Friday the 13th Happenings

It's been two weeks since I last posted a weekly happenings update. I had grand plans for last week's post, but work was so busy I just didn't get around to it. So I'll try to sum up 2 week's worth of happenings in this one post.

New/Noteworthy: I picked up two more tutoring students, which triples my student base. One of them is really challenging me in my math abilities. The other is really challenging me in my teaching ability. It's been good for me.

We went shopping to get Josh some new dress clothes for work. He's been wearing things that were just too big since he lost a bunch of weight.

Interesting Activity: Oh a few different things in the last two weeks.

AS a family, we went up to a regional park and went on a short hike. We took the dog and had fun snapping photos of the different tree formations and fun things we saw along the way. I tried to get artistic on some of my photos. There is one style of photo in particular that I think I'm starting to really get down. I need to branch out and try my hand at different styles of artsy photos now too. But first I need to look at lots of good photos and get ideas.

We also went to the membership class at church. That was really good for us. It gave us an idea of what the church is about and we are contemplating/praying about if God has us there for a long-term committment. We are both leaning in the "yes" direction.

Biggest Accomplishment: I made a fun yellow cake with white sugar cream frosting and piped lots of decorations on it. That was fun.

I also made Cannolis. Josh said they were tied with the best he's had.

Last night I tried my hand at a Red Velvet Cake. I didn't have the right size cake pans for it; the recipe called for 3 8" pans and I had 3 9" pans. I debated using 2 9" pans or 2 8" pans, ultimately I thought 3 9" pans was best. I didn't have enough frosting to cover the whole thing, and they were a little too shallow so they cracked and were very fragile when I took them out of the pans. Next time I'll probalby just do 2 9" pans. Then they'll be too deep, but I'll compensate by cooking longer at a lower temperature. I think Red Velvet is a very fragile cake to begin with. The cake was for a work potluck today. Cracking aside, I hear it tasted good. Three people said it was the best Red Velvet they'd ever had. I must thank Paula Dean for the recipe.

I think I'm getting a knack for this baking thing.

Where We Went: To church a couple times; on a hike; got our taxes done (that was NOT an interesting activity).

Also had a trip to the hospital this week. Long story short, I had what I think were minor Braxton-Hicks contractions that wouldn't go away. Better safe than sorry. I called the dr, no one was there to answer my question so the receoptionist suggested I go in. I went in and they hooked me up to monitors and everything was good. Just like the mechanic's, I didn't have any contractions while I was there. I've been taking it easy since then and trying to decrease my stress. However, since we got a tax bill, an answer on an audit-examination, and other things ... stress has been very high for me.

the baking has been really good for my stress. Even though it keeps me on my feet, it's been good for me to be able to bake.

What I learned: oh lessee here ... what did I learn. I learned lots of work related things that would bore my readers to tears.

I learned that the IRS is not friendly Wait ... I knew that already.

I learned how to add a (C) to my photos and a signature on them. I've had fun with that.

Weekend Plans: Kymberly is marching in the St. Patrick's day parade tomorrow.

Josh is running in the 5K Fun Run at the St. Patty's day celebration.

I would like to rest.

I'm NOT baking (except a coffee cake for breakfast).

Fun Photo:
Practicing my piping skills


My Canollis

Me, at 30 weeks.

Us at the regional Park.


(clicking on the photos will take you to the photo on my flickr page where you can see the rest from the various sets.)

And tomorrow is Pi day. So a happy 3.14 day to all of you!! ;)