Jonathan has been having a hard time getting together with his home teaching companion these past few months. Yesterday he decided that he needed to just go without him, because he wasn't available yesterday at all. So I was his companion! I was grateful for that because we were gone the WHOLE day. I was much more excited to spend the whole day with him, rather than the whole day alone at home. I do that every other day of the week (besides Saturday), I didn't want to do that on a day I had a chance to see him.
It was really fun getting to know his home teaching families. I love our ward, and the awesome people that are in our ward.
At the last house we were at, I was asked to give the closing prayer. So I bowed my head, closed my eyes, folded my arms and started by saying "We're so grateful..." Then I stopped, opened my eyes, and said "Maybe I should open the prayer first..." lol, I have never done that before! I have never skipped past the opening of a prayer!
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Underwhelming Restaurant
Last night Jonathan and my brother Ty went to a famous restaurant in West Lafayette. It's called Triple XXX Diner. They sell the original and famous Triple XXX rootbeer, and lots of burgers. We had heard it was a good place to eat (a must see in West Lafayette) and it was even featured on "Diners Drive ins and Dives" (on Food Network), so I was pretty excited to try it out.
We made plans to go check it out, and I watched the episode on Food Network. I was a bit underwhelmed even from the show. Guy (the host) didn't really seem too impressed with the food, even though he would never say that. He tried one of the burgers and told the owner flat out that he didn't really like it.
We went anyway and I still had high expectations; they were dashed. It was an interesting atmosphere, but the food was just alright. They grind all their own beef (straight from pure shoulder steak or something like that), and they use a machine that was made in the 50's to make their patties. Because of this, the patties are super small, but they are quite tasty.
We had to try out the root beer. That was really good! I liked their root beer. All in all... it was an alright experience. I was kind of disappointed, but it wasn't horrible. I just hate spending money on food that isn't awesome. Too bad, now we have experienced the diner (and the burger with peanut butter on it), and we don't ever have to go back.
Here's the link to the episode, just so you can see what we saw :) Diners Drive-Ins and Dives
We made plans to go check it out, and I watched the episode on Food Network. I was a bit underwhelmed even from the show. Guy (the host) didn't really seem too impressed with the food, even though he would never say that. He tried one of the burgers and told the owner flat out that he didn't really like it.
We went anyway and I still had high expectations; they were dashed. It was an interesting atmosphere, but the food was just alright. They grind all their own beef (straight from pure shoulder steak or something like that), and they use a machine that was made in the 50's to make their patties. Because of this, the patties are super small, but they are quite tasty.
We had to try out the root beer. That was really good! I liked their root beer. All in all... it was an alright experience. I was kind of disappointed, but it wasn't horrible. I just hate spending money on food that isn't awesome. Too bad, now we have experienced the diner (and the burger with peanut butter on it), and we don't ever have to go back.
Here's the link to the episode, just so you can see what we saw :) Diners Drive-Ins and Dives
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Yay for Visiting Teaching
On Monday I had a full day of Visiting Teaching. It was so fun! I was really surprised how long each visit lasted. I was basically out of my house for the majority of the day, which was SO GOOD. Sometimes if I don't have an errand to run, I don't leave the house all day. Sometimes that's ok, actually often it's ok, but it had been getting to me. So I was grateful for the excuse to be around people for the majority of the day.
As I gave the message I had an interesting thought. In the message it says "Visiting teaching is an expression of our discipleship and a way to honor our covenants as we serve and strengthen one another." I had never looked at visiting teaching as a way that I keep my covenants. It's true though, we promise to morn with those that morn, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, along with lift up the hands that hang down. That's exactly what the purpose of visiting teaching is, it's a way to make sure that each sister in the ward is being taken care of. I think if I looked at visiting teaching more in that light, I may try to be a better visiting teacher.
Just a thought.
As I gave the message I had an interesting thought. In the message it says "Visiting teaching is an expression of our discipleship and a way to honor our covenants as we serve and strengthen one another." I had never looked at visiting teaching as a way that I keep my covenants. It's true though, we promise to morn with those that morn, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, along with lift up the hands that hang down. That's exactly what the purpose of visiting teaching is, it's a way to make sure that each sister in the ward is being taken care of. I think if I looked at visiting teaching more in that light, I may try to be a better visiting teacher.
Just a thought.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Worlds Shortest Ward Party
We went to a ward party last night; it was a Chili cookoff. We got there about 10-15 minutes late because I thought it started at 7, but it started at 6, so we had to change our plans for what we were going to bring. When we got there, the line was half way around the gym (apparently our ward is very punctual... now we know).
At about 7:15 the Elders Quorum Pres stood up and announced the winners of the chili contest and then someone said the closing prayer. By 7:30 all the tables and chairs were put away. We were really shocked, most ward parties last a little longer than that, and once everything is put away people stay and chat... not this ward! Everyone had bedtimes to keep to (for their little ones, or that's what we're assuming) so a lot of the ward was gone once it was cleaned up.
At about 7:15 the Elders Quorum Pres stood up and announced the winners of the chili contest and then someone said the closing prayer. By 7:30 all the tables and chairs were put away. We were really shocked, most ward parties last a little longer than that, and once everything is put away people stay and chat... not this ward! Everyone had bedtimes to keep to (for their little ones, or that's what we're assuming) so a lot of the ward was gone once it was cleaned up.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Labor
I have this internal battle going on in my head right now. Some days I think I'm superwoman, and I think that I can have this baby naturally. I get really excited to read all of these different books, and techniques and prepare for the moment. Then other days I say "what am I thinking? This is the most pain a person can go through, and I think I can handle it?" I am not the biggest fan of pain, actually, I try to avoid it at all costs. I don't have a huge pain tolerance, so what am I thinking? On the other hand... My body is made to do this. Women pushed out their babies without drugs for thousands of years... if they can do it I should be able to as well.
Another thing: this is probably going to be my longest labor, and the longest time pushing (because it's my first) so if I want to go natural, it would make more sense to try in my later pregnancies. But... on the other hand, I'm of the mindset that if I can get by without medication then why take it. I also really don't want to be tied down to a bed. I have had several women tell me how nice it is to jump out of bed right after pushing the baby out. I also really want to walk around during labor, use gravity to my advantage (I know that you can sit when you have an epidural, but I want to be on my feet). But then that voice comes along "what are you thinking? This isn't a picnic we're talking about... this is LABOR!"
This is the battle that is going on in my head. I have no idea what I'll end up doing. Just thought I would share.
Another thing: this is probably going to be my longest labor, and the longest time pushing (because it's my first) so if I want to go natural, it would make more sense to try in my later pregnancies. But... on the other hand, I'm of the mindset that if I can get by without medication then why take it. I also really don't want to be tied down to a bed. I have had several women tell me how nice it is to jump out of bed right after pushing the baby out. I also really want to walk around during labor, use gravity to my advantage (I know that you can sit when you have an epidural, but I want to be on my feet). But then that voice comes along "what are you thinking? This isn't a picnic we're talking about... this is LABOR!"
This is the battle that is going on in my head. I have no idea what I'll end up doing. Just thought I would share.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Jonathan is funny
Today I made breadsticks to go with our leftover tomato soup (we're obsessed... or the recipe just makes a ton of soup!) and Jonathan ate about 6 bread sticks on his own. After dinner he said "I would "like" these breadsticks on facebook" and I replied "Really?" (That's a huge complement... he doesn't "like" anything on facebook... except for my MissyLee store :)) and he said "no... I just wanted to officially like these breadsticks."
I had a good laugh at that one!
I had a good laugh at that one!
Landmark moment!
Sunday was a landmark moment for me in my pregnancy. I got my first complement from a non-family member. It made me so excited! That's all... Just had to share
By the way... Everyone was right, I popped between 20-22 weeks. For some reason, I was thinking I would be showing way before then, but I wasn't.
By the way... Everyone was right, I popped between 20-22 weeks. For some reason, I was thinking I would be showing way before then, but I wasn't.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Baby names.
Throughout this pregnancy we have talked about a lot of baby names! We have come up with a few that I really like, and Jonathan likes too ;). As we talk about baby names (both before we knew we were having a girl, and after) there are a lot that are similar to either people we are related to, or other common names. For example:
Raiden is too close to (cousin) Aiden
Raylin is too close to (cousin) Arilyn
Kyra is the same name as Jenny's niece on the other side (not a deal breaker... but still)
Raylee is too close to (cousin) Shaylee
Cambria is too close to (cousin) Kammi
(I know there were others that we thought about, but I can't remember them off the top of my head)
The point? It doesn't matter. If that's going to stop us from naming our child a name we really like, then we'll never find a name for this baby :). I mean, I had a cousin Talissa on one side and another cousin Alyssa on the other. It wasn't horrible... actually it was fine! Sometimes I thought an aunt (or cousin) was calling my name when they weren't, but it wasn't a big deal. So... in conclusion.... We are going to have to choose the name of our child according to what we like, and how we feel it fits for our baby, regardless if it's close to another person's name.
We had this discovery last night, and for some reason I felt like posting it. I am now stepping off my box of soap :)
Raiden is too close to (cousin) Aiden
Raylin is too close to (cousin) Arilyn
Kyra is the same name as Jenny's niece on the other side (not a deal breaker... but still)
Raylee is too close to (cousin) Shaylee
Cambria is too close to (cousin) Kammi
(I know there were others that we thought about, but I can't remember them off the top of my head)
The point? It doesn't matter. If that's going to stop us from naming our child a name we really like, then we'll never find a name for this baby :). I mean, I had a cousin Talissa on one side and another cousin Alyssa on the other. It wasn't horrible... actually it was fine! Sometimes I thought an aunt (or cousin) was calling my name when they weren't, but it wasn't a big deal. So... in conclusion.... We are going to have to choose the name of our child according to what we like, and how we feel it fits for our baby, regardless if it's close to another person's name.
We had this discovery last night, and for some reason I felt like posting it. I am now stepping off my box of soap :)
A wonderful week
*Side note* I find that when I sit down to blog I BLOG! It's like a feast or famine with me... prepare for the feast of posts.
This last week was just great! We had quite a few plans this week, so it was a lot of fun! First off, I got to go to TWO baby showers this week! My ward is super awesome, and they do ward-wide showers (well it feels that way anyway) and it doesn't matter if it's your first baby or your fifth, they will throw you a shower! I really love that. The first shower was for someone who was having her second baby, but first girl. The second one was for a girl who was having her third baby, but her first girl. *So many girls!* I'm so excited! I accidentally went SUPER early to the second shower... I didn't bother to look at the invitation before I headed out the door, and I thought it started at 6:30, instead of 7:30... oops. It was ok though, because I had a lot of fun talking to the host, who I had never met before. I really love hanging out with people. I don't do it often, so when I do, I just soak it all in. I love it!
We also had the missionaries over for dinner on Tuesday. It's always fun to feed the missionaries.
We had a dinner party with a couple that Jonathan goes to school with. It was super cute because they aren't members, and they just barely got married (they had never really hung out with married people, and since they aren't aware of Mormon culture, they didn't know that this was going to be an informal event). So you could tell they weren't quite sure what to expect. They came all dressed up. It was so cute. They are a super fun, genuine couple, and I'm excited to get to know them better.
On Saturday we went to the Temple! This time around I just felt so much gratitude that we have a temple close enough to go on a regular basis. It's not as convenient as it was in Provo, obviously... but it could be worse, and I'm just so grateful that we can make it a day trip. I also thought about my pregnancy; I hope I can continue to be comfortable during the long drive.
All in all... It was an awesome week! Here's to another great one!
This last week was just great! We had quite a few plans this week, so it was a lot of fun! First off, I got to go to TWO baby showers this week! My ward is super awesome, and they do ward-wide showers (well it feels that way anyway) and it doesn't matter if it's your first baby or your fifth, they will throw you a shower! I really love that. The first shower was for someone who was having her second baby, but first girl. The second one was for a girl who was having her third baby, but her first girl. *So many girls!* I'm so excited! I accidentally went SUPER early to the second shower... I didn't bother to look at the invitation before I headed out the door, and I thought it started at 6:30, instead of 7:30... oops. It was ok though, because I had a lot of fun talking to the host, who I had never met before. I really love hanging out with people. I don't do it often, so when I do, I just soak it all in. I love it!
We also had the missionaries over for dinner on Tuesday. It's always fun to feed the missionaries.
We had a dinner party with a couple that Jonathan goes to school with. It was super cute because they aren't members, and they just barely got married (they had never really hung out with married people, and since they aren't aware of Mormon culture, they didn't know that this was going to be an informal event). So you could tell they weren't quite sure what to expect. They came all dressed up. It was so cute. They are a super fun, genuine couple, and I'm excited to get to know them better.
On Saturday we went to the Temple! This time around I just felt so much gratitude that we have a temple close enough to go on a regular basis. It's not as convenient as it was in Provo, obviously... but it could be worse, and I'm just so grateful that we can make it a day trip. I also thought about my pregnancy; I hope I can continue to be comfortable during the long drive.
All in all... It was an awesome week! Here's to another great one!
Roasted Tomato Soup
[caption id="attachment_216" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
Who wouldn't want a little of this on a cold day for dinner?[/caption]
We found this veggie stand (I think I may have mentioned it earlier) where I can get 10 big vine-ripe size tomatoes for $1! I was pretty excited about that, so I found a copy cat recipe for Corner Bakery and Cafe Roasted Tomato soup. We tried it last week, and it was a MAJOR hit! So I'm going to share the recipe. We liked it so much that we made it again yesterday.
Tomato Basil Soup Recipe (Corner Bakery)
Chicken Stock – 4 cups
Olive Oil - ¼ cup
Can of tomatoes – 1 28 oz can
Fresh Roma Tomatoes – 3 pounds
Salt – 1 tablespoon
Pepper – 1 ½ teaspoons
White onion – 2 cups chopped
Garlic Cloves – 6 diced
Red Pepper Flakes – ¼ - ½ teaspoons (depending on how spicy you'd like)
Fresh Basil Leaves – 2 Tablespoons
Thyme – 1 teaspoon
Cook up some Roasted Tomato Basil Soup just like it tastes on a rainy day at Corner Bakery
Warm up your oven to a toasty 425 F
Cut your fresh tomatoes in half and make a nice olive oil, salt, and pepper Jacuzzi for them to simmer in. Toss them around and then put them in one layer on a baking sheet for around 45 minutes.
While the tomatoes are relaxing, grab a large pot and put it over medium high heat. Sauté the chopped onions, garlic, and red pepper until the onions start to get a little brown tan.
Then bring the canned tomatoes, basil, thyme, and chicken stock to the pot and make it a party.
Finally, add the toasty tomatoes into the pot, and don't forget to pour in the extra seasoned oil that they were simmering in.
Simmer the mixture uncovered for about 45 minutes and then puree everything into a uniform mixture.
Garnish with the whole basil leaves.
Serve it warm on cold days and cold on hot days.
*We did a few things a little differently. We pureed the roasted tomatoes before we added them into the soup, and then left everything else a little chunky. Last night we pureed everything, and I like the chunky soup texture better.
**We also didn't add as much red pepper flakes as it calls for (just one little shake, I don't like my food spicy) and next time I'm going to try halving the amount of basil and thyme it calls for.
I hope you enjoy!
Who wouldn't want a little of this on a cold day for dinner?[/caption]We found this veggie stand (I think I may have mentioned it earlier) where I can get 10 big vine-ripe size tomatoes for $1! I was pretty excited about that, so I found a copy cat recipe for Corner Bakery and Cafe Roasted Tomato soup. We tried it last week, and it was a MAJOR hit! So I'm going to share the recipe. We liked it so much that we made it again yesterday.
Tomato Basil Soup Recipe (Corner Bakery)
Chicken Stock – 4 cups
Olive Oil - ¼ cup
Can of tomatoes – 1 28 oz can
Fresh Roma Tomatoes – 3 pounds
Salt – 1 tablespoon
Pepper – 1 ½ teaspoons
White onion – 2 cups chopped
Garlic Cloves – 6 diced
Red Pepper Flakes – ¼ - ½ teaspoons (depending on how spicy you'd like)
Fresh Basil Leaves – 2 Tablespoons
Thyme – 1 teaspoon
Cook up some Roasted Tomato Basil Soup just like it tastes on a rainy day at Corner Bakery
Warm up your oven to a toasty 425 F
Cut your fresh tomatoes in half and make a nice olive oil, salt, and pepper Jacuzzi for them to simmer in. Toss them around and then put them in one layer on a baking sheet for around 45 minutes.
While the tomatoes are relaxing, grab a large pot and put it over medium high heat. Sauté the chopped onions, garlic, and red pepper until the onions start to get a little brown tan.
Then bring the canned tomatoes, basil, thyme, and chicken stock to the pot and make it a party.
Finally, add the toasty tomatoes into the pot, and don't forget to pour in the extra seasoned oil that they were simmering in.
Simmer the mixture uncovered for about 45 minutes and then puree everything into a uniform mixture.
Garnish with the whole basil leaves.
Serve it warm on cold days and cold on hot days.
*We did a few things a little differently. We pureed the roasted tomatoes before we added them into the soup, and then left everything else a little chunky. Last night we pureed everything, and I like the chunky soup texture better.
**We also didn't add as much red pepper flakes as it calls for (just one little shake, I don't like my food spicy) and next time I'm going to try halving the amount of basil and thyme it calls for.
I hope you enjoy!
Monday, October 8, 2012
Kicking
Jonathan finally felt baby kick last night! I have been trying to get him to feel it all weekend, and it didn't happen till we were laying in bed ready to fall asleep! Thanks baby for not being shy for daddy again! We both got so excited! I couldn't stop giggling!
Speaking of giggling... I almost disrupted the closing song in the Sunday Morning session. I couldn't stop giggling. I had a baby sleeping on my lap, pushing on my belly. All of the sudden, my baby kicked straight out below my belly button. (Baby usually likes to kick close to my hips... in that area) She did that a few times, I could just see her getting a bit jealous that I was holding a different baby. I could almost hear her say "Hey! That's my spot!"
Speaking of giggling... I almost disrupted the closing song in the Sunday Morning session. I couldn't stop giggling. I had a baby sleeping on my lap, pushing on my belly. All of the sudden, my baby kicked straight out below my belly button. (Baby usually likes to kick close to my hips... in that area) She did that a few times, I could just see her getting a bit jealous that I was holding a different baby. I could almost hear her say "Hey! That's my spot!"
Friday, October 5, 2012
meal menu for last week and this week
Don't judge... I go with the flow and make a meal menu whenever we go shopping. This last week we went shopping on Thursday, so that's the day I start with.
Thursday: Cantonese Dinner - My favorite recipe! It's so easy, and fast, and it's always good!
Friday: Skorthalia - It's a Greek appetizer my friend made for me this week, and I thought it'd be fun to see what Jonathan thought. It has toast on the bottom, super garlic-y potatoes, a beet, and a balsamic vinaigrette on top. The one she served me was better than what I made for Jonathan. He said it wasn't the best thing he's ever had, but it was a nice switch-up from our regular flavor profile. I agree.
Saturday: lefovers
Sunday: Sweet and Sour chicken - also a favorite of mine
Monday: leftovers
Tuesday: Baked potatoes... that was what was on the menu, but I didn't want baked potatoes, so I cut them up and put some seasonings on them and then baked them, so they were closer to crispy baked steak fries. The recipe I found I didn't really love, but I know what I'll do next time to make it better.
Wednesday: Leftovers
Thursday: Leftovers (Actually I went to the temple yesterday with the Relief Society, and I didn't get home till late, so Jonathan fended for himself, and I had a bowl of cereal)
Friday: Roasted Tomato Basil Soup - Copycat recipe for Corner Bakery and Cafe. We stopped there on our way home from the temple and I had that and LOVED it! So I'm making it again tonight.
Saturday: Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff (From my recipe treasure chest) (I was going to do the casserole that night, but crock pot recipes are better for general conference... especially Saturday night General Conference.)
Sunday: Leftovers (again, easy for General Conference)
Monday: Beans and Rice
Tuesday, and Wednesday: Leftovers.
I was talking to a friend from the ward that was telling me about a vegetable stand that has SUPER good prices for tomatoes and Acorn squash among other things (HALLELUJAH!). Stay tuned for the acorn squash soup recipe next week.
Thursday: Cantonese Dinner - My favorite recipe! It's so easy, and fast, and it's always good!
Friday: Skorthalia - It's a Greek appetizer my friend made for me this week, and I thought it'd be fun to see what Jonathan thought. It has toast on the bottom, super garlic-y potatoes, a beet, and a balsamic vinaigrette on top. The one she served me was better than what I made for Jonathan. He said it wasn't the best thing he's ever had, but it was a nice switch-up from our regular flavor profile. I agree.
Saturday: lefovers
Sunday: Sweet and Sour chicken - also a favorite of mine
Monday: leftovers
Tuesday: Baked potatoes... that was what was on the menu, but I didn't want baked potatoes, so I cut them up and put some seasonings on them and then baked them, so they were closer to crispy baked steak fries. The recipe I found I didn't really love, but I know what I'll do next time to make it better.
Wednesday: Leftovers
Thursday: Leftovers (Actually I went to the temple yesterday with the Relief Society, and I didn't get home till late, so Jonathan fended for himself, and I had a bowl of cereal)
Friday: Roasted Tomato Basil Soup - Copycat recipe for Corner Bakery and Cafe. We stopped there on our way home from the temple and I had that and LOVED it! So I'm making it again tonight.
Saturday: Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff (From my recipe treasure chest) (I was going to do the casserole that night, but crock pot recipes are better for general conference... especially Saturday night General Conference.)
Sunday: Leftovers (again, easy for General Conference)
Monday: Beans and Rice
Tuesday, and Wednesday: Leftovers.
I was talking to a friend from the ward that was telling me about a vegetable stand that has SUPER good prices for tomatoes and Acorn squash among other things (HALLELUJAH!). Stay tuned for the acorn squash soup recipe next week.
Recipe treasure chest
As I was making my meal menu for the week I decided that I wanted to make a soup and a casserole this week because it's going to be a cold week. I started looking online (where I always look) and I found a link for a chicken and rice casserole recipe. Then I remembered that I had one given to me at a recipe exchange my married ward did in Provo. I found the envelope that it was in and I found a treasure chest of yummy, easy recipes that I still haven't tried! In the same envelope was all the recipes from my bridal shower that I had requested from ladies in my home ward! I'm so excited to try all of these recipes!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)