Rhubarbs.....they're here!!

Ahh, finally it's time for rhubarbs!! I've been waiting and waiting and I finally found some at the farmers market. I was so excited! So I finally had all the ingredients to make strawberry rhubarb jam....so good!!

2 cups chopped strawberries
2 cups chopped rhubarb
5 1/2 cups sugar
1 box powdered pectin
1/4 cup lemon juice

Bring everything but sugar to a boil - add sugar - bring back to a rapid boil and boil for 1 minute stirring constantly.

This is going to be a fav. I'm going to get more rhubarb next weekend and try to make a pie....everything Garrison Keller talks about rhubarb pies my mouth waters - so I figured I'll give it a try.

Oh, and another thing I got at the farmer's market? Roasted Green Chile...now it's not Hatch, but it's something. It is actually really tasty, we are almost done with the bag that we bought on Sunday. It's another sign that fall is just around the corner!!

Kirby in training

So I figured with the baby coming I really need to start training Kirby. It's not that he is a bad dog...it's just that we never really trained him. He just gets super bad on leash because he has leash fear. This is not because we never socialized him. When we lived in B-more he went to the park EVERYDAY to play with other dogs. Without his leash on. Big problemo now because I want to walk him without him flipping out! It gets scary and dangerous the further along I get.
So I bought a Cesar Milan book.

And I started out training. It really only consists of repition. We walk every morning before work. I love walking in the mornings because it is cool enough for both of us and there are less people/dogs to run into. So right now I am focusing on him not pulling on his leash - but walking beside me. He does better some mornings than others. But he is making some progress.

I also bought a shock collar - which I have yet to use! I guess I'm a little freaked out about it....it is supposed to shock him every time he barks. I think I'm going to take it back and get the other kind though - the kind that I can control when it goes off.

The root of the problem? We never told him he was a dog! He has been treated like a child....and I know - it is a disservice to him. But all we can do now is try to make everyday a new day and be better dog owners...

Graduation Present

My parents bought me this for graduation:

YEAH!!! SO EXCITING!! I have been in need of this for a while...especially after the homemade bread debacle. Isn't she a beaut?

I Graduated!!

A week ago last Friday I graduated from grad school....such...a...relief!! I really can't believe it's done - the past two years have been really difficult - emotionally, mentally....just kind of draining. The whole time we have lived in Colorado has just been non-stop for me. Working, going to night school, homework every weekend. I am so glad I am through (well, for the time being, but more on that later). But looking back - I did it at the right time in my life. Being in the part time program at DU really gave me an opportunity to meet some really great people. And I am glad that I waited to go back - I'm not sure if it meant more, but I felt like I could really contribute more from my experiences. Don't get me wrong - there were times when I was FLAT OUT miserable and wanted to quit. I'm so glad I didn't. I'm happy I got this degree before my baby is born - that way I can focus on her and not worry about the other million things (I will worry about well over 1 million things, but they won't have to do with grad school).

Last weekend was just wonderful though! My family came up - Amy, Mom, Dad, and my grandma, and my  friend Beth. We had such a nice time, and it meant SO much that they came to see me graduate. I really had not wanted to do it....but my mom talked me into it and I am really glad that she did. Everyone was so proud...I guess I was just feeling like this was something that I did....like grocery shop every weekend, but my family being here made me realize it was so much more and it made me feel proud of myself. I'm not sure if that makes sense....

So for now my college days are through. I have my nights and my weekends back!! I already have a book list and a movie list going. And I want to start watching TV shows....and sewing and cooking and baking...thingsI have dreamed about for 2 years. And of course, priority #1, start decorating the baby's room!

Newest family member

Wanna see a picture of my new nephew?

This is Boots and I want to snuggle with him. So does Kirby.

We are having.....

A GIRL!!!

She was very cooperative during our ultrasound and we are so happy we were able to find out the gender. But even more important than the gender is that our little girl is perfectly healthy. Everything looked great in the U/S and she is growing at the right rate. We are just so thrilled!!

Here's a picture of our beautiful baby girl!! Even just looking at it now thrills me beyond belief. This is the best thing that has ever happened to us! Isn't she amazing?!?

What's new with me....

Quick update:

Weather - finally cooling off slightly.

Belly - getting pretty big - 19 weeks today!!

Tomorrow - FINAL GRAD SCHOOL PRESENTATION!! After tomorrow morning....I am pretty much through. I can't believe it's almost over - I am almost giddy.

Graduation - one week from Friday!

Ultrasound - one week from Today!!

Family coming - one week from Thursday!

27 Days until I can decorate for Fall (oh, yes, I look forward to this for MONTHS! It takes everything to wait until Sept. 1)

What's new with you?