Tri Fusion Swim Camp

Special thanks to "Ron", Joey's swim coach!

Sunday we embarked on some fun time for Joey down at the YMCA. He had a ball! It included some dry land training with such skills including the crab crawl, hop relays, and running. Then the crew headed to the pool for a few swim tips and fun. The water was really warm! Finally it wrapped up with a snack and a certificate of completion. A job well done by the Tri Fusion crew! We look forward to the next Tri Kids Event!

Almost Done!

My dad finished the armoire...and it was delivered last night. It is beautiful and looks so amazing in the nursery. Joey and I spent some quality time putting clothes in and Joey did all the clothes on the hangers. :-)

Just a little thank you to my dad...so proud of your work pop, it looks wonderful and is absolutely perfect. Thank you for all your hard work! And a little shout out to mom who helped with the painting!

Last but not least, are some canvas paintings being completed by a local artist for Katie's room...can't wait to have it all completed! Oh and not to mention have her!

Getting Closer!

Feeling good, haven't cried in 3 whole days, not craving ice cream as much, wearing support hose for my legs and ankles, struggling a bit with heartburn, nursery almost ready, Joey's excited...today-about getting a new sister, my husband sweetly keeps doing the items on my "Nesting" list and my friends and family keep telling me that I'm looking great and how could I be due in less than a month!?! Keep the prayers and good thoughts coming, they are so appreciated. XOXO

Sometimes...

you gotta grab a good book and read to your doggy!

The Nursery...

Is coming along!! Introducing our old office space, now Katie's new room! Thank you to Tom, my parents, and Jill for painting! We have painted the walls, the molding around the windows and my folks added an adorable pink wayne's coating through the middle of the wall!

Jill helped me pick out the cute ledges from Pottery Barn and most other items are from Babies R Us, which is where we are also registered. :-) Joey donated his brown bunny to her shelf and after looking through his large collection said there were not any others he could part with. Too cute! Her room colors are pink, tan, chocolate and green. It is looking adorable!

Last but not least... my dad is making Katie an armoir that will be similar to my childhood furniture...note the nightstand in the picture. I can't wait to fill it and see its completion. Thank you daddy! And my mom sweetly spray painted our old hamper white and made the pink liner with added bow just for her room! Thanks momma!

We are of course getting excited for this little one's entrance to the world on February 20th. Not too much longer! My diaper bag is packed and ready to go...just need a baby!

A Few Favorites of the Year

Let me inspire you with a few of our favorites recipes of 2008...and of course we'll still be devouring them in 2009! First up is WILD RICE SOUP!
3 cups cooked chicken, cut up
1/2 c butter
1/4 cup bacon bits
1 1/2 cup carrots, diced
1 1/2 cup celery, diced
1 1/2 cup onion, diced (optional)
8 oz wild rice mix, uncooked (I love the mix from Costco!)
9 cups chicken broth
1/2 c all-purpose flour
4 c half and half

Melt butter in large pot over medium heat. Add bacon/veggies. Cook until veggies are tender, about 5 minutes. Add rice and 2 cups of broth.
Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
Stir flour into 1 cup of broth. Add to soup until bubbly.
Add cream and heat through.
Cool it and freeze it if desired, otherwise add the remaining 48oz of broth and heat!
Top with fresh parsley if desired. I love it with saltines too!

Recipe number two is BAKED LEMON/GARLIC CHICKEN. This is super easy! Take a whole chicken, (not frozen) and wash it. Take out all inner parts. Then rub with olive oil. Inside the chicken stuff 1/2 lemon, 1/2 garlic, 1/2 lemon, 1/2 garlic, add thyme, salt and pepper. Put in pan and stick in oven for 1.5 hours or until temperature reaches 170 or juices run clear. Delicious!

Happy New Year!