Pot Roast

Ingredients

• 2lbs stew meat


• 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup


• 2 medium russet potatoes pealed and cubed


• 1 pound carrots, pealed and chopped


• ½ onion diced

Directions

1. In large Crockpot  heat all ingredients on low for 6 hours or until meat falls apart and veggies are soft

Cranberry Chicken

A favorite from Jaime's mom, this sweet chicken recipe may sound a little strange but will not disappoint.

Ingredients

• 1 can whole berry cranberry sauce


• 1 pkg Lipton onion-mushroom soup


• ½ bottle of Catalina dressing


• 4-6 boneless chicken breasts

Directions

1. Mix cranberries, soup and dressing


2. Place chicken in baking dish and cover with mixture.


3. Cover with foil (or oven safe cover) and bake for 1 hour or until chicken is done at 350 degrees.

Spring Break and 2nd Dr.'s appt.

I'm so happy it's spring break! Finally a chance to rest and really take care of myself. I can eat how I need to and sleep when I need to...this is the life! You could definitely convince me to job share or to go year round. These breaks are so necessary, and they always seem to come just in time. I think I'll be refreshed enough when I come back to make it through the last, long, full two months. People asked me if I was going anywhere for spring break...why? People come here for spring break. The weather is pretty much perfect right now, cool in the morning and at night, warm enough during the day for summer clothes and swimming. We took a hike today and saw many people on vacation. This time we conquered Squaw Peak and it was pretty spectacular. Wildflowers were in bloom and we saw several lizards soaking up the sun.

Next week Friday we have our second Dr.'s appointment. This time we see the actual doctor. It probably won't be as exciting as the first, no ultrasound this time. Of course, if there is any news we'll keep you updated!

Grandma's Spaghetti

A delicious spin on macaroni and cheese recipe from Ruth Hamacher taken from the the family cook book.

Ingredients

• 2 cups uncooked macaroni


• 2 cans diced tomatoes


• ¾ cup sugar


• 1 lb sharp cheddar cheese, shredded


• 6tbsp margarine


• 1 medium onion, chopped


• salt to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.


2. Cook and drain macaroni.


3. Mix remaining ingredients and bake in 3qt casserole dish for 1½ hours.

Chicken Quesadillas

Super easy quesadillas based on this soup can recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast, cubed


• 1 can Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup


• 1 cup salsa


• 10 flour tortillas (8-inch)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F


2. Cook chicken in nonstick skillet until done and juices evaporate, stirring often. Add soup and salsa and heat through.


3. Spread soup mixture on half of each tortilla to within 1/2" of edge. Moisten edge with water. Fold over and seal. Place on 2 baking sheets.


4. Bake 5 min. or until hot.

Tomato Pesto Pasta

A delicious Italian pasta dish found on All Recipes.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil


• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped


• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained


• 14 ounces fusili (spiral) pasta


• salt and pepper to taste


• 3 tablespoons pesto


• 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese


• 3 tablespoons fresh basil leaves for garnish

Directions

1. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Saute garlic for 2 minutes, then add tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.


2. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain and return to pot.


3. Season tomato sauce with salt and pepper; stir in pesto. Pour sauce over hot cooked pasta and mix well. Sprinkle with cheese, garnish with basil leaves and serve immediately.

Lemon Broccoli Chicken

Pictured with wild rice and steamed carrots. This recipe is based on a recipe from All Recipes.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp lemon juice


• 1 tbsp vegetable oil


• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts


• 1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Condensed Cream of Broccoli Soup


• ½ cup milk


• ground black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Heat oil in skillet. Add chicken and cook until browned.


2. Mix soup, milk, and lemon juice and add to chicken. Top chicken with pepper. Heat to a boil. Cover and cook over low heat 5 minutes or until done.

Big Announcement!

By now most of you have already heard our wonderful news! But if you haven't, let me be the first to tell you...we're pregnant! We're very excited and have tried to let those closest to us know. Thank you by the way for all the congratulations, and well-wishes, and wonderful advice! It means so much to us to have a caring and supportive group of friends and family to share this with. Being far away from most of you, we're so glad we're able to keep in touch! As you may have guessed, this does change our plans slightly. We had planned to move to Colorado after this school year was over. As we started thinking about our situation and talking finances and feasibility, we decided it would be best to stay put for another year. Then, once the baby is born and I finish next school year, we'll be better able to make a move. In addition, I will have completed my district's three-year teacher induction program and converted my provisional certificate into a standard one, making it easier to get licensed in another state.

We went to the doctor last week for my first visit...it was a long four week wait from the time we found out! We got our first picture and were told the heartbeat was 162 beats per minute. It was exciting to see the little flutter on the screen! We could not hear it yet. We'll go back in 3 weeks to meet for the first time with our doctor, and of course we'll keep you updated!

Check back often for more updates and pictures! Remember, to leave a comment, click on the word "comments" at the end of the post. Type your name, a working email address, and your message and click "submit comment". The first time you comment, your email address will need to be approved (to prevent spam). Your comment will show up as soon as Dave or I approve it. After that, use the same email address, and your comment should appear immediately.