I'm Still Here

It's been a year and a half since my last post, however I have thought about posting many times.  That counts, right?

I am going to make myself sit down and update this weekend.  Stay tuned...

Cars = Danger for the Ott Family

Why you ask?  While I was leaving the library today, my car door swung open and hit another car.  It left a nice green dent and long line down the door because the car was just far enough away that it caught the entire length of the edge of my door.

As I was leaving my information on the other car, Donny called to let me know he had just been involved in a wreck.  Thankfully it was nothing serious (a lady backed into him at Walgreens), but it took an hour for the police to get there.

Moral of this story:  Donny and I don't need to drive for awhile.  If only that were possible...

Some Reflection and Good News!

Tuesday of last week I ended up in the ER per my doctor's orders.  I'll spare you the details, but it was traumatic at the time.  As I was waiting to be seen, I told Donny I wasn't sure I wanted kids.  My body was out of control.  My hormones were out of control and that night I was an emotional wreck.  I ended up being on bed rest almost all of Spring Break.  That being said, I couldn't help but think about the fact that God's timing is perfect and He has blessed us through all of this.

A couple of things stood out to me over the last two weeks.  We were on Spring Break (perfect time for bed rest). We were supposed to go out of town on Wednesday (this all happened on Tuesday). While I was doubting whether or not I wanted children a week ago, I woke up this morning feeling refreshed and renewed.  Numerous friends and family contacted us and shared their stories of loss and of hope.  He knows what He's doing.

As for the good news...I had a post-op appointment today and the doctor said everything is back to normal and we can start trying to conceive again.  God is so good!

Recipes

Now that I'm not working as much as I was before, I have been experimenting with different recipes.  I found this one on Pinterest and it was a definite hit in our house.

Angel Chicken

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (about 1-1/2 pounds, thawed)
1 8-oz. pkg. fresh button mushrooms, quartered
1 6-oz. pkg. fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, caps sliced
1/4 cup butter
1 0.7-oz. pkg. Italian dry salad dressing mix
1 10-3/4-oz. can condensed golden mushroom soup
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 of an 8-oz. tub cream cheese spread with chives and onion
Hot cooked rice or angel hair pasta

Directions:
1. Melt butter in saucepan.
2. Add Italian dressing packet.
3. Stir in soup, wine and cream cheese until it combines and melts.
4. Cut up mushrooms.
5. Place mushrooms in the bottom of the Crock-Pot.
6. Top with chicken.
7. Pour sauce on top.
8. Cook on low for 5 hours.
9. Serve over angel hair pasta.

I altered the recipe a little bit.  Our grocery store didn't have shiitake mushrooms so I used two packages of button mushrooms instead.  I also didn't cut them up.

Anyone Out There?

Well...it looks like I went on a 6 month hiatus from my blog.  I have to admit, Facebook has made me a little lazy.  Sometimes it's just easier to share what's going on in a couple of sentences, rather than in a couple of paragraphs.  My goal is to post at least once a week starting today.  I feel as if that is reasonable.  We'll see how long that lasts though.

After seeing that several of my friends were giving Facebook up for Lent, I decided to do the same.  I had become addicted. I didn't post often, but I loved to keep up with everyone else's lives.  It's actually been a lot easier than I thought to give it up.  I do feel like I'm missing out on a lot of things, but it's forced me to communicate more through the phone and by text.

Donny and I have had a roller coaster of emotions over the last few months.  In January we found out we were pregnant for the first time.  We were ecstatic!  At first, we decided we weren't going to tell anyone besides our family and close friends.  That didn't last long.  We just couldn't help sharing the good news.  Unfortunately, however, we lost the baby at 11 weeks.  We were devastated at first, but we have hope because we know God has a bigger plan than our own.  We want nothing more than to be parents and will definitely try again.  In the meantime, we would appreciate your prayers for healing and for hope.
 
In the midst of all of that, Donny was still in the basketball playoffs.  They lost in the Regional Tournament to last year's State Champions, Flower Mound Marcus.  I missed a lot of his games this year because I was working at another job after school.  I am no longer working there, especially since we're trying to start a family.

Other than that, we have really gotten plugged in to McKinney Memorial Bible Church here in Fort Worth.  I am a sub for Preschool Sunday School and am hoping to start working with the children's program on Wednesday nights.  We are hoping to get even more involved as time goes on.

I'm not sure if anyone is even reading this anymore. If you are, please leave me a comment, even if I don't know you.

Southern Living's Extra-Cheesy (Crock-Pot) Macaroni and Cheese

According to Donny, this is the best macaroni and cheese he has ever eaten.  Enjoy!

Makes 6 to 8 servings

1 (8oz) package shredded Italian three-cheese blend
1 (8oz) package shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces small shell pasta (about 2 1/4 cups), uncooked

1. Combine cheeses in a bowl; set aside.

2. Whisk together eggs and next 6 ingredients in a large bowl. Stir in pasta and 3 cups cheese mixture. Pour mixture into a lightly greased 3-quart slow cooker; sprinkle with 3/4 cup cheese mixture.

3. Cover and cook on LOW 4 hours. Sprinkle servings evenly with remaining cheese mixture.

Friday

Friday was a rough day for me.  I was worn down, my students weren't performing to the levels that I know they are capable of, and it seemed like everyone at Lowe's had a problem or complaint that night.  When I left the store at 10:30, knowing that I had to be back on Saturday at 9, I sat in my car for a minute to simply take a breath.  I felt as if I had been going non-stop for weeks.  I had an e-mail notification and decided to check it before I headed home.  Much to my surprise, I had my first student e-mail that was not regarding a homework assignment.  See below:

Subject:  :)  Hi Mrs. Ott

Hi Mrs. Ott :) It's me _____ from your ____ and ____ block :)
I just wanted to say that you're a very good math teacher :)
I've learned a lot lately and it's a bit hard but I think I got it.
Thank you for everything :)

Sincerely,
_________ _________ :)

I'll admit it; it brought tears to my eyes and still does. It is nice to know that my hard work is paying off; that I'm making a difference in someone's life.  Little did that student know, but they were also making a difference in my life...just like the 101 other students I see each day.  I am richly blessed! 

Friday wasn't so rough after all...

Things That Make Me Happy

On the way to work this morning, I was thinking about how blessed I am and wanted to share a few things that have made me happy lately.

• Walks with Donny and Zoe
• Wearing jeans to work while supporting a good cause
• Meeting new neighbors
• Boot Camp
• Kidd Kraddick In The Morning
• Spending time with friends
• Eating out
• Drinks from Sonic
• My students
• Spring Break
• Being caught up on grading
• Spending time with family
• Cooking
• Warm weather
• Flip-flops
• Shopping for a wedding dress (and finding one)
• Church
• Singing
• Dancing

What are some things that make you happy?

Cleaning Routine

I like to clean, but am wanting to create a regular cleaning schedule. Currently, someone either cleans for me or it takes most of the day on Saturday. Do any of you have a schedule that you follow weekly (i.e. Bathrooms on Monday, Kitchen on Tuesday)? If so, please share!

Bargains

It is no surprise that I love bargains. I can remember being little and shopping the clearance racks at Dillards. I also paid $30 for one prom dress and $15 for another. As I said...I love bargains. Fortunately, since we've moved into our new house, I've found several of them.

Bargain #1 - FREE refrigerator

Story: As I was packing up the old house, I realized I didn't want to move the mismatched dishes and cups. I placed an ad on Craigslist and within an hour, 14 people asked to come pick them up. I contacted the first lady and as she was packing the dishes I mentioned that I haven't given away much on Craigslist. She said she had and was about to post a fridge on there. I asked a few more questions, found out it was free and voila...we had a garage refrigerator. It may be old, but it works like a charm.

Bargain #2 - $150 rug for $10 + $42 to clean

Story: After eating at Montana's in Granbury we decided to go in Aaron's Rental. We knew we had to be particular about what rug we purchased because of the dog and cat hair. So...we found a rug that was $150 and decided that that was a good price, but wanted to shop around a little more. When we went outside, the exact same rug was out there. I asked how much it was and the lady said $10 since it had been previously leased. $42 later, we saved approx. $100 on the rug.

Bargain #3 - $125 patio furniture set

Story: Once again, this was a Craigslist deal. I'm addicted. I spend at least an hour every night browsing things for sale. I will never buy a new piece of furniture after seeing what people are willing to sell and at such low prices.

Bargain #4 - FREE chiminea

Story: While moving out of the old house, I commented on the neighbor's chiminea that I saw for the first time. She then asked if I wanted to borrow it (most likely permanently) because she wasn't using it. So you guessed it, I borrowed it!

As long as I live I will be a bargain shopper. I love the feeling of getting a good deal. It's addicting!

Miscellaneous...

I don't even know where to start and I don't have any pictures to make this interesting. I haven't been able to find my camera for a couple of months now. I haven't looked terribly hard for it, but I do feel lost without it.

In the last couple of weeks I:

- Didn't drink as much water as planned, but have gotten better.
- Transitioned from the business world back to teaching. I love my students, team and school. I am so blessed.
- Have attended many basketball games. North Crowley is in the playoffs and typically wins their games by 20+ points.
- Have made some new friends through school and through Donny's school. One of the advantages of Donny being an English teacher is that he works with a team of mainly females.
- Have found a place to take piano lessons, less than 5 houses away from mine.
- Have had 3 days off of school thanks to Martin Luther King day, a snow day, and President's Day.
- Woke up Friday morning with a horrible sore throat and sinus pressure. I had been tired all week and winded when I walked up the stairs at school. Come to find out I had sinusitis and bronchitis. If you've never been to Trinity Xpress Med - I highly recommend it. I ended up with two shots and 3 antibiotics.
- Had a hair dryer catch on fire. Literally. I had to throw it across the bathroom to make it stop burning. Needless to say I bought a new one today.
- Kept the books at the Crowley Middle School vs. Summer Creek Championship.
- Had dinner with two great friends and one of their boyfriends.

AND...graded hundreds of papers!

I hope everyone has a GREAT Valentine's Day!!

Changes

I've said before that I like change. And...my life is about to change dramatically. I have made the decision to return to teaching and beginning Tuesday, I will be a 6th grade math teacher in Mansfield ISD!! I can't wait to be back in the classroom and be on the same schedule as Donny. That being said, I am really excited about this opportunity. However, I am sad to leave all of my friends at Northwestern Mutual.

If you think about it, please say an extra prayer for me as one chapter of my life closes and another begins.

Water Update

Thank you for all of your suggestions and encouragement on my water challenge. I haven't gotten off to a very good start. As a reminder, my goal was to drink 4-20 oz bottles of water per day for a month. So far, here are my totals:

Day 1 - 5 bottles (not too shabby) +1 for my goal
Day 2 - 0 bottles (terrible) -3 for my goal
Day 3 - 1 bottle (still terrible) -6 for my goal
Day 4 - 1/2 bottle (you guessed it...terrible) -9.5 for my goal
Day 5 - 1 bottle (haven't given up yet) -12.5 for my goal

Today is Day 6. I am determined to drink at least 4 bottles before I leave work. Hopefully I can start chipping away at the 12.5 bottles I'm behind as well.

Hi, My name is Carissa...

and I hate drinking water. Really...any liquids for that matter. As a result, I need some accountability. My skin is incredibly dry and it's amazing I'm not dehydrated to the point of needing to go to the hospital. Before today, I couldn't tell you the last time I drank water. It has probably been months and that's not an exaggeration.

So...I'm going to set a goal of drinking at least 4, 20 oz bottles of water a day for a month. The one pictured below is in my office and I am planning on washing and refilling it each day. I'm going to report my results as often as possible. Wish me luck!!

Do You Hate Junk Mail?

If so, check out this website. By clicking on the icon below and filling in a few pieces of information, a document will be created. The document requests your removal from 9 different junk-mail lists. I'm going to try it, if for no other reason than to help save a few trees.

Camp Wolfgang - Urgent Request

A German Shepherd rescue group called Camp Wolfgang , in Ennis, Texas is closing down on October 31st. They have nearly 200 dogs that must find a foster home or be adopted before then or they will have no choice but to euthanize them all. All the dogs are vetted, spayed/neutered, micro-chipped, well cared-for and many have training. If you cannot help by fostering or adopting...YOU CAN STILL HELP!!!

Please forward this information to everyone you know! They do not need or want donations, they simply MUST place all of the dogs. Adoption fees are $75.00, free to verifiable rescue groups.

Current dogs: (approximation) 120 German Shepherds; 2 Akitas; 1 Anatolian/Great Pyrenees; 4 Purebred Rottweilers; 1 Great Dane/Lab; 1 Boxer/Mastiff; 1 St. Bernard/Akita; 1 WolfDog; 45 Other mixed breeds.

Time is of the essence!! If you know anyone who can adopt, accept a dog into their rescue, or help in any way, contact Neisha Livengood, Kennel Master at Camp Wolfgang .

Neisha Livengood
windigo1966@yahoo.com
wally@campwolfgang.com
campwolfgang@yahoo.com
phone: 214-755-1627

Camp Wolfgang
6234 FM 879
Ennis, Texas 75119
www.campwolfgang.petfinder.com

Neiman Marcus Chicken Salad

I made Neiman Marcus' Chicken Salad for a shower I helped host this weekend. This was my first time to make it and I must say, it was delicious. I followed the recipe below, however, I used Tyson's White Canned Chicken instead of chicken breasts. I also added more almonds than the reciped required and less celery and grapes. Enjoy!

2 1/4 diced cold white meat chicken (approx. 4 breasts)
1 c. finely chopped celery1 c. halved green seedless grapes
1/2 c. slivered toasted almonds
2 tbsp. parsley
1 tsp. salt, optional
1 c. mayonnaise (not salad dressing)
1/2 c. whipping cream (whipped stiff)

Combine all ingredients and serve. Serves 6-8.

Monkey Bread

Shared by Natalie Wier

For as long as I can remember, Monkey Bread was present at Wier sleepovers. Thanks to Natalie, I finally have the recipe.

It is designed to be made in a bundt pan. In the picture, however, it was made in an angel food pan because that was all my grandmother had. Forgive the powdered sugar blobs. I took the picture before I smoothed them. Enjoy!

3 cans cheap biscuits
1 stick margaine
2 T. cinnamon
1/4c. sugar
3/4c. sugar
1/2 box powdered sugar ( or 2c)
1t. vanilla
milk

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350. Mix cinnamon and 1.4c sugar together in bowl.
2. Open biscuits, separate, and cut into fourths. Roll biscuits in cinnamon and sugar. Place in a greased bundt pan.
3. Melt butter.
4. Add extra sugar to remaining cinnamon and sugar mixture until you have 3/4c of mixture.
5. Pour melted butter over mixture.
6. Stir and pour over biscuits.
7. Bake at 350 for 30 min.

As soon as its ready, flip it over and add glaze.

For Glaze:
Mix powdered sugar and vanilla together. Add just enough milk to make it thick. Spoon glaze over top.

Baked Spaghetti


Thanks to a recipe on this blog I made Baked Spaghetti last night. It was delicious if I may say so myself and also really easy to make. I took pictures, however my camera isn't working properly.


BAKED SPAGHETTI


16 oz spaghetti
26 oz spaghetti sauce
1 ½ lbs. ground beef
1 egg
8 oz sour cream
1 stick margarine/butter
2-3 cups grated cheddar cheese


DIRECTIONS: While spaghetti is cooking, brown ground beef, drain excess fat and add the sauce. Drain pasta and add the sour cream and margarine. When the pasta has cooled a bit, add the egg. Place pasta mixture in the bottom of a greased 13x9 casserole dish. Top pasta with the ground beef mixture. Then cover with cheddar. Bake at 375 for 30-40 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly.

Rocky

This weekend was spent eating, selling, eating, shopping, and more eating thanks to Antique Alley. On Thursday, my Aunt and I set up our estate sale. We sold the last of my grandma's things that had been in storage since February. The only problem is I ended up taking home a carload full of stuff. How could I let someone buy Mr. and Mrs. Claus that had been a part of every Christmas I'd ever had? Unfortunately the rain got the best of us on Thursday. It had rained Wednesday night and everything was soaked. It also rained on us most of the day. Although it was frustrating at times, it was nice not to have to put on makeup or do my hair! We ate dinner at R & K Cafe and I had a grilled cheese with bacon. Talk about a heart attack in a sandwich. But...it was delicious. On Friday, the rain held off and everything went well. On Saturday, my friends Diana and Shannon joined me to do some shopping and sampling of food. We ate barbecue sandwiches, homemade kettle corn, homemade fried pies, etc. We were in food heaven! While we were walking around, we saw a house that had Shih-Tzu puppies for sale. They also had a kitten pouncing around the yard. Donny's been wanting a playmate for Zoe and agreed I could get a kitten rather than getting a puppy. So...I asked the lady if she would be willing to sell the kitten. She actually said I could have it. It was a stray that she found wedged between the screen door and front door during all the rain. I bought a gerbil cage to put him in ( I couldn't find anything else) and away we went. His name was supposed to be Rowdy but I kept calling him Rocky. So...Rocky it is. I was nervous to introduce him to Zoe because she has never been around cats. Plus, she's 70 lbs. and he is barely 1 lb. Zoe got really excited and tried to jump in order to reach Rocky. He did not appreciate that gesture. He hissed and swung at her. Slowly but surely they warmed up to each other. They're still not best friends, but they're working on it. I've included some cute pictures of them 'playing.'

'Maybe if I hide here she can't see me!'

Rocky playing with his mouse

Zoe looks hungry.