Heartbeat

David is convinced that there is a baby in his belly. I posted here about David trying to use the doppler to find his baby like mommy does. I didn't get a picture that day, but I walked in on him trying again today.

Mom, this is far to serious for me to smile and pay attention to you while you take pictures. He told me to stop and help. 

We had more success looking for David's heartbeat. Of course, he thinks it's his baby's heartbeat. I'm sure he'll figure out the truth sooner or later. 

I love my little guy and his curiosity. I think he'll be in total shock when we take him to our next ultrasound and he sees that there really is something in my belly. Of course, then he will want an ultrasound too. That's a battle for another day.

Stove Top Lasagna

I went back to my cookbook buddy, Fix it and Forget It, Lightly. The book is full of recipes for your crockpot, but I found that I was having to cook a lot of things before putting it into the crockpot, which is good if you have time to prep before, but your crockpot is only on for 4 hours. I adapted most of my favorite recipes to be done on the stove pretty quickly.

We love pasta in our house, and eat a lot of it. Probably shouldn't eat as much as we do, but it is so easy to make and tastes so good. Lasagna is a favorite, but I never have time to make it. Enter Stove Top Lasagna. All the taste done quick.

I should note that this recipe does make a lot, so you could cut it in half. I like to have leftovers for lunch, and this usually feeds us for a night with a few lunches, and maybe another dinner out of it on FFY (fend for yourself ) night.

Stove Top Lasagna
1lb ground beef, or ground turkey (I use 1/2 lb turkey with a 1/2 Italian sausage)
16oz egg noddles (we use whole wheat egg noodles)
2 cups cottage cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
5 cups spaghetti sauce (I use 24oz jars and just dump 2 in)
4tbs Italian seasoning (more or less to taste)

1. Brown meat.
2. Cook noodles
3. Dump everything into a large pot. Set on medium until everything is hot.

Could that be any easier? I only use 2 pots, which is even better! We serve with garlic bread or cheese sticks.

2 Feet

After nearly two years of trying, and two devastating losses, we are so happy to share our joyful news! We are praying for a safe arrival in July 2012.

You can read all about this pregnancy, and my pregnancy with David using this link, or click on Pregnancy Journal at the top of the blog.

Wordless Wednesday

This has sat in my office for years. My sister bought it for me when I started this position. I walk by it everyday and never thought much about it. I need to read it everyday as a simple reminder...Don't quit.

Chickenetti

I'm all about quick and easy, decently healthy foods for dinner. When I lived on my own, I had several recipes that I made in bulk and froze so that I wouldn't have to cook as often. I have all intentions of doing that now, but haven't done it on a regular basis.

Anyway, the other night I went back to one of my recipes and tweaked it for what I had and what Nate and David would like.

Chickenetti

1lb of chicken breasts cooked and cubed (I used the precooked/cubed Tyson chicken)

1 can no sodium cream of chicken

1 can no sodium cream of celery

1 cup water

1 can mushrooms (more or less depending on your taste)

1 box spaghetti
1 medium green pepper, diced

1/2 lb white American cheese, cubed (or sliced - I bought the pre-packaged sliced cheese and used a lb - we love cheese!)
1/4 Parmesan cheese

pepper to taste

1. Cook spaghetti in a lrage pot. Drain and set aside.

2. In the same pot, mix soups, water, mushrooms, pepper, and chicken over low heat.

3. Add spaghetti to pot and add the cheese. Cook until cheese has melted.

1 pot dinner. Yes please!
You can also add 8oz of sour cream. I would have, but didn't have any on hand. If you like salt you can add that as well.
You can also mix everything in a bowl and then put into a 13x9 baking dish with 1 cup bread crumbs on top and bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes.

Happy New Year!!

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New!

I used to make elaborate resolutions every New Year's Eve, only to quit a few days into the new year. Now I don't make specific resolutions. I just try to be the best mom, wife, daughter, sister, and counselor that I can be. I can tell that I'm following through when I see the smiles, get the kisses and hugs, and see the improvements in students.

May 2012 bring each of you joy, happiness, and love.