Those Pearly Whites!

Today I had the pleasure of going to the dentist. A few years ago, I would never have considered any dental experience a pleasure, but I have come to LOVE Dr. Kiholm and his staff and look forward to having my teeth cleaned every 6 months! I miss my dental office co-workers and consider them my extended family!

Lunch at Roundtable with the whole gang was even better. Sorry about the garlic breadsticks Rachelle!!!

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.

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!

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 ;-)

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!