Italian Chicken

Last week we tried these chicken tenders from a blog called Dear Crissy
We all enjoyed this meal.  It required a little planning ahead due to the chicken needing to marinate for one hour.  While we were eating, we all agreed it would have been extra tasty served on a bed of rice with steamed veggies!  Definitely doing that next time.

I doubled this recipe to make sure Kevin had plenty for work. 

Ingredients:

1 lb chicken tenders or cut chicken breasts
1 cup Italian dressing
4 teaspoons honey
2 teaspoons lime juice (fresh or bottled)

Directions:

Place chicken tenders (if using chicken breasts, cut into strips) into a large plastic bag.
Mix wet ingredients, and pour over chicken. Seal the bag and allow chicken to marinate in refrigerator for one hour.
Add chicken and liquid to a large skillet. Cook over medium heat for 30-40 minutes (I used my electric skillet), until liquid is brown and reduced and chicken is cooked. Toss the chicken in remaining liquid to glaze.

July's Mid Month Update

Outside my window . . . Our yard is a work in progress!  We are trying to get our landscape taken out/cleaned up/redone!  It's sunny and beautiful (a tad warm for me) and should be the rest of the week.

I am thinking . . . my to do list today may carry over to the next couple days... it's pretty long!

I am thankful for . . . Allie having 9 days left in her cast!  We've avoided the water all summer so she wouldn't feel left out, so we are planning on spending the whole day in a pool when it comes off. 

In the kitchen . . . I'm waiting to put my bran muffins in the oven for breakfast :)

I am wearing . . . my pjs

I am creating . . .  a list of things to look for while thrifting/yard saling.  #1 on my list is a big mirror for the hall bathroom!

I am going . . . to Walmart and PetSmart today.  

I am wondering . . . if Krissy is getting more teeth.  She has all the symptoms but I can't see any part of her gums that look super swollen.  If only she could talk....

I am reading . . . homeschool material! We are starting our adventure this month!

I am hoping . . . Shylers re-opens soon!  It's the only BBQ I want!

I am looking forward to . . . a doctor's appt next week.  This pregnancy is flying by!  I'm 16 weeks this week. 

I am hearing . . . PBS.  I usually have it on for the kids to watch while I'm getting breakfast ready.

Around the house . . . we are hoping to have an organization overhaul!  I have so many closets and drawers and baskets I need to go through and re-organize!

One of my favorite things . . . is when Kevin is off work.  The kids love having their wrestling partner home, and I enjoy having another adult in the house to talk to.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . It's the first week we have nothing on the calendar!  I need to get caught up on everything (cleaning/organizing/laundry) and maybe spend a little time on Pinterest.  I've had good luck with some things I've pinned recently!

Easy Crockpot Pizza

It's been weeks (maybe months) since I've tried a new recipe, but I found one on Pinterest that got my attention.  It looked very easy, cooked quickly, and it seemed to be the kind of food I've been craving (think meat, cheese, carbs).  I didn't expect it to be some wonderful meal I'd make over and over because the ingredients are pretty plain.  What was I thinking?  I love plain and simple, and my belly and the kids and Kevin all enjoyed the recipe!  Definitely will be making again!  It didn't have a name, so I'll call it "crockpot pizza" because Kevin said it tasted like homemade pizza but with noodles instead of crust!

Ingredients:
3lb jar of Prego (or your favorite pasta sauce)
box of rigatoni noodles - cooked
1lb ground beef - cooked
3 C mozzarella cheese
1 package turkey pepperoni (healthier and just as tasty)

Directions:
Reserve 1-2 C of Prego for topping.  Layer half of each ingredient in order listed then repeat.  Cover and cook on low for 4 hours (after about 2.5 hours I turned my crockpot to "warm" because I didn't want it overcooking while we were gone - and it was perfecto!).
Once it has cooked (the cheese will be melted and the pepperoni will curl around the edges), serve and top it with the extra sauce if you are a sauce person!
We also served the dish with green beans and Papa Johns breadsticks (a favorite craving of mine). 

We ate close to 8pm last night and we were all so hungry I forgot to take pictures!  Here's one picture from the website I found the recipe on...

June's Date Night

Every month Kevin and I have made an effort to go on a date night.  He gets really into planning them.  Last night was our scheduled date night and he wouldn't really tell me anything about the date ahead of time.  Chinese food was sounding good that morning, and I had a good feeling we weren't eating that (since we did that the month before) so I asked if he'd tell me where we were going so I could start thinking about what sounded good.  I was surprised he told me, but he said we were going to Cavanaughs.  We love the restaurant!  (It's actually where he proposed!)

Yesterday afternoon, Kevin had been talking to his friend about buying his old bicycle, and he decided to go get it at 4pm.  I was slightly annoyed because we were supposed to leave in one hour for our date, I had a pounding headache, and I knew it would take him longer than an hour to get to the northside and back because he is a talker!  5o'clock got here and Kevin hadn't gotten home yet.  I was sitting on the porch and the kids were running through the yard with the pup.  A car (a shiny Mercedes) came down our street really slow, and turned in our driveway.  I thought they were turning around, but the kept pulling in the driveway.  I thought "I don't know anyone that drives a car like that so I have no idea why they are at my house!".  And out pops Kevin.  He borrowed the car for the evening from a very nice friend at work.  So sneaky Kevin didn't go get a bicycle like he told me, he went and picked up the car.  We took some prom-like pictures with it and then we were off to dinner.

We were the only reservation that night at Cavanaughs.  I was hoping for a window seat, and once we left the hostess stand, I started checking out the open tables by the windows hoping we'd get one.  Then I saw a dozen pink roses sitting at an empty table and guessed that's where we were headed.  I was right.  I was surprised, once again, by the most wonderfully smelling roses I've ever smelled in my life.

Dinner didn't disappoint.  Actually the steak I got was the best I've ever had.  I was telling the waitress how wonderful it was and she was telling me their cook had a grill master degree.  I believed it!  So good!

 Kevin is not a dessert person, but he enjoyed his vanilla bean ice cream drizzled with caramel!

Here are my favorite things about eating at Cavanaughs...

1. It's formal dining yet people are usually dressed semi casual.
2. The food is consistently amazing!
3. Between your salad and main course, you get sorbet to cleanse your palate!  It was lemon last night and tasted great!
4. The warm bread is served with fresh cloves of garlic in olive oil.
5. Everything is priced a la carte.
6. Their ranch is the best ever - and I love the mini gravy boat it's served in.
7. I usually don't have room for dessert, but I always get it anyways.  They have a dessert cart they bring to your table and it's filled with 7-10 desserts you can pick from.  
8. It's pricey, but the service is always exceptional.

Before dinner Kevin snuck an envelope full of cards into my purse.  After dinner, he asked me to take them out, and I had no clue what he was talking about, so once again he surprised me.  We went and found an empty bench that overlooked the river and we took turns opening the cards.  He had written questions that we took turns asking and answering.  It was a fun and relaxing thing to do after eating like a horse.  After we had gone through all the cards, we took about an hour drive before heading home.  The highlight of the drive was listening to Sirius radio. :)

I am still so impressed by all the thought Kevin put into making the evening special for me.  Big thanks to Kevin, and his co-worker that loaned us the car, and the ladies that gave him tips on where to get flowers on Sunday (p.s. Schnucks is about the only place that delivers flowers on Sunday!).  Kevin told me June was the peak for our date nights and they would all be scaled back from here, but I'm still looking forward to them :)

Surprise x 4!

I guess it's time to make it blog official... We are expecting Baby Devine #4!  Should I have told you to sit down first?  It was a surprise to us too, but we are thrilled about this little surprise baby!  Life in the Devine house is already borderline crazy, so what's one more baby, right?!  As my friend Deanna likes to say, "We embrace crazy at this house!"

Here's a timeline of events from the last couple months!

I started weight watchers on April 18 - 4 days before I found out I was expecting.

6 Weeks from LMP: April 22 - I had just laid the girls down for their afternoon nap.  I was worn out and decided to sit on the couch with Hayden.  I dozed off for a few minutes and when I woke up I felt like I was having a hot flash and my heart was racing.  I checked my resting heart rate (which always increases when you are pregnant) and realized mine was up about 10bmp.  I figured I'd go quickly take a pregnancy test before the girls woke up and just rule out the thought that I could be pregnant.  I had told myself over and over that I wasn't so when my test showed two pink lines, I about lost it.  My mom happened to call as I was watching the lines show up, so I had to act calm, cool, and collected.  Needless to say, she had no idea. 

I had about 6 hours to decide how to tell Kevin when he got home from work.  We had just got some pictures of our kids back from my cousin Lacey and I wrote captions on one picture.  I had Hayden's caption say,  "Guess what Daddy?", and Allie's said, "#4 is on the way!!!"  He looked at the picture before reading it and asked if Lacey added the words.  I said, "Did you read it?"  So he read it and was SO SHOCKED!

Lots of questions (should we move sooner than we anticipated?).  Lots of unexpected expenses (we will need another crib!).  Lots of unknowns (boy or girl, will this be a Christmas baby, how will it effect the holiday season for us, etc).  We both felt so at peace though.  We felt like this baby was part of our plan, even though we hadn't planned it.  It's truly the best surprise I've ever had in my life.

I really had no symptoms, other than I was tired.  I hadn't been sleeping well but didn't think much of it.  I did have a pounding headache one day that I couldn't seem to get any relief from, but I blamed it on the lack of sugar from starting Weight Watchers.

Kevin's face is him reacting to the news!  Priceless!

Week 7 prego:  First real craving = Pizza Chef pizza... been wanting lots of cheese.  We had our first doctor's appointment (horribly rude ultrasound tech) and found out I was 7 weeks pregnant instead of 9, like I had calculated.  We ran into my old boss in the parking lot, and told her we were expecting, but made sure she knew not to tell anyone!  Heartbeat was 140 bmp, & got bloodwork done.  I'm due January 1st, and I'm going to do everything possible to hold off to deliver on that day!  A new years baby would be exciting.  I've officially quit Weight Watchers.

Week 8:  Lots of headaches and I haven't been sleeping well.  I've been craving baked potatoes with cheese, broccoli, and bacon (I could really eat it everyday) and craving sprite.  I got a little weepy over wanting Chinese and my favorite place was closed for the day.

Week 9: We bought a minivan.  Seemed very practical and I already love it.  Headaches are frequent but thankful I don't have any nausea.  I feel very certain I know the gender of this baby based on cravings and symptoms.  Kevin is picking out the baby's name.  My sister-in-law started to question why I stopped my diet, bought a van, and wanted a sprite (I don't normally drink any sodas) and asked if I was pregnant.  I lied and said no!  Kevin is ready to tell, but I'm trying to get him to wait another couple weeks (after my next doctor's appointment)! 

Week 10:  No nausea to report as of yet, but the headaches are still frequent.  My pooch is getting harder to hide!  I need to invest in more loose shirts.  I started wearing some maternity shorts this week and they are so much more comfortable than regular shorts!  Still wanting meat, cheese, sprite, & potatoes... and occasionally Laffy Taffy - grape or banana!

Week 11:  Had my first doctor's appointment with my OB.  She had trouble finding the heartbeat with the dopplar (due to the baby's position), so she brought in a mini ultrasound machine.  I got to see Baby bouncing and moving and got to see the little heart beating.  Everything looked great.  I set a date for our 20 week ultrasound - August 19th!  We're definitely finding out the sex this time!

Week 12:  It's official - all the family knows, and we are in the process of telling friends!  We told the kids on a Saturday morning, and no one seemed to process it.  We told Kevin's parents at lunch that day and they were very surprised.  Sunday morning walking into church, Hayden told the greeter I had a baby in my belly.  I thought it was cute, but was slightly worried he was going to spill the beans to the entire church for us - so we quickly pulled him aside and told him we weren't telling the rest of the family until that evening, so he had to keep the secret a little longer.  He did - and we told my family on Father's Day after dinner. I also came across some Bazooka Joe bubble gum at Cracker Barrel this week that made me really happy! 

Hello 2nd Trimester!  I hope I find my energy, and nesting instinct!  Kevin's been great about picking up my slack around the house.  He's also so sweet to take care of any cravings I have.  The kids are doing so well about napping in the afternoons so momma can catch a much needed power nap!  I have been horrible about taking belly pictures, so maybe I'll get better about that during the 2nd trimester!

Photos With CeCe

I was telling Kevin that I regretted not having more pictures of TJ.  I have zero pictures of him and I together.  I was slightly sad about that.  This weekend we took the kids to the river for a walk, and the pup so we could get some pictures of her.  She's already grown so much in the week that we had her!

Krissy was happily watching the photo shoot.

Allie & Hayden with CeCe.

He's not going to be able to hold her like this for very long!

Showing off that blue and green eye.

Krissy wanted a picture with CeCe.

Brother & Sister

Being their usual selves... 

Me & CeCe

June's Mid Month Update

Outside my window . . . It's almost 70*, humid, and the sun is shining

I am thinking . . .I just heard the baby - I need to type fast!

I am thankful for . . .our new to us minivan.  We've had it almost two weeks and I feel like I've been missing out for years!  Automatic doors and a DVD player have been so handy!  I'll have to post pics soon.

In the kitchen . . . I'm working on a sock project for Allie.  I couldn't find any socks with grips on the bottom (to go over her cast), so I'm adding puff paint to the bottoms of some socks.  Hope it works!

I am wearing . . . It's 7am, so I'm still in pjs!

I am creating . . . (wanting to create) a menu plan for a whole year.  I'd love to have it done by the end of this year.  It would be so nice

I am going . . . walking by the river this morning, then getting my hair trimmed! 

I am wondering . . . when CeCe will be big enough to be outside all the time.  I'm hoping within a couple weeks!

I am reading . . . Made to Crave... Well I started it, but I'm only half way through.

I am hoping . . . The 6 weeks Allie has a cast(s) on goes by quickly!

I am looking forward to . . . celebrating Father's Day this weekend!  I asked Kevin to plan what he wanted to do all day Sunday.

I am hearing . . . Allie raiding the fridge 

Around the house . . . I've been sweeping/vacuuming like a mad woman.  Between the puppy and Krissy, they eat everything on the floor they find!

One of my favorite things . . . has been watching Hayden and Allie love on CeCe.  They love carrying her around like a baby.  I'm letting them do it now because in a few weeks she will be too big.  Hayden also talks so sweet to her.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . Kids have dentist appts next week, and I'm hoping to do lots of laundry, because it's always behind at my house!

Meet CeCe

Kevin and I both agreed, after TJ passed so unexpectedly, that quickly buying another puppy would be best for everyone.  It was hard for me to feel like we weren't trying to replace TJ, but we just had a void from the loss of him that we knew could only be filled by another pup.  We went on a week long search, I vetoed a lot of pups that didn't meet my standards, and yesterday morning we stublmbed across this sweet face.

She was in a litter of 4, and when we inquired about the pups, the lady only had one left - and it my favorite from the litter.  She is an Australian Shepherd and has a blue eye and green eye.  Her coat is called a "red merle" , which is a mix of brown.  All her paws have white tips.  The biggest selling point was she had a tail.  Most Aussie breeder, if they are born with a tail, have them docked shortly after their birth.  I wanted a doggy with a tail!  And her tail has a white tip :)

We got her home yesterday about 6pm so I didn't have time to take many pictures.  I'm hoping today to start snapping some!  The kids adore her. Yesterday on the ride home, Allie kept blowing her kisses saying, "I love you CeCe".  Hayden grins from ear to ear when CeCe gives him puppy kisses.  They are more than anxious to help, which is good for me, but slightly suffocating for CeCe.  She's been a great pup so far.  I'm anxious to see her personality come out more and more over the next few days!

He Was A Good Dog

Yesterday, June 1st, was a normal day in the Devine house.  Kevin went to work, I hung out with the kids, and we had watched TJ and his buddy Tracker (a friends dog we are pet sitting) wrestle and play in the yard all day.  I went out several times throughout the day to give the dogs treats, and they both were so worn out from playing so hard.  I'm strict about his feeding schedule, so I never give him more than he's supposed to get, but yesterday I gave him an extra helping of food at dinner time.  Kevin and I talked about whether or not to get TJ a friend after we were done pet sitting.  He loved the constant company.  He had a really good day yesterday. 

Kevin was able to come home a little early from work last night.  He'd been working in a 90* plant all day and when he got home he wanted a snow cone.  I told him to get one and he could help me tuck the kids in bed when he got back.  About the time I was expecting Kevin home, I walked the kids to their room to get them ready for bed.  Kevin ran in the back door, frantically asking where the emergency vet was.  I started panicking and asked why.  He said he had hit TJ, but he was still moving, but he needed to get him there fast.  I grabbed Kevin's phone and ran outside with him to find TJ and he was laying in the yard.  He was still breathing so Kevin rushed him to the vet.  I called the vet to tell them he was on his way, but by the time Kevin got there, TJ was gone.  The vet said that with his injuries there was nothing she could do. 

The kids were still awake so they knew what was going on.  Trying to explain death to a 5 and almost 3 year old is really hard.  I told them TJ was in heaven now.  They said they would just keep praying God would heal TJ.  Kevin and I stayed up talking and crying late into the night.  He was able to get some sleep, but I couldn't.  I know that if we could do anything to change what happened we would.  TJ had become such a big part of our family.  Our day, and the funny stories we told our friends and family revolved around what TJ had done.

He was crazy and wild and at times destructive, but protective and gentle with the kids.  I told him daily he "was the best doggy in the whole wide world".  He knew he was loved and lived a very happy and full 14 months with us.  He seemed invincible and I really thought we'd have him at least 10 more years. 

Kevin and I keep trying to focus on the positives - all the great stories we have about TJ.  I'm thinking I'll put together a book with pictures and stories about him for the kids.  I think we are going to let the kids make the concrete garden stepping stones as a remembrance for him.  He also spent many hours a day chasing birds, so I think I want to put up a bird feeder in the yard.

It's about 12 hours since the accident and as we laid in bed as the sun came up and heard the birds chirping, I just cried wishing TJ could have just one more day with us.  One more day to enjoy the sunny weather, one more day to chase the birds, one more day to play with the kids, one more time that I could hug him and pet those big fuzzy ears that I loved so much.  But that's the take away.  Tomorrow isn't promised.  We need to make the most of every day.  I need to remind myself of that everyday.  I get so set in my routine that I'm guilty of not making the most of every day.

Here's some of my favorite pictures of TJ and the kids.

Some of my favorite times with him were when I let him in after the kids went to bed.  He loved the one on one attention.

This was from this week.  The kids had a blast playing with him and trying to take his toys away.  TJ loved the game more.  If he didn't have any toys out back, he'd go to the front yard and get one so the kids would chase him.

 One of my all time favorite pictures of Hayden and TJ.

 I loved his half blue eye.

 Hayden LOVED TJ kisses and hugs.  They were best buddies.

 Allie loved him just as much.

 Playing in the rain with a big bone.

 He helped Kevin open his birthday gifts this past year.

 When they screen door was open, he'd sit on the step or push his face into the screen.

 He was such a pretty dog!

 Nothing melted my heart quite like those big fuzzy ears.

 When we were getting his electric fence this winter, he stayed inside for a few days.  He managed to figure out how to get on the table.  I know he was laughing at me in this picture.  He was great about cleaning up crumbs :)

 My all time favorite picture of him. 

He enjoyed all the snow this past winter!

 Celebrating his 1st Birthday this past February.

 He was very fond of Krissy, and Krissy loved when TJ was in her face.

 He was always watching out for the kids.  He was wherever they were.