Back to reality...and triple digits

Our trip to the mitten was short but sweet. We got to see lots of family, and we wish Staci and Taylor all the best! We got to see friends too. We were really going nonstop from about 2:00 a.m. Friday morning until 10:00 p.m. Sunday night. My two favorite things were shopping with my mom, and seeing my friends again. My mom took me shopping at maternity stores, which would have been intimidating by myself...we had a lot of fun! It was so nice to see my friends and everyone there had kids or was pregnant so it was all babies all night. It was so cool to listen to them all and see them as the wonderful moms they've all become.

On the Monday and Tuesday we were back here in Phoenix, the temps reached 110. Yuck! Then by Friday it was rainy, and the low was 55...half of the high from 3 days before! It was very strange. They're saying now that this weekend and next week will reach 100 and over.

We signed a lease on a new place with two bedrooms...can't wait to start setting up the baby's room! We had another doctor's appointment on Wednesday, nothing new to report. I have started feeling him move though! That was very exciting, and he seems to be very active!

School's out...thank goodness! What a year! I can honestly say I will miss some of them, but I did not shed a tear when they all left on Wednesday. It was a relief to get this year over with. Hopefully next year will be easier...even if it's not, I won't be there for part of the year! I am teaching summer school again this year. I start on Monday and it lasts 4 weeks. Only half days and I get Fridays off. Man, this summer will go fast!

It's...

A boy! We're having a boy! Enjoy the pictures!

It's official

On Monday, we're going back to the doctor for a second ultrasound. If all goes well, we could find out if we're having a boy or girl! Here's a picture at 18 weeks.

Don't know if I mentioned this or not...we traded in our truck for a new jeep. We decided we needed a more family type vehicle. I love it! I've never had my own new car before! I love driving it everyday. Hopefully it'll work better for our now growing family!

Baked Chicken Parmesan

A tasty baked chicken recipe from Jaime's mom. Shown with Grandma's Disappearing Rolls.

Ingredients

• 4tbsp margarine


• 4 chicken breasts, boneless


• ¼ tsp paprika


• 1 tbsp parley flakes


• 1/8 tsp thyme


• ¼ tsp garlic powder


• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese


• 1/3 cup bread crumbs

Directions

1. Melt margarine over low heat.


2. Mix all spices, cheese and bread crumbs.


3. Carefully dip chicken in melted margarine and then into spice mix, coating completely.


4. Bake on greased baking pan at 350° for 45-50 min or until chicken is cooked through.

Tip: Mix spices in a large bowl that has a lid and then place buttered chicken in, cover and shake until coated

Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients

• 8 cups water


• 6 chicken bullion cubes


• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed


• 1tsp pepper


• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced


• 3 stalks celery, sliced


• ½ onion, diced


• 8oz egg noodles

Directions

1. Bring water and bullion cubes to boil.


2. Add chicken, pepper, carrots, celery and onion and cook on high for 20 minutes.


3. Add noodles and cook until noodles are al dente.

American Goulash

Ingredients

• 1tbsp butter


• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced


• ½ onion, diced


• 1lb ground beef or sausage


• 2 cans diced tomatoes


• 1 can tomato sauce


• 1 can tomato paste


• 16oz cooked elbow macaroni

Directions

1. In large sauce pan, sauté onion and pepper in butter.


2. Add beef, brown and drain.


3. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and tomato paste. Heat through.


4. Stir in cooked elbows and serve.