Homemade Apple Pie

Although this blog was started primarily to help me journal my thoughts regarding our journey down the path of fertility, not everything in our life is dictated by what goes on at the doctor's office.

This weekend was a normal, sit-and-laze-around weekend.  Rainy, unseasonably warm, yet cozy.  Tony and I spent the day together yesterday, went grocery shopping and made a HUGE pot of Tony's favorite - County Chili.  County Chili is super easy as well as super yummy.  It was a tradition in Tony's home growing up.  I'd love to share the recipe, but I'll have to check with my mother-in-law +Deb Bartlett to make sure I'm not letting out any family secrets before I do!

In the evening after tucking Tony into bed I ventured out to Conway's Smokin' Bar & Grill in Milwaukee to see a colleague of mine performing with his band.  Unclear on the Concept did a phenomenal job, and I was very impressed!  It's been awhile since I've left my house at 9:00 p.m. and ventured out to a bar.  Luckily for me my curiosity was peaked considering the bar's name included my maiden name.  I had no choice but to check it out!  The band played a few of their own songs, and then continued to cover many popular songs.  I found myself singing along more often and not, and have decided to "splurge" and purchase their CD.  It's $5.  If anyone is interested in attending the next show, let me know -- I'm always up for company, and those venues aren't really Tony's cup o' tea.  Even better, I'll be asking for autographs on this CD.  Who knows when these guys will end up being famous?

Sunday started out slowly.  Tony let me sleep in, we had some more snuggles with Shadow, and woke up quite lazily.  It. Was. Awesome.  After getting up we decided it might be a good idea to take Shadow for a walk ride.  We usually like to head to the South side of Milwaukee to hit up some of our favorite county parks (South Shore, Grant, Bender), but as we came upstairs we were bombarded by news reports of tornado watches and warnings.  So, instead, we decided to travel North.  We'd made it to the gas station up the street when the tornado sirens started going off.  Needless to say, both the adventure was cancelled.  Came home, took a nap (I said it was a lazy day, didn't I?), and relaxed until it was almost time for the Packer game.

Considering how the Packers fared today, I think I'll just skip to the next part.  :)  I spent most of the afternoon and evening studying and completing assignments for my Psychology and Anatomy & Physiology classes.  When I study, without fail, I'm listening to Pandora.com.  I am in love with their Lullabye Radio station.  It is so calming, and we also listen to this when it's time to go to sleep.  I was introduced to this awesomeness by +Megan Karabon, and cannot thank her enough.  I know her little one, Lily, loves the music as well.  Lily is just over four months old, so I can guarantee it's appropriate for all ages!  *Side note, if you're looking for a blog about family, buying tips for your little ones, advice, and anecdotes of a little one's milestones -- check out her blog karabonchronicles.blogspot.com!

I took a short study break to do something I've been wanting to do for a few weeks now.  I made a homemade apple pie.  I'm not sure what it is about being in a warm kitchen, with rain pattering at the windows, and wind whipping around the house that makes me want to bake.  I just love the cozy feeling I get, and was so excited to make this pie.  While I was baking, one my favorite songs came on pandora.com.  It gave me a warm fuzzy feeling as I worked in the kitchen creating a sweet edible treat for my family.  The lyrics are what get me, every time.  So, tonight, I leave you with a link (just click on the title of the song) to this favorite song of mine, along with the lyrics to ponder.  I hope you find something as special as I have within them.

"At Last" 

Etta James

Written by:  Harry Warren & Mack Gordon

At last 

Finished product and our Holiday window, courtesy of my mom, +Sharon Davison 

My love has come along 

My lonely days over 

And life is like a song 

Ooh Yeah, Yeah, At last 

The skies above are blue 

My heart was wrapped up in clover 

The night I looked at you 

I found a dream 

That I could speak to 

A dream that I can call my own 

I found a thrill 

To press my cheek to 

A thrill that I have never known 

You smile 

You smile 

Oh and then the spell was cast 

And here we are in heaven 

For you are mine at last