Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Mmmm, Cake...

Ladies and Gentlemen, Rachel Winsor is a freaking genius.

So Zac works nights and I usually make dinner for the two of us, take his portion down to him on his break, come home, re-heat my portion, and chow down while I feed Logan his supper. Then I give the baby a bath, put him to bed, and have a little "me time" (reading, watching an episode of Friends, whatever) before I get cracking on my homework. Well, usually while in the midst of "me time," I start wishing I had made some form of dessert. But naturally, my "me time" doesn't have enough minutes to create and bake some wonderful concoction...which probably would end up containing too many calories, anyways.

Tonight was no different. I grilled up some steaks, made a pasta side, sliced up some fresh fruit and delivered Zac's meal. We came home, Logan and I ate, Logan went through the normal bedtime routine, and went to sleep. Then I started in on some Grey's Anatomy catch-up when the dessert craving hit. Almost simultaneously, I remembered that my neighbor, Rachel, had posted about her pregnancy cravings for cake. And this is what she said:

"Single servings of cake.
Its amazing. You put 1/2 cup cake mix and 1/3 cup water in a bowl, stir, and microwave for 90 seconds. And Voila! You have yummy cake. And there is no danger of accidentally eating half a cake. And I'm sure you can say its better for you without the eggs and oil. So you can feel good and healthy about yourself."

HOLY WOW did this rock my world. It's so moist and warm that you totally don't need frosting, nor will you miss it. The only bad thing about it is that I am tempted to go back for seconds. Which defeats the main purpose of a single serving of cake. But I'm still breastfeeding...I can burn off the calories, right? Hmmm...maybe not. Well, enjoy Logan in all his cuteness (yes, he can stand on his own now! But still won't walk...) and go make yourself some cake!!!

Monday, May 26, 2008

Happy "Anniversary!!!"

So five years ago today, Zac and I went on our first date. Can you believe how much has happened in five years? It's crazy!!! But awesome, none the less. So in honor of that wonderful day, I'd like to share the details with those of you who don't already know the story.

Downtown Bloomfield, at the Memorial Day Parade. Sarah sat near the lawn of the Kennedy Funeral Home with her family (puppy included) keeping a lookout for her cousins and secretly hoping to see that stud known as Zac Steele. Sure enough, up came the Boy Scouts marching past Pickle Park and he was right at the front, full uniform and all. Her heart skipped a beat, wondering if she should call out to him, or just wave flirtatiously. She opted for the wave, not wanting to seem too eager. If only he would look her way...then, EYE CONTACT! Her heart pounded as his beautiful blue eyes met hers and she casually waved her fingers and gave him a smile. She enjoyed the rest of the parade, but made sure to keep an eye on him as he neared the end of the parade route at Elton Park. As soon as the BCS marching band passed, Sarah couldn't help but make her way to the food stands as fast as possible, shouting to her parents over her shoulder, "I'll catch up with you guys later!"

She searched, almost frantically, for just a glimpse of that handsome guy. But he was no where to be found. Sarah spotted her cousin and started walking toward her. Her heart started to sink. But then a warm, gentle hand rested on her shoulder. She turned and found herself lost in those beautiful blues almost immediately. "Hi," she said. "You looked great in the parade." He smiled that adorable smile and gave a bashful, "Thanks. You look great, too." EEE!!!! They made small talk for a few minutes, introduced their puppies, Mikko and Jessie, to each other, and then Sarah bit the bullet. She had to cancel their plans for the initial first date a week before hand, but wasn't going to let this one get away. "So did you want to catch that movie today? That is, if you're not too busy..." "No, no, I'd love to. I'll call you with plans later," he said. Sarah couldn't wait!!!

Fast-forward. They decided to catch the 5:00 showing of Bruce Almighty. Sarah gave Zac directions to her house and waited by the door. But when 4:45 hit, she didn't know what to think. "Where is he?" Just then, Zac's brother im-ed her. Apparently, Zac was lost. Naturally, Sarah told him to turn left which took him down Stetson RD, not a right which would have taken him down Wesley. Stupid, stupid, STUPID! So Sarah got Zac's mom's cell number (which Zac had), got him straightened out, and jumped into his van the second he pulled into the driveway. He looked so handsome! Khaki pants, nice white button-down shirt, gelled, spiky hair...Mmmm.

They talked the entire way to the theater. When they realized how late Sarah had made them, they decided to head to Target and get snacks while they waited for the 7:00 show. It was no problem because those two could talk to each other for hours and never run out of things to say. So eventually, the theater opened seating for the next showing. They got front row balcony seats, a favorite for both of them. Just as they settled in and began snacking on their gummy bears, Zac started to look sick. "What's wrong?" Sarah asked and Zac nodded toward the door. About a thousand people came in and said "Hey Zac!" and proceeded up the stairs to the row right behind the two. "You guys HAVE to move," Zac said under his breath. Then Sarah realized who they were. Zac's dad, Joel, was easily recognizable. Followed by his brother Matt, his cousin William, and a ton of other relatives Sarah couldn't name even if she wanted to. Brothers, sisters, uncles, cousins, and Zac's mom, who Sarah politely made conversation with (trying to impress her). Eventually, his mom made everyone move down to the floor seats. However, not soon enough. Zac was irritated and made it known. Mainly by showering his family with gummy bears, but he got the message across.

The theater finally dimmed the lights and the movie started. Sarah could tell Zac was debating on whether or not to try and hold her hand. After 20 minutes of excruciating decision-making (or lack thereof), Sarah made it for him. She grabbed his hand and held tight for the rest of the movie. She held his hand most of the ride home, too. While they were on their way out of the parking lot, Zac (trying to extend the date as much as possible) said, "Hey, do you want to come back to my house and play with out new puppy for a while?" And Sarah, not wanting the date to end either, said "I'd love to!"

Zac's house was a little overwhelming for Sarah at first. Being an only child, she wasn't used to having a ton of kids around...especially Zac's eight siblings and five cousins who were up visiting for the weekend. CRAZY!

After the insanity of the Steele home, Zac drove Sarah back to her house. It was a school night, after all. They sat in her driveway and talked for a while and then Sarah decided she'd better call it a night. With her hand on the door, she started to climb out of the van. Just then, in a bold move that was totally out of character, Zac said, "So do I get a kiss or something?" Sarah had to give him credit...that wasn't something she'd EVER expect Zac Steele to say. "Um, sure." She leaned in, her heart fluttering. Zac's was pounding, too. Then, she pecked him on the cheek, hopped out of the van, said "Thanks! I had a good time!" and went inside. Even though it was only a "courtesy kiss," neither one of the two had ever felt more alive. They both knew this relationship was headed somewhere good. And it was!

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Family Pictures...


It's been about 6 months since our last family photo shoot. So today, since it was BEAUTIFUL outside, we went for a walk and set up the timer on our camera and snapped a few shots. I can't believe how awesome our little family is!!!

The first one is my favorite of us, and I absolutely love the one of Zac and Logan where Logan is pointing at the camera (one of his new tricks).





Friday, May 16, 2008

Something I've Been Thinking About...

This occurred to me while adding people to our blogger buddies.

Why is it that when we mention a married couple (or any two people, I guess) that we say their names in a particular order? I started listing off couples I know and I decided why I DON'T say names certain ways, but I'm still seeking reasoning.

It's not necessarily gender related...i.e. I say "Kate and Zach." I also say "Sam and Emily."

It's not necessarily who I know better first...i.e. I say "Ben and Marie" and "Mat and Dani" (when Marie and Dani are like my best friends), yet I say "BriAnna and Kristopher" (because I hardly know him).

It's not necessarily syllabic with the shorter one first...i.e. I say "Dan and Lisa" and "Jenny and Joe." However, this one seems to be the rule I stick with most, I think.

But then how do I pick which goes first in the case of names with equal amount of syllables? Like "Sara and Tyson," "Pam and Shawn," "Ty and Jill," "Rachel and Isaac," "Tom and Kim," or even "Bev and Trent?"

These are the kinds of things that keep me up at night.

p.s.- Dani...Logan borrowed James' shirt.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Potato Salad Recipe

SO I was going to put this on the "Purdy Good Cookin' 2" blog, but I'm not a contributor yet (*ahem* Savannah)so I'm putting it here for my wonderful sister-in-law.

Great American Potato Salad

1 cup Miracle Whip (or Mayo if you prefer...sometimes I go 1/2 and 1/2)
1 teaspoon mustard
1/2 tsp Celery Seed
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
4 cups Potatoes, peeled, cooked, and cubed
3 boiled eggs, chopped
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/2 cup celery
1/2 cup sweet pickle relish

Combine salad dressing, mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper; mix well.

Add potatoes, eggs, onion, celery, and relish; mix lightly. Chill. Serves 6.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Eeeshk...


I know, I know...I've been a slacker. My apologies, but I do happen to be taking 9 credits this term (which pretty much equals 18 credits during a regular semester). So give me a break.

So Mother's Day was yesterday. I got about a bazillion text messages wishing me a happy one, so thanks! I also got a beautiful card from my parents, a card and one of those Willow Tree angels from my mother-in-law, and a fabulous few days from my husband. Let me explain: Saturday, we went to the mall. First, he took me to dinner and ordered my food for me (cute!)...he got me the best tasting steak I have had in a really long time. After we ate, we wandered around the mall and each spent some money on some much-needed clothes. Well, his were needed, mine were more of a splurge, but that's Mother's Day for you! Then on Sunday, Zac took care of lunch and dinner and I didn't have to step foot in the kitchen all day. It was wonderful! Also, in church, I scored some amazing chocolates from "Mrs. Cavanaugh's Candies" from our ward. Imagine "See's Candies" and then multiply that goodness by like a thousand. Yum. Then today, Zac let me sleep in an extra 2 hours while he got up with Logan. I feel like royalty! Hehehe...

Then for my mom (and Zac's mom) Logan made dvds for their first Mother's Day as Grandmas. But apparently, both of them got kind of scratched in the mail so I'll try to post them online soon. Freaking USPS.

Anyways, that's about all the new stuff I have to talk about. Less than 2 months till I'm back in NY!!! Miss you all!!!!

Update: In my reading of family blogs, I just read that Zac's cousin William is engaged...so Congrats to him! The question is, when will we hear it from HIM?

Saturday, May 3, 2008

A Series of (Un)fortunate Events...


Unfortunately, Logan is teething and has a cold.
Fortunately, his cold isn't as bad as mine. I have a fever, too.
Unfortunately, Logan woke up too early for me today and my Nyquil hadn't worn off yet.
Fortunately, my awesome husband got up with him.
Unfortunately, when Zac wakes up, the first thing he does is pee (sorry, hon). And when he flushed the toilet, it overflowed.
Fortunately, it was not nasty toilet water...just regular water. But still from the toilet, so...
Unfortunately, he just stood there and said, "That's not good," while the water ran and ran.
Fortunately, I jumped out of bed and contained most of the water in the bathroom on the tile.
Unfortunately, a good amount of water did escape past my barricade and soaked the carpet in the hallway.
Fortunately, there is an emergency maintenance number.
Unfortunately, the guy didn't pick up the first three times I called.
Fortunately, while waiting for someone from maintenance to call me back, I found reasonable plane tickets to fly home in July!
Unfortunately, they were still $330.
Fortunately, I get to be there for three whole weeks!
Unfortunately, I won't get to see my husband for three whole weeks.
Fortunately, the maintenance guy DID call back.
Unfortunately, it took him an our to get up here.
Fortunately, he brought the wet/dry vac which got the carpet fairly dry.
Unfortunately, by the time he got here and was going to vacuum, Logan was napping.
Fortunately, Logan slept through the vacuum, even though it was right outside his door.
Unfortunately, the toilet was still clogged.
Fortunately, the maintenance guy also brought the snake thing to unclog it.
Unfortunately, while snaking the pipe, the toilet overflowed again.
Fortunately, he was still here so he just vacuumed again. And this time brought a disinfectant carpet spray.
Unfortunately, that made the carpet wet again and Logan can't crawl over there for a while.
Fortunately, the carpet is clean and now I'll be forced to clean the bathroom today.

So, is the glass half empty or half full? I'm not sure, but apparently someone has been drinking out of my glass...


Friday, May 2, 2008

Shun the Unbeliever...

First, the title. It's from "Charlie the Unicorn." Watch it. Charlie the Unicorn

Second, you may have noticed that I have decided to shun some of my less-active blogger buddies by categorizing them as such. I know you all have busy lives and don't prioritize posting the way I do. No worries...I don't judge :-)

I just tend to go through my blog roll to read everyone's and those of you who rarely blog cramp my style. And who knows, maybe you'll be more motivated to write more! If you want, we can negotiate terms and maybe move you up to consistent bloggers!!!