Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Looking forward to the weekend...

Yep it's Wednesday and I'm already looking forward to the weekend!

Exciting things I'm looking forward to...
  • possible day off Friday (if I don't get a job call)
  • getting my haircut Friday afternoon :) -- ok I guess it's not THAT exciting but it is when you're boring ;)
  • going SOMETIME to Ollie's and getting a new bigger rug for the living room (only $39-yay!) and also some lawn chairs to take camping! ($10!) Love bargains. I almost picked them up the other day but I figured It'd be easier to wait and take Brew with me.
  • getting my BIG paycheck on Friday! Long-term subs that work more than 30 days in the same position, get a pay increase (I think it's around $10/day, it's a percentage though), AND once you pass the 30 days, you get "back pay" which is the difference between the current rate and starting rate for days 15-30. So basically I get an awesome paycheck. Heck yes.
  • visiting with Stefani, Bas, & Johannah who are all in from Germany! <-- def. most exciting.


I started cleaning out our guest room/office (aka- our "we-don't-know-what-to-do-with-this-so-let's-throw-it-in-here room) I'm about halfway through. I also have lots of laundry to do. Boo.


Ok that's about it for now- on to "Wee bit of me Wednesdays!" :)

{one} have you ever been stuck in an elevator?
No thankfully. I'd probably freak.

{two} have you ever ridden on an elephant?
YES! lol when we were in Thailand :) It's definitely the strangest thing I've ever done-- but it was fun!


{three} have you ever met a well known celebrity?
No. Can't say they frequent little cities in WV :)

{four} do you have any food allergies?
Mild allergy to strawberries. I haven't had a reaction since I was a kid. I ate like an entire huge bowl of them and broke out in hives.

{five} do you know how to sew?
Not really. I can sort of use a sewing machine (but don't have one), and can do simple things like hem or sew a button but that's about it.

{six} did you get an allowance when you were young?
Not really, my parents weren't that organized. I'd sometimes get some money for helping with housework and such though.

{seven} how often do you fill up your gas tank?
Depends on the week. If I work every single day, and we use the Jeep for evening things too then once a week. Less often if we use the car some in the evenings and/or I don't work every day.

{eight} have you ever been stung by a jelly fish?
no thankfully.

{nine} have you ever been robbed?
My laptop was stolen from our Jeep last summer. I forgot it was in there and we didn't use to lock our vehicles (you bet we do now though!)

{ten} what is the worst haircut you’ve ever had?
Probably the short pixie-cut my lovely mother gave me when I was 3. I looked like a boy. She swears it was "cute" but I don't think so. I'll never do that to my daughter LOL. A close second would be in 7th grade when I decided that perming my hair would be a good idea. NOT.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Easter Weekend

Well we had a great Easter!




I really enjoyed spending the weekend with my amazing family ♥ I'm seriously so blessed to have my family AND my wonderful in-laws. Couldn't ask for more!

My Spring Break wasn't as productive as I'd hoped but well, what can ya do? I'm going to focus the rest of this week and try and get the house clean (and keep it that way for as long as possible lol)


Thursday, April 21, 2011

Frustrations...

What's bothering me today...

I am soooo sleepy! I haven't had a good night's sleep in a while. I keep waking up multiple times, either by my snoring husband, my dog, or just randomly waking up. It's really hitting me today. I'm drinking a cup of coffee just to stay awake!

Wacky period... so we're somewhat trying to make a baby now and my period was due this past Saturday. Took a test that day- negative. Took another one Tuesday- negative again. Now I'm 5 days late and have no idea what's up. Usually I'm really regular. I am getting some mild cramps but they come and go and still nothing. I'm frustrated because of not knowing and if I'm not preggo (which I don't think I am) then I want my next cycle to start so we can give it another go. Its just annoying.

I'm so behind on housework. it feels like I'll never get done or caught up

Hubby's long work hours are sucking. He hasn't gotten home before 8:00 any night this week. Its ridiculous. Last night, he got home at 10. Because of this I haven't cooked a real meal all week and I haven't had his help w/any housework. Not to mention I barely get to talk to him!



Alright, that's enough whining.

I am looking forward to Easter weekend w/family.


Later!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

The week is speeding by...

I feel like it at least. I've been pretty busy, even though it is Spring Break. Here's the list of what I've gotten accomplished so far...

Need to do:
- Get my driver's license renewed (did I ever mention how much I hate the DMV?)
- Clean house and attempt to catch up on laundry <- I've started on this! - Babysit on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, for about 6 hrs/day. <- day 2 down, 1 to go! - At least get started on my class that I'm taking

Would LIKE to do if the above all gets finished:
- Hang out with my sis in law & nieces one day to work on above mentioned class and just visit w/them
- Finish my brother's wedding scrapbook. Yeah. It's been 8 months now and it's still not done.
- Clean out the third bedroom (still has some of my uncle's stuff, old unused furniture, and other random stuff)
- Spend an evening out w/Nicole since we haven't just hung out in forever.
- Clean off my front porch/yard/etc. in hopes of making it look less "white trash"-ish. haha.
- Watch some more Army Wives on Netflix. :) I'm so addicted...



And before I go- We Bit of me Wednesdays!



{one} how often do you do laundry?
Depends. Usually once a week I do at least one load, to wash Brew's work clothes. But I get behind all the time.

{two} what is your favorite type of cookie?
chocolate chip, definitely :)

{three} what would you do with an extra $2000 per month?
Have it put directly in our savings account, and use it to put a down payment on house/land and a new car when we got enough saved.

{four} what was/is your favorite subject in school?
Music/Choir, and English.

{five} have you ever ridden in a hot air balloon?
No, maybe someday though!

{six} what was your high school mascot?
Parkersburg South Patriots :)

{seven} if you had the chance to go into space, would you?
No. I get motion sick, and I'm a little claustrophobic. I'd probably die.

{eight} how often do you go dancing?
Well I'm a clogger, so not counting clogging performances- the last time was my brother's wedding. And before that was prom. So yeah, I'm not much of the type to go out dancing.

{nine} would you rather drive or fly?
Drive. I don't mind flying, but it's more of a hassle.

{ten} have you ever been caught re-gifting?
No, and I've only done that like once ;)

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Spring Break Plans...

Need to do:
- Get my driver's license renewed (did I ever mention how much I hate the DMV?)
- Clean house and attempt to catch up on laundry
- Babysit on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, for about 6 hrs/day.
- At least get started on my class that I'm taking

Would LIKE to do if the above all gets finished:
- Hang out with my sis in law & nieces one day to work on above mentioned class and just visit w/them
- Finish my brother's wedding scrapbook. Yeah. It's been 8 months now and it's still not done.
- Clean out the third bedroom (still has some of my uncle's stuff, old unused furniture, and other random stuff)
- Spend an evening out w/Nicole since we haven't just hung out in forever.
- Clean off my front porch/yard/etc. in hopes of making it look less "white trash"-ish. haha.
- Watch some more Army Wives on Netflix. :) I'm so addicted...


Let's see what, if any of that, gets accomplished.

Roast Beast

...or Roast Beef :)

No pics this time (sorry-- crazy busy week!) Buuuutttt, my food fave of this week is my crock-pot roast beef!


Crock-Pot Roast Beef

You'll need:
A slow cooker (duh)
Beef roast (I've also used venison roast)
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (and 1 can of water)
1 onion, chopped
1 potato, chopped (optional)
baby carrots (optional)


Step 1: Empty can of mushroom soup into slow cooker, refill can with tap water, and mix soup. (Basically prepare it as if you were to heat it up to eat) If you don't have cream of mushroom soup you can use just plain water (pour enough so that the roast is nearly covered). I've done it that way before and it turns out well, but I saw a recipe online calling for the cream of mush. soup and ever since I've tried it I always use it-- it makes it so much more juicy & yummy.

Step 2: Chop onion, potatoes, and carrots and add to soup.
Other veggies are optional but the onion is a must. It really adds a lot of flavor.

Step 4: Place your roast in the soup mixture.

Step 5: Cook in Crock-Pot on low for approx. 6-8 hours
. I just set mine in the morning before I leave for work, and return about 8 1/2 hours later to a house that smells amazing :) I usually turn it to "warm" until we're ready to eat it!


I love crock-pot stuff like this because I can throw it in in the morning and it's all ready when I get home. This works out well for us on the days that Brew is working late, because he doesn't have to reheat it-- I just leave it on "warm" til he gets home. I usually fix mashed potatoes & green beans to go with it! The soupy mix that the roast has cooked in makes good gravy too!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Pet Peeve Rant

Ok so I have a few minutes during plan period today so I thought I'd post about something that happened the other day that really got under my skin.

Tuesday was my little brother's talent show at the high school. (Which he did awesomely clogging to "Wrapped Up in You") but when we arrived Mom and one of the other choir booster ladies (see- this shows how much I know her, I don't even know her name) were there taking money for admission. So I handed her my money and stranger-lady confirms with my mom that I am in fact her daughter and goes "So how's married life?" That doesn't bother me in the slightest, Brew & I both answer "It's good!" and are ready to move on and she goes "Any babies on the way yet?" Slightly taken aback we respond "No, not yet" and then she says "Oh well you guys are getting close to your 1 year now right?..." and then continues on to badger us about having a kid and making my mom a grandma. My mom is just sitting there quietly (I don't think she knows what to say lol. I know darn well she'd be thrilled to have grandbabies but she's also super good about keeping her nose out and letting us decide and not pushing us).

Meanwhile I'm standing there not knowing what to say to that and slightly pissed off. Am I wrong? Or is that a little rude? I mean we ARE trying for a baby, but nobody really knows that-- what BOTHERED me was that here this lady is, she only knows me through my mom, and I have no idea who she is, asking me extremely personal questions and badgering me about it. I know she probably meant well but I couldn't help but be a little offended. I just know that I would never dream of asking a perfect stranger if she was pregnant and when I got a negative answer, CONTINUING to bug her saying it's about time, and I need to be giving my mom grandbabies.

So let me know what you think... am I wrong for thinking she was being super rude? (Again, I'm sure that's not her intention, which is why I just let it go-- I just wanted to complain on here lol)

She isn't the first to ask though. But for the MOST part, those people that have asked I've at least known. And they usually STOP after the "no" when they ask if there are any babies on the way yet.



Speaking of which-- I should find out if my "no" answer was correct or not on Saturday. I'm stuck as to how to feel, so I just haven't been thinking about it as much. I don't want to get my hopes up and be disappointed again, so we shall see. I also know that God always has His ways of reminding me to be patient and that things will happen in His timing, not mine, so I'm trying to keep that in mind as well. :)



Oh, and is it Spring Break yet?

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Busy, Busy, Dreadfully Busy!

Yeah that's a Veggietales Song :)

Anywho, that's exactly what I've been lately. BUSY!

With my long-term job I've been running around like a crazy person trying to finish up Kindergarten gifted referrals/testing and all IEPs before Spring Break. It has been nuts. Today was supposed to be my half day but I basically worked the whole day. I finally went home at 1, ate lunch, then worked until probably 4 finishing up stuff. My printer (which I was using as a copier) is running out of black ink so I'm going to borrow my church's copier and finish making copies and they'll be ready to get to the board office tomorrow. Whew! I've also been working Thursdays & Fridays elsewhere (this week it's Kindergarten then 5th grade at Franklin). So yeah. I'm way behind on laundry & dishes at home. My house is a wreck in general. I need a maid...

Next week is Spring Break though, thank goodness. I'm planning on catching up on housework, and maybe meeting my sis-in-law to work on our online/independent study class we're taking. I'm babysitting, but only Tues, Wed, and Thurs. Hopefully I fit some relaxing in there at some point!

Alrighty that's all the update I have time for. I am *hoping* to get my March video update done soon, though I've been thinking I might combine it with April. I dunno I have to see how much video I actually have.

Bye for now!

Boneless Buffalo Wings!

Sorry this is late, but it was my Food Favorite of last week!

Ok this one is super-easy and just might be considered "cheating" ;)

Boneless Buffalo Wings

You'll need:
- Frozen breaded crispy chicken breast pieces. (I used Kroger brand popcorn chicken. Tyson has what they call "anytizers" too that work! I suppose if you wanted to fry your own crispy chicken you could do that. But this was way easier!)
- Buffalo sauce (I used Sweet Baby Ray's buffalo sauce. You can use any that you like. If you aren't a hot & spicy person, I'm sure honey bbq would be just as good!)
- Mixing bowl or plastic container with lid.


Step 1: Cook frozen chicken pieces according to package directions. (use the oven though- I can only imagine how mushy they'd be if you did them in the microwave. Ick)

Step 2: Pour desired amount of buffalo sauce into the mixing bowl. Add cooked chicken pieces. However much sauce you put depends on how many wings you are fixing. I only fixed about half the package so I used about 1/3 bottle of sauce.

Step 3: Secure lid on container, and shake until sauce has evenly coated all chicken pieces

Annnd that's it! Easy huh? This'd be a great party recipe. I made them for dinner though and served them with ranch dressing for dipping, french fries, and salad. Yummy!

Friday, April 8, 2011

Ahhh Friday

Hurray it's Friday!

Looks like we have a beautiful weekend in store! It's been raining off & on today, but thankfully cleared up and the sun came out just in time for me to get home from work and take my pooch for his walk.

Speaking of which- Duke stayed in the house today without being in his crate for the WHOLE day, as in almost 9 hours, and was a perfect angel. He didn't tear anything up, or make a mess, or anything! I'm so proud of him. Hopefully the crating days are in the past. Not that there's anything wrong with it- I know it's usually a good thing. But I just mostly want to get that big giant thing out of the way. And I feel less bad about leaving him home alone when at least he's not cooped up in his crate. We close all the bedroom doors, and leave him plenty of chewies and his kong toys out. He's done wonderfully!

So plans for this weekend-not a whole lot actually... Tonight, Brew'll be off almost on time! So I'm thinking we may grill some steaks and just relax and maybe watch a movie or something. :) tomorrow we are going to go look at that house at 11. Then I'm not sure what we'll do the rest of the day. I probably should work on laundry & cleaning. Sunday we have our usual church & lunch with the family. After that I'll head over to clogging practice. Then we'll have the evening to do whatever!

So I found this on another blog- Here Comes the Sun, and she credited Our Little Lifescicle. Though, I'm not positive who actually started it! So I just linked both here :) Anyway it's the 10 day YOU challenge. I think I will start with 10 and count backwards :)




Day 1- 10 Secrets
{this is actually really hard for me to answer... I can't say I have many "secrets"}

  1. As a little kid, I was terrified of lightning. Really bad storms still scare me.
  2. I have only ever had two boyfriends. I married the second one lol.
  3. My car is embarrassingly messy.
  4. If you make a surprise visit to my house I guarantee you will find dog toys laying around, an unswept/mopped floor, dishes in the sink, and papers piled on the table.
  5. I was engaged once before to my ex-boyfriend (see #2). It obviously didn't work out and was a mistake. We were so young/naive) but a lot of people don't know that.
  6. My hubby & I had our first kiss before we were officially a couple.
  7. This blog is not well known among friends & family. I actually kind of like it that way.
  8. I'm going to include the fact that we are trying for a baby as a "secret". Even though a few know (and readers here) Because of #7 and other reasons, my family & most friends do not know.
  9. I've never truly lived on my own. I lived at home while in college and the year after, then I got married and hubby & I live together of course. No regrets though. :)
  10. I was teased for various things as a kid, mostly 4th through 7th grade... (my small-ness, the fact that I didn't hit puberty until 7th grade, the clothes I wore, etc.) But I think those experiences made me a better person. :) At very least, I got over some of my shy-ness and can stand up for myself.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

What I'm loving this Wednesday...

{ warm weather }
It's in the 60s today, and sunny! I celebrated by wearing a dress (with leggings- it's not THAT warm yet lol) I am seriously looking forward to 70-80 degree weather. And for that weather to STAY for a while!

{ lunch & summer plans }
I met Ann & Mary for lunch today. I watch their kids every summer (and have since 2006-- I knew them even before that when I worked my first job at a daycare their kiddos went to.) We talked about plans for the summer & worked out a schedule. I'm excited to watch them again. :) This year the girls will be 8 and the boys 10. They get easier every year-- and it's just crazy that I've known them since they were 3 and 1! It was fun eating lunch w/them too :)

{ tomorrow = day off }
Well, so far! I took the afternoon off at least (we're dancing at Williamstown elementary), we'll see if I end up getting a job for the morning. I'm really kind of looking forward to it. I haven't had a day off since February! (not that I'm complaining...)

{ I might get a year of experience this year! }
As a sub in Wood County, 133 days worked in one school year = 1 year of experience/seniority. As of the end of March I had 98, and adding up all the scheduled days with both my long term and other jobs I have booked already, I will only need 3 MORE DAYS scheduled before I get my year of experience! I hope I can make it this year, and that it helps when finding a job!



And before I go, here's Wee bit of Me Wednesdays!


{one} what is one food that, as an adult you love, but as a child you said you’d never touch?
I'm not sure, I wasn't overly picky as a kid. I didn't like tomatoes much until I got in high school...

{two} did you go to college? if yes, what was your major?
Yes. My major was Elementary Ed. Took me 5 years but I graduated w/a Bachelor's in Elementary Ed & with an additional Middle School Social Studies Specialization.

{three} what’s the most wild animal you’ve seen in real life (not counting the zoo)?
Probably a coyote. And nothing is more CREEPY than listening to them howl. *shudders*

{four} have you ever been to a fortune teller?
um no. I don't generally believe in that stuff. I suppose people could have some gifts but I doubt it's anyone with a 1-800 number or a creepy shack with a neon sign.

{five} can you juggle?
Hahaha that's funny. I have about zero hand/eye coordination so that'd be NO! My dad can though...

{six} hardwood floors or carpet?
We have hardwood and I'm glad. With a puppy it's much easier to clean and keep clean.

{seven} is it called “soda” or “pop”?
In WV it's pop :)

{eight} what was your first car?
A 1996 Ford Thunderbird. I freakin' loved that car. It was a sled in the winter but other than that I loved it. I'd probably still have it if I hadn't of wrecked it.

{nine} what is the most decadent dessert you’ve ever eaten?
Hmm... that is so hard... I'd have to say the chocolate lava cake from Chili's. Or Coldstone Ice Cream. That stuff's pretty much what diabetes tastes like.

{ten} how often do you rearrange your furniture?
I probably never would. Brew likes to once in a while, and has rearranged our bedroom. Our living room doesn't have much flexibility. We rearranged it for the Christmas tree but other than that it's been the same since we moved in.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Ole! Yummy Enchiladas

So as promised, I thought I'd do my first "Food Favorites" post. This one is for last week. It is an easy peasy enchilada recipe! It's one of mine & Brew's favorite things to eat :)


You'll need:

- 1lb of lean ground beef (or two medium-large chicken breasts, if you prefer. You can also use other ground meats. I've even used ground venison and it turned out really good!)
- small can of refried beans (these are optional-- Brew doesn't like them so I leave them out! If you do use beans, you might want to cut the meat in half)
- 2 cans of Enchilada sauce (I use Old El Paso brand, either medium or mild)
- about 12 small tortillas (you can use either corn or flour, corn is most authentic)
- 2 cups of mexican-blend shredded cheese
- a frying pan (for beef) or 2qt pot (for chicken)
- mixing bowl/spoon
- baking pan (I think the one I use is 11x7 or something)


Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2: Brown ground beef.
Drain if needed. (If you are making chicken enchiladas, cook the chicken breasts in a pot of water, then shred the chicken)


Step 3: Combine 1 can of enchilada sauce, the cooked meat, 1 cup of shredded cheese, (and if you wish, the refried beans), in a mixing bowl.


Step 4: Heat the tortillas according to package directions (note- for corn tortillas, be sure to follow the stovetop heating directions. I've found if you heat them in the microwave, they break really easily)

Step 5: Spoon desired amount of filling into tortilla, roll up, and place in baking pan. I usually put a big, heaping, tablespoon or two in each one. When you put them in the pan, they should be touching. It's ok to squeeze them in :)


Step 6: Pour second can of enchilada sauce over the enchiladas

Step 7: Sprinkle remaining cheese on top A lot of times I'll throw a little extra on there too. But we love cheese :)


Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly.



That's it! I usually top with sour cream and fix some mexican rice (I use Knorr fiesta sides!) to go along with it. They also freeze pretty well. After I fix them, I will separate two at a time into smaller containers and freeze them for lunches later.

Here's the finished product (after we damaged about half of it! lol)


Comment & let me know if you try it & like it (or don't like it for that matter lol) Or if you have any variations on this recipe you'd like to add!

Quarter of a Century...

Well, that's how old I am now! Yesterday (the 4th) was my 25th birthday. It seems so strange saying I'm 25. Like I'm no longer in my "early 20s". And 30 is getting ever so closer. Yikes! The day BEFORE my birthday, I went to dinner with my parents, brothers, sister in law, my bff Nicole, and of course Brew. It was fun :) Mom got me a big stockpot (hurray!). And I also got giftcards and money from the grandparents :) My day was pretty much like any other day, though better than most Mondays. lol. I decided since I already had everything planned & ready for the day, I'd let myself sleep in and do some work at home before going to my first school (instead of my usual of going into the main gifted school- which is not really a gifted school, it's where the older kids go one day a week but it's also where all the gifted teachers officially work out of). Brew didn't turn the light on in my face lol and Duke let me sleep until 7:30. Then I got up and got ready & headed into work-- wearing capris cause we FINALLY had a nice warm day with temps in the upper 70s!-- My kiddos at my first school made me some really sweet cards :) Brew actually got off work ON TIME *miracle I know* and we went to a nice dinner just the two of us and Olive Garden. He got me a sweet card too :) (We aren't doing big gifts and stuff this year for birthdays-- with our trip to Europe and a camping trip planned this summer, we're trying to save some money!) All in all it was a good day. Unfortunately I'm a dork and though I brought my camera I didn't take any pictures (I know it's bad)... so sorry I won't have any of those! Upcoming things I'm looking forward to...

  • Spring Break (no explaination needed. lol. I'm babysitting 3 days out of break but I'm hoping to get my house cleaned AND clean out the 3rd bedroom finally.)

  • The Smit's visit at the end of this month. Super excited to see them again! (Especially Johannah :))

  • Brew's birthday is May 1. I'm thinking of cooking something yummy he likes and maybe having his parents and sister & her family over for dinner and cake and the like. We'll see how ambitious I get on that house cleaning stuff!

Oh and I didn't forget about the food posts. I'll do that as soon as I can get to it! Gotta get back to work now though, lunch break is almost over.



Saturday, April 2, 2011

A new look...

So I got a new background, made a new banner, and spruced things up a bit. The only thing is I'm not sure if I like how skinny my main blog text is now, but if I made it wider it didn't fit the background. Eh we'll see, I'll probably keep it for a while. The adorable background came from The Cutest Blog on the Block! (They have free stuff, yay!)

We bought new tires for our Malibu today. They were long overdue. Isn't it just ridiculous that you have to pay that amount for RUBBER? Seriously...

Other than that, we went and did a "drive-by" look at a house today. We like it enough from the outside that we called the realtor to go look at it. Ended up just leaving a message but yeah it's pretty awesome. If I know you and you want to see it, either email me or comment me and I will send you the link to the MLS listing. Otherwise I'm not going to link it on here cause well- I don't want the world knowing how to reach me if we did move there LOL.

I have an idea for some posts. Since I abandoned the whole posting my weekly menu thing (I still do make up menus, and stick to them, it just always ends up being rearranged so I don't see the point in posting it) I decided that once a week I'll do a post of something yummy I cooked that week, and share pics and the recipe! I will do a kick-off for it tomorrow. (when I can get pics off my camera for last week, then I think I'll do them mostly on Saturdays.)

Alrighty I will write again tomorrow!