Hello, all! It has been awhile since the last posting. LOTS of things have happened: Weiss is growing, growing, GROWING and becoming more opinionated and mischievous, Logan is staying busy with work, and I finished my classes for the semester----YEAH! We've been squeezing in some last minute things before Mr. Klein Bennett Stanley makes his grand debut, which we are all looking forward to. I've noticed I haven't been as prepared for the "second child" because I've been busy with Weiss--chasing him around all day and doing his activities. Klein's room should be finished this week (I'm 38 weeks now--39 tomorrow), so that will be great. Weiss slept in a bassinet in our room for the first six months, anyway, so if Klein got here, it wouldn't really matter, because we plan to do the same thing with him. The boys' rooms have been a major undertaking---Mom and Dad have helped tremendously with painting both rooms (I'll have to post pictures at a later time), and Cinda is doing the "detail" work in Klein's room for his striped wall, which is looking awesome. We had some setbacks, however; she had to get stitches in her hand and then got the stomach bug, so we had plans to work last week, but it was a no-go. (It's soooo nice having an interior designer as a mother-in-law!)
My dear sweet friend Hannah threw me a baby shower, despite the fact she is due just a few weeks after myself. (Thanks so much, Hannah!) Alana, my dad's sister, made a surprise visit, which was great! I was excited to see her. That same weekend we had a fun wedding to attend, and I was sooooo thankful the reception was indoors! (Thanks Lauren and Blair!) That was two weekends ago, so that packed weekend was our last "hurrah" before we started slowing down to prepare for the entrance of the new kid on the block!
Weiss has been busy with swimming lessons this month; he is doing progressively better as he gets more lessons under his belt! He loves the water and will jump off of the dock at the lake, but he is just more tentative when he begins lessons with someone new. It didn't take him a long time to warm up, however! Martha is the swim coach at Faith Academy, so I really like her and feel she is doing a great job as his teacher. Speaking of water---Weiss got out on the tube behind the boat for the first time on July 17! Logan and Weiss were hanging out on the tube, and we sort of had to "sneak" the ski rope to Logan so Weiss wouldn't freak out. He loved it, though, and did really well. If we would have asked him if he wanted to go, he would have refused--that's why we had to go to Plan B. He may be doing private lessons with Martha in the month of August; she is really great with him and the other kiddos.
Recently, Weiss saw "Toy Story 3" in the theater; it was his first "theater movie." He is now obsessed with "Toy Story 1," "Toy Story 2," and all of the cute characters. He got a toy Rex that you squeeze and he roars. He now takes Rex everywhere. (This is pretty unusual because Weiss has never attached to a toy like that before.) He takes Rex to certain parts of the house with him and wants him to go places with us. It's pretty cute. Weiss is still into Thomas the Train, so he is always building elaborate track set-ups all over the house. He builds these great tracks---some with double- and triple-decker bridges, but then won't run his engines on them! (I guess it's all about the creation process for him!) I've even caught Logan sneaking a few pictures...I think he is envious!
Klein is getting bigger, and the midwife says to be prepared for any day now! My midwife group doesn't induce, so I am being very patient at the moment. I am content because I know all of the work that is ahead since I am a "veteran" now...haha! I am excited for his appearance, but I am okay with waiting, because I don't want to go through what we did with Weiss (3 weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit....not cool).
Logan has really helped me out lately by hiring someone to clean our house. She cleans Dickey and Cinda's home, the dental office, and also several of Cinda's friends' homes. Nettali has been a such a great help; I think Logan likes it now that our house is staying clean! I could do an "okay" clean, but I DESPISE mopping. I LOVE to vacuum and do almost everyday, but mopping and putting on sheets are not my forte. I could work in the yard all day, every day (if I didn't have a 3 year old to watch!), but working indoors is not my favorite. I think Logan has figured this out. Now that Nettali is cleaning, I have devoted my additional energy to ORGANIZING, cleaning and sorting! It is coming along at a slow pace, but Logan and I are both making progress in the house AND garage! It is a wonderful, freeing feeling!!! Anyway, enough about the nesting!
I will hopefully keep everyone informed about Mr. Klein's arrival. I will probably be more likely to post on Facebook, but we'll see how that goes! I know I will be SUPER busy with my two--wait--THREE boys (including Logan!)
Monday, July 19, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
The Past Seven Years......
As of tomorrow (June 11, 2010), Logan and I will have been married FIVE years!!! We have known each other for seven years now, so some of these are prior to marriage. I cannot believe the past half decade has zoomed by soooo quickly..... Here are just a few of my favorite pictures of us! Man---in some of them, we look like kids!!!! Here's to my awesome husband and friend!
Our 5 Year Anniversary.......
Here are just a few wedding pictures from our big day. It's been FIVE years!!!! (Crazy!!! Life is but a moment!)
Our story was certainly arranged by God, with the help of some great friends! However, those friendships were also handpicked by God, as well. I am so blessed with a wonderful husband, friend, prayer partner, and earthly father to our children!!! Even when we don't see eye to eye on things, I know Logan always has my best interest at heart. He is the rational, laid back, cool-headed, dry humored person to my irrational, uptight, up and down, goofy self. Thankfully, however, we may have our small differences, but on the BIG issues in life, we see things quite similarly. (I am thankful for this because I met my match!!!!) I love you, Logan!!! Here's to many, many more!!!
Our story was certainly arranged by God, with the help of some great friends! However, those friendships were also handpicked by God, as well. I am so blessed with a wonderful husband, friend, prayer partner, and earthly father to our children!!! Even when we don't see eye to eye on things, I know Logan always has my best interest at heart. He is the rational, laid back, cool-headed, dry humored person to my irrational, uptight, up and down, goofy self. Thankfully, however, we may have our small differences, but on the BIG issues in life, we see things quite similarly. (I am thankful for this because I met my match!!!!) I love you, Logan!!! Here's to many, many more!!!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Green Chicken Enchiladas......
Hey there, friends!!!! Before I tell about all of our latest adventures, I will start with a recipe. I am soooo bad about misplacing my paper copies of recipes, so when I am cooking, it is much easier to pop open my computer and take the recipe directly from the screen.
This WONDERFUL recipe is courtesy of my former co-worker at the crisis center, Earley. It was originally from a vegetarian cookbook, but she modified it and added chicken and a few other veggies. It is HEAVENLY. I have tried several chicken enchilada/green enchilada recipes, but none has been as yummy as this one. (Logan can attest to this.... he is quite the foodie.) This recipe is relatively healthy, has LOTS of nutrition content, and with the added spinach, you have some extra iron to boot! And most of the food in the enchiladas I can find organically, without GMOs. With me being pregnant, Logan liking the dish, and Weiss eating it because it is yummy, I cook it often now. Here is the recipe, modified by Earley and then modified by me! (You can make the rolled up, traditional enchiladas, but for time's sake, I do the stackable ones now..... It really cuts down on prep time, you can fit more in a casserole dish, and it tastes no different!) Okay, here it goes.....
Green Chicken Enchiladas
2 large sweet onions, chopped finely
1 container of Cherub tomatoes (or other sweet tomatoes)
3 pieces of garlic (or 1 tablespoon, if you don't do fresh)
12 to 20 corn tortillas, depending on how many you want to stack
3 cups (or more, if you like) shredded Monterrey Jack cheese (I just grate a whole medium block... we like it cheesy)
1 package (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed
2 green onions (including tops), sliced
1 can (4 oz.) diced green chili peppers
1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup of sour cream
1 lb to 1.5 lb of boneless chicken breasts
Olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Boil a large pot of water. Cook the chicken; drain. Shred with a fork and set aside. Finely chop the onions, half the tomatoes, and crush/chop the garlic. In a large skillet or in the pot you cooked the chicken, add some olive oil and turn to medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and tomatoes. Cook 10 minutes, stirring ever so often, or until soft. In the meantime, squeeze the spinach to remove excess moisture. In a blender or food processor, puree spinach, green onions, chili peppers, soup, and sour cream until smooth to create the green sauce.
Preheat oven to 350. Take a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish; make sure to spray/grease so the enchiladas will not stick. Place some of the onion mixture, chicken, green sauce and grated cheese on the bottom of the dish, spread out. Now place corn tortillas, spread out to cover bottom of casserole dish, on top of the mixture. Now continue with next layer of onion mixture, chicken, green sauce, and grated cheese. Top with corn tortillas. Continue this until you run out of room in the dish or run out of tortillas! Finally, top the last layer of tortillas with a bit of green sauce and grated cheese.
Bake, uncovered, in a 350 oven for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. SUPER YUMMY!!!!!
(I like to serve this with organic brown rice cooked in a pat of butter and chicken stock. I make sure to cook extra onions and tomatoes to add to the rice when it has finished cooking. I also add a can of drained, diced fire roasted tomatoes with onion and garlic to the cooked rice. I also cook a mixture of kidney, garbanzo and black beans with cheese and cilantro for another side. You have a yummy, nutritious, and high protein meal that kids and adults love!)
This WONDERFUL recipe is courtesy of my former co-worker at the crisis center, Earley. It was originally from a vegetarian cookbook, but she modified it and added chicken and a few other veggies. It is HEAVENLY. I have tried several chicken enchilada/green enchilada recipes, but none has been as yummy as this one. (Logan can attest to this.... he is quite the foodie.) This recipe is relatively healthy, has LOTS of nutrition content, and with the added spinach, you have some extra iron to boot! And most of the food in the enchiladas I can find organically, without GMOs. With me being pregnant, Logan liking the dish, and Weiss eating it because it is yummy, I cook it often now. Here is the recipe, modified by Earley and then modified by me! (You can make the rolled up, traditional enchiladas, but for time's sake, I do the stackable ones now..... It really cuts down on prep time, you can fit more in a casserole dish, and it tastes no different!) Okay, here it goes.....
Green Chicken Enchiladas
2 large sweet onions, chopped finely
1 container of Cherub tomatoes (or other sweet tomatoes)
3 pieces of garlic (or 1 tablespoon, if you don't do fresh)
12 to 20 corn tortillas, depending on how many you want to stack
3 cups (or more, if you like) shredded Monterrey Jack cheese (I just grate a whole medium block... we like it cheesy)
1 package (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed
2 green onions (including tops), sliced
1 can (4 oz.) diced green chili peppers
1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup of sour cream
1 lb to 1.5 lb of boneless chicken breasts
Olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Boil a large pot of water. Cook the chicken; drain. Shred with a fork and set aside. Finely chop the onions, half the tomatoes, and crush/chop the garlic. In a large skillet or in the pot you cooked the chicken, add some olive oil and turn to medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and tomatoes. Cook 10 minutes, stirring ever so often, or until soft. In the meantime, squeeze the spinach to remove excess moisture. In a blender or food processor, puree spinach, green onions, chili peppers, soup, and sour cream until smooth to create the green sauce.
Preheat oven to 350. Take a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish; make sure to spray/grease so the enchiladas will not stick. Place some of the onion mixture, chicken, green sauce and grated cheese on the bottom of the dish, spread out. Now place corn tortillas, spread out to cover bottom of casserole dish, on top of the mixture. Now continue with next layer of onion mixture, chicken, green sauce, and grated cheese. Top with corn tortillas. Continue this until you run out of room in the dish or run out of tortillas! Finally, top the last layer of tortillas with a bit of green sauce and grated cheese.
Bake, uncovered, in a 350 oven for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. SUPER YUMMY!!!!!
(I like to serve this with organic brown rice cooked in a pat of butter and chicken stock. I make sure to cook extra onions and tomatoes to add to the rice when it has finished cooking. I also add a can of drained, diced fire roasted tomatoes with onion and garlic to the cooked rice. I also cook a mixture of kidney, garbanzo and black beans with cheese and cilantro for another side. You have a yummy, nutritious, and high protein meal that kids and adults love!)
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Community Bible Church's 20th Anniversary!!!
Today marks Community Bible Church (CBC) of San Antonio's 20th anniversary. When we were in San Antonio, we were so blessed as to attend this church, thanks to the initial invite of our friends, Bo and Katie Kilpatrick. (Thanks, guys!) I was so incredibly blessed being a part of the church; although it was a large place, I was blessed beyond measure many times by the people there and the way God was so obviously working. I was so blessed to be a part of Ray Jones' and Amanda Singer's wonderful praise choir program, which was over 500 strong and had incredible live music each Sunday, thanks to Ron Blount's amazing praise band and orchestra. (The choir there is the hand raisin', body swayin' type! No choir robes included!) Thankfully, they have many CDs, so I am still able to get a daily blessing of the wonderful CBC choir while here in Marble Falls. (Yes, anyone can ask Logan--I normally listen to them on a daily basis! Weiss and Logan love them, too!) I also was able to sing in the smaller praise team, which not only had some amazingly incredible voices, but even more importantly, people who loved the Lord.
Whenever people say that you get "lost" in a big church, I have to disagree: whenever Weiss was in the hospital for 2 1/2 weeks after his birth, Ray Jones and Amanda Singer came to personally pray over him a total of 3 times. (It was also a "God thing" how they even got into the University Methodist Hospital NICU because they were supposed to have been escorted in, but all three times, we had stepped out for a bit! Our nurses would tell us they thought they were our "family...") On top of all of this, our incredible Sunday School class showered us with prayer, love, and food for several months after he arrived home. (And this same incredible class has now established an annual mission trip to Guatemala to build life-giving water wells and spread God's Living Water while they are there!) The church staff was incredibly easy to get to know--even the department heads, in many cases--and they were active in all of the ministries offered there. For such a large church, it had such a "small town" feel, believe it or not!
What I learned at CBC gave me a new perspective on how to reach the world for Christ and improve upon my own life and relationships with Christ and others. We still have many great friends there, and I thank the world for Facebook so I can keep up with them and what is going on at CBC! Logan and I have now made it a point to continue driving in ever so often (it is about an hour and twenty minutes away for the 9 AM on Sunday morning) to get an "extra blessing...." Thankfully, in this day and age, I can catch Robert and Chris Emmitt's messages on their website, which I try to do often. To hear the worship, however, we have to be "in house," and Logan knows what this means to me, so we have a huge incentive to go back when we can.
Please check out this wonderful tribute article, which talks a bit about Robert Emmitt, the senior pastor at CBC.
Friday, May 14, 2010
The Month of May.....
Hello, all! I cannot believe it is almost June.... May has just seemed to fly by! I don't know if it is because I have been working at my internship or what, but this is exciting and scary at the same time. Exciting in the sense that Baby Klein will be here quickly, but scary because I have yet to begin painting/assembling/decorating his room. We have so much to accomplish and so little time! I will begin two classes next week, which will end the second week or so of July. Between my "Counseling Women" and "Addictions" classes, Logan and my Bradley birthing classes, church, Weiss's swimming lessons, preparing/painting both of the boys' rooms and organizing the house, catching up with friends I've neglected because of work via countless play dates, YoungLives camp, Logan and my 5 year anniversary trip, cooking dinner more often (yep, I've really missed it!) and the more frequent trips in to Austin to see the midwife, I will be SUPER busy! Hey---that only means the little guy will be here soon! I'm looking forward to it!
So on that note, I am hoping his arrival will get me blogging again frequently! I am really hoping to get a phone upgrade with video or something that can capture video quickly and easily, where I can upload it to the blog. (I know I have not been very "techo-savvy" in the past, but I am trying to change all of that--soon!) We have a great video camera, but by the time I get it out, I've usually missed the precious moment I was intending to capture in the first place! This might just be the "gift" I give to me when the baby gets here so I can capture all of those moments of the boys and share some with my bloggy friends. (Or it may come in the format of Logan getting a new phone and me getting his old one with video.... Hey--I don't mind his 'sloppy seconds!')
About Logan---he and Dickey have settled in to the new office and are busy, busy. I thought Dickey's Big Spring staff was just wonderful and he could never top them, but they have got some great staff members here. As a matter of fact, one of his loyal staffers made the move from Big Spring with her husband down here! We are so blessed to have her--and everyone else. Last week, the guys took the staff to the Texas Dental Association convention, which is held in San Antonio annually. (This is a perk for us.... We live so close in, and it is always in San Antonio!) I stayed behind because I am closing with my clients and cannot just leave them these last few weeks. I only get to see some of them one more week or so....
Logan and I have begun our Bradley Method birthing classes with Stacey Elwartowski, who is just fabulous! She is the only Bradley instructor in this area, and I am so thankful, or else we would be trucking in to Austin for 2 hours each week for 12 weeks! Because most people don't do the Bradley method out here in the rural area because all of the docs induce people from Marble Falls because we are farther out from hospitals, not many people out here have taken the classes with her. Because of this, we have her ALL to ourself. So it is a private class, basically. (We do have some friends--Casey and Hannah, who are expecting their 3rd child and may do a "refresher" with us, however, and drop in on some classes. We are really close with them, so we would love to have them join us!!) I think we really are both enjoying the Bradley class... It is very informational and "out of the box," so to speak. It also gives us some time to spend time together sans Weiss, who stays with Dickey and Cinda when we are at class.
Logan is also leaving bright and early, EARLY tomorrow morning to Key Biscayne, (Miami) Florida until Thursday to attend more continuing education classes at the Pankey Institute. His dad took many weeks of class there when he was beginning his career, and Logan is following in his footsteps. Weiss and I will be at it alone this week, but Dickey and Cinda are here if I need them.
And Weiss---he is growing, growing, growing! He is still OBSESSED with Thomas the Train, which is a bit annoying when he wants to read their books OVER and OVER again--and when he can read them verbatim back to us, which only verifies his obsession. However, he would rather be on the floor building/engineering a train track or lining up his engines any day before he would want to watch television.... UNLESS it is a Thomas show on DVD, of course! He now is at the magical age where he is really using his imagination, so this is extremely cute with his trains. I really crack up when I hear one train arguing with the other one... "No!" "Yes!" "No, Thomas!" "Yes, Percy!" (Repeat ad nauseum.)
You get the idea......
We also found a HUGE fuzzy caterpillar outside on our sweet basil plants. I gently placed him in Weiss's bug barn with lots of basil leaves. Weiss has adoringly named him "Cupcake." Cupcake, I have determined, will probably turn out to be some type of large, exotic moth species, but I hope he/she/it survives so Weiss can witness the metamorphosis one on one. That thing is an eating machine! I will put a large amount of basil (about as much that is in the small plastic herb packs at the grocery store) in his bug barn, and he will devour it in 24 hours or so.... Logan's first question was, "Are WE going to have any basil left???"
Hahahaha!!! We all know we sacrifice for our kids, folks!
Something precious Weiss said the other day.... Weiss loves our neighbor, Cathy Dellinger. He calls her "Ca-fee." Weiss is always saying, "God made ________." (He will then insert any random object/animal/word.) Well, Weiss said, "Mom, God made Ca-fee, and God made coffee!" I thought that was just precious!!!!!
So on that note, I am hoping his arrival will get me blogging again frequently! I am really hoping to get a phone upgrade with video or something that can capture video quickly and easily, where I can upload it to the blog. (I know I have not been very "techo-savvy" in the past, but I am trying to change all of that--soon!) We have a great video camera, but by the time I get it out, I've usually missed the precious moment I was intending to capture in the first place! This might just be the "gift" I give to me when the baby gets here so I can capture all of those moments of the boys and share some with my bloggy friends. (Or it may come in the format of Logan getting a new phone and me getting his old one with video.... Hey--I don't mind his 'sloppy seconds!')
About Logan---he and Dickey have settled in to the new office and are busy, busy. I thought Dickey's Big Spring staff was just wonderful and he could never top them, but they have got some great staff members here. As a matter of fact, one of his loyal staffers made the move from Big Spring with her husband down here! We are so blessed to have her--and everyone else. Last week, the guys took the staff to the Texas Dental Association convention, which is held in San Antonio annually. (This is a perk for us.... We live so close in, and it is always in San Antonio!) I stayed behind because I am closing with my clients and cannot just leave them these last few weeks. I only get to see some of them one more week or so....
Logan and I have begun our Bradley Method birthing classes with Stacey Elwartowski, who is just fabulous! She is the only Bradley instructor in this area, and I am so thankful, or else we would be trucking in to Austin for 2 hours each week for 12 weeks! Because most people don't do the Bradley method out here in the rural area because all of the docs induce people from Marble Falls because we are farther out from hospitals, not many people out here have taken the classes with her. Because of this, we have her ALL to ourself. So it is a private class, basically. (We do have some friends--Casey and Hannah, who are expecting their 3rd child and may do a "refresher" with us, however, and drop in on some classes. We are really close with them, so we would love to have them join us!!) I think we really are both enjoying the Bradley class... It is very informational and "out of the box," so to speak. It also gives us some time to spend time together sans Weiss, who stays with Dickey and Cinda when we are at class.
Logan is also leaving bright and early, EARLY tomorrow morning to Key Biscayne, (Miami) Florida until Thursday to attend more continuing education classes at the Pankey Institute. His dad took many weeks of class there when he was beginning his career, and Logan is following in his footsteps. Weiss and I will be at it alone this week, but Dickey and Cinda are here if I need them.
And Weiss---he is growing, growing, growing! He is still OBSESSED with Thomas the Train, which is a bit annoying when he wants to read their books OVER and OVER again--and when he can read them verbatim back to us, which only verifies his obsession. However, he would rather be on the floor building/engineering a train track or lining up his engines any day before he would want to watch television.... UNLESS it is a Thomas show on DVD, of course! He now is at the magical age where he is really using his imagination, so this is extremely cute with his trains. I really crack up when I hear one train arguing with the other one... "No!" "Yes!" "No, Thomas!" "Yes, Percy!" (Repeat ad nauseum.)
You get the idea......
We also found a HUGE fuzzy caterpillar outside on our sweet basil plants. I gently placed him in Weiss's bug barn with lots of basil leaves. Weiss has adoringly named him "Cupcake." Cupcake, I have determined, will probably turn out to be some type of large, exotic moth species, but I hope he/she/it survives so Weiss can witness the metamorphosis one on one. That thing is an eating machine! I will put a large amount of basil (about as much that is in the small plastic herb packs at the grocery store) in his bug barn, and he will devour it in 24 hours or so.... Logan's first question was, "Are WE going to have any basil left???"
Hahahaha!!! We all know we sacrifice for our kids, folks!
Something precious Weiss said the other day.... Weiss loves our neighbor, Cathy Dellinger. He calls her "Ca-fee." Weiss is always saying, "God made ________." (He will then insert any random object/animal/word.) Well, Weiss said, "Mom, God made Ca-fee, and God made coffee!" I thought that was just precious!!!!!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
What Have We Been Up To?
Hello, all!
I have not been great about updating, so I will just briefly mention some of the things we've been up to lately......
However, I do have to mention our latest appointment with our midwife group. We were scheduled for the 20 week scan, which is the full-blown ultrasound where they completely check out the baby and all vital organs. (It's also the appointment where the sex of the baby is usually determined....) SO--- We found out we are having----- (drumroll)--------ANOTHER BOY!!!! It was VERY obvious on screen.... Logan said it looked as though the baby was sitting on a glass table. Nice visual, huh? His name will be Klein Bennett Stanley. Klein--because we liked it and it was somewhat unique, and Bennett, after my dad, Samuel Bennett Williams II (he's known best as "Benny"). We are very excited!
As of yesterday, Logan and Dickey, my father-in-law, have now opened their new building for their dental practice! It is very beautiful and also has a wonderful view of the Lakes Marble Falls and LBJ. I'll have to get some pictures up here soon... The guys are really happy with their office and all of their new dental "toys" to play.....ahem.....work....with! There is also an upstairs area for me to cordon the Stanley clan if I am at the building, with a seperate bathroom and shower. The guys have an awesome break room with huge windows and a great outdoor patio to eat on. They are planning to move a BBQ pit to the office so they can have healthy grilled lunches, and have some workout equipment upstairs, as well! So work will be a great place for them, just so long as they don't plan on living there permanently! I personally enjoy the massive steep hill that is right in front of their office, and I can really feel the burn when I walk/jog/run it! I am thankful the shower will be nearby!
Some other things that have happened, in no particular order:
Bluebonnet pictures with Weiss at Horseshoe Bay near the Ferguson Power Plant
Elton John Concert and date night in Austin!
Brett and Anna's wedding in Fredericksburg (fun weekend!)
Easter sunrise service, followed by Sunday brunch at Bluebonnet Cafe
Weiss colored eggs for the first time!
Community Bible Church Saturday Easter Service (always a blessing!)
Completion of an Easter gingerbread cottage (with massive sugar overload following)
Weiss's addiction to his backyard "Roller Coaster," as he calls it
Weiss's first pony ride at Gentry's party
Visit to Abilene/Merkel to see my parents (Chick-Fil-A and Target trips included, of course!)
Alice in Wonderland 3D with Kelley Homeyer
Accumulation of more "Thomas the Train" toys
Inaugural kayak ride of the season for Weiss and Logan
I have not been great about updating, so I will just briefly mention some of the things we've been up to lately......
However, I do have to mention our latest appointment with our midwife group. We were scheduled for the 20 week scan, which is the full-blown ultrasound where they completely check out the baby and all vital organs. (It's also the appointment where the sex of the baby is usually determined....) SO--- We found out we are having----- (drumroll)--------ANOTHER BOY!!!! It was VERY obvious on screen.... Logan said it looked as though the baby was sitting on a glass table. Nice visual, huh? His name will be Klein Bennett Stanley. Klein--because we liked it and it was somewhat unique, and Bennett, after my dad, Samuel Bennett Williams II (he's known best as "Benny"). We are very excited!
As of yesterday, Logan and Dickey, my father-in-law, have now opened their new building for their dental practice! It is very beautiful and also has a wonderful view of the Lakes Marble Falls and LBJ. I'll have to get some pictures up here soon... The guys are really happy with their office and all of their new dental "toys" to play.....ahem.....work....with! There is also an upstairs area for me to cordon the Stanley clan if I am at the building, with a seperate bathroom and shower. The guys have an awesome break room with huge windows and a great outdoor patio to eat on. They are planning to move a BBQ pit to the office so they can have healthy grilled lunches, and have some workout equipment upstairs, as well! So work will be a great place for them, just so long as they don't plan on living there permanently! I personally enjoy the massive steep hill that is right in front of their office, and I can really feel the burn when I walk/jog/run it! I am thankful the shower will be nearby!
Some other things that have happened, in no particular order:
Bluebonnet pictures with Weiss at Horseshoe Bay near the Ferguson Power Plant
Elton John Concert and date night in Austin!
Brett and Anna's wedding in Fredericksburg (fun weekend!)
Easter sunrise service, followed by Sunday brunch at Bluebonnet Cafe
Weiss colored eggs for the first time!
Community Bible Church Saturday Easter Service (always a blessing!)
Completion of an Easter gingerbread cottage (with massive sugar overload following)
Weiss's addiction to his backyard "Roller Coaster," as he calls it
Weiss's first pony ride at Gentry's party
Visit to Abilene/Merkel to see my parents (Chick-Fil-A and Target trips included, of course!)
Alice in Wonderland 3D with Kelley Homeyer
Accumulation of more "Thomas the Train" toys
Inaugural kayak ride of the season for Weiss and Logan
Monday, March 8, 2010
March Update....
Hello, all! I desperately need to put some updated pictures of Mr. Weiss here on the blog; he has grown so much and is changing every day!!! Now that I am "working" (internship), on the weekends, I want to relax and spend time with my boys. I feel like I am missing out on so much with Weiss when he is now in school from 8 to 5. Don't get me wrong---I am VERY happy with his teachers and school (my only wish would be for the food selection to be healthier, however---typical cafeteria food stuff), but I don't get so see him like I used to. So lately, we've been scheduling fun things to do on the weekends. Last weekend we were in New Braunfels with the Burns family. We went to Gruene, Texas to eat at the lovely Grist Mill for lunch, followed by some time by the river for the kiddos to "skip" rocks. We then went to New Braunfels to the great McKenna Children's Museum. Weiss absolutely loves it, and I would highly recommend it to all of my parent friends. (I prefer it much over Austin's or San Antonio's.) We then made a Chick-Fil-A run---we have to do that when one is in sight! Weiss always says "Chick-Fil-A and play!" We had some ice cream, lemonade, and a cookies and cream shake, followed by 30 minutes on the playground! We drove in to San Marcos and stopped at the Tory Burch, Gymboree, Pottery Barn, and J.Crew outlet stores. Weiss was such a trooper; after all, everything so far had been all about "him!"
We headed in to Austin for Weiss a haircut at Cool Cuts for Kids... (He is NOT a fan of haircuts, even when holding a Thomas the Train and watching Thomas!) We then spent a long time in PetsMart.... Weiss has been loving guinea pigs lately because our precious neighbors own one.... He loves "Mr. Piggy." He is so gentle and sweet with him.... We are contemplating adopting one from Austin's guinea pig Rescue society, but haven't taken the plunge just yet....
We then went to Pei Wei in Bee Cave. (Because I could get my weekly fill in San Antonio, I desperately miss Pei Wei now!!!!) We ended the night in Target, walking up and down nearly each and every aisle. By this time, Weiss was starting to get cranky, so it wasn't the most pleasant shopping experience we've had.... I had a great time with my boys that weekend!
This weekend, we had a wonderful Friday dinner.... Weiss is SUCH a good eater and eats pretty much whatever we cook. (And we don't modify our menu around our house for our kiddo because he will learn to like what we like---we like yummy, healthy, food!) Logan helped me cook because we could prep the food faster, and he is good about making sure the food is perfect! (And whenever I use a Bon Apettit recipe, they are always more complicated....) We had tri-tip beef with shallots, fresh shitake mushrooms in wine and cream, served over tomato-basted sourdough bread.... Our salad was arugula and spinach, pinenuts, fresh blueberries, and goat cheese, with a yummy raspberry balsamic reduction.... Dessert was Ina Garten's tiramisu..... It was a great dinner, and will be repeated because Weiss ate it up! (I know I talk about food alot in my blogs, but we are big foodies, and it is such a big part of our family time--we all enjoy cooking together and spend lots of time in the kitchen....) Weiss really loved the tiramisu, as well....
Saturday morning I went on a 5-miler with Judi and Donna.... I am still feeling good at 18 weeks but starting to show more... I have to take more walk breaks now, but feel great! We then got ready and headed in to Kirby Lane Cafe on Llamar in Austin for brunch.... YUMMY!!!! We all had different varieties of pancakes, and I love how they offer farm-raised eggs and natural sausage, grilled, so it is not greasy. It was wonderful and we will definitely be back to Austin's popular local hangout. We then went to Stride Rite to take advantage of the "buy one get one half off" for Weiss.... Logan went clothes shopping at Barton Creek Mall and then the Domain. (He needed to---it's funny how guys can wear stuff for years before they think they need new clothes!!! Some of his poor shirts were getting really worn out!) Weiss and I went to Border's Books, where we read--you guessed it---Thomas the Tank Engine's Easter book.
We came back to Marble Falls to go to our Sunday School's cookout at a local park. The BBQ was great, and Weiss got to burn off some steam on the great playscape. (We had never been to this particular park before.) We had a fun time; it was starting to get colder, so I was getting miserable. We went home and I slept for 2 hours while the boys built--surprise---a Thomas the Train track/layout. (I think the weather change was getting to me.....)
Sunday morning we went to church, came home for leftovers, and then took a WONDERFUL Sunday afternoon nap. Logan and I had some friends (Justin and Ashley White) in town (Austin) from San Angelo, so we went to Barton Creek Resort to pick them up. (Weiss stayed with his grandparents.) They are huge foodies, as well, so we went to Hudson's on the Bend. It was absolutely wonderful, and we had a wonderful time catching up with Justin and Ashley. They have a little girl, Sydney, who just turned two, and Ashley is expecting their second, who is only two weeks after our baby is due to arrive!
Weiss has been busy around the house, as usual, with his obsession, Thomas the Tank Engine. He plays daily with his train table and cannot get enough of Thomas and friends! However, we recently got him some Step2 outdoor toys, and he has wanting to spend more time outside. (Last week, Logan was so kind to assemble his extreme coaster, and we have to assemble one more....) It's great Weiss is spending time outside, but he is at the lovely stage where I have to be a continual, captive audience....
"Watch, Mama!" "Look at me!"
I don't mind some of that, but if I am trying to get dinner ready and need him to be occupied, it makes it kind of difficult.....
(Even though our kitchen looks right out into the backyard and he can see EVERYTHING I am doing in the kitchen, and vice versa...... Stubborn little dude!!!!!!!!! But I love him anyway!)
We headed in to Austin for Weiss a haircut at Cool Cuts for Kids... (He is NOT a fan of haircuts, even when holding a Thomas the Train and watching Thomas!) We then spent a long time in PetsMart.... Weiss has been loving guinea pigs lately because our precious neighbors own one.... He loves "Mr. Piggy." He is so gentle and sweet with him.... We are contemplating adopting one from Austin's guinea pig Rescue society, but haven't taken the plunge just yet....
We then went to Pei Wei in Bee Cave. (Because I could get my weekly fill in San Antonio, I desperately miss Pei Wei now!!!!) We ended the night in Target, walking up and down nearly each and every aisle. By this time, Weiss was starting to get cranky, so it wasn't the most pleasant shopping experience we've had.... I had a great time with my boys that weekend!
This weekend, we had a wonderful Friday dinner.... Weiss is SUCH a good eater and eats pretty much whatever we cook. (And we don't modify our menu around our house for our kiddo because he will learn to like what we like---we like yummy, healthy, food!) Logan helped me cook because we could prep the food faster, and he is good about making sure the food is perfect! (And whenever I use a Bon Apettit recipe, they are always more complicated....) We had tri-tip beef with shallots, fresh shitake mushrooms in wine and cream, served over tomato-basted sourdough bread.... Our salad was arugula and spinach, pinenuts, fresh blueberries, and goat cheese, with a yummy raspberry balsamic reduction.... Dessert was Ina Garten's tiramisu..... It was a great dinner, and will be repeated because Weiss ate it up! (I know I talk about food alot in my blogs, but we are big foodies, and it is such a big part of our family time--we all enjoy cooking together and spend lots of time in the kitchen....) Weiss really loved the tiramisu, as well....
Saturday morning I went on a 5-miler with Judi and Donna.... I am still feeling good at 18 weeks but starting to show more... I have to take more walk breaks now, but feel great! We then got ready and headed in to Kirby Lane Cafe on Llamar in Austin for brunch.... YUMMY!!!! We all had different varieties of pancakes, and I love how they offer farm-raised eggs and natural sausage, grilled, so it is not greasy. It was wonderful and we will definitely be back to Austin's popular local hangout. We then went to Stride Rite to take advantage of the "buy one get one half off" for Weiss.... Logan went clothes shopping at Barton Creek Mall and then the Domain. (He needed to---it's funny how guys can wear stuff for years before they think they need new clothes!!! Some of his poor shirts were getting really worn out!) Weiss and I went to Border's Books, where we read--you guessed it---Thomas the Tank Engine's Easter book.
We came back to Marble Falls to go to our Sunday School's cookout at a local park. The BBQ was great, and Weiss got to burn off some steam on the great playscape. (We had never been to this particular park before.) We had a fun time; it was starting to get colder, so I was getting miserable. We went home and I slept for 2 hours while the boys built--surprise---a Thomas the Train track/layout. (I think the weather change was getting to me.....)
Sunday morning we went to church, came home for leftovers, and then took a WONDERFUL Sunday afternoon nap. Logan and I had some friends (Justin and Ashley White) in town (Austin) from San Angelo, so we went to Barton Creek Resort to pick them up. (Weiss stayed with his grandparents.) They are huge foodies, as well, so we went to Hudson's on the Bend. It was absolutely wonderful, and we had a wonderful time catching up with Justin and Ashley. They have a little girl, Sydney, who just turned two, and Ashley is expecting their second, who is only two weeks after our baby is due to arrive!
Weiss has been busy around the house, as usual, with his obsession, Thomas the Tank Engine. He plays daily with his train table and cannot get enough of Thomas and friends! However, we recently got him some Step2 outdoor toys, and he has wanting to spend more time outside. (Last week, Logan was so kind to assemble his extreme coaster, and we have to assemble one more....) It's great Weiss is spending time outside, but he is at the lovely stage where I have to be a continual, captive audience....
"Watch, Mama!" "Look at me!"
I don't mind some of that, but if I am trying to get dinner ready and need him to be occupied, it makes it kind of difficult.....
(Even though our kitchen looks right out into the backyard and he can see EVERYTHING I am doing in the kitchen, and vice versa...... Stubborn little dude!!!!!!!!! But I love him anyway!)
Friday, March 5, 2010
Tomatillo and Shrimp Enchiladas.....
Okay. I have been a baaaaaaaaaaaaadddd blogger in 2010. (It's been almost 2 months since my last post----what a shame!!!) However, I have a yummy, kid-friendly recipe I would love to share.....
Tomatillo and Shrimp Enchiladas
1 jar tomatillo salsa (approximately 16 oz. or so)
1.5 lb fresh raw shrimp, deveined and tail removed--cut in half (not butterflied)
1 red or green bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
2 T of olive oil
1 medium purple onion, peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup frozen corn
12 corn tortillas
3 T of half-and half
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (I had sharp cheddar on hand, so I used that)
1/4 cup water
1 t chili powder
1/2 t cumin
1. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and pepper, cook 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add shrimp, cook an additional 3 minutes, until shrimp is opaque. Stir in corn, water, chili powder and cumin. Heat through.
2. Heat oven to 375. Coat a 13x9x2-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray (I use olive oil or coconut oil).
3. Wrap four tortillas in damp paper towels. Microwave 30 seconds. Brush one side of each tortilla with salsa. Spoon 1/2 cup shrimp mixture on each. Roll up and place seam-side down in prepared dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling. Top with any extra filling.
4. Mix remaining salsa with half-and-half. Spoon over enchiladas. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 375, uncovered, for 15 minutes or until bubbly.
Weiss LOVED this dish, so it will be repeated in the future!
It may look complicated at first glance, but was really super QUICK to cook and assemble, not to mention quite tasty! For those of you who are more health conscious, I was able to find all of these products in an organic version at my local HEB this time, but they are somewhat inconsistent with their produce at times. (We try to eat organic produce/food when it is available, avoid GMOs, and highly avoid any dairy product(s) with rBGH.) I also had some cilantro on hand, so I topped the enchiladas with that....
I enjoy posting recipes because I always know where to find them if I misplace them!!!!
Tomatillo and Shrimp Enchiladas
1 jar tomatillo salsa (approximately 16 oz. or so)
1.5 lb fresh raw shrimp, deveined and tail removed--cut in half (not butterflied)
1 red or green bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
2 T of olive oil
1 medium purple onion, peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup frozen corn
12 corn tortillas
3 T of half-and half
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (I had sharp cheddar on hand, so I used that)
1/4 cup water
1 t chili powder
1/2 t cumin
1. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and pepper, cook 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add shrimp, cook an additional 3 minutes, until shrimp is opaque. Stir in corn, water, chili powder and cumin. Heat through.
2. Heat oven to 375. Coat a 13x9x2-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray (I use olive oil or coconut oil).
3. Wrap four tortillas in damp paper towels. Microwave 30 seconds. Brush one side of each tortilla with salsa. Spoon 1/2 cup shrimp mixture on each. Roll up and place seam-side down in prepared dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling. Top with any extra filling.
4. Mix remaining salsa with half-and-half. Spoon over enchiladas. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 375, uncovered, for 15 minutes or until bubbly.
Weiss LOVED this dish, so it will be repeated in the future!
It may look complicated at first glance, but was really super QUICK to cook and assemble, not to mention quite tasty! For those of you who are more health conscious, I was able to find all of these products in an organic version at my local HEB this time, but they are somewhat inconsistent with their produce at times. (We try to eat organic produce/food when it is available, avoid GMOs, and highly avoid any dairy product(s) with rBGH.) I also had some cilantro on hand, so I topped the enchiladas with that....
I enjoy posting recipes because I always know where to find them if I misplace them!!!!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
I just thought I was busy.....
Hello, all!!! I hope you are all having a great start to the new year. I cannot believe we are quickly approaching mid-January.... (yes, I know it's not here yet, but it is right around the corner!). These past few days, there have been some major adjustments in the Stanley household--Weiss began "full-time" to FBC preschool. He is going 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday. Although I love his teachers, the administration, and the school itself for its values, I feel so HORRIBLE having to leave him there that long every day! Don't get me wrong--I'm not knocking all of those working moms out there. It's just that he's been so healthy and used to hanging out with me all of the time. He had been going 3 mornings a week for socialization and to give me some "alone" time and to do my school work; however, this is MUCH longer. The reason he is doing this is for my internship; I begin two Mondays from now. I am leaving EARLY EARLY this coming Sunday morning for Lynchburg, Virginia to the Liberty University campus to get in my last requirement class for my internship. It will be my LAST class other than the working part of my practicum and internship! WOW!!!
I hate to leave Logan and Weiss, but I know I will be busy and the week will fly. I also made two friends from the last 2 classes, and we are all staying together. I am looking forward to that! I am going to visit Thomas Road Baptist Church on Sunday evening and Wednesday at campus church (which has like 10,000 people attending on Wed.), and I'm going to eat LOTS of Chick-Fil-A! (Okay, not too much!) I have loved Liberty and am sort of sad the book work is coming to an end. My master's courses were like a giant BIble study; Liberty grew me so much spiritually because of the great books we read that were related to Christian counseling. (Granted, we had to learn theories and techniques, too.)
Anyway, I will return home on Friday evening late and then begin working at the Highland Lakes Crisis Center the following Monday. This will be my location until I complete 800 hours!!!! AHHH!!!!! However, with the clientele, things should stay busy and I know I will learn so much and my eyes will be opened to the needs of those precious people. God orchestrated that perfectly! Logan will be moving in the new dental office hopefully at the end of January, so it will be busy for him and his dad, as well. It will be chaotic around here for a time, with everyone adjusting to new schedules! I personally don't know how I am going to cook the dinners we are used to having after work being pregnant and all! I normally start dinner early because we rarely do "quick prep" meals. I can see why working moms want to grab something quick or eat out because they are exhausted when they get home, and they have to pick up their little ones after work from day care/preschool! I am thankful this will only be a season for us, but I hope we can continue to eat healthy.... I need to get another grilling lesson from Logan and/or my dad because I think that would be the simplest option.... veggies and meat on the grill, or something in the Crock Pot.
I get off work on Tuesdays because I am still teaching the preteen homeschool class of my Community Bible Study. I am sad because Weiss would always go and he had GREAT teachers in his toddler class.... I love my students; they are so mature and kind--wise beyond their years. We are still studying Revelation in the children's department and adult department. We have been going since September and are now midway through Revelation. It has been a wonderful study so far. On Tuesday afternoons, I will probably go back to work to squeeze in 3 or 4 more hours at the crisis center. I don't know just yet what I will do about the schedules of my piano students (I have five); they are normally scattered late afternoon throughout the week, but they are all so great about wanting to work with my schedule.
All I know is the next few months will be jam-packed and probably a bit stressful because of the nature of my work. I am looking forward to the adventures ahead, and know this year will fly by! I just want to finish my internship in time to relax a bit before "the new kid on the block" arrives in early August. Mom is on her way as I type to help me organize the house before I begin working.... I like things clean, but I am such a clutter bug and live with one, as well. (He may not be quite as bad....) This may be my only time to get my ducks in a row! Mom is going to watch Weiss this weekend so Logan and I can clean out the garage. (Yes, it is REALLY needed....hahaha!)
I hate to leave Logan and Weiss, but I know I will be busy and the week will fly. I also made two friends from the last 2 classes, and we are all staying together. I am looking forward to that! I am going to visit Thomas Road Baptist Church on Sunday evening and Wednesday at campus church (which has like 10,000 people attending on Wed.), and I'm going to eat LOTS of Chick-Fil-A! (Okay, not too much!) I have loved Liberty and am sort of sad the book work is coming to an end. My master's courses were like a giant BIble study; Liberty grew me so much spiritually because of the great books we read that were related to Christian counseling. (Granted, we had to learn theories and techniques, too.)
Anyway, I will return home on Friday evening late and then begin working at the Highland Lakes Crisis Center the following Monday. This will be my location until I complete 800 hours!!!! AHHH!!!!! However, with the clientele, things should stay busy and I know I will learn so much and my eyes will be opened to the needs of those precious people. God orchestrated that perfectly! Logan will be moving in the new dental office hopefully at the end of January, so it will be busy for him and his dad, as well. It will be chaotic around here for a time, with everyone adjusting to new schedules! I personally don't know how I am going to cook the dinners we are used to having after work being pregnant and all! I normally start dinner early because we rarely do "quick prep" meals. I can see why working moms want to grab something quick or eat out because they are exhausted when they get home, and they have to pick up their little ones after work from day care/preschool! I am thankful this will only be a season for us, but I hope we can continue to eat healthy.... I need to get another grilling lesson from Logan and/or my dad because I think that would be the simplest option.... veggies and meat on the grill, or something in the Crock Pot.
I get off work on Tuesdays because I am still teaching the preteen homeschool class of my Community Bible Study. I am sad because Weiss would always go and he had GREAT teachers in his toddler class.... I love my students; they are so mature and kind--wise beyond their years. We are still studying Revelation in the children's department and adult department. We have been going since September and are now midway through Revelation. It has been a wonderful study so far. On Tuesday afternoons, I will probably go back to work to squeeze in 3 or 4 more hours at the crisis center. I don't know just yet what I will do about the schedules of my piano students (I have five); they are normally scattered late afternoon throughout the week, but they are all so great about wanting to work with my schedule.
All I know is the next few months will be jam-packed and probably a bit stressful because of the nature of my work. I am looking forward to the adventures ahead, and know this year will fly by! I just want to finish my internship in time to relax a bit before "the new kid on the block" arrives in early August. Mom is on her way as I type to help me organize the house before I begin working.... I like things clean, but I am such a clutter bug and live with one, as well. (He may not be quite as bad....) This may be my only time to get my ducks in a row! Mom is going to watch Weiss this weekend so Logan and I can clean out the garage. (Yes, it is REALLY needed....hahaha!)
Friday, January 1, 2010
Christmas, New Year's, and More.....
Happy New Year, everyone! I can't believe it is 2010. It seems as though only yesterday it was 2000--how time truly flies!!! Our Christmas was a laid-back one this year, but it was definitely exciting for the grandparents. When we do Christmas around here, both sets of our parents get together to celebrate because our families are so small. We announced to them we are expecting in August, and boy--they were excited!!! (I'm glad we finally told them because I had kept the secret from them since December 1st--and I felt really yucky on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.... I think it was all of the food smells at once... Those are really getting to me right now!) Anyway, that was an exciting surprise for them! Weiss really had a great time; this year, he was REALLY into Christmas, saying "Merry Christmas," and opening packages. In fact, he kept opening packages when I would walk out of the room! (Good thing I only put out packages on Christmas Eve, or he would have opened everything!!!!) And by the way, Weiss is STILL saying "Merry Christmas....." We tell him Christmas is over, but he tells us "NO! Christmas is NOT over!!"
As for New Year's Eve, I had friends from San Antonio come to visit for lunch--Lucretia, Kayla, and Alexis Kebreau. I was certainly glad to see them; we ate some Cajun food and had some fun catching up on old times. Last night, we went out to Leslie and Jason Coleman's house and had a great time with their 3 kids, the Duvalls, the Burns, and the other Coleman family. We ate a feast of king crab legs, Chef Leslie's (yes, she really is a chef!) oven-baked chicken, and sides we had all brought. We then went outside and popped fireworks with the kiddos and the kids lit sparklers. The kids all played and Weiss LOVES their Step 2 extreme coaster! He loves that thing whenever we go over there... I've included a picture.... We're going to have to get him one for the spring/summer.... Anyway, the adults played Rockband on Wii and sang some country songs.... Super fun. We rang in the New Year early and then were out by 9 PM for the kiddos. I was in bed and asleep by 11 PM. Because it was New Year's, we let Weiss snuggle in bed with us last night. Today, I think we are going to take it easy; I want to see Avatar in Austin on an IMAX screen in 3D, so I think we are going to do that today or tomorrow evening..... I hope you all have a wonderful New Year and had a blessed Christmas.
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