12.14.2008
Marine Life, Marine Wife
12.13.2008
Whoopsies!
Ladies and gentlemen, I am pregnant... and yes, I may pee my pants.
12.12.2008
Baby Love
12.07.2008
Turkey Time!
12.06.2008
Weekend of Events
Saturday morning, Andrew was up and working on his history paper, while I thoroughly enjoyed sleeping in until 10am. Sleeping in past 9am until this prego state kicked in, was pretty rare. Now, I am ALWAYS willing to sleep... anytime, anywhere.
The rest of the day, Andrew and I attacked a long list of errands to run, including Christmas shopping, a clarinet instruction book for Andrew so he can start playing again, nursing bras for me because I have unnecessary bulges coming out from all over the place, and of course- a long overdue trip to Costco for polish dogs. The polish dogs were heavenly, by the way.
The rest of our day concluded of a nap for me, more homework for Andrew and watching You've Got Mail together... how appropriate considering how we met.
Tomorrow we have church and I'm making our very own turkey dinner- considering we didn't get any of our own leftovers last week. Then, some of our friends in Andrew's unit are having a birthday party for their 1 year old, Kennedy. Yay!
12.02.2008
Curry-licious!
Chicken Curry
3 Tbsp butter
1/4 cup minced onion
1 1/2 tsp curry powder
3 Tbsp flour
3/4 tsp salt
3/4 tsp sugar
1/8 tsp ground ginger
1 cup chicken broth or 1 chicken bouillon cube dissolved in 1 cup hot water
1 cup milk
2 cups diced cooked chicken
1/2 tsp lemon juice
3 to 4 cups cooked rice (1 cup uncooked)
Melt butter over low heat in heavy saucepan (I used a wok). Saute onion and curry in melted butter. Blend in flour and seasonings. Cook over low heat until mixture is smooth and bubbly. Remove from heat. Stir in chicken broth and milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil 1 minute. Add chicken and lemon juice. heat.
4 servings.
*I dont use cooked chicken...I defrost chicken breasts, cut them in cubes and throw them in when the sauce is bubbly and let em' cook for about 15 to 20 minutes.
My Baby Love
FYI: Don't eat 8 oranges in a 24 hour period. It's not pretty.
LONG Over-due Post
Spring Rolls... that were burnt.
11.23.2008
Sack Lunches
"I'm glad I have a good book to read. Perhaps I will get a short nap," I thought.
Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me.
I decided to start a conversation. "Where are you headed?" I asked the soldier seated nearest to me. "Chicago - to Great Lakes Base We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Iraq ."
After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached Chicago, and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time.
As I reached for my wallet, I overheard soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch. "No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to Chicago." His friend agreed.
I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch.
I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill. "Take a lunch to all those soldiers." She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. "My son was a soldier in Iraq; it's almost like you are doing it for him."
Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, "Which do you like best - beef or chicken?" "Chicken," I replied, wondering why she asked.
She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class. "This is your thanks."
After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. "I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this." He handed me twenty-five dollars.
Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand, and said, "I want to shake your hand."
Quickly unfastening my seat belt I stood and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, "'I was a soldier and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot."
I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.
Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.
When we landed in Chicago I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word, another twenty-five dollars!
Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base.
I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. "'It will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You."
Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers.
As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals. It seemed so little..."
A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America 'for an amount of 'up to and including my life."
That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it."
H. W. (Bill) Scott II
2700 N. A.W. Grimes Blvd #914
Round Rock, TX 78665
11.15.2008
Andrew's Ideal Play Date
11.12.2008
Win FREE Stocking Stuffers!
11.09.2008
Hubby Tag
2. How long did you date before you got married? 3 months
3. How long have you been married? 3 months
4. What is your favorite feature of his? I pretty much adore his smile and strong muscles
5. What is your favorite quality of his? He puts up with me. Isn't that enough? Oh, and his hard work ethic.
6. Does he have a nickname for you? Honey and Babe... pretty typical.
7. What is his favorite color? Blue
8. What is his favorite food? Meat
9. What is his favorite sport? He's not a huge fan of sports. Every woman's dream, right?
10. When and where was your first kiss? In the kitchen of my apartment... about an hour after we met.
11. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? Eat out and relax.
12. Do you have any Children? One on the way!
13. Does he have a hidden talent? He's the most amazing packer. He can pack a bazillion bags, boxes and everything else perfectly in any space.
14. How old is he? 23
15. Who Said "I love you" first? Him. We were driving in the car (two days after we met, mind you) and he couldn't hold it in any longer. And he said those three little words. Ahhhh... isn't he romantic?
16. What do you admire most about him? He makes me a better person, and reminds me of what's truly important. His patience is admirable and his kindness towards others is noticed by all.
17. Do you think he will read this? Probably not :) He usually forgets to read our blog unless I remind him.
Tag:
-Bec
-Kayti
-Steph
-Jadie
Marine Corps Birthday Ball
11.07.2008
THE TRUTH
UPDATE: I was at work today and just casually chattin' with one of our Docs and he said, "So have you seen the heartbeat yet?" ... "Uhh no. I thought it was too early." "Well, what are we waiting for, let's go!" So Dr. Christiansen did an ultrasound and was able to see THE DOT but couldn't see the heartbeat. It was a little difficult since it's still pretty early. If I had gone over to the hospital in radiology, I would've been able to see it :) He said next week, we'll hear it! I'm so excited. I just wanna hear that dang heartbeat!
11.06.2008
UPDATE
11.05.2008
Prego Loves...
11.03.2008
HELP!
10.31.2008
WARNING: BUN IN THE OVEN
Also included,an adorable handmade receiving blanket with matching burp cloths, featuring essential items- lipstick, nail polish, compact, mirror and comb. So cute!
And of course, Mom stocked me up on morning sickness aids.
Last but not least... my first super cute maternity ensemble.
Mom's get a bad rap for The Frumpy Look... which is totally unnecessary.
Motherhood is hot!
10.30.2008
The Cat in the Hat
Two thumbs up!!!
10.29.2008
"Honey, does my butt look big?"
Coming Soon to a Uterus Near You: Baby Armitage
6 months after we first met and 3 months after gettin' hitched... we're havin' a baby!
That's right Ladies and Gents, I am in my 5th week of pregnancy!!!
Can you believe it?! I have craved motherhood my whole life and it's finally here! Andrew is so supportive and super excited! On our 3 month anniversary, we discovered the faint, but most definite pink line!!! I was so excited, it was like Christmas morning. I ran into the bedroom, shook Andrew to wake the poor guy up... and blurted out, "Honey! I think there's a line!" Since he is oh-so-familiar with my pregnancy-hypochondria... he was very rational and told me to get a test done at work. So I did! And, boy did I have news for him!
With all the stress and excitement, Andrew has really been a gem. I had to work all day Saturday and he knew I was anxious about leaving with the house such a mess. I came home to laundry folded, floor vacuumed, bed made, dishes done, our important documents were all organized in their identified folders (a project we were both dreading), the bathroom cleaned, light bulbs changed... AND he was finished with all of his homework, and ready to offer me some undeserved attention. Now, while I am professing a gag-worthy brag-a-thon... I also think it's so important to recognize and be proud of husbands. What would we do without them.
He isnt Mr. Perfect... but he's perfect to me!
10.27.2008
Hand-Me-Down Recipes!
- ZUPPA TOSCANA -
1 lb. ground Italian sausage
1 1/2 tsp crushed red peppers
1 large diced white onion
4 Tbsp real bacon bits
2 tsp minced garlic or 2 cloves
10 cups water
5 cubes of chicken bouillon or 2 cans of chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 lb. sliced russet potatoes - 1/4" thick or about 3 large potatoes
2 cups chopped kale or swiss chard
Begin by sauteing the Italian sausage and the crushed red pepper in a pot. Then drain the excess fat and refrigerate while you prepare other indgredients.
In the same pan, saute bacon, onions, and garlic for approx. 10 min. or until the onions are soft.
Mix the chicken bouillon and water together.
Then, add it to the onions, bacon, and garlic.
Cook until boiling.
Add potatoes and cook about half an hour or until soft.
Add heavy cream and cook until thoroughly heated.
Stir in the sausage. Add kale just before serving.
Goes great with a garden salad and some fresh bread. Thoroughly ENJOY!!!
*******
The next is from my sis-in-law Bec :) She makes the best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip cookies and at this time of year, it's a must! These are so tasty and will be devoured quickly! Thanks sis!
- PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES -
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 cups chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)
Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray cookie sheets with nonstick spray or line with parchment paper.
Using a mixer, beat the butter until smooth. Beat in the white and brown sugars, a little at a time, until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs 1 at a time, then mix in the vanilla and pumpkin puree. It’ll look really funky at this point but have faith.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Slowly beat the flour mixture into the batter in thirds. Stir in the chips. Scoop the cookie dough by heaping tablespoons onto the prepared cookie sheets and bake for 15 to 20 minutes (17 minutes works about perfectly for me), or until the cookies are browned around the edges.
Remove the cookie sheets from the oven and let them rest for two minutes. Take the cookies off with a spatula and cool on wire racks.
10.23.2008
The Neverending New-Hire Training
10.21.2008
Oregon Visit!
10.16.2008
10.14.2008
Birthday Eve
10.10.2008
The Brent Brown Saga Continues...
10.08.2008
Define: Customer Service
10.05.2008
No-Carb Update
- Grilled Chicken Strips
USMC
napping on the sofa, as I am typing.
10.01.2008
Ugh.
Chaos.
9.28.2008
Update: Induction Phase ... 1 day in
Favorite Diet-Friendly Foods: (so far)
- Black Olives
- Hard-Boiled Eggs
- Cheddar Cheese
- Lean Deli Meats
- Green Veggies
9.27.2008
To Do: Diet
Kalai Concert
CHEESE, please? I know.
3 Things We Learned From Kalai:
1- Kalai is LDS.
2- Kalai likes to kill small animals.
3- "Broken families, get un-broken and NOT broken families, don't break" - Kalai
9.26.2008
Photo Contest!
9.25.2008
I stillll ... got it!
9.24.2008
Chopstick-Ready!
I wanted to have a night of Asian cuisine and considering that’s what attracted Andrew to me in the first place- I played around in the kitchen and came up with this recipe!
Try it and let me know what you think!
PORK FRIED RICE
1 Garlic Clove, crushed
2 Eggs
2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
3 teaspoons Soy Sauce
2 Boneless Pork Chops, cooked and cut into bite-size pieces
Frozen Peas
Carrots, diced
Green Onions, diced
Yellow Squash, shredded
4 cups Cooked White Rice
Add 1 tablespoon of Vegetable Oil to Wok at medium heat. Then lightly whisk eggs with a teaspoon of Soy Sauce. Throw in crushed garlic and wait until it starts to crackle in the oil. Pour egg mixture into Wok and scramble into tiny pieces. Set aside to cool. Now the fun begins! Add the remaining tablespoon of Vegetable Oil or more if needed, along with carrots and yellow squash. Stir fry vegetables until tender. When vegetables are done- mix in cooked rice, pork, peas, green onions and egg mixture. Toss it all together and cover with lid. For the next few minutes, fold the rice to get that gently fried texture throughout the whole dish. Feel free to toss in the remaining 2 teaspoons of soy sauce or more to your liking. This fried rice has a lovely flavor of garlic and is beautiful with all the color! And remember, everyone has a little Asian in them! So get your chopsticks out and say Konichiwa!
9.23.2008
9.20.2008
Can I get some Costco Looove?
9.19.2008
Officially Employed!
By the way, I only work this job on Saturdays... so I have yet to end the job hunt. Just keep looking... Just keep looking... looking... looking... looking... looking...