Mobile Blogging...

So... I'm trying to figure out how to blog from my phone. If this works there should be two photos from a trip to Costco earlier in the week. I look like I have a big 'ole basketball stuck under my clothes... Nice.

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Cranberry Crumble

This recipe doesn't get used often, as we don't usually have much cranberry sauce left over. However, this year I bought most of our meal, so we have LOTS of cranberry sauce left. This is an easy, quick dessert that is GREAT on cold or chilly nights. We LOVE it!

Ingredients:

• 2 C. Cranberry Sauce (or 2 16oz can of jellied cranberry sauce)
  
• 2 1/2 C. Rolled Oats (quick oats work well too!)
  
• 1 C. Regular Flour (wheat flour is dandy too)
  
• 1 1/2 C. packed brown sugar
  
• 1/2 C. Butter, melted
  

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine the oats, flour, sugar, and butter. Stir until the mixture looks crumbly. Spread the cranberry sauce into the bottom of a 9x13" dish and sprinkle the crumbs on top. Bake for 25 minutes. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes:

Depending on how "wet" your cranberry sauce is, you may be able to cool the crumble and cut it into bars, rather than serving it like a crumble or cobbler.

I often bake this in a 10" dish. It makes for thick layers, and easy to serve as a cobbler.

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Thanksgiving Casserole

This is an easy meal for me to make, freeze, and use up our holiday leftovers. Some would call it a Thanksgiving Shepherds Pie, but with the stuffing added in, it's more like a casserole to me.

Ingredients:

• 3 C. Stuffing
  
• 2 C. Turkey, chopped
  
• 2 C. Mixed Vegetables (I used grated carrots, peas, and corn)
  
• 1 1/4 C. Gravy (if you don't have any leftover gravy, you can also use a can of cream o' whatever with enough water to make up the difference)
  
• 2 C. Mashed Potatoes, warmed up (to make them easier to smooth out)
  
• Cheddar Cheese, grated
  

Instructions:

In a 9x13" casserole dish, layer the stuffing, turkey, vegetables, gravy, and then mashed potato's. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top and bake at 350 until bubbly and cheese is golden brown. Serve and Enjoy!

Notes:

I split this into two 9" square Pyrex dishes, one of which is lined in foil. I freeze the foil lined one, and then bake the other. After the lined one has been freezing for a day or so, I put it into a food saver pouch, vacuum seal it, and put it back into the freezer. When I'm ready to bake it later, I'll put it back into a 9" dish (with the foil) let it thaw (or not) and then bake it.

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What's Cookin?

Each week, I try to plan out our weekly dinner and lunch meals at the beginning of the week so that I get all of the grocery shopping done in one big swoop. With the bean (soon to be) coming, I really want to make sure we have everything ready and prepared (at least as much as possible) to make our transition a bit easier. I have tried to share our menu plans in the past (to keep myself accountable, and so that I can check out the post from work to remind myself what we're eating), and I'm going to try and get back into that habit.

I'll try to share the recipes on my cooking blog, so that if any of our meals sound tasty to you, you have quick access to them. I think it's important that you realize I am a cook once, serve multiple times kind of girl. My food saver is a great asset to me, and to my cooking. Most recipes are not made for just two mouths, and I don't (normally) like eating the same thing day after day as leftovers. So, I freeze a LOT of food. This also has helped me get our freezer loaded with meals so that once the bean arrives I don't stress over what we're having for dinner, or grocery budgets. (Note to self, I really need to get into the freezer and do an inventory so that nothing gets wasted). I also cook things one time, that I know we'll use later (like meatballs, ground beef, grilled chicken, turkey broth, etc) and that I can toss into another meal.

Here's the plan for this week:

Sunday - Thanksgiving Casserole (one to eat, one to freeze) and Cranberry Crumble. (I'm also making Egg Nog cookies to stock up on dough, and to take to work too).

Monday - Jambalaya (Freezer stash)

Tuesday - Burgers and Fries (Freezer stash)

Wednesday - Ravioli (Costco) and Spaghetti Sauce (Freezer Stash)

Thursday - Pizza (It's Grey's Anatomy night - gotta have pizza!)

Friday - Thai Chicken & White Rice (one meal to eat, two to freeze)

Saturday - Free Night (either I'll pull something from the freezer, or we'll go out)

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Silver Bella 2009

I know there are lots of you out there who wanted to go to Silver Bella this year, but for one reason or another weren't able to make it. Teresa just released the dates for next years event and it's November 13-15th. So, start saving your money so that you can join us! We already have a group ready for a combined suite! I can't wait!

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Trade Days at TMS (Texas Motor Speedway)

In case you didn't know (I didn't, and I live about 2 miles from it), they've started having Trade Days at Texas Motor Speedway each month. Heather and I popped over to check it out and to see how the first weekend went over. This was the first weekend of the event, and there were quite a few things to look at. We met a few fellow etsy sellers (Addicted - check them out!) and a few others who had some neat handcrafted items.

The whole fair seemed small, but those we talked to said they had a LOT of activity, and that they were pleased with the overall result.

Heather has been participating in craft fairs lately, and has been having a lot of success. It was good to go and check out Trade Days and see if there was something there that could help her grow her business. I can't say if she'll be there for sure, but I think you probably will. Who knows, maybe we'll even do it together (after the Bean arrives of course!).

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Silver Bella Blast!

I can scarcely believe that the weekend I look foreward to all year is over. Silver Bella 2008 has come and gone, and I am (again) a better person for it. Each year, I prepare and leave for Silver Bella wondering if it could possibly surpass the fabulousness of the previous years event. I am always happy to say that overall, each year is always incredible and outshines the year before. Silver Bella is the treat I get for myself each year, my trip away from home, my time to be refreshed artistically, and to hang out with other artistic women who "get" me. I know many of you don't "get" Silver Bella or even paper arts/crafting. That is what is so wonderful about Silver Bella. As golfers hang out with golfers and they just "get each other", as Bella's we just "get" each other.

I love the sisterhood, the comraderie, the incredible generosity and willingness to share and uplift the others around them. I love the loads of chocolate, the artistic creations, the intense support and accolades from the artists who surround us, and the whole feeling of being with others who understand your passion and drive to create.

I know you're shocked, but I (as always) am horrible at taking photos. I know my dear roommates and fellow Texas Bellas (Valita, Jana, Shannon for the whole weekend with Alisa and Joanna joining in on the slumber party Wednesday night) took loads of photos and will be sharing them as the days roll on. A few of my other Bella friends have kindly shared photos and I'll be sure to share them with you as I come across them also.

I participated in a total of 6 swaps at Silver Bella, and came home with some of the most beautiful and amazing creations from my Bella sisters. I participated in a Twinchie swap with 24 other amazing artists. Each of us was assigned a date (I had 18) and we made a 2"x2" piece of art with a Christmas theme. Our sweet hostess put packages together for each of us with one of each piece from each artist. I can't wait to frame and display the amazing collection of art! They're wonderful!

I also participated in the 12 Days of a most glittery Christmas swap hostessed by Gina Grable. Each of us were assigned a verse (I had 7 swans a swimming) and Gina coallated them together and gave each of us our books at Silver Bella. I now have an incredible book illustrating the holiday song, with amazing art from each of the participants.

I participated in two supply/stash swaps and each of the participants were incredibly generous. And I do mean incredibly generous. I felt that my contributions were not enough when compared to the others contributions. Each of them was over the top generous with their packages! If only I had access to the same here in Texas!

I participated in Valita's Winter Magic Wand Swap and created a wand for my sweet partner. I also received a lovely wand from the creative and sassy Stephanie George Hirschberg. It's lovely and will be a great addition to my studio's decor.

Finally, I hostessed a swap this year titled "Royal Silver Soldered Charm Swap" and had 17 amazing participants who each created 20 charms which were sorted and re-distributed to each of the participants. Some of the charms created are amazing - absolutely amazing! I am so proud that I have pieces from the artists. The creativity is brilliant and I love looking at every piece.

At Silver Bella, most participants had 5 classes and then a group class taught by Teresa McFayden of Paper Bella Studio (and also the Silver Bella Founder and organizer). I was able to take classes from Pam Garrison, Rebecca Sower, Jenni Bowlin, and Sally Jean Alexander. I had registered to take a class from Carolyn Peeler, but unfortunately was ill Saturday morning and ended up sleeping through it. I even ended up sleeping through our guest speaker's luncheon. And who was the guest speaker you ask? MARY ENGLEBREIT! Of all things to sleep through... ugh! So very very sad, but unfortunately it was a necessity.

Many were surprised that I was able to and that I made the trek to Omaha with our Bean's arrival being so close, but I did. In all honesty, the trip to Silver Bella and the weekend was surprisingly smooth. Of course, being super pregnant brought upon it's own set of difficulties, but they were all overcome and handled one way or another. My flight home was rather uneventful... well if you count cabin pressure putting me in pain eventful. In the end, and after stressing out the flight staff, everything was fine and the bean is still growing and has yet to present himself to the world. WHEW!

I think that about wraps everything up. I promise to post photos (I know Krista... idle promises) soon!

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Showers! Showers! Showers!

I feel SO loved! Steve had better feel SO loved! Our baby should feel more loved than anyone of all! On Friday, my coworkers had a surprise shower for me at work. And... oh my land... the incredible generosity of my coworkers really surprised me!

There are only a few things we need to purchase before our bean arrives - and I am SO very incredibly grateful! We received so many wonderful gifts from so many wonderful and kind friends and family. I can't wait to put them to good use.

There were quite a few camera's present, and and soon as I have them I'll be sure to share!

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Freedom!

Steve kindly reminded me that I had not posted since being on house arrest. Ugh! I am so sorry!

A really long story short.... I got off! YAY! The pain I've been experiencing is due to the endometriosis I have. Typically it's assumed that it grows around your "woman parts", but can also grow on your internal organs. Mine has chosen to also inhabit my intestines. Lovely. Normally, the treatment method would include a surgery which would remove the adhesions or at least slice them so that things can be where they need to be.

Since I am pregnant, this method of treatment isn't an option at the moment. The only available option is .... drum roll please.... taking regular doses of Tylenol.

Isn't that lovely? It's a sad day when you are excited about Tylenol and Tums. Welcome to my world!

I did learn something interesting though. I went to visit the perinatologist to make sure everything was fine and dandy with the bean (which it is), and he measured our son. His current size (or was on Tuesday at 32 weeks, 4 days) is.... 6 pounds... 8 ounces. The normal weight of a fetus at this stage is is 4 pounds. I suppose that means all the "fat" comments are warranted. My ob wasn't kidding though when he said that we'd have a 10 pound baby... if we delivered early. They said he would gain about a pound a week. I have just under 7 weeks left... so that would leave him at 13 pounds 8 ounces. YIKES!!! Obviously, we don't want him here any earlier than he is ready. I'd really much rather have a huge baby than one with lung development problems. But, I think if we wait much longer, he'll likely walk out of the hospital with us!

Thank you to everyone for your kind and wonderful emails, phone calls, and visits! It was heartwarming to see such an incredible outpouring of love from everyone - and I was only 'stuck' for a few days!

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House Arrest... day 2.5

Hallelujah! Everything looks good to my OBGYN, so I got the okie dokie to get off of house arrest. YAY!!!

Seriously... it's so hard to be quiet while Steve is supposed to be sleeping. Not that I'm noisy mind you, but every noise I make I think may wake him up. How we're going to survive with his sleeping and a new baby I have NO idea. One day at a time I guess.

I'm heading back to work tommorrow and will make sure everything is lined up for when my "real" maternity leave starts. I guess this was a good trial to see what we've prepared for and what still needs to be done. That's how I'm selling it to myself anyway!

Full speed ahead to Silver Bella! WHOOO HOOOO!

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House Arrest... day 1.5

Well I just got back from the perinatologist. The baby is fine! That is, if you consider that he weighs 6lbs 8oz and has 8 weeks left to grow fine. Holy Hannah... they weren't kidding when they said I'd have a 10lb baby if they took him 2 weeks early. YOWZERS!!

I'm fine too. The specialists think the pain is mostly due to the endometriosis I've had for years. Endometriosis isn't just on your ovaries and female organs. It can develop other places too. Like on my intestines. And.. since every organ in my body has been moved to make room for the baby, everything is a new spot and is being stretched... there's lots of pain. yay.

There's nothing that can be done about the pain other than to take Tylenol... my new best friend. Seriously. I have a bottle of it upstairs, downstairs, in the car, and at my desk. No, I'm not overdosing and I am keeping VERY good track of when I take it. The specialist also said that drinking Diet Coke wouldn't be a cause and that I can resume drinking whatever my "normal" is. But... to be safe I'm keeping up with drinking water and very much limiting my soda intake.

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It's raining Baby Showers!

My sweet and wonderful friend Cara threw me a bean baby shower over the weekend. Mom and Bekki came into town with sweet baby Addison to celebrate with us. We had a great time visiting and looking at little tiny baby things - and lots of not so little baby things too. (In case I haven't shared, I'm having a 10 pounder - if they take him 2 weeks early. woooooonderful. OR should that be moooooooooo-underful???). Anywho, the shower was awesome with some of the sweetest friends in attendance! One of my Silver Bella friends even joined us (Thank you Shannon!). My bestest friend Heather came and took lots of photos and I'll be sure to share them in an album later. We received lots of wonderful gifts which we definitely needed! Steve and I are both so grateful for everyone's generosity!

However, the weekend did not end so fabulously. I had started to experience a lot of back pain on Saturday but put it aside because of baby weight and my body shifting. Sunday afternoon, out of absolutely no-where, I started having belly pain but across the top of my belly - and mostly on the left side. I tried to lay low, but who wants to lay low when your family is in town and with the cutest baby to boot? Long story short, there was nothing that could be done to appease the pain or calm it. So, I called the OB on Monday saw him that afternoon and am now on house arrest/keep it really easy rest until Wednesday afternoon when I go back to the OB for another check in. If he gives the okay then I'm back to work on Thursday. Nice... I have a pertinatologist appointment Tuesday to have everything checked out as my OB can't find a thing wrong other than the pain. I take a LOT of iron because of my anemia, and because of the side effects (blockage) of taking it, they think I may have a colon infection or something (which would explain the upper left belly pain as that's where my colon is currently located). Ick and double EWW.... Seriously. SO disgusting. As I've told my friends, there are things I never in a zillion years thought I would be sharing and that is one of them.

The baby is fine and growing at warp speeds. I've yet to put on weight anywhere but my belly, thighs and hips. Nice.... as if my ghetto booty needed any help. NOT... Mom took a few photos to show Dad and her friends. I'll share them later... maybe. :)

I'm full on mode into Silver Bella and so cannot wait until our plane lands in Omaha next week. Hopefully this house arrest thing won't put a damper on anything and I'll still have the okay to fly. My swaps are packaged up and ready to go... my supplies are 90% organized. My attire has been selected, although what fits Tuesday night may change what I take. Valita is coming over to stay that night and we'll head over to the airport together Wednesday morning. We're going to meet up with my Dallas Bella friends (Joanna, Alicia, and Shannon) and fly together. We'll meet up with lots of our Bella friends later that day, and the rest of the group the following day. I so can't wait! It's going to be a Bella Blast!

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