24 weeks...and first baby shower!

I am now 24 weeks.
(Don't be confused by the last blog post.. I drafted it 2 weeks ago and it took me that long to go ahead and post.. now I am 24 weeks!)

Jason finished his quarter and we were able to celebrate by going to the Smokey's this weekend. After dinner with his parents, we retired to the cabin. They called me into a room to show me something, and when I walked in...

Genevieve made these little babies out of diapers! How CUTE!
My mom about had a heart attack when it hit her--there really is going to be TWO bundles of joy! 

How do we look? Like we have our hands full? :)

My sister-in-law (and she was one of my bridesmaids!) planned an entire long distance baby shower for us. It was a total surprise to me. Jason, his parents, and his entire family were in on the secret, but somehow they kept it a surprise! 

I was overwhelmed by the generosity and support of his family and family friends. I was so deeply touched by the hard work and thought that went into it. Laura did a great job coordinating, and Genevieve (my MIL) did so much, too. Everything was sent to her house and she wrapped it all and transported it to the mountains. Then she decorated the whole place and made it a real shower. I know they both did so much more that I am unaware of to make it special, but it paid off. 

Thank you so much to everyone who participated. Overnight we went from (LITERALLY) not having a single thing in the baby room, to being able to start getting the room set up.

It is a good thing Jason has a few days off from school... he has a lot of work to do!  

22 Weeks..

So much has happened in the past 6 weeks!
As you can see, the babies have grown significantly! When we went for our 20 week check up (full anatomy data collection) we spent a full two hours in the ultrasound room. We got excellent reports from the doctor. It made us so proud to see our little babies growing so healthily! Jason was really interested in all the measurements they were taking. His favorite part was the hearts. I was interested, too, because it had to do with our babies, but not so interested that I didn't accidently fall asleep. Oops! Hey, put a pregnant lady in a recliner after a full day at work and dim the lights, see what happens.

You might have heard that we know the genders now... two girls! What a blessing!!!!! Their names will be Dakota Elizabeth and Kiley Rose. They are little wiggle worms. Dakota is on my left side and Kiley is on my right. It is so neat to know where they are because I talk to them more often than I should admit if I want people to think I am sane. So when my right side is being kicked over and over I can tell Kiley to cut it out! (Ok, the truth is... I don't mind right now. That may change as they get stronger and have less room to move, but right now I love to feel them!!!)
I think Jason was scared of pink at first, but he is warming up to the idea. He made the decision that we will be moving to Starkville, MS in 18 years.. So we can keep an eye on them when they go to college. Good luck, girls!

We have moved into our new three bedroom condo/house. We absolutely love it!! Our old apartment was perfect for us starting out, just the two of us. Now that we have moved to this palace we would never go back. We love the high ceilings and open floor plan! We are getting settled in and getting things ready for babies!
Last weekend our air conditioner broke.. Although it was a very hot, sticky 4 days, it made us very glad that we are renting. Plus it made us appreciate our blessings.
When the guy came to identify the problem, he took one look at me and offered to get us a window unit until he could get the new part. Apparently he took pity on Jason. Maybe he has had a pregnant wife before...?

School is in full swing now. It started out quite rough for me, but it has really smoothed out. I can truly say that although things aren't going perfect or easily, I really love my job. I love working with my special kiddos, although sometimes I look at how they are acting and search the room for hidden cameras.
We have a new "Cool Down Room" in my classroom. It works well for students.. and teachers!

Jason is finishing up his 4th quarter of his didactic year (he will spend a total of 5 quarters in the classroom before starting rotations). The schedule has been tough because there were a lot more night classes this quarter, but overall he is doing great.
He makes me so proud. I love the way he invests so much time and effort into the things that matter- but he also makes sure that his family is a priority. Somehow he manages to balance school and taking care of me. He never complains about having to help me pick things up all the time, or helping me put on my socks. When I start crying for no reason, he doesn't dismiss it because he knows that it is only because I am pregnant. God chose a great man for me to partner with to raise our daughters!

Pregnancy Update .... 16 weeks!

So last time I posted we announced that we are expecting twins!
Everyone has been so supportive, and it is so much more fun now that the cat is out of the bag.

So I am 16 weeks now, and a lot of people have been asking for an update!

I am definitely showing! I am wearing only maternity clothes and very loose pre-pregnancy clothes and dresses. 

I am eating so much you wouldn't believe it. I literally have to eat every two hours... and I don't mean have a few crackers, I mean full or mini-meals! It has certainly been a lifestyle adjustment. 

Fortunately, I have been feeling much better lately (probably because I am getting enough food now!). I am so blessed that the bulk of my first trimester landed during summer break, so I was able to take a nap when I was tired, lie down when I was sick, and really concentrate on taking care of myself. My first trimester symptoms lasted longer than the promised 12 weeks, but I think they are finally subsiding.   Let's just hope the migraines go away completely, too. 

School starts back soon, but we aren't thinking about that right now. 

In other news, Jason and I are moving on Friday! We are moving about 2 miles away to a 3 bedroom condo. I love our apartment right now, but it will be very cramped with 2 little ones and (hopefully) frequent visitors and support network! So as it gets closer I get more and more excited about our new place! It is significantly bigger. 

Also on Friday we find out the genders of our little angels! Everyone asks, "What do you want?" I am totally serious: I don't care! Jason really has no preference either, although I think all men want little boys. 

Here are some pictures from our trip last weekend to Mobile, AL for Jason's cousin Jeff's wedding. 

At the reception

Caswell family lunch at TGI Friday's

Anniversary

Wow! We cannot believe it has been a full year already! 

Our year has been wonderful and full of blessings. 

Our most exciting blessing is.... we are expecting! 

Can you believe it? God has blessed us with two babies! We are so lucky! 

They are "due" January 6th, 2013. BUT twins always come early, so we are expecting them in early or mid- December.

Please join us in praying for our growing family! 

Love, Kathleen and Jason (and the twins!)

Starkville and Birthdays

Stephen (The groom), Jason (My groom), and Kyle

This is on the altar during the reception. The venue and the view were breathtaking!! 

Since the last post, Jason and I were lucky enough to be a part of the wedding of Stephen Frederick and Sara Jurney in Mississippi. We decided to stay in Starkville so we could visit with our friends there.. It became evident that we left a small piece of ourselves in small town Starkville. It was great to return for the weekend. Besides, their wedding was beautiful. We had time to hang out with Fran and David, and go to the orchard, and have a delicious dinner with some dear friends.

David and Jason in the orchard picking blackberries

Lindsay will kill me when she sees this... but she was soo cute! Nice and huge with Everett!  Unfortunately, he was born 2 days AFTER we left! :(

Caitlin, Stefanie, and me! 

 So far June has been such a great month so far! Of course it started with birthday celebrations...I turned 23 on June 2. Jason is so sweet, he allowed for a full four days of celebrations. After our young adults bible study we invited our group over for cupcakes and watermelon slashes. It was my birthday so I got to choose the type of cupcakes...pumpkin cupcakes with pumpkin pie spiced cream cheese icing (so summery I know).

Birthday celebrations! Jason did the decorations himself! :)

 Friday night Jason and I went on a fun date! We went out to dinner, then to the movies. We rarely go to the movies, but we saw he movie What To Expect When You're Expecting. I was not what we expected, but overall very funny. Saturday night we went to dinner with some of our friends from his PA class. After dinner we ended up back at our apartment to finish the cupcakes and play wii Just Dance. We had a blast! Sunday I laid by the pool most of the day with my friend, Annie! A few days later I left for my hometown, Memphis. My mom is camp manager of Catholic Heart Work Camp which is hosted throughout the country. I went to help with the final preparations for camp. It was a lot of work, but I had so much fun wi y family it was worth it. Unfortunately, Jason had to stay behind to study for finals. It worked out so that he could spend all the time he needed studying. And it paid off! He did quite well on his finals.

THE Dante Schmitz- he's amazing! Check out his stuff! 

Tom is my friend from Chicago- he is a returning camper! 

 Now Jason has a week off so we are visiting his brother and sister in law in Baltimore and touring D.C. I will need to post an additional post for the trip because it is so packed with fun and touristy things that I can't fit it now. Overall, I am thoroughly enjoying my summer off. Especially now that Jason has a short break, too!

Thoroughly exhausted after a long day all over D.C.

May Findings

Alas, it is May. My "New Years' Resolution" was a flop.
Of course by now I have forgotten most of the unbelievably exciting and interesting things that my readers would be interested in catching up on. So instead, I will give you a few highlights from recent and post a variety of pictures with captivating captions that will help you "catch up" with us. :)

Jason made President's List! I may have already mentioned that to you, but I am so proud that I am not about to miss another opportunity to mention that Jason got a 4.0 last quarter.

I am almost done with school.. thank goodness! I love my kiddos, but I think we need a break from each other :).  We made it through TCAPs, and I think they did really well. They seemed to truly try. I have seen a lot of progress in many of my kids this year. It is a good feeling!
Next year my school will be doing some restructuring of the special ed program. This will leave me with the self-contained students (students who focus on academic/functional skills in a small group setting, usually significantly below grade level.) I am looking forward to my second full year- especially now that I have most of the paperwork down! :)

A few weeks ago, Jason and I went to Nashville for the Nashville Marathon. Before you start thinking, "Wow! Kathleen and Jason ran a marathon! What an athletic couple!" we went so that Jason could work as part of the medical team. While he slaved away handing out salt pockets and water, Genevieve (Mother in law) and I went to the Franklin Arts Festival. We had so much fun!

Then last weekend, my parents came in town to attend Shannon and Chris Moore's wedding. The Moores have been very good family friends for a long time. It was so neat to join in the festivities. It was an outdoor wedding, and the weather was absolutely perfect. Then we danced the night away at the Knoxville Convention Center. They are a great couple and Jason and I are so glad we have had a chance to get to know them better since moving here!

And now: Lots of pictures that help catch you up!

Jason and I at the Knoxville Ice Bears Hockey Game! 

Yep! I made homemade beer bread. It was unreal. 

Jason and I went to the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame

We are spreading the history!

I was born to play

Game Face

Some of my FAVORITE girls from Starkville! They met me in Tupelo when I was home for a few days. So much fun!! 

I decorated my door with motivational signs! 

Slightly more clear

After my first 5k!

Before going out after the Nashville Marathon! Eyes closed... 

Cinco De Mayo Band in Market Square

Rob Moore and me

Dad and me

Kate and me

Jason, me, my mom, and dad

Random.. Chili Cheese Dog with fresh green beans.. Dinner by Jason.. Thanks!!! :)

White Chili Recipe

Oh gosh, it makes me feel guilt when I post on here after so long-and only to post a recipe in a way that I can share with someone!
I promise all of you loyal followers (both of you!) that I will soon post a photo-and-info-rich blog post soon that will have you completely caught up with the Caswells. Until then, you will have to be satisfied with the Platten Family Award Winning White Chili Recipe.

Yes! It truly did win a Chili Cook Off!

 Ingredients:

4-5 chicken breasts
1 chopped onion-sauteed
3 cans of reduced sodium chicken broth, or use almost an entire box of chicken broth. If you use bullion cubes, you will need 6 cubes and 6 cups of boiling water.
1 can of white northern beans

1 Can navy beans

1 Can cannellini
2 large cans of green chilis
2 can of white corn

chopped carrots
1 tablespoon ground cumin (I highly suggest the ground cumin as opposed to whole seeds)

1      tablespoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon garlic powder
1-2 teaspoons of black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

1 block fat free cream cheese

1 bag white shredded cheese (preferably pepperjack, jalepeno, or white mexican)


Directions:

1.     Cook chicken breasts in boiling water 45-55 minutes (or cook non-frozen chicken at 375 for 35 minutes, then shred). Shred in a large pot

2.     Sautee onion in olive oil or butter

3.     Drain and rinse beans

4.     Drain corn

5.     Add all ingredients into pot and simmer for 35-45 minutes

6.     Add one block of cream cheese- stir until melted completely (I also found that I could throw the cream cheese in the simmering pot when there is about 5 minutes left and it is easily stirred into the mix)

7.     Top bowl off with shredded cheese- and watch it disappear! 

*We always double the recipe because we never get sick of it!