Chicken and Brocoli Alfredo

I make this entire recipe home made, so it takes me two days between work and children. If you wanted to use a jarred Alfredo sauce or Prepackaged breaded chicken that would eliminate time and work. Just doctor things I guess where you see fit.

Alfredo Sauce, This is from All Recipies.com but this is the one I use and have used for years. I doubled this recipe to turn it into a casserole type deal.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium low heat. Add cream and simmer for 5 minutes, then add garlic and cheese and whisk quickly, heating through. Stir in parsley and serve.

CHICKEN

1 Pound chicken tenders

Flour Mix:

1 Cup AP flour

1 Teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon poultry seasoning

1 Teaspoon paprika

1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder

1 Teaspoon onion powder

2 Eggs beaten

2 Cups bread crumbs

Take raw and thawed chicken, thoroughly coat chicken in flour/spice mixture, Then into eggs, and then into bread crumbs. I choose to bake mine, You could fry it if you wanted. I bake on 350 for 45 minutes. I remove and place in the fridge over night.

The next day in a large bowl I mix 4 cups of chopped broccoli, chicken and half of a double batch of Alfredo sauce. I boil one box of angel hair pasta. I coat the bottom of the pan with a few spoon fulls of the Alfredo sauce. Then I lay down the cooked pasta. On top I add the mixture of the broccoli, chicken and the sauce. After that I pour the rest of the Alfredo sauce over the entire dish and coat with some Parmesan cheese. Then cook for 30 minutes on 350 in the oven. Easily one of the tastiest things :)

Easter Sunday!

Today was Elijah's 3rd Easter and Jonah's 2nd. All in all I'd say we did great. We had friends over and we all went on an egg hunt, ate waaaayyy to much and then dyed some eggs. Followed by more eating and conversation. It was a great day. I don't deserve Jesus walking to that cross, and I do not deserve to have my sins hung on an innocent man but I am thankful he did so.

The boys loved their Easter baskets. Pretty much everything Cars2 you could imagine was involved. I was kind of proud that other than 1 bunny each we didn't fill them with Candy. That was my goal. As it is I have a hard time getting the boys to eat, I want to use any and all room in their bellies for wholesome snacks and treats. We (and I do mean the Easter bunny) managed to cram lots of outdoor fun in there. Kites, Chalk, and bubbles. We added some indoors fun with toy cars and coloring books as well. They also got some bath soap and fruit snacks. I'd say it was great!

After hunting Easter eggs I took the candy filled eggs over to the neighbor boys. At least the ones Elijah and Jonah received. I had seen them watching us hunt, and thought I should share the candy. My two got plenty this year, and truth be told I kind of like making others smile. Their Dad came over about 3 minutes later to thank us and tell us how much he appreciated us because "You just don't see that anymore, no one is nice to each other these days". It's so true. I want my boys to be raised better than that. Of course I don't want them to be oblivious to the dangers of the world but how can we possibly be a tight community if we don't even know each others names? The boys next door seemed to like it, through my open kitchen window I could hear "Awesome this one has jelly beans" and "Oh look, gummy bears!". It made me smile, and I know it made them smile. Although my guys are too young just yet to know they gave their candy away, I like to think their happy too. For Elijah it was more about finding the egg and handing it to Dad to find another. Jonah just wanted to eat Jelly beans from his first find.

I made a huge feast, literally. There was enough to send home food with each person and still have some left overs for our fridge. I'd say for my first time cooking a ham I did pretty well. I made Mac and Cheese, Mashed potatoes, Veggies, Veggie trays, Stuffing, Short Cake with strawberry sauce, Banana bread, and drunken apple tart. As promised bellow is the tart recipe. Otherwise, I am heading to bed. This Mommy worked really hard today.

Drunken Apple Tart:

Crust:
1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold butter
4 Tablespoons cold beer (I used Corona, it's just what I had)
1/4 cup sugar

Blend all together until incorporated, but do not over mix. Press into pie pan.

Filling:
6 Medium Apples, cored and sliced
8 ounces blackberry Merlot
1 ounce flavored vodka (I used apple, but really any will do)
1 cup Sugar
1 Teaspoon apple cider vinegar
2 Cinnamon sticks OR 1 Tablespoon cinnamon (Make sure to remove sticks after simmer, before placing filling in pan)
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 Tablespoons molasses

~ Add all filling ingredients to large stock pot. Simmer for 45 minutes on medium heat stirring often. Apples will become soft and sauce will thicken to syrup form. Reserve 4 tablespoons of syrup for topping. Remove cinnamon sticks if used and pour into pie pan over crust mixture (raw). Bake on 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes and remove from oven. Cool before serving.

"You always seem to land on your feet"

I remember shortly after graduation going back to the high school and visiting my art teacher. The art room had been the only room of the high school I ever felt confident in, and frankly the only class I tried to do more than "Pass to get the heck out". Probably something that is evident in the lack of grammar and spelling skills in my blog but hey, 6 years later I am working on it. I went back with an engagement ring and a smile. Proud to show off my diamond ring and hope for adventure. After gushing about my plans, Fiance and upcoming wedding I must have admitted being a little afraid (The exact conversation I can't recall). Something that has always stuck with me though is what my beloved Miss Fisher said to me.... "You always seem to land on your feet".

Indeed this must be true still today. Even at that point, only a year after graduation, it was ringing true. I had plans to join the Army and get the heck out of dodge my senior year. Only after not applying to college, forming a plan B and sitting around for a summer waiting on paperwork did I find out that my medical records would work against me. So I enrolled in college, started dating Nate and planted myself in my parents house. Some might say I failed, I'd say I found my feet. It's been a like this since becoming an adult. A plan comes, it changes, I figure out how to deal with it and I "Find my Feet". 5 years of marriage, 2 children and 2 deployments sure have helped me figure out that those "feet".. Those are actually God's plan. That trust I have in the fact that I will always find them, That is faith.

Tonight I was thinking about our move. There is a lot that goes into a move in general, but one that takes you across an ocean... Well there is slightly more planning. For instance with there being 2 shipments I have to decide what I can fit in a 3x3x3 box that I would like immediately (Shipment 1) and then everything else (Shipment 2). There are things the movers wont touch, and things I will be holding my breathe while they pack..... There is making sure I keep enough out to get me through a month in Ohio, but not too much to fly with. If housing isn't available I have to find an apartment, and this is being done online. I'm sure you can picture some of the stress at this point. It made me think about my move to Kansas though. Being 19 and never living with anyone that wasn't family. Starting out with nothing and moving in with a boy (gasp!). There was the thrill of independence and the fear of the 12 hours between my mom in I if I needed her. I'm not even a little ashamed to admit I bawled the whole entire drive that first time. Of course I knew Nate would be part of a deployment to Iraq. Although I did not know it would be a horrifying experience and 15 agonizing months. It was intense, thrilling and scary. Thinking about this has put Hawaii into a little perspective though. If I could concern this at only 19, while most of my peers were most concerned about getting their older siblings to buy beer why is Hawaii so hard for me?

Finding those feet is all about faith, and the ability to accept that although it isn't what "I" want it is the path I am meant to take...........

"As your faith is strengthened you will find there is no longer the need to have a sense of control, that things will flow as they will, and that you will flow with them, to your great delight and benefit" Emmanuel Teney

Perhaps there is a great deal that goes with this, but there is also a great deal to come out of it. I set out in my marriage to see the world and to make everything I can out of myself. 6 years planted in Kansas is long enough.

Moving To Hawaii

You read the above correctly, As of the end of this month we are Hawaii bound. Well, actually it will be June before we are in Hawaii but come April 30th we turn the keys to this house over to the housing office on Ft. Riley and pack our final things and say goodbye to Kansas. We will be spending May in Ohio (One weekend in Michigan) and then we get going. I'm nervous, this is our first PCS. However I have calmed down a lot since we first got the orders (I sobbed hysterically). We managed to sell Nathan's car (The army will only pay to ship one, we chose the van) and I have been slowly weeding through the things in storage getting rid of baby items we don't need anymore (We are fairly certain we are finished having children) and cleaning.

I have a hard time thinking that tomorrow I turn 25 and I have already done so much. Age 25 and I have two amazing little boys, a husband and will be living in Hawaii soon. I know some people my age who have yet to settle anyplace other than their parents basement so although I still have a list of things to accomplish (College, Running, establishing a career, ect.) I feel that I have accomplished a lot. I may do things a little backwards (Husband, Family then college) but it's my way. It works for me!

Anyhow, It's birthday party season so we have one to attend later today and I need to go make myself presentable.

2012 starting right :)

WOW! It sure has been a long time since I wrote here. I am excited to be back though. I can't wait to share!

Today I want to share my weight loss plan. Although honestly it's more of a lifestyle change than anything because I do not intend to ever come back to this size. I compiled my plan from talking to a personal trainer and nutritionist. I am so excited to get started. Bellow is my 8 week plan. At the end of this 8 weeks I will form a new and more challenging plan. By only planning out 8 weeks I am giving myself short term goals to help me reach my long term goal, which is to loose a total 100 pounds and being able to get rid of my diabetes forever.

After talking to my diatician, we formed a diet plan. I am actually a vegitarian now, something I recently chose to do. So rather than giving me a meal plan or menu she's giving me the freedom to create my own menu. I have been encouraged to use a dry erase board to write down EVERYTHING that enters my body. Included in writing it down I must write down the servings, Calories and Carbs that that item contained. Shes also challenged me to eat no more than 1,500 calories a day (But at least 1,200 or my body wont allow me to burn fat). Also, because I am a diabetic and struggle with my sugars I am to have 3 meals with 30 at or under carbs each, and 3 snacks at or under 15 carbs. I think after pricing things, I am going to consider slim fast for my Breakfast and Lunch options. I haven't made up my mind yet though.

After talking to a personal trainer I have a very in depth fitness plan. I have a running program that I will do Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. It's designed to take someone who never runs or hasn't run and transform them into a 5K runner within 8 weeks. On Tuesday, Thursday and Friday I have some strength training exercises that increase in repetition over an 8 weeks cycle. On Sunday he's given me what he calls a "Free Day". Not a day to do nothing but a day that lets me choose. It should be light and fun. Something that keeps me active for 30 minutes but also is relaxing. He suggested Zumba or Yoga. I have the rhythm of a cabbage patch doll so I think I will be doing yoga.

I also talked with my Dr last week about vitamins and healthy weight loss so for my sugar needs and my boys needs I have a list of vitamins I will be using as well. I'm pretty excited about this. I've also encouraged all my girlfriends to join me (If they are trying to loose that is) and anyone local is welcome to come to the gym with me. I plan to turn all the information I gained into a handbook today. If anyone would like that please let me know and I will share!

Wish me luck :) I can't wait!!

I haven't really written in this in awhile, I've been using my old fashioned paper and pen journal more.

We recently moved into a nice house on post. A town home style vs. the apartment style we had before. So far they seem fairly sound proof. I asked/apologized to the neighbors about my hanging things on the walls the other night and they didn't even know I had. So that is a good sign. Much different then hearing every neighbors every move. We have a garage and 2 floors so it seems much bigger than our old house. We did our final walk through in the apartment yesterday and made it through without owing anything. Thank goodness too.

Elijah had surgery, but he was a trooper. I did okay with that. I cried some when they took him back and then when he woke up I could hear him crying through the door and I had some serious Mom anxiety about why they weren't coming to get us yet. Fortunately they did within about 2 minutes. I might have hurt someone otherwise. He bounced back pretty quick, and even within hours of being home he was trying to stand and walk around. He is crazy. His bandage fell off before it was supposed to but the the Dr didn't seem worried, and tonight will be his first bath since.

We had a Dr. appointment for Jonah, and everything looks great so far. Healthy baby boy. The lab on Riley did loose my urine test and my glucose test though. I have to repeat those. Freaking lab!

Elijah is getting closer and closer to what I assume will be walking. He gets on all 4's like he might crawl but then rather than doing that tries to tuck his legs under him and go. I am in trouble now!

Other than that, I've been having a lot on my mind lately so I've been using my other journal since some of it isn't so nice and frankly I don't think it's fair to be judged for emotions or thoughts by people. I think it is a combo of nerves about deployment, stress and hormones but either way it isn't comfortable thinking. I guess it's probably effecting both Nate and I but there isn't much to change that. I will just have to struggle through until he leaves, and then deal with it on my own or he will have to read the pink book because I don't really feel the need to bring it up and chat otherwise.

So there is my update I guess. Not too happening, but it has been done either way.

Well intended advice?

Although I do have a few recipes to add, I have been slacking lately. I have a pretty nasty cold right now so lately it has just been soup. I will post more later but right now I think I am just going to write.

So I've spent allot of time defending my actions to people. From Family, To friends, to little old ladies in the stores. I've defended the way we want to raise Elijah, Why I am a stay at home Mom, What Nate and I are going to do on R&R and why I do so many other things. I've heard everything from "You're a new Mom you don't know" to "We have 6 kids, so trust me" and anything in between. I've had complete strangers advise me, I've had family members question me, and friends correct me. It's frustrating.

This morning I sat down to play with Elijah and something dawned on me. I am so sick of explaining myself. When I was little and I would ask my Mom "Why" I can clearly remember her always telling me "I don't explain myself to you". At the time I obviously hated that answer, but the more I think about it the more I like it. I am Elijah's Mom, and short of Nate, it really isn't anyone's business "Why". I could fill this page with a huge explanation as to why about so many things that have been questioned but honestly why should I? Despite how entitled you feel to give advice, or how wrong you think something is, or how overprotective you think I am being it isn't any persons place to ask us to justify anything. Maybe there is something you did differently and you think I am completely backwards but I honestly don't think that gives anyone any right to comment. I would expect it if we were neglecting Elijah or something worse but he hasn't been neglected a day in his life and he has never gone without. I guess I just feel annoyed when someone whats a justification when he isn't even their son. Despite how much it bothers someone that I follow Dr. instructions, or do something a little out of the books, or go exactly by the books he is my child. I am willing to bet some great money that when whom ever had their children they got pretty annoyed receiving well intended advice/questions pertaining to their parenting.

I am never to proud to ask for help, so I guess it just drives me crazy when people want to just jump on in when I haven't asked. I obviously feel comfortable enough that I haven't asked about anything, so please just let me be.

It is a boy!

Well today was an interesting day. I thought my ultrasound was supposed to be tomorrow. Well not thought, it was supposed to be tomorrow at 1. Today at 11 my phone rang and being that it was an IACH number I figured I should answer. Good thing I did. Turned out that the ultrasound technician I was supposed to see tomorrow had and emergency and would be taking her husband to Wichita tomorrow for ER surgery. She said she could see me at 12:30 today though. Well since Nate was at work I told her I'd have to call her back, and since Elijah couldn't go to that appointment I would need to find a sitter. THANK GOODNESS my friend Heather was able to take him, she was lined up to keep him tomorrow but she was good to go today also. Good thing! Nate was able to get home, and I was able go today.

Almost immediately the ultrasound showed what I had already thought, It is in fact a baby boy. We have made most of our phone calls and texts. I think Nate may have a few more calls, I am not sure. We had a few bumps among our texts and phone calls. A few people who made some seriously snide comments but I have chosen to ignore it, and those people. Time to just move on and be thrilled about our child.

Two recipes to make up for yesterday:

Okay so I forgot about my posting yesterday. Not that it really was anything impressive, We only did cottage cheese and pop corn chicken. We had to go shopping after Nate got home from work. It was late when we got back so I didn't have time to cook. Anyway, I will post the egg salad recipe from today and our refried beans.

So I made egg salad for lunch, Figured it was easy and made great sandwiches.
Egg Salad:
5 hard boiled eggs
1/2 cup mayo
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoons paprika
3 chopped green onions

Peel and chop the hard boiled eggs, Mix all ingredients together! Yum!

I made Mexican food tonight for Nate, since we'd been busy lately and eating all my favorites (Italian mostly) I figured he deserved his favorite foods. I realized after getting everything out that we didn't have refried beans. So it was too google I had to go. I have to say, I do not normally like these beans but this was so yummy!!

Re-Fried beans/ Semi-homemade style:
3 Tablespoons bacon drippings or Vegtable oil
4 gloves garlic
1 Medium Onion
2 Can pinto beans
3 teaspoon cilantro
1 Teaspoon pepper
2 chopped green onions

Heat oil/drippings and add Garlic and Onions. Saute until very soft. Add Beans, Cilantro, and Pepper. Stir until everything is warm. You can either use a potato masher or in my case a blender (I don't have a potato masher). Blend until texture you like. Garnish with a sprinkle of Cilantro and Pepper and serve!

Red Velvet Cake

So I think I may actually try and do a recipe a day in this. Well within reason. I do imagine there will be some days I miss (The day Nate leaves, or when I have the baby) but I will put as many in as I can. I am not an accomplished cook by any means, but I think maybe if I make this challenge for myself I might get allot better! By having to find homemade things I am really gaining knowledge and some great recipes.


Well Elijah has been a crank, Nate was a crank at lunch and I have a BAD headache. So tonight is hamburger helper. Not much to talk about there, but last night I did make a red velvet cake. My favorite, trying to make myself feel better. So here is that recipe, I never did any tweaking to this one, so this is one straight from the Archive! Enjoy!

2-1/2 cups cake flour
1 tsp. salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs
3 tbsp. unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
1 oz. red food coloring
1-1/2 tsp. pure vanilla
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp. cider or white vinegar
1 tsp. baking soda

Cooks Note: Use liquid red food coloring, such as McCormick or Durkee; if Wilton's is used, only 1/2 tsp. is needed.

Preheat oven to 350°F for 15 minutes before baking cake.

In a mixing bowl, sift together flour and salt. Set aside.

In a separate mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, on medium speed for three minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

In a small bowl, stir together cocoa powder, food coloring and vanilla extract. Beat this into the butter mixture.

Stir 1/3 of the flour mixture into the butter mixture, alternating with 1/2 of the buttermilk, another 1/3 of flour, the remaining buttermilk, and the remaining flour mixture; stir just until blended.

In a cup, combine vinegar and baking soda. Mixture will fizz. Stir this into the batter and combine well.

Divide batter evenly between two greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans.

Bake for about 22 to 28 minutes until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.

Allow cakes to cool in pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Run a blunt knife along edges of pan to free cake; remove cake gently from pans and cool completely on wire rack.

Crock Pot Chicken

Today was a day to say the least. I left Elijah on his tummy mat for about 10 seconds to go to the bathroom and when I got back he had stripped himself of his diaper and was playing in his poo. He was covered, my carpets was also. So after giving him a bath, and shampooing my carpets I was over it, but seriously, nasty!

Made crock pot herb chicken today. It was so so.
Its obviously chicken breasts, with herbs and garlic. 2 tablespoons of basil, oregano, parsley, garlic, and tyme. I mixed 2 tablespoons of honey with 2 tablespoons lemon juice and added the chicken with 1/4 cup water and let it all simmer on low for 4 hours. It was okay. I don't really like chicken recently though, so that could have a bit to do with it.

Garlic Biscuts

Well today after Church we spoke to the Pastor and we are getting baptized on September 12th. Right after the 10:30 Service. There is a bake sale/pot luck after that also. So we will do that after probably. At least as long as Elijah lets us stay! Anyone who would like to come, it is at First Christian Church in Junction City. Service starts at 10:30am. I understand they do it right after the service. For directions you can visit www.fccjcks.com or just get ahold of me!

Tonight we had the leftover meatballs and spaghetti. I figured I would have some garlic bread, well we didn't have that, so I found a basic biscuit recipe and added to it. Wow yum. Anyone else seeing a pattern with me and posting recipes? Oh well I will continue to post as I continue to bake. Anyone reading this that likes me: For Christmas I would really like a stand mixer, rolling pin and some really nice pyrex mixing bowls. Just saying :)

2 cups sifted flour
2 teaspoons Baking Powder
4 Tablespoons of butter
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoon of garlic
1 teaspoon of the following: Sage, Oregano, Basil, Parsley, Italian seasoning mix
1 Tablespoon Parmesan cheese (Fine Grated)

Mix together the flour, salt, baking powder, spices, and Parmesan cheese. I use a whisk to combine them completely. Cut in the butter and olive oil, I cut the butter into 1 table spoon increments and then mix it in with my fingers one at a time. Dumping the Olive Oil mid way through. Once combined stir in the milk very slowly. Roll dough out onto a clean and floured counter top. I think the dough should be no more than 1/4 inch thick but I make mine thinner. I also don't own a biscuit cutter, but have found for bite size biscuits (Great for dipping in the past sauce) I use a baby food jar. I flip it upside down, using the mouth of the jar to cut through the dough. Bake on 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Really watch the time though, I make mine thinner so it was more like 10 minutes for me.

Spaghetti w/ meatballs evening

I find that cooking relaxes me when I am stressed. So not to shockingly after we went to the neighborhood pool we came home and enjoyed some Spaghetti and Meatballs. YUMMO! I will post the recipe below. On a side note however, At dinner Nate and I determined the Berry Syrup from breakfast would also be tasty on plain vanilla Ice cream. So there is another thought for that (See previous blog post for that recipe). I uploaded a few new pictures on Facebook. Oh and tonight we also gave Elijah some small Wheat Noodles (Plain of course) to enjoy. I was told by my Mom and I actually read about it too, that when Mom and Dad eat dinner you should have you child sit at the table with you in their chair. We normally feed him his jars of food before we eat. Then when we eat we sit him down with some Gerber puffs and a Biter biscuit and juice. He's been pretty good about it, and it's also supposed to help with manners and social skills. We will see, but since he doesn't like us out of his site anyhow its really been working out.

The meatballs are to be cooked in the sauce, You can use homemade if you prefer. I will admit though, I use a jar. I have gained the confidence in the kitchen to really start cooking sauces yet. Although I do my own additions to sauce so it becomes mine anyway! Also, I should say that yet again I changed up the meatball recipe to suit our tastes. It came out amazing, and Nate was thrilled to hear the words "Left overs".

Meatballs:
1 pound Hamburger (You could do Turkey or any ground meat you like, If you do turkey though I always add 2 Tablespoons of olive oil because Turkey seems to dry allot)
1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
1 Egg
1 Teaspoon Oregano, Parsley, Italian blend, Garlic Salt, and sugar
1 Table spoon minced garlic
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

You combine everything in a bowl, and then form into balls. I put them in the microwave for 60 seconds to help them hold their shape in the sauce.

My additions to a Jar Sauce (For this you need 12oz at least, We thought it needed a little more, but we like alot of sauce):
1/2 Teaspoon of Pancake Syrup
1 Teaspoon Oregano, Parsley, Italian blend, Garlic Salt, and sugar
2 tablespoons of minced garlic


You add the Meatballs to the sauce, and allow to simmer for about 25-30 minutes. I actually went about 30 just to be sure the meat was cooked through.


ENJOY :)

Pancake Morning!

I woke up this morning and chose to make some pancakes. Of course I'm not Suzy homemaker so I went on a search for the box of mix. No luck, We didn't have any left. I went to the trusty google machine! I found a really yummy (And Easy) recipe for homemade from scratch pancakes and berry Syrup! Oh yummy!! I figured I would share, because they were good. I probably wont ever buy syrup or pancake mix again. The recipe I found sounded a little weird to me so I tweaked the recipe. Making my own! I wasn't totally sure Nate would love the berry syrup but shocking to me, he loved it. We paired with Turkey bacon this morning also. Made for an amazing breakfast this morning!

~Pancakes

Dry Mix:
1 1/4 cup flour
2 Tablespoons white sugar
2 teaspoons baking powders
1 teaspoon salt

Wet Mix:
1 Beaten egg
1 cup of milk
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1 Teaspoon oil

Directions:
Combine dry ingredients in one bowl. In a separate bowl mix the wet. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet. Mix together until smooth.

Cook about 1/8 cup of batter per pancake (This is an estimate. I used a 1/4 cup measure and filled it about half way and dumped it in the pan) in a medium heated skillet. Flip when bubbles raise to the top of the pancake. This recipe made about 10 pancakes using the estimated 1/8 cup batter method.


Berry Syrup:
In a medium saucepan simmer the following until thick, and berries are cooked.
1 1/2 cup frozen berries (This morning I used blueberries)
4 Tablespoons of sugar (I imagine splenda could be used to cut calories/carbs)
Juice of half a lemon (Although I used the concentrate because I am out of lemons, so it was about 2 tablespoons of the lemon juice in a container)

Surgery is coming up

Well we saw the Urologist today, Surgery is scheduled for September 22nd. We have to be there at 06:30. They wont take him back until 07:30 . It pretty much worked out well since Nate will be home on leave anyway to move, so we will just have to take that day as a loss as far as working goes. It will be in Manhattan, rather than JC because the soonest they could get us in JC would be October 8th and they are talking about the guys leaving the first week of October. I asked them to please make it before October. So they said the 22nd would be the first available in Manhattan. We took it.

For anyone who isn't aware of why there is a surgery: When Elijah was born they were going to circumsize him before we left the hospital. Well he ended up being too small, since he was a tiny guy at birth. At his 2 week appointment they decided he was big enough finally. So we gave them the go ahead. Well they started the process, but came to find out that his urethra was on the side of his penis rather than the top. Dr. Meng stopped immediately and sent us straight to JC urology. We met with Dr. Hall who said we shouldn't try to finish the procedure. She said they would use the skin that they normally cut away to re-route his urethra. Unfortunately that was something done from 6-12 months. So we had to wait until today to see her again. She assured us this would all be routine. It apparently happens to baby boys more often than people think, it just isn't something that they talk about much. They will be putting him under, and giving him a children's version of an epidural.

Oh and funny note: Elijah's Dr is Jamaican, and we really love her. Today she asked us what had been happening since she saw us last (His last meeting with her was when he was 6 weeks old) and I said we were expecting. She said "Stand up and let me look at ya". So I did, and she touched my belly and said "It's a girl". We both kinda laughed and said "Really?" and she said "It's a Jamaican thing, not a medical thing". So silly.

Today was a semi productive day. Got my blood drawn to see if I am a carrier for some birth defects (I never did that with Elijah, they never offered me the chance). Then I went to ultrasound and scheduled that, although I wont be sharing the date :) I got my prescriptions filled and bought packing tape. I skipped the glucose test since it was an hour long test and I had Elijah with me. If nothing else I can do it when I go to ultrasound. Nate booked our uhaul for the move, so that is done! I also googled some stain removal ideas for the carpet (rust/wax). Think I might win this one, at least I hope.

Tomorrow I need to make sure I call the cable company about my cable and the move. I also need to call a new fence company. Finally, I need to start packing! I never did that today because some fool in the building chose to spray paint their house. The fumes came in here and made me feel instantly uncomfortable. Cannot wait until we move.

Well this was lame, not sure it even warranted a post! Oh well!

It's always the gloves

Today has been a long day. I woke up this morning feeling dizzy again. It's becoming a little discouraging because the Dr. thinks this is "normal" provided my Glucose and Iron come back normal after I can get to the lab. He put in the tests on Friday but by the time we left the OB clinic the Lab was closed so I have to go tomorrow. If it isn't either thing than its a hormone/pregnancy side effect. Probably one of my least desired one!

Nate told me that he was going to start packing for Iraq. Granted he wont have to leave until October, They need the bags/boxes loaded up for Tomorrow. They need enough time to send them over so they are there before the guys get there. My only side comment to this "It's always the gloves"...... somehow every time he gets a packing list there is some new set of gloves on it and we have to rush to Clothing and sales and get him a new/different pair. It has happened EVERY TIME. This time they were only $15, but normally they are anywhere from $5-$80.

Anyway, I hid in our bedroom and cried while he packed. It never ever bothers me to watch him pack and normally I sit and talk to him while he does. I'm not sure why I was so bothered today. I don't know if it was hormones, as this time around I am way more emotional than I was with Elijah. I guess it could be stress related, Seeing as we have a move and Elijah's surgery (And all the appointments both before and after) and my ultrasound to get in before he leaves. I'm feeling some pressure there. I am sure it was a mix of all those things as well as not feeling well. Either way I felt very ridiculous crying like that, and it isn't something I normally do, but I guess it comes with the territory.

Nate had a dentist appointment on Thursday and they told him they wanted him to have another mouth surgery. Fortunately this one is optional and he decided to wait until he got back from deployment. Apparently since he is a mouth breather the gums around his front teeth are deteriorating, and there was something they were able to do to help that since its also made his teeth sensitive. With the timing though, there isn't time to get it done and for him to heal well before a deployment (And who really wants to deploy being miserable).

We met a new family last night. Well I guess I did, Nate has a soldier named Toby (Streebe) and so I met him last night, and we both met his family. We went over for dinner and to get to know each other. I have several friends out here, but few of them are in PSD with Nate, and none of the ones I knew are deploying. They were a really nice family, and they have a 3yr old, 2yr old, and 1yr old. So that is kind of funny, seeing as I will have a 1yr old and a new born. So it will be nice to have another friend who is going through this with us.

I'm going to start packing tomorrow. Slowly, and steadily. I figure I can get the things out of the way that we wont miss for a month (Movies, Books, storage units, baby things Elijah has outgrown and such). Working closer to the actual move day. Plus I have a friend who runs an Operation Home-front chapter here in KS (A really neat charity that helps military families in need) and she said she could take any hand me down type things for her charity so anything that we don't want/need and that can be donated I will be giving to here. Paying forward our good luck we've had recently.

Well, I haven't updated a thing in a long time! We have been back to Kansas since August 12th. We had a great time home on leave, and it was sad to leave but once home I think we are all very excited to be here. Since coming home, Elijah has been sleeping through the night. Every now and again he wakes up but its about 2 minutes of talking to himself and he is back to sleep! August 7th he got his first tooth, and on the 12th he popped through his second one. He has been taking assisted steps for awhile, but yesterday he actually attempted to crawl. He made it about 3 crawls (I don't exactly know how to describe it, but like steps only crawling) and gave up. He refuses to do it again though. Not sure why, and I am not entirely convinced he actually WANTED to crawl but didn't do it out of desperation.

After getting home, The neighborhood office for McClellan (Were we live now) called and said they were getting near our name on the list and that before we could be offered a home we would need to do a walk through or as she called it a "Pre, Pre-Inspection". We had to pass 100% or pay damages before they would give us a move date/home. Needless to say I was worked up and a little nervous. I scrubbed like a mad women, then discovered they do a black light inspection of carpets! YIKES. Everything I had read on the internet said carpet cleaning solutions would not get the stains out. However I did find that vinegar does, so I used lots of that. We passed 100%, and as of now owe nothing. There is a chance that once all the furniture is out of here that we may owe. We shall see I guess. Fingers crossed!! So we now have a move date (Sept. 17th we sign for keys and Sept. 18th we will move). We have an address also, but I wont be posting that here. If you would like it, please let us know!

Other than this, We have allot of busy coming up before Nate deploys. Hardly much time to even breathe but hey, that is life. We have Dr. appointments, Elijah's surgery, the move and hopefully my ultrasound to cram into a few weeks time. Wish us luck! We will need it.

We saw my Dr. yesterday, and he said everything is looking good. Sent me for some routine blood work (Will have to go Monday) and put in a few prescriptions. I will also be schedualing the ultra sound but I don't think I will share the day of that, just tell people if we are able to find the gender. Last time everyone was so eager to know, and it was disappointing to have to call everyone and say "We don't know, Legs were crossed". So we more than likely will not share the date, but if we can find out we will call everyone the day of and say "It's A......". If Nate isn't home, I wont say a word until he knows anyway. It isn't fair for everyone to know before him. He will be the first to hear other than myself.

Nate's car is down, so we are back to only 1 car for a bit. We found someone who will fix it though, so I am not worried. Just waiting on payday to get the part. We have to get it fixed since it's sitting at Nate's work and we can't leave it there forever. Plus we will need to get it to our new home anyway.

I think that is about all as far as updates, Just waiting not so patiently on the move!

I don't know how to tell people

I think everyone reading this is well aware that Nathan is going to Iraq, again. That he has just spent the month in NTC training. During that time, Elijah and I came home to Ohio for our visit. Like everything in life, there have been pro's and con's to this trip. Obviously I love being around family, and friends who are helping this time go by quickly (I pick Nate up on Monday already!). I am grateful that Elijah is finally meeting family that he hadn't yet, and I am thrilled to see him thrive in Ohio and to see he doesn't hate it.

I think however, this trip has added to the deployment anxiety, and missing Nate. I know everyone means well, but everyday I go someplace without fail I get asked "Did you talk to Nate today". If I haven't it makes me sad to think about it, when I am not asked all the time, I don't realize he hasn't called. It's easier to press on. Then the conversation immediately turns to deployment. Neither of us (Nate has told me this also) want to talk about it 24/7. I understand that people have general curiosity but it is daily! The information we have doesn't change, and if it did we would let everyone know. Then after the the deployment talk the topic then goes to the new baby, and how Nate is going to miss that. We are aware of that, painfully aware but being reminded all the time doesn't help us at all. I guess I just want to be home and not have to have the above talk daily, Nate doesn't either. We are trying to get through the time prior to the deployment living in the moment, not looking to the upcoming events. I don't know how exactly to tell people that we don't want to talk about it, without it seeming rude. Nate and I spent allot of time talking about this the other night, because it was just getting to me. It is easier to face this thing with a strong mind and tough attitude when you aren't thinking about it 24/7.

The thing that gets the most is when people tell me just how hard having a baby while Nate is gone will be, since I will have a 12 month old. As if we hadn't thought about it before. Sometimes I wonder how much thought is going into statement being made. I'm not saying anything ill about the baby, just that hearing that at least once a day weighs on you also.

Elijah is 7 months :)

Elijah is 7 months old now. It blows my mind because it doesn't feel like that. He is moving like crazy, and eating more than a horse! He is learning to sit on his own, although after a bit he tries to stand (Landing on his face). If you stand him up and have him lean on something he can stay there for about 10 minutes. Loves the jumper! He is speaking also. He is a big bucket of drool, so I assume a tooth is on the way. I know it is weird, but I am in no hurry to have him get teeth. I have read up on the topic and the longer the tooth takes the healthier it remains. That is the 7 month update I think!