Kind of a menu plan Monday post I suppose. This week for dinner, I don't really have a plan. Trying to stick with healthy things so I purchased turkey breasts and salmon along with green beans and brown rice for one meal, and red potatoes, peppers and mushrooms for the other.
I did want to share a Weight Watchers recipe that I tried before the holidays and LOVED. It's super filling and really tasty. I will definitely be making it again....
Slow Cooker Chicken Burritos
Ingredients:
1 pound chicken breast
1 can stewed diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can kidney or black beans, drained
1 cup of fat free chicken broth
1 red onion, chopped
Pepper to taste
* I added a little bit of minced garlic
Directions:
Place all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 7 hours. Serve in a tortilla with a little shredded cheese.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Blog People
Tonight, I have a heavy heart. Actually, truth be told, my heart has been heavy for a couple of days. You see, there's this blog that I read. I don't recall how or where I stumbled across it (as is the case with most of the blogs that I follow), but I can tell you that reading posts from this blogger has become a part of my life. I have read about her battles with infertility, pregnancy, and finally motherhood. She became pregnant for the second time in late Spring of 2010 - with twins. Ecstatic yet experiencing all of the other emotions that come with this news, she shared with myself and hundreds of others about her journey. It was not an easy one. There were complications with the pregnancy, and it came to be found that one twin was not growing as big as the other one. She was put onto bed rest. She was monitored. She was seen by the doctor all. the. time. Still, after all of this, she kept her sense of humor and in her blogging filled us in on the goings on of her two babies - girls. At 32 weeks, she was admitted to the hospital. She updated her blog. The doctors thought that the smaller baby might need to be born sooner rather than later. She updated her blog. It was determined that both babies needed to be born. She updated her blog.
On Friday morning I checked my updates. A blog had been written with the babies names as the title. I clicked on it. I read about how the babies had been born the day before. About how the small baby was fighting in the NICU. About how the bigger, healthier baby was with her and her husband. For now. It seems that the bigger baby, who wasn't really worried about during the pregnancy, had passed away.
Reading those words devastated me in a way that I had not experienced ever. No, I don't personally know this blog author. But, I kind of do. She has allowed me into her life through many trials and tribulations. She has made me smile, cringe, smirk and think. So, even though I've never met her and probably never will, it affected me to receive this news. Especially from a person that I can count on to be comical even in the worst of times.
And now, in my heavy hearted state, all I can do is pray and send thoughts her way. I hope that I can ask any one who may read this to do the same. I simply cannot imagine what she is going through now, and what she will endure not only in the coming weeks, but for the rest of her life. There just aren't words to say how much I wish this were not happening to her....
On Friday morning I checked my updates. A blog had been written with the babies names as the title. I clicked on it. I read about how the babies had been born the day before. About how the small baby was fighting in the NICU. About how the bigger, healthier baby was with her and her husband. For now. It seems that the bigger baby, who wasn't really worried about during the pregnancy, had passed away.
Reading those words devastated me in a way that I had not experienced ever. No, I don't personally know this blog author. But, I kind of do. She has allowed me into her life through many trials and tribulations. She has made me smile, cringe, smirk and think. So, even though I've never met her and probably never will, it affected me to receive this news. Especially from a person that I can count on to be comical even in the worst of times.
And now, in my heavy hearted state, all I can do is pray and send thoughts her way. I hope that I can ask any one who may read this to do the same. I simply cannot imagine what she is going through now, and what she will endure not only in the coming weeks, but for the rest of her life. There just aren't words to say how much I wish this were not happening to her....
Saturday, January 1, 2011
The Last Decade
Happy New Year!! 2010 was a year with good and bad. I have no resolutions for the new year, because I don't do that. I have the opinion that you can set goals and achieve them any time, not just January first.
Being that it's the start of a new decade, I thought I would do a recap not of the last year, but of the last ten years.....
2000: turned fifteen. Got learners permit to drive. Began sophomore year in school.
2001: turned sixteen. Got drivers license and first car. 1983 Oldsmobile Cutlass. It had velvet upholstery.
2002: lost Dad. That event pretty much defined that entire year.
2003: turned eighteen. Graduated from high school. Began working at current job. Started classes at community college. Met Matt.
2004: Life seemed to be in limbo this year. Nothing truly stands out about it.
2005: Decided to change my major from nursing to accounting.
2006: A lot of things changed in my relationship with Matt, for the better. Turned 21, went on a cruise.
2007: Moved in with Matt. Got engaged.
2008: Graduated with my AS in Accounting. Got married : ) Decided that I really do want to be a nurse.
2009: Continued with pre reqs for nursing school. Lots of babies were born. Celebrated one year of marriage.
2010: Applied to first nursing school. Got denied. Had many friendships that grew. Made some decisions about how I want to live my life.
Being that it's the start of a new decade, I thought I would do a recap not of the last year, but of the last ten years.....
2000: turned fifteen. Got learners permit to drive. Began sophomore year in school.
2001: turned sixteen. Got drivers license and first car. 1983 Oldsmobile Cutlass. It had velvet upholstery.
2002: lost Dad. That event pretty much defined that entire year.
2003: turned eighteen. Graduated from high school. Began working at current job. Started classes at community college. Met Matt.
2004: Life seemed to be in limbo this year. Nothing truly stands out about it.
2005: Decided to change my major from nursing to accounting.
2006: A lot of things changed in my relationship with Matt, for the better. Turned 21, went on a cruise.
2007: Moved in with Matt. Got engaged.
2008: Graduated with my AS in Accounting. Got married : ) Decided that I really do want to be a nurse.
2009: Continued with pre reqs for nursing school. Lots of babies were born. Celebrated one year of marriage.
2010: Applied to first nursing school. Got denied. Had many friendships that grew. Made some decisions about how I want to live my life.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
I Heart Tim Riggins
There's this television show, Friday Night Lights. And for some reason, Matt and I decided it would be something good for us to watch together. We put it on our Netflix que. We both are now FNL addicts to the core.
One character in particular had really struck my interest. His name is Tim Riggins and hello! he's totally my new celeb crush. But seriously, beyond watching that hottie for an hour or so, the show is pretty good. If you're into Texas, football, highschool drama, and learning lessons, check it out!
One character in particular had really struck my interest. His name is Tim Riggins and hello! he's totally my new celeb crush. But seriously, beyond watching that hottie for an hour or so, the show is pretty good. If you're into Texas, football, highschool drama, and learning lessons, check it out!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
A Day to Remember
December 29th will always be a special day of importance for me. On this date in 2003, my friend and sister in law, Carrie, had a lung transplant.
Carrie was diagnosed with a rare lung disease called Primary Pulmonary Hypertension in 1997. She was told that she only had a couple of years to live. Fortunately, she made it much longer than that. Through countless doctors visits, procedures, administration of medicine and hospital stays she prevailed until her lungs had reached their end. She was placed on the waiting list to receive a donor set of lungs.
Early in the morning, seven years ago, I got a call from my then boyfriend. He told me that lungs had been found for his sister and that he would pick me up in fifteen minutes to head to San Francisco where Carrie was hospitalized and where the transplant would be performed.
December 29th, 2003 was a day of many up and down emotions. I'd find my self overcome with joy and excitement one minute, and then a bundle of nerves and anxiety and fear the next. If I were a gambling woman, I'd be willing to bet that everyone else felt the same way.
When the doctors took Carrie in to receive her new lungs, a lead weight was placed on all of our shoulders. For hours we waited. And then, just as quickly as the process had begun, it was over. She spent a few days in ICU, and then was moved to a regular patient floor of the hospital. When she was released to go home, the doctors allowed her to walk out the front doors on her own.
Since that day, Carrie has continued to amaze everyone around her. She skis, wake boards, travels, gardens and enjoys all types of animals. She is an inspiration to each person that she comes into contact with and I could not be more honored to call her not only my friend, but my family.
One aspect of this whole experience that still causes my eyes to well up with tears that sting is a young man named Joel Hanson. He was a sixteen year old kid who had just celebrated a great Christmas with his family. On a Saturday afternoon while at a friends house, he was shot in the head. His parents chose to have him be an organ donor and this is the reason that Carrie is here today. Every time she coughs, sneezes, or blows up an inflatable tube on the boat, I think of Joel. And I thank his family for giving us the gift of life.
Carrie was diagnosed with a rare lung disease called Primary Pulmonary Hypertension in 1997. She was told that she only had a couple of years to live. Fortunately, she made it much longer than that. Through countless doctors visits, procedures, administration of medicine and hospital stays she prevailed until her lungs had reached their end. She was placed on the waiting list to receive a donor set of lungs.
Early in the morning, seven years ago, I got a call from my then boyfriend. He told me that lungs had been found for his sister and that he would pick me up in fifteen minutes to head to San Francisco where Carrie was hospitalized and where the transplant would be performed.
December 29th, 2003 was a day of many up and down emotions. I'd find my self overcome with joy and excitement one minute, and then a bundle of nerves and anxiety and fear the next. If I were a gambling woman, I'd be willing to bet that everyone else felt the same way.
When the doctors took Carrie in to receive her new lungs, a lead weight was placed on all of our shoulders. For hours we waited. And then, just as quickly as the process had begun, it was over. She spent a few days in ICU, and then was moved to a regular patient floor of the hospital. When she was released to go home, the doctors allowed her to walk out the front doors on her own.
Since that day, Carrie has continued to amaze everyone around her. She skis, wake boards, travels, gardens and enjoys all types of animals. She is an inspiration to each person that she comes into contact with and I could not be more honored to call her not only my friend, but my family.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
HAWAII!
Still playing catch up and want to tell you about our Hawaiian vacation....
On November 4, we went to Oahu with Matt's sister Carrie and her husband Zach. We always have such a great time with these two, and were super excited to have a whole week to spend with them (and each other) in Hawaii.
Activities during our trip were vast. We laid on Waikiki Beach the first day and read and talked and ate and drank and relaxed. It was a nice start to the vacation. We drove to the North Shore of the island where many famous surfers live and participate in the sport. While there, we saw the famous pipeline beach.
One morning we snorkeled at Hanauma Bay. The history of this place is pretty interesting. And the snorkeling was amazing. It was also a very pretty, wind protected beach to be lazy on.
Downtown Waikiki was pretty cool. There were tons of shops and neat restaurants. One night, Matt and I ate at the Top of Waikiki. I had duck and a VERY tasty martini and Matt had a rib eye and a scotch. It was such a nice view to enjoy a romantic dinner!
One of my favorite parts of the trip was visiting Pearl Harbor. We were able to take a short boat ride out to the Arizona memorial. It was incredibly eery to be standing over the ship where so many lost their lives defending our country. I still get chills just thinking about it.
Here are some pictures of our fun times....
On November 4, we went to Oahu with Matt's sister Carrie and her husband Zach. We always have such a great time with these two, and were super excited to have a whole week to spend with them (and each other) in Hawaii.
Activities during our trip were vast. We laid on Waikiki Beach the first day and read and talked and ate and drank and relaxed. It was a nice start to the vacation. We drove to the North Shore of the island where many famous surfers live and participate in the sport. While there, we saw the famous pipeline beach.
One morning we snorkeled at Hanauma Bay. The history of this place is pretty interesting. And the snorkeling was amazing. It was also a very pretty, wind protected beach to be lazy on.
Downtown Waikiki was pretty cool. There were tons of shops and neat restaurants. One night, Matt and I ate at the Top of Waikiki. I had duck and a VERY tasty martini and Matt had a rib eye and a scotch. It was such a nice view to enjoy a romantic dinner!
One of my favorite parts of the trip was visiting Pearl Harbor. We were able to take a short boat ride out to the Arizona memorial. It was incredibly eery to be standing over the ship where so many lost their lives defending our country. I still get chills just thinking about it.
Here are some pictures of our fun times....
Monday, December 27, 2010
Where Have I Been???
Ah, 9 (yes, NINE) weeks have passed since I updated my poor, lonely blog. No wonder I never have any comments. I'm undependable!! I wish I had a good excuse, but I don't. All that I can say is I am human. However, I have been out experiencing some things to blog about!
Today, let's just talk about Christmas since that was the most recent event. We always tend to have busy holidays, but Christmas probably takes the cake. We began our festivities on the evening of the 23rd at Matt's Dad's home. Helen cooked a yummy dinner and we exchanged gifts with the step siblings. It's always a great night celebrating with that branch of the family and I love starting off the holiday there.
Friday morning (Christmas Eve) we always have brunch at my Mom's house. It was nice to be "home" for the morning and to spend some time with my Mom, her friend Bill, my brother, his friend Shaundra, and of course, my awesome husband.
Christmas Eve we headed over to Matt's Mom's home. She made a great dinner and then we did a gift exchange with everyone. About 11 that night, Matt and I returned home and gave one another presents. He spoiled me yet again - as did everyone else. Here are some of the things that I was SO excited to receive:
Christmas morning we have started a tradition of going to our neighbors home for breakfast. They have a 12 year old and a four year old and it's so much fun to watch them open Santa presents. That afternoon, we went to my cousin's house for a couple of hours and then finished off the day flopping on our couch!!!
I am thankful every single day of the year for what I have. My wonderful family, my friends, my home, health, job and so, so much more. On Christmas though, I couldn't help but be constantly reminded of just how very blessed I am.
My wish is that each person reading this also had a wonderful holiday with their loved ones : )
Today, let's just talk about Christmas since that was the most recent event. We always tend to have busy holidays, but Christmas probably takes the cake. We began our festivities on the evening of the 23rd at Matt's Dad's home. Helen cooked a yummy dinner and we exchanged gifts with the step siblings. It's always a great night celebrating with that branch of the family and I love starting off the holiday there.
Friday morning (Christmas Eve) we always have brunch at my Mom's house. It was nice to be "home" for the morning and to spend some time with my Mom, her friend Bill, my brother, his friend Shaundra, and of course, my awesome husband.
Christmas Eve we headed over to Matt's Mom's home. She made a great dinner and then we did a gift exchange with everyone. About 11 that night, Matt and I returned home and gave one another presents. He spoiled me yet again - as did everyone else. Here are some of the things that I was SO excited to receive:
Christmas morning we have started a tradition of going to our neighbors home for breakfast. They have a 12 year old and a four year old and it's so much fun to watch them open Santa presents. That afternoon, we went to my cousin's house for a couple of hours and then finished off the day flopping on our couch!!!
I am thankful every single day of the year for what I have. My wonderful family, my friends, my home, health, job and so, so much more. On Christmas though, I couldn't help but be constantly reminded of just how very blessed I am.
My wish is that each person reading this also had a wonderful holiday with their loved ones : )
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