Baking: Fail

Mmmmm- don't these look delicious???

Yeah, it's because I didn't make them! I've decided recently that I am a big failure when it comes to baking. I've had the suspicion for a very long time (read it- about 5+ years) that I was no good at it, however I never had the time (or desire) to really try it and see how bad I was... that is- until recently. For whatever reason, the first 6 months of my pregnancy I found sweets to be absolutely disgusting- but NOW... that is a different story. In the past month I have used my kitchen aid mixer more than I had in the year I owned it. Some things have turned out successful, but the "new" things I've tried just aren't working for me. Tonight it was eclairs. You see the puffy bread portion of the eclair in the picture above? Mine didn't quite turn out like that...

The recipe calls for 4 ingredients y'all. I couldn't make it work with FOUR ingredients! After all of my hard work all I was left with was a huge mess, a stinky kitchen, a laughing husband and bricks. After so many failed attempts, I want to give up, but I also want to learn to be a baker. I can cook a cake from a mix, or muffins pretty good, and brownies- I can make a mean pan of brownies, but when I venture to new things I just can't seem to make it work. Any tips or ideas on how to be better? I would greatly appreciate it, and so would my husband and friends I always plan on sharing with (if it works out!). In the meantime I'm going to grab my pack of peanut m&m's and try to forget this whole thing happened!

Feeling the Love

You would not believe the outpouring of love I feel from all of you! I have had so many great comments and emails and phone calls from so many people helping me with my previous post questions, and I couldn't thank you enough! I think the biggest lesson I've learned, and something I am grateful I have at this point, is I don't need to buy everything. Being a planner and preparer by nature, I have always thought I need to have everything to "be ready" when he gets here. Granted, I know I'll never be "fully ready" (or remotely close to being ready), there are a lot of things I will have to figure out along the way, which means I don't have to stress about buying it now. I have a few "essentials" that I know I want/need before that big day, but the rest will sort itself out. Thank you for helping me see that- I know I will sleep better at night. As for all the other great advice- THANK YOU! I really listened to everything you all said, and appreciate the different views and perspectives! I'm sure this won't be my last post crying out for help and advice, and I feel so blessed knowing I have a place to turn! Isn't the internet a wonderful thing!?! Thanks, again!

Opinions, Please...

So, as a first time mom with just 12 weeks to go (yes, you read that right... 12! Yikes!) I am in desperate need of some opinions as to what to what is needed and/or what you didn't find so useful in the baby gear department. I understand every kid is different and likes different things, but in general- what did your kid like or not like and what would you say is a must have or not so much a necessity?
Some specific questions I can think of off the top of my head are:
- Bassinets: Worth buying? Did you use it? I've heard it's great to be able to have them so close to your bed to be able to breast feed in the middle of the night and not have to go far. On the other hand, I've also heard having them close to your bed gives you worse sleep because you listen to every noise they make. In my head it would be nice to have him close... but I'll have to go to his room to change his diaper anyway, and my house really isn't that big so it's not a big walk. Help me! Also- would you buy a bassinet, or a pack in play with a bassinet attached?
- Monitors: Is just a regular monitor fine, should we invest in the video one, or even more should we invest in the one that has a sensor that goes in their cribs (I think under the mattress or mattress pad) and sounds an alarm if there isn't any movement detected in a certain amount of time (supposed to help prevent SIDS, or alert you when something could be wrong).
- Bottles: I plan on breastfeeding, but after 10 weeks I will be working 2 days a week. I want to get him to take a bottle of breast milk, but have heard different things about different brands. What I am most concerned about is using a brand or nipple that is so easy to get milk from that he doesn't want to work to get it from me. With me working only 2 days a week (and being able to come home at lunch to BF) I need him to be use to the bottle and take one, but don't want him to snub me! Suggestions, please!
-Slings/Carriers: Are they necessary, and which type do you like?

These are just a few questions I can think of off the top of my head- Any recommendations or tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance! :)

Mmmmmm.... Delish!

About a month ago my sister and I had a baby shower for a close friend, and we made this delicious recipe for dessert. Everyone LOVED it, and I made it again this week and was reminded of how yummy it really is, so I thought I would share it with you! The best part is- it's full of flavor, but low fat! Can't beat that. Hope you enjoy!

Lemon Cheesecake Squares

1 lg pkg lemon flavored jello
1 ½ C. graham cracker crumbs (I use one whole sleeve)
3 Tbsp melted butter (I use 4 or more)
1 Tbsp brown sugar (I use 2)
8 oz light cream cheese (not fat free brick)
1 c. sugar
2 Tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 tsp grated lemon zest
1 tsp. vanilla
4 c. light whipped topping, thawed (if you go oz per oz, this is way too much, I would buy a big tub of it (16 oz) and use about ½ the tub, then taste it, you can add more if it’s too strong or keep it the way it is with just half the tub. If you add the full 4 c. it will be VERY fluffy, and not so cheesecakey... and yes, I made up that word!)

Directions:

Make jello according to the instructions on the package. Refrigerate until slightly thick, not set, about 45 min- 1hr.

Meanwhile prep crust in small bowl- combine graham crackers, melted butter and brown sugar, stir with fork. Spray a 9x13” pan with cooking spray, press crumb mix in bottom. Refrigerate while making filling.

Filling: Beat together cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla on a high speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Add thickened jello and beat on medium speed until well blended. Fold in whipped topping.

Pour filling over prepared crust and spread to edge of pan. Refrigerate at least 4 hours.

129 calories, 4.5 grams of fat, 2 grams protein.

I usually glob a little whipped cream on top and raspberries... it's so good that way! Hope you guys enjoy it as much as we do!
*Jojo- this is a recipe we copied down from the magazine while visiting with you last summer- we LOVE it- thanks for sharing!!*

Because We Can

As the reports and images of the tragedy in Haiti roll in, I can't help but think of the many, many people who are suffering and in such a great need of our help. So many lives have been lost, many people are without shelter, food or water- the basic necessities of life. I feel strongly compelled to encourage everyone to think of others at this time, and what they are going through. There are so many ways we can help- ways that would require really little or no effort from us, and would not be much of a sacrifice on our parts. Here are a few things you can do, if you so choose:
- You can visit the American Red Cross Website HERE to donate on line. Or, you can text the word "Haiti" to the number 90999 and $10 will be added to your phone bill for a donation.
- If you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, you can use your tithing slip to donate to the Humanitarian Relief Fund, or go HERE to do so online.
-Singer/Songwriter Wyclef Jean has set up a website HERE where 100% of proceeds go to the earthquake fund. You can also text "Yele" to the number 501501 and $5 will be added to your phone bill and donated.
-For other lists of charitable organizations that are helping and accepting donations, go HERE.
We are so blessed, and if you really think about it- $5 added to your phone bill is less than what we would spend on a fast food meal or a movie ticket. I know times are tough for many, but not as tough as they are over there. And if you can't bring yourself to donate monetarily, prayers are much needed as well. I know if I were in the situation they are in, I would be grateful for anything. Just a thought...

Last First Day

Today was officially Adam's last first day of his undergad at the University of Utah. For our family, this means a lot! At graduation he will commission as an officer for the Navy, which means we have a lot of big changes. Big changes including a big move (at some point) back to Pensacola, Florida, a big job change for him (going not only from enlisted to officer but from being on the surface side of the navy to the flight side will be a huge difference as well...) and hopefully a big pay jump! :) When you add that to the other "big" thing going on this April, we've got a busy few months ahead and a lot of changes.
Truth is- I am so excited for all of these things! It's going to be an amazing year, and I know this semester is going to fly by for both of us. It seems like we just got here to Utah to start this program, and here we are in the final stages of it on the brink of big, exciting changes. While it's exciting and we're ready for these things to happen, I need to remind us both to live in the moment now and enjoy what is going on around us now. It's so easy to get caught up in what's happening next that you don't enjoy what you are doing now... I don't want that to happen. We also have to keep him motivated to go to class! :) To all of my friends out there that are in the same boat... I'm SO excited for us all! And good luck with each of your last semesters!

Merry {Beleted} Christmas...

And a happy new year! I cannot believe I'm even going to attempt a Christmas post, now that it is several weeks later, but I need to for my own peace of mind! Here's the thing- a blog post has been on my list for several weeks, and in that time I've realized I didn't have a ton to say, but I'm going to say it anyway! Further proof that I have been slacking... the picture I'm about to post was taken a week and a half after Christmas... which means my tree was up for a LONG TIME (much longer than I wanted, that's for sure!) So here it is... my Christmas/New Years post.

{Picture taken at 26 weeks}
For some reason (I think it has to do with the big belly above) I had a really difficult time focusing on Christmas. I wouldn't say my heart wasn't in it, I just think I was looking at it as another obstacle I needed to get through to be closer to this baby coming. While I subconsciously felt that way, I did try my hardest to keep my head in it all and enjoy myself, and I really did enjoy it! We had a wonderful Christmas spent with my family- full of delicious food, Mario on the Wii, and lots of laughs.
With this baby in me that is constantly kicking and squirming, I couldn't help but think of Mary and how she must've felt so many years ago. I'm not at all trying to say my situation is anything like hers, but I have a smaller glimpse into what she must've been feeling on that sacred day. This Christmas I developed a deeper love and appreciation for her role in 'the big picture' (if that makes sense). What she did for us was very unselfish and out of pure love, and I was so grateful for the little lesson I learned this year and the deeper understanding. These thoughts and feelings led me to think of next year and how my world will be so different than what it is now. While Eli will change our lives, I can't help but think of how the birth of Jesus changed the world forever. For that knowledge and understanding I am forever grateful.
I hope your Christmas was filled with Joy, Love, and Peace. I hope you were able to take a moment (or will now) to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, and give thanks. We are so blessed! I hope your new years has started out on the right foot and you find yourself doing whatever it is you wanted to do to better yourself or your situation. Here's to what will be an AMAZING 2010!!!