Posts
Sorry - no belly picture tonight. I planned on it, but it just won't happen tonight. Possibly tomorrow, though! Then I'll post it next week.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Summertime Sweets
2 months ago
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Gift from a sweet friend
Sorry - no belly picture tonight. I planned on it, but it just won't happen tonight. Possibly tomorrow, though! Then I'll post it next week.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Boston Cream Pie, readdressed & Sandwich Cookies
I realized yesterday after I posted that it's no longer March and I am no longer held to the promise I made to post every day (except weekends). However, I think I'll keep up the promise because it's fun for me. Writing is a good release - I always feel better after posting no matter how trivial the content. Thanks for being an audience to my random musings!
I learned a lesson last weekend. That lesson was from my own unorganized mistake in recording a recipe. You may recall the boston cream pie post about the cake I made for my mother-in-law on her birthday. My brother-in-law, Jake, enjoyed the cake so much (no matter the appearance) that he requested it for his birthday last weekend. I was excited to make the cake again and be able to present it to the family fully intact this time, the way in which it was meant to be presented. I rarely make a dessert recipe more than once (chocolate chip cookes excluded) so I was excited to improve upon the first attempt.
Here's where the lesson comes in. If powdered sugar is involved in a frosting
recipe of any kind, Sift it first. Without exception, please sift it first. I'm saying this more to myself than to any of you because I'm sure you know better. When I was making the ganache for the cake, I thought "I don't need to sift the powdered sugar because the ganache starts out warm and the sugar will surely dissolve as I mix". WRONG! I poured the ganache over the beautifully baked and filled cake only to discover that there were ugly, unappetizing white chunks of powdered sugar all throughout the chocolatey topping. I probably could have just left it alone, but I didn't. I managed to move the cake to a different plate (all the while spilling not-quite-cool, melty chocolate sauce all over the kitchen counter) and scrape off the top layer of ganache. The sides were still quite ugly but they'd have to do. I made another batch of ganache (this one thicker than the first which coated the cake better, anyway) and poured it on the cake.
This time, I refrigerated the entire cake for a couple of hours prior to transport. It didn't budge an inch. Perfect! It was good cold, too, even if it didn't look very pretty. The ganache recipe is my favorite of any ganache I've ever made. It tastes exactly like the frosting on a good chocolate donut, and if you know me, you know I'm no stranger to the chocolate donut. So, it still didn't get the masterful presentation that I'd hoped for, but it didn't disappoint in taste.
Easy Boston Cream Pie
INGREDIENTS
Cake & Filling
1 18.25 oz Butter Recipe Yellow cake mix (I used Betty Crocker)
1 5.1 oz JELLO Vanilla Pudding mix
Ganache
3 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup light cream (I used milk)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, SIFTED
DIRECTIONS
Prepare cake mix according to package instructions in two 9" rounds. Cool completely.
Prepare JELLO vanilla pudding mix according to package instructions and chill for at least a couple of hours.
Do not prepare this next step until you are ready to assemble the cake...the ganache needs to go on the cake immediately after prepared. In a heavy saucepan over low heat, stir the chocolate pieces and 2 tablespoons butter until they are completely melted. Remove from the heat and, stirring constantly, add the 1/4 cup light cream in a thin steady stream. When mixture is smooth, stir in the confectioners' sugar and beat vigorously. Stir in the 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
TO ASSEMBLE
Turn one 9" round cake upsidedown on serving plate. Spread the chilled filling on the flat surface of that bottom layer and place the second cake on top. Pour the chocolate frosting evenly over the top allowing it to spill down the sides.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now for another recipe. I made these cookies for the Homeowners Associati
on Meeting that was held at our home on Tuesday night. D tried them and, I kid you not, he laughed because they were so good. D doesn't laugh at the goodness of recipes, especially baked goods. He is generally satisfied to get the Golden Grahams S'more recipe made for him on his birthday - he's a no-fuss dessert kind of guy. He prefers his meat and potatoes.
The HOA board members sang the praises of these cookies, too, even the "I'm not a sweets kind of guy" guy. Believe me when I tell you that I'm not tooting my own horn - it's not my recipe. I'm just going to quit jabbering now and give you the recipe.
First I have to say that I used 2 yellow cake mixes instead of chocolate ones because my chocolate cake mixes were all the way downstairs in our garage pantry and I didn't feel like making the walk. You can pretty much use any cake mix you want for this recipe. I also did not roll the mix into balls - I simply used my cookie dough scoop making sure to level out the top of each scoop and they came out great. The batter, when you mix it, will be very tough. Make sure to mix it well and even use your hands if you need to.
If you like a lot of filling, double the filling recipe. I have dreams of doubling the filling in each sandwich cookie and rolling them in mini M&Ms or chocolate chips. Mmm....
Chocolate (or whatever) Sandwich Cookies II
1 (18.25 ounce) package dark chocolate cake mix
1 (18.25 ounce) package low calorie chocolate cake mix
4 eggs
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 cups confectioners' sugar
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Lightly grease cookie sheets.
In a medium bowl, stir together the dark and light chocolate cake mix. Add the eggs and oil, mix until well blended. Roll dough into 2 inch balls, and place them onto the prepared cookie sheet. Flatten the balls slightly with the back of a spoon.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes (mine took almost a full 12 and I have a convection oven) in the preheated oven, until firm. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before removing to cool on wire racks.
To make the filling, beat the cream cheese and confectioner' sugar together until smooth. Spread between two cooled cookies
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tomorrow we go pick up the nursery furniture. I'm really excited even though we don't have a place to put it at the moment.
I'm very tired so I'll say goodnight.
I learned a lesson last weekend. That lesson was from my own unorganized mistake in recording a recipe. You may recall the boston cream pie post about the cake I made for my mother-in-law on her birthday. My brother-in-law, Jake, enjoyed the cake so much (no matter the appearance) that he requested it for his birthday last weekend. I was excited to make the cake again and be able to present it to the family fully intact this time, the way in which it was meant to be presented. I rarely make a dessert recipe more than once (chocolate chip cookes excluded) so I was excited to improve upon the first attempt.
Here's where the lesson comes in. If powdered sugar is involved in a frosting
recipe of any kind, Sift it first. Without exception, please sift it first. I'm saying this more to myself than to any of you because I'm sure you know better. When I was making the ganache for the cake, I thought "I don't need to sift the powdered sugar because the ganache starts out warm and the sugar will surely dissolve as I mix". WRONG! I poured the ganache over the beautifully baked and filled cake only to discover that there were ugly, unappetizing white chunks of powdered sugar all throughout the chocolatey topping. I probably could have just left it alone, but I didn't. I managed to move the cake to a different plate (all the while spilling not-quite-cool, melty chocolate sauce all over the kitchen counter) and scrape off the top layer of ganache. The sides were still quite ugly but they'd have to do. I made another batch of ganache (this one thicker than the first which coated the cake better, anyway) and poured it on the cake.This time, I refrigerated the entire cake for a couple of hours prior to transport. It didn't budge an inch. Perfect! It was good cold, too, even if it didn't look very pretty. The ganache recipe is my favorite of any ganache I've ever made. It tastes exactly like the frosting on a good chocolate donut, and if you know me, you know I'm no stranger to the chocolate donut. So, it still didn't get the masterful presentation that I'd hoped for, but it didn't disappoint in taste.
Easy Boston Cream Pie
INGREDIENTS
Cake & Filling
1 18.25 oz Butter Recipe Yellow cake mix (I used Betty Crocker)
1 5.1 oz JELLO Vanilla Pudding mix
Ganache
3 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup light cream (I used milk)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, SIFTED
DIRECTIONS
Prepare cake mix according to package instructions in two 9" rounds. Cool completely.
Prepare JELLO vanilla pudding mix according to package instructions and chill for at least a couple of hours.
Do not prepare this next step until you are ready to assemble the cake...the ganache needs to go on the cake immediately after prepared. In a heavy saucepan over low heat, stir the chocolate pieces and 2 tablespoons butter until they are completely melted. Remove from the heat and, stirring constantly, add the 1/4 cup light cream in a thin steady stream. When mixture is smooth, stir in the confectioners' sugar and beat vigorously. Stir in the 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
TO ASSEMBLE
Turn one 9" round cake upsidedown on serving plate. Spread the chilled filling on the flat surface of that bottom layer and place the second cake on top. Pour the chocolate frosting evenly over the top allowing it to spill down the sides.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now for another recipe. I made these cookies for the Homeowners Associati
on Meeting that was held at our home on Tuesday night. D tried them and, I kid you not, he laughed because they were so good. D doesn't laugh at the goodness of recipes, especially baked goods. He is generally satisfied to get the Golden Grahams S'more recipe made for him on his birthday - he's a no-fuss dessert kind of guy. He prefers his meat and potatoes.The HOA board members sang the praises of these cookies, too, even the "I'm not a sweets kind of guy" guy. Believe me when I tell you that I'm not tooting my own horn - it's not my recipe. I'm just going to quit jabbering now and give you the recipe.
First I have to say that I used 2 yellow cake mixes instead of chocolate ones because my chocolate cake mixes were all the way downstairs in our garage pantry and I didn't feel like making the walk. You can pretty much use any cake mix you want for this recipe. I also did not roll the mix into balls - I simply used my cookie dough scoop making sure to level out the top of each scoop and they came out great. The batter, when you mix it, will be very tough. Make sure to mix it well and even use your hands if you need to.
If you like a lot of filling, double the filling recipe. I have dreams of doubling the filling in each sandwich cookie and rolling them in mini M&Ms or chocolate chips. Mmm....
Chocolate (or whatever) Sandwich Cookies II
1 (18.25 ounce) package dark chocolate cake mix
1 (18.25 ounce) package low calorie chocolate cake mix
4 eggs
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 cups confectioners' sugar
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Lightly grease cookie sheets.
In a medium bowl, stir together the dark and light chocolate cake mix. Add the eggs and oil, mix until well blended. Roll dough into 2 inch balls, and place them onto the prepared cookie sheet. Flatten the balls slightly with the back of a spoon.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes (mine took almost a full 12 and I have a convection oven) in the preheated oven, until firm. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before removing to cool on wire racks.
To make the filling, beat the cream cheese and confectioner' sugar together until smooth. Spread between two cooled cookies
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tomorrow we go pick up the nursery furniture. I'm really excited even though we don't have a place to put it at the moment.
I'm very tired so I'll say goodnight.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
The Ring and The Baby Clothes
Today is a big day. I actually have more photos stored than what I plan to post today. Which means I already have material to post for tomorrow, too! I love being an overachiever every once in a while. I didn't get our bags packed last night even though D brought up the suitcase. There's a lot of things I didn't get done last night. However, I cooked us some pork chops with gravy, rice and corn, watched the Mariners win their Season Opener against the Twins, went on a walk with my husband, and made some really yummy cookies for tonight's HOA meeting at our house.
I'm not a photographer - I never claimed to be a photographer. So, the photographs you see on my blog are taken by someone who really tries to take good photos but has no knowledge of how to work the "manual" feature on her camera. Keep that in mind and you won't be disappointed.
Here's that fake ring we got at Kohl's on Sunday. It's a band of "diamonds" all the way around. I actually like it. More than anything, I like that it doesn't cut off the circulation to my ring finger - I need that finger.
And, as promised, the clothes I got for $6 each at Kohl's. I don't really know why I bother posting photos of them strewn out on the guest bed - I'm sure you'll get plenty of pictures of Amelia wearing them and that will be much cuter. But, here you go anyway.
This is the layette set I was so excited about. I got 3 of them - one for me and one for each of my sister's babies. It comes with a hat, a bib, a pair of footie pants, a pair of footie pajamas, and two onesies. Footie pants and pajamas are my weakness.
This is where the "I'm not a photographer" comes in. The second picture is blurry, but I can't take credit for it being flipped the wrong way. Blogger simply won't let me flip it right side up. So, tilt your head and squint your eyes - maybe you'll be able to get the gist.
Now, this outfit is really cute...
...but it's the back of it that won me over. I can't wait to get a big diapered bum in those ruffled pants!
D liked this outfit. I'm usually drawn to dresses but he wanted to make sure our daughter wasn't only in dresses. The detail on the pants is really cute - they're actually pink & khaki pinstriped.
When D & I were purchasing these items, I told him that one of the outfits would be a shower gift. Quite honestly I don't know how I'm going to part with any of them. Now, just to be clear I don't buy much at all for Amelia. I'm trying to save the fun baby girl clothes shopping for friends and family since I know that people love to buy clothes for baby girls. The only things I've bought for her since finding out she's a girl has been a little dress at Costco and the outfits you see here. Now, I know you'll probably refer back to the Millie's Closet post and argue that I've overdone the shopping for my daughter, but those are all clothes I bought for her prior to finding out she was a girl. So, they don't count. Really. Okay, they count but in my defense they're mostly sizes 6-9 months.
In honor of the Mariners winning their Season Opener against the Twins last night, I am posting the absolutely adorable Nike Mariners outfit that David's sweet Aunt Patty sent to us. Isn't it the cutest thing ever? We already bought Amelia a UW Huskies 18 month cheerleader outfit off Craigslist so now all we need to get her is some Seahawks gear and we're all set!
So, there you have it.
Tomorrow I'll have a couple of recipes for you.
I've decided to kill 2 birds with one stone and wear the pashmina my parents got me in D.C. when I take my belly picture on Thursday. So, stay tuned.
Another gorgeous day today. Hope your Tuesday is great!
I'm not a photographer - I never claimed to be a photographer. So, the photographs you see on my blog are taken by someone who really tries to take good photos but has no knowledge of how to work the "manual" feature on her camera. Keep that in mind and you won't be disappointed.
Here's that fake ring we got at Kohl's on Sunday. It's a band of "diamonds" all the way around. I actually like it. More than anything, I like that it doesn't cut off the circulation to my ring finger - I need that finger.
And, as promised, the clothes I got for $6 each at Kohl's. I don't really know why I bother posting photos of them strewn out on the guest bed - I'm sure you'll get plenty of pictures of Amelia wearing them and that will be much cuter. But, here you go anyway.
This is the layette set I was so excited about. I got 3 of them - one for me and one for each of my sister's babies. It comes with a hat, a bib, a pair of footie pants, a pair of footie pajamas, and two onesies. Footie pants and pajamas are my weakness.
This is where the "I'm not a photographer" comes in. The second picture is blurry, but I can't take credit for it being flipped the wrong way. Blogger simply won't let me flip it right side up. So, tilt your head and squint your eyes - maybe you'll be able to get the gist.
Now, this outfit is really cute...
...but it's the back of it that won me over. I can't wait to get a big diapered bum in those ruffled pants!
D liked this outfit. I'm usually drawn to dresses but he wanted to make sure our daughter wasn't only in dresses. The detail on the pants is really cute - they're actually pink & khaki pinstriped.
When D & I were purchasing these items, I told him that one of the outfits would be a shower gift. Quite honestly I don't know how I'm going to part with any of them. Now, just to be clear I don't buy much at all for Amelia. I'm trying to save the fun baby girl clothes shopping for friends and family since I know that people love to buy clothes for baby girls. The only things I've bought for her since finding out she's a girl has been a little dress at Costco and the outfits you see here. Now, I know you'll probably refer back to the Millie's Closet post and argue that I've overdone the shopping for my daughter, but those are all clothes I bought for her prior to finding out she was a girl. So, they don't count. Really. Okay, they count but in my defense they're mostly sizes 6-9 months.
In honor of the Mariners winning their Season Opener against the Twins last night, I am posting the absolutely adorable Nike Mariners outfit that David's sweet Aunt Patty sent to us. Isn't it the cutest thing ever? We already bought Amelia a UW Huskies 18 month cheerleader outfit off Craigslist so now all we need to get her is some Seahawks gear and we're all set!
So, there you have it.
Tomorrow I'll have a couple of recipes for you.
I've decided to kill 2 birds with one stone and wear the pashmina my parents got me in D.C. when I take my belly picture on Thursday. So, stay tuned.
Another gorgeous day today. Hope your Tuesday is great!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Monday again.
It's safe to say that my pledge to post every day is a difficult promise to keep. I stress out about it until I post, so here's your post!
D and I are sufficiently perplexed. We've had the cats on the restricted diet since Thursday and we've discovered that they don't eat much. The vet did say that she wouldn't rule out a metabolism issue for Hailey (the 25 pounder), but after seeing how little they both eat I would guess that they both must have issues. They're sisters, after all.
Yesterday was sunny and 71°...today is supposed to be a repeat. This is big news here in Seattle. On Friday when we woke up to a rain/snow mix we were bemoaning the fact that it seemed as if winter would never end. I'm not delusional enough to think that this weather will last - it is Seattle, after all. But, I can appreciate it while it's here.
Yesterday after morning worship we went to Kohl's and bought me a replacement wedding band. My hands are always hot which means they're always swollen. I took my wedding ring off yesterday afternoon and I still have a small indent where it sat on my ring finger. The new ring is pretty obviously fake, but I don't care. I would feel naked without my wedding ring on so I'll take what I can get.
We meandered to the baby section because, of course, if there's a baby section in the store we're in nowadays I have to look. On the "60% off" rack we found 3 matching 0-3 month layette sets...ADORABLE layette sets. They were normally $24 and we got them for $6 so Lindsay & Carrie will be getting one, too. I also found a few outfits that were RIGHT up my ally for Amelia. I had to put a couple of them back because they were $10 each and it was getting pricey. But, I think we bought 3 or 4. Anyway, we get to the register and the guy says "Oh, the sale starts tomorrow on these but I can give you the sale price today - they're all $6". WOOHOO!
Pictures of the ring and the outfits tomorrow.
My boss is out this week. I'll probably work on training material for the person who will fill in for me while I'm gone. Then at 1:30 a coworker and I are going to go for a walk to enjoy the sunshine! I'm hoping for Starbucks but she suggested a local park. There's no iced coffees at the park! I might have to stick my ever-expanding belly out on this one.
Belly picture to come on Thursday. I know you're all at the edge of your seats.
Call me selfish, here's my dilemma:
The next couple of weeks are going to be a little anxious for me. My twin could go into labor any day. Tonight I plan to pack D's and my bags so we can grab them when we get the call. However, D carpools to work every day and I carpool twice a week. For me, it's not a huge deal because my carpool partner only drives once a week (Carrie - don't go into labor this Thursday during the day, ok?). He can take the bus home on the day I drive both of us in. However, D and his 2 carpool partners alternate weeks to drive. This week is his week. If we get the call this week, he would have to abandon his carpool partners (not a huge deal - one of their husbands could pick both of them up and drive them home) or we'd have to wait until 4pm for him to get off work and then drive to Oregon during rush hour. Not real convenient if Carrie goes in to labor at 10am. So what we're hoping is that Anna holds off coming until next week sometime - preferably after Tuesday. Tuesday is Opening Day at SafeCo Field and we have tickets :) Also, if Anna decides to come earlier than, say, next Wednesday, we won't be able to make it back down to Oregon for my other sister's shower.
SEe what I mean? Totally selfish since I know Anna will come when she's ready, but stressful anyway.
Post is getting too lengthy.
Hasta manana.
D and I are sufficiently perplexed. We've had the cats on the restricted diet since Thursday and we've discovered that they don't eat much. The vet did say that she wouldn't rule out a metabolism issue for Hailey (the 25 pounder), but after seeing how little they both eat I would guess that they both must have issues. They're sisters, after all.
Yesterday was sunny and 71°...today is supposed to be a repeat. This is big news here in Seattle. On Friday when we woke up to a rain/snow mix we were bemoaning the fact that it seemed as if winter would never end. I'm not delusional enough to think that this weather will last - it is Seattle, after all. But, I can appreciate it while it's here.
Yesterday after morning worship we went to Kohl's and bought me a replacement wedding band. My hands are always hot which means they're always swollen. I took my wedding ring off yesterday afternoon and I still have a small indent where it sat on my ring finger. The new ring is pretty obviously fake, but I don't care. I would feel naked without my wedding ring on so I'll take what I can get.
We meandered to the baby section because, of course, if there's a baby section in the store we're in nowadays I have to look. On the "60% off" rack we found 3 matching 0-3 month layette sets...ADORABLE layette sets. They were normally $24 and we got them for $6 so Lindsay & Carrie will be getting one, too. I also found a few outfits that were RIGHT up my ally for Amelia. I had to put a couple of them back because they were $10 each and it was getting pricey. But, I think we bought 3 or 4. Anyway, we get to the register and the guy says "Oh, the sale starts tomorrow on these but I can give you the sale price today - they're all $6". WOOHOO!
Pictures of the ring and the outfits tomorrow.
My boss is out this week. I'll probably work on training material for the person who will fill in for me while I'm gone. Then at 1:30 a coworker and I are going to go for a walk to enjoy the sunshine! I'm hoping for Starbucks but she suggested a local park. There's no iced coffees at the park! I might have to stick my ever-expanding belly out on this one.
Belly picture to come on Thursday. I know you're all at the edge of your seats.
Call me selfish, here's my dilemma:
The next couple of weeks are going to be a little anxious for me. My twin could go into labor any day. Tonight I plan to pack D's and my bags so we can grab them when we get the call. However, D carpools to work every day and I carpool twice a week. For me, it's not a huge deal because my carpool partner only drives once a week (Carrie - don't go into labor this Thursday during the day, ok?). He can take the bus home on the day I drive both of us in. However, D and his 2 carpool partners alternate weeks to drive. This week is his week. If we get the call this week, he would have to abandon his carpool partners (not a huge deal - one of their husbands could pick both of them up and drive them home) or we'd have to wait until 4pm for him to get off work and then drive to Oregon during rush hour. Not real convenient if Carrie goes in to labor at 10am. So what we're hoping is that Anna holds off coming until next week sometime - preferably after Tuesday. Tuesday is Opening Day at SafeCo Field and we have tickets :) Also, if Anna decides to come earlier than, say, next Wednesday, we won't be able to make it back down to Oregon for my other sister's shower.
SEe what I mean? Totally selfish since I know Anna will come when she's ready, but stressful anyway.
Post is getting too lengthy.
Hasta manana.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Yay - Friday! (Fat Cat Photos!)
So I promised you pictures of the fat cats next week, but I'm feeling generous. Actually, since they came home early I took some pictures of them last night. You probably think it's sad that I didn't have a single picture of these beasts prior to last night. The truth is, they run from me. The other truth is, that I used to think it was fun to scare them half to death by chasing them down the hallway. I promise I don't do that anymore. Halcy actually let me pet her last night. Speaking of Halcy, here she is:
Hailey was more shy than Halcy last night, so this is the only shot I got of the 25 pounder:
Doesn't she look like a cartoon character?
So, there are the fat cats. D put their cat food in the kitchen instead of the garage so he'd remember to feed them twice a day but I think he might have to put it back in the garage. Our dog likes cat food, apparently. We do not want her eating cat food. She's not really even allowed in the kitchen, really, but she is a sneaky dog.
I made baked spaghetti last night. I didn't take a picture of it because the thought didn't cross my mind, but it was some good stuff! I'll be making it again, I'm sure, and at that time I'll post the recipe & pictures. D was a fan. I love easy dinners that taste super yummy.
On Tuesday we're hosting the Homeowners Association meeting at our house...any ideas on what kind of cookies to make? I decided on cookies because people can eat them pretty effortlessly without utensils or even plates (napkin, anyone?).
I hope you have a wonderful weekend! I'm going to get my prenatal massage this afternoon so I'm pretty sure I'm starting the weekend off right!
Hailey was more shy than Halcy last night, so this is the only shot I got of the 25 pounder:
Doesn't she look like a cartoon character?
So, there are the fat cats. D put their cat food in the kitchen instead of the garage so he'd remember to feed them twice a day but I think he might have to put it back in the garage. Our dog likes cat food, apparently. We do not want her eating cat food. She's not really even allowed in the kitchen, really, but she is a sneaky dog.
I made baked spaghetti last night. I didn't take a picture of it because the thought didn't cross my mind, but it was some good stuff! I'll be making it again, I'm sure, and at that time I'll post the recipe & pictures. D was a fan. I love easy dinners that taste super yummy.
On Tuesday we're hosting the Homeowners Association meeting at our house...any ideas on what kind of cookies to make? I decided on cookies because people can eat them pretty effortlessly without utensils or even plates (napkin, anyone?).
I hope you have a wonderful weekend! I'm going to get my prenatal massage this afternoon so I'm pretty sure I'm starting the weekend off right!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Baby showers, births, & fat cats
27 weeks - I'm officially a 3rd trimesterererer.
Very excited about the 3rd trimester because that means she'll be here very soon - her due date is exactly 3 months from today!
Our Oregon trips might be a little dicey coming up. My younger sister, Lindsay's, baby shower is on my twin sister, Carrie's, due date. Ideally we would love to make it for both...but birth of baby trumps baby shower so we'll have to see how the logistics play out. Carrie already gave me "permission" to miss the birth if Anna comes early and just see her when we come down for Lindsay's shower, but I missed Caleb's birth because I was living in Chicago and I always hated that. It would be great if Carrie went into labor the day after Lindsay's shower...then everyone could make the shower and D and I could be there for Anna's birth. Unfortunately, the 6 hour round trip is a little too much to do in less than a week's time if Anna came a week before Lindsay's shower.
Okay, sorry to ramble.
If we can make it for Lindsay's shower, I'm going to try to make these from Bakerella's site since Lindsay has a lamb theme going on. I bet they won't look even half as good as these, but I hope to give it a shot!
CAT UPDATE
The vet didn't feel comfortable declawing the cats. D is going to get more information when he goes to pick up the cats today, but basically they're too fat and would have a hard recovery because of their fatness.
Halcy = 18 lbs
Hailey = 25 (!!!!) lbs
D said he's going to put them on a restricted diet and try to get them down to a healthier weight and then maybe we can have them declawed.
I don't want them in the same house as my baby if they still have their claws so I don't know how we'll work through that. I already hate that they shed on everything and my house *never* feels clean enough.
Very excited about the 3rd trimester because that means she'll be here very soon - her due date is exactly 3 months from today!
Our Oregon trips might be a little dicey coming up. My younger sister, Lindsay's, baby shower is on my twin sister, Carrie's, due date. Ideally we would love to make it for both...but birth of baby trumps baby shower so we'll have to see how the logistics play out. Carrie already gave me "permission" to miss the birth if Anna comes early and just see her when we come down for Lindsay's shower, but I missed Caleb's birth because I was living in Chicago and I always hated that. It would be great if Carrie went into labor the day after Lindsay's shower...then everyone could make the shower and D and I could be there for Anna's birth. Unfortunately, the 6 hour round trip is a little too much to do in less than a week's time if Anna came a week before Lindsay's shower.
Okay, sorry to ramble.
If we can make it for Lindsay's shower, I'm going to try to make these from Bakerella's site since Lindsay has a lamb theme going on. I bet they won't look even half as good as these, but I hope to give it a shot!
I have recently discovered BabySteals.com. It's a lot like Woot.com in that they have a new "steal" every day, only BabySteals is, obviously, about Baby only! Today, I purchased the red & white one of these:
I'm so excited! Slings are usually pretty pricey (hence the "regularly $64"), especially The Peanut Shell slings.
Now on to other things. D took the cats to the vet this morning. This in and of itself is a feat considering last time he couldn't even get them into the carriers. They scratched him so badly that he was bleeding up and down his arms, so the vet was forfeited last time. This morning was non-negotiable. They're getting their front paws declawed. I don't want to hear about the inhumanness of this - we know and have wrestled with the pros and cons. What would be more inhumane is if one of the cats scratched my baby girl (the fact that they scratch up our carpet and furniture is another less accepted reason). I'm not a cat person, I'll freely admit to that. If it were up to me we would have given them to another family who would love them in all their obese glory. But, I understand and appreciate that they're my husband's babies - he does love them and want them around. Our vet takes extremely good care of the cats and is keeping them under close watch until Saturday morning. We're thankful for that. When the cats get home on Saturday I will post pictures of them for you because I'm sure you don't believe me that they're obese. Just wait.
I actually have work to do today so I better get to it.
Next week:
- The fat cats
- The beautiful cherry blossom pashmina from Mom & Dad
- The adorable Mariner's outfit for Amelia from David's sweet aunt
- Recipes. Yes, recipes. Mmmm...
CAT UPDATE
The vet didn't feel comfortable declawing the cats. D is going to get more information when he goes to pick up the cats today, but basically they're too fat and would have a hard recovery because of their fatness.
Halcy = 18 lbs
Hailey = 25 (!!!!) lbs
D said he's going to put them on a restricted diet and try to get them down to a healthier weight and then maybe we can have them declawed.
I don't want them in the same house as my baby if they still have their claws so I don't know how we'll work through that. I already hate that they shed on everything and my house *never* feels clean enough.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Dreams, Wedge Review
Thank you for the encouraging words about my fatty nose. Amelia is worth the plump.
I had a dream last night that I was looking for a shirt to wear and that my carpool partner was waiting outside for me. I stood there looking at my closet and rummaging through the clothes desperately trying to find something, anything, that would fit. I was getting so frustrated that I had nothing in my closet to wear. Finally I looked at the clock, realized it was 3am, and crawled back in bed, thankful that my carpool partner was not waiting outside and I must have been imagining that. It was one of those dreams that I wish I knew if I was actually up and at my closet rifling through clothes at 3am. My husband wouldn't be the right person to ask because even if he does wake up in the middle of the night he rarely, if ever, remembers why he woke up or what he did when he woke up.
I fell asleep on the couch after work last night.
I didn't think much of my evening nap until today. I think I might be getting sick again or I'm not fully over what I had before. Or I'm pregnant and I just need to suck it up and deal with it. Haven't figured it out yet.
Review on "the wedge"
I'm using it because I spent money on it. That's it.
I've put it between my legs and under my belly. I've even wedged it behind my back so I would have some extra support. No matter what I do, it doesn't stay in place. I suppose that's not really the wedge's fault - more my fault for moving around so much. But, the wedge really is difficult to place in between your legs and have it stay because the slope of the wedge slips right out.
Pros: It's small, the cover zips off for easy washing, it's 10x cheaper than buying a pregnancy pillow
Cons: The shape of the wedge facilitates slipping out from between your legs, the angle of the wedge is not very conducive to putting under the belly - it slips out of there, too
I haven't tried the prenatal cradle yet. In case you were wondering what that is, it's a band that goes around the bottom of your belly to hold it up. No one really tells you this before you get pregnant, but the belly gets very heavy as you progress in your pregnancy. I find myself literally holding up my belly when I walk sometimes because it feels like someone taped a bowling ball to my stomach. The prenatal cradle should help support the belly and ease back pain. We'll see! I keep forgetting to put it on before I go to work. I'll have to try to remember for tomorrow.
It's a rainy, nasty day here. One of those days where you just want to crawl into bed, pull the covers over your head, and sleep for a long, long time. That sounds so nice right now.
It's April! 3 more months until Amelia's due date!
2 1/2 more weeks until my twin sister's due date.
6 weeks until my younger sister's due date.
It's going by SO fast!
Happy Wednesday!
I had a dream last night that I was looking for a shirt to wear and that my carpool partner was waiting outside for me. I stood there looking at my closet and rummaging through the clothes desperately trying to find something, anything, that would fit. I was getting so frustrated that I had nothing in my closet to wear. Finally I looked at the clock, realized it was 3am, and crawled back in bed, thankful that my carpool partner was not waiting outside and I must have been imagining that. It was one of those dreams that I wish I knew if I was actually up and at my closet rifling through clothes at 3am. My husband wouldn't be the right person to ask because even if he does wake up in the middle of the night he rarely, if ever, remembers why he woke up or what he did when he woke up.
I fell asleep on the couch after work last night.
I didn't think much of my evening nap until today. I think I might be getting sick again or I'm not fully over what I had before. Or I'm pregnant and I just need to suck it up and deal with it. Haven't figured it out yet.
Review on "the wedge"
I'm using it because I spent money on it. That's it.
I've put it between my legs and under my belly. I've even wedged it behind my back so I would have some extra support. No matter what I do, it doesn't stay in place. I suppose that's not really the wedge's fault - more my fault for moving around so much. But, the wedge really is difficult to place in between your legs and have it stay because the slope of the wedge slips right out.
Pros: It's small, the cover zips off for easy washing, it's 10x cheaper than buying a pregnancy pillow
Cons: The shape of the wedge facilitates slipping out from between your legs, the angle of the wedge is not very conducive to putting under the belly - it slips out of there, too
I haven't tried the prenatal cradle yet. In case you were wondering what that is, it's a band that goes around the bottom of your belly to hold it up. No one really tells you this before you get pregnant, but the belly gets very heavy as you progress in your pregnancy. I find myself literally holding up my belly when I walk sometimes because it feels like someone taped a bowling ball to my stomach. The prenatal cradle should help support the belly and ease back pain. We'll see! I keep forgetting to put it on before I go to work. I'll have to try to remember for tomorrow.
It's a rainy, nasty day here. One of those days where you just want to crawl into bed, pull the covers over your head, and sleep for a long, long time. That sounds so nice right now.
It's April! 3 more months until Amelia's due date!
2 1/2 more weeks until my twin sister's due date.
6 weeks until my younger sister's due date.
It's going by SO fast!
Happy Wednesday!
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