Princess on the Farm

2010-06-21T19:14:00.003-04:00

For those of you who didn't know, I got married at the end of May!
Since then (and before, I suppose) my life has been a complete whirlwind. There just seems to be so much going on, but no time to actually accomplish anything. I got a job at the beginning of May, and that seems to have further complicated stuff. However, I'm so grateful for my job. I truly have the best boss, and a great working environment. If I'm not physically capable of doing something, he will help me, and not cause a ruckus.

In other news, I'm almost done! I'm so close to graduating, I can smell the cap and gown and sweat and tears, etc. etc. Also, I've started on my mom's diet (PRISM) and it's great! I just can't get away from the sugar. Part of the rules are that you won't eat anything with sugar (other than naturally occuring sugar such as that in fruit). I'm so addicted to sugar, and I didn't even realize it. I need an accountability partner if I ever want to lose weight before my class reunion at the end of July. Any takers?

Things I Really Like

2010-04-23T13:56:00.001-04:00

This is a post essentially getting back to "me" not as a mommy, student, or a fiance. Just Joanna as herself! :)

Things I really like...
OPI Nail polish
Pedicures
Acrylic Nails
Wearing make up
Headbands
Clothing
Comfortable athletic shoes

Updating...

2010-04-07T19:59:00.002-04:00

52 Days until Alan and I are married!
We still have so much to do, and it is truly causing a few headaches.

In other news I got a job!! WOOOOOO
It's nothing big, but I think it will be extremely nice to make a little bit of money, see some people, be around a few adults, you know, that sort of thing!

This weather has been simply breathtaking. Today was a bit bleh, but it was still better than anything that was happening in January!
Alexandra and I have been spending a lot of time outside and enjoying the beauty God has given us all.
I'm also extremely busy with classes. I am currently taking 5 this quarter, and next quarter will most likely be just as many, if not more. I WILL GRADUATE at the end of fall quarter, even if that means I'll go gray, and then pull out all of my hair!

Packing would be easy!

2010-03-29T09:42:00.003-04:00

Dear Germany,
Please pack up everything, buildings, food, people, land, trees, air, cars, autobahn, beer, flowers, etc. and move closer to the United States. I miss you terribly and you're currently the home of some good friends! I'd like to sit with them and have a fizzy drink or two. Maybe we could enjoy some wonderbar food, or some coffee that's way too strong to sip without cream...and cream that isn't refrigerated!
And skinny people with blonde hair and blue eyes.
Bicycling everywhere!
"Dirty" shops in Bremen!
Discovery my heritage!
Learning there is more than can be done with wood than just making paper!
Eating strawberries fresh off the vine...and consuming so much that a rash may develop.The cleanest air ever personally experienced.

Enjoying a meal with these people.

Motherland, if you do this for me, I promise to perfect my not-nearly perfect German. I will also cook delicious meals and learn to can. Making jelly from roses will be a cinch, and the garden from where the petals will come from will be immaculate. I will hold my heritage in my heart and on my sleeve.

Alert! Alert! Alert!

2010-03-26T21:55:00.007-04:00

My daughter is CRAWLING!
Oh my gosh. I kind of thought this day would never come. She would pull herself up and then flop back down, and did so for at least a month.
Today though, she just took off. What started as an army crawl has quickly taken off into a full-out sprint...or at least as close to a sprint as a crawling baby can get. :)

My spring break is coming to a close and I'm (almost) upset. I'm really looking forward to classes starting again on Monday. I know I will do well this time. Last quarter put me on the dean's list, which was (of course) amazing. I've been fighting an uphill battle with my classes. Starting with the Spring Quarter of 2008, I would get sooo nervous around people that I wouldn't go to class. This continued for a year until I realized I had one last chance before I would fail out of school (yes, it was that serious.) I did better Spring of 2009, a little better in the Fall of 2009, and then Winter 2010 came around and I hit a home run. My GPA for the quarter was 3.75. I hope that after Spring 2010, it will be a 4.0.

Next quarter, Alexandra will be going to a different daycare, too. I'm a little nervous for her to switch, but I know it will work out the best for us. My classes will go late into the evening, and the daycare she was at before closed before I was finished. This will be better for all of us. (I have to keep telling myself that).
Alan and I are still getting married at the end of May. Things are slowly starting to come together. Times like these are when you find out who your real friends are, that's for sure.

ARGH

2010-02-16T14:27:00.000-04:00

I am banging my head against the wall right now.
Taking a break.
Be back soon. :)

Wordless Wednesday

2010-01-27T13:32:00.002-04:00

Shouldn't have...

2010-01-24T00:18:00.004-04:00

I should not have looked at my old pictures on Facebook. The ones from Fall, 2007 specifically, are especially hard to view. My life was so different then. I had friends. I looked good. I took care of myself in terms of grades. I had a great job. My

classes were great (I had 2 A's and 1 B).

Now I'm living at home. My eyebrows are really bushy. Friends are a thing of the past (not that I don't have any, I just don't see them as often). My grades are suffering but it would be nice to sit down to study and not be interrupted 1,548,168,354 times.

However, I now have someone in my life who loves me.

I have another person in my life who needs me. (And unless you're a parent, you have no idea what it feels like to be needed).

I don't look the best, but (starting tomorrow, officially, no excuses anymore), I will look as I once did.

Picture of me around September, 2007 with a friend... I cannot get over how different I looked. I think the main difference is that I clearly had a lot of confidence then. Not so much now.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-01-20T18:27:00.002-04:00

"Green beans"

2010-01-18T20:58:00.002-04:00

Ah! My father is reading my blog... He's actually my 11th follower. Feel free to check out his blog! However, if you're not Catholic/don't agree with the religion and/or you strongly dislike the OM (Old, Latin mass) DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT go there!

And for the record, I'm not growing tomatoes to be thrown.

Alan and I are, however, in the process of planning my wedding! We have the date set! We have a church! We have a reception hall! We have a wedding party! We even have the colors and tuxes picked out! And that's it.

Phone Photo Phriday

2010-01-15T17:07:00.004-04:00

I don't know if I should be appalled, excited, overwhelmed, annoyed...
Anyways, a few months ago, I realized there was not a single place I could go to pump while I was at my school (Wright State - Lake Campus). So, I brought the issue up to the director of student affairs. She promptly moved on the issue, and I was given a room within 2 weeks! I come back this quarter and find this sign outside the door.
That's right folks! The Lake Campus has reserved this room for use by lactating women. It also doubles as a nurses station, but the sign doesn't reveal that!!!

Back home (Update!)

2010-01-15T16:51:00.003-04:00

I finally have found enough time to post an update about my daughter.
On Sunday, she was particularly crabby. We thought this had to do with teething, so we weren't too concerned. I put her to bed around 9 that night, and she woke up at 10, making soft, whimpering sounds. She couldn't even cry! I quickly got her up and called my mom (because that's what almost everyone does when something is off with their child, right?) After talking to my mom, my fiance and I made the decision that she needed to be seen by a doctor. She struggled to breath, which was so scary!
Once we arrived, we were seen almost immediately by a doctor and about 5 hours (and 1 painful shot) later, we had a room. Alexandra was observed for over 24 hours before being sent home. She was diagnosed with croup, I believe. While we were there, we had fun with the extra twin bed and recliner. Alan and I were SO GRATEFUL for a place to sleep while we were there. I even was able to get a little studying in while she rested (which didn't happen very often!)

Our little girl in the zoo.... I mean, metal crib.

Today she has shown a complete turnaround. She is back to her normal self, and although I'm rather under the weather, Alan has informed me that she has crawling backward down pat. AHH! She's growing SO FAST!

2010-01-12T19:27:00.002-04:00

Alexandra is thankfully out of the hospital. We had a "fun" time but I'm so grateful that Alexandra is healthy and home, that my bed is so wonderful and mine, and that at my house, I can make my own coffee and it is delicious.

2010-01-11T15:12:00.000-04:00

My daughter is in the hospital. :(

Oops!

2010-01-10T18:21:00.006-04:00

I know that when my father has posted more on his blog than me over a week period, that I need to step up to the plate!
Alexandra has been ill with a cold. I hope she recovers soon. Her constant screaming is tearing at my heart. I wish I could help her feel better because right now I feel like a terrible mother! One of the only things that brings her comfort is holding her close and nursing. Last night, she woke around 11 and Alan was able to comfort her back to sleep for a little while. As the fortune cookie from a recent trip to the (BEST) area Chinese restaurant said, Alan has "Patience that tries the sands of time" There is no doubt in my mind that this fact is true.

I have patience too, but mine is with other things. Such as poopy cloth diapers. I've taken to calling her Princess Poops A Lot... because she does! It's a term of endearment, nothing less. After going through 15 diapers yesterday, I am once again glad to be a cloth diaperer. No idea how much money I've saved and how many bags of disposables I've kept from the landfill, but WOW! I'm sure the number is staggering!

Alan and I are currently looking into Pre-Cana. I hope we will be able to begin soon so that we can get married before Alexandra's first birthday! (For those of you not aware, Alan and I were engaged in February, 2008 and Alexandra was born in July, 2009. God had some plans alternative to what we would consider idealistic, but as my dad says, "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans.")

Just curious, is anyone else addicted to the mindless babble that is JERSEY SHORE?! I am hopelessly in love with The Situation, although I'm starting to believe he's just a butthead!

OH OH OH OH OH OH!
I got a hair cut! :)There should be a pic of the before down there somewhere!

Tomato Tomato!

2010-01-04T23:44:00.010-04:00

Today the mailman (I'm sorry, mailWOMAN) delivered the latest edition of the Burpee gardening catalog. I am drooling at their tomato plants. One of the types is actually PINK (aka Big Pink Tomato), another is orange, red, and yellow, (aka Tye-Dye)!

(Guess which one is which!!)

I think I'm going to plant a garden with these beauties! Since I'll have tomatoes, the only logical step to take next would be to plant some cilantro, onions, garlic..you know, all the ingredients needed to make SALSA (because sometimes I like it HOT!)
I'd also like to plant some sweet potatoes, normal potatoes, sweet corn, squash... yum! I can just imagine everything in the fall...all I need to do now is to learn how to can!

In other news, I go back to school on Wednesday. I've had a fabulous break, but I'm more than ready to go back and be around humans again...well, humans that aren't related. :) My courses this quarter range from agriculture to human sexuality. Hmm! Should be a fun quarter. ;)

Alexandra has started on solids! Her first food was squash, and she LOOOVES IT! I didn't know someone could be so happy about eating a food the same consistency and color as their poop, but now I do!

Heavy Hearted

2010-01-03T00:08:00.004-04:00

I figured out how to add a signature to my posts! How does it look?
Today is the second day of the new year. I can hardly believe how quickly time flew! It seems like just yesterday I discovered I was pregnant.
Speaking of, I must get this off my chest. I was informed yesterday that adopting would be inconsiderate to my husband. I guess this person forgot that my future husband was adopted himself. He and I have discussed adopting at some point in time, and it's something we both feel strongly about. I've always felt a pull to adopt a child and although I already have one of my own, the thought of loving a baby and giving him/her the best life possible makes me so happy. It's something I've dreamed about and strongly feel the pull for. I tried explaining this to the individual who shunned the idea, and I was told that God must be telling me to birth many children of my own.
I am appalled at this. It's not that I have anything against individuals who have large families of their own, rather, I just want to adopt because I cannot bear the thought of creating a child who will be brought into a family of love when there are others who are born every day who don't have a loving family. I, personally, cannot be that selfish and I refuse to be. Mother Teresa of Calcutta said, "I want the child. Please give me the child. I am willing to accept any child who would be aborted and to give that child to a married couple who will love the child and be loved by the child." Give us the child (someday!) We will love the children as our own, as we should! If God wishes for us to birth our own children, that is fine, however, we truly hope it is in His plan that little ones be brought our way by other means, as well.

Good and Bad

2009-12-31T13:27:00.005-04:00

I had a wonderful Christmas, as did the rest of my family.
Alexandra was so happy! Check out our expressions as we open this tower of teetering rings!

(Deleted for moderational issues (yes, I made up a word/phrase)...no need to be a hater, Joanna!)

I recently ordered a zune from No Better Deal. I was a bit skeptic because it cost significantly LESS than the same model from a store, but I ordered it anyway. It arrived last night. My sister helped me set it up and start it charging. Unfortunately, it did not work. :( I thought, Great! I'm out the cost of that plus its shipping. No zune for Joanna. Well, I called them this morning. Not only are they picking up the item (free of charge) but they will also be shipping a new as soon as the broken one arrives!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Post for Lindsey

2009-12-24T00:22:00.004-04:00

Ok, here is one of the shoes I was telling you about. I think it looks like a paperweight, but that's just me. :)
Mui Mui shoes...I like the kitty ones, however I doubt I would ever have an outfit for them.

And last but not least, a picture of my dear friend, Erica. She's posing in the Vogue closet wearing a pair of Gallianos... I assume those are the shoes? Good luck in New York City! Keep your spirits high and your pants higher...hahaha, just kidding. ;)

It starts...

2009-12-23T12:29:00.002-04:00

Today.
I am officially on a diet.
I know that 2 days before Christmas is a terrible time to start, but when is it really a good time? :)

I hope to once again look like this...

Crap! That's not me... I always mistake myself for Beyonce...

Ah, yes. There I am. In the middle, looking like a complete goober.
But, I was a petite goober, with MANICURED nails! I haven't had nails that nice since... well, then. October 2007.

Wish me luck! hahahahaha... I'm going to need it.

Giveaway posting!

2009-12-23T00:31:00.001-04:00

The Cloth Diaper Whisperer is giving away as their Fluff Friday giveaway this week: 1 Flip OS Diaper with Stay-Dry Insert, 1 Flip OS Organic Insert, 18 pk of Flip Disposable Inserts and 1 Gro Baby OS Diaper!

the world is full of zanies and fools...

2009-12-22T00:29:00.002-04:00

Who don't believe in sensible rules
And won't believe in what sensible people say...

Lalalalala Impossible! Impossible!

A few years ago, I was blessed with playing the role of the fairy godmother in Roger and Hammerstein's rendition of Cinderella. It was certainly an experience. Her "theme" was Impossible, and it's been stuck in my head for a very long time.

But, I have to bring about a different kind of zany/fool...
One of my classmates was killed in a very tragic farming accident back in August. He wasn't a fool by any means, but he was a lot of fun. My class's 5-year reunion is coming up in 2010. It just won't be the same without him.

Another episode of Phone Photo Friday!

2009-12-18T23:11:00.002-04:00

Yup there it is. The tree. It's missing about 1/5 of its lights and has no ornaments on it until later today. And yes, we know Christmas is a mere 7 days away. :)

I have been taking pictures of the truffles I'm making, so expect those soon. Not to mention other randoms. Tomorrow I'm making ornaments with my daughter! They're going to be SO CUTE!

Diapers!

2009-12-17T18:54:00.002-04:00

I had this post planned out... I was going to have pictures and maybe even a video.
When I plugged my mother's super nice camera into the computer though, I got a file error, preventing me from doing anything.

So, words alone will need to suffice!
Today my daughter is 5 months old. I simply cannot believe that 5 months ago, at this very hour, I was completely unconscious and that approximately 2 hours later, I held my beautiful daughter for the very first time...and had a drink of water.

After coming home from the hospital for the second time, (I ended up having to go back following my initial discharge) I started cloth diapering with the help of my mother's urging. Now, 5 months later, I happy to say that my daughter wears 1-2 disposables a day, and the rest of her hours are spent in cloth. I LOVE CLOTH DIAPERING! I have some nice Kushies, a few my mother made, some prefolds, and some very special diapers that are 40 years old. The oldies are known as Curity Stretch. They were my grandma's, and she used them to diaper my uncle, Ben. For covers, I use Gerber covers, and Bummis wraps. The Bummis are my favorite, but because I only have 2, I usually don't have them on Alexandra.

Pictured above is a picture taken this summer, before my diaper collection came to 'be' and before my daughter was born! :)

Most of my friends believe I'm insane for doing diapers this way. They don't believe they have the time or patience or the "guts" to do it. I think if they knew how little time I spend on them and how they're really not that messy (knock on wood) they would change their tune. And hello! $25 a week on a box of diapers versus probably $2 to wash a load? I'll take the dirty stuff, thank you!

Truffle Hunting!

2009-12-16T15:18:00.000-04:00

No need to go hunting when I'm around because, I can make truffles. No, not the shroomy kind you find in the forest with your friend, Wilbur. The kind that consist of chocolate and cream. The ones that can be rolled in anything from cocoa to candycanes, and from coconut to crackers!
http://www.essortment.com/food/makechocolatet_tskg.htm <- That link has a pretty good recipe for making them, however I think my method (taught to me by my friend, J. Lo (not her REAL name) who works at ele bakery) is much easier.

By weight (ounce, gram, etc) NOT by measurement (cup, liter, etc) measure 1 part cream (heavy whipping cream is fine) to 2 parts chocolate. I have been using Toll Houses' semi-sweet mini chocolate chips and Smith's Heavy Whipping Cream, although I'd love to use Organic Valley's cream if I could just find it in the grocery stores! Next, using a microwavable container that has a lid, microwave the cream until it boils/is bubbling (WITHOUT THE LID). Remove from the microwave and add the chocolate. Wait until the the chocolate begins to melt and looks shiny. Stir with a spatula or whisk until smooth. This mixture is called a ganache. You will be tempted to eat it at this point. Feel free to sample but REMEMBER your end goal-truffles. That being said, one tiny sample ONLY. After fully mixed, cover and place in the refrigerator. Let it chill for a while. I recommend at least 2 hours, although there is no reason you can't let it go longer. When it is solid, use a melon baller or a handy cookie dough scoop to create perfect sized balls. (I used my mother's from Pampered Chef-it's tablespoon sized) Roll the balls in whatever you'd like, cocoa, crushed candy canes, sugar, crushed nuts, etc. Allow them to chill again for at least 30 minutes. Remove them from the fridge and serve to your in-laws who will be thoroughly impressed by your baking skills, and will think you toiled for hours in the kitchen to make them such a delectable treat.

Once I make another batch, I will provide pictures...if I don't eat everything first.

Phone Photo Phriday (Friday)

2009-12-11T23:17:00.003-04:00

I do actually have a baby girl. However, I really liked this line from Gymboree and since I felt it would be appropriate for a baby boy OR girl, I bought it. In fact, I purchased a lot of this line. My fiancee loves husky dogs... I think he loves them more than he loves me. Thus, this line is a favorite.

At 9 pm, I was participating in a SiteWarming party on Twitter (#community was the hashtag). I decided to join to talk to people, but I ended up winning a book. I'm very excited to read it... The Ultimate Mom's Guide will be arriving soon.
I've truly been inspired to blog more, and maybe even try to do product reviews. Upping my traffic will be key in this though, so expect lots more from me!

My brother came home from college today, making a house of 7 into a house of 8. Thank goodness for 4 bedrooms, although it's kind of sad that one of them only has 1 person. I guess the OTHER princess of the house is important too?

Still trying to decide upon presents for one particular gift exchange. My fiancee and I drew his cousin and his cousin's wife. We had them last year too. A spaghetti dinner set was their gift. I'd like to stick to the idea of giving a basket with lots of things in it that are related, just not sure what to do exactly. Last year's had spaghetti sauce and noodles, a strainer, noodle spoon (?), and I think something else Maybe a pancake one would work... pancake flipper (I suppose you educated folk call these spatulas!), pancake mix, syrup...and something else. I don't think a new griddle would be appropriate ($20 price limit)... hmm. Must think!

Christmas Spirit (on the Cabinets!)

2009-12-10T20:29:00.005-04:00

My mom and I saw a really neat idea on a random cooking show (don't ask me which one, my mom watches almost all except for Rachael Ray...who is my favorite, but I digress...)

Anyways, this cook had a really awesome set today. She's one of those who will completely change the look of her kitchen for each episode, in order to match the particular food/feast/meal/theme for which she is cooking. Anyways, in her perfectly clean kitchen (with a Kitchenaid Stand Mixer to match!) she had displayed what I took to be Christmas cards. There were ribbons running the length of the doors, and on them were the cards. It was pretty neat, cheap, and a great way to get the cards off the counter, table, floor, and into eyesight!

My mom went to work last night and attempted to recreate that particular scene. I think it looks great! Definately a good idea if you're looking for an alternative to hanging them in the doorway....or in a box/basket.

Hopefully the rest of the decor will be up tomorrow so I can post pics!

Fa la la la la la la la laaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

2009-12-08T22:35:00.006-04:00

Today is National Brownie Day! YAY!
I shall celebrate by enjoying my birthday (gotcha!!)

Last Saturday, Alexandra and I traveled to the (not-s0) far off land of Minster. At the local museum, there was a German Heritage/World Market. Such neat things, and seeing my name under the correct area of Germany (as the source of our ancestry) was so NEAT! If you were wondering, I'm from Visbek, Germany!

Over there is my baby staring at the man with the crazy facial hair, aka Old World St. Nicholas
{von Deutsc hland}
I absolutely am in love with my German heritage. My ultimate life goal would be to live there. If that isn't possible, perhaps I could visit again. Clearly Alexandra enjoyed seeing the jolly fellow!

Actually, she loves any man with facial hair. Such an odd, yet adorable, little girl!

Christmas is drawing nearer and I find myself really starting to worry. What will I get for Alexandra that will make her happy? How can I ensure she has the perfect Christmas!?
Then I glance over at her, notice she's "eating" her burp cloth, and I realize...she'll be fine. She won't even remember this!

The big gift this year is one that I hope she will enjoy for many years. My Pal Violet (made by LeapFrog) has already been programmed. It says "Alexandra" even more clearly than her doctor! I can't wait to see her interact with it, as I've heard nothing but good things about the clever toy.

As for gifts for everyone else, I've been trying to win things online via Twitter and other giveaway sources (Blogs are great for this, I love them!) I've been lucky so far, saving me lots of time, money, and gas. I've also been baking very frequently. What started as a simple loaf of bread has lead to a daily search for something new to test. Dill Pickle Bread, Chocolate Chip Delight, and now Blueberry Sour Cream Swirl, have all been added to my recipe box, although the dill has been the most successful. I made a loaf for a visit to my Grandma undergoing chemo and a loaf for my other Grandma's birthday, and they both truly enjoyed it. Everyone thinks I go to great lengths and hardships to make it, but I don't. I just put the ingredients into my mom's rarely used baker, and SHAZAM! Delicious bread. The loaves are usually gone before they have time to fully cool.

For my birthday, I was given a gift card to a pretty darn nice woman's clothing store. I'm really excited because I'm still wearing a lot of my maternity clothes and I really don't think anything I ever wore before will fit unless it's made from super lycra or was too big to begin with! So what kind of things should I look into? I want basic items that can be easily dressed up and down and maybe even something that won't show spit up.

Sunday is NEW MOON! I've waited entirely too long. Even Amber has already seen it! Alan and I will be going, hopefully hopefully hopefully.

Wedding bells!

2009-11-12T13:09:00.002-04:00

For those of you who know my situation, you know that I have a HUGE goose egg in my bank account... with about a dollar or two thrown in so it won't be closed...hahaha.

Anyways, last night I went to a belly dance practice (just started, I'm very rocky!). We discussed wedding gowns and other fun things... and then something miraculous happened. One of the ladies offered me her gown. It is stunning. It's white, has a sweetheart neckline, intricate beading, looks like it was a pretty penny...and she's letting ME wear it! I only have to have it dry cleaned before and after. Simple!

SO excited. Next to the food and flowers, the dress was my BIGGEST concern!

2009-10-12T22:18:00.002-04:00

I can't even begin to express how much my heart is aching for Krustythecat. Her husband passed on Saturday morning (unexpectedly from what I've gathered) of pneumonia. I don't want to think about how this might feel for her and her children. I'm sure it is very painful. Please keep them in your prayers.

In other news, my free range kitty, Atticus, turned 2 years old on Sunday. I'm still holding out that he will return soon!

I've been experimenting with making bread in my mother's bread machine. On Saturday, I made cinnamon bread (in picture). It wasn't bad, but I don't think I'll repeat that recipe anytime soon. Today I decided to make dill pickle bread. I was skeptic, but something told me that it would be fabulous. Now that it's out of the oven, I can assure you that it is delicious! I didn't even get a picture because I was so anxious to try it! My next attempt will be honey wheat bread!

Breast Cancer, Cloth Diapering

2009-10-06T12:15:00.004-04:00

Um, I'm not dead.

I've been busy.

I started school after Labor Day (In September). We moved Alan (my fiancee) out of his apartment. My car died. I got a new car. My future sister-in-law had her baby 5 weeks early. I have a baby (she's beautiful, trust me!) Oktoberfest just occurred.

My maternal grandmother has breast cancer, her mastectomy occurs on Thursday. Now I know why God pointed me to the direction of my sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha. Their philanthropy is "breast cancer awareness and education"
I'm scared, worried, upset, angry...everything. This isn't the first time I've dealt with cancer in my family, but this is the first time I've been old enough to understand its consequences. I had asked previously about having a mammogram because my aunt recently found a small lump in one of her breasts, but because she was a paternal aunt, insurance would NOT cover a mammogram. Now I will have one that is covered, I suppose. :/

In other news, I'm cloth diapering, and LOVING IT! The only expense I currently have for A is wipes...and clothes, of course, but that's more of an obsession than a necessity.

Back to class, folks.

sneakin' on...

2009-07-29T09:42:00.002-04:00

Just taking a few seconds to upload a picture of Alexandra that my mom and my fiancee took while I was in the hospital... I edited it a bit, of course.
Enjoy!

mini-update

2009-07-28T17:50:00.002-04:00

I really need to update because there is lots and lots to tell...
After coming home from the hospital with baby Alexandra on Monday, July 20, I went back (by myself) on the 22 and didn't come home until the 25!! I'm ok now though, thank goodness. My body is healing, and that's what is needed!

I have lots to do though, so my blog has to be on the back burner... :)

I'm a mommy!

2009-07-17T20:38:00.003-04:00

Alexandra Marie K. The most precious thing on this planet. :)

Very lucky!

2009-07-13T19:01:00.013-04:00

So, check these out...
Little Debbies
Pentel

Yeah! Jarna is ME, folks! I actually won something. I never win anything, not even at quarter auctions when bidding for something from Pure Romance and the only other bidder is a very old woman...not even THEN do I win. But, it's ok. This makes up for it. I love sweets. And Little Debbie.

HoLY SMOKES! I won another contest! This one was for Pentel pens. It's a good thing I'm broke or I'd be buying lottery tickets right now!

In other news, I've been searching the blog realm, looking for fun blogs, people to ~~stalk~~ follow, and maybe make a few friends along the way.
I ran across this one: http://sunshineandbubblegum.blogspot.com/ and it's just freaking adorable, to start with. I also liked today's post about "Friend Making Monday" (brought to you by All That is Good) So, I'm going to try it. :)

List 5-10 of your favorite things!
These can be things you think everyone must have, a collection of things you have, or some product or miracle invention that has changed your life (yeah I am a little dramatic)...it's YOUR list of favorite things...

1) Water...with lots of ice!

2) Not swollen feet

3) Fresh pears

4) McCafe's Frozen mocha

5) Winning lots of Little Debbie muffins6) Skyline

7) Books (Currently reading the Hannah Swenson series by Joanne Fluke. I'm LOVING them!)
8) My fiance (last but not least)

Rollerblades + babies = ?

2009-07-13T07:20:00.002-04:00

Am I the only one who is freaked out by this?

I just don't know about seeing a bunch of unisex babies skating around in CGI manner, dressed in onesies. I see them making faces at one another and I'm thinking...they're not even old enough to be walking!

Uhh, anyways...

Went to see Up! and The Proposal last night one of the 2 local drive-ins. Up! was great! I had heard mixed reviews about it, but I'm quite glad Alan and I got to watch. The Proposal was another "mixed reviews" movie, but one I wanted to see. Although it was hilarious, candid, and somewhat refreshing, I thought the main characters lacked some chemistry. Maybe this is because Sandra Bullock is so much older than Ryan Reynolds? (She's 45, he's 33) Overall though, it was a great movie. I'd watch it again, actually. Maybe if I didn't miss the first 10 minutes, I'd enjoy it a lot more.

Why did I miss the first 10 minutes, you ask? Well, there was a mother with her 3 sons parked next to us whose van battery died. Alan was sweet enough to offer to help. He's so thoughtful. She kept apologizing and saying she could have her husband come out because we were missing the movie we came to see in the first place. Well, once we were done helping them, we realized she lived about 30 minutes away. It would have taken so long for her husband to get there. I'm very glad Alan was able to help, and I'm certain she (and her sons) were grateful too!

Overall, we had a great day yesterday. We attended baptism class for baby K, took a stroll through Walmart, got a free drink from McDonalds, worked on the bedroom/nursery/office, painted the crib, watched 2 outstanding movies (for the low price of $4), and truly enjoyed our time together. I hope we can continue to have little "date" nights in the future. We'll see how things go once baby arrives.

What?

2009-07-10T14:30:00.008-04:00

I have a follower! I have a follower!
Woo hoo!

Thank you, Krustythecat! (I don't know your real name, so KTC will have to do!)

By the way, she has a recipe on her blog for some scrumptious sounding chocolate icing. I think I may have to make some...just for the sake of making some for me to eat!

I'm just about 37 weeks into my pregnancy and WOW! I'm just as tired now as I was before I knew I was pregnant. I haven't drastically changed anything. I'm still drinking gallons upon gallons of water, and trying to stay active. But, I feel like I have to lay down for a nap after being awake for only an hour at a time. I'm not sure why.

I've also been baking and cooking a lot lately. Last week, I made 5 dozen peanut butter melt cookies (recipe is below, pictures should be on their way), on Wednesday, I made brownies, and yesterday I made spaghetti with meat sauce and breadsticks. Today, I think I'm going to bake a cake or maybe something else.

What I need to do is to finish cleaning the bedroom/office/nursery so that things can be properly installed! I have my last baby shower tomorrow, and things are still just lying around from the first! I need to be putting stuff away, it's just a matter of accomplishing these things!

Speaking of nursery... my mom and I had a brilliant compromise. She originally was going to purchase a beautiful PBK crib (3 in 1) from a coworker for an amount that I thought was ludicrous, but the crib itself was so beautiful, I did not care. Well, after discussing the issue, we decided that if I used the same crib I had (as well as my 4 siblings), we could look into getting a crib set (you know, sheets, bumper, bed skirt, the works!!) I looked at JC Penney's, Sears, Walmart, Kmart, and even PBK (you never know when you'll find a deal!!) but everything seemed very out of the price range we set of $80. There were sets that fit into that category, but they were...bleh. Pooh bear stuff, or Looney Toons (not my style, if it's yours, that's ok! I'm not judging). In a stroke of pure genius, she suggested Ebay. After looking for a mere 10 minutes, we discovered a 13-piece crib set that was exactly what I had been hoping. The best part? It was only #49.99!!! Most of the 4-piece sets I saw started around $70, and the price went straight on through the roof! The seller has other sets too, as well as other pieces to compliment the sets. For my farm animal set, it does not come with the lamp or the mobile (which is fine!) There is another set that is safari themed, and I like it just as much as I like this one. Because the price is the same, I might get it someday! I'll have to search to find the seller's name! (picture borrowed from Ebay!)

Tomorrow my kitty will have been missing for a week. I miss my furball like crazy, but I'm afraid to let anyone know how much it's upsetting me because I'm afraid they will be annoyed and become angry with my tears that may just be hormone fueled. I realize I have a baby on the way, but it's so hard to think about that baby when my first baby is on some sexcursion! (Ok, he's probably not on a sexcursion because he has been fixed, but you get the idea). I have a hard time sleeping at night too, because he used to sleep next to me. I would have to be careful not to my feet in his face because he liked to combat them (they were his sworn mortal enemies, you know!) And of course, rolling over to hear a "Merroww!!" always let you know where he was. Now my bed is empty, there is no warm spot, and my feet have no one to "fight" with.

I'm toying with the idea of making "lost" signs and handing them out to my neighbors. I live in a (very) rural part of Ohio though. Many of my neighbors have kitties who come to their door and live outside. Perhaps if I stay optimistic...

As for now, I am going to take my 3rd nap of the day!

Off! Powerpad Lamp & Lantern

2009-07-10T06:25:00.004-04:00

When Tanya over at Mommy Goggles posted about this neat device, I was very excited! What is it, you may ask? Well, I'll tell you! According to her post,

"The OFF!® PowerPad® Lamp and Lantern provide powerful mosquito protection with a pleasant, warm glow for outdoor parties. The products repel mosquitoes, including those that may carry the West Nile Virus. Heat-activated pads deter mosquitoes from an area up to 225 square feet, about the size of an average deck or patio."

Why am I excited? Because Alan and I LOVE to grill outside and enjoy the outdoors! (And of course, we don't so much LOVE being bitten by mosquitoes...in fact, we could do without that entirely.)

Tanya is having a giveaway, and I hope to win so that Alan and I can be outside more often, preparing our meals, and spending valuable time with our friends and family members!

2009-07-08T21:24:00.003-04:00

I might be crazy but...
There are just some things I don't believe I deserve.
For example, being upset over losing my cat probably doesn't warrant name calling.
Just as asking for help doesn't mean I'm a stupid, self centered, b*tch.

I don't know why, but my fiancee's brother has a very serious problem with me. I wish it was something I understood so I could try to figure out how to work around the issue, or even come up with a solution. However, I don't have a clue. The only thing I can do anymore is to avoid him and zip my lips when I hear of him being not-so-positive. I'm on the verge of delivering his brother's baby, and I just don't need this stress anymore.

Peanut Butter Cookies!

2009-07-05T10:57:00.010-04:00

~~I'm going to be trying this recipe today.~~ I did try this recipe today! I took a few pictures, but I wasn't happy with how they turned out visually. I believe that because I used cake flour, they didn't hold together correctly. I tried adding more flour (about 1/2 cup) but it didn't seem to help.

The verdict? I'll definitely make these again, but with REGULAR flour! I might also try to use something other than molasses. I just did not care for the taste it left, and how dark the cookies were.

~~I love peanut butter cookies, and these sound fabulous! I'll try to take a picture or two to post.~~

From Joanne Fluke's mystery novel, Blueberry Muffin Murder...

Peanut Butter Melts
Ingredients

* 1 cup butter (2 sticks; melted, should be 1 cup)
* 2 cups white sugar
* 2 teaspoons vanilla
* 2 tablespoons molasses
* 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
* 2 eggs (beaten)
* 1 1/2 cups flour (no need to sift)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F., rack in the middle position.
2. Microwave the butter in a microwave-safe mixing bowl to melt it. Add the sugar, vanilla, and molasses. Stir until it's blended, then add the baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
3. Measure out the peanut butter. (Spray inside of measuring cup with nonstick cooking spray such as Pam) Add it to the bowl and mix it inches. Pour in the beaten eggs and stir. Then add the flour, and mix until all the ingredients are throughly blended.
4. Form the dough into walnut-sized balls and arrange them on a greased cookie sheet, 12 to a standard sheet. (If the dough is too sticky to form into balls, chill it for a few minutes and try again.).
5. Flatten the balls with a fork in a crisscross pattern. (If the fork sticks, either spray it with Pam or dip it in flour.).
6. Bake at 375 degrees F. for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Cool on the cook sheet for 2 minutes, then move to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Makes 2-3 dozen cookies

Dyson

2009-07-03T22:43:00.005-04:00

I know, it's terrible that right now I'm only adding a blog so I can put an entry in for a contest, but right now, I don't really care so much.

The prize is a DC25 All Floors vacuum, made by Dyson. (Who doesn't love Dyson?!) The prize giver is Mommy Goggles...read the entry here.

My mom has a Dyson, and she loves it. It's perfect for her because not only is it lightweight, but it's easy for her to push around. She just had a surgery on her wrist a few months ago, and anything that makes her housework easier is so greatly appreciated! If I won this new Dyson, I would give it to her, and make everything even easier for her...perhaps then she'd give me the one she has, but it's not something I would expect. She deserves something nice, and new...something just for her, and this would take the cake! :)

We have 2 dogs (one of whom sheds like nobody's business) and a cat. The cat doesn't shed so much, but he loves to kick his litter out of the box. In addition to these critters, we live on a farm! There is always dirt being tracked in, and this new Dyson would help Mom keep up with all of it...and maybe, since it's a new "toy" and in Transformers, the rest of us would be willing to help her more.

I really hope I win this prize. I can't give my mom a lot, and this would thrill her to pieces!

Skyline Demons

2009-06-11T08:24:00.005-04:00

Well, I didn't know this...

CALORIES
Most pregnant women need about 300 additional calories per day. This translates to two cups of low-fat milk, one cup of ice cream, a bagel with cream cheese, or a tuna fish sandwich.

Crap! I've been eating like triple that amount of extra calories! I know I only have 7 weeks left of this pregnancy, but I'm going to try to make these last 7 weeks as healthy as possible for me and baby...I guess this means I can't give into my Skyline urges (and I haven't had ANY since the Thursday following Ash Wednesday!) Perhaps though, by not giving into it, I won't want any after the pregnancy? It isn't as though Skyline is the best food to be fueling your body with...but it's so tasty! Argh! I'm fighting with the Skyline Demons again! I think they riddle their sauce with coke...or nutmeg and chocolate. BOTH ARE ADDICTING!

Um, in other news, my last day at my new job is Father's day. Something about being harassed for not being able to lift more than 30 pounds while pregnant (doctor's orders) just doesn't sit well with me. And her catty remark to my quitting was, "You just don't want to do the work...blah blah blah mumble mumble mumble I'm addicted to gambling but I can't support my kids." Ignorant, folish, nasty lady. I have to get keep telling myself that I only have so many days left there...I believe I'm down to 11. :)

I'm headed to the baby doctor today. I'm really looking forward to this, hopefully he can tell me if baby is still breach, or if everything is going the right way...and of course approximately how big baby has grown!

J&K+8

2009-06-04T07:44:00.001-04:00

I just wish all this media hype would stop when it comes to Jon and Kate. I think family is so important, not having lots and lots of money, or having a famous mommy and daddy. Both parents are good-looking. They could go and out date nearly anyone, but not with the cameras on them as they are. If they get a divorce, so be it! From what TLC has shown us, they're not happy anymore.
That saying "stay together for the kids" is a load of poop.

Work on it Wednesday & Sanctuary

2009-06-03T13:37:00.003-04:00

Oh, I just did a drag and drop for that picture!
Neato!

Anyways, today is WORK ON IT WEDNESDAY!
This is what I'll be working on...
~~1) Starting and FINISHING my paper on a new technology (3 pages)~~
2) Start and FINISH my paper going over something talked about in class (1 page)
~~3) Go to my chiropractor appt (or CANCEL IT...I have so much homework right now!)~~
~~4) Pick up some things off the floor! (for today's small thing...see picture below)~~
~~5) Go to work tonight.~~ (bummer)

I'm off!!! :)

Switching sides...

2009-06-01T14:26:00.002-04:00

I was a hardcore Team Edward player...
But after last night's premiere of New Moon, I may be switching sides.
Here's why:

I don't think I need to say any more other than: THIS KID IS 17!!
Jacob Black, please call me in a year. :)

2009-05-31T21:12:00.001-04:00

Vanilla Bean Popcorn

1/4 c corn oil
1 split vanilla bean
3/4 c popping corn
1 tb superfine sugar
2 tb Melted butter
Salt to taste

Servings: 6
In a large, heavy pot, heat corn oil over high heat until the oil smokes. Add 1 kernel popping corn and heat until kernel pops. Add vanilla bean and rest of popping corn, cover pot, and shake gently until corn starts to pop. Shake vigorously until popping subsides. Remove from heat. Remove vanilla bean and toss popcorn with sugar, salt, and melted butter. Scrape seeds from vanilla bean and add to popcorn.

I thought this was a neat recipe, especially if you're looking for something other than the typical microwave popcorn! Enjoy!

A Trip Down Memory Lane

2009-05-29T21:23:00.001-04:00

Below is a post from my old blog...
I wrote it on July 11, 2007.
I thought it was interesting. I wish I could still write like this although I believe that if I had something meaningful and emotional enough to write about, I probably could.
So, here's a trip down memory lane. It's free, on me!

Last night, as I was attempting to sleep, I found myself thinking of how things are for me today. I thought of different things that had happened in my past that perhaps have made me who I am today.

I remember one specific occasion rather vividly. I was around 12 years old, and at 4-H camp for the second time in my life. I had such a huge crush on one of the counselors (a guy named Cory), it wasn't funny. I actually feel bad for him today! Anyways, when I became a counselor at that camp, I worked with him for one summer, and after that, he was too old to come back, and for other reasons, I felt as though I should no longer come to camp, either. I still had a tiny crush on him that year, but I knew it was nothing, and I also had a boyfriend. (Ha, yes. That was a joke, and possibly the subject of tomorrow's entry.)

Fast forward a few years. I decided to come back to camp the summer before my Junior year of high school. Basically, I had taken a year off. Well, in coming back, I noticed there were some people who weren't too excited about me being there. One of them happened to be a boy who was there my last year as a camper. He was now one of my fellow counselors, and he gave me a very hard time, calling me donkey lips. This was actually common, and something he had done when we were campers. I had always let it slide because he wasn't well liked.

I knew I had big lips. I was 17 years old at the time. Obviously, I could look into the mirror and see that my lips weren't thin like the other girls my age. They were more like Angelina Jolie's, and I loved that about myself. Until one day. I asked him why he called me that. He laughed and told me that he called me that because his counselor, Cory, had called me that. The conversation continued something like the following...

I asked, "Cory, the counselor who did ABC and D during the ___ year of camp?"

"Yeah," he answered, laughing. "That guy. He hated you. You were such a fatass and so obnoxious. Your lips were, and still are, so huge, he was afraid you'd sneeze and spit snot onto everyone. You're fucking ugly, just like you were then."

Yµ

Hmm... does anyone else see a problem? I was 12 years old during that year of camp when Cory decided I was a fatty with absurdly large lips. I was 12 years old when he told his campers to stay away from me because of my situation, if you will.

I have to wonder. Was that the year, when as a 12 year old, I started hating myself? Was that the year when I stopped looking into mirrors because I knew I'd never be as pretty, skinny, or desirable as the other girls my age? I don't remember. All I know is that a self esteem is a precious thing. Once it's gone, flattened, abused, mistreated, etc. etc. it really doesn't come back. Sure, you can breath new life into it. Just give a guy a drink or 10 and every girl looks good. Which is why usually only drunk guys hit on me, right?

Wrong! I am so wrong. I know I'm not ugly, but I feel ugly. I can't stand looking at myself with my big lips, and my wide hips. My thighs that could probably start a storm due to their severe overage of thunder.

My muscular calves that if were a bit longer, most football players would kill for.

My eyes that are the bluest blue I've ever seen. The fact that I have curves where most girls my age have either rolls or straight sticks glued to their sides. My dark brown hair that a lot of my fair headed friends now dye their hair for...

It's just different, being on the other side of a situation. Remembering it, and looking back as though it hadn't actually happened to you, but was really in a book that you had just read. Imagining what you would do to that Cory kid, had you been there. Then remembering that you were there. You did experience it. Now, you have to move on, and make the best out of what you were handed.

That's where I am now. That's just me.

very thankful!

2009-05-28T23:32:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I read a thread on gymbofriends that talked about all these symptoms a particular lady was having. After thinking about it, I realized I had similar ones, so I looked up what it could possibly be. After a little bit of research, I discovered it might be preeclampsia. I talked to mom, and she suggested I call the doctor in the AM if my symptoms didn't get better.

Once I called, they said they needed to see me right away. After checking my vitals, they found I did not have what I had thought. But to be safe, they strapped me to a fetal monitor. As it turns out, I've been having contractions!
So, I'm on bedrest for the next 4 days. When I return for my follow-up appointment, they'll check everything again. I hope it all gets better, and I'm staying optimistic! :)

thank you!!

2009-05-26T14:02:00.002-04:00

Woo hoo!
Just when I thought things were going to come crashing down around us, my fiancee got his job back. Lord, thank you!!!

So much to say!

2009-05-25T22:49:00.004-04:00

Let me first start off by saying WOW!
I was nominated by Sandy of Organize with Sandy for this award...
And I'm tickled! I've never gotten an award before!!
There are some rules involved though...

1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.

2) Pass the award to 15 (As I am not the biggest on commenting other's blogs, I will do just 3. I don't want anyone to think I'm a creep!) other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

I'm nominating...

Amber from Airing My Dirty Laundry, One Sock at a Time
Jamie from Jamie's Perfect 10
Kaycee from Life as a Mom at 22

In other news, Sandy also gave me her "Gem of the week award" for the Cheeseburger Lasagna recipe I entered below!

Woo hoo!

By the way, I've started a new job. Actually, I'm on my 3rd week so far. It's going well! Recently though, I've begun working with a different woman who...well, I think she has serious ants-in-her-pants or something along those lines. I think she feels I can't do anything right, that I must be supervised at all times, and that even if I try, she'll need to redo it or finish it...AND, if it involves serious heavy lifting, say 40+ lbs directly off the floor, that I shouldn't have a problem taking care of it. ((hears Twilight Zone theme playing in the background))

Today she tried to follow me into the bathroom just in case I wasn't putting the toilet paper roll in correctly. WHAT IS SO HARD ABOUT PUTTING A TOILET PAPER ROLL INTO A DISPENSER?! Why did she feel the need to follow me in there? I'm glad I locked the door because I had decided to use the facility, and my pants were around my ankles at the time!
Tonight I will probably hear her shrill voice in my head as I try to sleep...Joannaaaaa! You need to put the Gatorade away last. That's too confusing and takes too much time. Put the beer away first! Gosh, I have to do everything around here because nobody else can do it!

I think the next time she starts to act that way, I'm going to pull up a chair and tell her to do her thing. I don't have to go home till the shift is up, so if I'm not doing it right, or fast enough, or to her specifications, I'll just sit my butt down and let her take over. :D

2009-05-25T09:26:00.000-04:00

"Yesterday" came and went.
Right now, I'm headed off to work.
Upon my return, I WILL blog!
And I'll give myself a gold star and a pat on the back for doing it!

John 16:21

2009-05-22T21:37:00.001-04:00

What a beautiful line for mothers and mothers-to-be...

When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world.

There is to be an important entry tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Lemonade

2009-05-21T22:54:00.002-04:00

I don't like to whine but dang it, I'm going to.
I'm pregnant, my feet and ankles are huge, and don't even get me started on my belly or thighs. For some reason my mind is fuzzy. I can't remember things like peanut butter

"Honey, can you pass me that...((long pause)) jar with the red lid? No, not that one. The one with the...((even longer pause)) PEANUT BUTTER! That's what it is. Peanut butter. Honey, can you pass me the peanut butter?"
"Thank you...now what was I going to do with this??"

So, am I being challenged with my fiancee losing his job right now? It's not something he can afford, nor can I or anyone else in his family. I can only pray so much before I just get frustrated and want to throw things at the wall. (If only I could remember what I wanted to throw...)

Once he informed me yesterday, we started making resumes to send out, and he started filling out applications at every location he passed. He's scared, and so am I! The only thing I can do for him is to stand by him and help when I can. Having classes right now also means my hands are rather tied.

So, just because life has handed me lemons, it does not mean I want to make even more lemonade. If only I wasn't pregnant. I'd be making margaritas!

Work on it Wednesdays

2009-05-20T09:29:00.003-04:00

I think today's WoW is going to be a bit different from everyone else's WoW.
I have A LOT of homework to do today. So, I plan to get the majority of it finished, and prioritizing! I need to complete 2 quizzes by tomorrow, so those will be done before the logic method chart that's due on Friday, along with any further reading for those classes.
After getting a huge start on those, I want to get things completed for my swap! I've just started on this page called Swap-Bot and it's really incredible so far! I signed up to swap postcards with people from around the globe! It's a fun, easy, and inexpensive way to get some really neat things. (I think postcards are neat, so there!)
I also need to work on cleaning my room, and getting ready for my doctor's appointment tomorrow!!! YAY! I get to hear baby's heartbeat again. And, I think they'll be scheduling me for another ultrasound soon! YAYYAYAYAYAY!!
As of today, I only have 73 days left of quiet. :)
Which is why I slept in an additional 4 hours today. :)

If I can reach them, I want to paint my toenails. If I can't, maybe I can talk Alan into doing it for me. Does anyone have any tips on getting their significant others to paint their toenails for them?

2009-05-17T19:41:00.003-04:00

This is a recipe I only made one time, but it was fabulous!

Betty Crocker's Make-Ahead Cheeseburger Lasagna

Ingredients:
1 1/2 lb ground meat
3 tbs instant minced onion
1 can tomato sauce (15oz)
1 1/2 cup water
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tbs yellow mustard
1 egg
15 oz ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded cheddar-american cheese blend
12 uncooked lasagna noodles
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Make It:
1. Spray 13×9-inch (3qt) baking dish with cooking spray.

2. In 12-inch skillet, cook beef and onion over medium-high heat 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until beef is brown;drain. Stir in tomato sauce, water, ketchup and mustard. Simmer 5 minutes stirring occasionally.

3. Meanwhile, in medium bowl beat egg with whisk or fork. Stir in ricotta cheese and 2 cups cheese blend.

4. Spread 1 cup beef mixture over bottom of baking dish. Top with 4 uncooked noddles. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over noddles; top with 1 1/2 cups of beef mixture. Repeat layers once with 4 noodles, remaining ricotta mixture and 1 1/2 cups meat mixture. Top with remaining 4 noodles, beef mixture and 1 cup cheddar cheese.

5. Cover with foil; refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight.

6. Heat oven to 350*. Bake lasagna covered 45 minutes. Uncover; bake 25-35 minutes longer or until bubbly. Remove from oven. Cover with foil; let stand 5-10 minutes before cutting.

7. Just before serving, top with lettuce,tomato and pickles. Serve with additional ketchup if desired.

If you make this, let me know! It a delicious meal, although probably not the healthiest. :)

Sunday

2009-05-17T10:13:00.000-04:00

Alan is coming home today! YAY! I haven't seen him since last week, Monday!

I have a lot of things to do today including 2 take home quizzes, a flow chart, multiple readings, so much laundry I could vomit, annnnd going to bed extra early because tomorrow starts my 5 AM - 1 PM shift!

Ughhh!

Off to mass

Nursing Necklace

2009-05-15T23:20:00.002-04:00

What a neat idea this is...
I found it on etsy today...doesn't everyone love etsy? If not, they should. Or stick their nose up their own arse...

I'm so excited to be able to give my baby such a wonderful gift. I can't think of a single other way to be close to him/her. I just hope I'll be able to do it when the time comes. Luckily, I have a lot of family members who will be there to support me and give me whatever advice/help I need!

Eww...seriously?

2009-05-15T10:02:00.004-04:00

I decided I would attack the "kid's" office that is actually on the other side of my room today. Let me just say that I understand now why Mom hasn't done anything with this yet. It's disgusting. There is about a quarter inch of dust, but also candy wrappers, random papers, pop cans, pop tabs (I don't know why!!!!!), toys, games, books, trash, probably 34643398 pens/pencils/highliters, etc.

Ugh. I can't wait to have this done so I can get my office space done! I want to have half the counter cut off, and the bookshelf (you can't see it) added to the end. I also want to get rid of the 4 various bulletin boards! The one you see in the upper left hand corner is actually mine, so it stays. The sign should probably be taken down as well. The election is over, kids! (My brother is a HUGE McCain fan, thus why the poster is up there to begin with). I can't stand election propaganda. It just takes up room and is quickly outdated! There had been a HUGE and BEAUTIFUL Finding Nemo poster there, but Dad removed it...I'm not sure why. :(

Wish me luck! (and that I don't contract asthma or a mental breakdown because of this!)

The Registries

2009-05-14T15:58:00.004-04:00

I'm sure the 2 visitors that frequent my blog don't really care, but I just wanted to make sure I explain what the "Baby registries" link is...
Basically, it links back to here.
My fiancee and I are registered at Babys R Us and Wal Mart. If you'd like further info about it because you're a doll and want to buy us something, (maybe that crib! joking, joking) just leave a comment, and I'll let you know how you can go about accessing our lists!
Thank you! :)

Fitness!

2009-05-14T13:48:00.005-04:00

I want to do this!
I have a friend who is an avid runner, and he's constantly saying that I can run, too...Well, right now, I can't run and I won't run (gosh, how much would THAT hurt, being as pregnant as I am?!)
So, maybe once I have this baby, I can gear towards doing this!
I'd love to say, "yeah. I ran a 5K. I ran it well." Instead of, "one time, back in high school, I signed up to do a 5K...but I didn't run it because well, I suck at running and something about putting one foot in front of the other in a quick motion doesn't work well with me...blah blah blah"
One of the boards I'm an active participant of actually has a few people dedicated to doing this couch potato thing. They even have a super cute button for their signatures! (It's up, over there, on right!)

2009-05-13T23:13:00.003-04:00

Wednesdays are supposed to be the day that I pick one thing to do, and I do it... (Work it on Wednesdays)
Well, that didn't happen today. I worked early in the day, came home exhausted, fought with my fiancee about stupid, trivial things, went to a meeting, and now am winding down for the evening.
That being said, I have a list of things I plan to attend to tomorrow...Thursday. We'll call tomorrow "Doing Thursday Things"

And now, without further wait, is my official
"Doing Thursday Things"

contact CSS
begin petition
go to class
make thing in picture
laundry (weather permitting)

Reflecting and Unrination...not reflecting upon urination!

2009-05-12T18:35:00.004-04:00

I don't know how exactly I stumbled across these, but... (click the picture for a direct link to the blog entry I found about them...)

Are you serious? Gosh, I urinate so much, I could supply the entire world with these! (Or at least the very populated countries of India and China...and just for safe measure, we can throw in Rhode Island. That's a small state. I can handle it.)

Anyways, Alan is out of the hospital. The surgery went well, but we have 2-3 months before we know for certain it was an entire success. So, it's in His hands now. I just wish Alan was home with me, and not stuck in Dayton...but, I can't ask for that much.

So, I was thinking today about where I was a year ago, and I can't tell explain how much I miss things. A year ago today I was with my sorority, celebrating Greek week. I wasn't worried about having a baby, setting up insurance, passing classes (I was doing just fine), and about whether or not I was going to make enough money to pay for everything. I had friends, a social life, and a very happy fiancee (not that he's unhappy now, but he had more of a social life too, and I know he was happier in that sense). I was living on campus in an apartment, and although it kind of stunk there, overall it wasn't so bad. I got to sleep in my own bed, in my own room, in my own place, every night. My friends were just a short walk away, and the nearest bar was just a little further down the road. Now I live at home with my parents, work what I hope is enough hours at a very dead-end job, go to school full time and stress about passing, haven't had a drink for a very, very, very, long time (with no future drink in site), and my fiancee and I really have no social life.
I'm not trying to whine, and I really don't want anyone to pity me, but...I don't know. It'd be nice if someone wanted to hang out sometime. I don't care if we played Monopoly or Risk the entire time, anything would be better than this.

But you know, a year ago, I wasn't going to be a mother. I was doing destructive things to my body (binge drinking, and LOTS of it!), I was catty, rude, and a bitch, lazy, judgmental, and overall, out of line. My relationship with Alan wasn't as strong as it is now, and the relationship I had with my parents was next-to nonexistent. While I'm not overjoyed about being pregnant without being entirely ready, I know that He has a plan for my family, and that I need to trust Him.

2009-05-11T23:06:00.004-04:00

In just 9 hours, Alan will be under the knife again, having his second tympanoplasty in less than a year.
Please keep him in your prayers, and hope that I can remain sane. I won't be with him as I was last time, as much as I would like to be.

Mothers day

2009-05-10T23:19:00.005-04:00

Today was quite interesting.
Alan and I went to Dayton to celebrate his little brothers' (Kevin and Kris) first communion, Mothers Day...as well as another purpose.
It had been requested of us that we speak to his paternal grandparents about our pregnancy as they had been in Florida during the first and second trimester. I was not looking forward to this meeting, and in fact I started to cry during mass because I was so scared as to what they would say to us.
Of course, things like that always have an interesting way of working themselves out. After informing them of our addition, they seemed kind of shocked, but they weren't upset or angry in the least. However, I am quite glad that it's over!
Seeing his family was nice, too. Of his large amount of aunts and uncles, 2 sets were there, and one of them brought their son they had adopted from Jamaica in September of last year. His name is Javaughn, he's 4 years old, and he is such a little light of joy! I love talking to him and watching his actions. He grabbed a hobby horse with an exceptionally long mane today, flipped it upside down, and started running it back and forth across the floor, saying things like, "Watch out! I have to mop the floor!" How I wish I had a camera so I could have captured that moment!
Overall, it was a BEAUTIFUL day, and I enjoyed seeing everyone. Alan even got me a little card that was signed "Alan and baby in your belly" :)

On Tuesday, my fiancee will be having a surgery performed on his ear. Back in September, he had a tympanoplasty on his right ear, in hopes of correct issues that are holding him back from joining the army. Because it wasn't as successful as the doctor would have liked, he'll have to go back and have another one.
I know it's a mostly harmless operation; The most dangerous part is just the anesthesia, but I cannot help but be worried. I want this surgery to go well so he can fulfill his military dreams and goals...
oh my gosh, baby is going crazy in my belly...

Sorry, back to the original topic.

Ever since I met Alan back in October of 2007, all he could ever talk about was how his brother was in the army and how he couldn't wait to start his career. Although I know it will make times hard to us, I can't help but want to support him in his goals.

Any thoughts and prayers for him on Tuesday will be greatly appreciated!

2009-05-05T23:16:00.002-04:00

I need to add a blog soon...my life is just so boring! I never know what to talk about.
Today was an interesting day.
I got into a terrible fight with Alan leaving Kroger. All because he thought I told the lady to use my Kroger card instead of his, I threw my keys/wallet/etc out the window. I was livid with him, and for no reason other than that I could be! I hate that my emotions are so out of control.
The rest of the day went better. I picked up my little brother and we took a car on a test drive. Oh, I fell in love with it. It's a 2005, Pontiac Bonneville. Everything about it seems to be perfect but of course there are little flaws that could help me get the price reduced. :)
Ah, I'm thinking too far ahead. I can't even consider a new vehicle for at least another month.
But, I can dream, right?
Alan and I then traveled to the land of Wal Mart, where we found his ring (sort of like an engagement ring for a guy), and an ashtray because poor Alan has a bad habit.

That was not fun/exciting/interesting at all.

My cat is sleeping next to me, sprawled out on his back, airing out his...extremities. Silly, silly cat. I'm about to join him. If only I got to sleep naked, too!

Ikea success!

2009-05-01T14:39:00.008-04:00

I love Ikea! Mom and I went on Wednesday. It was her mission to find a new desk, and a filing cabinet for my younger siblings so they could get out of my room. I think she had success! She ended up buying 2 desks, and this filing cabinet. I can't wait to put the desks together, I think they'll be much easier than this, and maybe I won't need any help from Alan and Dad!
The best part about this? Atticus approves. Ok, that's actually the second best part. The absolutely BEST part is how Ikea packages everything. That little box contained that awesome cabinet, and there was minimal waste that wasn't recyclable. Most of it was contained in cardboard, and since we recycle here, we know it won't be wasted. The little pieces were held in a plastic baggie, but that's understandable. Can you imagine taking a 4 hour roundtrip to/from Ikea only to discover one/some screws had been lost along the way? Surely I'm not the only Ikea fan, right?

Ups and Downs of Pregnancy

2009-04-27T14:14:00.001-04:00

Being pregnant has its ups and downs! Here are just a few of mine...

Upsides to being pregnant:

Wearing lose fitting clothes (yoga pants! woo hoo!)
Being allowed to wear athletic shoes whenever I feel necessary.
Eating a lot isn't frowned upon (although should be...lol)
Crying for no obvious reason whatsoever doesn't cause confusion/chaos.
Rubbing your own tummy is completely normal looking!
Sleeping more than usual is no cause for concern/disappointment.

Downsides to being pregnant:

Crying for no reason whatsoever.
Being mean and moody to loved ones
Swollen ankles
Stretch marks
Eating too much, gaining unwanted weight (not pregnancy weight, but pure fat)
Rude stares
Not fitting into shoes that should fit
Not being able to sleep on my stomach
Feeling ugly 24/7
Darn glucose screening test!
Migraines
Gas! All the time! It's so embarrassing when one leaks out, and I have no control whatsoever!

So there you go...just a short post for the day, but a post none-the-less. What are you thoughts? What do you like/dislike about being pregnant?

...Really?!

2009-04-25T23:31:00.000-04:00

Do you mean to tell me that I'm...
pregnant?
I didn't realize this!!! And, I'm not married? OHHH MY! NO SHE DIDN'T!
Gosh. What do I say to that? Is that a problem? It is a problem?! Oh. What should I do? Should I stand by and let you belittle me for not being a good Christian? Don't you think it's a little late for that? Should I have an abortion and rid myself of the proof that I committed a sin which is now growing inside of me, thus preventing any/all rude comments, or can we just be happy for the blessing He has bestowed upon my fiancee and myself?
Well, obviously the abortion is out of the question, and gee, my body isn't going to absorb the baby either, now is it?
So cut the crap, cut the eye rolling, cut the comments, cut the stares... having sex before marriage may not have been a Christian thing to do, but being a judgmental prick surely isn't either.

Thank you! Have a nice day.

Danke Schön

2009-04-24T23:22:00.000-04:00

I can't believe I forgot to talk about the most amazing experience of my entire life in the previous post...the one experience that I will NEVER forget, even when I am old and senile (at least, I hope I don't forget it then...)
Anyways...
In the summer of 2007, I got to visit my family's farm in Germany along with my brother, Ben (mentioned previously). It was...amazing. I cannot wait until the day I take my daughter (son?), and fiancee (husband, by that time) to see what I got to see. It was not a typical touristy trip. No, this trip was full of amazing sites and food, but it was what the locals would experience, without the obvious frills. The only thing I would like to do when I go next time, that I did not get to do this time, is to visit some WWII memorials, and maybe a concentration camp. That particular area of history absolutely fascinates me.

Enough of that...I'll never run out of things to say about Germany, so there's no reason to exhaust the topic anymore at this time.

Manners are something that I feel need to be touched on...perhaps not touched so much as dwelled or even pounded into some people's heads. For example, if someone is holding the door for you, do you walk through and ignore, or do you walk through and throw in a "thank you!" ?? It's not hard to do, only being 2 words and all... Another question...a woman who is obviously pregnant is trying to get through a throng of people. There is room for people to move a few inches one way or the other, but not for her to get through due to her swollen belly and wide hips. Once that girl says "excuse me" do you move to the side, or do you look at her as though she's an alien?
Also (and this is a touchy subject). If you see a pregnant, unwed mother, do you glare at her? Say something to the person next to her, or smile at her? Are you obviously disgusted by the fact that she is pregnant and not married, or do you try to hide how you truly feel, so as to not make her feel as though she's complete scum? (just wondering...)

I really want to go belly dancing sometime soon. I think I'm going to register for a hafla in the area. I think the belly dancers would appreciate my baby bump, and I would feel at home amongst them...

coming to terms

2009-04-21T21:26:00.001-04:00

I guess this is the prerequisite to having a blog...I must introduce myself! My name is Joanna, aka Jarna. I love LIFE! I live on a farm (obviously) and although it's not my farm, it is my father's and I couldn't be more proud of him. About 5 years ago, he decided to change the family farm from average to organic. Living on this farm is also my younger brother, Bob, who is 10, my younger sister, Rose, who is 17 (or 7? not sure anymore...), and when he's home from school, my younger brother, Ben, 20. Holding this entire family together are my mother and father, both crossing that line into their 50s just this year! In heaven is my beautiful brother Tony, who would be 9 years old in May!

So, that's not exactly about me, but anyways...
I am 22 years old, and I go to school fulltime. I hope to have a degree in organizational leadership in approximately 1 year, however I am also expecting a baby at the beginning of August, so that may slow my plans just a tad. The love of my life is Alan, and he is simply amazing. Everyday something new happens to us, and it pulls us closer together. We are engaged to be married, and we plan to wed at the end of December.

In my spare time (which I seem to have entirely too much of), I enjoy SLEEPING! HAHA! Don't we all? I also love to adore my beautiful cat (Atticus), read, watch my newborn cousin, Chance (born 3-13-09), scrapbook, belly dance, and be outside. I try to help my parents with the house...laundry, dishes, whatever they need, really. The fact that they haven't kicked me out of the house (being unwed and pregnant) is absolutely amazing! If you're reading this Mom or Dad, thank you!

So, I hope to blog every other day, perhaps more...maybe even multiple times a day (I can dream, right?)