The Princess

For those of you who may not know, this is Vegas. Vegas is the Princess, she is a total Daddy's Girl, and she is pretty much the cutest dog ever. : )

Now for her story…

Hubby and I moved in together in June of 2004 (living in sin...I know). He was moving out from his roommates and ended up taking "their (meaning the house)" dog. More on that story later. We decided that he, now our dog, Bubba, needed a friend because he just always seemed kind of lonely and we thought there would be no better way to keep him entertained than with a new playmate!

Thus began the hunt for another dog throughout the summer of 2004. Hubby and I went to every animal shelter and no-kill shelter in town. All of these visits usually involved me falling in love with all of them, begging for all of them, and then leaving in tears when I realized that we couldn't save them all. We walked through so many barking aisles in made my head spin, but knew we would know when we found the right one.

In August, we took a trip to a local animal shelter in Bedford, Texas. It is a small shelter, or what anyone would typically call "the pound". Most of your local shelters do euthanize due to space issues so those were definitely the first places that we tried. Most of the dogs up for adoption were big dogs (that is the theme at most places so if you are in the market...adopt a big dog...puppies are cute but they grow up into big dogs too...but I understand I can't talk too loudly because we adopted a small dog AND got a puppy), which wasn’t off the table, but we didn’t want Bubba to feel dominated in any way since he was the first dog of the house.

So anywho...we were walking down one aisle when this cute little girl caught our eye. She was all black, had tons of hair, and just seemed really sweet. We opened the cage to take a look at her and instantly Hubby fell in love. He was 100% smitten. We checked out her papers and realized that "Diamond" was a stray from Fort Worth (how she got to Bedford, I don't want to even think about) and unfortunately was not up for adoption quite yet.

Just FYI: Typically shelters will keep animals on hold for 5-7 days to see if they are claimed before they are able to be adopted.

We decided after playing with her for a few minutes that she was the one, verified that she would be available in a few days and said we would be back.

We came back every day to visit “Diamond” until she was available. I think it was a Friday when she was adoptable, so we went first thing in the morning. When we got there, we checked in and told the front desk girl that we were there to adopt the little black Pomeranian mix. She seemed less than thrilled that we were there and said she wasn't sure if she was still available. We of course quickly went in the back and checked and when we saw that she was still there, we snatched her up immediately! We realized after the fact that we think she worked for a "rescue" or one of those places that "rescues" dogs and then tried to sell them for a profit. Good intentions I supposed, but still makes me INSANE.

ANYWAYS, off my soapbox. We paid our $60 adoption fee, signed our papers promising that we would spay her, took our cute little girl (who was about a year and some change old) and headed home! I would be lying if I said I was 100% on board with getting her at first. I had never had a small dog. I wasn't really the type for a high-maintenance prissy dog like a Pomeranian, and I just wasn't sure how she would get along with Bubba. Hubby was confident though that she was supposed to be with us, so I trusted him, and hoped for the best.

The first couple of weeks were hard. She and Bubba were less than immediate friends. He was nothing was curious about her and she wanted ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with him. She seemed terrified, annoyed, and would do anything she could to get away. Then came the housebreaking issues. She was 100% not housetrained. She would kind of get it, and then I would wake up and step in a big ole' pile of dog pee first thing in the morning. Ahhh...refreshing. Oh and then there was the poop. Oh the poop. Our newest family member had a hard time holding in through the night therefore, she would graciously relieve herself in our bedroom. By the door mind you, but her poop was tiny and hard to see in the dark. Bitch. This led to the unanimous decision that she would be sleeping in her crate at night instead. This of course fixed the problem and she now has the bladder and bowels of an angel! (Except if Hubby and I are out too late, then she punishes us by pooping by the back door...whatever...)

After the puddles of pee and the hiding in fear had worn off, she started to grow on me and I knew she was definitely a keeper. We were now in search for a new name because "Diamond" was just not going to do, it sounded too stripper-ish/American Gladiator-esk (yeah, going old school on that one!). Soooo, we did what any logical person would do when searching for a new name for their dog (don’t judge me people...I was only 21 at the time okay!) we got on a site that allows you to enter your name and gives you options as to what your Stripper name would be. Let the comedy in sew. We, of course, typed in our names first, followed by "Diamond" and was greeted with a whole list of options, one of which was Vegas. Hmmm. Cute, sassy, slightly fitting of a diva...it was PERFECT!

Vegas is now roughly 7 years old (I can’t believe it) and is the comic relief in our house. You cannot have a bad day when you see her throwing around her toys, stalking and barking at her cookies, and ripping a singing greeting card to shreds. She is our middle child, I would say Hubby's favorite, and is a joy in our lives. Granted, she did take some work, is still afraid of all other dogs except for Bubba and now Bailey, and scoots on the carpet when she needs her anal glands squeezed...ummm when she needs to go to the vet...but she is our precious girl and reminds me every day of the importance of adoption.

Happy Pups!

January Appointment

Hubby and I had our monthly appointment with the midwife last Friday. Again, what an AWESOME experience. Everytime we leave, I am even more reassured about the decision I made choosing a birth center over a hospital. I know it is not for everyone, but it is definitely the one for me.

They were running a little late, so that gave Hubby and I a chance to chat with the office manager about her experience at the center (she had her son there as well) AND check on the names on the wall. Every time a baby is born there, they put their feetprints on the wall and include the date of their birth and their name. It is REALLY neat to see all those tiny prints all over the place when you walk in! We definitely have quite a few names picked out (still way more boys than girls) BUT it is always fun to look at other options. There were definitely some weird ones but tons of cute ones that gave us even more ideas.

We met with Beverly, the birth assistant we met with last time and again SHE IS AWESOME. She took her time, answered all our questions, and I even had the chance to meet the other midwife who works at the center. She is great as well and I just can't get over how nice and helpful everyone is. They really seem to care about me and the health and well being of our baby.

We did get to hear the heartbeat again. SO STINKIN' COOL! You would think it would be really emotional but all I can do is giggle the whole time because I can not believe that I have a baby inside me, that Hubby and I MADE a baby! SO AWESOME! The little stinker was moving all about. I couldnt feel it but they said that is only a matter of time.

We were hoping to schedule our 20 weeks sonogram as well but unfortunately the doctor's office where the sonograms are done was closed. Hopefully we will have an appointment set this week! I will keep you posted! This will hopefully be our opportunity to find out the sex! I can't believe it and I can't wait!

All in all, things are going great! I am feeling great and Punkin seems to be doing well! I will keep you posted on the sonogram and then we will have to get serious about names!

Happy Fetus!

Revamped Weekly Menu!

I have decided to try something new! I have been trying to figure out a way to post my weekly menus and recipes without becoming just a cooking blog. Nothing wrong with that TRUST ME, that is just not my goal. Thanks to this awesome blog I figured out a way to do it! Be sure to check my Weekly Menu each week because I will now be including a link to the recipes! If you have any questions about them, feel free to email me at megan.holladay@yahoo.com.

I hope this is helpful to those interested in some new recipes and/or wanting to try writing weekly menus for you and/or your family!

Happy Cooking!

Quesadilla Casserole

I wish I had a picture to share but I was hungry and too lazy to take a picture. Made this on Tuesday night and it was delicious! Made enough for dinner that night, lunch for me on Wednesday, and leftovers on Wednesday night!

Quesadilla Casserole
Adapted from McCormick recipe

1 Tb olive oil
1 lb extra lean ground turkey
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cans (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup frozen whole kernel corn
1 can (4 oz) chopped green chilies, undrained
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves
1/2 tsp crush red pepper (optional)
6 corn tortillas
2 cups shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese

1. Brown turkey and onion in olive oil over medium heat. Add tomato sauce, beans, corn, and green chilies; mix well. Stir in spices. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer 5-10 minutes.

2. Spread 1/2 cup of the meat mixture on bottom of 13x9x2-inch baking dish sprayed with no-stick cooking spray. Top with three tortillas, overlapping as necessary. Layer with 1/2 of the remaining meat mixture and 1/2 of the cheese. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, meat mixture, and cheese.

3. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 15 minutes or until heated through. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Serve with guac and sour cream for added deliciousness!

Happy Cooking!

Cinnamon Pecan Muffins

So I was cruising through a few food blogs and stumbled across a recipe for Chocolate Chip Cupcakes! It was a chocolate chip cookie in cupcake form! Hubby has been begging me to try and create one for a long time and low and behold that stinkin' Martha beat me to it! I can't remember the site I found the recipe on so I apologize for not giving credit where credit is due. Regardless, I did try the recipe and it is good BUT I thought I could make mine better so...I adapted it and here is what I came up with.

Cinnamon Pecan Muffins
2 cups unbleached AP flour
2 cups light brown sugar, packed
1 t baking soda
2 heaping tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold margarine, cut into cubes
1 egg
1 T vanilla
8 oz (1 cup) light sour cream
1/4 cup skim milk
1-2 cups chopped pecans

1 cup chopped pecan
1/2 cup brown sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line 24 muffin tins with cupcake liners.
In your mixer, combine flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and cinnamon. Blend briefly. Add the margarine pieces and blend until the margarine is roughly the size of peas, about 2 minutes. Mix in the egg and vanilla.
Mix in the sour cream and milk until the batter looks evenly moistened. Scrap down the sides and blend again.
Mix in the pecans.

I used a large ice cream scoop and filled it about half full for each muffin. You want the muffin liner to be SLIGHTLY more than half full.

In a small bowl combine 1 cup chopped pecans and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Sprinkle topping on each muffin.

Bake about 20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Keep them all for youself and eat them quickly and quietly before anyone smells the cinnamon OR...share with neighbors....whichever you prefer!

Happy Baking!

The Punkin Room

I finally have pictures! We are going for a jungle theme...we figure that will be gender neutral enough for either sex AND frankly I am determined for our kids to like animals. We dont have any decorations yet (obviously) but I think we have a nice start!

Crib! Complete with blanket that my mom knitted for us already! COWBOYS COLORS! : )

It is going to be punkin/guest room/bed available for Mom and Dad to crash on. I will be replacing this bedding by the way. I already have the quilt, just haven't quite had the energy to change it just yet. Also the chest at the foot of the bed will be finding a home at my parents house as we have NO room right now.

Dresser and changing table (under all the blankets and crap). That dresser actually used to be a darkish-red color stained wood. Hubby stripped it and we made it festive! When it was in the garage...we weren't quite sure but now that it is in the room...it is PERFECT!

The changing table matches the crib, you just cant tell from all the crap on top. And yes...those are diapers and wipes. Santa thought we needed to start stocking up! : )

And this might be my favorite part of the whole room. The glider. I told Hubby before we even started thinking about kids that when we got pregnant, I wanted a glider rocker. Santa found one half off at Babies R Us and brought me one for Christmas! I am so excited...I actually read in it tonight to maximize my usage! Sometimes I make Vegas get in my arms so I can cradle her and practice...she is less than thrilled...especially when I try to swaddle her.

I cant believe I forgot to take a picture of the ceiling though...that is the best part (other than the rocker of course)! I took these pictures during the painting. You get the idea. We definitely went dramatic!

So...what do you think? Have we gone crazy!?

Happy Babies!

Our Bailey Girl

This is Bailey. I know you have all seen her before but I thought I would share the story of how she came to be.

Bailey was born on March 17th 2008 to Chocolate Lab, Drea and Hounddog Mix, Trooper. She wasnt necessarily a PLANNED pregnancy but I would never tell her that. Drea is the daughter of some friends of ours. Hubby has been friends with Heath since high school and they reconnected a few years ago and that is how I was introduced to Sissy. We all hung out together a few times, but Bailey is what really brought Sissy and I together, and for that I am so incredibly grateful. She is an amazingly awesome person, who is honest and blunt (which is what I love about her) and she is an incredibly loyal friend.

The night Drea had her puppies, Heath let Hubby know and you know we were there in a matter of minutes. We were NOT in the market for a dog whatsoever, and even when we went for a visit, they were cute but we were never planning on "adopting" one of them. I have never seen puppies fresh out of the belly before...it was amazing. They were so tiny and whimpering for their mama, and Drea took nothing but the best care of them. It was really a miracle.

Of course Hubby and I visited multiple times as the SIX puppies began to grow and take over our friend's house. Throughout this time, Sissy and I began talking more and our love for dogs really brought us even closer. As the puppies got bigger, she started coming to the devastating realization that they couldn't keep them all because lets face it...EIGHT DOGS is just not feasible for two people that work full time. She started advertising and interviewing people for the right to have her grand-dogs and after only a few visits, I realized that there was no way we couldnt take one of these puppies. Hubby and I discussed and eventually decided that we would adopt one...but WHICH one?! They were all so cute, as their little personalities had already started to develop. We ultimately decided on the solid black lab, that was absolutely precious and even at a young age apprecaited and loved a good belly rub. They continued to try and find homes, which proved to be less than easy but in the end, all six puppies had found homes that they felt comfortable with.

Before she was old enough to be weaned, we were already trying to think of the perfect name for our new family member. Because she was born on St Patrick's Day, I thought something Irish would be fitting. She was all black with just a few spots of white, so I immediately thought of a Guiness beer. How perfect! Hubby hated it.... We debated back and forth and finally decided on the ultimate Irish name, Bailey. It fits her perfectly.

She will be two this March and has grown to be such a wonderful addition to our family. She has her chaotic moments (like when she jumped on my MIL the other night and then proceed to chase her around the kitchen table because my MIL was running from her and Bailey thought it was time to play...my MIL is MAYBE 5 feet tall...Bailey is 75 pounds) but she is such a great dog with an awesome temperment. She is a sweet, sweet girl and I can not wait to introduce her (and the rest of the gang) to "Punkin".

To those of you who are lucky enough to have a dog in your life, squeeze and love them for a dog's love is truly unconditional.

Happy Pups!

Hmmmm

So I have do have tons to write about but nothing is very interesting....or I wouldnt think it would be interesting to anyone but me so instead I will write about whatever comes to mind... how about Punkin?!

So as of Sunday, we are officially 16 weeks! WOO! I can't believe it! I am still feeling good, no major changes except for I am starting to have the beginnings of a belly/beer gut oh and my face still looks like crap. I am still coming to terms with the fact that I am preggers. I know it is crazy because I have

A) Heard the heartbeat...twice
and
B) SEEN THE BABY IN THERE!!!

but it is still just weird. Not weird in a bad way, just weird in a weird way. My mom keeps telling me I need to be singing and talking to the baby but as of right now, it is hard to be whimsical about it when I just feel like I am singing to my gut. Not very sexy. I know it will change once I feel the baby move and maybe even hear the heatbeat again but it is just so crazy that we are having a baby. Dont get me wrong I am VERY excited and not complaining ONE BIT that I havent been sick...just taking awhile to sink in.

We have our next appointment on the 22nd and I will be 18 weeks on the 24th so we are going to go ahead and schedule our sonogram. They dont do sonograms at the Birth Center but they will send me to the same doctor where I had my first. We are going to schedule it at 20 weeks because that is the half way point (INSANE) and we should be able to tell the sex by then! Hopefully Punkin will play along and give us a  view of the goods! Then maybe we can start narrowing down some names. Currently we have about 50 boys names on the fridge (most of which I believe/hope are jokes) and one girl's name which my MIL and I like but Hubby and my mom hate. There is just so much pressure!!!

Oh well, I am trying to enjoy every moment and every quiet moment that I have left. I promise to have something more interesting to write about tomorrow but regardless I hope you have a wickedly awesome Tuesday!

Happy Goods!

Wine Cake

So I had a request for the wine cake recipe that I mentioned yesterday. I wish it was a) more complicated and b) I wish I had a picture. I could TOTALLY take a picture of the carnage that is left of the one my mom made but...it's less than pretty and it would show how much I have eaten of my HUSBAND'S birthday cake in 2 days. Oh well...

Here is the recipe. Try it. Love it. Share it!

Wine Cake

1 box yellow cake mix (I prefer Duncan Hines)
1 box vanilla pudding
1/2 cup white wine
1/2 cup vegetable oil (or applesauce if you are trying to be good but the eggs kinda nix that one...)
1/2 cup water
4 eggs


Combine all ingredients and pour into a greased bundt pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 45 - 60 minutes.

THAT'S IT!

If you want to jazz it up a bit, add a delicious glaze.

Combine...white wine, powdered sugar, and vanilla until you get the consistency you like. I like my thick...my mom likes hers thin. Pour onto the cake once cooled. It may pool in the center but that is 100% and turns out to be the best part! It will start to soak into the bottom of the cake and make is magically wonderful.

Hope you try it and if you do...let me know how it turns out!

I must give credit though. This recipe originally came from my Aunt Joan and has been a family favorite ever since I was little.

Happy Baking!

Hubby is 31

Yesterday was Hubby's birthday. He is officially 31 years old and for at least a month and a few days we are 5 years apart and I find that fabulously scandulous for some reason! He celebrated by working from home and feeling like crap...which stinks BUT he is doing much better today! YAY!

My parents and I took him out to dinner at Mi Chula's in Southlake. Everyone enjoyed their dinner but me...BUT their chips and salsa ROCKS so I am okay with my enchiladas being unenjoyable and unnecessarily spicy.

After dinner, I told Hubby my mom had made him a cake so we had to stop by their house. It was a lie to get him there because his present was there. Turns out my mom really DID make him a cake...a wine cake...which is my absolute FAVORITE...so we even got cake out of the deal.

We opened presents, his surprise was a grill, and ended up heading home early because he wasnt feeling well. I was in bed by 9:15...watched a little Desperate Housewives (yes I still watch and LOVE that show) and was asleep by 9:45.

All in all, despite him not feeling good, a pretty good evening!

Happy Birthday Hubby!