The Shaws

Lucky Girl

2012-01-25T10:23:00.000-05:00

Lately I've been a little obsessed with D's hair. She lets me to do it everyday and doesn't complain to much as long as I'm quick and don't pull too hard. I love when the other moms at preschool tell me how cute it is and ask how I did it, or when strangers tell me how pretty it is (well sometimes the stranger thing is a little creepy). I know her hair a pretty color but I feel like I contribute to it's beauty by having it, lets say, "arranged" well. As beautiful as her hair is it does have it's tricky parts, and I call her lucky not because I'm amazing at hair but because I just happen to know how to take care of this specific kind of hair from my own personal experience.
She has those beautiful ringlets, but the top layer of her hair is all straight, so I try to arrange it so the top is pulled back allowing her curl to show. I always had to do the same thing when I would wear my hair curly for the same reason. Another thing we fight is frizz, luckily there are products out there that we can use to help control the frizz and I also know when to and when not to wash her hair, along with how to dry it to reduce frizz. I wish these products had been available to me when growing up.The reason I use the word "lucky" is because friends, I was not so lucky.

I'm going to out my mom here, that poor woman did not have the same hair as me and she struggled finding ways to do it. In her defense it is difficult hair but, at one point she decided it would just be best to cut it all off and go for the orphan Annie look. Well she nailed the orphan look.....

I don't think I got as many "wow her hair is so pretty" comments and my sweet Delilah does. Does this mean that I am living vicariously through my daughter like those moms on toddlers and tiaras? I hope not because those women are crazy!

Please know that my mom has since owned that this was a terrible decision and apologized for this disaster of a cut. After this cut grew out I mainly wore braids until I figured out how to use gel, a diffuser and flat iron. I think the emotional scars from it have almost healed and maybe I will attempt to tame my curls again. I hope one day Delilah will appreciate everything I went through so she could have her beautiful tame hair. Also when you see her hair in a mess just know it could look worse.... A LOT worse. Love ya mom ;)

a year ago today

2012-01-19T14:55:00.000-05:00

I looked like this

30 Before 30: January

2012-01-17T23:38:00.000-05:00

Here we go, my first month down and I've started on several of my goals.

Here's the report.

I'm down 7 pounds. Not an amazing start, but I met my goal, and I'll take it. I wanted to take this slow and steady as to not get burned out and quit.

Bleh... I made a few things off pinterest this month but ... I'll wait until I do a successful one.

I am on my way to meeting this goal.

I bought a pair of quality jeans and boots. Its a step!!

This month I had a fun opportunity to read a book to Delilah's class. Reading and cutting shapes are the only volunteering her class is currently in need of, I signed up for both.
I read one of Delilah's favorite books "Grumpy Gloria" to her class. It's a cute story about a bull dog who is grumpy because his little girl owner got a new doll and Gloria is jealous. It was fun, granted most the kids didn't know what it meant to be grumpy and Delilah did keep giving away the story.

January 10 on 10

2012-01-10T22:55:00.000-05:00

kicked the habit

2012-01-03T14:39:00.000-05:00

D developed a nervous habit of biting her nails. There was a day when Collin went with her to a firestation with her preschool class. He said she just bit her nails the entire time. That day I went out and bought this...

($3 wal-mart)

I remember my parents putting this on me to try to get me to stop sucking my thumb. I also remember powering through the disgusting taste and it not working, but I thought I would give it a try with D.
After two days of spitting and needing to wipe her tongue off on a towel and get a drink she stopped, and hasn't started again. :)

Yay! Now to get her to stop picking her nose.....

30 before 30

2012-01-01T20:28:00.000-05:00

Well I've finally got to writing my 30 before 30 checklist. I'm excited about it, this is going to be my year. Since August of 2006 I have been trying to get pregnant, pregnant, or nursing, I think it's time for a little me time. I'm excited to finally have a dead line, some of theses things have been on my mental to do list for a LONG time. So here's to the last year in my 20's!!

The plan is to post a monthly update on the 17th of each month.... here we go.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T00:34:00.000-05:00

past years...

and then I was 29

2011-12-20T15:14:00.000-05:00

Well I only have a year left in the twenties.

I think I'm old enough and mature enough to move on to my thrities but, just in case I'm not, I'm working on a list of 30 things I need to accomplish before I'm 30. So far I only have 24 things on it so as soon as it's finished I'll share it with you.

Oh.. and my Birthday was great, real laid back, new pair of wedges, boots, and jeans.

Eggs this year

2011-11-28T16:26:00.000-05:00

past years... HERE

7 years

2011-11-26T11:28:00.001-05:00

This is two days late due to some technical difficulties but I still wanted to celebrate our 7 year anniversary with the blog world. I know it's cliche to say it's gone by so fast but it has. Yet looking back on our wedding pictures I see two very young naive kids. It's crazy to think how much we have changed in the last 7 years.. I guess I am finally starting to feel like an adult.

Routines {UPDATED}

2011-11-22T22:00:00.003-05:00

Having two kids has thrown me for a loop. It's been ten months and I feel like at most times I'm still in survival mode, and my house shows it. I kept trying to get into a good cleaning routine but when you have to stop cleaning because someone is crying, we have to run out the door, or someone needs a hug it seems like my house is always just trashed. At the end of the day when the kids were in bed I would clean up but just the surface. Then one night I went to put the kids in the tub but realized it was so grimy I had to clean it before I put them in it and I couldn't remember the last time I had scrubbed my tub. So I did what I always do when I need a solution, I googled it, "cleaning schedules" to be exact. All the cleaning schedules I found were pretty descriptive and included things like "clean out the garage" or "yard work" two things I currently don't have to worry about (although I would LOVE both), so I decided to make my own.

I laminated it and put it on my fridge. I haven't had it for over a month yet, but so far I think it is helping.

Another thing I wanted to do was to try to help Delilah get into a routine. I didn't really want a chore chart for her just a reminder chart really. I have seen a few adorable charts floating around but none of them met our needs, so here is what I came up with for us.

I printed these out framed them and showed them to D, she loved them. She loves checking off the circles ... we'll see how long it lasts.

Blanks: You should be able to click on these to enlarge them then right click and save image as.

Red Velvet Cupcakes

2011-11-15T23:21:00.000-05:00

Well I found another excuse to make cupcakes. My sweet friend is 38 weeks pregnant, come on what pregnant woman doesn't need cupcakes? Especially ones topped with cream cheese frosting?

Red Velvet Cupcakes
1Red Velvet cake mix
1 pkg (3.9 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
4 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup water
Mix them all together as you would a normal cake mix.
Bake for 18-22 minutes.

Oh and one more thing about my friend, her little baby is breech. This morning she was going in to have a procedure where they attempt to flip the baby, which to me sounds painful, that's the real reason why I made her cupcakes. These are what her cupcakes looked like.
See the little baby sticking out... head down... get it... head down?
Collin told me it was a little weird, but I thought it was cute.
Oh and guess what I received a text this morning saying that when she went in to have the baby flipped, he had already flipped on his own!! My cupcakes worked!!

Ten on ten

2011-11-10T21:48:00.000-05:00

5am...sleep training sucks.

breakfast

she couldn't find the other sock but wanted to wear her buzz socks.

snack time

Letting D create using all my old scrap booking supplies that I know I will never use.

all he wants to do is climb the stairs, all day, every day.

shopping list/menu

Recycling....sleep training sucks

D's puppies

zucchini Parmesan

Frozen soup

2011-11-07T21:20:00.001-05:00

I love soup.
Whenever I make soup I usually double it so I can have it for lunch the rest of the week. This pasta fagioli is currently my favorite (we add a little sausage). I made a HUGE batch recently, but didn't want a huge thing of soup in the fridge for a few weeks. I know soup freezes well but I didn't want to have to thaw a huge amount when I just wanted a cup full to go with my lunch.
Enter my muffin tin. Yep I just poured the soup in the muffin tin, let it freeze. Then popped the frozen soup out and put them into a gallon freezer bag. It has been so nice to have homemade soup in about 2 minutes. If I want a full meal out of it I use three portions, just a cup, one portion.

Amazing cupcakes... AMAZING

2011-11-05T01:06:00.001-04:00

At a church function I happened upon a life changing cupcake. At first I thought it was just a normal cupcake... whatever, but when I bit into it I was surprised that such an amazing cupcake would be at a church function. I mean it was next to chocolate chip cookies and lemon bars. Everything on the table was well out of it's league.... well it had my mint chocolate brownies to keep it company but seriously AMAZING cupcakes. They were so good I felt like I needed to Email the maker of these cupcakes and tell her how amazing they were. And guess what. She gave me the recipe, and guess what else... I'm going to share it with you. Oh ... and guess one more thing, there is a freaking Reeses Peanut Butter Cup inside them!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? AMAZING!!

Cake:
1 devil's food cake mix
1 pkg (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
4 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup water
Mix them all together as you would a normal cake. Put a little bit of batter in each cupcake paper.

Then put in a regular size Reese's cup. I kind of push a little on the pb cup and swirl it around so the bottom of the cupcake liner has an even layer of cake batter, but just a little layer.

Then top with more cake batter.

Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes. I had to bake mine for 20, if they are under cooked they will collapse so test with a toothpick. Although the collapsed cupcakes are just as good as the regular ones.... not that any of mine collapsed. ;)
This will make 24 cupcakes.

Frosting:

1 cup smooth peanut butter
1/2 cup butter at room temperature
2 cups powdered sugar
3-4 Tbsp. milk or cream
1 tsp. vanilla
Combine the butter and peanut butter together in a large bowl, mix until light and fluffy. Add the sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla. Start mixing these slow and gradually increase the speed. This recipe will generously frost 12 cupcakes.

**OPTION: since I have had success with this recipe I decided to give it a try with a Red Velvet cake mix and vanilla pudding instead of chocolate. It was just as AMAZING! I don't think I will ever make a cake from scratch again!!

How to hull a strawberry

2011-10-16T22:12:00.000-04:00

I found a new trick the other day when I was trying to figure out how to make freezer jam. To get rid of the core of a strawberry you can simply shove a straw up the middle of it. I showed Delilah how to do it and she willingly cored an entire carton of strawberries.

Oh... and I think these pictures explain why D's hair is always pulled up :)

Ten on Ten

2011-10-10T20:39:00.003-04:00

I have been wanting to join this linky party for a few months now, but for the last few months I remember on the 11th. The objective is to take ten pictures for ten consecutive hours on the tenth day of the month in an attempt to find beauty among our ordinary day. I think it will be a fun way to document a day in my life each month. I ended up just snapping pictures as fast as I could because of the craziness of the kids. I'll work more on finding beauty in my day next month, instead of just documenting

getting hair ready for preschool.

D's at preschool and James is down for his morning nap so I start some chores.

Chores followed by wasting time on pinterest.

James wakes up and we go get D.

Lunch. D: blueberry yogurt and grilled cheese on freckle bread. J: carrots.

New boots for D 7.49 a pair at old navy. We were looking for a costume but cheap boots will work too.

One of the many melt downs.

Watching cartoons on iphone .... not sure where her pants are.

Trying to figure out what to make for dinner, J MUST be on my feet.

The beginning of dinner.

Pure Evil

2011-10-02T23:00:00.002-04:00

Oh he may look all sweet and innocent but this is the face of pure evil. He has been working on his top two teeth and so for the past month (yes month) has been waking up every two to three hours. I have been absolutely exhausted and because of it behind on everything. This weekend those two chompers broke through and I am happy to say he only woke up once last night.... and Collin let me sleep until 10:30. WHAT?!?! who sleeps until 10:30!! I guess me. So if I disappear from blog land again you will know why. Oh and yes he's asleep with his eyes slightly opened.

I have lots to blog about so hopefully I get caught up but here are some teasers...

Freezer jam

The BEST cupcakes I've ever made!!!

and a long sad story about me having to use formula.

Hopefully I'll see you soon

Michelle

9-11

2011-09-11T06:38:00.000-04:00

Ten years ago I was upstairs in my parents home putting rollers in Janay's hair when Dad came in and said someone from his work said that a plane had flown into a tall building in New York, so we ran downstairs to watch it on TV. We then saw the second plane hit. I left for school still not understanding what was going on. On Burton lane they announced on the radio that the pentagon had been hit, I remember thinking the world is ending.

My life lately

2011-08-25T01:16:00.002-04:00

These two have consumed my life, to the point I don't even get to shower alone anymore and my google reader says I have 1000+ to read. I keep thinking how much easier it was with one kid and how hard I thought it was. I love them to DEATH and wouldn't give them up for anything, but sheesh they keep my busy. I have however learned how to nurse while cooking ... was that to much information?

Cutting a hair elastic out

2011-08-19T22:37:00.000-04:00

D has super silky hair. It's impossible to keep elastics to stay put, with in a few hours her pony/pig tails slowly start to droop. I've started having to use the super cheap rubber elastics for braiding hair. They so far have been the best elastics for us.

The only problem is they are impossible to take out with out Delilah screaming. One day I had my sewing kit near by and grabbed my seam ripper.

It is now the only thing I use to cut out her elastics. It's fast, simple, and I don't cut her hair, win win win.

Now I'm not afraid to do hairstyles like this because I have an easy way to just cut the elastics out. Next thing to work on, getting this stinker to hold still long enough to get a straight part.

I spy

2011-08-17T22:24:00.002-04:00

I spy a diaper bag, cans that need recycling (in a garbage sack), flip flops everywhere, a camera bag, stroller wheel, nursing cover, d's swimsuit, and one passed out little boy.

(he likes to have his face covered ..... and to be squished.)

$8.50 Mani/Pedi

2011-08-15T21:43:00.001-04:00

I had a girls night last Thursday where we used Sally Hansen real nail polish strips. I think they turned out SO cute and they were super easy to put on. Sorry you have to see a picture of my toes but I thought it was even cuter on the toes than the fingers. They are wearing well and I'm already excited to try a different pattern next time.

How I got the cut

2011-08-09T21:07:00.001-04:00

You smarties you guessed it.

James teeth are razor sharp and I have been cut a few times now, luckily all have been on my hands.

Those who guessed right feel free to claim your prize below.

A guessing game

2011-08-07T20:44:00.001-04:00

Let's play a little game. See that small cut on my finger? How did I get it? Those who get it right will get a virtual high five :)

Taiwan 2004

2011-07-22T14:20:00.000-04:00

Seven years ago this July I came home from Taiwan and for some reason I have found myself thinking back on it more than normal this month. I think it has to do with this sticky heat wave we are going through right now, it reminds me of the nasty humidity in Taiwan.

I went to teach English but it was much more than just a job.

It was an amazing experience that has changed my life forever. I was only there for six months but they were a life changing six months. I met amazing people, ate interesting food, saw amazing things, and did stupid, fun, once in a life time things (like mopeding through a typhoon-so stupid).

I will never forget the people and experiences I had while I was there... well I hope I don't forget. I do remember that this little boys English name was Darwin and he was a pain in the butt.

It's fun to look back at my younger, single, not a mom life. I mean come on I'm nursing and helping D with stickers as I'm typing this, needless to say I lead a different life now.

I need to write everything down before I forget, maybe I'll do it in blog format since that seems to be the easiest for me, or maybe I'll finally agree to let Collin take us international looking at these pictures has given me a bit of a travel itch.

feeding the picky

2011-07-13T15:25:00.001-04:00

Like I've said D can be a picky eater so I've been brainstorming and blog searching trying to figure out ways to get my 3 year old to eat. One of the things I have started doing is cutting her food out with cookie cutters. I figured I'd eat the scraps but come to find out she wants the cookie shaped part and the edges :) Win Win. Now wherever I go I check to see if they have cookie cutters on sale. Here is a list of a few of the sites/blogs I have found, maybe they can help you if you have a picky eater too, I'm sure I'll be adding to it as I find things.

and here is the post where everyone gave their suggestions in the comments of what they feed their kids. Feel free to add to that post or this one on what you feed your picky eater.

the 4th

2011-07-04T19:20:00.002-04:00

*these cake mix cookies were made with a white cake mix and a TON of gel food coloring.

Healthier mac n' cheese

2011-06-30T10:38:00.002-04:00

If you ask D what she wants to eat and she says one of two things, mac n' cheese or chicken nuggets. I figured out how to make a healthier version of chicken nuggets but mac n' cheese has been a bit of a struggle for us. I've tried three versions of healthy mac n' cheese

This one from justcookalready.com

This one from skinnytaste.com {my favorite}

and a version from this book by Rocco Dispirito

All were delicious but Delilah only wanted Kraft.... seriously babe!!! I gave up for a while then stumbled across a recipe on a blog where you substitute the butter and milk in kraft mac n' cheese with 1/2 a cup of cauliflower puree. It was worth a try and guess what SHE EATS IT!!! Here's how I make my puree, it's the same way I make my vegetable baby food.

Cut up a head of cauliflower into similar sizes and place in a pan with as little water as you feel comfortable putting in. I probably used 2 cups of water for this head.

Once the cauliflower is soft enough a fork goes in and out of it cleanly and easily it's done.

Strain most of the liquid but keep it in case you need to add more when pureeing it. There are vitamins in that water it would be a shame to lose it.

Using a blender or an immersion blender blend up the cauliflower until it is smooth. If it is too dry or clumpy you may need to add more of the reserved cooking water.

For a normal sized box of mac and cheese it's 1/2 a cup of puree.

mix mix mix

And voila! Some not so unhealthy mac and cheese. Collin and I will even eat this it really isn't bad.

I measured out 1/2 cup servings into my silicone muffin tin and froze them so I don't have to constantly be boiling cauliflower.

5 super fast freezer meals

2011-06-28T14:34:00.003-04:00

Collin and I have been digging the marinades lately. I love them because they are a low calorie way to get a ton of flavor into your food.
Here's what I did last night to make 5 freezer meals in under a half hour. I bought the big pack of chicken drumsticks and thighs, removed the skin and excess fat then put 2 drumsticks and 2 thighs in each freezer bag. Then I mixed up three different marinades and poured them into the freezer bags. Squeeze out all the air and put them in the freezer. I put them on a cookie sheet so they freeze flat then after they are frozen I can stack them up to save space in my (super small) freezer. The best part is when it's the day to use the meal you just pull it out of the freezer to thaw and as it's thawing it's marinading. Easy peasy!!

Here are the marinades I used:

Broiled or grilled pollo sabroso

Filipino Adobo Chicken

BBQ Asian Chicken

We normally serve these dishes with rice, salad or a vegetable. Sometimes though I reduce the sauce to a glaze after the chicken is cooked and pour it over unflavored and strained ramen noodles.

Delicious!!

almost there...

2011-06-24T15:41:00.002-04:00

I know I've been a little absent lately but I'll make up for it eventually. I've been focusing on the kids and this stupid belt. I hope to retire it soon.

distracted cooking

2011-06-05T15:34:00.001-04:00

I was distracted the other day while making dinner. I guess I forgot I had chicken simmering and out of no where the fire detectors started going off and the house was full of smoke and D was freaking out. It was a great way to start the evening.

I don't think I have ever burnt anything this bad before. I have yet to get the pan clean, I hope it's not ruined.

Happy Birthday Collin

2011-05-30T22:44:00.001-04:00

Collin turned 28 on Saturday. Here is the only picture I took. In fact it's the only picture I've taken since Thursday, that's got to be a record. {moving will take it out of ya} This picture shows three things.
1. Collin's 28 {Happy Birthday babe}
2. The french vanilla cake with white chocolate filling and butter cream frosting that's so rich we can only eat it a sliver at a time.
and 3. a peek at our kitchen paint.
Happy Birthday Collin!! I hope you enjoy being 28 as much as I have!!

Look what I learned...

2011-05-26T13:36:00.002-04:00

I've been trying to figure out how to do this for a while now and thanks to this great tutorial I did it. You can expect a lot more of these.

work space

2011-05-18T22:44:00.003-04:00

I'm so excited for a bigger kitchen next week, things are getting a little tight in this one.

and because I know you want to see a close up of my kitchen staff. He's not much help but he's fun to look at :)

Hi..

2011-05-12T15:21:00.000-04:00

Hi guys, wow it's been 9 days since I've blogged that has got to be a recent record. I'm sure my family is starting to worry that I've got some serious post-partum sitting on the couch eating chips and crying. That's why I'm posting this to tell you that I'm OK, just a little busy. For starters the sun came out so every second possible I try to get the kids and myself outside and soak in some vitamin D. I did however get us all a little burned yesterday so the sunblock has been purchased. We have also been figuring out D's preschool, she will be starting in September, I've been trying to plan and organize a church freezer meal group, and my least favorite of the things that has been keeping us busy has been trying to find a new place to live. I hate apartment shopping, but we have found one signed the lease and will get the keys on the 21st. It is a 3 bedroom 1450sq feet town home about 2 miles away from Collin's work. I'm going to paint before we move in so I will try to take before and after pictures for you :) Here is a sneak peek and my most excited part of the entire apartment; the eat in kitchen!! It even has a window!! So if you don't hear from us for a while know that it's because I'm packing, painting and moving :)

I've also been busy trying to figure out what to get Collin for his Birthday, he wants a surprise ... He's impossible to shop for!!!

we had a scare. . .

2011-05-03T23:18:00.002-04:00

I don't ever get car sick, EVER! Well that is unless I'm pregnant. I was in the car a lot this last weekend and I got car sick. I got so car sick that I got nervous. Leave it to me to get pregnant with a three month old after a year of trying to get pregnant for each child. Technically we have done everything to prevent pregnancy but you never know so I decided to pick up a pregnancy test at the dollar store.

It's two lines if you are pregnant, one line if you aren't. SERIOUSLY!! 1 1/2 lines?!? This is why you don't get dollar store tests. I couldn't get to the store again until the next morning and to say I was freaking out would be an understatement. I know women get pregnant with a baby when they have a baby but those are strong, amazing women and I'm not one of them. I mean if I was pregnant I would have had two babies in the year of 2011, WHO DOES THAT?!?!

Don't worry I took two more tests today and they were both negative. Phew... can you imagine.

Motherhood

2011-04-28T06:59:00.001-04:00

Ever since I can remember I've always wanted to be a mom. I found a 2nd grade paper of mine a few years back and in the space for what "I want to be when I grow up" I had mom written down. In high school when I found out I had endometriosis and that it might be difficult to have children I was devastated. Then the year of trying to get pregnant with Delilah killed me, all I wanted to do was have a family. Then I got pregnant and it was one of the most happiest moments of my life.
Now I am a mother, I am living my life long dream. Why then on most days does it feel contrary to that. I guess when you are 7 you don't think about the sleepless nights, the constant worrying, and then the guilt. Oh how that mother's guilt gets me daily.
My friend took this picture of my yesterday at play group, I was nursing James (in the photo he had fallen asleep if you were wondering why he was so low). Delilah came up to me and peeked in to check on James like she always does. The little girl in front of me, well she's obsessed with James and for the longest time just sat in my lap keeping watch. I look at this picture and I think; look at the mess that is me. I don't have any make up on and got caught in a micro burst while putting the kids in the car hence the fluffy hair. I am wearing yoga pants and a shirt that is six years old. My bag has been pulled apart trying to find things I had forgotten and I'm bare foot. Where did the college educated professional (thinner) woman go? Then I see that I am smiling. Even though my days are long and hard I really do love what I am doing. I am grateful that Collin can provide for us so I get to raise my children 24-7. It is the most tiring and exhausting job I have ever had but I wouldn't trade it for the world. I need to remember that more often, especially on the crazy play dough in the carpet, poop in the bed kind of days.

I accidentally made granola bars

2011-04-19T15:58:00.003-04:00

Yes, I accidentally made granola bars. I was meaning to make these low fat chocolate chip cookies. The only issue was they only use half a bag of chocolate chips. Knowing myself, I knew that I couldn't have an opened bag of chocolate chips in our home so I doubled the recipe. Well.... I almost doubled the recipe. Some how I doubled everything but the sugars. They were still pretty tasty, they just tasted like granola bars. I will probably make these again, and I KNOW I will make the cookies again but next time I'll remember to double the sugar.

Low Fat Chewy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 15 • Serving Size: 2 cookies • Old Points: 4 pts • Points+: 5 pts
Calories: 190 • Fat: 6.3 g • Protein: 2.6 g • Carb: 34.2 g • Fiber: 2.0 g • Sugar: 19.3 g

1 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup sugar{1/4 cup for granola bars}
1/2 cup unpacked brown sugar {1/4 cup for granola bars}
1 large egg
1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups quick oats
3/4 cup dark chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350°; line two baking sheets with parchment paper or use a silpat. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. In a large bowl, with a mixer, cream together the butter and the sugars on medium speed. Add the egg, followed by the applesauce and vanilla extract. Working by hand, stir in the flour mixture and the oats until just combined and no streaks of flour remain; stir in the chocolate chips. Drop heaping tablespoonfuls (approx 1 tbsp each) of the dough onto prepared baking sheets, flattening each cookie slightly (I forgot to do this).

{for the granola bars I just flattened the dough out into a bar form on a cookie sheet. It won't go all the way to the edges so it looked more like a blob then after it cooled cut them into cute rectangles}

Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until cookies become light brown at the edges. Let cool on baking sheet for 3 or 4 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container so you don't eat them all in one sitting! Makes about 30 cookies roughly 1 tbsp each.

Michigan you are making it hard to love you

2011-04-18T10:09:00.001-04:00

Really Michigan?! Snow on April 18th! You're making it hard to like you. We had better have an amazing summer and fall if you expect me to stay.

Delilah saw the snow today and was so excited!! I guess at least someone is.

Baked kid friendly chicken nuggets

2011-04-12T21:42:00.003-04:00

Delilah like most kids LOVES chicken nuggets and is always asking for them. I have attempted baked nuggets in the past a few times but they never passed the Delilah test, these however passed with out hesitation.

Step One:

Slice the chicken into "nuggets". I find the easiest way to cut chicken into smaller slices is to have it slightly frozen.

Step Two:

Coat the nuggets in flour. This will help the egg wash to stick, which in turn will help the breading stick. I layer a bunch in a single layer then shake the flour on then shake the excess off for a light coating.

Step Three:

Dip the flour coated chicken into the eggs. (This is two eggs with about 1/8th a cup of water mixed until fluffy. )

Step Four:

Coat the chicken in a corn flake mixture.

2 cups cornflakes (crush in food processor)

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper, onion salt, garlic powder, and mustard powder

Step Five:

line a baking sheet with tin foil, putting a baking rack on top of the foil. Spray the rack with cooking spray, place the chicken on then spray the chicken lightly.

bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes no need to flip.

To freeze them: After they have cooled put them on a lined baking sheet in a single flat layer. Place them in the freezer for 2 or so hours. After they have frozen solid put them in a resealable bag for quick access. (half of these are coated with Italian bread crumbs, Delilah didn't like those as much)

To reheat them I microwaved them for 15-20 seconds depending on the quantity and the size of them.

And if your kid so feels the need you are welcome to dip them in ketchup.

Easter cookies

2011-04-09T23:18:00.002-04:00

We are going over to a friends house for dinner tomorrow and were asked to bring a dessert, what a perfect excuse to make these adorable cookies. I can't take credit for the idea I've seen them all over the blog world lately I just wanted to show you how freaking adorable they are!!

I've been using the same No Bake Cookie recipe for a while but tonight I was out of corn syrup so I had to find one that didn't call for it. It ended up being better than the other one I have been using (although the corn syrup one works great in dry climates).

No Bake Cookies

2 cups sugar
4 tablespoons cocoa
1 stick butter
1/2 cup milk
1 cup peanut butter
1 tablespoon vanilla
3 cups oatmeal
Waxed paper

Directions

In a heavy saucepan bring to a boil, the sugar, cocoa, butter and milk. Let boil for 1 minute then add peanut butter, vanilla and oatmeal. On a sheet of waxed paper, drop mixture by the teaspoonfuls, until cooled and hardened.

Lasagna Roll ups for the freezer

2011-04-08T23:04:00.003-04:00

I've been trying to work on a few new freezer meals for our family and the other night I took a risk and froze lasagna roll ups. It was a risk worth taking, they turned out delicious fresh or after being frozen.

First I made the filling. I think most everyone has their own lasagna filling, in case you want to give mine a try here it is.

Now these can be made fully loaded with fat or you can use reduced fat cheese, egg substitute, and turkey sausage if you want a reduced fat lasagna.

1 cup shredded mozzarella

1 cup ricotta

1 cup shredded Parmesan

16 oz frozen spinach, (thawed with the liquid squeezed out)

1 lb ground meat (I used sausage this time)

1/2 onion diced

2 eggs

minced fresh garlic, salt & pepper

Cook ground meat, strain and set aside to cool. Using the same pan cook onions with garlic until translucent (not caramelized) also set aside until cooled. In a large bowl combined spinach, cheese, egg, salt and pepper, add meat and onions only after they have cooled enough that they won't melt the cheese or cook the egg.

Cook, then lay lasagna noodles out on a flat surface, place filling out on top of 3/4's of the noodle. Then simply roll up the noodle starting with the end that has the filling on it (in the picture you would start rolling left to right. This is so when you roll you don't have filling falling out the end of the roll. After you have rolled them up place them far enough apart they don't touch each other on a baking sheet that has freezer paper on it.(foil, plastic wrap, or any other product that will allow the noodles to easily be removed from the pan after they have been frozen). Freeze for a few hours until they are frozen enough they can be removed and placed in a resealable freezer bag.

This is what I like about the roll ups, this way you can cook one roll up at a time or six if you want. You can either bake or microwave these after they have been frozen either way they are DELICIOUS.

To bake:

make sure to cover the entire lasagna roll up with pasta sauce this will help avoid crunchy noodles. Cover with foil then bake anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes depending how thawed they are. Take the foil off the last 5 minutes to brown the cheese.

I also put mine in the microwave on defrost for a few minutes to help speed up the baking process.

To Microwave:

place in a microwaveable dish cover with pasta sauce, again making sure all the noodles are covered to avoid crunchy noodles. Cover with plastic wrap or if you are lazy use a zip lock bag but leave it opened. Cook for 3 minutes take out add cheese then cook for another minute and enjoy!

We have a winner!!

2011-04-08T10:02:00.003-04:00

The morning after I posted all my different stroller choices I went to the mall to get Delilah a hair cut. After her hair cut we met up with a bunch of friends to play in the kids play place. We forgot it was Spring Break so the play area was PACKED, but this ended up being useful for me. There were strollers everywhere and I spotted the city micro!!! I went and pulled a crazy lady move and asked if I could look at this one mom's stroller. She was MORE than happy to show it to me, she also told me that she had owned several strollers and this one is by far her favorite. Then I saw another mom who had the double! My friends I'm sure were embarrassed by me but I had been doing a lot of research and wanted to just get some mom's input. This mom said the same thing, that she had owned several strollers and this is by far her favorite. After playing with them I went home from the mall and immediately bought it online, and it arrived yesterday.

Here was the main selling point for me:

Collin was making fun of me because I was so excited over a stroller. (he's very supportive)

But seriously did you see how easily it folds up and unfolds?! I'm in heaven! We took it for a test run to target last night and I have to tell you this thing turns amazingly, better than my single stroller. Also we had to make a quick trip into game stop (which are the worlds smallest stores) I fit through the doorway with room to spare and didn't knock over a single game!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? Worlds best stroller!!

One of the cons with this stroller was the fact James' car seat wouldn't fit in it. My solution for that was this insert that holds him in nice and snug. I'm going to make a blanket that hangs over his canopy so when he falls asleep I can cover him completely.

And just because he's adorable and I'm a bit obsessed with sneezing pictures

Picking a double stroller...

2011-04-03T16:32:00.012-04:00

I'm so sick of looking at double strollers. Delilah loves being in a stroller so I think a double stroller will be a good investment. I've now narrowed it down to 4 choices but am having a very difficult time deciding between the four. They each have their pros and cons so I am welcoming your input. Here are the 4 I've narrowed it down to. (Our last stroller was a baby trend and we liked it that's why most of these are baby trend)

Baby trend Sit N Stand Double Baby Stroller $160

Pros

Cons

· I can have both kids strapped in.

· The back seat can be removed to make a shelf seat for D so she can get off and on at her will.

· Fits James’ car seat

· Car seat can be placed in the front or back seat

· Cup holders for kids and me

· Storage basket is under the kid’s feet.

· The back seat can be removed to make a shelf seat for D so she can get off and on at her will.

· Difficult to maneuver because it’s so long.

Description:

· Rear platform and bench accommodate a child at least 2-1/2 years old and not over 40" in height or 45 lbs. in weight

· This Sit N Stand Double baby stroller allows children to sit or stand

· Rear seat can be removed for standing

· Child trays can be converted to hold two Baby Trend infant car seats

· Easy-fold design

· Large storage basket

· Two folding shade canopies

· Parent organizer with two cupholders and covered compartment

· Two child trays with cupholders

· 5-point safety harnesses

· Foot-activated rear brake

· Folds compact for easy storage

· Weight 38.72 pounds

· (L x W x H): 49.0 x 21.5 x 43.0

Baby trend Double Baby Jogging Stroller $170

Pros

Cons

· I like side by sides

· Easily maneuverable

· Easily goes over bumps and cracks

· Parent tray

· Big storage basket

· Is difficult to fit through doors because of how wide it is

· Does not fit a car seat

· Mesh cup holders

· No tray in front of kids

Description:

· For children up to 50 lbs. and up to 42" tall

· Extra-wide, open wheel base for exceptional stability

· Remote release on handle for locking or unlocking the front swivel wheel for jogging or strolling

· Quick-release 12 " front and 16" rear wheel system with inflatable tires

· Large storage basket with rear access

· Convenient parent tray includes two cupholders and covered compartment storage

· Adjustable canopy with sun visor blocks sun and wind

· Multi-position, reclining, padded seats

· Fully adjustable 5-point safety harnesses and tether strap

· Reflectors provide greater low-light visibility

· Baby jogging stroller has lightweight steel frame construction, easy trigger fold

· Weight 40 pounds

· (L x W x H): 46.0 x 31.5 x 42.0

Baby trend Navigator Double Baby Jogging Stroller $206

Pros

Cons

· I like side by sides

· Easily maneuverable

· Easily goes over bumps and cracks

· Parent tray

· Big storage basket

· Has kid tray with drink holders

· Fits a car seat

· Is difficult to fit through doors because of how wide it is

· heavy

Description:

· Stroller is designed for two children, each child up to 50 lbs or 42" tall

· Accommodates 2 Baby Trend infant car seats

· This Navigator Double Jogger Stroller features front wheels that swivel and lock

· Quick-release, all-terrain bicycle tires

· Covered parent-organizer with 2 cup holders

· 2 trays with cup holders

· 5-point safety harness

· 2 ratcheting canopies

· Multi-position, reclining seat

· MP3 plug-in and weatherproof speakers

· Large storage basket

· Weight 51 pounds

· (L x W x H): 46" x 32.5" x 43"

Baby Jogger City Micro Double Stroller $199

Pros

Cons

· I like side by sides

· Easily maneuverable

· Narrow for a side by side

· Trendy

· light

· Does not fit a car seat

· Mesh cup holders

· No tray in front of kids

· No parent tray

Description:

· Patented Quick-Fold technology.

· Seatbacks has two-position recline.

· Seat back storage compartment.

· Adjustable 5-point safety harness.

· Under seat storage basket.

· 6" front and 8" rear lightweight quick-release wheels with sealed ball bearings.

· Rear parking brake.

· Two-position sun canopies with peek-a-boo flap.

· Includes accessory mounting bracket for Baby Jogger City series accessories.

· 100 lb. maximum weight capacity (50 lbs. each seat).

· Stroller weight: 26 lbs.

· Stroller size: 34" L x 29" W x 41" H.

· Folded Size: 30" x 29" x 9".

As a side note:

I want one that will fit a car seat, although he won't be in a car seat for long. Then I think we have an insert we can put in the stroller so he will fit more snuggly until he can fit on his own.. but I kinda want the bar in front of the seats, but I'm sure I can live with out it, but the one with the bar the bar can be removed... I guess I don't really know what I want yet.

any input??

How I do roast beef

2011-03-27T22:36:00.003-04:00

Both Collin and I grew up having a Sunday Roast fairly regularly. We don't eat red meat very often in our house but for some reason last time I was at Sam's I was compelled to buy roast. I'm sure it has something to do with me nursing. I know the typical Sunday roast is prepared in the oven say with an onion soup mix and some potatoes and carrots thrown in the pot. As good as that is, I feel like it's almost impossible to not dry out the roast. I know a lot of people like their roast like that but I like a melt in your mouth roast, and this is how I make mine.

It's surprisingly simple, roast, pepper, garlic powder, and salt (oops not shown). I should have seared the outside in a pan but our church is at 9AM, so we are lucky I got it in the crock pot at all.

I basically make a dry rub out of garlic powder and black pepper. This is not a time to be stingy, I cover the entire top of the roast then sprinkle a good amount of salt on it (not nearly as much as pepper and garlic powder though). I add about a half inch of water to the bottom of the crock pot, put the lid on it and set it on high. After about 3-4 hours (depending on the size of your roast) it will be ready to eat sliced. After 4-5 hours (again depending on the size of your roast) it will be ready to shred/melt. This is how we like our roast.

I'm always surprised how delicious it is even though it is so simply seasoned. One thing I like about making a roast this way is that the meat falls away from the fat. I like this for two reasons; 1. Obviously this makes it easy to avoid eating the fat and 2. I would normally trim excess fat off but because I can leave it on the fat keeps the meat moist and you don't lose the flavor that the fat lends to the meat. We shred our roast then put it in fresh tortillas with fresh salsa and cheese. You should try it sometime for your Sunday dinner, although it would be just as delicious served with potatoes and carrots, if you feel a little awkward having a burrito for your big Sunday dinner ;)

Sharing a room

2011-03-22T23:55:00.001-04:00

We are currently shopping around for a new rental. We originally were looking exclusively for 3 bedrooms so the kids would each have their own room, but we are now considering having them share a room. (mainly since 3 bedrooms all on one floor are a little hard to come by) I would love your thoughts on this matter. The main thing I'm worried about is that they will wake each other up and I really don't like sleepy kids.

Ward Chili Cook Off

2011-03-19T10:49:00.000-04:00

Collin was asked to organize the Ward Chili Cook Off two weeks before it was scheduled to happen. We didn't know if it had been done before or if this was a first time thing. So we just planned it as best we could and decided to do a Chili/Cornbread cook off.

There were requests to see the stuff I made for it so here they are.

This is the announcement I made to hand out and get everyone excited for it. I just googled chili cook off and found this image and photo shopped our information in so I can't really take credit for it.
Collin said their response was "Oh this is everyone's favorite activity! Last year over 250 people came. Why are you doing this... and we usually do this..."

This is something I can relate to. Growing up in Utah you know wards get comfortable in their activities and don't want them to change much. When I was made the Activity Chairperson in SC the Bishop told me to do whatever I wanted and not worry about what they had done in years past. Um... no. When you are the new ones in the ward the last thing you want to do is screw up peoples favorite activity.

So we adjusted our plans a little but did add some changes to it. I think that it turned out GREAT. Granted Collin didn't really have much help setting up and he was stressed out over it but he did an amazing job.

One of the big things we change was we had everyone vote on their favorite instead of having judges. Here is the ballot I made up for it.

The winners got an apron with this image on it. They seemed pretty proud of them. I think it would be fun to win a cooking contest, maybe next year I'll enter.

And just to throw this out there we got lucky when we went to the party store to get decorations. All the fiesta decorations were on clearance. Everything was $.50 to $2.50, we got all the decorations for 18 bucks!!

Doing better..

2011-03-13T22:29:00.001-04:00

Thanks everyone for your kind words sometimes a girl just needs to vent. Delilah did much better the rest of the week. I got out of the house and even did a little retail therapy and got my hair cut. Today was mine and James first day back to church. I kept James in the sling so no one would touch him. There were a few people who didn't even know I was holding a baby and looked surprised when he would make a noise. It makes me wonder what what look they thought I was trying to pull off. James was dressed adorably today in a cords and a polo shirt. When I came home I was going to get a picture of him in his outfit ... but he crapped all over it on the way home. Apparently I can't get away from poop.

The last time I cut my hair was over a year ago when I donated it. I took the pictures from last year hoping to get the same hair cut. Eh....we'll see how it looks when it's grown an inch or so, it's pretty short. In my hair dresser's defense my hair is pretty difficult to cut and has a mind of it's own. It is always about an inch and a half shorter when it's dry compared to when it's wet, and to make it worse one side shrinks up more than the other. (note in the picture one side is shorter than the other one) She kept apologizing for it being so short when she was styling it. It's partially my fault, I knew all of this about my hair but didn't tell her, and went in with flat ironed hair. At one point she had me flat iron it and kept saying "Wow, your hair is a challenge. I'm impressed you can get it so straight".

Random thoughts on a Wednesday night

2011-03-09T23:00:00.001-05:00

Saturday we went to a chili cook off that Collin was in charge of. We have tried really hard to keep James home to avoid germs but since Collin was in charge of the event and James is over a month old we figured it would be our first outing. We had a good time and Collin did a GREAT job. I was excited to go to church the following morning. It would have been the first time since James was born but Delilah woke up sick (so much for avoiding germs). So all day Sunday we just lounged around watching movies and hanging out. Luckily after she threw up for the second time she seemed to feel much better.

On Monday I was planning on going mall walking with friends but decided to stay home just in case Delilah wasn’t all the way better. Monday ended up being a GREAT day. We woke up had breakfast, took a tub, and started laundry. James was in an amazing mood and loved laying on the floor and kicking or chilling in his swing. Delilah and I sat down together and watched a movie. I SAT with her the entire time, no checking emails , no distractions, her and I on the couch watching and giggling to despicable me.
I put her down for her nap and instead of climbing back into bed and taking a much needed nap I prepared different crafts to do when she woke up from her nap. She had asked for a picture of Jessie from Toy Story to color, so I printed one off. I took apart a pre-K work book and laminated the pages to put them in a book so she can practice her letters with a dry erase marker. I hung construction paper up on the walls to put stickers on. It was a very productive nap.
When she woke up we ate lunch and started all our projects we played with stickers, practiced our letters (which ended up her wanting to just watch me write them), colored pictures and played in her room. It was a good day with very few meltdowns and few time outs.
To end the night we had Family Home Evening about how we are children of our Heavenly Father. I even had a craft to go with it. I ended the day feeling like an AMAZING mom. I ROCKED my Monday!!
Tuesday, however, was a different story. Everything I tried to do with Delilah was a fight followed by a melt-down. James was super clingy and only wanted to be held so I had him in the sling when I tried to do crafts with her, but she would just rip them up. I tried to give her choices, she would choose something and when I gave it to her FREAK out because she decided she wanted the other choice. She didn’t want to take her nap, she didn’t want to color, she threw her bean game ALL OVER the room. The book I spent her nap making, yah she ripped pages out of it. One point when I was sitting down to nurse James she said “don’t feed brother” which is not a new thing, but this time she tried to pull my shirt down so I couldn’t feed him. By time Collin got home I was spent and told him I had to leave. I called my sister to chat with her trying to calm down and halfway through the phone call realized I was yelling about my day. (thanks for that, better aunt Anna than Delilah I guess) The entire day I kept thinking tomorrow we have a play date, I just need to make it to tomorrow. By the end of the day the house was trashed, the laundry I had started on Monday still needed to be folded and put away. I felt like the victory of Monday was shattered by the complete failure of Tuesday.

Enter Wednesday.

Delilah woke up and told me her tummy hurt and she wanted to get the barf out. I helped her to the bathroom where she spit in the toilet a few times but nothing happened. I thought maybe she was doing it to get attention like she got on Sunday when she puked but I didn’t know for sure. I put her in my room while I got some breakfast ready. I gave her a drink and a piece of bread. I asked if she wanted to go to play date and she said no that her tummy hurt. She seemed fine but kept saying her tummy hurt. I put a bucket by my bed just in case she did need to barf. I was in the kitchen and heard what no one wants to hear from your own bedroom. She puked all over my new comforter… awesome, I guess that means no play date.
I cleaned her and my bed up and we watched Despicable me again. After the movie she said “can we go to play date?” I broke that poor girls heart when I told her we couldn’t go because she was sick, to which she answered “Daddy come home and fix my sick, he take me to doctor.” You know because all she’s heard lately is Daddy’s arm is hurt he needs to go to the doctor to get it fixed, or mommy’s tummy is sick she needs to go to the doctor to get it fixed. The poor girl has asked to go to the doctor because that has been the only thing lately that has got us out of the house.
She seemed to feel much better and told me her tummy was all better. I put her to bed and James and I went to bed too. Then she woke up crying, never a good sign. She had had diarrhea all over her and her bed. Your heart breaks for the girl and your stomach sinks knowing that you and only you are about to clean up that mess. The rest of the day went about as normal as it could. We watched TV and played with a sticker book until Collin came home.

Basically I feel like this post is just to say motherhood is so freaking exhausting both physically and emotionally. I feel like I can either be a good mom or a good housekeeper I’ve yet to balance the two and just when I feel like I have balanced things and think I have it down I get a piece of humble pie. Wish me luck for tomorrow who knows what will happen.

It's a shaw thing

2011-03-08T09:34:00.002-05:00

This is a picture of Collin ASLEEP!!! Both his dad and granddad do the same thing, and the only thing that wakes them up is when you try to remove the clicker from their hand, and all say the same thing. "I was watching that". It's in the blood :)

Hi...

2011-03-01T20:23:00.003-05:00

I've been distracted lately. You know with the new baby, the removal of the gallbladder, my parents in town. I've been wanting to blog lately I really have. A few days ago I decided I had some time and was going to do a marathon of posts but come to find out blogger is having issues. Not with everyone just a select few of us. Google is aware of the problem and working on it, so I probably won't be blogging as much until it gets fixed.

But when it does get fixed know that I'm in the mood to cook. After going 10 months of not wanting to cook at all. I was worried I would never have the desire to cook much again, but the desire came back and I'm ready to go. I recently bought Now Eat This! I'm super excited to start using it and learn some delicious tricks for cutting calories. I'll make sure to share what I find (only if it's still delicious though).

I did some sewing last night and realized I'm not quite up for that yet so don't expect much craftiness out of me. I just made a baby, that should be enough craftiness for a while right. Speaking of which here's a cute picture of him.

Yah his dad could grow facial hair at a young age too.

As far as goals, I skipped February basically because it was over before I realized it had started. So maybe my goal for February was just to survive it. As for March I'm going to try really really hard to not eat after nine at night. But those who have nursed before know that I might just be setting myself up for failure. I woke up in the middle of the night the other night to a growling stomach... cool. Okay, now that I've typed that up maybe it isn't the smartest goal. I'll come up with something better and save that for when my body isn't so hungry.

Another random thing I've been thinking about is the word kids. The first person to say it to me, in regards to my children, was Collin. He was in the ER and I walked into his room and the first thing out of his mouth was "where are the kids?" (James was hiding in the sling). I wasn't quite use to the fact that I was a mom and now I'm the mother of kids. When did that happen? I swear I'm still 20. Seriously when does it sink in?

It's gone!

2011-02-20T09:44:00.005-05:00

Well on Wednesday I had my gallbladder removed!! Bring on the onions and guacamole!

This was my 7th surgery; I had my tonsils out when I was 12 and then 5 laparoscopy's for my endometriosis. I forgot this time when I went that I probably should have been at least a little bit nervous. In the prep area you could sense everyone's nerves and hear their forced laughter. I was happy I wasn't scared, I was to busy thinking about Delilah and James and hoping they would be ok. Collin and I just sat there like we were waiting for a pizza not to have me rolled into surgery.

A few things happened this surgery that I wanted to write down to remember. The first is everyone who came in and looked at my chart would say "Oh you're healthy, this is going to be easy." It made me feel good to have several different people independently tell me I was healthy, I mean who wouldn't?It also makes me think that when people's gallbladder's go bad they might not be the healthiest of people.

The second thing. I'm a chatty drunk. As soon as I get drugs in my system I can't shut up. As the anestisiologist gave me the first shot, the one that makes me tired I told him that I say inappropriate things when I go under.

{Like the time I was 18 and about to have my 2nd laparoscopy. My sister Anna had to smother me with a pillow so I wouldn't laugh really loud at nurse who stood in front of my room with a HUGE butt. (And I thank her for that) That same time when they rolled me into the surgery room I realized there were no women in the room but me "Where are the women! This is a surgery for women and there are no women in this room!" My doctor then informed me there was indeed one female nurse amongst the five men. "I'm fine with it, I have nothing against men I just think it's weird" all of this was said in the same voice old people use when they talk, because they need to talk loud enough to hear themselves.}

Anyway back to this surgery, the anestisiologist gave me the injection before the operating room, always a risky move with me and my mouth. I tried really hard to not say anything that would embarass me. I don't remember being rolled to the operating room but I do remember when they had me shift from one table to the next. As I was shifting I felt the table and I asked where the hole for my butt was. Everyone in the room started laughing at me. I remember the anesthesiologist explain to everyone in the room that I had had a bunch of previous surgeries for endometriosis and that's why I was looking for a hole. Then I heard someone say this is just general surgery not OB. Now it's got me wondering what they were doing with that hole.

One more awesome thing happened to me before I went completely out. I was laying down now on the hole-less table. They started to strap me down and get ready to knock me out. My anesthesiologist told me he was about to put the oxygen mask on me when I interrupted him with; "I need some chap stick, do you have any chapstick? My lips are cracking."

"Ummm... chap stick?"

"Well it doesn't need to be chap stick, like vasaline or something like that? Do you have any vasaline?"

"Um, yah we have vasaline."

Then I felt this man who normally only gives people drugs, smear my lips with a glob of vasaline. Then I felt him wipe the excess on his finger off on the shoulder of my gown.

"Thank you"

Then he put me under.

Seriously? Can you get any cooler than me? I think they would prefer someone who is nervous over someone so comfortable that they request chap stick before going under.

You might not think these stories are that funny but for me I feel like they are hilarious and I have come a long way from my first surgery's when I was waking up velcroed to the bed.

Who needs a sling?

2011-02-04T23:38:00.001-05:00

Freaking Freezing

2011-02-04T18:47:00.002-05:00

We got hit by the groundhog day blizzard. It didn't snow as much as they thought it would but it still dumped quite a bit. We got about 10 inches in a day.

Calf deep!! and don't hide it, I know you are jealous of my designer boots and baggy yoga pants.

We were planning on Collin running to the store on Monday night to prepare for the storm but as you know he fell and dislocated his shoulder. So I had to go, and the store was a mad house. There were no bananas, apples, broccoli, fresh or frozen chicken breasts, or Dora yogurt (but I don't think the storm had much to do with that last item). Also it was my first postpartum outing, and the entire time I was there all I was thinking was "No one here knows I had a baby 10 days ago".

All good things must come to an end

2011-02-02T13:29:00.002-05:00

The last few months I have been spoiled rotten. Collin has taken such good care of me when I was super pregnant and mean. He put on my socks, tied my shoes, made me food, put me to bed, pulled me out of bed, shaved my legs, went to the store after dark to get me much needed snacks, painted my toes (you won't meet another white person who can do a french pedicure as good as Collin). Once I came home from having James he let me sleep, made the meals, took care of Delilah, changed bums, got me snacks, did the dishes, cleaned, vacuumed and would even get ready for work in the dark so as not to wake me and baby J. He did all this while I did nothing.

Well my months of spoiling has come to an abrupt halt. Monday morning Collin kissed me goodbye and left for work. I heard him shut the door then I heard a scream (it was a manly scream). I grabbed my robe and ran to the front door to see Collin holding his arm in what looked like a LOT of pain.

He came inside and sat down where it became evident that he was in a HUGE amount of pain. He had me feel his shoulder to confirm what he thought had happened and indeed his shoulder was dislocated. I turned on the light to get a better look and noticed all the color had left his face and he was starting to shake. I covered him with a blanket and tried to figure out what to do. It was 7:30am and we knew I couldn't load all 4 of us in the car to take Collin to the ER. We tried our home teacher but he didn't answer, so we made the decision to call an ambulance. Two EMT's and a cop showed up to help us, all three of which almost fell in the exact same spot Collin did.

They cut Collin's coat off him, put his arm in a sling and took him away. Collin says he doesn't remember very much because he was in so much pain. Our Home teacher showed up while they were getting Collin ready to go. He said I could bring the kids to his house so I could go to the ER.

I bundled us all up (8degrees outside) and carefully crossed the icy patch everyone was slipping on, while holding D's hand and James car seat in the other hand. I dropped D off but decided to keep James with me because he still needed to eat. I got to the ER and found Collin. They gave him something they said was stronger than morphine but he was still in a good amount of pain. They took him for a X-ray then took him to another room so he could be put under conscious sedation and then have his arm put back into place. They said that he was under for about 3 minutes and it took 3 men and a sheet to put his arm back in socket. (one man pulling out on each arm, then a guy standing above him pulling up on the sheet wrapped around his bicep) Collin said as soon as he woke up his pain was gone.

He has to wear a sling for a while now. We won't know for how long until he meets with the orthopedic surgeon on Friday. We are really hoping there is no nerve damage and REALLY hoping he doesn't need surgery.

As for now I'm repaying Collin for all that spoiling he did by helping him tie his shoes and anything else he needs that requires two hands.

I didn't think it was appropriate to take pictures of him while he was being taken away in the ambulance or in the ER, I thought about it, but didn't. I'm pretty sure Collin would rather forget those moments. This is however a picture of the bruise he got from the IV, at least they got the vein though ;).

While I was waiting in the ER I called our apartment complex to tell them they needed to clean up that ice before we came back from the ER. The lady got all serious and filled out an insurance claim and told me that the head office would be contacting us (which they have). I told her I don't care about any of that right now, all I care about is that that ice is cleared away before I bring him home.

When we got home sure enough all the ice had been chipped away and our side walk may as well have been blue they put so much salt on it. In our apartment complex defense they have always been amazing at clearing the snow and salting most the time they salt twice a day. It was just so early in the morning they hadn't got to it yet.

Labor Day in January

2011-01-28T21:33:00.000-05:00

It has been a week since I delivered James. I've been wanting to write down the labor story as soon as I could, so I wouldn't forget anything like I did with Delilah's, but when you have a choice between sleep and blogging you choose sleep. Tonight though Delilah is in bed, Collin is holding James and I've had a nap. So... how about I share a little story with you? The story of how James came into this world. The gross graphic detailed one :) so those who don't want to read about my labor, you've just been warned.

January 19th 2011

8am:

Delilah and I were hanging out eating breakfast and watching sesame street. I was trying to decide if we should go to play group or not. If we went that would mean that I needed to dress Delilah, do her hair, put on her shoes and socks, and get myself somewhat dressed. That may not seem like a lot to do but at 38 weeks and 6 days pregnant it's exhausting just thinking about it. Mainly because Delilah doesn't do any of those things willingly. I had just decided we would go and started the painful process of getting Delilah ready when I got a phone call. It was my doctor's office. The nurse said that the doctor wanted me to come into the office today instead of tomorrow (when my next appointment was) to have my membranes stripped (it would be my 4th time having them stripped). I made a 12:30 appointment so I could go after play group.

We went to playgroup where I complained about how sick I was of being pregnant, and my doctor and how annoyed I was she wouldn't give me an induction date. It was a nice laid back playgroup and I'm happy we went. Delilah needed something other than cartoons and my sad attempts to play with her.

Noon:

Delilah went home with Holly, my friend who has twins (that love Delilah as much as Delilah loves them) so I could go to my appointment. I got there and found out that there were three of us super pregnant women that could go at any moment and she was stripping all 3 of us today. When she walked into the exam room I was in she said she was a woman on a mission, and I was having this baby soon. She stripped me and told me if she doesn't see me tonight at labor and delivery that I should come back in tomorrow to be stripped again. I made a mental thought that I for sure would be back in tomorrow.

1:30pm:

I went and picked up a few things from the store (just in case I did go into labor) then picked up D and went home. During D's nap I cleaned, did a little laundry, packed D's bag, and only half packed my bag. I really didn't want to get my hopes up that I was going to go into labor in case I didn't. I was getting really frustrated because what would take an unpregnant me 20 minutes to clean was taking me hours. I had to stop every few minutes to rest or catch my breath. I remember thinking that I was considerably lazy today even for a pregnant woman and bugged I couldn't move faster.

5:30pm:

Collin came home and we had some dinner. I guess I kept flinching through out dinner because Collin kept asking if I was sure I didn't want him to skip gymnastics with D and stay home. I assumed he was just trying to get out of gymnastics so he could do our taxes, I didn't think it had anything to do with me wincing every 5 minutes.They went to gymnastics and I didn't get very much done, I had to keep sitting down and catch my breath. Eventually I just turned on the TV and sat.

8:00pm:

When Collin and D came back home Collin bathed her and put her to bed and then joined me on the couch for some TV. After him asking if I was ok a few times I decided maybe I should see if my discomfort and breathlessness comes and goes in timed measures. So I got a piece of paper and my cell phone and started writing down the time every time I got winded and had a little discomfort/pain. After about a half hour my discomfort turned more into mild pain. I looked at my list of times and realized it was happening every 5 minutes. Then the thought came into my head "Oh, this might be labor".

I mentioned it to Collin and he got up and started getting dressed and trying to pack my bag. I told him we had TONS of time and that he didn't need to get ready right now. He was kind not to argue with me but just silently kept doing what he was doing. I on the other hand put another load of clothes in the washing machine.

10:00pm:

My contractions were not very consistent they would be every 2 minutes then every 10 minutes then every 5 minutes. I thought that this meant they were going away but I decided to call my doctor anyway. My Doctor told me to go to the hospital. So I called Holly and asked if we could bring D to her house, then I casually finished packing my bag, all the while Collin is quickly putting things in the car, and when I wasn't planning on leaving for another 20 minutes I turned around and there was Collin holding sleeping Delilah in his arms ready to go. We dropped D off and headed to the hospital. The entire time we were driving all I was thinking was "Don't send me home, Don't send me home".

Triage

11:00pm:

We arrived at Labor and Delivery triage where they checked me (3 and 70%) hooked me up to monitors. After monitoring me for a while with no progression the called my doctor and had me walk for a hour. The contractions were getting stronger and stronger and what felt like eternity was only really an hour. I went back to triage where they checked me again only to find out I hadn't changed. The nurse said usually in this situation they would send me home with an ambien and have me come back in the morning but she would call my doctor to see what she wanted to do. Luckily my doctor had just delivered a baby so she was at the hospital and said to have me admitted and she would break my water. Answer to prayers!!

1:50

Collin, a nurse, and I walk down the hallway to the delivery room where I am admitted. My contractions are getting stronger and we had to stop twice on our little walk down the hall. Before the nurse could even get my IV in my doctor came in and broke my water. INSTANTLY I started shaking followed by a HUGE contraction. The contraction caught me so off guard that I yelled. You know when you are trying to hold in a laugh and it only makes a louder sound because you are trying to hold it in, that's basically what my screams were like. I was embarrassed that I was screaming but the pain caught me completely off guard and I couldn't help but yell. All the while the nurse is trying to get the IV in and have another nurse call the anesthesiologist so I could get an epidural as soon as possible. At this point the contractions were right on top of each other and I started getting scared because I KNEW there was no way I would be able to hold still long enough to get an epidural. The nurse got my IV in and helped to remind me to breathe, I was still in the worst pain of my life but I was able to calm down enough to stop yelling. (To be honest, or to keep from being corrected by Collin I did yell a few more times but I was in a little more control).

The anesthesiologist showed up, he was a short Asian man who looked like he was wearing a

space helmet made of surgical paper. With D the anesthesiologist wore scrubs and a white coat so he looked a little over dressed to me. He was all business, Collin explained to him my past epidural experience (that I had the electrical shot down my leg and the upper half of my body was numbed instead of my lower) and he kinda brushed it off by saying sometimes that happens. Two nurses held me as I tried my hardest to fold in half and breathe away the pain at the same time while the anesthesiologist started. He was good, and he was fast and then it happened again, I got the shock down my leg. In between breathes I told him "I got shocked" the nurses immediately told me "it's normal", "don't worry about it keep breathing", but I knew he needed to know. He, in a hurried Drill Sargent tone, said very loudly "Which side?" Which I replied to with a very weak "Right". I felt him pull the catheter out and replace it in a different spot, and then I felt the drugs kick in.

2:50 am:

I thanked everyone and apologized for the tenth time for screaming and being so weak. I'm not sure why I felt I needed to apologize but I did, and everyone was very kind to me telling me how strong I was even though I felt like a complete idiot. About 5 minutes after the epidural and apologizing took place I told my nurse I felt a lot of pressure. She checked me and I was at 8 1/2 cm dilated. Remember a hour ago I was at a 3. About 5 minutes after she checked me again I told her I felt more pressure. She asked if I felt like I needed to push, but I didn't feel that yet so she didn't check me right then. Then about 2 minutes later I told her the pressure was pretty bad and I wanted to push. She checked me and I was 9 1/2 and ready to go. She called my doctor who luckily was still in the hospital. Collin said she had sleep marks on her face when she walked in. She seemed a bit surprised I was already ready to push. She casually checked for herself and just as casually looked at me and said "You can push if you want." So I did.

It seemed awkward and not the same as with Delilah, Delilah's felt more natural and I think because my epidural was so fresh I didn't feel exactly what I was doing. Then out of no where I got pressure not pain but pressure in my hip. It hurt like a Charley horse hurts. I lifted up my leg and straightened it trying to stretch away the pressure. Both the nurse and my doctor had a small freak out moment because I guess most women with an epidural can't support the weight of their own leg and they both thought I was going to fall off the table. I didn't fall but every time I did it both my nurse and doctor flinched and went to grab my leg. I would push then have to straighten my leg out because the pressure in my hip was unbearable.

After a while of me pushing and straightening my leg the doctor and nurse suggested I try to push through the hip pain. I gave it a good push and they said to stop pushing but I couldn't and baby James was born at 3:52 am. As soon as he was born my hip pain was gone and he had a bruise on his head suggesting he was the "pressure".

James gave a few good screams and then quietly looked around while they wiped him down and suctioned out his lungs. After about 20 minutes of stitching me up and taking care of him the nurses left us alone for about a hour to be alone and bond with our baby. It was nice, he was so alert and just looked around at us and then he ate for about 40 minutes. The nurse came in to check on us and to move us to my other room. I went to hand her James so she could do a few things and that's when I noticed my hand.

Remember how the nurse was hurrying to put my IV in while I was in heavy labor? She missed the vein and I had half a bag of fluid pumped into my arm. My forearm and hand now looked like Popeye. I just started laughing, it looked hilarious. The nurse seemed very annoyed at the earlier nurse for messing up my IV, but eventually laughed about it. It took about 3 days for the swelling to go down.

My wedding band is a little to big for me normally.

It is now a week after I delivered James and I am finally starting to feel better. My hip and tail bone got pretty beat up during delivery and I am now starting to be able to sit and walk with out wincing. I love that I can now lay down on my back and stomach and can actually hug Collin and Delilah again. I can see my toes and bend down to pick things up with out feeling like I'm going to fall over or throw up. Looking at my arms, hands, legs and feet now I am starting to realize that the last part of my pregnancy I was really swollen. I remember I kept looking at my legs thinking I don't think my legs are this fat but I didn't swell with Delilah so they must be. The last week I noticed I was retaining water but didn't realize just how much until now.

If asked which delivery was easier Delilah or James I would easily say Delilah's. James was faster but much more intense, Delilah's seems like a walk in the park now, but that could also be because it was almost 3 years ago. I'm happy that I did go to the hospital with my contractions instead of waiting for my water to break at home. I don't think I would have made it to the hospital and I'm not one of those women who want to have a baby in my bed.

We're home

2011-01-22T13:54:00.001-05:00

It feels so good to be home. Right now we are just focusing on each other and figuring out our new family routine. I will post the labor story as soon as I can sit again. Here's a little teaser though, faster isn't always better. Thank You for all the support, shared excitment, and virtual hugs and kisses.

And the winner is....

2011-01-21T16:07:00.001-05:00

It was so fun reading what each of you would get. I always have the hardest time deciding what I will get with a gift card I loved all your ideas. Thanks everyone for participating. I'm sorry only one person can win, I guess I'll just have to do more giveaways.

The winner is
Suz!!!
Suz I'll contact you via email and let you know the code.

Look who we finally met

2011-01-20T10:25:00.001-05:00

James Collin Shaw

January 20,2011

7 pounds 15 oz

4:04am

A giveaway!!

2011-01-18T21:19:00.003-05:00

I know all you have heard out of me lately is complaint after complaint after complaint. I'm not really apologizing, just saying that maybe you deserve a break from that, and CSN came to your rescue.

You remember CSN.com, right? They are that HUGE online store that has pretty much everything, from modern dining room furniture to NFL fan products. They want to give a $25 gift code to one of my readers. Just think that could be YOU!!

Just leave a comment saying what you would get if you won.

I'll announce the winner on the Friday the 21st.

Good Luck!!

still pregnant...

2011-01-17T21:40:00.002-05:00

(Sunday after church, it was an after thought about the black dress against a black door.)

We are to that stage now where I get the sympathetic looks and people saying "still?"

At 37 weeks the doctor told me I had better have my bags packed, so I packed them. I had contractions that entire week and I KNEW I was going to go into labor at any second. I called the doctor office with some complaints and they sent me to the hospital. I knew it was a false alarm and that they would probably send me home, which they did, but it got me even more pumped that this little boy was coming soon. They did an exam and the nurse felt his head when she wasn't expecting to feel it, so they did an ultrasound to make sure everything was OK. He's fine just hanging out on a nerve and that was what was (and still is) causing a lot of the pain.

After the trip to the hospital everything stopped. I still have the nerve pain but no contractions AT ALL. It's like he got a taste of the outside world and decided it wasn't for him. I went to the doctor again today and she still thinks that I'm going to go any minute and for saying that I want to slug her in the face, because I'm pretty sure I'm not going to ever have this baby.

Saturday night I had a nightmare. Where Miriam, one of my sweetest friends, came up to me and told me "Look, I had a baby and I didn't even know I was pregnant!" In my dream I remember panning down and looking at my belly and wanting to slug this sweet lady right in the face.

See what late pregnancy has done to me! I'm mean, grumpy, swollen, and want to eat everything!! Here's to two more weeks at the most. Oh yah... Michigan won't induce until 41 weeks, cool huh.

A pictures worth a thousand words

2011-01-14T22:22:00.002-05:00

Just like with Delilah this picture is a lot harder to take than it looks, I really can't see my toes.

(Delilah's in this belly)

Toy organizers

2011-01-12T14:21:00.001-05:00

This is something I have been wanting to do for a while now. D's toys have just been put in bins, bags, baskets and on shelfs with no real organization. When she would look for something she would make a HUGE mess. She liked to pull everything out and play with it all at once then 5 minutes later get bored and walk away. I've tried a few different kinds of organizing methods but none that have helped her with cleaning. I can tell her where things go and she'll put it there but she never would do it on her own.

So last week I took advantage of my nesting mode and went and bought a bunch of organizers. I then took all her toys and dumped them in the living room after she had gone to bed and started sorting them so everything had a place to go. When I was done I took a picture of each organizers contents. I then printed off the pictures, laminated them, then taped the picture to the front of the corresponding drawer.

So far Delilah has LOVED cleaning up, and is more willing to clean up what she is doing before getting a new toy out. I can tell her to go put her cars away and she knows right where the cars go, even if the car drawer gets switched with the train drawer because of the pictures.

I have also noticed she plays with her toys more and for longer periods of time now that they are organized. I think before when I had them all in bags and bins she forgot what she had and wouldn't play with certain things because she couldn't see them. Now she will see the potato head container and ask to play with the potato heads or trains or legos or whatever.

So it has been a success and I am so happy to have crossed if off my list of things to do. Let's hope she keeps cleaning up and the bins don't all become "random" drawers.

Above: walmart 11 dollars each

Side note: someone asked a while ago where we found D's bert, ernie, and brobee. We got Bert at Amazon.com, Ernie at a super store out here called Meijer, and Brobee at Barns and Noble.

Above: This is an old organizer we had from a few years ago, I believe I got this from wal mart also.

we got D's kitchen set at a garage sale this summer for 10 bucks. We went to the salvation Army the other day looking for frames and found the matching kitchen Island that goes with it for 8 bucks. If we had the room for it you know I would have bought it. ... stupid small apartment... keep me from getting a matching set...

Above: I got these bins at the dollar store. They break if they are stepped on but who can complain when they were a buck each? Our craft/preschool closet is also full of these bins.

Above: here are the pictures I took for the labels.

I took these pictures just before her nap today and she got confused why I wasn't taking pictures of her. So here are pictures of Delilah (yes she still has her binkie at nap and night time, we are going to kick it soon, and yes she does have food all over her face)

I think she looks silly here, like it's a mug shot or something.

Baby Shower

2011-01-11T15:55:00.002-05:00

Saturday morning my sweet friends Callie and Tobey threw a baby shower for me. I felt weird having a shower for my second baby but apparently outside of UT it's pretty normal and after everyone INSISTED I have one I caved, and I'm happy I did. It was fun to just hang out with a bunch of women and talk about things like plugs, contractions, stretch marks, and swollen feet. I mean when else can you have open conversations about such things?

If you are wondering where my bangs went, I cut them the morning of the shower. I've been cutting my bangs since February and have felt like I've not done that bad of a job.... that is until Saturday morning. So they will be pinned back for a few weeks while I wait for them to grow a little bit longer.

Back to the shower. we didn't take very many pictures which is odd because Callie and I are the ones known to pull out a camera and take pictures of EVERYTHING because we both blog a lot (Callie everyday). There was a delicious waffle bar with yogurt parfaits, hot cocoa and this delicious fruit arrangement that Callie's husband made. Everything was delicious and beautiful.

We played games. Here we are playing the how big is Michelle's belly game. We also played a game where we got to know each other better, and my favorite game was a purse scavenger hunt. Honestly it was hilarious to see what we all had in our purses. I currently have a chewed up plastic french fry in mine that Delilah keeps reminding me we need to return to one of the girls in the ward.

Then we opened gifts, baby brother got some super cute clothes and some adorable blankets. He also got a few toys that his older sister may or may not have already ripped opened and played with.
I was having mild contractions the entire party and didn't think to take more pictures. I feel bad I didn't think to take more because it was a good time with good people. I'll be honest there is a group picture but I look like the broad side of a barn in it so it will go unposted.
Thanks Callie and Tobey you are the BEST!!! oh and Callie thanks for throwing me a shower even though I said no the first two times, it really was a blast.

How to make me happy at 37 weeks

2011-01-06T13:23:00.003-05:00

it's simple really. And no it isn't a mirror covered in Delilah hand prints. It's to have the doctor tell you you are at a 2 almost 3 and 70% effaced. Sure put a smile on my face!!

Dream

2011-01-04T13:13:00.003-05:00

Last night I had a difficult time falling asleep. I was exhausted but restless and of course couldn't get comfortable. I eventually fell asleep only to have a dream where my water broke in bed. It was one of those dreams where it's real life, I was dreaming of me at that exact moment in the exact position I was in and when I did wake up I didn't realize it was a dream and started feeling to the sheets to see if my water really had broken. Now all I can think about is this....

and that we aren't as ready as we should be. So don't mind me as my nesting suddenly kicks into full gear. Because we are going to have a baby . . . real soon.

PS: I put a poll question on the side bar for all to guess what color baby brother's hair will be. Delilah's was red.

Whenever I had dreams about this baby boy his hair was always jet black.

Collin and I are both hoping for blonde like his daddy's.

I was bald until I was 2.

So it's anyone's race really, I'm excited to see what you guess.

New Years Resolution

2011-01-02T22:25:00.002-05:00

Last year I fell back in love with goals. Right after High School I would make random goals and try to accomplish them. Like go to bed before 11 every night except Friday and Saturday. Serve every day and journal it. Read scriptures every morning. Go a month with out sugar (that was one of the more serious ones because I made the stipulation it had to be below the fourth ingredient in food. You try it, I could hardly eat anything). One time in China my goal was to sleep on my back. I've always been a stomach/side sleeper and was determined to sleep on my back. Silly goal yes but, I was determined and became a back sleeper. Most of my goals were a month long.

I have a little problem it's like the opposite of OCD I struggle making habits, good or bad. I don't have a daily routine, I don't do anything the same ever.(.. that is until D was born and I realized how much easier it is to be a parent when you have a schedule. So Delilah and I developed a daily schedule for her and when we stray from it she struggles. So she has one but I don't.) I've always wished I had a little OCD in me (just a little) because I really struggle to form good habits, maybe it's called ADD, who knows.

I read something somewhere that it takes 27 days of doing something everyday to make it a habit. So the theory behind my short term goals is that after doing something for a month I am more likely to do it even after the deadline is over because hopefully I've made a habit out of it. I usually try to make the goals very strict for the main month I am doing them so when the month is over it's okay if I slack a little.

Back to 2011, I'm going to try to keep making short term goals 12 to be precise one for each month. Short term goals helped me lose the 29 pounds I lost last year before I got pregnant and you can bet that losing weight is right up there on the top of my resolution list but just small steps at a time. Hence the picture above with the belt, you can expect to see that belt a lot through out the year just probably not until March.

So for January my goal is to keep my bathroom spotless. I have other small personal goals but my main super strict one is going to be to keep my bathroom spotless. I think I'll save run a 5k for another month when I have better control over my bladder and can walk with out a waddle.

If you have chosen to make a resolution this year GOOD LUCK and wish me the same.

Belly update

2011-01-01T16:59:00.001-05:00

He's making his decent. This boy is getting lower and lower I can breathe easier but I look like an idiot when I walk. I remember when I was first pregnant I was so sick I was just praying for the end to come even though I knew what it would be like.

the swollen feet

the pain in the hips

the constant inappropriate low kicks

the being so hungry but not able to eat hardly anything because you have no room

the heart burn, oh the heart burn

the constant snapping and cracking that comes from every joint in my body with every step I take

the trying to rotate in bed only to find you can move but your stomach will stay in place

the fatigue

only yoga pants will stay up

maternity shirts quit covering your belly

pain

needing to pee every time you stand up

sleeping with 4 pillows and still not feeling comfortable, or even close to it

zits

shortness of breath

feeling of needing to support your heavy belly

strangers talking to you about your pregnancy

the braxton hicks

As big of a pain it is to be this pregnant, I am trying really hard to enjoy it as much as possible just in case it's the last time I am pregnant. I love feeling him kick and nudge me (when it doesn't hurt).

I love that he wakes up and moves towards Delilah's voice when he hears her.

I love that when ever there is singing he starts dancing (little difficult during church)

I love using him as a table for my water and watching him move the water glass around.

I love how he holds perfectly still whenever his daddy puts his hand on him.

I love how there is no need or way to suck in.

I love sleeping in the middle of the day with no guilt or judgement.

I love eating ice cream in the middle of the day with no guilt or judgement.

Here's to the next few weeks... wish me luck

Christmas

2010-12-27T21:34:00.003-05:00

This picture sums up our Christmas. A messy house, (that we cleaned 3 times and should have known better because she just kept making messes with all her new stuff) a busy girl, and a tired mama.

We woke up around 8:30 and opened presents, all of us were pretty spoiled this year. We didn't really have anywhere to go and since we all had colds (the kind where you sneeze 3 times every 5 minutes, which when pregnant can come with a little collateral damage) we decided we would just hang out and enjoy all our new stuff, and each other's company of course. Collin's presents all seemed gaming centered including my favorite present I got him, wireless head phones. My presents were camera centered, and Delilah's presents were a little bit of EVERYTHING.

In true kid fashion after all the gifts had been opened we were eating breakfast when Delilah started begging for her scissors. (A friend of ours gave D some safety scissors a few weeks ago and Delilah loves practicing when ever she can.) So in the mist of all her new presents and toys Delilah practiced cutting junk mail for about 30 minutes. The cutting was followed by banging on all the empty boxes like drums. She eventually did play with all her toys I think she was just a little overwhelmed and needed something a little simpler before she dove into all the new stuff again. She's pretty funny.

I am so grateful for web cams. We were able to web cam with both families through out the day which helps with the homesickness. I'm am from a big family that has a lot of grand kids, family parties can get a little loud and crowded. Don't think for a second that I wouldn't want to be there in person with them, sometimes it's just fun to sit back and watch the chaos from our quiet couch.

All in all it was a great Christmas we took naps, played, and ate too much junk (which I paid for).

I hope you all were lucky enough to have had a wonderful Christmas as well.

Christmas Eve

2010-12-26T21:01:00.002-05:00

It's a shaw tradition to go out to eat for breakfast on Christmas Eve. I'm not one to argue.

We don't take D out very often because she is always a little stinker in restaurants. The last few times we have gone out though we have done this little trick.

1 packet of sweet and low + 1 fork = mini zen garden.

It usually keeps her busy until the food comes. She was a little angel for this breakfast.

We went home and napped then went to a ward member's home for Christmas Eve dinner and a reenactment of the Nativity. Delilah was an angel and we were suppose to bring a costume for her. I waited to long to find one for her and we ended up just using a Chinese shirt Collin got in China and his Tae kwan do belt.

She was very into her roll as you can see.

I was the narrator :)

We came home put D to bed and set up Christmas. Santa wasn't really feeling that well (aka grumpy, tired, hungry, and pregnant) so we just kinda piled up the presents and called it good. It was fun to think of how different this year is from last. (Have I mentioned lately how happy I am we are out of graduate school?) I kind of went overboard with D but rationalized it with the fact her world will be ROCKED in a month.

Before we went to bed we webcammed my parents and opened this present from them. Collin got a little competitive with it.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T23:30:00.002-05:00

You don't want to know how many takes there were for this picture.

belly update

2010-12-24T23:17:00.002-05:00

chex gooey party mix

2010-12-23T21:44:00.002-05:00

This treat has always been my favorite Holiday treat. It started with my aunt making it for parties, then my mom started making it. I could always count on it at the Blair Christmas party (and sometimes 4th of July) and since we have lived away from family I've been lucky enough to get a little of it in a baggie in my Christmas packages. I don't want to sound ungrateful for the wonderful presents that my mom sent me this year, she was very generous, but my chex party mix was missing. Which meant only one thing.... I would have to make my own. Which is great because it's fresh but this recipe makes a decent amount and this stuff isn't for dieters.

Chex Gooey Party Mix
1/2 box of 18oz Corn Chex
1/2 box of 18 oz Golden Grahams
1 cup slivered almonds
2 cups shredded coconut
1 cup Karo
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 sticks of butter

Combined chex, golden grahams, almonds, and coconut in a large bowl and set aside.
Bring Karo, sugar and butter to a boil for 3 minutes pour over cereal mixture.
Mix and try not to burn your tongue from eating it as soon as it's mixed.

Breakfast

2010-12-20T09:35:00.002-05:00

This is what I've had for breakfast EVERY DAY for over a month possibly two.
Orange Juice
Blueberry bagel with strawberry cream cheese
Acid reducer

I've never been someone who eats the same thing everyday but this pregnancy has done that to me.

For lunch most days I have a broccoli, potato, and cheese sauce Lean Cuisine. Seriously I'm embarrassed when I buy them because it's a huge stack of all the same meal. I don't feel too bad because one time in SC I saw an old lady with her shopping cart FULL of Salisbury steak TV dinners and beer. At least we know what we like.

My Birthday day

2010-12-18T22:32:00.003-05:00

Here's the run down of my birthday.

D and I got up I made us breakfast then we got back in my bed and ate breakfast while watching cartoons.

The reason we could watch cartoons in bed is because Collin got me a TV for my birthday. I've always been against having more than one TV in a home, Collin's opinion differs on the subject. At one point we had two TV's and it took a LOT of persuasion to get Collin to give it away. Enter pregnancy number two and the doctor telling me I need to be resting whenever possible. I've been trying my hardest to lay down a lot more but it's hard when I'm just laying in bed while Collin and D are in the other room hanging out, it feels a little more like I'm being quarantined instead of resting. D insists that when I'm in bed my door MUST be shut. So I told Collin I wanted a second TV and he was happy to oblige. Now D and I spend our mornings watching toons on TV. It's sad how much we've used it.
Anyway we hung out in the morning, did some laundry, did some puzzles, then put D down for a nap. Collin came home around 2:30 to hang out with us. We kept trying to come up with a fancy place to go eat that we could still take D to. Sadly we ended up at applebees.... pretty fancy huh? For all 3 of us to eat it was 28 bucks!

Here I am all dressed up for our "fancy" dinner. I do have a maternity coat but the sleeves are a little too short and it bugs me, so I rock this open front trench look :)

Delilah was super cute when she realized that we were putting her left overs in a box to take home. She insisted on carrying it all by herself out to the car and even put it in the fridge all on her own. Sometimes I just love that girl so much it hurts.

After our dinner we tried to think of a place to get some cake when I remembered there was a new cupcake shop that opened up in our down town. It is there that I had the worlds best lemon cupcake!! AMAZING!!

Delilah got to pick her own cupcake too. She was in sugar HEAVEN!!

After cupcakes we put D to bed and then we watched bounty hunter (stupid show) and went to bed.

I can honestly say that it was the best birthday I've had in years.
Just hanging out with my little family is exactly what I wanted

28 years ago today

2010-12-17T08:43:00.003-05:00

We went to Collin's company party this week and when another spouse was being introduced to us she asked if this was our first child (motioning towards my belly). I said no we have another at home. She looked SHOCKED and said "but you're so young."

Such a perfect week to hear that :)

Review

2010-12-16T11:45:00.000-05:00

I finally picked something for my CSN.com review and it was actually for me :)

I chose the Polder Deluxe Stainless Steel Bread Box. I've wanted one forever and this was the perfect chance to get one. It does what a bread box is suppose to do.

One con... don't take a pic of yourself in it. It won't be pretty.

But I do like how much bread it fits!

I bet you are jealous of my white bread aren't you? It's delicious and I feel guilty every time I eat it or give it to Delilah. At least it isn't wonder bread right? We had that last week.

OK! I promise we will go back to whole grain wheat bread when I'm done making a baby. Gosh! you guys can be pretty judgy.

Burr

2010-12-14T23:41:00.002-05:00

I can't think of a time I've been colder, and yes I remember Utah.
It got into the 20's today for the first time in a few days, it felt so warm.

We knew it was coming

2010-12-12T20:26:00.001-05:00

we aren't in South Carolina anymore.

Why I've not been blogging much

2010-12-10T21:11:00.002-05:00

We've been resting

And trying to snuggle, but it's getting a little more difficult.

Look what I found in my fridge

2010-12-07T20:45:00.002-05:00

Last year I had to search for this and this year I just happened to find it in my fridge.

Show's how much I've been thinking about it this year.

If you ask a Husband to take a picture

2010-11-27T15:50:00.001-05:00

On Thanksgiving we went to the church with a few other young families from the ward. We had TONS and TONS of food and a lot of fun. It was good times with good company and I think it was just what we needed. It seemed the moms and dads just took turns watching all the kids and it didn't seem like one had the kids more than the other so we all got some relaxing time. I asked Collin to take some pictures of our Thanksgiving and this is what I got. At least it's not a close up of my chest, because that's what I normally get when I ask him to take a picture. I hope everyone had as good and relaxing Thanksgiving as we did.

PS this seems like as good as any time to point out that a few weeks ago I bought a new Chi to replace my 6 year old one that has a bad short in the cord. You may have noticed my hair is done a little more often now :) Even if I do it then throw it into a crappy pony because I get hot easy.

I think I ate to much yesterday

2010-11-26T15:38:00.003-05:00

I'm 31 weeks and feel it. So far this pregnancy has been pretty miserable, I try not to complain but it's getting harder and harder not too. I had a doctor's appointment on Wednesday and told her all my symptoms (which I'll spare you) she told me I have been doing to much and needed to rest more. I had Delilah with me but she wasn't being "Delilah" when the doctor came in because she was being "Delilah" a few minutes earlier stood on a chair, pushed it away from the wall and fell on her head. So the doctor saw a sweet quiet girl snuggling me. I don't think the doctor realizes how difficult it can be to "rest" with this little girl, especially when Collin has to keep leaving for work.

Collin has talked to work and is trying to figure out a way that will keep him from having to leave again for the next two weeks. We'll see what happens. But I'm starting to think that two kids might just be the perfect size for our family.

6 years ago today

2010-11-23T23:52:00.003-05:00

Six years ago today, it was also the day before thanksgiving, I married this guy.

Collin had been home from his mission 4 months, I had been home from Taiwan 4 1/2 months. We were so young, and so crazy, and when I hear couples who do what we did I think "They are crazy and too young, why aren't they waiting?" Then I have to remember... "Oh yah, we were crazy too." (for those of you who don't know our story it's HERE).

We didn't care what everyone said, all we knew was that we loved each other and that we needed to be together.

I mean if you meet a guy who can make you make this face you have to marry him right?

Did you know I didn't know I snorted when I laughed really hard until I met Collin. That's what couples do they, help each other find their random flaws. My snorting is for the most part under control now.

Here's to SIX years!! I love you babe!

How I get paid

2010-11-22T14:05:00.002-05:00

I've not seen this in over 2 years

2010-11-20T17:20:00.000-05:00

I forgot all about dry skin, I rarely used Lotion in SC. I looked down at my hand while driving today and noticed it, at least it's not bleeding yet.

The McRib

2010-11-19T12:15:00.000-05:00

I have a confession.

About 3 years ago McDonald's started running commercials about how the McRib is back, but only for a limited time. I remember talking to some classmates about how I had never had a McRib before and didn't want one but felt like I would be missing out on a piece of Americana if I never tried one and I had the opportunity.

It could have been that I was pregnant with D, but I was crazy and put it on my list of things to do but like all things you feel you "need" to do but don't "want" to do I procrastinated. Before I knew it there was a big sign that said "Last day to get a McRib" on our local McDonald's, and I didn't get one.

That's it, I had missed my chance. I was going to die with never having had a McRib.

The next day Both Collin and I had been working all day and we were tired. I can't remember why Collin left but he came back with a small bag from McDonald's. He had two McRibs, he said he took a chance and they still had some. I remember loving him so much at that moment, for some reason in my mind it's one of the sweetest things he's ever done for me. I was sitting on my bed when he brought it to me and we both sat there on our bed as I tried my first and last McRib.

It was disgusting.

But I did it, I had had a McRib, crossed off the list.

Then the next year miraculously the McRib came back.

WHAT!!

I thought it was gone.. gone forever and here they go bringing it back. Just to be mean to me like Ha Ha we said it wouldn't come back, so you ate it, it was gross, and here it is back again just to laugh at you.

And now those stupid commercials are back again! I hate seeing those commercials, ever time it's a slap in my face!

Stupid McDonald's I won't be made a fool by your stupid processed pork products again.

stupid McDonald's

upcoming review...

2010-11-18T17:42:00.004-05:00

Being 30 weeks pregnant (as of today) I've lost all motivation to do pretty much everything. I haven't been blogging as much as I usually do, I haven't been sewing, I haven't been crafting, I haven't even been taking pictures. I have however discovered there is one thing you don't need any motivation to do and that's shopping online, and the good people at CSN have given me an opportunity to do another product review. With Christmas coming up I've been looking at all sorts of things to give a try on CSN. With Collin traveling so much lately I immediately looked up luggage because he needs a new garment bag. As per usual while looking for Collin I ended up looking for Delilah. Look at this children's luggage, isn't it adorable. I mean why would Collin need a new garment bag when D could get this adorable owl back pack?

I'll make sure to let you know what I pick, maybe this time I'll get something for me. With CSN.com who knows what I'll pick they seriously have everything, we'll have to wait and see.

belly update

2010-11-10T14:21:00.005-05:00

you might notice I changed the picture, I'm really 28 weeks in this pic not 27

I have now gained between 2-4 pounds depending on the morning.

I have started wanting only orange juice or water to drink and am in love with potatoes. When Collin was gone I bought a bunch of the lean cuisine broccoli, potato and cheese meals I love them.

Sleep is getting more difficult and my legs fall asleep a little to easy.

Delilah doesn't really fit on my lap anymore but you wouldn't know it because she still does. She has to sit more on the side than my lap but I don't know if it's just me but she seems more snugly lately, I think she is starting to understand her world is about to be rocked.

The gallbladder is still acting up but that's because I am cheating a bit more than before. I need to be better with that.

Baby brother is a kicker and he's mean about it. Part of me is excited when he is bigger and can't move as much, even though I know that will mean I will just constantly be uncomfortable from every little move. His favorite spot is that "low" spot that you just want to cross your legs and cry. Oh little boy... you are going to be a handful.

A few cute stories to end on I don't think baby brother has as big of a swimming pool as D had. I didn't feel D move this much and when she did move I remember it being uncomfortable but never painful. Baby brother can drop me to my knees sometimes with some of his kicks.

Yesterday he was behaving perfectly fine probably sleeping until Collin put on Journey for Delilah to dance to when he immediately started dancing too. His big sister did this all the time when she was in the womb, but mainly with guitar hero. I think he will love music just as much as D.

Also I felt hiccups for the first time. I remember having an ultrasound with Delilah and the nurse saying "oh look she has the hiccups, but I'm sure you already knew that." Nope, didn't feel a thing. The other day I felt what I can only assume were hiccups, it was a cute not painful feeling almost like a strong heartbeat. I guess I'll keep this sweet little guy after all :) Hopefully he won't throw up when he gets the hiccups like his big sister still does though.

Mormon Ads

2010-11-05T15:26:00.005-04:00

The lack of blogging has been to prevent me from complaining. I've just been moody and full of complaints this week.

A few months ago I went to a Relief Society activity where we all wrote down a burden that we had and were willing to let someone help us with. (I couldn't think of anything I was willing to let anyone help me with, which I think is probably a problem of mine, I don't like help. I eventually wrote down how to make the perfect tortilla. Every time I make them they are to thick for my liking, I think I just need to buy a tortilla press.) The burden I chose to help with was to plan a Mutual activity for the beehives. I figured I've done that before, I can do that, and as a leader I would have loved for someone to step in just one week and take over for me.

So last night I went to mutual, I got put in primary pretty fast once we moved into the ward so I really don't know any of the youth. The beehives were adorable. When I told them we were going to be making our own mormon ads they were so excited and one girl said "This is such a good idea, this will be so fun". In SC when I was the beehive advisor I always left mutual feeling like my activities were super lame and the girls were too cool for them. These girls were so enthusiastic and so fun it took my complaining mood away.

For the activity I brought a basket full of props, showed them the mormon ads and told them to try to come up with their own. These are what they came up with, I took the pictures home and photoshoped them so they looked more like traditional mormon ads and will print out little wallet pictures for the girls to have.

I have always felt uncomfortable putting pictures of other peoples children on my blog so I blured out their faces.

This last one is my favorite. I was lucky to find a picture so perfect for her pose.

Oh and a lot of people asked how I made our Halloween shirts. I used freezer paper as a stencil then painted the shirt with fabric paint. I am planning on using the same method to make baby brother a tux onesie so when I get around to that I'll do a tutorial :)

Halloween costumes

2010-10-31T00:17:00.002-04:00

This Halloween I made all of our costumes. I ended up not re making D's dress in fact a few hours before our trick or treat party I fixed the problem areas with hot glue.... yep that's how "professional" I am.

Delilah wouldn't take off her glasses or stand for any pictures.

I made mine and Collin's shirts on Tuesday. I'm going to be honest I'm pretty proud of mine, and it was a whole lot easier to make than D's Annie dress, and both shirts cost about 3 bucks to make.

Random

2010-10-27T02:15:00.003-04:00

Life's sucked these last few weeks Collin's not been home. I'm feeling more and more pregnant every day. I cheated so bad on my gallbladder diet this weekend that I'm still paying for it today. And D and I are getting kinda sick of each other. It will be nice when Collin is back.

Anyway to keep from turning the blog into a huge complaint blog I've not posted.

I just thought I would share something from today. D and I were struggling with each other particularly bad today. I had done crafts with her, we played with Legos, we colored, we sang songs, we did a TON of different things trying to keep her entertained and happy (it was stormy most of the day) eventually to save her from my lack of patience she ended up in front of the TV.

Around 6 we went to target, it wasn't the worst shopping trip but it was one of those where I'm sure everyone in the store knew her name by time we left.

"Delilah where did you go"

"Ahh.. Delilah let's put that down"

"Delilah you have to put your shoes back on"

"Delilah you can get in the cart or get out but you can't do both"

"Delilah don't run away"

"Delilah please don't put that in the cart"

"Delilah, honey we don't need a hot dog costume for a dog"

By time we got to the check out I was spent and Delilah still had plenty of energy so of course the lady in front of us felt the need to apply for a target credit card. So while that was happening I kept putting candy back on the shelf and trying to just keep her near me.

Finally when we got to the register to check out the checker was going so quick as way to apologize, she barely even looked at us. Eventually she noticed D climbing everywhere and said "she's adorable" at the same moment looking at me. Then she did a double take at me and said "you guys could be twins" She literally was dumb founded for a moment and just looked at me then D then me then D "you guys look exactly alike!!" It was cute how she said it so sincerely. I don't know what made it different from the other 10 million times a day we are told we look like each other She just seemed so caught off guard by how much a mom and daughter could look alike.

It made me realize I should be nicer to my daughter because there is no denying she's mine.

Belly update

2010-10-21T20:27:00.003-04:00

Due to potty training we have spent a lot of time in the bathroom this week, which means I saw this view ... a lot. I think baby brother has doubled in size just this week. I really wasn't as grumpy as this picture looks, D is actually doing really well (fingers crossed).

PS. I gained my first pound this week, but I think it could be due to the fact we've been drinking a lot lately :).

What we've been reading

2010-10-17T16:06:00.001-04:00

It starts tomorrow (unless I come up with a good excuse). Wish us luck!!

Our life lately

2010-10-13T14:46:00.001-04:00

Well it's official, I've hit the "Hermit" stage of my pregnancy. I feel like I could fall asleep standing up most days. Yesterday I turned on PBS for D to watch and laid on the sofa to watch it with her. I didn't plan on falling asleep but I did for I would guess 15 minutes, the show we were watching was still on when I opened my eyes. Want to know what woke me up? Sweet D putting a sticker off a new shirt over my eyes. On further examination I had two Dora band-aids on my arm too. She's adorable.

Baby Brother is kicking the crap out of me constantly and hates when I wear anything tight on my stomach, luckily so do I so we rock yoga pants most days. I'm so sick of maternity pants either they hurt and stay up or they are constantly falling down, yoga pants are the only thing that stay in place and don't hurt. Speaking of clothes and baby brother, for some reason Collin has been super worried we don't have any clothes for the baby yet, to be honest we don't have anything for the baby yet, mainly out of laziness on my part. So when I got an email from the Children's place on Monday, saying they were having a big sale and had a 20% off entire purchase coupon, I told Collin and we met up for his lunch break. We got 14 things for 13 dollars :) Yay us!! Unfortunatly all those items are for next summer so we still need to go stock up on onesies, but still great deal right?!

We have been eating out a little more than we normally do and watching a little more TV than we normally do. We use to go to the park every night after work but it's been getting darker earlier and I'm so pooped I don't want to do anything. One night so we got exciting and pulled out scrabble. Let me say I was doing amazing!! Kicking Collin's trash and then the little punk put an "ing" on my word "quilt" making it a 102 point word (it was on two triple word scores). Then I put down "rower" I know it's not an allowed word because of the "er" but Collin said it was ok, then the little jerk goes and slaps a "g" onto it making himself another 70 some odd points. I hate when he wins games, mainly because he always wins, but I had this one in the bag!

Anyway if you are still reading this you now know that we are now super boring people. Two things can come from this a lack of blogging or a bunch of super boring posts. We'll just have to wait and see which one happens.

Anyway so that being said you now know how "loserish" our life has become, we are the people who get bitter over scrabble games. Yah, we like to keep it real.

We've got Annie

2010-10-10T21:40:00.002-04:00

(sorry the pics stink, lighting was terrible and I wasn't very proud of her costume at the moment and didn't feel like taking pictures of it. We'll get better ones closer to Halloween)

We had our first Halloween party on Saturday night. I am trying to get all of the red headed costumes out of the way before D is old enough to choose her own costume. Last year we did pebbles this year we did Annie. I made this little dress for her Friday night, I learned a lot and enough to want to make it again so it can look better because there are a ton of little things that bother me.
I've never made a dress with sleeves before Friday night.

I've never made a dress with a collar before until Friday night.
The last time I put a zipper in was 7th grade home economics.
My sewing machine wasn't digging my white thread so I topped stitched in red and it bothers me..... a lot.

I sewed the collar on wrong the first time. . . it was midnight.
It's a little tight in the shoulders.
It's too short.
Around 1:30 when I finished her dress I started to consider buying patterns instead of winging it like I always do. I don't know why I'm so against them.

All that being said I now know I can make it even better and I have enough fabric to do it so we'll see if on Halloween she is wearing a different dress.

Love them

2010-10-09T16:18:00.001-04:00

Turkey Sloppy Joes

2010-10-08T12:48:00.000-04:00

We have been using ground turkey instead of ground beef for a while now. We have even used turkey sausage and while yes you can tell the difference, most the time if you didn't know it was turkey you wouldn't think twice and these sloppy joes were no exception. Plus ground turkey is so much better for you than beef, so why not?

Turkey Sloppy Joes:

1lb ground turkey

1/4 cup diced bell pepper (half a normal to small bell pepper)

1/4 cup diced white onion (Due to my gallbladder I substituted 3 Tablespoons dried minced onion)

1 Tablespoon fresh minced garlic (you may use less if you aren't a huge garlic fan like we are)

or good sprinkle of garlic powder

2 teaspoons yellow mustard

1/2 cup ketchup

1/2 cup BBQ sauce

2 Tablespoons water

salt and pepper to taste

Brown the turkey (you can drain the fat if you want, we get the leanest ground turkey we can find and usually there is so little fat that it isn't worth draining it.) then add the green pepper, white onion and garlic. After about 3-5 minutes or the peppers and onions have started to soften and lose their moister add the ketchup, bbq sauce, mustard, and water, mix and let simmer for 3-5 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste.

DELICIOUS!!!

recipe adapted from HERE