting over most things.  Likes holding a coffee or a camera (or both).  Loves smells and textures.  Enjoys laughter.  And touch.  And the familiar voices of friends & family.  Appreciates words.  Appreciates His Word.  Encourages the reading OF His Word.  Daily.  Assures you that it changed her.  Knows that the Lord has shown her grace and love beyond measure.  Emily.  Loves sharing the creative gifts that He has given her....with you.  

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{How to Enter}

1.  Leave a comment on this blog post about why these are so wonderful.  
2. Including a pun in your reply could just improve your chances of winning!
3. Make sure your contact info is either already known by me, or email me at laura beth @ lbsgoodspoon .com so I can be in touch if you win!

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The giveaway is open to US Residents Only and will be active all weekend ending at midnight on 8.21!

Rick's Enchiladas


Ah, enchiladas.  A friend sent me this recipe months ago from the one and only Rick Bayless which of course I knew I had to test out.  She served them to a crowd and well, the crowd loved them.  I served them to my husband and he loved them too.



They're buttery.  Really buttery.  Nothing about these are dry or bland, although do remember to season chicken and such throughout so you don't run into a bland enchilada.



I ended up using chicken breast that were boiled.  Sometimes rotisserie chickens are too hyped up with butter and other scary things for me so I like using chicken that hasn't been loaded with hormones.  Personal preference.  You could definitely use a rotisserie chicken if you'd like.


There's spinach in the sauce so maybe someday I'll try to sneak it in when Anderson's not looking as a way to pack more veg into his diet.  My hope and plan is he's going to like veg from the beginning as fries and goldfish and other "kid food" won't be making an appearance in our house.  Fries to him will be roasted potatoes, and maybe even roasted sweet potatoes at that.

Ok, so onto the recipe.  You can find it on Rick's site here.

Southern Skillet Peach Cobbler


Just looking at this makes me want to make it again.  With the bounty of peaches we had from picking a few weeks back at Homestead Farm, I decided on this recipe from Martha.  It'd be perfect for summer entertaining if you're having friends over to grill but want that perfect ending to your meal.  It comes together easily and warm out of the oven with vanilla ice cream? You can't go wrong.



It is however an interesting predicament when you've made it to use up the ripe peaches and without friends nearby who are coming over, it looks like you and your husband will be tackling this skillet of cobbler on your own.  I wasn't complaining, although we did have lots and lots of it to eat!



I'd throw this into the Summer Staple category.  It's fun to cook it in the skillet and really requires little effort otherwise.


{Recipe thanks to and loosely adapted from Martha}

{Ingredients You'll Need}

  • 2 pounds firm, ripe peaches, about 6, pitted and cut into 8 wedges
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
1.  Preheat the oven to 400.  In a large bowl toss the peaches with 1/4 cup sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.  Set aside and let them hang out.

2. In a medium bowl whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, remaining 3/4 cup sugar, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.  In another small bowl whisk 4 tablespoons melted butter with milk and egg.  Whisk the butter mixture into the flour mixture.

3.  Melt 1 teaspoon butter into a 9-10 inch skillet and then remove from the heat.  Pour the batter into the bottom then spoon the peaches evenly on top.  Bake for about 35 minutes until set all around and especially in the middle!  Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.