November Wrap-Up

Did everyone have some wonderful, delicious food for Thanksgiving? I sure did! The recipe I'm choosing to feature for this month's theme is Lion House Rolls. I love fresh bread and have become more confident as I work with yeast more and more. I'm always surprised when I look through various bread recipes to see so few ingredients. That is one of the many things I love about making my own bread, I almost always have what I need on hand. It's just a matter of setting aside the time to make the dough, let it rise, shape it, let it rise again, bake it and then devouring!

The dough rose beautifully on the top of the *warm* stove. I always feel so successful when the dough rises and doubles so well!


Then you divide the dough in half and shape the first half (then the second half) into a 11x14 rectangle. Next, slice it down the middle (length-wise) and then cut it into strips, roll it up, and let them rise again.


These babies had a LONG time to rise (I was pretty anxious for the bread -- it was all I could think about starting around 2 pm! -- but we still had to wait for the turkey to finish) so they got nice and big.


They only took 12 minutes to bake in a 375* stove. They were delicious! Some of them were pretty large, but they turned out being great for eating turkey leftover sandwiches! I found the recipe over at Mel's Kitchen Cafe if you'd like to try it for yourself.

This month, the recipe my Mom is contributing for a Holiday Favorite is Swiss Corn Bake. She says, "If one of your favorite vegetables is corn, then try Swiss Corn Bake for a step above just buttered corn. Ingredients: 1 pt. of corn, 1-6oz can evaporated milk or 2/3 of cup, 2 eggs, 2T. chopped onion, 1 cup shredded swiss cheese, dash of pepper, 1 cup soft bread crumbs, 2T.butter, melted. Boil corn for 20 minutes. Drain well. Combine milk, eggs, chopped onion, pepper, and 3/4 cup of shredded swiss cheese with the corn. Turn mixture into a 9x9" casserole dish. Toss bread crumbs with the melted butter and remaining cheese. Sprinkle over corn mixture. Bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes or until top turns a nice, light brown. Serves 4. Enjoy all the flavors as you eat and savor." Thanks for sharing one of your favorites Mom!

Finally, my sister is also joining in this month! Here's what she had to say about her holiday favorite: This Thanksgiving, I decided to try a new stuffing recipe. Our youngest absolutely loves stuffing! Her exact words were, "Can you make a whole pot just for me?!" I went with a recipe from Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond: http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/10/cornbread-dressing-with-sausage-and-apples/
The process to make this stuffing is pretty lengthy but the take-away is worth it! I made the cornbread, fried the sausage, and cut up the bread to dry overnight the day before Thanksgiving. That really helped Thanksgiving morning as I spent about another hour putting it all together. It is a huge recipe! - It made two 9 X 13" pans! (Aubry got her own pan after all!)
The feedback from the family was varied. Most said it was 'good'; Aubry didn't like it as much as regular ole box stuffing - she said it was too sweet. And she was right: it is a sweet dressing, what with apples, brown sugar, and cornbread in the mix. Everyone ate it well, but there were no "amazing" or "exceptional" reviews for it. I personally thought it was delicious and over the next few days following Thanksgiving ate way too much of it myself :)
Overall, I would make it again but up the spices/salty side of the recipe to balance out the sweetness.
Thanksgiving blessings to all!

So there you have it: Lion House Rolls, Swiss Corn Bake, and Cornbread Stuffing. Now I'm hungry all over again! I hope you enjoy this month's wrap-up. Maybe you'll try one of these new recipes for Christmas.

To life... full of yummy holiday food!

Monday Musings: Part 16

I've had dreams about Baby Z recently. I know this is a pretty common thing for most pregnant women, but it is strange for me. I am not one to dream about what's currently going on in my life. I never had dreams about my wedding, I can't remember any dreams that have had Lovebug in them... I have a lot of weird, scary dreams honestly. So it's been different to have dreams about the baby! So far they've included him weighing 11.25 lbs. at birth, him being born with teeth (yikes!), and last night it was about breastfeeding. Maybe these are some of my deepest fears?

I am happy to report that after last week's announcement of misery, I am feeling MUCH better! The doctor prescribed me some anti-nausea and heartburn medications and it is making a world of difference! I am thankful because I was not looking forward to being nauseated during the holidays. I was able to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner and now look forward to the upcoming Christmas parties and my baby shower!

We had another doctor appointment this morning and got to hear Baby Z's heartbeat! It was strong and Lovebug said it sounded like he was going to blow the speakers on the doppler machine :o) It's always so comforting to hear his little heartbeat because recently I don't feel like I've been feeling him kick quite as much *ouch* ok, yeah, he just kicked real hard to let me know he is JUST fine :O)... anyway, he hasn't seemed to be kicking quite as much as he has been rolling/somersaulting/sliding?!? from side to side. It is a strange sensation as he makes his way across my belly and is interesting to watch from the outside! But he is still moving - which I'm always thankful for - and the doctor says everything is looking good. We will be going back in about 3 weeks for our second ultrasound!! I'm SO excited to see him again! By then I'll be... 34 weeks... wow! He will be so much bigger, I can't wait to see what he looks like!

To life... full of crazy dreams and baby somersaults!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am a conundrum. I puzzle myself. I puzzle others. Sometimes I just don't make sense. Shall I try to explain?

So I've been seeing, what seems like, 75% of the facebook world (at least my friends) listing something, every day, that they're thankful for during the month of November. I really like the idea! Like, I really do. But I can't bring myself to do it, because everyone else is. I, by no means, consider myself a trendsetter, but apparently, a trend-follower, I am also not. I am thankful for so many things in my life... so many! But even though I want to join in, I basically don't let myself, because for whatever reason, I can't be like everyone else -- even though I don't like to stick out and I like what others are doing but I can't do what they're doing because then I'm not an original even though I don't care if I'm original I have to be. Got it? Yeah... me too :o)

But today, on Thanksgiving, here on my blog, I am going to list 30 things I'm thankful for. Yep, one for each day in November, but all at once! So technically, I totally win this thing ;O)

I am thankful for:

1. My relationship with Jesus. I sit here shaking my head wondering who in the world I'd be without Him. My life would be nothing the same; empty and meaningless and lonely. Truly. Grateful.


2. My husband.
He's my best friend.
He cares about me way more than I give him credit for.
He has a servant's heart.
He loves me unconditionally.
I couldn't ask for better!


3. Baby Z. I haven't met him yet, but I think he's going to be a fun little guy, especially if he takes after me - ha ha! Just kidding! I'm so thankful that I've had a healthy pregnancy so far and he seems to be growing and moving right on track. See you in 69 days buddy!

4. Autumn. I'm sure you've picked up on this before, but it's truly my favorite time of year!

5. A place to live. Most of the time it's cramped. Even more of the time it's messy. But we have a roof and walls and a door that locks. We are blessed!

6. Friends. I could easily fill up this list with each friend that I'm grateful for, but then I'd have room for little else. Friends mean so much to me, especially when I live so far away from family. They listen, they encourage, they give me rides, they share my love of Jesus, and I know I can count on them! Thank you for being my friend! My heart is happy when I think of each of you!

7. My Sister. We talk to each other pretty much every day! Can you believe that? We live hundreds of miles apart, but it doesn't seem so far when our hearts are so closely knit. We are confidants, share more memories together than can be counted, and sometimes have conversations in either movie quotes or songs. She has always been firecely protective of me and I realize that all the more as I look back over the years. We have become our own individuals through the passing of time, but we are and will always be sisters!

8. My Mother. She sparked my love for cooking, baking, and feeding family and friends. She demonstrates the value of working hard. She gives so much of herself to others - she truly loves people! I hope to reflect these traits in my life as a mother.

9. My Dad. He works incredibly hard and, in turn, gives his extra to help others. He can strike up a conversation with just about anyone -- which was just so "embarrasing" when I was younger, but now I can see what a positive skill that is! He is highly intelligent and has always pushed me to try harder, be articulate, and thirst for knowledge. Dad, your word for the day is: Opuscule. Go!

10. Music. Music soothes. Music comforts. It heals, excites, rejoices, celebrates, transcends. I am thankful for the musical ability I do have and hope to always share that love with my family.

11. Exercise. Once I started exercising on a regular basis, our marriage became better. Coincidence? I think not. There's just something about getting out there, working out, releasing stress and tension, being out in nature, and gaining those endorphins that is irreplaceable. Although I'm just walking now, when I have been running before and I'm struggling, I tell myself how fortunate I am to be able to run and walk and move. There are many people who wish they could and that makes me even more grateful for the ability!

12. Movies. They are fun. They're entertaining. Sure, they can be a waste of time -sometimes- but I like them!

13. Dora. She's 4 now! I can't believe it! I actually missed her birthday last week *embarrased face* but I don't think she noticed. When she snuggles, I love her more. But I have to admit, there are times when she's chilling (aka sleeping) and off on her own, she's sure easy to take of and makes me appreciate her all the more!


14. Jeremiah's new job! It was an answer to prayer.

15. Food. Making it, baking it, eating it. I love the whole process and I love how it can bring people together!

16. Sales. I'm hoping to find some tomorrow on Black Friday. But really, any time of year, don't you feel so proud when you leave a store, look at the receipt and smile because you saved more than you spent? #Wonderful! (Yeah, I don't really know what the hashtags are for, but it seemed like the appropriate use...)

17. Board games. They bring together family and friends (well, most of the time). They're basically free entertainment. You can enjoy them without electricity! And they're just plain fun!

18. Edvard - our car. It's reliable, safe, starts every time, is charcoal (so much better than white!), and gets better gas mileage than Gretel (who we finally recently sold; another answer to prayer!).

19. Cell phones. So we can call our families that we can't spend the holidays with to tell them we love them!

20. Our camera. It captures memories for us to remember for our lifetime!

21. Freedom. I am thankful to all who have served our country so that we can live in the USA with so many privileges, rights, abilities, and freedoms.

22. The holidays. Yes, they can be stressful and busy. But they create an atmosphere of hospitality and generosity. They bring us together with our family and friends.

23. Family. I love you! No, I didn't list you individually, there's too many! Each of you is special to me and I'm thankful God put you in my life. I know we'd all like to see each other more, but I'm grateful for the times we do share.

24. My job. It's wonderful. The people I work with make all the difference. I will truly miss them when my time here is through. This job has been a huge blessing to us during our time in seminary!

25. Anti-nausea and heartburn medications. *See Monday Musings: Installment 15!

26. Warm drinks. Hot chocolate, heavily doctored coffee, chai tea. They make me feel warm and cozy and I enjoy them so much during the winter time!

27. Leggings. It may sound silly, but they are SO comfortable (especially in my pregnant state!) and keep me warm. I'm a fan of whoever designed them!

28. Decorations. I love decorating for Christmas-- oh yes! But throughout the entire year as well. It's fun to celebrate whatever season we're in!

29. Mail. I love getting letters and cards in the mail. Even magazines are fun. I'm trying to do better about sending handwritten mail to others. But it's always a joy to receive it!

30. Thanksgiving. Sure, it's a day full of food, the Macy's Day Parade, and ushering us into the Christmas season. But I love how it gives us a chance to reflect on what we are thankful for. I honestly wasn't sure how easy it would be to come up with 30 things in a single shot, but they came quicker than I expected. There are so many blessings in my life and I'm glad that at least once a year I can sit down, write them out, and share them.

To life... full of blessings!

Caramel Apple Party 2011

I'm finally getting around to writing up a post about the 2nd Annual Caramel Apple Party from last month. I had a really fun time and think most everyone did too! We kicked it off with some taco soup (courtesy of Lovebug -- he did a great job! It was delicious!) and a fun Mexican "Jack-O'Lantern" Dip (courtesy of the lovely Tara -- it was also wonderful!)


I whipped up this Ghoulish Punch and was quite happy with the results. The one comment Lovebug made, that I suppose I agree with, is that we should have used seltzer (like the recipe called for) instead of Sprite. It was a bit overly sweet and the seltzer would have helped. Regardless, it was still good enough that I saved the recipe in my notebook to make again!


I will toss in a picture here of the red velvet cake balls/pops I made. I ended up with nearly 70! And I displayed them on my new candy corn platter that I scored from Target for $2.50! I thought the cake balls could be a nice alternative for those who didn't want caramel apples. They were well-liked, but I think next time I'd like to put more effort into making them a bit more festive and fun. I mean, they were Red Velvet! Think of the possibilites!


After we ate, we played a rousing game of Battle of the Sexes. It always gets the blood flowing and pits man against woman -- but we still managed to enjoy ourselves! Then we dove into the reason we all came: Caramel Apple Time!

We scrubbed those apples vigorously with water and a dish towel. But the kraft caramels still slid off :o( The homemade caramel I made, on the other hand, did stick much better! I just didn't like the taste of it quite as well -- it was very sugary and sweet. Not that that's a big problem, but when I make caramel next time, I will keep looking for a recipe because I haven't found my go-to recipe yet. It also tells me, though, that making the caramel will make a difference in the way it works on the apples. Every year we learn something new!

Now check out some of the *fruits* of our labor :o)




We ended up having some great topping choices: mini chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, mini marshmallows, and reese's pieces!


I think this one deserved an award for Most Professional Looking!


All in all, it was a very fun night spent with friends, making wonderful memories! Next year it may be QUITE different with at least 3 more little ones running around (eek!) but I think we can still make it happen! It is a tradition that I will continue to celebrate!

To life... full of sweet, sticky, sugary caramel apples!

Monday Musings: Installment 15

Today I might complain. Let me rephrase, today I will complain. I am not a fan of whining and moping and complaining, but, for a moment, I'm going to give in and get real because so far: 3rd trimester = no bueno!!

Seriously, I've been reading enough about 3rd trimester woes: tired, yet unable to sleep; aches with occasional pain; both constipation and hemorrhoids; varicose veins (you know how I feel about those!); leg cramps, especially at night; and so on. I had kind of wrapped my mind around some of those possibilities, but then I was sideswiped with nausea!! What?!? I thought that was a first trimester thing? It started off semi-manageable, not wanting to eat even though I was so hungry -- it progressed into not wanting to eat and not feeling very hungry -- then it moved to full on throwing up/sleeping/moaning on the couch! And then last night, to add insult to injury, every time I rolled from side to side (which was a lot!), there was some sort of rock lodged in my throat...heartburn?!?! To boil it down, I'm at the point of -- Constant: stomach is topsy-turvy; Variables: I try to eat because I know I'm hungry and should eat, I can't put down much and afterwards I feel like my stomach is a cyclone and I try to sit very still until it calms down somewhat, then Baby Z is like "Yay Mom! Thanks for the food! I'm so happy I'll do somersaults! and fist pumps! and, hey, why not a couple full body slams!! WHEEEEE!!" While he's having a party in my uterus, I take cleansing breaths and practice my focused breathing which is supposedly what I'll be using for labor, and start second-guessing myself and my ability to actually deliver this baby when I can hardly take some nausea, kicks from a baby, and a ride on a roller coaster. Then to finish off my "I don't want to eat but I should so I do and then I feel terrible" time, I get some lovely heartburn to really sweeten the deal and reward my efforts of eating. Thanks pregnancy hormones! You're my faves! *Sarcastic eyebrow raise*

Whew! Ok, I feel a little better now. And, to be sure, my stomach isn't as bad today as it was the past few days, so I'm thankful. And now, on to what's cool. I was sitting at our friends' house on Friday night and I looked down, well first I felt serious movement, then I looked down at my belly and it looked like a serious earthquake was happening. I mean, it was shaking top to bottom, left to right. I haven't been able to distinguish hands or feet yet, but it was one of those times you didn't have to touch my belly to feel anything, you could *SEE* it!! It really is pretty neat! Sometimes I like to just look down and check it out because I know what I'm feeling, but it's fun to watch too :o)

To life... full of 3rd trimester woes!

Monday Musings: Part 14

The third trimester is here! And I'm feeling scatterbrained today, so this might be a little all over the place/stream-of-consciousness. Please enjoy :o)

- The doctor says I'm growing right on track. Everything is looking great. I now start going in every 2 weeks for check-ups. It's hard to believe I'm already at this point!

- 12 weeks has never felt so short! I'm starting to wonder if we have everything we need. What are the rest of essential must-haves for him to arrive? I know I've had like 22 weeks to get my brain around the idea of having a baby and what that entails, but it's still a little unbelievable. I've been around plenty of newborns and infants, but it's just going to be so different to have my own! I know I'm a slow processor, but I'm still in awe of the fact that there's actually a HUMAN BABY growing inside of me! So, I'm not quite to the point of trying to comprehend what it will be like having him in my arms and our home.

- I just thought of this song/scene from "Lady and the Tramp" :O)


- How long do we really have until Baby Z makes his appearance? Will we be waiting all the way until February? Or is he going to surprise us and come early?

- What will Dora think of him? Will she be nice or start acting out?

Sorry for the randomness... it's been quite a day! And it's not over. I'm off to a friend's baby shower and then a dinner for Lovebug's *new* job! And hopefully home in time to watch a little bit of the Sing-Off -- Go Pentatonix!

To life... full of wonder!

Still Moving

Hey Folks! Just wanted to give you an update on my mileage for the year. You know my goal has been to complete 575 miles for the year. At the beginning of the year I was not counting any walking, only miles I ran. But once I found out I was expecting, I started including the walking mileage as well. As of yesterday, 11/8/11 I have completed 376 miles this year! Obviously, I'm not going to get 199 miles in the final 7 weeks of this year, but my goal for the year has still motivated me to see how many miles I can get by the end and keep myself moving through this pregnancy. I have been feeling pretty great so far and I think part of that is due to the fact that I have worked to remain active. I'm proud of myself for averaging over 1 mile/day for the year so far and I hope to finish it out strong!

To life... full of walking and staying active!

Monday Musings: Lucky #13

As my second trimester winds to a close (I've read differing opinions on this, one book has said 26 weeks, another 27 weeks, and most of the rest say 28 weeks) I am thankful for many things from the past third of the pregnancy.

1. Feeling pretty good most every day
2. Our Babymoon
3. The change in weather and being able to get outside and walk!
4. Starting to feel the little guy move more and more :o)
5. The way friends and family have been blessing us with baby gifts.
6. That he hasn't tried to make his appearance yet and is inside, safe and sound, still growing and developing.
7. For being able to sleep well!

There are quite a few things I've been reading about the 'Woes' of the third trimester, so I am preparing myself to hang on for the ride. But no matter how tough a day I might have in the next 13 weeks, I know that it's a day closer to the end and getting to meet our little baby boy. It's been quite a journey so far and I'm interested to see how this final third of the pregnancy fares.

To life... full of milestones!

November's Theme

We are well into November now and it's time I come up with a theme. Let's see if I can remember what we've had so far:

January - Snow
February - Red Velvet
March - Mint
April - Strawberries
May - Picnic Food
June - Pop
July - Ice Cream
August - Cookie Dough
September - Whoopie Pies
October - Pumpkin

The mini, brief wrap-up for October includes:
Me - Pumpkin Pancakes
Sister - Pumpkin Milkshakes
Mom - Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

I know my excitement for this monthly project has started to wane and that this time of year is particularly busy. But let's see if we can finish off these last two months strong! How about for November we feature -- Favorite Holiday Foods. Thanksgiving and holiday baking are starting to be on everyone's mind. So take some time to think about your favorite Thanksgiving or holiday food item. It could be stuffing, pumpkin pie, rolls, fudge, whatever! Then when you send in what you make, share the recipe, a picture, and a small snippet of why it's your favorite or what memory you associate with that food. I hope you join in on the fun and enjoy this month of being thankful!

If you'd like any of the pumpkin recipes above, please let me know and I'll be more than happy to share! I hope you participate this month and I'll try to do better at the end of the month wrap-ups.

To life...full of good food memories.