SHOWER RECIPE

FREEZER QUESADILLAS from Stef Rohler

This is how Stef packaged it: The "filling" was in a quart size freezer bag; tortillas in a separate bag; then both enclosed inside a gallon size freezer bag.

SERVING DIRECTIONS:

Thaw (not in microwave). Remove tortillas. Lay tortillas flat, divide filling between tortillas. Fold each tortilla in half. Spray griddle with non-stick spray if needed. (I never do this, mine don't stick on my griddle) I prefer to use my electric griddle set on 325*-350*. Cook the quesadillas, lightly browning them on each side. This only takes a few minutes per side. The cheese in the filling will melt. Remove from pan and cut in half with a pizza cutter or knife. Done!

SUGGESTIONS:

Serve with a side of refried beans or spanish rice. Use extra salsa or sour cream for dipping if you like. Great as a meal or as a snack for those Sunday football games!

RECIPE:

1 1/2 cups cooked and finely minced chicken

1/4 cup light sour cream

1 cup thick and chunky salsa (hot as you like, I use medium)

1 cup shredded co-jack cheese

1 tsp chili powder (add more if you like it hotter)

10 flour tortillas

Mix all ingredients in bowl. Serve or freeze.

RECIPE for SPAGHETTI BAKE

I forgot to take a picture last night before we dug into dinner.

You will have to use your imagination.

SPAGHETTI BAKE from Lori Newton

6 oz spaghetti

1 small jar Ragu Sauce

2 Tbsp butter, melted

1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese

2 beaten eggs

1 cup cottage cheese

1 lb hamburger

1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)

Sprinkle of sugar

Garlic salt to taste

1/2 cup Mozzarella Cheese

Mix together melted butter, Parmesan cheese and eggs. Stir in cooked spaghetti. Put in 12x13 dish or greased deep dish pan. Cook hamburger. Mix in sauce with onion, sugar and garlic salt. Put cottage cheese on top of spaghetti crust, then add meat mixture. Top with cheese. Bake 20-30 minutes at 350*.

WHERE DID THESE LITTLE MUNCHKINS GO?

PANCAKES...but, not as good as Pop's

So, I decided to make pancakes for the girls this morning. And, for some reason I was inspired to let them make faces. Chocolate chip eyes, coconut nose and strawberry lips. They had fun...and I love to hear them giggle as they try to outdo each other with their creativity process.

Side Note - for my dad:

I worked so hard trying to get these pancakes made. I actually even used measuring cups (not really...just trying to add to the guilt). I measure, I pour, I stir...all with so much love. And you know what your granddaughters told me? "Mom, these are good but not as good as Pop's". All I can tell them is "I know, but Pop won't share his pancake recipe". "Yes, I know I am his daughter just like you are my daughters. And, of course I would share my secret pancake recipe with you. I will just have to keep trying to duplicate it. Yes, I know it would be a lot easier if Pop would just send the recipe...but, I guess I will just have to keep trying"???

Yep...I'm sinking to that level. I'm using my kids.

DON'T JUDGE ME!!!

My dad makes really yummy pancakes.

One of the completed "art pieces"

What's wrong, Alex?

"Well, Brooklyn is being more happy than I am".

"Well, how about you be happy too"?

"OK".....

JUST STICK TO THE ROUTINE

That was my lesson today....just stick to the routine!

Its an epidemic, Grace.

I was first in line to pick up Brooklyn from school today.

HOLD YOUR APPLAUSE, PLEASE!

We got to the school at 3:05 so Alex could play at the Elementary School park for a little while. The first car in line! Amazing, right? Well, Alex runs ahead and I wobble behind her wondering why they didn't put a bench in the middle of the basketball courts for the pregnant women that need a rest between there and the park??? By the time I get to the bench...I sat for maybe 3 minutes

(not really...but close) before we headed back to the car.

Once to the car, Alex and I wait patiently for the doors of the school to open and can't wait to watch Brooklyn be shocked, amazed and then super excited that she is the first one out of the building for the first time ever. The doors open, teachers come out, they turn to tell Brooklyn to come on out.....and here she comes. Oh, wait....nope, that's a little boy. Ok....that was weird ....she will be next, right? Nope, another little girl dances out the door. Are you kidding me???? Finally, one more kid comes out and then they realize that the black car still sitting at the front of the line is waiting for one of their students.

Brooklyn comes out.

No shock. No amazement. No excitement.

Nothing!

Then, trying to be nice...I offer to let the girls play at the park for a little while longer. I drive around the block to get closer to the park. The girls jump out, run off to play while I make my way to the bench. After 20 minutes, I started getting contractions so I wave for the girls to come over because I need to head home.

As soon as they get in the car...the tears start.

"We never get to play at the park".

"We didn't even get to play for very long".

Now I know this...

It's not worth trying to be first in line.

It's not worth going to the park when I know it will be a short outing.

STICK TO THE ROUTINE!

All that said....in finding something to celebrate:

It really was a fairly nice day, chilly, but nice and I enjoyed sitting in the sun for a few minutes :)

ANOTHER RECIPE

CHICKEN & RICE CASSEROLE from Becky Dirks

I realize...now...that this looks like a pile of crushed tortilla chips. And, you would be right.

An option Becky gives is to add crushed chips on top half way through cooking.

So, that is what you see...not the actual casserole. Sorry!

It was yummy just the same :)

1 1/2 cup cooked, cut-up pieces of chicken

1 cup cooked rice

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 small diced onion

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 Tbsp lemon juice

Mix. Bake in 9 x 9 pan for 40 minutes at 350*.

Optional: add crushed chips on top after 20 minutes

36 WEEKS & 4 DAYS

Just returned from my latest ultrasound and doctor's appointment.

Per the ultrasound...this "little" one is estimated to be 8lbs and 3oz.

On the 30th, I will be going in for my 37 week & 4 day appointment and then they will plan to do another ultrasound early the following week before the induction date of the 9th.

I know...its not the 8th. I actually gave them 3 different dates

- none of which was the 9th -

but this was the day that worked for their calendar...

so they say???

They are guessing a 9.5-10 lb baby.

The 1st week of April ultrasound is to ensure this kiddo doesn't get too far over that 10 lb mark.

Sounds like a plan to me!

So, the 9th it is unless this kiddo wants to see this world sooner...which I am highly encouraging.

And, if I can't wait till the 9th....Becky, you are on call!

And, to keep in style with the fun this pregnancy has been so far...

I now have a prego-belly-skin rash called p.u.p.p.p.s

Yep..."PUPS"...cute, huh?

It is supposed to gradually go away once the baby is here. And, until then, I have a cream for my belly and benadryl for the itching.

LOVELY!