Thursday Thoughts...

The month of April has come to a close. It seems like it was April 1st and our 24th week baby appointment just the other day! I am glad that April is nearly over, because it didn't impress me much. I think May will impress me more, since I have more things to look forward to in May, such as our 4th wedding celebration, end of a school term, Mother's Day, spring flowers, consistently warm temperatures, and the anticipation of summer and all the watermelon, Popsicles, sunsets, and family visits associated with summer.

The most common questions I get these days... probably four times a day minimum... are:

"Are you having a boy or a girl?"

"Do you have any weird cravings?"

Seriously, the same kids at school as me these questions every day.
He's a boy. He's been a boy since February (or perhaps, since sperm with Y chromosome met egg with X chromosome... but we've known since Feb.)
And cravings... I know you want me to say pickles and ice cream or bananas and chocolate or something. Sorry, I have nothing fun or funny to say. I really like having Wendy's Frosties these days, and I have had a hankering for Carmel Corn Quaker Rice Cake Quakes, but... that's not super unusual. I expect I will like them next year, too!

I physically dread my 3rd and 4th block every-other-day classes. Ugh. I usually HATE the statement "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink", because I believe you can run the horse a lot to make it thirsty for the water you've got or you can sweeten the water and make it fun to drink. HOWEVER, I cannot seem to motivate these students to move past being an intentional non-learner and intentional annoyer. I have about 10 students between the 45 in the class that I consider to be effective and responsible citizens of the world. The rest make me want to pull my hair out or pretend I don't seem them at all when I am at the mall or something. This makes me feel like a bad person.

I had a really wonderful teaching experience during the last hour of my day today. The students were phenomenal. They were attentive, helpful, curious, and conscientious. We were practicing for our state's End of Course assessments, which are kind of a big deal. So many of these kids actually cared about their performance and wanted tips about how to improve. It made my spirits soar and my teaching heart sing.

Its almost the end of this school term. I thought I'd feel more excited about THE END. However, with the exception of those two rotten classes, I don't look forward to it ending. Endings are sort of hard for me. Closure is hard for me. I agree - beginnings can be tough - but it seems like all the memories come from the middle. The middle when routine is established, relationships are formed, and the funny happens. Endings are weird.

I invented a new verb today - melon balling. That is how I spent 45 minutes tonight, doing some melon balling. I am preparing food for a wedding shower on Saturday morning, so tonight I did a little of the prep work, which included melon balling a water melon and a cantaloupe. I never realized how much I prefer balled melon to squared melon. Or how sumptuous fresh melons really are. The cantaloupe was succulent. I am looking forward to melon balling the other cantaloupe and honey dew tomorrow. I wonder if I can melon ball a non-melon fruit, such as pineapple? Or a plum? I think they'd make some tasty fruit balls!

Goodbye to Chuck and Julianne. Though I loved her sparkly blue outfit this week, I was glad that Ty, Lil Kim, Gilles, and Melissa were safe. They are my favs. And they make up the winning section of my DWTS bracket.\

TV topic... LOST. We had a storm that night and lost some signal. So the DVR didn't record the whole episode. And some commercial cut in. Dang it! I hate to have my LOST interrupted. Thank goodness for online viewing, or I might never figure out what happens when Daniel walks into that "other" camp with his pistol loaded looking for his mother 10 years before she is actually his mother... (don't tell me - I'll watch online!)

My lower and mid back have started to ache with as much fervor as my upper back. Ice packs and some cat-dog stretches are now my routine. And more yoga. Not just stretching before bed... I need some sweating-warrior series. How much heavier can this baby get? Oh, right. About twice as heavy. Plus some. I think I'll need to put some strength training in to get this back stronger, not just take afternoon naps!

Afternoon naps. How nice! I took two this week. I am so exhausted by 4pm that I can barely make it through Oprah. Husband took one tonight, and he emerged bright and energetic.

Those are some Thursday thoughts. I am practicing my writing skills, because I've been struggling to find my voice and just put pen to paper. Or thought to blog.

I hope you are having a nice Thursday PM, and that you just start writing thoughts down on your blog, so you get over your blog rut, too. (Yes, you. I've noticed you haven't written much lately! Come on! You can do it!)

Blog Friend Spotlight

My next blogger spotlight is a fabulous friend, of whom I have many pictures, making it hard to choose just one.

Here is her blog - Midwest Miss-Haps. It follows some design project adventures she has in graduate school, as well as other random life happenings.

And here is my little poem of introduction for Amy:

Amy

Such a short name for a girl long on beatitudes.

She is patient with family

She is kind to strangers and the environment

She is polite to and respectful of all life

She is a curious thinking and natural problem solver

She thinks of others first and tries to make their lives better

She enjoys new acquaintances

I met Amy in 2003

Began to take fitness walks with her in 2004

Enjoyed her excitement in my wedding in 2005

Played house and invited her to dinner parties in 2006

Had lots of wine and giggles in 2007

Sorely missed her when she departed to Chicago in 2008

Am planning on calling her Aunty Amy in 2009

Amy knows the intentions behind my words

She loves and appreciates my family

Her family welcomes me in with the same gracious generosity

She can pop into frequent conversations and then go for a few weeks without contact,

but our friendship never suffers.

Amy.

What a true friend.

Amy.

Why are pregnant ladies always holding their bellies?

Possible ideas to answer the above question, since I noticed I've been doing it a little bit.

1) Depth perception. That stomach grew quickly, and I don't want to run into things that used to seem further away than they are now. Its like a little reminder to self.

2) Depth perception of others. Its like a little barrier - watch out! Don't come much closer! My stomach stops sooner that it used to.

3) Heartburn and/or nausea. Hold in that acidy stomach contents!

4) Maternity pants have crappy pockets. The belly provides a nice small shelf to rest the hands on when the hand in the pocket option isn't available.

5) Checking to see the firmness of the stomach to verify that the sharp breath-taker-awayer is a contraction.

6) Because it makes you look more pregnant. And thus serves as an excuse to leave a meeting early, have a door held open for you, or the like.

7) When you feel really full from a huge meal, you may rub your belly for digestion. I think being pregnant is sort of like that feeling. You are really full. Full of baby, not dessert. But still full, and so that tendency to touch your stomach is just in grained.

8) Baby is moving. Its cool to feel the movement on the outside and the inside at the same time.

I think some people might also think of touching tummy as a way to hug. I don't really think that it helps me communicate with the little guy, so my rationale for holding my stomach is mostly reason 1 with some of reason 3, 4 and 5. The other ideas are thoughts that have crossed my mind.

Ugh. Not AGAIN!

I had a terrible bout of morning sickness this morning. Horrible, unpleasant, acidic death, violent kind.

Dang it! I thought that part of pregnancy was over! I'd gotten used to only being sick after eating a meal and randomly during the afternoon and evenings. I had gotten used to having only a slight food aversion and pukey feeling in the mornings when I awoke.

Dang! Let's hope this is a fluke, not a trend! Come on... SEVEN MONTHS? You've got to be kidding me!!!!!!

Read This!

Here is a really interesting perspective on birth control from ThatWife's blog called Pink Pill of Death.

I never felt that way, but I think it is a REALLY interesting perspective! I did feel especially angry after having a second miscarriage every time anyone was pregnant around me, asked if me if I wanted to have kids, or I got a new idea for a job opportunity. I don't know where all the angry feelings came from, and I think they are still there, somewhere.

Motherhood - preconceived ideas about, opinions of, stereotypes surrounding, and goals on - is a mysterious, deep rooted creature, isn't it?

Blog Friend Spotlight

I think I will do a friend spotlight you, readers, can meet my friends whom have blogs and that I link to.

A site you've gotta check out:
My friend Taylor's blog and photography site.

Here is a little poem I wrote about him:

Taylor T.

Not really a man of mystery, more of a man of intrigue.

Expert at so many things.

Ate a chair one time.

Lit pumpkins on fire.

Boundless energy.

I met him back at age 16.
That's 11 years ago.

We were fast friends with Jenni and Marty and Council I kids.

We were the best JCs Council F at Fulton had ever seen.

Or at least in 2001 we were.

One of my "surefire-make-me-laugh" memories is of Taylor and Marty imitating Earl singing his favorite Flag Day Tune, America, complete with hand motions.

We haven't gotten much taller or much more mature, but we are still in high school.

As teachers.

And he is perfectly suited to work with high school kids to remind them

to find joy and beauty in themselves and helping others.

Something Nice My Husband Did Tonight...

... while I enjoyed a nap from 5-7 and a DWTS phone date from 7:30 -8pm.

This is step one of getting the nursh ready to be a place for a baby to live! He also accomplished steps two and three - putting together the comfy rocker and clearing out the various plant life that had taken over near the TV stand.

I guess he made another big step in January when he cleared out the closet in that room of most of our college things!

So, yeah, other than me growing this baby, he is definitely doing more of the work at getting the baby ready for our home. I think its fair though - since I am the baby's home now!

The Neighbors Probably Heard Me Cheering...

Yes, this Team Tango group dance got some wild, happy cheers when it played at my house at 8:15 pm tonight! I was definitely a "wahooo lady" watching this!

I "watched it on the phone" with dear friend Ann, which was a neat experience! We have similar opinions about our DWTS - like how its the best show on Mondays and the professional dancers are super amazing and Bruno would be the funnest to be around - and so it was almost like we were back with DWTS season 3, watching together in real life!! Those were the days...

Grammar Lesson: Your vs. You're

Here is an absurdly common mistake. I think it is made because they words are homophones - words pronounced the same that have different spellings. The different spellings indicate different usage of the words altogether.

Your vs. You're

Your is a pronoun of possession.
It means that one has ownership of something. It is the possessive form of you. The word your will refer to a possession of the person in the conversation.

Example: I accidentally dropped your birthday cake in a mud puddle. Here, the cake is the object of possession because it belongs to the person celebrating a birthday.

***HINT: Your will never be followed by the articles "a, an, the".


***HINT: Your will rarely be followed by an adjective, unless we are using the adjective to modify a noun that the person owns, such as in this example: "Your stupid son forgot to put the toilet seat down."


You're is a word that is actually made up of two words: YOU and ARE.
It is a contraction, just like the words: CAN'T, DON'T, I'VE, and I'M are shortened forms of CANNOT, DO NOT, I HAVE, and I AM.

Example: You're going to kill me! I accidentally dropped the birthday cake in a mud puddle! Here, the speaker is replacing "you are" with "your" to form a contraction.

***HINT: You're is the subject and at least part of the verb in a sentence, while your is not part of a verb.

***HINT: To make sure you are using the word you're correctly, try replacing it with the two words you and are. This can easily help you spot an error!

Practice Problems using You're and Your

1. Your my best friend.

2. Your handwriting sucks.

3. He told me that you're ticket is in the mail.

4. He told me that if you're late for another meeting again, you're fired!

5. Are your affairs in order? You're not likely to live another month.

Answers

1. Incorrect. If you are my best friend, you should use proper grammar! Ha ha. Also, remember the rule about your rarely being followed by an adjective? Best is an adjective that describes friend.

2. Correct. Remember, if you are confused, replace the your/you're word with you are. In this case, you are handwriting doesn't make any sense!

3. Incorrect. The ticket belongs to you, so it is yours. Also, the sentence already has a subject (he) and a verb (told), so you're doesn't make sense.

4. Correct. When we replace the you'res in this sentence with you ares, we get a sentence that makes sense! If you are late again, you are fired!

5. Correct. For this example, your affairs are things that you own. And, unfortunately, you are not likely too live very long. I bet you got this one right! Good job!

5 Things from Today

1) First irises bloomed today! They are a lovely shades of deep purple and lavender.

2) Mega day in the kitch - frying morels, making Rice Krispy Treats with spring marshmallows, baked potatoes, beer bread, and prepping brats and chicken for grill.

3) First major bout of low back pain. Significantly worse than the upper back pain I started to experience 2 months ago. BOOOOOO.

4) Free trees from Earth Day Festival downtown. Met lots of interesting people and saw the same old same old (booths advertising for Pagan Clubs, selling tie dye everything, belly dancing and trance-y drums playing, proselytizing anti-or a-religious notions, signing of sustainability petitions, and wafting the smell that is distinctly Earth Day - B.O./incense/pot/funnel cakes).

5) Unexpected pregnancy hormones cause tears during a traditional song at church. Weepy tears.

Recipe: Beer Bread

I have to look this recipe up every single time I think to make it... so I may as well post it on here and use my "search engine" feature to get it more quickly!

Super Easy Beer Bread

• 3 cups self-rising flour
• 1/2 cup sugar (sometimes I use more, depending on the sweetness of beer used)
• 12 oz beer (any variety, but the lighter color, the tastier)
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Combine first three ingredients in a glass bowl. Mixture is difficult to mix and is sticky! Put into a greased/sprayed loaf pan. Bake at 350 for about 50 minutes, then add the butter to the top of the loaf and bake until firm, golden brown crust results.

* note: other recipes say 375. I haven't noticed a significant difference in results
* note: another recipe helps you make self-rising flour using baking powder and salt... its an easy conversion
* note: I like to use Fat Tire Cherry Beer or Pumpkin Beer for something seasonal, but otherwise, Bud Light or Mich Ultra is great! Dark Beers yelled a more dense bread that is slightly bitter

Food Myths: Education for you to be active against ED thoughts

I still have disordered eating thoughts. I came across this post tonight that addresses some popular food myths.

My church is starting a "weight loss bible study", something that brings up RED FLAGS for me right away. I really hope it is not a group of women enabling each other to disregard balance and nutrition in favor of a fad diet, nor is it a time for weight-loss sharing secrets and tips. These are unproductive, unhealthy topics to have!

Here is a post from the blog "Treatment Notes", a Gurze sponsored website. By re-posting it, I am reminding myself about nutritional balance and to reject pop-culture food myths. I challenge you to read these and see which points ring true for you as truth, and then challenge yourself not to propagate the myths. Support others and nurture yourself by remembering that food is not inherently bad and that food is fuel for living.


Food Myths
Many of our patients and clients will come to us with unusual beliefs about food. Some of their beliefs may be based on popular "myths" about food. Yet, therapists and other non-dietitian health care professionals may hold some of the very same food and diet beliefs that our clients do. Take a look at the list below and see if you may hold some beliefs about food that are actually food myths, rather than facts.

1. Myth: The best weight loss diet is a low-carb diet.
2. Myth:Fasting and "de-tox diets" remove toxins from the body and improve health.
3. Myth: Dairy products cause weight gain (or red meat, for that matter).
Remember, a certain type of food does not cause weight gain. rather, weight gain is a function of total calories consumed, a person's energy expenditure, and metabolic rate.
4. Myth: One extra "fattening" snack will lead to immediate weight gain.
5. Myth: Eating after 8:00 PM results in weight gain.
6. Myth: Eating certain foods in combination can cause weight loss or weight gain.
7. Myth: Foods that contain fat are bad for you.
8. Myth: Fat-free foods will not cause weight gain.
9. Myth: Some foods have weight-loss properties in them.
Rumors in this regard have included grapefruit, celery, and cabbage, but there is no scientific evidence that supports these claims.
10. Myth: Eating a lot of fiber helps to prevent calories from being absorbed.
11. Myth: Sugar is an addictive substance.
More research is underway, but as far as we know now, in medical terms, sugar is not an addictive substance.
12. Myth: The longer I go without food each day, the less I will eat (Source: Reiff, D. W., and Lampson Reiff, K. K. (1997). Eating disorders: Nutrition therapy in the recovery process. Mercer Island, WA: Life Enterprises Publications.

Best Yard Sale Find: Happy Apple

This morning I went to five yard sales before 9 am. I had trouble finding baby boy clothes, and the ones I did find were all blue and had a baseball theme to them. They are okay, though perhaps a bit too gender specific and theme-y. I am not big on baby clothes with sporting goods on them. Its like: hey everybody, here's a tiny boy, let's make him macho by writing quarterbacks rock! on his stomach. Geez.

I did spot a relic from my childhood: The Fisher Price Happy Apple Chime Toy. I heard its sound first... the peaceful cacophony of bells. I picked it up for nostalgia's sake.

When I got home, I used an Internet search engine to find out more about this toy. I didn't realize it was made in 1972 until the late 1980s. I also didn't realize that it is now a collector's item and worth 30-50 dollars more than the quarter I paid for it!

Fashion Decision... advice!

I am a Prom Sponsor.

I love proms. I've been to 6 as a prom-goer, and this will be my first as an adult sponsor. I love prom make-up, prom dinners, prom dancing, prom romance. I love love love LOVE prom dresses, too.

I am not super motivated to prom dress shop for ME. What should I wear?

I don't have any formals that fit in my current state. "Real" maternity prom dresses and formals are available and are pricey. And are darling. Perhaps I could find a stretchy one from one of those mall stores with low-quality, trend-o-the moment dresses.

I am not interested in just wearing black pants and heels and some top. I'd have to buy all 3 new anyway... I don't have any pregnant occasional evening wear.

I wonder how many occasions I'll have to wear again? Is someone getting married this summer, and I have forgotten? Maybe I could think of it as a good expense if that was the case...

Overwhlemed

Chastity: I know you can be overwhelmed, and you can be underwhelmed, but can you ever just be whelmed? Bianca: I think you can in Europe.

The above quote is from one of my favorite movies, "10 Thing I Hate About You". I am feeling really overwhelmed with pregnancy, school, husband, and home. This thought popped into my head today, rather than a more helpful Bible verse:

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. (Deuteronomy 31:8)

or even this one.
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. (Psalm 34:17)

So I think next time I am feeling upset, I will look at Scripture instead of to myself for my own (often non-helpful) coping strategies. Probably not to movies... although Heath Ledger movies are a great distraction from stress!

DA

I gratefully accept all the health, wealth and happiness that the universe pours into me every day.

Almost Movie Review: Slumdog Millionaire

This movie would have made it to my movie review finals, except I couldn't watch it all.


Normally, I don't like watching movies that have been hyped up by awards shows. Like, I had seen Juno before it won so many awards, so I felt more ownership in the movie. I didn't feel like a copycat, cookie cutter American.


In this case, the movie played in my city for a film festival near the time of all the hype. I wasn't able to see the movie and had already made judgements on it based upon the aforementioned rave reviews.


Recently, an opportunity to watch this movie presented itself. I began to watch it with family-one person who had seen the film and really liked it, one person who fell asleep moments into the movie, and one person who had lots of questions about the plot line. I think I had a pretty open mind about the movie, but I wanted to know a little bit about before I
watched. After hearing a synopsis, I asked the person who brought the movie if the movie's theme was about fate or destiny or response to circumstance. I was excited to hear it was! Already the film had great potential.

Unfortunately, I forgot to ask if there was child abuse, violent dream sequences, or terror filled shrieking.

I should have asked.

At some point in the first third of the movie, I realized I couldn't watch anymore violence against children (even if its a real thing, and I should know about it to be a good citizen of the world) because it was too late at night and those kinds of scenes haunt my sleep.

Even if it was a really good idea for a plot line.

Even if it was a really famous and critically acclaimed film.

I've learned this about me: I cannot watch movies wherein children are abused, exploited, raped, beat up, or have to serve as child soldiers. My stomach turns, sometimes I puke, and I usually have bad dreams of those children that reoccur at least monthly.

I think I like kids too much.

You Should Know...

Dancing with the Stars is a big highlight of my week.

I have refrained from blogging about it too much this season, but I cannot hold back any longer!

I love the fashion (not high fashion... just highly glittery fashion!), the make-up, the showmanship, the amazing band that does covers of any possible song while making it sound original to them, the close-ups of special audience guests, the performers who visit for Results Show, the professional dancers, learning the "signature moves" characteristic of main dances, and the judges. I feel as if I'd be close friends with Carrie Ann, Bruno, and Len! Usually, I when I act as the 4th judge my comments are similar to Len's in technique and as excited as Bruno and Carrie Ann's. (but minus the odd sexual innuendos about more sizzle and less sausage and strange things like that...)

As for voting... yep, I usually do it. I don't use all my votes unless I vote online, and I usually text at least 2 votes in. It depends how well my favorite couples do... I've felt the need to text VOTE for Ty&Chelsea and Derek&LilKim, but I haven't felt the need to vote for Melissa or Gilles - they've got it in the bag!

So far this season, my LEAST favorites have been:

1) Max and Denise -
He was a little to arrogant, and she moved like a frightened deer. She whined a little too, and I've got no patience for whining these days! So... bye, bye.

2) Lawrence and Edyta
Yeah, She's my near favorite professional dancer and I totally love her signature tiny wardrobe (I've even thought about naming a girl Edyta... maybe) BUT Lawrence... no!! Its about time he went home! All he has done is whine about not playing golf, not knowing the rules of this sport, and how hard it is for him. Boo Hoo. Be nice and be a dancing fan when you are on DWTS!

3) Steve W and Karina

Yeah, he didn't have a chance. He was jolly and flamboyant... but he fractured his foot from dancing for crying out loud. Not gonna win.

4) Belinda and Jonathan

I guess I have no REAL dislike feelings for them, but I wasn't sad at all to see them go the first time around. I just wasn't keen on her upside down split. Not age appropriate. 5) Holly and Dmitri -

Hmm... I wanted them to be good. But Dmitri didn't seem to understand English too well, and Holly never looked like a powerful athlete. She looked like he carried her around all the time. Like a Barbie. Plus, I was getting sick of the Bruno-boob jokes.

And here are my "middle of the list" stars... ones that are interesting to watch, but not my favorites.

1) SteveO and Lacey Schwimmer

If not for Lacey's really cool outfits and quirky choreography, I might have put Steve O lower. He wasn't any good at dancing. But he was humble, he always smiled and gave a good try, and he was fun to watch. I actually really liked Lacey's elimination PJ outfit...

2) Chuck and Julianne-

Usually Julianne is a fav for me. She was just more fun to watch with Helio and Cody Linely in the past than with her current BF. Chuck started out a little bit whiny... big strike against him... but his latest cha cha cha was enough to move him back into my good graces!

3) David and Kym -

They were such fun to watch. They shouldn't have left so soon. That said... I didn't vote for them.

4) Shawn and Mark

Mark is such a funny dancer to watch. Shawn is... a gold medalist. She is really young. She can't help the fact that I am not BFFs with super shorties. I just can't get into her personality for some reason. I think its because they keep showing her parents every few shots. It makes me feel nervous for her that her parents are always there. And I don't like that she had to miss high school and prom to do a TV show. I won't vote for her, but I think she'll last to the semi finals.

5) Melissa and Tony -
I like them okay... but not enough to vote. I think Melissa has already had enough reality TV for one person - she's had 2 other shows before this! She's a good dancer. Tony finally gets a good dancer to be with! And they are fun to watch. But for some reason, I disagree with my DTWS buddy Ann... I don't think she'll win. I think she'll be in the top 2 for sure.

And my favorites of the season... couples I vote for....

1) Lil' Kim and Derek

I can't believe I am a LK fan! Or a DH fan! But I am. Ever since she did the amazing Argentine Tango, I've been hooked on their bubbly personality and killer moves. They are fun to watch! I vote for them, and I think they will get 3rd place ahead of Shawn but ater Melissa.

2) Ty and Chelsea
Ty reminds me of the good old boys from Missouri. He's a nice guy. I like that he looks nervous and that he is a little bit boxy. I like his holds during ballroom, and its cute to see him totally mess up on Latin dances. I think Chelsea is going to be the new Julianne because her personality is just like JH's before she had surgery, lost lots of weight, and got saddled with her BF on tour and on the show. I don't think Ty will win... and he might be voted off next week... but I've really liked watching him!

3) Gilles and Cheryl

Cheryl is such a great dancer. I love how she handled the rude comments about her weight from Maksim, and I love how young, fresh, and modern she is. I wish I were as cool as Lacey, but I think Cheryl is the type of dancer I'd be more like, style wise. Oh.... and lucky lady to be paired wtih GILLES! pronounced Sheeles. No, they shouldn't advertise him as the guy from SATC. He was the naked guy in the movie, Sam's neighbor. I think he had like 2 lines. Instead, they should just call him the model and athlete from France with 2 cute kids and a nice wife. Or, they should call him The Dancer. The Future Winner. Because I think he's that good! Lately, his scores have been down because he has been trying way more difficult routines than the other actors. And his allure... he had me at the cha cha cha. I even asked my husband to one day color his hair black and run around with an open shirt. I can hope, right?

Okay... had to get that review and re-cap out of the way!

Here is an amazing dance from this week:

Shawn's little sexy dance is very Young Debbie Reynolds. Go, Bruno! for such a great observation! I thought this was a cute little fun dance! No, it didn't deserve a 30... but it was so fun!!

And here is a link to an AMAZING performance by professionals this week on the live results show... Celtic Woman.



And if you watch no other video I post, watch this one! My new fav. professional dancer is Lacey Schwimmer. I love how brave she is, how sexy and confident and quirky she is, and how she wears really daring costumes.

Recipe I want to Try: Black Bean Burgers

I love all burgers, and last summer I started making inside out cheeseburgers and some other recipes from Rachael Ray. Chick in the Czech introduced me to this recipe for Black Bean Burgers, and I am thinking those, plus some grilled veggies and chips and salsa will be AMAZING come July when we are in regular grilling season.

YUM O!

Birth Control Post Number 2

I posted about this earlier, mostly just to say I'd been doing research about it. Actually, I've been thinking of this topic for about 1 year, and I wanted to share a site I found with you (especially with the friend who had a negative doctor experience!).

I recommend reading Phyllis's Family Planning Series. She is an exhaustive researcher and quite a good writer! She was one of my academic advisors during undergraduate at MU.

My opinions on the matter are similar to hers, but I am thinking more about the implications of chemical birth control on the environment, my internal environment, pro-life vs. pro-choice, and social justice aspects. I am still thinking about these topics and still researching, and I've had a post started for 6 months on this topic! One day I will get around to writing my own ideas.

Verse for today: Matthew 26:41

"Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

I heard this today on the radio as I drove to work. Its been on my mind all morning.

I think it applies to my current situation now, as I am trying to keep up a good attitude and good spirits during this pregnancy. I fully intend to trust God and follow his directions, but my flesh is weak. I want to second guess. I am prone to worry. I am prone to doubt that God is in control of me and my baby's life. When I go to church on Sunday, I am motivated to connect with other Christians and seek out support. But as the week wears on, I feel less and less like trying to join a women's Bible study or even going to church. I start to feel sorry for myself. These behaviors and attitudes are not Christ-inspired.

I must keep praying for strength and rededicating my purpose to following what God wants me to believe and do.

Meal Plan Monday

Monday - fend for yourself.
Tuesday - Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti
Wednesday - idk
Thursday - idk
Friday - idk

Food in the house: Breakfast Casserole, Rice Krispy Treats

The apathy is coming from my heartburn, busby's intense sports and studying schedule, and my desire to eat mostly cereal these days.

Tonight I'm sleeping on....

Kajsa Rosor Duvet Cover from Ikea. Super-soft combed cotton. Interesting patterns. Challenging to "install" over down blanket!

I did buy it for our guest room, but since that is yet to be created, I'll try her out for now!

Cloth Diapering FAQ

What did you learn from the Cloth Diapering Workshop you attended in early April?
I learned that there are many different styles that all accomplish the same purpose... act like a plastic, disposable diaper, but reuse and save money! I also learned that there are a variety of snaps, Velcro, applix closures, and these little gizmos called Snappis... and each brand thinks they've got the BEST product available.

I also met a woman who has made her own cloth diapers for five years, and who knows my mom through a professional relationship. She's offered to give my mom patterns she's designed for her sons, and teach her to use the snapping machine she has. Score! I learned my mom is supportive of this choice and will choose to make a few diapers for me, or will at least try to!

I learned that the natural baby shop in STJ is a neat little place to get hands-on experience. Its called Sprouting Up, and it has an online store front, too. I liked getting to see the products they had online, as well as things they had in their store for demo that aren't normally carried.

What products have you ordered so far?So far, I've used the site Dani recommended - clothdiaperclearance.com. The first order I placed 2 weeks ago arrived just today! I received six diapers of 5 different brands/styles.

This is an example of an All in One - AIO. Its got 2 micro terry panels that are attached inside. It is "Mommy's Touch Easy Clean AIO".

So it is pretty thick.

But its a cute pattern, so maybe no one will notice his chubby butt!

This is is a size small, trim pocket diaper made by Knicker Nappies.


Its very adjustable - but I have to read a manual or how-to to figure out how to utilize all these snaps!

This is another Mommy's Touch easy clean pocket diaper. Its one of the more versatile ones - but again, I haven't figured out the snaps yet.

For pocket diapers, you need a doubler or insert to put into the pockets. This is like the liner that makes it as absorbent as a plastic diaper.

I've ordered a brand called "Haute Pockets" upon Dani's recommendation, as well as a deluxe microfiber liner.

I have also ordered from two different sellers on ETSY to get another idea of ones that are made at home, not in a factory.


What are you thinking you still need to do?
I still need about 25 diapers, plus about 30 liners. I need to find the styles I like the best, find fabric that has the PUL, and do a price comparison to see if its cheaper to buy in bulk or to have my mom make them. I also need to figure out what detergent to use and things like that.

Oh, okay!! Here's the link.

I've been keeping a baby journal online. I didn't link it in my site because I've been keeping it separate and special. But you, readers, are special enough to see it. And I've been getting requests to send the link.

The Fabulous Adventures of Baby H

I don't write on it as much as I do on this site, since its Baby H specific. My goal is to put the site into a book using the software from Blurb.com and keep it similarly to a baby book.

Each week until Baby H arrives, you'll get to see an update post because starting THIS WEEK, weekly appointments begin. This means there will be lots of ultrasound shots! That should be cool.

PS - I checked if you google "fabulous baby h", my site is the first hit. So pre-birth, he has internet exposure! Techno kids these days!

Holding a New Baby

Today I visited my friend Kristen and her new daughter, Riley. When Kristen offered for me to hold her, I immediately thought: Ohmygoodnesssheissosmall. So I sat down first.

Maybe because I am so large right now I am attune to her tininess. Her face is as small as my palm. She is 6 pounds... about the size of a cat! Her tongue is so thin and tiny shaped.

It just blows my mind that my baby is even smaller. He is about a third as big! Or, two times smaller than her!

This makes me glad that I am not actually holding him in my arms, because I'd be way more nervous about dropping him and I'd have to find even tinier clothes.

Let's stay inside for at least a month and a half longer, okay little guy? Then you can be medium sized guy.

Recipe: Breakfast Cassarole

I made a breakfast casserole today. They are sort of hash brown casserole - traditional quiche fusions.

For inspiration, I used Paula Deen's Hashbrown Quiche, this amazing breakfast casserole my former WJHS principal made, and some traditional recipes. The final result, however, I'd like to consider as a Mrs. Haid original!

I knew the ingredients I had on hand and wanted to use them up. I did not buy anything extra at the store, so I feel it was a real exercise in creativity!

My ingredient list:

• Stick butter
• Frozen shredded hash browns, thawed (jumbo pack I bought at Sam's about 6 months ago... time to go!)
• Dozen eggs (farm-fresh, cage free from a school co-worker, of which had been cooped up in my fridge for 3 weeks)
• Shredded cheddar and Monteray cheese blend, 2% sharp cheddar cheese (always buy a few bags of cheese at Gerb's when they are $1.88, always intending to freeze them, but never do)
• Diced Green Pepper (leftover from Abby's Asian Lettuce Wraps)
• Diced Onion (used 1.5 since the onions seem to be looking for a place to root)
• Sausage Links (frozen, ready to eat style from Hy-Vee that we never remember to eat for breakfast)
• Bread Cubes (Bought some dollar day-old Kaiser buns to use for a French Toast Casserole and decided to use two of them for this occasion)
• Milk (Substitute skim for Paula's buttermilk. Who keeps buttermilk stocked?)
• General Seasonings - (for me this is sea salt, Van Zant's special blend from New Haven, MO, and coarse black pepper)

Process-

I melted the butter in the oven while it pre-heated, something that made me feel pretty clever. I'd never thought of it before! I lined a pie pan with buttered hash browns and some onions, and let it firm into a crust on a high oven temp (450F). Then I prepared all my other ingredients. I browned the sausage and chopped it in the same skillet I browned the onion and green peppers. I whisked together milk and the eggs, along with spices, and then let the bread cubes I chopped soak in the egg mixture until the the hash brown crust was ready. When it was ready (about 15 minutes), I layered on the sprinkle cheese, the sausage and veggies, the eggs and bread, and a thick layer of cheese. I baked at a reduced heat of 350 F for as long as it took for the cheese to get golden brown colored. I also always "test" my quiches to make sure they aren't watery by eating a small piece first, and then popping the pie back into the oven to dry up some of the excess moisture.

Afterthoughts: I think next time I'll add some KICK to it. Maybe a spicy sausage, pepper jack cheese, and/or some hot sauce mixed in with the egg mixture. I had to add ketchup and hot sauce anyway to enjoy it, and I wonder if sour cream mixed in with the hash browns would be all the more tasty? I guess I'll try it again! This recipe then is mostly for my own records... so I remember to update my mental recipe card for the next time I make the dish!

Beginnings of Baby Stroller Research

I've been researching strollers. Not as much fun as researching a new car, I'll tell you that!

Here are my current thoughts about it:

Right now we've got Chicco KeyFit carseat, so I want a compatible stroller. I've been trying to find out other brands that are also compatible.

Husband and I are not on same page with full size stroller vs. light weight. Perhaps we'll want both at some time?

Will I be a baby carrying person or a baby pushing person? How much use will I get out of this stroller?

What features are most important to me?

Why does Chicco only sell a few of the color options as stroller only, and the rest as travel systems?

Our Chicco carseat is not the prettiest carseat. Should I just buy a cover for it to match the stroller? How often will I use the whole travel system? For some reason, mismatch really bugs me!

Maybe I should put a WTB listing on craigslist. Or maybe I want a brand new one with out scuffs or stains.

How much would I be willing to pay for a used one?

We should probably go and demo a few strollers.

Recipe: White BBQ Chicken

For this recipe review, I cannot say with confidence that I followed the recipe exactly. I used a recipe that called for "T", and assumed it meant Tablespoons. However, I could have made a capitalization error and needed only a "t".

For:
teaspoon = tsp = t
Tablespoon= tbsp = T

I also cannot say with certainty that I love the sauce. It has a rather uncommon flavor and sort of grew on me! I can say that I will make the recipe again, ensuring that I have the correct proportions of liquids!

Ingredients:
6 T Mayo
1 T Salt
1 T Pepper
2 T sugar
3 T Vinegar (I used white because I thought basalmic would make the White BBQ Chicken into Tan BBQ Chicken)
1/4 c milk
1 lb. thawed chicken breasts or tenderloins

Process:
Place thawed chicken in an glass pan.
Combine first 6 ingredients into a sauce.
Pour sauce over chicken.
Bake for 35 minutes at 350 F, or until you see the sauce begin to thicken and bubble on the sides I cooked at least 10 minutes longer and did not experience a too dry chicken.

Source: Kim via EZ Meals recipe.

Guest Author: Navigating the Maze of Baby Products

It seems these days I read product reviews before I buy anything online and for all major purchases.

I thought to ask a friend, Mrs. T-Bone, about her baby product purchases, and she had a lot of good advice! Upon hearing it, I suggested she write a quick review and I post it to my blog. I assume other people can learn from her first-hand experience. I hope she has insight to offer on other topics, because after writing this guest post, she decided to publish her own blog! Here is the link to her site: Mommie Reports!

Navigating the Maze of Baby Products
At some point during your pregnancy, you will begin to think about buying baby products. You might begin by strolling through the baby section at the store or looking online. You will quickly realize that there are many different products out there and it becomes overwhelming to try and decide which ones to buy, to register for, etc. Below is a review of one of the more “big ticket” baby items out there, the breast pumps. This is the one that I have and use everyday. I followed the recommendations and did not introduce a bottle to my son until he was 6 weeks old. However, I began using it at 5 days post-partum when I was painfully engorged, a life saver! Although my son will not take a bottle very often (no nipple confusion there, he know what he likes!), now that we are doing rice cereal I find myself pumping often to mix with the cereal.

If this helps you narrow your selections I am glad to offer the information!

The Breast Pump - Holy cow! There are a lot out there, and man, are they expensive. Do you need to go with the expensive one? In my opinion, yes. Even if you are a stay at home mom (SAHM) such as myself, the faster and more efficiently you can express the milk, the better.

The pump I have and use if the Playtex Embrace Double Deluxe Breast Pump.

While it is expensive (199.00), it is well worth it. If you nurse full time, it can be rather difficult to pump because your let down reflex is so naturally triggered by your baby, it can be hard to switch to a pump. This pump more closely mimics your baby’s natural latch and suckling motion. It also allows you to adjust the speed (fast at the beginning to trigger let down, and slow stronger sucking to release the milk). The pump allows for a wide mouth bottle opening and a smaller one, so you can use different brands of bottles besides just Playtex.

If I were to pick a con it would be that the pump flange has 4 different parts to clean. It come apart easily, and cleans nicely, however. They company is correct about the rest of the pump and tubes staying cleaner. I have not had any problems with tubes clogging or needing to clean them. The only part I have to clean is the flange you put to your breast.

Here are some of the information listed online about it:
Product Features

• 25 speed and suction combinations that let you customize your own pumping rhythm


• Soft Comfort massaging breast cups, which use both massage and suction. Research shows this combination is the most efficient at expressing milk.


• Soft air cushion that minimizes tugging and stretching of nipples for pumping comfort. (This saved me from a great deal of pain when I became engorged 5 days after my son was born, I was able to pump to relieve the pressure, with out causing any damage)


• Closed system that protects milk from bacteria and germs, and prevents back-up. Unlike some other pumps, no milk can enter the tubing or the pump, meaning there is less cleaning and no germs.
  
• Dual screw ring on pump that fits with all Playtex bottles (including wide and narrow) and most standard reusable bottles


• Easy-touch key pad to adjust settings at the touch of a button


• A wide nipple opening to improve pumping comfort


• A stylish, black microfiber tote bag that lets you be completely organized. The three inner bags keep your pumped milk, pump and accessories clean, organized and within reach.


• Includes AC/DC Adapter, Car Adapter (I didn’t think I would EVER use the car adapter, however, I find often find myself sitting in the passenger seat pumping while my husband drives us to see family)
  

Thank you to Mrs. H for encouraging me to write a review and allowing me a space on her blog to post it.
Best of luck to everyone in search of baby products!

So, there it is - my first guest author post! Thanks so much for doing this, Mrs. T-Bone!

If you have product reviews, poems, or experiences to share and would like to be my second (or subsequent) guest author, send me a quick write-up, and I'll publish for you!

Saturday Morning Questions

I had the chance to sleep in today, but when I woke up, my mind was aflutter with questions.

Theme 1 Questions: Catering a shower
What menu should I plan for a wedding shower in two weeks? Are cupcakes really cool outside of NYC? Should I make fruit kabobs or buy another size melonballer and make a cool, circular fruit salad? How much time will it take me to shop for the ingredients and put it all together? Should I take half a day off of work? Or all day? Where can I buy mini croissants? Should there be an alternate choice to chicken salad sandwiches? How about a lemonade punch? If I make "Douglas Company Salad" should I still be calling it that if there is no Douglas Company anymore? Is it really a Rich and Charlie's salad? Or if I call it "House Salad" like we do at our parents and in our Douglas family, does that make sense for other people?

Theme 2 Questions: Baby related
Am I a bad mom blogger since I haven't written on Baby H's website in three months? How many contractions are normal per day for the "practice contractions"? If I have dozens per day, but not 5 per hour accompanied by pre-term labor symptoms, should I alert my nurse? Should I schedule a non-stress test for Wednesday, or is that stressful in itself? Is 27 weeks 3rd trimester yet? What will it be like to go every week to the doctor? Is the insurance company question line open on Saturdays for me to ask about changing the co-pay policy? Should we set up the crib because its lovely and I like it, or wait a few more weeks so as not to jinx anything? Maybe I should take stock of the baby items we have and publish them on the baby's blog, so he will know I've been collecting things for him. Is it normal to be so nervous about "not getting to keep the baby" that it makes me not want to go shopping for him and set up his room? What to do if our baby dies and the nursh is all set up? How do I politely decline a baby shower but recommend we have a baby party a month after he's born? Can I make a Boppy cover, or should I buy one? Is it ethical for me to buy a Boppy cover and use it as a pattern but later return cover to the store? Why are the Boppy cover fabrics so dumb looking? Is it ethical if I just want a good fabric and need to pick my own out? Should I keep ordering cloth diapers a few at a time, or wait and see which ones work best for my baby and then order a lot at once? Will my mom want to make her own cloth diapers for the child, and where to find that fabric? Could she make a profit selling those?

Theme 3: Career Related
If offered, should I work this summer until the end of the pregnancy? Do I want to do this? If offered, should I continue to teach Bio part time, like 2 hours every other day? So many people tell me to just not work at least the first semester - should I listen to them? Should I apply for an online masters program like the TESOL one at MU if I am not working? What kinds of things can I do to continue my career and stay relevant? Do I want to be a part time grad student next year and knock out a lot more classes towards a PhD? Can we afford school when I don't make a full time salary? How can I stay motivated for the last 22 days of teaching? How many things should I donate to the science program at my school? Should I keep all the resources I collected, in case I teach Bio again? Do I ever want to teach HS again? How to keep myself motivated to ensure great EOC test scores, when I know I will not be held accountable for them nor rewarded for them next year? How to keep grades fair through the last weeks of school since there are so many different field trips? How many labs/lessons to do on Evolution for Bio 2... how to make meaningful experiences for them? I miss being a coach, but I am glad I wasn't one this spring!

Theme 4: Blog related
Should I go private? Is this blog for me as a writer and a thinker, or am I trying to contribute to a specific online community? If so, what is my niche? Should I keep the google ads, or is that against my core belief of writing to express, inform, and interact? Do I want to read comments from my readers if this blog is only for me? What to do about negative comments... disable function? If I do that, I miss good advice and feedback. How can I get my friends to start doing this so I can keep up on their lives? Is it lazy of me to want to read their blog instead of just ask them the gazillion questions? Did I piss anyone off with the grammar lecture? If so, do I care?

This is my favorite color for flowers.

I appreciate all flowers. but I especially adore this vivid pink shade.

Daily Affirmations

The best way out is always through.
-- Robert Frost

Grammar Lesson: Possessives.

Rant: For too long I've let poor grammar get under my skin. I've stopped reading a few blogs because the writing is so poor that I get annoyed and miss the author's message.

I don't claim to have perfect grammar, but I feel there are a few simple lessons we could learn when writing, and so I will address a few of them on my site.

Yes, I was once a member of Facebook's "I judge you when you use poor grammar" group, but I thought perhaps I should not judge, but just gently nudge others to be more careful with communication.

Yes, pregnancy makes me cranky and less tolerant of poor use of the English language.



Grammar Lesson #1: Plural Possessive Pronouns

All Too Common Mistake: Incorrect use of plural possessive pronouns.
Danny and I's house.
He and my's baby.

Correct form:
Our house.
Our baby.

Alternately, if Danny and I live in two different homes, or if he and I have two different babies, the correct forms are:
Danny's and my houses (as in, Danny's house and my house)
His and my babies (as in, his baby and my baby).


Many writers convey a different message when using plural possessives incorrectly.
For example,
Jody and Karen's grade cards
vs.
Jody's and Karen's grade cards.

In the first sentence, the two people share a common set of grade cards. In the second sentence, each person has ownership of a particular card or set of cards.

DA

How far that little candle throws his beams!So shines a good deed in a naughty world.
-- William Shakespeare

Indulgences...

I don't shop often at Wal-mart, mostly because I have a nice grocery store and feel that even though there are 5 of them in my city, its annoying to go across town to one of them.

But tonight husby and I went to pick up dishwashing detergent (eco brand, lemon scent), and a new softball bag (because its season now). Which of course meant we also got clearance Easter candy, hair spray (fancy Wal-marts carry the Bed Head brand!), Green Works spray, Twizzlers (Nibs and also the new tangy flavors), motor oil (not what I chose!), liquid dish soap (another eco brand in the scent waterlily), an ice tea maker, and a special cup for ice tea (plastic, because I can't stand the smell of our glass cups since becoming pregnant and our Shakespeare's cups are mysteriously missing).

Its easy to drop a lot of money in a trip like that.

But it was fun to brew the tea and drink it in my new cup (after, of course, washing it with the waterlily scented eco-diswashing liquid).

What's up with Wal-mart and all these "eco" products lining the aisles? Oh yeah, Earth Day is next week. Way to commercialize Earth Day!

Fantastic Smells

I love the smell of a fresh book. One arrived at my doorstep today from Overstock.com. I've never gotten media from that company, but had some free shipping, so I ordered Breaking Dawn along with a new set of curtains. Don't dare tell me about this book - I've been "saving it" since late November when I read the other 3 in 3 weeks. I am saving it for "just in case" bed rest reading!! I am going to hide it away from temptation, after a few more smells...

Another great smell is the smell of Hershey's Milk Chocolate. I bought some clearance Easter bunnies and crosses and when I opened the exterior packaging to dump the little bunnies in the fridge, the friendly aroma greeted me and tempted me into a nibble of an ear. Yes, I like my chocolate cold, just like my milk!

Career Decision, Teacher Contract, Job Interviews, Options

I wrote earlier in the week that I'd have an update on these topics. I've been wanting to blog about them for awhile, but I didn't feel it was appropriate until I'd officially let my employer know about my decisions.

Here's the scoop:

I've made it no secret on this blog how difficult I found it to re-enter the teaching field after a year's hiatus in grad school. I did not get my desired teaching position and accepted a high school teaching position in a small district. It was a challenge to move into a place that lacked collaboration (there were no other teachers with my same class schedule) and was very hesitant to accept a newcomer. I hated how I felt each day after work - defeated, exhausted, and without hope that the next day would be better.



By Christmas, I was on an upswing. I honestly stopped trying to do my very best, and stopped caring so much when the students were unfair or down right rude. It was sort of survival for me - I had to keep my health and keep my baby! I felt as if I could continue the year because I was expending less personal effort and accepting my students as people who have flaws. I didn't idealize them as much.

For some reason, the students started to get nice. A few apologized for the badly behaved ones. Woah! That was a shocker. And being pregnant increased my popularity. I am not sure why, but kids I didn't even know where coming to ask how things were going and look at Baby H's gestation photos. I started to think... they're not so bad! Most of the kids signed up for my class next year because it was my class...

The workload seemed to get easier, too. I'd actually taught the winter semester units before, and didn't have to make every single document anew, as I had to do in the fall. I felt more comfortable and happy about the content. I started to think... its not so bad... why not perfect it next year?

The decision about what to do as a teacher next year had been weighing on my mind and heart for a long time. Shortly before Spring Break, my principal approached me to let me know I'd have a position at the school in the next year, should I accept. The Friday before Spring Break I had a contract in my mailbox at school.

I pondered, prayed, considered, and talked to lots of moms and teachers.

Then I decided not to accept the contract. I wrote a very nice resignation letter, describing my desire for a leave of absence to care for the needs of my growing family. My principal warmly accepted, and I feel as if the door is still open for a return to the district.

BUT... I am not at all convinced that SAHM-ing is for me. I know that I get very cooped up without daily routines and plans, and it leads to some negative emotions and behaviors. I don't want to start up having eating problems, dark clouds of boredom and hopelessness, or feel out of touch. Sure, I'll probably like this baby a lot, love it even... but is it enough? I am not sure. I like to be doing things, learning things, contributing to society... and I have no schema for how that works for me staying home with an infant.

So, I've got a few irons in the fire:

1) Missouri's online high school - MoVIP. Its a blend of working at home and teaching.
2) Teaching English courses at MU's Asian Affairs center
3) Working for the Teacher Development Program at MU
4) Working as adjunct faculty in science or education or science education at Columbia College


I have applications in with all of the positions listed above, and I have had an extremely successful interview with MoVIP. They are hiring full time first, and I don't wish for full time during first semester. I have worked for the AA in the past, and know that flexibility is the name of the game for that department. I don't really expect to be hired for MU or CC, though my contacts with the heads of the departments are really favorable. But, maybe. Who knows.

If only I could work as an armchair judge for Dancing with the Stars, or teach myself to sew and sell on etsy.com, or start writing books.

I guess I could do those things mentioned above. Maybe!

Skim Milk = Cheap Skate?

I usually buy 1% Milk at Sam's Club because the price is so much less than grocery stores, and I appreciate the environmentally-friendly packaging.

If I am not going to Sam's Club (because really, I only go there to buy detergent, paper towels, TP, and browse the berries, wine, and book section) I must buy milk at the grocery store. It costs significantly more. We typically buy the half gallon size because between the two of us, its uncommon for us to use up even the half gallon size before it expires.

Not big milk drinkers, unless milk is a vehicle for cereal, milk shake, or chocolate syrup! I've begun to use milk as a stomach acid settler for this crazy-intense pregnancy acid reflux.

But I digress.

Today at the store I realized that I won't buy the store brand of milk, in its suspicious non-transparent white plastic, even if it is cheaper to do so. But, 100% of the time, if I am faced with the choice to pay 20 cents less than 1% or 50 cents less than 2% or 60 cents less than Vitamin D OR skim, I will choose skim.

Do people really notice the 50 cents more in taste?

Don't you put ice in your milk anyway, so it gets somewhat diluted... or is that just me?

Weclome the First of the Engineer Babies...

Well, not quite (Ben and Kathleen... your babies are the first... but this is the first in awhile!).

My husband took civil engineering classes at MU with a bunch of guys who married awesome girls, many of whom attended our Octoberfests in Hermann, weddings, and get togethers over the last six years.

Here are many of us on a hayride... this is before John met Ann and Deeken fell in love with Corey, and so long ago that Amy was still dating her high school boyfriend. The year? Not sure... but my sister Rachel was too young to drink!

Here is another one, when the four of us were at the same concert. The band: Alabama. The year: Summer 2004. I think we were still all undergrads, and no one was engaged!

There have been a lot of weddings since graduation, and today was the birth of the first E-Baby!

Congratulations to Dan and Kristen!

Here's little Riley, born today 4/13, (on another E-friend's birthday!)

Meal Plan Monday

Meal Planning has gotten easier this month of pregnancy. I no longer expect to be nauseous and confined to the couch moaning on a nightly basis, though it does happen about once a week. Down from seven nights a week!

I have found I have the energy to plan a grocery store trip, go to the store, and make a simple (or semi-homemade) meal on one night, and on other nights I have enough energy and patience to make two meals and put one in the fridge for later. So that's why husby is eating more than frozen pizza these days...

Monday - Potato Soup and Salad - soup made from "scratch" Sunday night

Tuesday - Dinner courtesy of Chick in the Czeck - Thai Lettuce Wraps!

Wednesday - Baked White Chicken BBQ (recipe from Kim!), baked potato, roasted asparagus

Thursday - Spaghetti or leftovers... not sure what time Husby's softball game is.

Friday - Dinner on the town? let's hope! Otherwise, take out