Blanket

I'm attempting to make a blanket for a friend of mine that is having a baby. I don't have the greatest track record when it comes to finishing projects like this, so hopefully posting it on here will help me get it done. I've added another row and a half since this photo, and it still doesn't look like it's getting any bigger!

January 16, 1981

to me!

The Secret Ingredient is...

I'm not even close to being an Iron Chef - but often I find myself in the dilemma of taking something out of the freezer for dinner, and then having no idea what to do with it. I've tried meal planning - but usually whatever I have planned for dinner that night I don't feel like eating it once I get home for work - or it takes too much to make after I make the 40 minute commute home, Chris or I take the dog out, working out - then it's finally time to make dinner - usually around 7-8 pm every night.

Last night I had to figure out what to do with Chicken tenders - so after asking around at work - I made semi-homemade chicken and noodles over mashed potatoes. (And I say semi- just because I didn't make the noodles or mashed potatoes. I make homemade mashed potatoes all the time - but I have never made fried chicken (I know, shocker!) so I just wanted to concentrate on that.

So here's what you need:
• package of thawed chicken (tenders or breasts, doesn't matter)
• egg noodles
• chicken stock
• chicken bouillon granules
• evvo
• chopped carrots, onions and celery
• heat and serve mashed potatoes
(My chicken, noodles and chicken stock was all organic, just because we're trying to eat healthier)

This is what you do:
• Bring chicken stock and diced veggies to a boil in a large pot - then add noodles. Noodles will absorb the stock, so there's no need to pour any off at the end.

• While all that is cooking, add evvo to another pan (just enough to cover the bottom) and add chicken tenders. While the chicken is browning, it will break apart into smaller pieces, which is what you want.

• After the chicken is done, add it to the pot of noodles - but we're not done yet!

• This is the part that will add a TON of flavor - add a little water to the pan that you fried the chicken in. Put in back on the burner to "de-glaze the pan" - basically just scrape around the sides and the bottom to get any leftover chicken stuff into the mixture. Add about a table spoon chicken bouillon granules (not cubes!).

• Add all of that into the chicken noodle pot and salt and pepper to taste!

• Heat up the mashed potatoes and you're done!

Because this is such a carb-overload - I served this on our small "salad" plates and was definitely full after just one helping! Chris went back for another one and I think this is going to be put into our winter food rotation. From start to finish, it only took around 15-20 minutes.

My friend Renee just announced to everyone that she'll be having a new addition to her family at the end of July! As of yet, she doesn't know what she's having - but I'm pulling for a girl so that I have an excuse to buy lots of frilly stuff! I'm definitely happy for her new little blessing and can't wait to meet the baby face to face - if the baby is anything like her mommy, he or she will be BEAUTIFUL!

Renee was really worried about my reaction - just because Chris and I have been trying to have a little one of our own for almost a year. It'll happen for us eventually - hopefully Renee will share some of her water with me! I totally believe that we control how we react in any situation and I decided at the beginning of this process that I didn't want to be bitter or angry towards anyone that was pregnant when I wasn't - what purpose would that serve anyway? Babies truly are miracles - it's amazing what all has to line up in order for them to happen! Definitely not as easy as they make you think it is in high school! It'll be my time soon enough - and until then, at least I have one that I can love on and spoil! (And give back when they need changed!)

Christmas

It seems like we spend half the year getting ready for Christmas, then it's over so quickly! The past five days have flown by so fast - but it was great getting a chance to see my family - especially those we don't get to spend nearly enough time with!
A short recap: One of Grady's many presents! The Lattig family The great Pickled Walnut eating Champions of 2008 (From left to right: Shane, Kyle, Dad, Jon and Chris) One of Santa's reindeer escaped to Canton!

What I've been doing at work...

This process has seemed like it's taken forever, but I'm glad that we're finally done because it looks AWESOME! The local humane society in the county where I work, received grants to not only purchase a cargo van to transport animals to the prison program and back, but also for their new endeavors of transporting animals to a shelter in Minneapolis, Minnesota to find forever homes. I'm a big supporter for adoption of animals - and I really hope that this van stirs up the cause and plenty of long deserved attention to the cause! The company I work for was fortunate enough to develop the concept of the art work, as well as printing and installation. Our team put in lots of hours all the way around and it looks great!

Happy Birthday, Chris!

We went out on Friday with some friends to celebrate Chris' birthday - and even though not everyone was able to make it, with Christmas parties and get togethers - we had a blast. It was so nice to take a break from the business of the season and kick back with those that are important in our lives. We went back to the apartment after, and played the Wii, which gave us even more laughs. Thanks for celebrating with us!