T i d b i t s

Just for Fun

2008-08-29T20:38:00.000-07:00

I forgot to put up any pictures from my pal Meredith's wedding a few months ago. Here's a cute one of us at the reception.

Birthday Schedule (fingers crossed)

2008-08-27T20:24:00.000-07:00

Well, baby boy #2 is scheduled to be birthed on Wednesday, September 10th, if he's not here by then, of course. I'm hoping to make it to my cousin's wedding on the 6th. I'll have to be very good on the weekends. Really, I don't mind when baby comes. I just want to be sure I have MY doctor and not whoever is on call on some random weekend. Pray he doesn't come on a Friday or Saturday! Either way, two weeks at the latest, well have a new addition. Yay!!

No, baby boy doesn't have a name yet...

2008-08-25T12:15:00.000-07:00

... but we're working on it.

I'm really getting excited about the coming birth. Nesting sure does help. How could I wash and fold such tiny, adorable outfits and not be excited. Baby's bed is now set up in our bedroom. Arthur likes rocking it at top speed, a habit we'll have to adjust in the next few weeks. :) I might get out a baby doll so he can practice being a big brother.

The Update

2008-07-02T20:24:00.000-07:00

Well, friends, it's been a while hasn't it? Not that I could help it really - we don't have internet at our new place yet, and up until last Friday, we didn't have a computer yet either. Whatever scraps you've had on Arthur's blog have been made on Jarrod's phone camera.

We are now residing in Monroe, Louisiana, in lovely house we're renting in the garden district. After the cramped feeling from three and a half people in a not-enough-square-feet apartment, we are feeling quite spoiled. It's a 3 block walk to our church/Jarrod's job and about 14 blocks down the road from my bro and sis-in-law. Fabulous. Gas prices have never seemed lower. With the move came a feeling of finally being "real adults" with an actual table our guests can eat around. It's as if our life in Monroe has really started, social life included. I didn't realize how lonesome I was for "girltime" until it became a possibility. Arthur and I walk in the neighborhood several times a week, and I always see someone I know. I can stop by my aunt's house, the church office, the school, wherever, and find someone with a moment to chat. I can have someone over for coffee on a whim, and they don't have to drive for an hour to get to my place! My niece and nephews can come over for wading pool time in the yard. The list really goes on forever. Our life has begun.

Jarrod, of course, is now a college graduate and working full-time at our church. I think the structure has given him a great deal of sanity. He enjoys coming home to his little family with plenty of time to enjoy dinner and chase Arthur around the house rather than rush through to his next responsibility and only get to peek in on the sleeping baby like before. Arthur squeals more for his daddy than anybody else. They've really bonded much more since the move.

I, of course, am still pregnant and heading into that final phase where even rolling over in the bed is quite a feat. "Little brother" is not nearly as active in utero as Arthur was, so I have to poke him quite hard to feel that satisfying slump. He's a genius, of course. I know.
Motherhood is going well at the moment too. The sin nature of my little munchkin has begun to show some challenging features, but nothing a good spank and cry won't handle for the moment. Sometimes both of us with the crying part. If he wasn't so darn cute!
We enjoy a wider variety of entertainment than before as he's grown so much these last months. Pool time, walk time, pull-out-all-of-momma's-tuperware time, bath time, chase, etc... The boy loves to play hard. Although, I've begun to see that he needs his own space once in a while as well. He has to have "crib time" when he sits with his music and a stack of books for an hour or more! I have not forced this upon him. He practically begs for it some days and immediately quits whining when he see he's about to get some "space." I understand because I'm just the same way in that area.

In wifery, having a fabulous kitchen sure doesn't hurt. Jarrod can have his sweet tea and ice cubes without too much of a production on my part. Apparently, big kitchens aren't always the hardest to manage. Going from a tiny one to a medium sized one has been wonderful. I had no room to do anything at the apartment. Now I feel like making a pie is a possibility on any given night. Hospitality is easier too. Jarrod and I both have enjoyed that, as evidenced by the fact that we've had company a couple times a week since we moved into the house. It's fun to give him a number and turn him loose at the church to see who he'll invite for lunch on Sunday afternoon.

Well, I think I'll call it quits for now, but hopefully, this is the restart of something more regular again.

Mmm... Preggo Breakfast!

2008-04-21T12:37:00.000-07:00

Chili in a Bread Bowl

2008-04-19T14:34:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's homemade bread. Last week just put me in the mood, and I made bread several times. A person only needs so many loaves, so I experimented with the form. This one turned out to be the biggest hit. It's a big, butter, garlic, and onion roll.
Tonight I'm making pizza dough.

Starbucks in Heaven

2008-04-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

Today marks a full year since my brother Andrew went ahead of me into his peaceful rest.

I admit at times, I've been slightly jealous. It's not that I want to die or something; it's just that I want so much to have seen him reach that moment of physical ease. A time when he could run and breathe free without any health troubles or handicaps.

Lately, Jarrod and I have been reading a book about heaven which has given me a new perspective. Much of how I have always pictured heaven seems to be quite, well, wrong. At first, this upset me tremendously. I even cried about it. Picturing Andrew in my version of heaven has comforted me, but when that view was challenged, I was not happy about it. Now I realize that my jealousy is in a way unfounded. Andrew has not yet been physically resurrected. Yes, he's peacefully at rest in the presence of his Heavenly Father, but his physical body is still here. When he is resurrected for eternal life back here on earth, I will be resurrected with him! I WILL get to experience it with him. I am comforted by this new realization. Perhaps all of you reading this have known these things forever, but before this year, I have not spent much time thinking about what eternal life would really be like. Learning more about it has been a great comfort.

Though much of the Christian world thinks so, we WON'T be all bored, playing harps on clouds, singing 'til we're hoarse and walking around our big mansions with no cable TV to entertain us. We'll all be back here on a restored earth, actually living in our bodies and enjoying a place free from the twisted sadness of sin.

I haven't missed Andrew's new life. I will experience it in its fullness at the same time as him. So maybe there won't be a Starbucks for our chats like old times, but whatever it's like we'll find out together. Andrew won't have tasted all the different kinds of coffee before I get there to try them too.

He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul.
You and me both, bro! Otherwise waiting would be too hard.
See you when I see you.

Food Fun

2008-03-07T12:46:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to try some totally new recipes. This week my morning sickness subsided enough for me to mess with raw meat and strong smells again. Here's what I tried.

My first home-made Pice de Gallo, served on a spicy steak fajita.

Orange/Broccoli Salad. Never made anything quite like this before. Contains broccoli, purple onion, cashews, mango and mandarin oranges. The dressing is made from buttermilk ranch, orange juice and horseradish. Totally delicious! Served with Tequila/Lime Chicken and herbed focaccia bread.

Cheese Chowder (with red peppers, carrots, and celery). So creamy and thick!

Thai Pork and Vegetables. I rarely cook with curry, so I really gave it a go. Good stuff. Couldn't find orzo at Walmart, so I just used white rice. Smelled like India in the kitchen.

Hobbies R Not Us?

2008-03-03T18:42:00.000-08:00

As a wife and mom, I hardly have time for what I once called my hobbies - dancing, writing, singing in a band, etc... Sometimes I wonder if I'm good at anything besides mom stuff. I recently asked Jarrod if I was interesting. Hmm. Dumb question? If you're a mom, you probably understand this feeling. Baby puke on your shirt, a pile of dishes in the sink, mystery stains in that very important shirt - all of these require some skill or discipline but are not exactly "interesting" nor do they make one feel particularly feminine or talented. I think I need to make a little extra time at home and space on this blog to foster my interests. So, here's a recent project.
I made this necklace just for me. Often, my jewelry projects are for other people, so I decided to make a piece I've been wanting for myself for some time. Then, when I wear it, I'm reminded that I do have a hobby. Plus, it makes me feel pretty. :)

Arthur's First Communion

2008-02-24T21:04:00.000-08:00

Our church recently changed to a different denomination, one which allows children to have communion as soon as they are able. While I have believed for some time that this was the way to go, I didn't realize how touching it would be to me when Arthur actually took communion. He was sitting in Jarrod's lap in church today when Jarrod gave him a bite of the bread. Arthur looked quite pleased with himself and munched happily away. I didn't cry, but well... I almost did. On my other side, my nephew Samson had his first little cup of wine all to himself. What a picture of God's acceptance of children as a part of His covenant family, even so young.
Anyways, I love to think that Arthur will be taking communion with the rest of the Body of Christ. He will be excited like the other children when the bread and wine is passed around. Such childlike anticipation is a great reminder to me of what a big moment communion is every time. It also makes me smile to think he will truly feel included as a little Christian even from his earliest memories of church.

I love these baby days

2008-02-18T20:45:00.001-08:00

This morning we climbed onto the bed to "wake daddy" as we often do together. Instead of the usual claw-and-flub-daddy's-face-until he-gets-up routine, Arthur tucked his head firmly into my armpit and fell right to sleep. What to do but have a family nap! Since Arthur snores, Jarrod and I watched him and smiled at each other over his fuzzy mound.

I know, enjoy it while I can!

Peas in a Pod

2008-02-18T20:17:00.000-08:00

Most people know that little boys will have an "i-love-mommy-and-must-be-with-her-all-the-time" phase, but I seem to be as attached to Arthur as he is to me. While in our long quarantine of sickness, the two of us have become quite inseparable. I think I was more sad than he was about putting him in the nursery for a little while during Sunday school. It seems I have a permanent hole in my side where he must be perched or both of us are not whole. Even if he's playing on the floor, he'll keep his rump pressed again my hip as long as I sit down with him. I've had to block the kitchen with a sideways ironing board just so I can cook or load the dishwasher without him sitting on my ankles.

Once clean, sometimes, I let him help me "reload" the dishwasher.

Here he is putting in his bowl and taking it back out again. What a great little helper.

Birthday Party/Pregnancy Announcement

2008-02-13T21:32:00.001-08:00

Pregnant

2008-01-24T20:22:00.000-08:00

Yep, the rumors are true. We are expecting Baby Richey #2 in early September. Of course, I'm very excited as is Jarrod, and I'm sure Arthur will be eventually. I think he'll make a fabulous big brother, probably bossy and energetic. He's gonna need a sidekick.

I realize that most of you, well all of you have NOT received a phone call from me with the news. It's not personal. I haven't called a single person yet. It's just that 2008 seems to have had a rough start for us, and making phone calls seems too daunting a task. I started to list the sad happenings so far, but it seemed depressing and well, sad! Call me if you'd like to feel that way.

On the plus side, my friend Meredith picked out a lovely maternity bridesmaid dress for me to wear in her wedding this summer. Jarrod will be graduating from Tech this year. I had a lovely circumstantially huge birthday party in Alexandria which turned out the perfect time and place to announce my pregnancy. And Arthur seems to have escaped the stomach flu that Jarrod and I had this week. Praise God!

Hilleke Christmas

2008-01-17T20:02:00.000-08:00

Super fun! The babies even had matching pj's.

A Girlie Christmas Eve Outing

2008-01-16T14:48:00.000-08:00

Emily suggested that we go to Antique Alley on Christmas Eve and then eat out - just the girls! It was fun, and there were several great finds.

You know It's Christmas When:

2007-12-13T18:23:00.000-08:00

1. The baby always has a pine needle somewhere in his mouth (no matter how many times you vacuum).
2. It's inoffensive to talk about Jesus pretty much anywhere.
3. People are singing fabulous theology (even though they don't actually believe it the rest of the year).
4. The food is really good.
5. You have many parties to choose from.
6. People want to know what you desire, and then they get it for you!
7. Did I mention that the food is really good?
8. You must water your biggest indoor decoration.
9. There are candy canes everywhere and in every flavor.
10. Your bank account is getting really empty, but you would do it all again anyway.

Hilleke Tree Decorating Party

2007-12-12T10:02:00.000-08:00

Mom and Anne getting us started.

"Aunt"

Me and Bubbie checking out the light situation.

Dad and Emily

Lolli and Pop

Awww I love this one

Aunt helping educate Arthur on the ways of Christmas Tree Decorating Parties

Pop and "Dragonclaw"

Samson and Emily with his little tree

Arthur inspecting (and removing) the lowest decorations.

Taste Test

Learning about hooks.

Samson gets the prize for the most enthusiastic and most improved on tree decorating!

Gramps' 80th Birthday Party at Roseland (Natchez, MS)

2007-11-30T10:40:00.000-08:00

Grandmother and Santa Arthur

Me and bubbie (this one is Jarrod's favorite)

Mom and Dad

Cousin Katie and Baby

Father and Son

Me and Mom

Emily and Ben

Playin' with Pop

Pee-Pie

Ha!

Grandmother and Gramps

Jarrod with nephew Ben

The cousins

Party girls

Emily's beautiful appetizers for Gramps' party

The birthday boy!

My favorite little sister

Laura Belle resting on Daddy

Aunts Muff and Anne

Mom and Aunts Anne and Archer

Emily with her kiddos

Samson sneaking up the stairs

The guys!

Arthur's first party tooter

Katie, demonstrating the tooter

The illustrious pith helmet

How great a birthday boy is that!

During the "Move Over Mickey Mouse" toast.

Jarrod's Tech Concert

2007-11-15T08:10:00.001-08:00

Jarrod conducted a lovely piece in his choir's Fall Concert. All the folks came up for it.

After the performance.

Me and my boyfriend (gotta love a man in a tux!).

I even made a red velvet cake with the Tech logo on top.

Blast that 6 month photo!

2007-11-08T09:54:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been trying for 2 weeks to get Arthur's 6 month picture taken. Yesterday I had an actual appointment. I readied myself early, fed the baby, dressed the baby and packed emergency bibs and an extra outfit in case he spit up during the shoot. We were in the car strapped and ready when all that came from the engine was a sad little "cough sputter click." #$%* I had to sit out in the cold late last night while the psycho neighbor smoked a cigarette as he hovered over the dead battery. We had to borrow his jumper cables or I would have avoided the whole safety hazard plus lecture on the ways of the alternator and the miracle honda that drove his girlfriend six miles without the alternator belt which they found flat in his driveway after he pushed the car home. Right.
I don't care if he's seven months old by the time I get there, Arthur's gonna have a 6 month picture dadgumit! I've tried too hard to give up now. Maybe this afternoon?

Garage Sale

2007-11-08T09:24:00.000-08:00

Well, it's finally time. I've been driving down to Alexandria at random free intervals for several months now trying to prepare a garage sale at my parents' house. Honestly, I thought it'd never happen. I don't think I've ever worked so hard on one of these things before. This year required serious dedication to the cause, climbing through attics, finally parting with that whatever it's called that's been floating around my room sentimentally for 8 years now. Mom and I walked through the house, "When did you last use THIS? How many of these do you NEED? Why is THIS even here?" Up and down the stairs countless times. Hours of pricing and rearranging. This Saturday should be "g-day" at last, as long as it doesn't rain or hail or anything.

Wanna stop by? We have: tables, chairs, appliances, TVs, pewter, crystal, and tons more!

2007-10-24T11:27:00.000-07:00

I've been Blooged!

2007-10-22T09:26:00.001-07:00

Here are the rules:

Comment in some one's post (you can do it anonymously if their blog let's you) telling them they've been Blooged! and send them to get this cute little graphic.
Put the graphic in your sidebar showing everyone you have been Blooged!

Write a post saying you've been Blooged! and copy the rules into that post (with links please). Or copy the code at the bottom of this post.

Go Bloog two bloggers and then they will Bloog two bloggers and they will bloog two more bloggers and so on and so forth.

Don't forget to come back here to comment and share who you Blooged!

hmm.. ok, I bloog Rashell and Kajsa

Me and Meredith

2007-10-19T16:58:00.000-07:00

Me and Munchkin

2007-10-10T10:56:00.000-07:00

I love being a mom, but I don't feel like one yet. I suppose that will come when I have to use my authority huh? Meanwhile, this is such a fun phase!

The Price is Right

2007-09-26T10:53:00.000-07:00

Jarrod played Bob Barker at a wedding shower for our friend Christin Booth. What a scream!

Look, Emily and I finally got a picture together at a party!

Barker and his beauties.

Even Thomas had to play.

Me and Rachel Shipp

Esther, Ragan, and Bethany

The cousins

I love this photo of Thomas and Ben.

Playing House

2007-09-14T10:28:00.000-07:00

Just when I think I've set the ultimate schedule for me and the babe, he sleeps longer or eats more or cries for a nap at the strangest time. Sheesh! And he always manages to place such a shift at the end of the week, challenging me to have him settled on a new schedule before church Sunday so that he can thoroughly mess it up by the time we get home. I can't complain. He's a very good baby. I guess we just need to have a talk about how often he's allowed to change the family schedule. :)
I'm learning who's really in charge around here.

Feast of St. Augustine

2007-09-01T20:20:00.000-07:00

This is an annual feast my church does - outdoors, tons of food, live music and lots of fun. Here are some pictures of the family. Lolli and Pop and Anne came up for the event.

Me an' Bubby.

Tryin' to stay cool in the shade.

Lolli and Miss Belle.

Swing time!

Gettin' fanned by Pop.

More swing time.

Some of the chow.

Sun going down. That's new little Benjamin in Pop's lap.

Grandma Ele and Aunt Wendy, pickled!

Here is where I'd put a picture of me and Emily, had I remembered to take one! Dadgumit.

Napping

2007-08-09T23:16:00.000-07:00

He was out first, but I soon followed.

Welcome Benjamin Seth Hilleke!

2007-08-07T16:17:00.000-07:00

Are we a circus or what!

I brought coloring books for the after party with Samson and Laura Belle.

Watching a video of themselves with Uncle Jarrod!

Cheese!

Samson loved Arthur's pull-n-rattle zebra toy

He showed Laura Belle how to use it

She's a fast learner

I love this group shot. Can you tell Thomas likes babies? He's always holding one!

Arthur and Pop

Baby and Me

2007-08-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

I love being a mom, but boy am I tired! Thankfully, Arthur is too. I can't even imagine what it will be like once he starts crawling! Yikes!

What a crowd!

2007-07-30T08:20:00.000-07:00

Here are all the siblings together plus babies and one arriving this week.

Allie's Wedding

2007-07-25T14:43:00.000-07:00

Allie, me and Courtney, the Belhaven girls

Me an bubbie at the BBQ

Practicing make-up for the big day

Lori, Allie's sister, and me

Bridesmaids at the rehearsal dinner

The happy couple, Daniel and Allie

Margherita race at the bachellorette party

Getting hair done for the wedding

The girlies getting ready

Me and Allie all ready for the ceremony

Bridemaids!

Mom, Arthur and me at the reception

Dance Party!

Chili's after the honeymooners left.

Amy Virden's Wedding

2007-07-16T13:57:00.001-07:00

Anne was my date and tons of fun to dance with! Hey sis!

Mom and Baby on Vacay

2007-07-11T13:32:00.000-07:00

Can't totally escape civilization. Maybe I'll leave the cell at home next time.

Me n bubby had lots of couch time.

I love to rub his head, but he seems to think it's weird.

We strolled the porch together like a million times

Last feeding of the day.

Vacation

2007-07-03T12:01:00.000-07:00

We're heading to Natchez tomorrow for a little R&R before Jarrod starts summer school. Since this will be Arthur's first time post-birth, I'm sure I'll have lots of pics to show you when we return. Steak, reading, fishing, walking, more reading - that's what's waiting for us! See ya when we get back. :)

Post-Op

2007-06-25T14:47:00.000-07:00

Well, it's officially out! I'm gallbladder free!
Today, Mac-n-Cheese. Tomorrow, the world (with ketchup)!

Surgery Time

2007-06-21T21:07:00.000-07:00

Well, tomorrow I will lose a gallbladder and gain a normal meal plan!

Top Six Things I Can't Wait To Eat Again:
1. double cheeseburgers
2. cheesecake
3. anything tomato - spaghetti sauce, ketchup, salsa, a big juicy slice on my sandwich...
4. beef
5. whatever I ACTUALLY want off a restaurant menu!
6. coffee ice cream

Things I never would have tried otherwise:
1. meatless meat - sausage, hot dogs, burgers - I can tell you which ones are good and which are pretty much the most disgusting.. well anyway
2. yolkless omelettes
3. cooking veggies in spray butter

I think maybe I should write a gallbladder diet book.

Yay for us!

2007-06-18T11:28:00.000-07:00

Today is our second anniversary. The only sad part is that I can't eat out and get something totally fattening and delicious.

Eating the cake on our first anniversary.
Us at our rehearsal dinner!

Tripping

2007-06-09T12:03:00.000-07:00

Arthur and I are going to Alexandria next week while Jarrod is in Memphis at General Assembly. Baby's a pretty good little traveler. Too bad I have to pack like a million bags to go anywhere for long with him. Amazing how such small people take up so much room.

Here we are after second breakfast. Can you see the touch of red in his hair?

Rachel and Jake's Wedding

2007-06-06T10:41:00.001-07:00

Me and Rachel at the bridesmaid luncheon.
More wedding party. Carla, Danielle, Rachel, Me.

Rehearsing

I love to see the guys all lined up. I like the redheaded one. :)

At the rehearsal dinner.

Jarrod and Jake

Getting Ready!
The Guys

Signing the License

Mom-in-Law came to help with Baby. Thanks!

The new couple and the new parents. We'll be neighbors once they get back from the honeymoon. Yay! I plan on borrowing a cup of sugar just because I can.

Me, Beth, Claire, Rachel and Lana.

More Tech buddies.

Jarrod with Josh and Stuart.

Me with the blushing bride. She's so pretty!

Family photo at the end of the day.

Me and Baby having a Snack

2007-06-04T18:59:00.000-07:00

Another Wedding

2007-05-31T10:13:00.000-07:00

Went to Joy Smith's beautiful wedding last weekend. Here are pictures from that.
This weekend, Jarrod and I are in a wedding together. 'Sigh' we get to walk the aisle again. :)

Life After Baby

2007-05-14T19:41:00.000-07:00

Ok, so everybody told me about pregnancy and labor/delivery, but nobody REALLY told me about recovery. Good times. I finally feel like sitting at the computer long enough to post something. Sheesh! I guess people forget about how rough it is because they have a cute new little person around to make it worth while.

Baby Birthday?

2007-04-24T15:17:00.000-07:00

The plan is to induce labor tomorrow morning (Wednesday) starting at 4 a.m. No, please don't come up to see us before lunch. It's going to be a long day, and I don't want to entertain you while I'm in pain or drugged. It's not you, it's me. Plus, Jarrod will inform people when baby has arrived. Wish us luck!

Apartment Fixes: getting "baby ready"

2007-04-18T12:35:00.000-07:00

Things were't getting any cooler than 85 degrees around the apartment - time for the repair guys.
Turns out we had a lovely block of ice in the system and pipes frozen all the way out to the unit.

No, that pipe's not plastic it's ice-coated.

Normally about 1 inch in diameter.

A New faucet in the Bathroom! YAY! Haven't had one since November.

Old One

Lovely, shiny new one! Never thought a faucet would move me so much. I love brushing my teeth again!

My Brother, Andrew Hilleke

2007-04-09T11:59:00.000-07:00

Visit for the update: http://www.prayingforandrew.blogspot.com

Ahh Sleeplessness

2007-04-09T05:09:00.000-07:00

Well, I've now been up for 22 hours (with a 2 hour nap somewhere in there), thanks to the baby's violent thrashings between the hours of 1-5 am. His nights and days are definitely flip-flopped. How fabulous for my first few weeks of motherhood! Maybe I should switch my routine so we can re-adjust together when he arrives. For now I must decide if I should go ahead and eat breakfast or risk starving us both if I finally fall asleep.

Babysitters Club

2007-04-04T12:40:00.000-07:00

Jarrod and I kept the kiddos - nephew Samson and niece Laura Belle. We had tons of fun.

Playing Ball with Uncle Jarrod

Catch!

Tickle Time!

What Samson did when I said "smile for the camera"

Waz he doin?

Serious guy business of watching basketball.

Baby Richey's First Little Shower from the Tech Ladies.

2007-04-02T12:28:00.000-07:00

My two Rachel's set up some lovely food for the occasion. There was even strawberry shortcake for the fat-free mommy diet. Thanks girlies!

Here is the latest prego pic, the one time you WANT to wear horizontal stripes!

Baby Update

2007-03-28T15:08:00.000-07:00

Baby measured great at my appointment today. It's amazing he's growing so well with me not gaining an ounce of weight. Don't be jealous though. I definitely have changed shape from carrying baby and also have some lovely markings to prove it. :) So much for all those cocoa-shea-whatever-butters. Lotion companies must make a killing off pregnant women!

White Chili

2007-03-27T17:42:00.000-07:00

This has been a good fat free crock pot recipe. I even left out the onions cause of my weird diet rules, but it was still tasty.

3 15-oz. cans Great Northern beans, drained
8 oz. cooked chicken breast, shredded (I just about doubled this to make it more hearty)
1 cup chopped onions
1 1/2 cups chopped peppers (red, yellow or green)
2 garlic cloves, minced (or two spoons pre-minced jar garlic)
3 tsp. ground cummin
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
4 cups chicken broth
2 chili peppers, chopped and seeded (optional)

1. Combine all ingredients in clow cooker.
2. Cover. Cook on Low 8-10 hours or High 4-5 hours.
3. Serve over rice with shredded cheese, sour cream and tortilla chips.

Things to do at 6 AM

2007-03-21T06:09:00.000-07:00

~ Post on your blog (then visit everyone else's)
~Try those "cook for 12 hours on low" recipes you've never had time to prepare before
~ Check over the budget from the past three months
~ Make a fattening, complicated dessert to surprise your husband with later
~ Wash and chop all vegetables in the fridge and figure out a way to use them
~ Iron

It seems this is the no-sleep phase of my pregnancy. Rather than sit in bed and be mad about it, I've been tring to do those tasks I've only been "meaning to do" for quite some time. By mid-morning, I'm fully prepared for a solid nap.

Helpmeet?

2007-03-19T18:13:00.000-07:00

Ever feel like you can't do anything to lighten your man's load? Jarrod has so much to accomplish these days between his two jobs, full time school and a coming baby. It's amazing he's pleasant and kind as always. I could never handle what he does. It seems that all I do sometimes is feed him and send him back out again. I can't do his work or studying to help. Will it be like this 'til he graduates, retires, what? I often wonder what our life will look like in a year, after baby's born, Jarrod's near graduation, and (hopefully) we are living in Monroe. Oh wait, my new plan was to not make any plans!

Fat Free Favorite

2007-03-13T14:17:00.000-07:00

After much trial and error, here is the best fat free brownie recipe I've tried. The sauce makes a gooey, fudgy layer on the bottom, yummy!

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In large mixing bowl combine:

1 cup flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt (optional)

Add

1/2 cup skim milk
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp vanilla extract

Stir to blend. Spoon into an 8X8 inch baking pan sprayed with cooking spray.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine:

3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
3/4 to 1 3/4 cup hot water (see note)

Stir to blend and pour gently over batter in prepared pan. Bake for 40 minutes.

Note: A fudgy sauce forms on the bottom of the brownie as it bakes. The
consistency of the sauce depends on the amount of hot water you use in the
recipe. If you use the maximum amount, it's like a chocolate syrup; with the
minimum amount it's more like a pudding. I usually use about a cup of water max so it stays thick.

2007-03-07T16:54:00.000-08:00

Apparently, a gallbladder attack can start up contractions. The reverse is not true though. Thank goodness or I'd be considering dates for a c-section. Good times, talk about a confusing rush of sensations! Attack number five came the other night along with some lovely tightening. This was my first time to feel contractions of any sort, so I wasn't sure if the event called for gallbladder pain meds or not. It did. Pain was gone after the meds wore off, so I'm good now. No more pork loin for me.

A Wedding Tomato

2007-03-01T18:16:00.000-08:00

This is from a wedding (Will and Connie Smith's) I went to in January. I loved my maternity dress, though everyone said they had no trouble finding me in the crowd. I wore it again to a wedding last weekend and looked much more "ripe." :) It's great that BIG is cute when you're pregnant!

Baby Update

2007-02-28T09:36:00.000-08:00

Went to see the perinatologist yesterday, and everything looks good. He called the baby a "Goldilocks" - not too big, not too small, approximate weight being 4.2 pounds. So, even with this fat free diet, baby is getting enough nutrients. He's riding very low now, head down, and kicking me with the other end up high. Strong little fella. :) Active like his daddy.

Baby Boy Richey Likes... ?

2007-02-22T08:54:00.000-08:00

I've been wondering a lot what this baby will be like - personality, moods, preferences. I found it hard at times to pick things out for the baby having never met him. Sis-in-law said, "You get to decide what he likes at first." That helped tremendously, not to mention having an experienced mother of two (almost three) to show me what I REALLY need for the baby. Thanks, Emily!
Therefore, I have decided that baby WILL LIKE green and brown for his nursery, and he's now registered at Target and Walmart.

Here are some prego photo updates:
Outfit compliments of mom-in-law!

Jarrod's Big Day

2007-02-17T11:57:00.000-08:00

Last Monday was Jarrod's debut conducting of the University Concert Choir. He did a fabulous job. Go baby! Other than his senior recital, this is the biggest thing he will do as an undergrad. He looked quite comfortable on the stage, and the choir followed him beautifully. Here he is with some of his professors and his favorite wife.

Attack #4

2007-02-17T10:40:00.000-08:00

Well, I made it a week and a half without gallbladder pain, not bad. Last night was my first attack since Monday, February 5th. For some reason, they often come during the night. This one only lasted about 15 minutes, not even enough time for the pain meds to kick in (although I certainly slept better afterwards with that stuff in my system). :)

Plan C

2007-02-08T11:20:00.000-08:00

Ok, so strike that last post.
I just spent three days in the hospital having a gallbladder attack. Turns out I got a load of stones in there, so the whole thing needs to come out. Since surgery could spark early labor, I'm to manage the thing with a fat-free diet and meds on standby. Hopefully, I'll be pain free until an operation is safer for the baby.
The new plan is to have NO plans whatsoever.

Did anyone else miss January?

2007-01-29T20:45:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I wonder if God laughs at our confident little plans for the future. I know I would. I'm already thinking of moving my new year's resolutions to 2008. The only one still on track is my pregnancy. Baby Richey will probably be early, right? Just in case, my new plan is to prepare the apartment like, right now. Spring cleaning can't wait this time.

A Site for Andrew

2007-01-26T07:49:00.000-08:00

For those of you checking my blog for updates about my brother, we started a blog just for that purpose: prayingforandrew.blogspot.com
Updates there will be more frequent. Feel free to leave comments here or there, email, call or ask questions.
Thank you for your prayers and support.

Andrew Update

2007-01-21T19:35:00.000-08:00

Andrew remains stable in ICU these last few days. He is still unable to fully "wake up" perhaps because he is on so many powerful medications. This week's plan is to move him from ICU to a special floor of the hospital where staff are more specifically trained in waking a patient up from a coma. Hopefully, this more specialized atmosphere of stimulation will help his mental recovery more as his body continues to heal. Due to some slight anemia, he received a blood transfusion today which helped relieve his fever.
As today is Andrew's 24th birthday, any birthday thoughts or wishes you'd like to send I'd be glad to print and put on his wall for him.
Again, thank you for your continued prayers and encouraging words.

Wedding Bells

2007-01-19T10:38:00.000-08:00

My friend Rachel is getting married this June, and she asked me to be a bridesmaid! Here is the dress we're wearing. Imagine it tea-length, brown instead of yellow with a dusty pink sash.

Birthdays

2007-01-17T23:45:00.000-08:00

My birthday is today, Andrew's is Sunday, and we're now down to double digits 'til baby's birthday! How time flies. Can you believe Jarrod and I will be parenting soon!

The Latest

2007-01-16T09:37:00.000-08:00

Andrew's progress is still very slow, but it IS progress. The most encouraging event occurred yesterday. My dad asked Andrew to move his feet for us, which he did several times on command. While this may seem small, it tells us that he heard, processed and carried out a command. Until then, most things could be shrugged off as only natural reflexes. Hopefully, this means he is actually awake from his induced coma, just unable to repond. Please pray that the Lord increases his ability to communicate as I know he must be frustrated at this barrier.
His pneumonia continues to diminish and his breathing stays pretty steady with a little help from a respirator. Today's biggest challenge is getting in a feeding tube of some sort. There are several options, so please pray that the first attempt works without any problems.
We continue reading to him and talking as though he can hear us. Jarrod (my husband) fixed up an ipod for Andrew with many of his favorite songs. When the family is sent out between visiting hours, they can leave it playing in his ear to guard against boredom and loneliness, not to mention stimulate his brain with familiar tunes.
God has been merciful to Andrew and my family. Thank you again for your continued prayer and support. There is still a long way to go before anything is certain. Andrew's life is sustained only by the hand of his Creator. We are trying to be thankful for each day more He gives us with him rather than thinking of the future and worrying about the "what if's."
Do send me anything you think Andrew would enjoy having read to him, letters, scriptures, stories, news, etc...

Andrew Update

2007-01-13T02:18:00.000-08:00

Thank you all for your prayers and encouraging words for my family.
There is both good news and bad news about Andrew. Since being cooled Wednesday for a deep sleep his body has been warmed back up to normal body temperature. He is breathing better on his own, and the pneumonia that began creeping in is now going away. A CAT scan of his brain today showed no "red flags," but another is scheduled for Monday (since he's too asleep to really tell much now). These are all good things.
The bad news is that doctors and family have been unable to wake him up from his coma. Some doctors are hopeful he will wake up late. Others think he should have by this point, 48 hours after surgery. We continue to visit him, speak to him and touch him in the hope that God will direct his mind back to us. Pray that the Lord brings him back to us soon.

My Brother, Andrew

2007-01-11T13:22:00.000-08:00

I am writing on belhalf of my brother, Andrew, asking for your
prayers. Andrew has been battling asthmatic bronchitis for over
a week at home with the aid of an oxygen tank, nebulizer and
many medications. Yesterday morning, he was taken to the
emergency room because he could no longer take in enough
oxygen. Unable to intubate him, the doctors performed a
tracheaotomy. The sugery went well. He was kept in a cooled
coma-like state until this morning when they began to warm
his body back to normal. Hopefully, he will wake sometime
this afternoon when the sedatives are pulled back enough.
Please pray that the Lord protects him from further
complication. Ask the Lord for continued strength for my
family. In his providence, He placed me in Alexandria on
this particular week where I have been able to help care
for Andrew while he was at home and tend to my family while
my parents dealt with his emergency. Thanks for your prayers.

Prego Picture Update!

2007-01-05T10:17:00.000-08:00

Asian Cuisine Night

2007-01-04T09:56:00.000-08:00

We fixed Asian food on the rachlette, delicious!Menu: teriyaki chicken, yellow rice, chopped suey (however that's spelled!), brussels sprouts, corn, green beans for the pregnant one.

Even Jarrod can get into Asian food night!

We're having a baby boy!!!

2006-12-25T22:38:00.000-08:00

Pizza Night!

2006-12-10T19:18:00.000-08:00

Every now and then is pizza night at our place. I cook it on a pizza stone (thanks mom-in-law!) which makes it perfect all the way through. As you can see, I let this one rise too long. Oops! It sure tasted good though.

Halfway There!

2006-12-08T10:55:00.000-08:00

(notice the countdown at the top of the page)

Are You Gonna Eat That?

2006-12-04T07:40:00.000-08:00

Well, I now weigh exactly what I did before the baby. People like to ask me if I've started gaining weight, a difficult question depending on the angle from which I attack it. Technically, I lost eight pounds from the fabulous weight loss system known as morning sickness. Then I gained it all back in what my mom and sis-in-law call "that fifth month," a period of constant hunger during which the baby is not yet big enough to lessen the volume of the stomach by any significant amount. Needless to say this has been my favorite month so far. Praise the Lord and pass the biscuits!
So, have I gained any weight yet? I dunno, are you saying I'm fat? (that one's for you, Dave)

So...?

2006-11-25T09:16:00.000-08:00

Does anybody know the html code for rotating a picture?

"Popping"

2006-11-16T19:36:00.000-08:00

This is my new favorite word for when a pregnant woman starts showing. I think I have "popped" at last. Suddenly, last week, I could not wear any of my skirts. (actually this post is now two weeks old since I couldn't figure out how to turn the photo) One day I could, the next I was lending out outfits to friends for the next 6 months. Baby is still not obvious, but I have had to resort to actual maternity jeans and some shirts to "get by" until I need them all the time.
Here's the outfit I wore Sunday, right after discovering none of my skirts fit any more. See the pooch?! And no, I could not button the jacket all the way down.

New Hair Do

2006-11-16T13:24:00.000-08:00

Not as drastic as I imagined, but I'm enjoying it. The back is especially fun.
Here are the before and after pictures:

SIX MORE DAYS OF CLASS!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-11-07T11:47:00.000-08:00

(not that I'm excited or anything)

Turkey time is around the corner! I think the baby will like it, lots of it. Yum!

Fat Month

2006-10-27T10:46:00.000-07:00

What's a pregnant person supposed to do when their clothes are getting tight, but they aren't ripe enough for maternity clothes? I'm in my fourth month, and all I feel is fat. Mom said it'll be that way for about a month. I better be cute for the holidays is all I have to say about that. In the meantime, I'm going to get a crazy haircut and maybe some highlights next week. This will give me something else to think about my appearance.
So, any highlight suggestions for my hair? I want something natural looking, and I've already picked out the new cut I want.

Not Supergirl Anymore

2006-10-21T12:28:00.000-07:00

Well, I did a two-weeks-worth-of-groceries-at-once trip to Walmart today. Bad plan. I had to ask my neighbors (thanks Jake and Brent!) to unload everything for me when I returned to the apartment. Jarrod was at Tech. It's hard for me to admit that I can't do all my usual wife tasks in the same way now that I'm pregnant. Don't worry moms, I'll be good!
Bring bottled waters when you visit. They're hell to load into a cart and car.

Some Summer Pictures

2006-10-12T16:49:00.000-07:00

Andrew's Graduation in Jackson

Stewart and Rachel Amidon's wedding.

Anne's Dance Recital

Roseland Plantation with Cousins and Hillekes

First Baby Appointment

2006-10-12T16:41:00.000-07:00

I learned five new things about myself at the doctor today:

1. I've officially lost weight from morning sickness.
2. My blood type is A positive.
3. Turns out, it IS possible for me to give blood without passing out. Yay!
4. No, we're not having twins.
5. My "official" due date is now April 28th.

I got to see the baby and its little beating heart today, but it's too early at this point to tell gender. Baby does have little arms and legs though. Awww.

More Fun At Grandma's

2006-09-12T19:01:00.000-07:00

I promised some more pictures, so here are a few.

Happy Happy Happy!

Presents for the birthday girl.

On the way to Boaz. Oh the shopping!

Watching Grandma open gifts.

How cute!

With siblings at Wendy's (on Boaz trip).

Mafia!

Uncle Steve and Uncle Alan.

Feeling Pregnant

2006-09-07T23:50:00.000-07:00

The Evidence:
1. Cried 3 or 4 times yesterday
2. Rejected the dinner I planned twice this week as a terrible idea and promptly froze the evidence for another day
3. Napped every day and still slept well at night (except tonight because I ate some chocolate)
4. Ate salsa and drank milk like they were going out of style (can't stand the sight of milk today though)
5. Had a slightly unpleasant spell which required a 7up and half an hour on the couch
6. Broke 2 glass objects and dropped countless more. Had to ask Jarrod to unload the dishwasher for fear of another accident.
7. Keep calling mom to describe "strange feelings," she tells me I'm normal, then I can focus again. Thanks mom!
8. Been way more sentimental than usual.

A good thing about "feeling" pregnant is confirmation. Somehow I still can't believe it since I don't look it. Symptoms are a nice reassurance. I think I will be one of the fortunate ones who does not feel too bad during pregnancy though.

Little Richey!

2006-08-23T22:28:00.000-07:00

Yes, the rumors are true! We are going to have a baby! Yay! The due date is April 27th, which I've decided is a wonderful time in a every way. I'll post again when there's something more to tell. Right now, we're just trying to keep up with the excitement!

Sixflags with Cousins

2006-08-09T13:31:00.000-07:00

For my grandmother's 90th birthday, she took all her kids and grandkids to Sixflags.
Thanks Grandma! We love you, and not just because you're lots of fun.

Dave and cousin Katie

Again

Aunt Delby and Jacob, Aunt Wendy and Hobbes on lunch break

Uncles, Grandma and Dave

Me and Jarrod

Dave and the girls

Always the ladies' man. We love you Dave!

Jarrod, Uncle Russell, Grandma and Dad

Mom and me

and Anne too

Cooling down at the water town, Anne and Dad

I'll put up some more later. We had good times at the house too!

3rd Quarter, 4th Light, 5th Dud

2006-03-09T17:27:00.000-08:00

Well, the break is over, and Jarrod and I are back to the books.
He, of course, has a full day everyday between the demanding schedule of a music major as well as two jobs.

I am taking what I think will be some good but challenging courses this go around:

Creative Writing (with quite a hilarious teacher and plenty of assignments to keep me writing)
American Poetry (books bigger than my head!)
Sociology of Grief and Loss (fascinating while somewhat somber)
History of Geology (a GER I need)

Perhaps needless to say, I will be writing and reading a great deal.

In order to help us start the quarter off on the right foot, our living arrangment fell apart on the first day of class. All four pilot lights in the house went off mysteriously. So far the hot water heater is the only thing that refuses to be lit. It needs to be put out of its misery anyway. Pray we'll fix it soon. Both of us are happier with hot showers and well washed dishes. We also have new neigbors now. How nice... they're psychos! There's definitely an illegal smell coming through from their place. We'll see how long it takes for us to call the cops. And lastly, my fifth cell phone I received this week turned out to be my fifth dud. Since Jarrod and I share a car, we never know if we'll be able to contact each other or not for rides, depending on how my cell phone feels that day. In spite of all this, we are happy and I have had quite a laugh at the irony of it all.

No Photos Yet...

2006-02-03T16:47:00.000-08:00

I was hoping to post pictures today, but I'm having "technical difficulties" - maybe next week.
In big news this week, I have a new niece!! Thomas and Emily had their baby last Saturday, the 29th. Her name is Laura Belle Hilleke, and she is so adorable. This weekend I will have the chance to visit her at home and see the rest of my family too. They are all coming up from Alexandria so we can celebrate my little sister's birthday. Anne will be turning 11.
Tomorrow, we will be hosting a friend from Alex. Jeff Bertrand is coming up to see his bro and a Tech game. He'll be staying with us for a night. It's always nice to catch up with an old friend.
In personal news, I'm trying figure out what classes I should sign up for next quarter. I'm about 3 hours short of being a senior! Registration is next week (and it's usually a frustrating process for me). Jarrod and I have to make our schedules overlap as close as possible since we share one car. I'll tell you all what I'm taking come next week.
That's all for now!

Still on the face of the earth...

2006-01-14T20:58:00.000-08:00

...no, we haven't dropped off the edge! For those of you looking for an update on the newly's, here it is (there will be pictures to follow). I thought starting my own blog, instead of sharing with Jarrod, might inspire me to write more.
We are comfortably settled in our 2-bedroom nest in Ruston. (It must have been furnished in the 80's because the appliances are avocado green!) I love having a place to decorate and rearrange whenever I feel like it.
Anyways, between full-time student-hood and Jarrod's two jobs, we are quite busy. Jarrod is studying music and I'm, well, Jarrod is MY major - full-time wife, cooking and cleaning! I love it all. I'm actually a general studies major since Tech doesn't have anything like my major from Belhaven. Mainly I'm enjoying my class on John Milton as well as two dance classes, tap and theater dance. It's great to be on the dancefloor again! I'm still on track to graduate in 2007 since I hardly lost any hours when I transfered. Jarrod will probably finish later that same year.
For entertainment, we have friends over or watch movies. Being married AND in college makes finding friends quite a challenge too. Who knew! There aren't many married couples in our circles at school so we have a lot of dating couples over.
And for those of you who keep asking, NO, we are NOT expecting another Richey anytime soon! Every other week or so someone tells me "you're next," as if there's some sort of order I'm supposed to be following. Really, people, that's kind of personal don't you think?!
On another note, I will be turning 21 this Wednesday! Yea! We'll probably eat out or get some dessert with friends, nothing big. It's seems like the last year has been one big celebration, so I'm content to have a small to do. We were blessed with so many wonderful wedding gifts that I had trouble thinking of things for Christmas or my birthday when people asked what I wanted! What a blessing!
Well, that's all for now. Send me your questions; I'd love to give more details. Sometimes it's hard to think of what people would want to know about us.
~Sarah Richey