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Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Chicken Spaghetti

Tonight I made Pioneer Woman's Chicken Spaghetti for dinner. All I can say is YUM! I'm loving her cookbook and can't wait to try everything in the book! This one's a keeper!


Chicken Spaghetti

1 cup up fryer (I used chicken boneless, skinless chicken breasts)
1 lb. thin spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces
One 4-ounce jar diced pimentos, drained (I used diced red pepper)
1 small onion
1/4 cup finely diced green bell bepper
2 can cream of mushroom soup (I used 98% fat free)
2 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese
1 tsp. seasoned salt, such as Lawry's
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Add the chicken to a stock pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the chicken is cooked, about 25 min.
3. Remove the chicken from the water using tongs or a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate to coat.
4. Remove 2 cups of broth from the pot and set aside.
5. Bring the remaining broth back to a boil and add the spaghetti. Cook it al dente.
6. Drain the spaghetti, discarding the cooking liquid. Set aside.
7. With two forks (or your fingers), remove the chicken from the bones. Shred or cut the meat into bite-size chunks.
8. Drain the pimientos.
9. Dice the onion and green pepper.
10. Place the cooked spaghetti in a large bowl. Add the cream of mushroom soup and 2 cups of the cheese.
11. Add the onion, green pepper, and pimientos. Add the seasoned salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
12. Finally, add the chicken and broth.
13. Stir together well, then taste to check the seasonings.
14. Pour the mixture into a large baking dish and top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese. Bake for 35-45 minutes, until bubbly.

Monday, April 25, 2011

It's a Hot One!

I'm loving this warm weather! We slept with the windows open last night. Bring on the heat! I'm a warm weather girl!!

Happy Easter!

Today, after church, Kurt and I decided to take an Easter nature walk. We found things that reminded us why we celebrate Easter.
1 - A branch - The week before His crucifixion, as Christ entered the city, the people waved branches from palm trees. (We don't have palm trees here in Manassas ;-)
2. A piece of wood - for it was out of wood that His cross was made.
3. Something prickly - His crown was made of thorns.
4. Something no longer alive - for truly, the Savior did die.
5. Three things that are dark in color - light could not be found for three days following His death.
6. A stone - it was a huge stone at the opening of the grave that the angel removed.
7. Something living - to remind us that Jesus Christ died and was resurrected and He surely lives today!

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Luray Earth Day 5K

Today marks the 6th anniversary of my very first competitive race. I ran the Salt Lake City 5K on April 23, 2005. It was a life changing experience for me. I have been hooked on running ever since. I have run multiple 5K's, a few 10K's, 3 half marathons, and am registered to run my first marathon on November 12, 2011.

Today I participated in the Luray Earth Day 5K. The setting was breathtaking, but I'm afraid it wasn't the beauty of my surroundings that really took my breath away ;-)

There were about 70 participants, and there were no timing chips involved. It was definitely a small town race. It was my kind of race.

I mostly run on a treadmill, so this was my first time running on pavement in a LONG time.

It rained all night long last night, but the weather cooperated and the rain stopped about 30 minutes before the race. The wind, unfortunately, didn't. We were running directly into the wind for most of the race.

Here I am at about the 1.5 mile mark.....before I got lost....
Yes, I got lost. I was left in the dust by the fast runners and was ahead of the slower runners, running solo, and took a wrong turn. I then had to make a course correction. I probably lost at least l minute trying to get back on track. Note to self: go UNDER the bridge next time!

I got winded trying to make up for lost time and had to walk for awhile, so my time was 3 minutes slower than my first 5K. I was really hoping to beat my 2005 time. Bummer.
April 23, 2005 - 30:09
April 23, 2011 - 33:07

I did manage to place 3rd in my age category - Females 45-54.
I won this handy-dandy mug!

My support team ;-)

Friday, April 22, 2011

Square Foot Gardening - sort of

I miss our California garden and love the square foot gardening method. This is the best we can do living in an apartment. Tonight we planted some tomatoes and peppers. Hopefully we'll have success with our "round foot" garden!

He's Home!!!

He's home! Next stop for him......Andrews Air Force Base. Darn that Michelle Obama!

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Skype Date

I've seen very little of Kurt this month. He's been traveling a lot due to Air Traffic Control problems across the nation. His job is to investigate these incidents, and there have been quite a few lately. Since tonight was supposed to be our date night, we had to be a little creative. Skype dating leaves a lot to be desired! ;-)

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

One More Year

Today we renewed our apartment lease for another year. We originally said we'd stay for 2 years, so I guess our time here is almost halfway over. I have mixed feelings.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Fran and Misty

I have the privilege of driving a lady from church to her dialysis appointment every Monday morning and then picking her up later in the afternoon. She is such a good example to me of perseverance and cheerfulness. I've learned a lot from her. One of my favorite things to do is to play with her dog when I take her home. I've never seen such a smart dog!

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Sunday Walk

Kurt is in Texas this week. Another site visit. I hope things slow down for him eventually.
After church, I went for a walk along the creek by our apartment. It looks a lot like the creek on our property in Placerville. Sixteen more days until I get to go home for a couple of months!

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Blogging

Blogging Demotivator

I loved this poster when I first saw it. I have no illusions that anybody but myself is really interested in my pictures or what I have to say here. It's just my way of keeping a journal. I think I'll actually publish this year's blog using Blurb. I love photo journaling!

Friday, April 15, 2011

While the Hubby's Away.....

Kurt's out of town again this week, so I hijacked our Netflix account with Anne of Green Gables. I absolutely love this series! I think Anne and I are "kindred spirits."

Elder Casper!!!


Kurt was able to fly to California this week to ordain Tyler to the office of Elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I'm so proud of my boy! Can't wait for his wedding day....and to see his clean-shaved face! LOL ;-)


Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Kiss and Ride

I love this sign as you enter the Virginia Railway Express parking lot. I love that it doesn't say "Park and Ride." Maybe it's true that "Virginia is for Lovers!"

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

I LOVE Spring!

If you had asked me what my favorite season was a year ago, I wouldn't have hesitated to say Summer. Since moving to the east coast and seeing the beautiful trees in bloom, I have to say I love Spring. It my be my favorite season now.....at least until I get back to California ;-)
The tree in front of our apartment is losing it's blossoms. It looks like it's snowing pink snow. What a beautiful sight!

Miles To Go by Richard Paul Evans

I finished reading "Miles To Go" today, second book in "The Walk" series by Richard Paul Evans. I bought it the day it was released and devoured it ;-) I love tagging along on Alan Christoffersen's journey and find myself highlighting entries in the book that I don't want to forget. There's a lot of food for thought in this series. I can hardly wait for book #3. It won't be released until April 2012..... sigh.......

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Honesty is the Best Policy

Today I taught a lesson in Relief Society about Honesty. The lesson taught that it IS possible to be COMPLETELY honest "in every thought, in our reflections, in our meditations, in our private circles, in our deals, in our declarations, and in every act of our lives." We had some wonderful discussions about what it means to be honest and how we can strive to be more honest. As always, I am the one to learn the most when I teach a lesson at church.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Disneyland?

We found the most amazing grocery store. It's real name is Wegmans, but we call it Disneyland. It is quite an adventure. Great prices on regular groceries and then TONS of specialty items that make my mouth water. The deli is wonderful and we often just eat dinner there. Love this store!

Friday, April 8, 2011

Tulip Trees

The tulip trees near our apartment are in bloom. I had to stop and take a picture during my walk this morning. I can't help but think of the tree in Ed and Mary Lee's front yard back in Placerville. It made me feel a little homesick for my California home.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Can't Wait!

They uncovered the pool at our apartment complex today!!! I can't wait to bask in the sun and soak up some rays!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Tara's Visit - Day 8

So sad to see Tara go today. I know her kids and hubby are missing her, or I'd keep her forever! What a fun time we had! Now we'll both need a week to recover from this whirlwind week! Love you Tara!

Tara's Visit - Day 7

Today we visited the Museum of American History AND the Museum of Natural History. It's our last day in DC, so we crammed them both in. Normally, a person could spend a week at each of these museums, so, needless to say, we didn't see everything. Not even close. I've been to both museums, so I was able to show Tara and highlights. We had lunch at The Old Post Office and took the elevator to the top to see the entire city. Tara was able to ALMOST finish her souvenir shopping in the gift shops today. YAY! Back to Chick-fil-A for dinner. I think Tara loves their chocolate milkshakes ;-)


Twinner sweatshirts!


Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Tara's Visit - Day 6

This morning we took VRE to Union Station, walked to the Capitol, took the tour, then went to the Library of Congress and took the tour there also. We walked back to Union Station and had lunch at Uno Chicago Grill Pizzeria, then walked through the US Botanic Garden. We're getting some serious exercise!
Tara, in front of the US Capitol.
This is our first warm day.
Look mom....NO coat!

Strolling through the US Botanic Garden.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Tara's Visit - Day 5

We drove to Arlington Cemetery today. It was so peaceful and serene.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The Memorial Amphitheater

A walk through beautiful Georgetown.

Such a beautiful town.

Georgetown Bakery - made famous on TLC's "DC Cupcakes."

The line at Georgetown Bakery. Tara's waiting at the VERY end.
We waited for over an hour.

Kodak moment while we wait.

Beautiful cupcakes! Too bad they don't taste as good as Tara's! ;-)

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Tara's Visit - Day 4

Kurt got home late last night, so he joined me and Tara this morning. We drove to DC and walked around the Tidal Basin to see the cherry blossoms. The blooms were at peak today - SO beautiful! We stopped at the Jefferson Memorial and the FDR Memorial on our walk and then went to the National Air and Space Museum. Today is Kurt's birthday. We all went to Panda Express (Kurt's request) for dinner then went home and opened presents and had some of Tara's amazing cupcakes. What a fun day!





Jefferson Memorial

Tara, posing in front of the original Wright Brother's Flyer.


Tara, creating her AMAZING lemon cupcakes!

The birthday boy. Notice the new GPS. Now I can use the old one and won't get lost on the beltway again!

The. Best. Cupcakes. EVER!!!
Thank you Tara! Happy Birthday Kurt!