More crib ideas...

Maybe we'll do an airplane theme for the nursery in honor of the two grandpas? Here are two I like...

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Strawberry Muffins

OK, to redeem myself from last night's cobbler fiasco, which ended up basically as a bowl of jam after I added more cornstarch to the finished product to thicken it (I removed the bread parts, of course), I decided to turn the "jam" into muffins this morning. And I must say, YUMMY. Here's my version of the recipe:

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup Benefiber (a powdered fiber supplement), optional
  
• 1 cup sugar
  
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup apple sauce
• 1/4 cup flax oil, optional
  
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3/4 cup strawberry jam

DIRECTIONS

1. In a mixing bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; make a well in the center. Combine eggs, oil and milk; pour all at once into the well. Stir just until dry ingredients are moistened. Do not overmix. Gently fold in jam (a few lumps will remain, which gives the appearance of whole berries in the finished product). Place in a well-greased or paper-lined muffin tins. Bake at 375 degrees F for 20 minutes.
   
   
2. Notes: Next time, to make them healthier, I'll use half whole wheat flour and maybe some oats. I also added about 1/4 cup Benefiber (the powdered fiber supplement). The original recipe called for 1/2 cup oil, which I substituted for 1/2 cup applesauce and about 1/4 cup flax oil, just for good health (I figured the oil would offset the additional dry ingredients created by the Benefiber). The original recipe also called for buttermilk, but I didn't have any, so I used milk, which worked fine. And it also called for 1 teaspoon of nutmeg, but I don't really like nutmeg and didn't have any anyway, so I just left it out. All around, a fantastic muffin the way I made them.
   

Strawberry Cobbler

Tonight I made a strawberry cobbler (why is it so hard to write that word without spelling it "clobber"?). Here's my version of the recipe (adjusted slightly after I actually tasted it!):

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced or chopped or whatever you prefer
  
• 2 tablespoons butter, diced
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup milk (original recipe calls for heavy cream, but I didn't have any)
  

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Butter a 2 quart baking dish.
2. Combine sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick and hot (happened very quickly). Stir in strawberries, and remove from heat. Pour mixture into the baking dish, and dot with 2 tablespoons butter. (I think next time I make it, I'll put the sugar on the berries first and let them sit a while so that they make their own syrup, then I'll add the juice – not the berries – to the cornstarch mixture and adjust the amount of cornstarch based on how much juice they put off. This time, I didn't do that, and the finished product is way too runny because the berries were super plump and juicy.)
   
3. Sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt (I don't "sift" anything; I just stirred with a whisk). Blend in 3 tablespoons butter. Stir in cream. Mixture should be fairly soft. Spoon on top of berries.
4. Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven.

Lord of the Strings

When Ken's parents were here last month, they brought him this shirt. We couldn't resist taking a cheesey pick of the lord with his current collection. From left to right are: the Ruby, the Naked Lady, Ken (obviously), the T-5, and the Tele.

19 Weeks

Hard to believe we're almost half-way through this pregnancy! Things seem to be going along fine, but we'll know more after our 20-week ultrasound 4/27. If everything looks good/normal at that time, then we'll be able to get serious about picking a name and such. One of our friends from church asked me last night if I'd like to have a shower before or after he's born. I thought, oh man, I haven't even begun to think about showers or registering or anything! Guess I'll get serious about that after Friday's ultrasound...

I'm still feeling great. I've thought I might've felt some movement this past few days, but can't be sure. Seems like I ought to by now, but it's possible that the placenta is in such a position as to block kicks and such. I'd like to think it's because my abs were so tight and strong that nothing can get through, but that's a far-fetched fantasy!

Baby (no, we haven't chosen a name yet) can hear now, so I think I'll start spending more time in the music room when Ken is playing his guitar. Perhaps bring some earplugs for me, as he keeps the amp kicked up pretty high!

We played hookie from church today. Today's worship team is led by a guy who, when he prays, uses various forms of God's name every three words, and it really irritates us both: "Lord, we come to today, Jesus, to ask you, God, that you grant us forgiveness, Father, for our sins, Lord...." and so on. I counted 47 times in one prayer once, and it wasn't a very long prayer. "Alicia, I would like, Alicia, for you to join me, Alicia, for lunch today, Alicia. Alicia, I know a great little place, Alicia, that you, Alicia, would really like, Alicia." ARGH!!! I wonder if God gets annoyed by that? Like, I'm listening already, you don't have to keep calling me!

We had some much-needed rain yesterday, and might get some tomorrow, too, but today is beautiful and sunny. I don't remember it being as windy here in So Cal as it has been this year, but maybe it was and I just didn't notice. Or maybe it's more windy in Camarillo than up in T.O.

Washington Wedding

Last weekend we attended the wedding of one of my college friends, Nathan, in Walla Walla, Washington. It rained the day before, and was overcast the day after, but Sunday, April 15, was a gorgeous day all around. How nice for them! You can see some of their story on his blog.

Easter Brunch

Last night we thoroughly enjoyed Chinese supper and bowling with Christye and Kevin. Too long since we bowled; it's fun! We'll definitely do it more often, especially now that we know there's an alley about two miles from us.

This morning, we went to the Easter Sunday Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues Sunset Strip, which was completely delightful. Food was good and entertainment was fun and energetic! Here's a photo flick of it... (No, that's not a bride; just a large singer in a white gown. Can't explain it. She must've been burning up!)

Cool Slideshows

Birthday!

Yesterday was my birthday, and it was a lovely day, topped off with these gorgeous flowers from my darling husband. He couldn't decide between the sweet smell of the roses and knowing that tulips are my favorite flower — so he got both! We had a delightful dinner out (after I'd been treated to lunch at Claim Jumper by Gerry, Sali and Sharon).

I took 17-week pics tonight (I do them every week), but there isn't any difference from 16 weeks visible to the casual observer, so I won't bother posting it. But the baby has definitely shifted up out of the pelvis this week. With the Doppler, I now find the heartbeat much further up. I guess he's about 5 inches long this week. Wacky!

16-Week Pic

Spring

It's been so pretty around here lately with the warmer weather. The trees are blooming and everything seems so green and fresh. *deep breath* Yum!

Strawberry Season

It's the season of beautiful red berries here in Southern California. I bought half a flat at the farmers market yesterday, and it's already half gone. This was part of my breakfast this morning, then I had another bowl this afternoon, complete with can of Redi-Whip in the other hand... Yum!

In other news, there isn't any. We had our 16-week appointment this morning, and there's nothing new to report. All is going along smoothly. So much so, in fact, that we may have to start getting serious about baby names and such. The next appointment is set for April 27. That's the big ultrasound where they generally determine gender, but since we already know it's a boy, it'll just confirm that. They'll use the 3D/4D settings on the machine, so we'll get some cool video and pics to go along with it. Time to get my scrapbook going!

The Man's Guide for Understanding Women Better

DANGEROUS:	SAFER:	SAFEST:	ULTRA SAFE:
What's for dinner?	Can I help you with dinner?	Where would you like to go for dinner?	Here, have some wine.
Are you wearing that?	Wow, you sure look good in brown!	WOW! Look at you!	Here, have some wine
What are you so worked up about?	Could we be overreacting?	Here's my paycheck.	Here, have some wine.
Should you be eating that?	You know, there are a lot of apples left.	Can I get you a piece of chocolate with that?	Here, have some wine.
What did you DO all day?	I hope you didn't over-do it today.	I've always loved you in that robe!	Here, have some wine.

Second Trimester!

To celebrate my official entry into the second trimester, I thought I'd post my first belly pic. Not really much to see, but I definitely can't suck it in anymore! Did a little shopping for some maternity clothes today. I'm getting desperate for work attire; might have to telecommute just because I have no business casual stuff that fits!

Everything else seems to be going great. We got all our test results back — negative on the cystic fibrosis screen and extremely low risk for Down's and Trisomy defects (based on the nuchal translucency and blood screens). We check the heart rate with our rented Doppler every couple of days; it's hanging in the 155 bpm range. Good!

I should be in bed, but Ken's rehearsing for tomorrow's service with another band member, so I'm just killin' time. I think they're about done, though. Maybe I'll go walk the dog and wash/brush/floss, etc. By that time, they oughtta wrap it up.

Starbucks

Not a terribly flattering pic of me, but hey, we're enjoying some goodies at Starbucks. Who can complain?

The Beach

Paddy visited from Sac last weekend, and we went out to Malibu beach just to get some sea air. Nice day, but a little cool as we were there late afternoon.

Crib set?

I'm starting to think about decorating a nursery now, and just can't imagine our kid having a traditional crib set. So I went searching for cool fabrics online and found this one. Ken and I LOVE Scooby Doo, and there will have to be some element of music in the room, so this one is perfect! Now, how do you go about finding someone who can sew a crib set?

An exciting night!

Well, we had a good bit of excitement around the homestead last night. First, at our quarterly homeowners' association meeting, I was elected board president. Hope I don't regret that!

Then, as we returned home from walking the dog about 9 p.m., we passed a strange man peeking in the windows of a downstairs unit (below us and over one). He was trying to hide behind the palm tree because Brady alerted to him (ears and hackles up), and he didn't/wouldn't say anything. We stood there (about eight feet away) staring at him for 30 seconds or more, and he just hid behind the tree. So we took Brady upstairs and Ken came back down to confront the peeper, who took off running as soon as Ken came out of the stairwell. So, Ken took off running after him and chased the guy around the complex one and a half times before the guy got away (he had a pretty good head start). So, we called the cops, who sent out a couple of deputies to look around. We patrolled the area with Brady for another hour. Didn't see the guy again, but we bet he either lives here or was visiting someone who lives here, because the way our complex is set up, you don't just stumble on it (no stores or anything nearby).

Turns out, he was watching our college-age neighbor getting ... friendly ... with his girlfriend (there was a tiny crack in the blinds where he might've seen something). Anyway, creepy.

Ken decided that was the most excitement he's had in a long time and (briefly) considered a career in law enforcement. I nipped that in the bud. :o)

Looks like we'll be buying blue...

It's a BOY!!

That's a fairly certain guess by the perinatologist that did my first trimester screening this morning. She'd only admit an 80% accuracy for this stage, but she seemed 100% certain and even showed us the parts and how she determined what she did. :o) Yay! Got it all on video, too. Awesome.

In other news, there were no visible markers for Down's or any other chromosomal problems (nuchal skin fold was well within normal range, clearly defined nose bone, good-looking spine, all appendages, etc.), and he even measures a few days ahead (based on size, she guessed my due date at 9/9). We'll get official results back in a few days (combining the ultrasound with the bloodwork), but I'm not expecting anything to turn up. Phew!

Well, now, isn't that something?!

I don't even know what to say. Visit Betty.

I'm a Wild Dog!

Thanks, Amy, this was fun! Find out what animal you are at The Animal In You.
_________________________________

Wild Dog
Genera and species: Canis canidae
Collective Term: A tribe of wild dogs


Description
Most people who meet a wild dog are struck by its energetic, demonstrative and restless behavior. This mid-sized individual differs from its domestic dog and wolf cousins in a number of notable ways: it is physically more powerful than the domestic dog, and its social structure differs dramatically from that of the lone wolf. It is difficult to describe the wild dog's personality without explaining it in terms of its pack of friends, for wild dogs don't see themselves as rugged individualists but rather as members of a social team that demands constant bonding and cooperation.

Thinking of bringing that new invention of yours to the market? Put a wild dog in charge. For no one can take an idea and run with it, better than this hardy individual. Its powers of endurance and canine enthusiasm make for such a powerful combination, that wild dogs are consistently amongst the highest wage earners. So why don't they simply run their own businesses and reap the rewards? Well for one thing, they don't possess the leadership and entrepreneurial talents of their canine cousins. Instead, by concentrating on relationship building and teamwork, wild dogs achieve the kind of job satisfaction that no salary can replace.

Wild dogs are highly principled individuals although they take a while before placing their trust in others. Employers should give them a lot of freedom since they do not perform well in structured environments. When it comes to stamina, they are without equal and are usually the first to arrive and the last to leave. Versatile in their skills, their sharp minds can adapt to almost any environment,

A wild dog will not overwhelm you with its beauty, nor can it match the suave Tom Cruise style of the wolf. Instead, its mating strategy is summarized in two words: persistence and endurance. By wearing down its quarry with an endless offering of flowers, cards, and romantic dinners, the prey eventually succumbs to sheer exhaustion. The wild dog is clearly a dog at heart and is willing to romp with the best of them but manages to maintain its dignity under the most demanding bedroom conditions.

Careers and Hobbies

• Policework
• Engineer
• Military
• Journalist
• Academic

• Running
• Writing
• Horse riding
• Surfing the net

Famous Wild dogs:

• Martina Navratilova
• Vladimir Lenin

Here we go again!!

I realize that I was so excited about my first adventure into YouTube that I forgot to actually write anything about this video. Yes, this is OUR baby. The video was taken Monday, Feb. 26, when I was about 11 weeks and 3 days. The estimated due date is Sept. 15 (a great month, as about 10 of my favorite people were born then!). Anyway, we're pretty excited to have a healthy-looking kid growing in there. Stay tuned!

NO NO NO!!!

According to an AP news story, "Studio 60 was pulled from NBC's schedule this week after 15 episodes, although the network said the backstage Hollywood drama will return at some point this season."

Don't take away one of our favorite shows!!

In other news, I'm making garlic cheese grits. Cannot tell you how exciting that is. The next 8 minutes of cook time can't pass fast enough!

Come on, Hawaii

Yay for Hawaii for passing the anti-smoking legislation that went into effect this past November. However, get with the enforcement program! Making regular citizens file complaints with the police against offenders isn't the best solution, considering people's fears about getting involved and/or suffering retaliation from crazed nicotine junkies.

Smoking kills people. Second-hand smoke kills people. When there's attempted murder, police should act with swift hands to protect the innocent. This guy in this photo looks so smug that I really want to shave his tongue with a vegetable peeler. Then again, the smoke will eventually do that, so I guess I'll just have to wait a little longer. :o)

How to Shower: Men vs. Women

How to Shower: Men vs Women

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Clearly, I have nothing to say...

There is so little going on in my life right now that's blog-worthy that I having nothing to post except these ridiculous surveys. But, since I'm extremely self-absorbed and therefore love to talk about myself, here goes another one:

1. What time did you get up this morning? 8:15 am
2. Diamonds or Pearls? Yes
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Freedom Writers; excellent.
   
4. What is your favorite TV show? Grey's Anatomy, I think.
   
5. What did you have for breakfast? Steel Cut Oatmeal w/brown sugar.
   
6. What is your middle name? Joy
7. What is your favorite cuisine? Don't have a favorite; it's mood-related.
   
8. What foods do you dislike? Pickled beets.
9. Your favorite potato chip? Again, no favorite; depends on the craving.
   
10. What is your favorite CD at the moment? Don't have one.
    
11. What kind of car do you drive? Toyota 4Runner
    
12. Favorite sandwich? Turkey, provolone and dill pickle.
    
13. What characteristics do you despise? Dishonesty and arrogance
14. Favorite item of clothing? Anything soft and comfortable.
    
15. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Anyplace tropical with good scuba diving.
    
16. What color is your bathroom? White; haven't taken the time to paint or decorate it yet. Don't even have rugs. But the towels are sage and beige, and those are the colors in the tile, as well, so we'll probably go that direction.
    
17. Favorite brand of clothing? Lucky.
18. Where would you want to retire to? North Carolina.
    
19. Favorite time of day? Sunrise. Unfortunately, that's also my favorite time of day to be sleeping, so I rarely experience it.
    
20. Where were you born? Andrews A.F.B., Maryland
    
21. Favorite sports to watch? Equestrian
    
22. Who do you least expect to send this back? I don't expect anyone to send it back because I'm not sending it TO anyone.
    
23. Person who will respond first? Ditto.
24. What laundry detergent do you use? Either the Costco brand or something from Trader Joe's.
    
25. Coke or Pepsi? Pepsi
26. Are you a morning person or night owl? Night Owl
27. What size shoe do you wear? 9
28. Favorite animal? Doberman dogs!
    
29. Any news you'd like to share with everyone? If there were, don't you think I would've, given my love of talking about myself?
    
30. What did you want to be when you were little? I don't remember having any career aspirations.
    
31. Favorite candy bar? Mounds.
32. What are your favorite childhood memories? Exploring the woods near our house. There were so many. Do people even have woods anymore? I don't think there are any woods in California. That sucks.
    
33. What are the different jobs you have had in your life? Grader, server, secretary, PR person, writer, designer, editor.
    
34. What color underwear are you wearing? Teal.
35. Nicknames: None.
36. Piercing? Nope.
37. Eye color? Green.
38. Ever been to Africa? Sadly, not yet.
    
39. Ever been toilet papering? No! That's mean and make the beautiful trees ugly!
    
40. Ever loved someone so much it made you cry? Yes
41. Ever been in a car accident? Yes
42. Favorite restaurant? Claim Jumper. Or the Melting Pot.
    
43. Favorite flower? Two-Lips.
44. Disney or Warner Brothers? Don't care.
    
45. Favorite fast food restaurant? Presto Pasta.
    
46. What color is your bedroom carpet? Off white with brown and black flecks. We love it!
    
47. How many times did you take your drivers test? Once.
48. Before this one, from whom did you get your last mail? A coworker.
    
49. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Costco.
50. What do you do most often when you are bored? I don't get bored!
51. Bedtime? 11:30
52. Who are you most curious about their responses to this questionnaire? MeeRa. But that's probably because she's the type of person who would NEVER do a survey like this, especially to post it in a public forum.
    
53. Last person you went to dinner with? Husband, Tami and Dan.
54. What are you listening to right now? The heater in my office building.
    
55. What is your favorite color? Don't have one.
    
56. Lake, ocean or river? Ocean for diving, river for rafting, lake for boating/relaxing.
    
57. How many tattoos do you have? None
58. Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Chicken.
59. How many people are you sending this Email to? None.
60. Who sent this to you and what is something you didn't know about them? Sean. I didn't know he'd gotten a Mercedes.
    
61. What materialistic thing would you ask for if you had one wish to make? A huge piece of property with a huge house. :o)
    
62. Time you finished this email? 1:42 pm

Even-Order Harmonics

Ken has finally joined the blogging world with his very own site, Even-Order Harmonics. Be sure to visit to hear his latest music-related rants and raves!

Jeans That Fit!

Jeans - Designer Jeans - Top Brand Jeans | zafu.com

I haven't tried this site yet, but will soon. You answer a bunch of questions about how jeans usually fit you, and it gives you a list of brands and styles that should work well with your body. Genius!!

How has your life changed?

TEN YEARS AGO:

1. How old were you? 22
2. Where did you go to school? Southern Adventist University
   
3. Where did you work? SAU's Public Relations office
   
4. Where did you live? Collegedale, Tennessee, in an off-campus studio apartment
   
5. Where did you hang out? The school newspaper office (I was the layout editor).
   
6. Did you wear glasses? Nope
7. Who was your best friend? Jennifer Griner
   
8. How many tattoos did you have? 0
9. Piercings? 0
10. What car did you drive? The Toyota Celica GT my parents bought me for high school graduation.
    
11. Had you been to a real party? Too many.
    
12. Had your heart broken? Yes.
13. Single/Taken/Married/Divorced/Bitter: Single and occasionally taken (that was an exceptionally good year for me)
    

FIVE YEARS AGO.......................................................

1. How old were you? 27
2. Where did you go to school? Long since graduated
   
3. Where did you work? River City Copy & Graphics (I was the in-house graphic designer)
   
4. Where did you live? Sacramento, California
   
5. Did you wear glasses? Nope
6. Who was your regular-person crush? RoZ
7. How many tattoos did you have? 0
8. How many piercings did you have? 0
9. What car did you drive? The first brand-new car I bought for myself, all by myself; a 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe. Loved that car.
   
10. Had you ever had your heart broken? Yes.
11. Who was your best friend? Jennifer (Griner) Skavdahl
    
12. Single/Taken/Married/Divorced/Bitter: Single and Bitter

**January 2007**

1. How old are you? 32
2. Where do you work? As the magazine editor for the southwest region of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
   
3. Where do you live? Camarillo, California
4. Do you wear glasses? For distance vision (driving, movies, shopping in warehouse stores, etc.)
   
5. Who are your best friends? Aside from my husband, Jennifer, Stacey, and Stacy have the super-long term best friends status. However, I have a LOT of quality friends in my life that mean the world to me!
   
6. Do you talk to your old friends? Most of the ones that matter (only a few good ones have managed to escape).
   
7. How many piercings do you have? 0
8. How many tattoos? 0
9. What kind of car do you have? Toyota 4Runner and a Honda Civic
   
10. Has your heart been broken? Yes, but not recently!
    
11. Single/Taken/Married/Divorced/Bitter? Married

New Template

I've updated to the new version of Google's Blogger, which makes it easier to switch up templates, fonts, etc. I decided it was time for a refreshed look on this site. They don't give a ton of choices, but this one is nice enough for now. It's easy to change them, so I might switch them up now and then. Much easier than re-arranging bedroom furniture.