Baby Blog 1

Lee and I just found out we're expecting a baby.  On Thursday night, I took a test that came out positive (completely to my surprise!).  I then took two more tests on Friday morning that were also both positive. So, I scheduled a doctor's appointment on Friday afternoon.  I took my positive tests with me, and they immediately decided to do a blood test.  I have to wait until Monday to find out my blood test results, but it's pretty hard to ignore.
This

And this

And this (the flash made the positive line in this one hard to see but believe me there is a nice light pink line there that you can't miss)

Aaannnnd this

I took four different kinds of tests because Lee thought that maybe the first two were faulty.  But ALL of my clear blue easy digital tests came up saying PREGNANT, all of my EPTs came up saying pregnant, and all of my FIRST RESPONSE tests came out with a second pink line.  For now, I think it's safe to say I'm pregnant. :) We'll see what the blood work says on Monday!

This and that and what happened to my template??

After I found a blog template that I just loved, they go and rip it out from under my feet when I'm not looking! I went to visit my blog the other day only to find out my adorable polkadot princess theme had become entirely white.  Confused, I went and found the template again and tried to reload it.  Sadly, it has become unavailable.  And, get this..it isn't even available to purchase! How sad! The least they could do is let me buy the template I loved so much.  So, for now, I am back to the old one I had before.  I am still in search of something different, though.


I suppose that the change gave me a reason to blog! I hadn't blogged since mid-October simply because my life had become too busy.  I seriously work two jobs for the salary of one.  It isn't fair, but life isn't fair when you are a teacher.  Why did I become a teacher again? Oh yeah, because I enjoy it.  Thank God I enjoy it because I'm certainly not in it for the money.  I could be a famous author and make massive amounts of money...if only I could make my writing captivating enough...and if only I was willing to take the risk.  I don't have enough faith in myself for that.


Anyway, I digress.  I life around here has been busy.  I'm counting down the days to Thanksgiving.  Granted, a large part of it is because my family will be in town and I have not seen them in months.  However, I will not hesitate to admit that part of it is getting a reprieve from school. What fraction of a pumpkin pie would that be? I don't know as long as I get a piece! I came down with a virus this week and had to miss three days of school.  That might sound enticing, but, believe me, it wasn't that way in the least.  Not only was I physically drained, I had to deal with things when I got back that had built up while I was gone.  So, Thanksgiving break will come with a warm welcome! Then, it's only a matter of time until Christmas! Three cheers for counting down!


On to another topic, I made a fantastic candy for my neighbor's Halloween party that I got out of the Real Simple magazine a from September I think.  Everyone there gobbled it up, being the turkeys that they are.  And I have to say that I thought it was pretty good myself! I didn't have time to take pictures for a step-by-step recipe, but internet photos will have to suffice.


Candy corn pretzel bark (don't rule it out now that Halloween is over; it is good for any time)


Step 1: Get a glass baking dish and line it with parchment paper.  Leave an overhang.

Step 2: Melt white chocolate.  I used a bag of white chocolate chips, and I melted them for about 90 seconds in the microwave.  Then I acted quickly with a spatula and spread it onto the parchment paper.

(it won't look this pretty, but you get the idea)

Step three: Sprinkle pretzels and candy corn over the top.

Finally: Refrigerate for a few hours (2-3 hours worked for me).  Take it out, cover it in parchment paper, and break it into pieces.

(this recipe had dried cranberries added, but I left them out and it was just as good).

Everyone raved about it...and it is so easy to make!

Whispers in the Wind

As I was preparing to leave work on Friday, there were many unexpected things that popped up last minute.  I was not able to finish something that I wanted to complete.  It was getting late and I began to think, "What's more important? Staying here trying to get something to work that isn't working or going home and being with your husband?" The second option won out.  I could dedicate my entire being to work, and that would be great for them.  But I won't sacrifice some things because I don't think I'm supposed to.

So, I wasn't able to do something and I am thinking somebody will be frustrated with me for it.  I'll go in early and try to get it done this morning.  Yet, this was another factor for me that kept me feeling like I'd fail somebody.  So, I woke up early and I prayed for guidance.  I read Elisabeth Elliot's daily devotional and it was so funny how it applied to my situation directly!  

I started reading and it said, "When Lars and I returned from a fortnight in Scotland and England there was the expected pile-up of work awaiting us, and the usual temptation to feel overwhelmed by it. The suitcase had to be unpacked, clothes washed, mail opened, read, and answered. There were phone messages waiting, and phone calls we needed to make to family members. Do you know the feeling of utter inadequacy to cope?" Yes, Elisabeth, I do.  Tell me more, please.  "Monday came. But I felt like the wheels of the Egyptian chariots which 'drave heavily.' There were interruptions, distractions. I could not get on as expected. My mind was dull, confused. At the end of the day I could not see what I had done with my time." Hmm...that sounds like my Friday.  As soon as something started, there was an interruption.  What if today ends up like this? Well, she continued, "Tuesday was a continuation of the day before. Where had those hours gone? I took my usual walk after lunch around Ocean Drive--a cloudless sky, a glittering sea. I walked alone, talking to God about my failures, asking Him to clarify things." So, it could continue.  Well, now what? I cannot quote the rest of her devotional because it would be far too long.  The answer in the end was our minds become warped by our worries and our situations.  

None of us will ever get by without having life pile on top of us.  The easiest way for us to feel like we can get out of it is just to blame it all on everyone and everything else.  Take grievance with them because if it weren't for them everything would be perfect, right? Asking for troubles and stresses to stop is like trying to plan for rain and thunderstorms to quit.  We will endure them, and they are just as necessary for our nourishment and growth as are the days filled with sunshine and blue skies.

Nostalgia

What is it about childhood and the things of the past that bear so much meaning?  There is no other portion of my life that I think back so fondly on as my childhood.  And there are things, which mostly are symbols, that carry so much weight even though the things themselves are meaningless.  And, due to the copious amounts of "good old days" merchandise sold in Cracker Barrel, I doubt I'm alone in my feelings.  There is some kind of happiness, connection with others, fondness for what was that these things ignite in us.

Glo Worm

Look at all that joy found in his friendly little face! The Glo Worm was a favorite of mine.  Who even knows why, really? There isn't much to him.  He looks like a head stacked on peas, and he lights up.  But the Glo Worm is fun, and he is classic! I miss my Glo Worm.

Cricket

Cricket is the best! And I don't care how many of you had a Teddy Ruxpin; I wouldn't trade my cricket doll for that bear.  She was like a childhood friend.  Because, at the age of 5, she was about half my size, her eyes moved, her mouth moved, and she taught me timeless lessons.  If it weren't for Cricket, I wouldn't know how to say 1,2,3 in Chinese, Spanish, AND French! And I wouldn't know what to pack in my suitcase on a vacation because she told me that you have to have your sneakers and your socks.  Where would I be without Cricket? Lost, I tell you, lost.

And there is no technology today that can beat Cricket's super advanced cassette tape player located in her back.  Plus, you can accessorize with cricket as she has various outfits and hair ribbons to go with each adventure she comes with.

Skip It and Pogo Ball

I loved these two toys quite a bit.  The skip it was fun for me because it counted my skips and I'd get excited to see how many I could do.  The pogo ball was great for bouncing.  However, the pogo ball disappointed me slightly when I found out I couldn't jump into the sky with it like the kids on the commercial did.  It was still fun, though, and I thoroughly enjoyed bouncing for as long as I could.

Care Bears and Nosy Bears

Everyone knows care bears, and I'm sure their main selling point for me was the fun logo embroidered on their bellies.  However, the nosy bears were fun because you would press their bellies and something fun would happen in the nose.  One bear had a nose that swirled, another blew up a balloon, another popped popcorn, and their noses would go on and on.  I had 5 or 6 of them, and I do not know why they had to go away.  I had my one Wish Bear care bear that i would take everywhere with me.

I even brought him on the swings.  Because, what fun is a swing without a care bear to accompany you? ;) I do wish these things were still popular.  It is too bad that technology runs so much of the toy market.

Yes, I understand Leap Frog and those toys are good for education.  But I had plenty of fun with my simple toys that did almost nothing more than sit there.

Savoring the Morning

The best part of waking up is coffee in my cup.  It doesn't have to be Folgers to please me.  This morning, I'm having a pumpkin spice blend from the Fresh Market.  It is delightful!

As a young girl, I used to beg my parents for a few extra minutes in the bath when it was over.  I wanted to lay back, close my eyes, and say "Ahhh Aveeno" due to a popular commercial at the time.  I liked the idea of having the time to sit back and savor peace and relaxation.

Regardless of what I actually have to do in order to get ready for a day,  I always try to give myself extra time in the morning.  In fact, I rarely ever give myself any less than an hour from the time I get up until the time I need to be on my way to where I'm going.  
When living with my parents, I had a green lazy boy chair that I would go to every morning.  With my cup of coffee and perhaps some other breakfast item, I would sit there savoring the morning happily in my chair.  Due to this habit, my parents graciously allowed me to take the chair with me.
I now sit in my seat on a sofa in the morning.  But the idea is the same.  I like to simply sit and enjoy the morning.  Why have a day that is rushed from the start? I showered last night.  My outfit for the day is picked out.  The dogs have been fed and gone over to lay in their respective beds.  I had my savory cup of pumpkin spice coffee plus an english muffin.  And here I am simply loving the fact that there are still at least 20 glorious minutes left before I need to leave.  
Granted, I get this extra time here because I only live 5 minutes from where I work, and I do not need to be there until around 8 am.  So, it isn't too bad at all.  However, no matter what type of commute I have, I still make time for my ahhh Aveeno morning.  

Living in Now

As I was lying down trying to fall asleep last night, I had numerous thoughts swirling through my head.  None of them were good.  I was wrapped up in being upset about some things that I wish I could change right now but can't.  It was so bad that I didn't want to go to sleep to wake up and deal with things the next day.   I wanted my sleep to last.  And then, when I did wake up, to not have to go through any of the issues I am having to endure right now.


Not much longer had I been thinking about all of this (feeling anxious and upset) then a very calming process of thoughts went through my head (much like a conversation).  
"So, where are you right now?"
"In bed."
"Are you comfortable? Are you happy?"
"Well, Yes. But the thing is that tomorrow..."
"Where are you now?"
"In bed, comfortable"
"Will you let the pressures and anxieties of tomorrow interrupt your peace right now?"
"I suppose not."
And I felt so at peace, so relaxed, and so truly happy to focus on the now.  Each time I worried, even a little bit, the question "Where are you NOW?" came into my mind, and I settled into a nice, relaxing sleep.


But before doing that, I apologized to God.  I said I'm sorry for being anxious, because in being anxious I'm not remembering to be thankful for my blessings.  And being upset and worried (even if they are legitimate reasons) only negate the beautiful things that are plentifully around me in life.  I have much to be thankful for and much to be happy with.  


And I thought to myself, "Who is to steal this happiness away from me?" It would make sense that when I have so many things that are great, something would interfere with my peace to keep me from being content with what I have.  


It is hard to push all of the worries of life aside because so many things that happen are easily predictable.  And I often feel like only living in right now and not worrying about tomorrow doesn't make sense because I have to plan for tomorrow.  But the thing is, no matter how many mornings my alarm goes off, I have my cup of coffee, I feed the dogs, I get ready, and I drive to work, I really do not know what will happen in the day.  And I do think it is wrong of me to worry about it because there is so much to be happy with RIGHT NOW! :)

Patti's Perfecto Pesto

Friday night, I made Lee and myself rotini with spaghetti sauce for dinner.  This is a pretty routine meal for us.  We'll have some sort of pasta shell, spaghetti sauce, maybe black olives, mushrooms, artichoke hearts in it, etc.  It is a good meal, but I was starting to feel a bit bored with the same old thing.  So, I looked, saw that I had some basil, and decided to attempt to make a pesto sauce.   I looked up a recipe online.  And, let's just say, it turned out less than satisfactory (okay it was horrible).  However, when mixed in some spaghetti sauce, it was okay.  I still felt like it would be fun to do a home made pesto sauce.  


I was planning on doing chicken breasts for dinner Saturday night (again, one of those same old same old things).  I wanted to change the chicken, and it hit me like a revelation. PESTO CHICKEN! That would be great! But I needed a better recipe for pesto and I didn't want to play around with online recipes.  So, I called Patti who makes some very delicious pesto in order to get the recipe.  After making me say the secret password and swear not to leak the secret family recipe, she gave it to me.  Okay, I must admit she got her recipe out of a cookbook, BUT she makes it so that it tastes great!


I told her that, if it turned out good, I'd blog about it.  So, here I am blogging about it.  The recipe for Patti's Perfecto Pesto (as I will call it from now on)


Step 1:
Four cups of lightly packed, washed, fresh basil leaves.  Note: The leaves are not to be dry. Place in food processor or blender.  I used a food processor.

Step 2: 

Four cloves of fresh garlic crushed (the original recipe calls for two cloves, but Patti uses four and I do think it makes it better). Place in food processor (or blender).

If you're wondering how I got that first picture, those are Lee's fingers in the first photo.  But I did the rest of the chopping of the garlic.

Step 3: 6 sprigs of parsley.  I removed the leaves from the stems and threw them in the food processor.

Step 5: Add 1/2 cup of olive oil. (There won't be pictures for a little while because I got tired of stopping to take pictures)

Step 6: 1/4 teaspoon pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Step 7: Blend all together until all parts are finely chopped.  

Once all of those items are finely chopped... 

Step 8: Add 1/4 cup of either pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds.  I used pine nuts.  I think the consistency of them is great.  Add these into the blender or food processor and mix again until they are finely chopped. Some pine nuts will not get fully chopped and that's okay. 

Step 9: Remove the contents from the blender or food processor.  I used a spatula for this and it worked well.  Place in a bowl and stir in 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese (just regular parmesan from the jar is fine).

Presto! There is your pesto!

NOW.  Part 1 is done.  I was cooking for two, and I'd say if you are cooking for more than 3, you should probably double that pesto recipe.  

Pesto Chicken.

Step 1: Two plain, clean chicken breasts placed in a baking dish.

Yes, these are big pieces.  So, they took a little longer to cook.

Step 2: I used a spatula to spread the pesto sauce on the top evenly. I turned each one over, and then used a spatula to spread pesto evenly on the other side as well.

Step 3: Preheat the oven to 350.  Cover the dish with foil.  I let them sit in the pesto for about 10 minutes. Bake for 20-30 minutes.  I had to bake mine for 30 because they were larger and partially frozen when I started.  Take them out and remove foil.

Step 4: Put them back in the oven uncovered for 10-20 minutes (depending on how done they are the first time).  Mine needed 20 more minutes.  

It may not look that great, but believe me it was.  And I feel like the chicken does not look done in this picture (the lighting was strange), but it was definitely done.

20 minutes covered allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the pesto sauce.  20 minutes uncovered allows it to get just crispy enough that it adds flavor on the outside.

And, here we are! It was very good.  My camera was being difficult with lighting.  But the pesto chicken was incredibly delicious!