Oops!

Well, it has been a while since my last "real" post. And not for a lack of things to blog about. I think it is a combination of my eternal procrastinating and the fact that we moved the computer down to the basement to make room for baby. And the basement represents laundry for me...so I try to steer clear!

I have been in major organization mode the last few weeks. Not from any nesting instinct but just because I know I might never get around to it once the baby arrives. So I have been going from one room to the next, organizing, purging and hopefully making a dent. It is amazing how much stuff I have accumulated since I moved out on my own. And I really can't blame any of it on Matt...it is all me!! The main thing that is out of control for me is pictures and my craft stuff. I have never really had room to spread that stuff out so I need to purchase some bins and storage units. Maybe one day, I will even be crafty again!!

Hopefully this weekend, Matt and I can make a dent on the nursery. We need to paint (but we are on a stand off regarding color) and actually order the furniture we have picked out.

One last thing for today...and this is really late but I still think it is important. A couple of weeks ago, one of my childhood friends died from a drug overdose. He was a wonderful person and actually one of the most Christian-like people I have ever known. I honestly don't know if he was a Christian when he died. But I do know he was very giving, very accepting,very loving and he knew the bible inside and out when we were in high school. He poured himself into religion and bible study but I don't know about his beliefs recently. He was just an addict and could never conquer his addiction. His first time in rehab was when we were in eighth grade and his first overdose was in his early twenties.

Anyway, please pray for his family. They are reeling from the shock of losing their child so young...even though I think they all knew drugs would kill him someday. That knowledge doesn't make it any easier. Pray for them as I know there is a lot of guilt and what ifs floating around.

Thank you!

xoxo

A Recipe

I am by no means a great cook but I love to experiment and try new recipes. I thought I might start sharing the ones that Matt rates 4 and 5 stars. Those are the only ones I ever consider making again. Thank goodness Matt doesn't mind what I call the Stephanie Surprises!


Chicken Ravioli with Ancho Cream Sauce
Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade
Servings 4 Start to Finish 20 minutes

2 packages (9 ounces each) refrigerated chicken and roasted garlic ravioli, Buitoni®

1 jar (16-ounce) Alfredo sauce, Classico®

1 can (14.5-ounce) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, Muir Glen®

1½ teaspoons ancho chile powder, McCormick®

½ teaspoon poultry seasoning, McCormick®

Shredded Parmesan cheese, Kraft®

1.In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook ravioli according to package directions. Drain well; return to hot pot. Cover; keep warm.
2.Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, combine Alfredo sauce, tomatoes, chile powder and poultry seasoning. Bring to a simmer over medium heat; reduce heat to low.
3.Toss warm ravioli with sauce. Remove from heat. Serve hot with Parmesan cheese.

Matt’s Rating: ****1/2

Happy Birthday Little Man!

I can not believe it, but little Evan is two today! I think this birthday is especially meaningful for me, but I don't know how to really describe the reasons why. Probably most significant is the fact that for the last two years...it has just been Evan and me everyday. He gets my undivided attention and that is all he has ever known. But that is getting ready to change and I hope this momma is ready for that!! However, I have been blessed with the sweetest little boy. He is so loving and kind. He is very gentle with me (it is a different story with dad!)and he is just a very happy kid. It is all of those reasons that assure me Evan will make a great big brother.

We had Evan's party on Saturday and he had a blast. Lots of our Tulsa friends headed north to spend the day with us and some of our new neighborhood friends came over also. And of course, lots of family. We did cake and ice cream and then while the kiddos played in the sprinklers, we grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. It was a great day and Evan had so much fun hanging out with the big kids.

{My apologies to the littler ones that Evan completely ignored!}

Evan's favorite part of the day:


Present time:


His new obsession:


Dunk it!


Testing out the new wheels:


The only meltdown of the day (and it was after everyone had left!!):


Worn out after the big day:


Mother's Day was wonderful. Matt had treated me to a pedicure earlier in the week and then on Sunday, he did all the diaper changing for the day. It was wonderful. We just spent the day together at home, tested out all the new toys and snacked on leftover birthday cake. What could be better?? Mother's Day is a special day anyway but it also marks the day we brought Evan home from the hospital. I don't think I will ever get a better gift than that!!

Happy Mother's Day to our moms and to all of my girlfriends that are sharing this crazy journey with me!

xoxo

A Little Something

I have been so busy lately, but I made a little slideshow so I could at least post something...