Monday, November 7, 2011

New Baby Pictures

Below are the two newest pictures of little Tucker! We found out that he is about a pound more than most babies at his stage, which comes at no surprise considering Mommy doesn't miss a meal! I pretty much adore that, too... I love chubby babies! Anyway, the first picture is of his face-- he is facing the camera and his arm is resting on his cheek. The second is further proof he is a boy! What a sweet little thing :) Cant wait to meet him!





Sunday, November 6, 2011

Halloween Pumpkins

Warning: One of the pictures below has the potential to be creepy and disturbing to some viewers!!

For Halloween, Derek and I did three different versions of pumpkins: we carved one, had a plastic one made with Tucker's name, and decorated my round , pregnant belly as a jack-o-lantern (the creepy picture mentioned above...). Because of logistics, we were only able to put two of the three on our porch for decorations, but did enjoy all of them at some point! Below are pictures of our different pumpkins...


Christmas Wreath

This is a little wreath I made while in a festive spirit. Even though its only the 5th day in November, this wreath is now hanging on my front door! I dont love it-- I could do without the antler-esque gold leaves on the top-- but I think it gets the job done. My favorite parts are the little birdies with the pinecones. It only took about an hour to make (would have been shorter, but I used wired to attach everything since there wasnt anywhere solid on the wreath to use glue) and, believe it or not, everything cost only $13.00. Pretty good deal, huh? Thank you, Michaels :) Now, if only I could get permission to put up the rest of the Christmas decorations this early!


So Much To Be Thankful For

Even though I jumped from the fall / Halloween spirit straight to the Christmas spirit, I thought I would dedicate at least one post to Thanksgiving. This year has been one of many, many blessings. So, keeping with the Thanksgiving theme, I am going to do just that-- give some thanks. And, it should be easy considering everything we have been blessed with these past several months. Since November has 30 days, I am going to list 30 things I am thankful for. Here goes!

  1. My amazing, supportive husband-- he serves in the military, is earning his degree, splits the household chores and cooking with me, and still manages to cope when I am hormonal and a little crazy. He always shows me love, and is what makes each and every day brighter.
  2. My adorable puppy, Charlie-- she never fails to make me smile. Even when I am napping and she jumps on my face she manages to be cute... She was my company when Derek was out to sea, and even though shes a dog, she is still our little baby!
  3. Our unborn little boy-- how can someone be so loved who isnt even born yet? I adore his kicks, punches, and hiccups, and would even take the stretch marks, mood swings, nausea, and acne for another 9 months if it meant he was healthy and happy.
  4. My amazing family-- I have a sister who I can laugh with, cry and complain to, and who is there for me no matter what, a mom who gives me love and support while keeping me grounded, a father who works hard and does what is needed while always checking on me, a brother who has become a wonderful teacher and amazing father, a brother-in-law whose humor is one of a kind and can always make you laugh and put you at ease, a sister in law who is smart, nurturing, and one of the most devoted mothers I know-- not to mention the biggest help through this pregnancy, a grandma that is still managing to be sassy and spry at 85, and two completely unique aunts-- one who would give anything to her nieces and nephew (whether it be time, money, support, love, or amazing food) and one who never fails to make you smile AND managed to kick butt with a broken hip.
  5. My niece and nephew-- yes, they are part of the family, but they get their own number! These two precious people, one who is becoming his own little man and the other who is just a few months old have my heart. They each bring so much joy and happiness to our life, even though we dont see them too often. I know they will both grow up to be the sweetest and brightest of people.
  6. My amazing in-laws
  7. My friends
  8. Mine and Dereks health (and everyone else's, for that matter)
  9. Our cars
  10. Our house-- especially for being so young
  11. All of our material things (shallow, I know...)-- we have so much, and again especially for being so young. We have more than we need, and I am very thankful that we can live comfortably
  12. Our education
  13. Desserts, especially at this point in my life!
  14. Great food
  15. Candles (holiday scented, of course!)
  16. Derek's time off
  17. Snuggling on the couch with Derek and Charlie
  18. The ability to work and provide for ourselves
  19. The fact that Derek is NOT deployed, and will (hopefully) stay for the remainder of his enlistment on shore duty
  20. Virginia Tech Hokies (and football in general)
  21. Arts and Crafts, and cooking!
  22. Facebook-- I cant lie, Im pretty thankful for it. It gives me something to do AND keeps me in touch with those I love!
  23. A good nights sleep
  24. Everyone in my family being happy, doing well, and alive (we have had some scares this year...)
  25. Excuses to get the whole family together
  26. Maternity jeans... so amazing!
  27. Ultrasounds and amazing doctors
  28. All of the freedoms we are given
  29. Southern Living magazine (and all other reading material)
  30. Everything else-- God has given us so many blessings, whether its small / materialistic things or bigger more important things... We are healthy, happy, and given so much by so many people-- we are thankful for everything we have.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Chicken Noodle and Veggie Casserole

I am going to go ahead and give myself the pregnant Betty Crocker award. I have not cooked or baked as much in my life as I have since Ive been pregnant. Maybe its the new kitchen, all of my free time, or my constant impulse to eat delicious things-- whatever it is, I am loving it! And, so are my tastebuds.

Yesterday I was craving a wholesome, creamy casserole. Naturally, I Googled "casserole" recipes, but all I found were recipes that seemed like teases... only a few of the ingredients sounded good, or it was too much effort or time. Long story short, I went to the grocery store today, sans recipe, and just bought stuff I thought sounded good. And, I am happy to share, I am now full and satisfied with my creation! I'm excited for Derek to try it (and, I'm excited to boast a little), even though he could eat anything and be happy. So, below is the recipe of my chicken noddle and veggie casserole! I love how I just made it sound magnificent, when its not really anything too special-- just easy and good!

Chicken Noodle and Veggie Casserole

Ingredients:

1 package of egg noodles (not the large bag-- I bought a medium sized one)
1 package of frozen vegetables-- I used the pea, corn, and carrot medley from Birdseye
1 package of Pillsbury crescent rolls
1 can of cream of chicken soup
1 can of cream of celery soup
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
     --Any type of the creams of --- should work, so use all cream of chicken if you want, or 2 mushrooms and 1 chicken , etc.
4-5 medium chicken breasts
Salt, pepper, garlic powder (optional-- just for taste). I also used a little bit of a mixed seasoning

Directions:

-Preheat oven to 375 degrees

1. Boil noodles until soft (follow directions on package...)
2. Boil chicken until it is white throughout when you cut it in half
3. In a large bowl, mix together all soups and vegetables. Add whatever spices / seasonings you want. Add the noodles once they are cooked and drained
4. Drain the chicken. Using a fork and knife, shred the chicken, or cut into smaller pieces. Add to the noodle and veggie mixture
5. Pour mixture into a large casserole dish
6. Top with crescent rolls. Be sure to not layer them-- only one roll should be on top of the casserole. Place rolls over entire top of casserole until it is covered.

Bake in accordance to the directions on the crescent rolls (mine said bake for 11-16 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown).

Hope you enjoy!

Friday, September 23, 2011

And The Sex Is...

I feel silly writing a post about this, since most of the people reading our blog know anyway, but alas I feel like I must! I know I can't whole-heartedly write a blog about us and not have a post about finding out the sex of our baby. First, let me preface the results by saying everyone thought we were having a girl. The Chinese calendar, which is supposedly over 90 something percent accurate said it would be a girl, the "way I was carrying" and the baby's heart rate said a girl, my mothers old wife tale (if you know her, you've heard this) said girl, and every other myth and legend said I would be having a girl! Also, everyone (except the lone two or three) predicted we would have a girl. Then, at the day of the ultrasound, the nurse told me "come back and tell me when you find out its a girl." Turns out EVERY ultrasound that day had shown girls. There must have been some estrogen in the drinking water or something! But, against all odds, it turns out its a boy! A sweet, little baby boy who loves to kick and squirm (no surprise, considering whose child he is!). So, almost everyone was wrong. I maintained I didn't have a feeling or inclination towards a boy or girl the whole time... except when he would kick I would say "it must be a boy because a girl wouldn't kick as much-- she's supposed to be more prim and proper than that!" Derek, on the other hand, thought it was a girl, until we were in the waiting room, where he said "I'm going with boy now." Guess we were both right at some point. All that really matters, though, is that its a healthy baby, but we both really wanted a boy first. So, all is well and everyone is happy! And the name? The one and only Tucker Emerson Doss! So, for those following my blog, I now introduce to you (or will reacquaint you with) our little boy, Tucker.

Sweet Potato Casserole

If you have been to Ruth's Chris, you probably know that they have an amazing sweet potato casserole. Keeping with the fall theme (from the post below), I am posting a recipe that is supposedly the one used at Ruth's Chris. Again, its awfully unhealthy, but too good not to eat anyway! Hope you enjoy this as much as I did!


CRUST


  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans preferred)
  • 1/3 stick butter (melted)
  • Optional (I added this)-- sprinkle cinnamon on top

SWEET POTATO MIXTURE


  • 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 eggs (well beaten)
  • 1/2 stick butter, melted (1/2 cup)
  • Optional (I added this)-- about 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

Directions:

1.       Combine brown sugar, flour, nuts and butter in mixing bowl. Set aside. 
2.       Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 
3.       Combine sweet potatoes, sugar, salt, vanilla, eggs and butter in a mixing bowl in the order listed. Mix thoroughly. 
4.       Pour mixture into buttered baking dish 
5.       Sprinkle the surface of the sweet potato mixture evenly with the crust mixture. 
6.       Bake for 30 minutes. Allow to set at least 30 minutes before serving.

Fall Fever

Maybe I'm nesting. Or, maybe I'm just sick of the 85 degree weather in late September. Either way, I want it to feel like fall time, and to have a cozy house to curl up in. Since I live in South Carolina, Mother Nature is refusing to relent in the summer-like weather. I just can't seem to get my way with wanting the weather and leaves to change to autumn! All is not lost, though, because I am stepping up my home-maker skills, and making it fall time in my house! Below are some of the different things I have done / plan on doing to make the autumn season come alive inside, while its still beach season outside.

  1. Read a spooky Southern Gothic novel or short story-- this will get you in the mood for ghouls and witches.
    • The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers
    • The Robber Bridegroom by Eudora Welty
    • Wise Blood by Flannery O'Connor (she also has several good short stories)
    • Any Edgar Allan Poe stories
    • The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving
  2. Watch any movies / TV shows that make it feel like fall time-- football, Halloween, witches, etc. will all work
    • The Crucible (also a play you can read)
    • Hocus Pocus
    • The Blindside
    • Dracula or Van Helsing
    • Again, Sleepy Hollow
    • Any ghost / paranormal show
    • The Hokies football games on Saturdays and Thursdays :o)
  3. Light autumn scented candles. All of the flavors below are from Yankee Candle, but you can find similar ones almost anywhere that has a good selection of candles (I found pumpkin ones at the dollar store...).
    • Spiced Pumpkin
    • Autumn Leaves
    • Apple Cider
    • Maple Pancakes
    • Cinnamon Stick
  4. Consume ONLY fall time foods (I have had a blast cooking / baking new recipes). I recommend using recipes with sweet potatoes, apples, pecans, cinnamon, brown sugar, pumpkins, cranberries-- any fall fruits or veggies. Below are a few of the things I constantly have on hand or have made several times:
    • Apple Cider (heated is great)
    • Apple or Pumpkin Butter-- to eat with fruit, toast, or as a jelly substitute in a PB and J
    • Pumpkin Pie-- a recipe can be found on the cans of pumpkin at the grocery store
    • Sweet Potato Casserole (my recipe is very unhealthy, but too good not to use-- Ill put it in the next post)
  5. Decorate! The candles will add some autumn ambiance, but there are tons of ways to decorate your house to get that extra fall feeling.
    • Use pumpkins-- instead of carving you can paint them, punch holes in them and adorn with flowers (mums, sunflowers, etc), upholstery tacks, or anything decorative that you can stick in them, or etch your house / apartment number or monogram into them (be sure to only scrape off the orange and don't scratch / cut through the shell)... Be creative! You can even use pumpkins with the flatter tops as centerpieces-- just cut off the stem, place a small silver plate or platter on top (be sure its balanced) and place it on the table and top with food! These ideas are from the October issue of Southern Living, and look great!
    • Use leaves that have changed colors-- this is cheap and easy! Find leaves that have changed into bright reds, oranges, or yellows from your yard. Rinse them off, dry them, and rub moisturizer on them. The moisturizer will keep them from drying out and rolling up. Now you can use them in a wreath, on the table for a centerpiece, or just scattered around the house.
    • Create a wreath or buy one-- if making one, use colored ribbons, pine cones, colored flowers, leaves, twigs, etc... The list goes on and on!
    • Lastly, I went to the dollar store... They have cheap and relatively cute decorations. I bought a miniature scarecrow and some pumpkin scented tealight candles for a few bucks.
These are all the things I have done or plan on doing soon... and my house is an autumn wonderland! Now, if only I could figure out a way to make the leaves change here and get the temperature down about 20 degrees...

Click here for Southern Living magazine pictures of the pumpkin decorations

Hokie Shirt

So, as most of you know, Derek and I are HUGE Hokie fans (gobble gobble). Also, you probably know that we are pregnant. Well, Fall is football season, and coincidentally it is also when my belly will be growing the most. And, instead of hiding my (not so little, anymore) bump, I thought I would show it off while also showing off my Hokie Pride! I really wanted a maternity Hokie shirt for the football games to do this, but the one I wanted was only sold in a small (not ever going to happen...) or I hated the other ones. Long story short, with a little creativity and sweet t-shirt design website, I made my own! I got so many laughs and compliments on it, even from Appalachian State fans, who we were (very badly) beating at the time. Some people even think I should trademark it and try to market it to the Virginia Tech bookstore. Heres to hoping, right? Below is a picture of me, in my t-shirt, with Derek at the opening home game and a close up of just me. GO HOKIES!

Friday, July 8, 2011

M.I.A.

Well, after several months of missing in action I find myself needing to update everyone on mine and Derek's life! Most of you who are reading this already know, but Derek and I have had a LOT of changes in our life recently. And, fortunately (I don't want to jinx it, though), they have all been good changes! This post is just going to be a short version of everything to get everyone up to speed, and it will give me a chance to actually write everything out to better comprehend it.

The first big change was that I finished student teaching (or, should I say I survived it?) and upon completion I also graduated. Now I can call myself an alumni! Second, Derek found out his transfers were accepted, and instead of going on a 7 month deployment, we was transferred to Charleston, SC where he has a job that does NOT involve the ocean or long trips out to sea! Needless to say this made us extremely happy, as now we can spend more time together. Also, on a count of his transfer, we bought a house. Its an adorable 3-bedroom, 2-story house on the outskirts of Charleston. We both look forward to spending our time playing a real life version of "house." In addition to changing stations, Derek has also changed ranks. He was promoted about a month ago to Petty Officer 1st class! I couldn't be prouder of him... And, the most important change, is that we have a tiny addition to the family coming soon! On May 4th we found out we will be having a baby, and we cannot wait. Charlie is going to be the BEST big sister in the whole entire world-- she can't wait either (even though we know she'll be a little jealous!). We don't know if it'll be a boy or girl yet, but I am sort of hoping for a boy... I think Derek is, too! 

So, everything this year has came together nicely. Life has picked up speed lately, and after one big turn of events, another one seems to follow shortly after. Graduation, moving, a house, a promotion, and now a baby on the way-- we have sure stayed busy! I am blessed to have this life, and I am truly grateful for all of the wonderful blessings that have happened recently. Keep the good fortune coming, and meanwhile we will be setting up house and getting ready for the baby! I promise to not let 9 years go by before posting again-- so I will keep everyone updated on whats new with us.


Tuesday, March 8, 2011

A Student's Modern Canterbury Tale

So, for my student teaching I am working with an honors English 12 class, which is British literature. Inevitably for the class we had to cover The Canterbury Tales, an iconic and important text to the development of British literature and the English language. To sort of tie up the unit I had the students write their own modern tale or prologue, using modern day pilgrims, in the style of Chaucer; in their groups one student was the host and had to write a general prologue and epilogue about their pilgrimage and different members, and the remaining students were pilgrims that each told a prologue, tale, and epilogue. With these pieces from each member, the group's goal was to create a frame story using iambic pentameter and rhyming couplets-- again modeling Chaucer's style exactly. Not all students did this assignment, and those who did struggled with the iambic pentameter (even though they were still entertaining and creative). However, one group excelled. Their frame story was excellent, all of their pieces were coherent and dependent on each other, they met the correct format and style, and they were entertaining. Below is my favorite tale that a student produced. The boy who wrote it is extremely smart-- and he wrote this in a class and a half! He has everything-- a cohesive prologue to his pilgrim, his pilgrim's tale, and an epilogue, all while using iambic pentameter, rhyming couplets, and even incorporating satire. I have read this tale at least 3 to 4 times already, and I think you will enjoy it too! Chaucer would be a proud, proud man, I do believe! Well, at least I think he would be.

The Fish-and-Chip-Shop Owner’s Tale
Prologue
And so we begin: It was all a dream
I kid, Biggie quotes are not what I mean.
But I have it on good authority,
Of our host; our token minority.
So us four are now off to the Far East,
And we must protect ourselves from great beasts,
For India can be a scary place:
An elephant once poo’d on a guy’s face.
But let us eat first; I shall have an orange.
And I do not know what can rhyme with orange.

The Tale
It was a jolly day in merry Kent,
Which was where this man lived, most his time spent.
He lived in a castle, his clothes were best;
Your typical Englishman, like the rest.
He woke up one morn and put on slippers;
He found his penguin and stroked his flippers.
Why, you may ask, he had a penguin pet:
Because penguins can’t fly, unlike a jet.
“What-ho! Good show! Top of the morning, Jeeves!”
Said to his butler, who bowed to his knees.
“It’s time for tea,” he said, and soon enough.
The kettle was on, yet there was no stuff.
“What is this, old bean!” he said to the man.
“I know not, sir, but I shall fetch your fan.”
“Silence,” said our friend, who was quite cross now,
“I need not a fan, for I’m having a cow
“Over this predicament, I can’t take
“This darn bloody madness, for heaven’s sake!
“Now go fetch the carriage, post-haste with you,
“And ring the constable, he shall help us too!”
So the quest began, two men and their steed.
And off to London, to finish this deed.
The goal of which was to find them some tea,
But before they left, they had to watch Glee.
For, you see, our hero, a knightly man
Did like musicals, he was a great fan.
Once they reached the city, they looked around:
Not a tealeaf there for less than a pound.
But then he thought, and think – hardly – he did,
Of a place all Brits knew of, even kids.
It was Buckingham Palace! Of all places.
And he walked to the gates and saw the faces
Of the guards, to whom he said, “’ello, guv!”
And they let him in, without push or shove.
“Your majesty!” he shouted with all force,
But unfortunately, she was on horse
Outside the palace, so, instead, with care,
He found the kitchen without a slight scare.
He took some tea with the speed of a boy,
And thusly our hero’s tale ends with joy.

Epilogue
There, my friends, this tale of mine is finished,
And my character was not diminished.
And neither yours, because, as you can see:
Not even you are as crazy as he!
To steal from the Queen, a very bad deed.
And tea an Englishman needs, just like tweed.
For as we approach our destination,
Let us hope there is no infestation
Of people who think like my tale’s hero.
Man, people like that are total zeros.


Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Our Little Baby Doggy

These pictures come from our sweet, sweet neighbor! Thankfully, she takes Charlie out since Derek has been out to sea and I have been student teaching every day. Also, she takes Charlie to her apartment where Charlie becomes mesmorized by their dog. Charlie sniffs and explores their dog, who is 12 years old, while the other dog just sits there unamused. It is so nice of her to take care of Charlie while we are so busy. But, she even went as far as to have a mini-photo shoot of Charlie. Since Charlie is so dark it is extremely hard to get a good, clear picture of her (unless it is sunny and outside...). Our digital cameras just can not capture a decent photo. Luckily, our neighbor has an apparently amazing camera, and took these amazing pictures of Charlie. They are so clear! The one bad thing, though, is that Charlie has an eyeful of boogers! Either way, they are extremely good. I sent them to Derek out to sea, and he absolutely loved them, as do I. So, if our neighbor is reading this, thank you so much for EVERYTHING!

 







Sunday, January 30, 2011

New Book

One of the reasons for this blog was to keep an ongoing list of great books and short stories. Well, I have failed miserably. However, I have just read an exceptional book that I want EVERYONE to read. I am going to teach it to my 12th grade students, and figured before I can do that I should at least read it first! Read it I did, and I fell in love with it. As I laid in bed reading I reflected on my own life and blessings, I cried, I giggled, and I gained a new appreciation and understanding towards a different culture; a culture I had never had respect or patience for. The book is called A Thousand Splendid Suns, and it is a fictional story based on real life events in Afghanistan. The book follows two women's lives, detailing the horror, heart break, triumphs, and tragedies they face. The story intricately weaves their existence together and through a well-written account provokes strong emotions in the reader. At first I was apprehensive, because as I have previously stated, I had no respect or patience for the people of Afghanistan. This apprehension, however, was quickly revealed as ignorance and close mindedness. Our society often times paints the people of Afghanistan as terrorists, extreme religious practitioners, people who need our "saving", or simply too different of a culture to give any heed to. While reading this book I found that my preconceived notions about this country and the people in it were grossly incorrect. Reading this book has even inspired me to do extra research to further educate myself on this war torn country. This novel is exquisite. I sincerely hope that some of the people that read this blog will go out and buy it, or at least listen to it on a book on tape (Mom). I will warn you though-- the author does not shy away from detailing the true horrors that took place, and at times the novel can be graphic and brutally honest. However, I feel that a lot of us are ignorant to what is truly going on in the Middle Eastern countries, and we can all benefit from reading this book, or any book like it.

Friday, January 21, 2011

AMC

As most of you know, I have begun my student teaching experience. And, the first two days were a roller coaster. The first day of my internship was the day after a student had killed herself. The second day we had a "lock down" drill to rehearse the procedures in the case of a gunman or other similar threat. During this the students were joking about what was going on, pretending to shoot guns, and laughing about the what-ifs. Needless to say I didn't find this funny, especially in light of the previous day's situation, and was instantly brought back to a tragic day in April of 2007. One of my friends was taken to Heaven on that day, and I think it is important for us to remember how special life is and to not take anything for granted. Shortly after that day in April I wrote a poem to remember Austin Cloyd. I think about her often, but the reality of what happened to her was thrown in my face on my second day student teaching. Below is the poem-- I feel that I need to let her know I am thinking about her and that she is not forgotten. I will celebrate her life and be happy that I knew her for as long as I am allowed to be on this earth.

AMC

Still so young and still so sweet
With a character full of promise complete
Bright cascading hair and a brilliant sparkling smile
Is a picture in my memory that will stay a while
Your inspiring potential and endless generosity
Was quickly stolen in a moment of hostility
I ask myself and question day after day
How someone could be so selfish and take you away
With one terrifying shot your world went instantly black
And left the world mourning, taken tragically aback
I replay that day in my head over and over again
Only to be reminded of how lonely the world is since then
How perfectly brave you were in that dire hour
To see your life flash before your eyes as bullets began to shower
One day I wish to help fulfill your life saving dreams
But to a person like me that is much harder than it seems
With each passing day I seem to find myself missing you more
You, the beautiful girl, that the world has come to so rightly adore
But I know for certain that Heaven is where you can now be found
With the Lord and fellow 31 angels, smiling all around
It is unjust and unfair to have your life stolen from you
But I pray you rest in peace, amongst that endless blue



Thursday, January 13, 2011

Temporary Hiatus

Hey guys! Needless to say we have not posted in quite a while. I will attribute this to a "holiday hiatus." Really, though, we have been that boring couple that hasn't done anything so we don't have anything to post yet. But, stay with me, and we will get something on here soon! We had a great break seeing everyone, and got some AMAZING Christmas presents! So, thank you everyone, and we cant wait to see y'all again. We love you guys. Stay tuned :o)