The Weekend

We had such a great weekend! Christy and Jessica arrived Thursday afternoon for the weekend. It was so good to have them here--we always have so much fun and laugh and laugh and laugh!

On Friday, we went to Gigi's Cup Cakes. Oh so good! They have a 2 page menu of all the different kinds from Wedding Cake to Nutty Butty--the icing is about about 3 inches thick! We picked up a few....well 8!



Mike was so happy when I showed up with a chocolate one for him!


On Saturday we headed to Opry Mills, a big mall that has some outlets in it. Jessica wanted to do some shopping and I was on the lookout for some good bargains for baby clothes. Jessica thought she looked silly in this hat, but she has so much style, I think she can pull off almost anything!


Meanwhile, 1985 called and they said they want their sunglasses back. Christy and I couldn't believe how much all of the clothes resemble what we wore growing up. I knew I should have kept those leg warmers and the sweater with the rainbow hearts going across the front! We made sure Jessica didn't see us taking this picture, otherwise she would have been mortified!

For a mid afternoon snack as were walking through the mall, we stopped at the Apple Barn Store and Restaurant and had ourselves some warm apple fritters with fresh apple butter. Oh so good!

Here's Jessica with our the kitten. We decided to name her Georgia. Mike and I have both liked the name. There is absolutely no significance to the name, other than we both like it. I think she is going to stick around. The left over tuna I gave her today after my lunch might have sealed the deal.

On Saturday we went did a little more shopping and I was able to find a few things for the baby. Then that night we headed to Mike's school where he teaches. Every fall they put on their fall musical. This year it was The Sound of Music which happens to be one of our favorites. The students did such a great job!

Jessica had school today so they had to get back to Ohio. I was sad to see them go, but am already looking forward to Christmas when we will be together again!

A kitty and casserole

Look what showed up last night on our deck! She is so sweet and after a bowl of milk, she decided to spend the night in our garage with the dogs where it was warm. When we woke up this morning, she was still here and as we speak, she is hanging out in our backyard. Looks like we have another pet! Honestly, we've been wanting an outside cat to keep the mice and other critters away here in the country. Mike had a cat before we got married, it's name was "The Kittidiot." If she decides to stick around, I'll be naming her.

I fixed this for dinner the other night...

Chicken Florentine Artichoke Bake

8 oz. dried bow tie pasta

1 small onion, chopped

1 Tb. butter

2 eggs

1 1/4 cups milk

1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning

1/4 to 1/2 tsp.l crushed red pepper (optional)

2 cups chopped cooked chicken (I baked a whole chicken with seasonings for the added flavor)

2 cups shredded Monterey Jack (8 oz.)

1 14 oz. can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered

1 10 oz. package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained

1/2 cup oil-packed dried tomatoes, drained and chopped

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup soft bread crumbs

1/2 tsp. paprika

1 Tb. butter, melted

1. Preheat oven to 350. Cook pasta according to directions, drain. In medium skillet cook onion (I added some garlic too) in 1 Tb. butter over medium heat about 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. In bowl whisk together eggs, milk, seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper and crushed red pepper. Stir in chicken, cheese, artichokes, spinach, tomatoes, half of the Parmesan cheese, pasta and onion. Transfer to a 3-quart baking dish.

3. Bake covered, 20 minutes. In small bowl combine remaining Parmesan, bread crumbs, paprika and melted butter. Sprinkle mixture over pasta. Bake, uncovered, 10 minutes more or until golden. Makes 6-8 servings.

Christy and Jessica will be here this afternoon! We'll take some pictures and share them!

Do you wanna know?

Guess what's inside.....

It's a GIRL!

She is growing and is healthy and strong! I felt her kicking this morning before we went to the doctor and I was a little scared that she would end up in a position where we wouldn't be able to find out, but she kept on moving and we were able to see for sure that what we have been calling "the baby" is now fondly called "she" or "her."

She is measuring "perfectly" according to the doctor. We do have pictures but don't have access to a scanner anymore (it was at my work) so I can't post anything. I might resort to taking a picture of the picture because we got some really good shots of her. She has her hands in front of her face in one of them and she looks like she is praying.

Mike is beside himself. So am I. We couldn't be anymore happy, anymore blessed or anymore thankful for this little girl that is inside of me.

Thank you Jesus for this baby!

PS. Two of my most favorite people in the world are coming this weekend for a visit!

2 days to go!

No, not election day, although that is very important--but Tuesday is the day we find out what the baby is! We can't wait. Seriously, it is all we can do to not call the doctor to see if we can move the appointment to tomorrow.

So far in my family there are 3 votes for girls and 1 for a boy. I don't know what my nephews think, although, I know they are excited because my nephew, Ben, asks Christy everyday if we have found out yet. Me, I have no clue....I really don't have a feeling either way. I just want to see that heart beating away!

Along with our excitement, there is some anxiety as well. This appointment is scheduled at the exact same time in my pregnancy when my water broke with the girls. It also happens to be at the same time of day and same day of the week. It's so interesting how you remember those details. Thankfully, my doctor and ultrasound tech have relocated so we will be going to a new building and a new office. That alone puts me at ease (somewhat).

We are so hopeful and so excited for Tuesday to get here, but would certainly appreciate your prayers.

I'll Have S'more

I think we are skipping fall and going straight to winter here in Tennessee. Tonight they are expecting the first hard frost of the season. With it being so cold, we decided to get the fireplace going the past few nights. It was one of the top selling points for us when we decided to buy the house so we couldn't wait to take advantage of it.

We just needed a few more things....fudge striped cookies and marshmallows.

My sister shared this with "recipe" with me for s'mores. Who needs a campfire when you can make them in your living room? They don't seem to be as messy and they are oh so yummy. It's going to be a good winter!

PS. Thanks to all of you who wished Christy a Happy Birthday, it meant so much to her!

Happy Birthday Christy!

There can be no situation in life in which the conversation of my dear sister will not administer some comfort to me. ~Mary Montagu

Happy Birthday Christy!

You are not only my sister, but my best friend! I pray that today is filled with special memories--hugs from your husbands and squeezes from your children! Ask them to give you one from me!

My New Favorite Place

Have you been to one yet? It is a consignment store for maternity, baby and children's clothing. Plus they have a full line of cribs, car seats and more. I've read recently that more and more people are shopping consignment due to the economy and let me tell you, it's totally worth it!

I have bought the majority of my maternity clothes there at great prices (shirts for around $7, pants for $10). During my last trip there, I couldn't resist looking at the baby clothes.

When I mean I couldn't resist, I mean I also couldn't resit buying a couple of things. The onsies were $1.50 each and the pants were $1. Who can beat that? They have nice brands too...these are all Carter.

I guess I need to go back and get a couple of boy outfits...just in case!

PS. It's somebody's birthday on Monday! (hint...hint...it's christy--aka my sister-- at Between Here and Home). Be sure to stop by and wish her a happy day on the 27th.