Facebook has been covered in "thankful" post all month long. I decided to do mine in one big blog post!
So here is my "thankful" Top 10 for 2012:
1. I am thankful for God and that He watches over us. It doesn't really matter who the president is, if we remember who is really in control.
2. I am thankful for my husband. I feel so lucky to have my best friend by my side every day. Thank goodness I randomly moved to Ohio almost 5 years ago. God knew what he was doing when he made those plans...
3. I am thankful for my sweet baby Hayes. Some might argue he's not a "baby" anymore, but he will always be my baby. I will never forget the day he was born and he has made our lives so much better with his sweet, and maybe sometimes rowdy, personality. He is 110% boy and I wouldn't have him any other way.
4. I am thankful for McBaby #2 who is still cooking in my belly. I can't wait to meet this little one! Our lives just keep getting better and better with our each addition to our family.
5. I am thankful for our family. Ryan and I both have great examples of marriage in our parents and our kids have amazing grandparents! We also have a fantastic group of brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, and great grandparents!
6. We have a growing collection of perfect nieces and nephews and they make our world go round!
7. I am thankful that Ryan and I both have jobs that allow us to support our family. Not everyone is as lucky in this economy.
8. Speaking of jobs, I am thankful that I get to do something I love every day, work with and advocate for those with dementia. I am also thankful for Terra. Our partnership in dementia care makes the battle we are fighting easier. And our friendship we have built means the world to me!
9. God has blessed me with so many close friends. Even though they are scattered across the county, I have the most amazing support system. I don't know what I would do without them!
10. I am so thankful for the power of prayer.
Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Happy Anniversary!
Today marks 3 years of wedded bliss for myself and my hubs. We are getting ready to spend a romantic evening eating cookie crisp, getting/giving a foot rub, and watching Crazy Stupid Love. We are living the life and I wouldn't trade it for anything:) I love you, honey!!
The Liebster Award...Part 1!
My friend, Lindsey from A Dream Come True nominated my blog for a Liebster Award! This award is designed to help promote smaller blogs and give everyone a chance to know me better. I'm excited about doing this and so glad Lindsey nominated me!
Part 1 of the Liebster award involves sharing 11 interesting things about yourself. Hmm....we will see just how "interesting" I can be;)
1. I am the luckiest girl in the world because I am married to the man of my dreams and mother to 1 sweet toddler and the baby in my belly who will hopefully be born soon. The story of how we met is a fun one, but will be shared in Part 2 of this series.
2. I grew up in Louisiana and ended up living in Ohio. I am a little displaced, but I love the life I have made here and wouldn't trade it for anything.
3. My hometown is West Monroe...home of the tv series Duck Dynasty. Haven't watched this little gem yet? You should check it out. It's reality tv at its finest. In all seriousness, it is a very entertaining show about a family who has built quite the business making duck calls. Best part, it's safe for the kids to watch! No affairs or wild nights of drunken debauchery or vulgar language! It's great to see a family spotlighted on tv that has morals these days.
4. I got a pedicure today. My toes look like they are going to a New Year's party. The base coat is black with a chunky multi-colored glitter layer on top. My feet have been working hard carrying this baby belly around. They deserve to have a little fun. I tried to take a picture, but toes don't photograph well...
5. I once met Snoop Dog. I was picking up a friend who needed a ride after a Snoop concert. It was a weird moment in my life. This is how the big intro went:
Drunk friend: "Snoop, this is Katie. Katie, Snoop."
Katie: "Hello."
Snoop: "You got it going on."
Katie: "Um thanks?"
6. I love to cook. I also love planning a weekly menu and coordinating grocery list which is written in the same order that I walk through the store. I get it from my mama.
7. I have 6 titanium screws and 1 titanium plate in my face compliments of TMJ surgery I had my senior year of college. And no, I don't set off metal detectors.
8. I am a speech therapist and I love my job. When I first started in this field, I thought my focus would be on pediatrics. Through job experience and training, my focus shifted from pediatrics to the geriatric population with a special focus on the dementia population. I was lucky enough to end up in a facility that specializes in dementia care and meet someone who shares my passion. Her name is Terra and she was so instrumental in helping me not only learn but apply much of what I do today. The battle we fight for dementia is not easy, but it is something we love and I feel lucky to get to do it everyday.
9. I am a photography and graphic design snob. I have so many friends who are so talented in these fields, and I blame them for this. And I thank them. For making me appreciate good photography and graphic design.
10. Love Actually is my most favorite movie of all times. Crazy Stupid Love is a close second.
11. I am that mom who is anal about what her child wears in public. I have changed Hayes' clothes before if I don't like what Ryan dresses him in for daycare. And I don't feel bad about it. I carried the baby for 9 months and spent a long time giving birth. It's my right as a mother.
Thanks for reading my fun facts! Part 2 consists of 11 questions chosen by Lindsey for me to answer. I will post those later this week!
Monday, November 19, 2012
Top 10!
1. I am a little behind on my blogging. Probably because I am super pregnant. That's a good excuse, right?
2. We are at 37 weeks now...I can't believe how close we are! Hayes arrived at 38 weeks...
3. My handsome hubs took me on a hot date this weekend to celebrate our upcoming anniversary. He totally surprised me with a beautiful pair of pearl earrings at dinner. Anyone who knows me knows I love pearls! He had them hidden in his jacket throughout dinner;)
4. How can my child go from being a crazy beast to a sweet, cuddly, adorable bucket of happiness so fast? Boys...
5. I made a pineapple smoothie last night that was amazing! Pineapple, banana, greek yogurt, ice, water, and ginger. Yummm!!
6. I caved. I bought a bag of cookie crisp. And I don't have to make excuses. Because I'm THAT pregnant.
7. A little, old lady told me that she admired the way I was able to walk around so well while so pregnant. Thanks? (And yes, Terra, that makes 4 times you heard this story!)
8. I can't believe Thanksgiving is this week! We are planning a big dinner for this weekend...complete with a 14lb turkey of course. Because my small family needs a 14lb turkey. Go big or go home, right?
9. I ordered a fun hospital gown to wear when baby comes. Totally normal.
10. Pray for myself and my sister-in-law! We are both due December 8th and both feel like we are ready to pop! We can't wait to meet the newest additions to our family!
2. We are at 37 weeks now...I can't believe how close we are! Hayes arrived at 38 weeks...
3. My handsome hubs took me on a hot date this weekend to celebrate our upcoming anniversary. He totally surprised me with a beautiful pair of pearl earrings at dinner. Anyone who knows me knows I love pearls! He had them hidden in his jacket throughout dinner;)
4. How can my child go from being a crazy beast to a sweet, cuddly, adorable bucket of happiness so fast? Boys...
5. I made a pineapple smoothie last night that was amazing! Pineapple, banana, greek yogurt, ice, water, and ginger. Yummm!!
6. I caved. I bought a bag of cookie crisp. And I don't have to make excuses. Because I'm THAT pregnant.
7. A little, old lady told me that she admired the way I was able to walk around so well while so pregnant. Thanks? (And yes, Terra, that makes 4 times you heard this story!)
8. I can't believe Thanksgiving is this week! We are planning a big dinner for this weekend...complete with a 14lb turkey of course. Because my small family needs a 14lb turkey. Go big or go home, right?
9. I ordered a fun hospital gown to wear when baby comes. Totally normal.
10. Pray for myself and my sister-in-law! We are both due December 8th and both feel like we are ready to pop! We can't wait to meet the newest additions to our family!
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Crock Pot Lasagna
In my search for maternity leave easy cooking recipes, I found this little gem on Pinterest. My first attempt was a little disappointing. I felt like the flavor wasn't strong enough and there weren't lots of leftovers, which I was hoping for. So, for round #2, I doubled the recipe and added extra seasoning. It is definitely an easy way to make lasagna!
2 lbs lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
fresh basil
dried oregano
2 jars spaghetti sauce
2 cups water
30 oz skim ricotta cheese
4 cups Italian cheese
1 cup parmesan cheese
2 eggs
parsley
1 box lasagna noodles, uncooked
Put beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet and cook until beef is done. Drain off any grease. Add spaghetti sauce, water, basil, and oregano. Simmer for 10 minutes. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 3 cups Italian cheese, parmesan cheese, eggs, and parsley. Now it's time to assemble. Cover the bottom of your crock pot with a layer of meat sauce. Add a layer of lasagna noodles. You will have to break the noodles to make them fit. Top with the cheese mixture. Keep repeating layers until you run out. Cook on low for 6 hours. Top with remaining cheese, cover, and let cook for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
2 lbs lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
fresh basil
dried oregano
2 jars spaghetti sauce
2 cups water
30 oz skim ricotta cheese
4 cups Italian cheese
1 cup parmesan cheese
2 eggs
parsley
1 box lasagna noodles, uncooked
Put beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet and cook until beef is done. Drain off any grease. Add spaghetti sauce, water, basil, and oregano. Simmer for 10 minutes. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 3 cups Italian cheese, parmesan cheese, eggs, and parsley. Now it's time to assemble. Cover the bottom of your crock pot with a layer of meat sauce. Add a layer of lasagna noodles. You will have to break the noodles to make them fit. Top with the cheese mixture. Keep repeating layers until you run out. Cook on low for 6 hours. Top with remaining cheese, cover, and let cook for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Banana Pudding
So this weekend a craving struck...for banana pudding. I combined a few recipes and added my own touches to make this delicious dessert.
1 1/2 cups cold water
14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
3.4 oz Banana cream pudding mix, instant
3 cups whipping cream
1 Tbsp vanilla
1 box Nilla wafers
4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
Start by beating the cold water and sweetened condensed milk until combined. Add in the pudding mix and beat until combined. Cover and refrigerate until set. I did 15 minutes in the fridge, 10 minutes in the freezer...because I was impatient. Beat the whipping cream in a separate bowl for 4-5 minutes or until stiff peaks form in the cream. Fold the pudding into the whipping cream. Stir in the vanilla until all ingredients are mixed. Now it's time to start assembling!
Grab a trifle bowl and start with a layer of Nilla wafers. Add a layer of banana slices. Top with a third of the banana cream mixture. Repeat layers until your ingredients have run out. Cover and refrigerate for 4-8 hours. Or refrigerate for 1 hour and eat a bowl immediately after supper if you just can't wait. There will be plenty left to sit for 4-8 hours and eat the next day:)
1 1/2 cups cold water
14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
3.4 oz Banana cream pudding mix, instant
3 cups whipping cream
1 Tbsp vanilla
1 box Nilla wafers
4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
Start by beating the cold water and sweetened condensed milk until combined. Add in the pudding mix and beat until combined. Cover and refrigerate until set. I did 15 minutes in the fridge, 10 minutes in the freezer...because I was impatient. Beat the whipping cream in a separate bowl for 4-5 minutes or until stiff peaks form in the cream. Fold the pudding into the whipping cream. Stir in the vanilla until all ingredients are mixed. Now it's time to start assembling!
Grab a trifle bowl and start with a layer of Nilla wafers. Add a layer of banana slices. Top with a third of the banana cream mixture. Repeat layers until your ingredients have run out. Cover and refrigerate for 4-8 hours. Or refrigerate for 1 hour and eat a bowl immediately after supper if you just can't wait. There will be plenty left to sit for 4-8 hours and eat the next day:)
Top 10
1. Welcome, week 36. Now hurry and get out of the way so we can get this baby full-term and ready to make his or her arrival!
2. Hayes acts like a pinball in a pinball machine. I imagine a treadmill would provide him with hours of entertainment.
3. I made some amazing banana pudding this weekend and I will share the recipe later. I gave some to Hayes, and he refused to eat it! Like...freaked out while refusing to eat it! Crazy kid.
4. I did NOT buy cookie crisp at the store this weekend. I may have bet a co-worker I could go the rest of the pregnancy without buying more. Let's face it, inhaling two bowls of cookie crisp every night is not really the healthiest way to finish out this pregnancy.
5. I. Love. Ikea. What do I love more than Ikea? A fun girls trip to Ikea. God has blessed me with some great friends in Ohio:)
6. Hayes had haircut #3 this weekend. Still not a fan of haircuts.
7. Is it just me, or does a Wendy's medium drink seem really, really large?
8. Sports shows annoy the tar out of me. Especially ones that keep making guesses about the outcome of the seasons before the season is over. Why don't we just wait and see what the real outcome is? Seriously, I can only handle so much "what if" football talk.
9. Congrats to Ryan's cousin, Katie! Her wedding to Kemmon was on Friday. We are sad we couldn't be there to celebrate, but have heard it was a beautiful evening!
10. Pray for a special family member who had an accident today. I hope he starts feeling better soon!!
2. Hayes acts like a pinball in a pinball machine. I imagine a treadmill would provide him with hours of entertainment.
3. I made some amazing banana pudding this weekend and I will share the recipe later. I gave some to Hayes, and he refused to eat it! Like...freaked out while refusing to eat it! Crazy kid.
4. I did NOT buy cookie crisp at the store this weekend. I may have bet a co-worker I could go the rest of the pregnancy without buying more. Let's face it, inhaling two bowls of cookie crisp every night is not really the healthiest way to finish out this pregnancy.
5. I. Love. Ikea. What do I love more than Ikea? A fun girls trip to Ikea. God has blessed me with some great friends in Ohio:)
6. Hayes had haircut #3 this weekend. Still not a fan of haircuts.
7. Is it just me, or does a Wendy's medium drink seem really, really large?
8. Sports shows annoy the tar out of me. Especially ones that keep making guesses about the outcome of the seasons before the season is over. Why don't we just wait and see what the real outcome is? Seriously, I can only handle so much "what if" football talk.
9. Congrats to Ryan's cousin, Katie! Her wedding to Kemmon was on Friday. We are sad we couldn't be there to celebrate, but have heard it was a beautiful evening!
10. Pray for a special family member who had an accident today. I hope he starts feeling better soon!!
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