Happy New Year!

I have been MIA from my blog most of the week
because my husband's had vacation days!
(Finally!)

It's been nice being able to spend time with him!
Yea!

Hope you all have safe festivities over this weekend...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

35 Weeks

Sorry for the saggy baggy sweatpants... at this point... it's all about comfort!
(such a square belly... it's just so odd to me!)

The past few days... I have watched Cory's eyes glaze over and can tell that
the wheels are cranking in his head... preparing for
(or perhaps FREAKING OUT about)
our due date approaching!

So far, so good on my end...
Ok.. maybe a little anxiety!

33 days... Hooray!

Christmas 2010

This year didn't feel much like Christmas to me. At least not in the sense of the "magic" of Christmas and the present opening and such. I felt like we were so busy running from place to place that it was more of a blur than a relaxing day to reflect on Christ's birth and the time spent with friends and family. But, I am thankful that we were able to see our families... and we even had a little time to stop in to see my Grandma in the Alzheimer's Unit. (That was emotional for me... but I think I held together pretty well!)


This was my "big" present of the day from my parents. Of course, it is in the basement at the moment since we're kind of in "baby mode" these days. I am hoping that once I get into a routine with the baby and things are a little less chaotic, that I'll be able to read up on spinning and perhaps take some classes by a local artisan!


This was the sweetest present of the day. My brother-in-law is hoping that I won't have the baby until February 2nd... you know... Groundhog Day (it's a big "holiday" around here since we are in the general vicinity--though thankfully not TOO close for all of the hubbub!). He nicknamed the baby "Phil" as a joke.... and when we got to my sister's on Christmas morning... my nephew came running up to me with this piece of paper with a quarter attached. "To Fill"... it just warmed my heart! :)


I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!!
We're looking forward to next year!
(However, the time can go VERY slowly... I don't want to rush it!)

Signing off for the Holidays!

Enjoy the coming weekend!
Eat lots of goodies and soak up the time with friends and family!

But remember the reason for the season...
It is CHRISTmas, after all!

MMmmm MMmm Bagels!

The other day my sister shared a recipe for
homemade bagels on her blog. I didn't think much of it,
other than the fact that eating a bagel sounded
pretty good at the time.

Yesterday, though, I felt the urge to try my
hand at making those bagels.
I always thought it would be a huge pain.

Wrong.

Seriously, there are only a handful of ingredients... and
I used my Kitchen Aid Mixer to mix/knead the dough...
so that totally took most of the work out of it!

NICE!


After mixing/kneading the ingredients...
most of the time left consists
of letting the dough "rest".


The recipe only makes 8 regular size bagels, but I'm
sure you could make mini bagels
if you really wanted to!


Boiling them for a minute on each side gives them that
nice outer crust that leaves the inside nice and moist!
(I honestly thought this would be the most challenging part... totally wasn't.)


You bake them on one side, then flip and bake the other...
I obviously still need to work on getting my circles right...
but hey, it was my first time!


So, the color didn't turn out as nice as I'd hoped on the
final product... but the taste...
OH SO GOOD!

And after a chat with my sister, she confirmed that
by cheating and using cooking spray, instead
of the oil it called for on the baking sheet,
I lost that nice golden brown I was
looking for.

Now I know better!

Did my pictures make you want to try your hand
at homemade bagels?

Wouldn't it be yummy for Christmas Morning?
Make them a day or two ahead...
your family will thank you!!!

(I may try throwing some blueberries into my next batch! YUM!)

Go HERE for the recipe!

Thanks for the recipe Katy... it's a keeper!

Boooooring!!

I really haven't had anything to post about lately...
so I've just kind of been taking a break from blogging.
Perhaps I'll think of something interesting sometime soon!

I had my 34 week appointment today.
All is well.

I have been having some really bad pelvic
pains (still am) for the past few weeks.
Talk about not being able to walk right or turn
over in bed without excrutiating pain!
(Among other pains!)

The doctor was concerned that maybe
it was from my car accident...
but turns out that the babies head
is down!

Yea!!

And thankfully, my cervix isn't
thinning... so we are just hoping that
the baby stays in this position until delivery!

That's the latest...

I hope you're all geared up for the holiday!
I am just waiting for the day to arrive!

Smiles Across the Miles

I would encourage you, if you're finishing up your
Christmas cards (or heck, just starting!),
please consider sending a card to a Recovering Soldier.

I know that not everyone agrees with the whole "war" thing...
but the bottom line is that these people put their lives on
the line...
FOR OUR FREEDOM.

Regardless if it's the current war...
wars of the past...
wars that are sure to come...
or just national security!

It's important to let these folks know that we appreciate
what they do!

Here is the address, in case you can't quite read it from my photo:

Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20307-5001

Let's send some smiles across the miles to folks who could really use it!

(That's my Christmas card block print!
Finally figured it was OK to post the final thing
since my cards went out a bit ago)

Mission Accomplished: Canning

I remember, in the summers growing up, how my mom would
can green beans or other things on our old stove...
and that unmistakable, annoying
(((rattle)))
of the canner.

As a kid, it was SO annoying and loud!
And it seemed to take FOREVER to be done!
I remember being so annoyed that it would interrupt the whole household.
(At least it seemed that way in my young mind).

Well, as I've gotten older...
and especially now that I'm married...
I've had this desire to can my own foods as well.

I don't have a garden.
As much as I would love to, I just do not have
a green thumb or the patience.
Perhaps I will start next year with just a few small things so that I don't get overwhelmed!

Instead of canning veggies, my mom suggested canning some
soup. She offered to let me borrow her canner and
come over to show me what to do!

Sounded good to me!

(I was always afraid to go out and buy a canner
without knowing what I was doing.
What if I hated it? That'd be a total waste of money!)

Luckily, my mom came over this past weekend
to give me a little instructional.

And... I don't hate it.

I even did the last batch on my own!
Hooray!!

The soup: Ham & Bean

I know it kind of looks gross... but trust me, it is DE-LISH!!

It is going to make some great Christmas gifts!!

If anyone wants my recipe for Ham & Bean Soup, shoot me a comment or email.

33 Weeks!

Here is a picture from this morning of me at 33 weeks!

Hard to believe it's already almost over!


For some reason...
I have a square belly instead of a round one...
which I find odd!

But hey, I'm not complaining!
As long as everything is healthy and
the baby is growing!

So far, Cory and I aren't freaking out yet.
I am sure it is soon to come though!

**********

The other night, Cory put together
our stroller and car seat!


They are nice and exactly what I was hoping for!

(I've still got to get used to this image! -and please don't mind the mess!)

**********

This is how we watched football yesterday.


Yes, we are THAT weird!

But hey, ya gotta do what ya gotta do!
Cory's team (the Bills) doesn't get broadcasted on our
TV... and well, let's face it... even if they did...
I'd be watching the Steelers anyway!!!

(Cory was even nice enough to wear ear buds attached to the
computer so we could both listen to our own games! haha!)

Both teams won! WOOT!

Happy Monday!!

The Accident... and a Few Nicer Things

I'm still having a hard time after this whole car accident thing. I know it's over and done with... but I have been waking up in the middle of the night with it on my mind. It replays in my head for hours sometimes as I try to get back to sleep.

It wasn't even THAT traumatic.

I mean, seriously... I was at fault... going down a hill and around a sharp curve on snow-slushy roads (I was going a bit too fast, I admit... which was why I tapped my brakes. BAD, BAD MOVE). I fish-tailed and slid... hitting a HUMMER.

Yes, my poor little jetta hit a hummer of all things.

However, it was by the GRACE OF GOD that I only hit her tire!

I'm not even joking!

I hit her tire!

Unfortunately it went FLAT... or else we probably could've both just driven off. (My car has front driver side bumper damage).

God steered me in just the right spot or it could've been a whole lot worse!!

Turns out as well... I sort of know the lady. She works a few doors down from the teen center that we volunteer at. I didn't recognize her at all and she didn't recognize me at first (when she was chewing me out about the whole thing--NOT FUN)... but once Cory got there and was talking to her, she put my name and face together and remembered me... and even mentioned my having the Bug and Camper! She was SUPER nice after that... and even gave me a hug before it was all done with. Needless to say, I was humiliated--knowing that I may run into her again one day.

My mind is stricken with guilt and embarrassment.

And of course, I got a registered letter from the District Court for my lovely fine of $115. I've never gotten one of those before... so that was another hit. (I just hope I don't get too many points on my license, I think it might be 2--according to the internet)

Cory tried to get me to drive to the grocery store today... but I just wasn't ready. Maybe once my car is back on the road....

I can't imagine how people who go through horrific tragedies move on. I mean, my little fender bender has me up at night and afraid to get behind the wheel again. How do people live with themselves in other (more tragic) situations?

I just praise God that my situation was so mild, if not a bit scary at the time!!!

Perhaps my emotional attachment to the situation is hormonal... I have been a lot more weepy lately!!

On a positive note... here are a few pictures I wanted to share!

This is the cutie-pie rug that goes with the crib set we got... I like bees. :)


Here is the crib set... sort of. I know the quilt isn't going to be in the crib like that once Baby gets here... but it works for now, while I'm still getting things together in the room!


My friends, Jillian and Danny, sent us some cute baby gifts!



Along with these, they sent another snow suit thing for next year... and a bee costume for Halloween (I didn't want to take those out of the plastic just for a photo shoot--I figured they'd be safer left alone and packed away until next year)!

And, last but not least... we are going to cloth diaper our little munchkin.

We only got one set from our registry for my baby shower, so we ended up buying the rest of what we needed online the other night (thanks to some $$ we got from some friends and family).

However, my grandpa and his girlfriend (who wasn't able to make it to the shower) sent over a gift... and it turned out to be another set of cloth diapering stuff... and it's too cute!! I had to take a picture of the cover!

Froggy pond! :)

Sorry this post was pretty long... I haven't blogged in a few days since I have been taking it easy!! I hope you're all getting the last of your Christmas presents wrapped up! Only 2 weeks left!

Snowed In...

... in more ways than one.

Yesterday was not a good day.

I'm not going to go into detail, since the insurance company still has some things to deal with...

But lets just say that my car is out of commission until further notice...

And PRAISE GOD that no one got hurt, including the baby (I had an ultrasound at the ER to make sure).

So, today, since I'm basically snowed in by the fact that we got about 4-5" last night... AND because I don't have a car at the moment... I am going to take 'er easy.

Please be careful out there if you're driving in this winter weather!

All I Can Say Is...

Thanks to Cory for helping me make some
chocolate covered pretzels last night.

Too bad they're not for us!
(But maybe we did sneak a few... Mmmmm!)

Lazy Monday

I've decided that today is going to be a lazy day.

I already went for my 32 week appointment this morning (all is well and good), stopped at the store to pick up cookie baking supplies (I've got a Christmas Party to get ready for next week) and did some laundry.

I don't think I want to do anything else productive today. Ok, except maybe some dishes and get dinner ready when the time comes. Other than that, I may just sit back and relax with a book, snuggle with the cat and nurse a cup of hot chocolate.

Sounds good to me!!

Here is a picture from the other day... my nephew turned 5! I was fortunate enough to make the hour drive to surprise him at his "birthday breakfast" at a hometown restaurant and give him his present... a "buggy" shirt. (I will never get tired of this boys obsession with volkswagens!)


I hope you are all enjoying your Monday... and staying warm!

Deck the Halls!

The day after Thanksgiving, Cory and I pulled out the Christmas decorations. I wanted to definitely make the effort to have a tree this year, despite my lack of motivation.

We already have this large pencil tree in our living room year-round, so even though I prefer a real tree, it was just easier to decorate the one we already have set up. We usually use colored lights, but again... my motivation kept us from going all out. So we left the white lights on... and Cory decorated as I sat on a stool and handed him the ornaments.

Normally, I'm pretty picky when it comes to my tree. The ornaments go in certain places and the garland has to be just right. I even have become a bit of a tinsel-aholic... however, due to a cat who likes to eat (and not digest) the tinsel, we opted out of tinsel this year.

And since I handed the reigns of ornament
placing over to Cory...
I am learning to not be so picky.
I think he did a fantastic job!
(And I appreciated his help!)



Another way I like to decorate is with my cutie-patootie Annalee figures. I admit, some people think that they are creepy (including my hubby).
But I like them!
I think their faces are sweet!



Last year, my parents got me this big Santa!
I love him!



After a few days of down pours,
we finally got a nice white blanket of snow!

I am enjoying being inside surrounded by
Christmas decorations and coziness!


23 Days 'til Christmas!!

60 Days 'til Baby!!

A Moment of Heartbreak...

Well folks, it has finally happened.

My grandma didn't know who I was... at my baby shower.

Perhaps it's happened before and I just didn't know it... or this could be the first time.

Perhaps it's just a little blip in her brain and the next time I see her, she'll know who I am.

It's hard to say... but heartbreaking nonetheless.

I pray for 2 more months... enough time to have this baby come into the world and for my grandma to hold it. Even if she doesn't understand that it's her great grand baby... just for my own peace of mind.

It would mean the world to me.

A Shower for Baby!

This post is going to be short and sweet... with mostly pictures!

Saturday, November 27, 2010

(My cousin was able to come home from AZ for the shower!)

To see a more detailed description (and more pictures)
of my wonderful shower... please head over to my sister's blog!
I figured there was no sense in me repeating everything,
when she said it all beautifully!

A BIG thanks to everyone who helped pull the shower
together... and to all of my friends and family
who came to celebrate (and provide many
necessities for Baby!!)

I am truly BLESSED!

A Thanksgiving Feast!

This was the first year that Cory and I hosted a holiday get-together at our home. It was also the first time we attempted to cook a turkey! (Cory did all of the work on that!) I'd say it turned out pretty good!!

And it tasted delicious with all of the other food that my family brought along to share!

I think I ate a little too much! :)

*********

Today, it's just me and the cat!
Cory and some friends went to the Bills/Steelers
game today in Buffalo.
It's rare that those 2 teams play together,
so it was definitely an opportunity
they didn't want to miss!
(Since Cory is a Bills fan and his friends are Steeler fanatics!)

(...and the dog is having a sleepover at my in-laws)

I think I'll do quite a bit of relaxing today!

Come back tomorrow to check out the post about my baby shower!!

Christmas Cards!!

When we were growing up, my mom would always make our Christmas Cards every year. They usually consisted of line drawings of me and my sister. Sometimes they included our pets, other times our cars (can't resist putting a VW Bug in a picture!) or a wreath, present, etc. I guess it just depended on how creative she wanted to get! (Don't worry, she didn't draw EVERY card! She drew one and then had them printed at the print shop!! Didn't want to give anyone the wrong impression!)

It always made me feel good to have a special Christmas Card sent out from our family. Not that I have anything against store bought cards... there are a lot of nice ones out there. But just having a personalized card that was drawn by my (very artistic) mom... just meant a lot. (Even if us girls did groan and grumble when she wanted to take our pictures to use as her inspiration for the design).

We even knew people who saved the card each year... which was pretty cool.

So, last year I decided I wanted to try my hand at making our Christmas Cards. I am definitely not nearly as artistic as my mom... but it doesn't hurt to try, right? Instead of line drawings though, I decided to do some block printing. I'd never done it before, so it took me a bit to get into the swing of things... but I was happy with the result and decided that I'd like to try again this year.

Of course, I can't do anything EASY... so this year I started drawing up a pretty intricate design. Once I started carving the block, I thought, No way am I going to be able to do all of these little lines and curves without messing up! I ended up setting the block aside and forgetting about it for a couple of weeks.

Well, last night... something got into me and I started working on it again. I couldn't believe it, but I actually finished it! I figured it would take me hours and hours! (It did take awhile, just not as long as I'd expected.)

I couldn't wait, so I pulled out the ink and brayer and rolled out a few test prints...

WOO HOOOOO! Success!!!!

So this morning, I couldn't help myself... I had to start printing them on the cards. I still have plenty more to do... but I thought I'd give you a little sneak peak.

This is not the "intricate" part of the design... but I didn't want to give the whole design away because I know that some of you will be getting your very own Devon Original this Holiday Season and I don't want to spoil it!!

(This was after I'd wiped some of the ink off)

If I remember, I'll post a picture of the full design in a few weeks, after I know all of the cards have been mailed out and received!!

Are any of you working on making your own Christmas Cards??

In other news: My appointment with my doctor went very well. I was pleased. So now I feel like I can breathe a little easier for my next appointment!!

Recipe: Pecan Praline Cookies

This weekend is my baby shower. It may seem odd that we're having it on Thanksgiving weekend, however it worked out to have family in town and extra travel time for those that live out of the area. Of course there are folks that already had plans and won't be able to make it, but out of the RSVP's, we have about 45-50 coming. That's pretty darn good!
(Stay tuned for pics next week!)

My mom likes to go all out for these sorts of things. It's just her nature to go over and above! SO, she decided on having a light soup and sandwich luncheon (with other little things like fruits, veggies and crackers). Instead of a big cake, we are doing dessert trays. Assorted cookies and desserts and goodies.

As the weekend approaches, and with Thanksgiving preparations in the mix, my mom has been a little maxed out. Being the wonderful daughter that I am (ha!), I offered to make some goodies to help take the load off of her shoulders.

Well... I found this recipe for PECAN PRALINE COOKIES in my Great American Cookie Cookbook. I'd never made them before, so I was just kind of winging it... but come on... pecan praline? How could they not be good!?

After tasting one (OK, 2...), I just had to share the recipe with you! It's a really easy recipe to whip up and delightfully tasty! A simple cookie that has a little class... because the taste is amazing!

So... here ya go! If you try them, you'll have to let me know what you think!

Pecan Praline Cookies

Ingredients:

3/4 cup Butter Flavor Shortening
(I just used a generic brand w/out butter flavor because it's all I had!)
1 1/2 cups Firmly Packed Brown Sugar
1 Egg
1 tsp. Vanilla
1 1/2 cups All-purpose Flour
1 cup Chopped Pecans

Directions:

Heat oven to 375 degrees.
Grease baking sheet with shortening.
Place sheets of foil on counter top for cooling cookies.

Combine 3/4 c. shortening and brown sugar in large bowl.
Beat at Med. speed with an electric mixer until creamy.
Beat in egg and vanilla.
Beat until light and fluffy.
Add flour and pecans.
Stir until well blended.


Shape level measuring Tablespoons of dough into balls.
Flatten to 1/8" thickness.
Place 1" apart on prepared baking sheet.


Bake for 7-8 mins or until edges are golden brown.
Do not overbake!
Cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes.
(Trust me, you want to do that part!)
Remove cookies to foil to cool completely.


ENJOY!!

PS: My husband cheated and voted for BOY in the poll on my sidebar, even though he truly thinks we'll be having a girl! haha!

Also, today is another appointment, this time with my actual doctor... dreading... but hoping all goes smoothly! This will be the first I've seen her since her rude comments back in September.
Wish me luck!