It's almost been two years since I officially became a Mrs. This also means that it is almost two years since I applied for my green card. When you apply for a green card based on marriage as mine is, the powers that be consider it conditional for two years - as in, if you are still married after 2 years you can apply have the conditions removed and then you can officially be a green card holder, without conditions.
I got a letter in the mail reminding me that the window to apply for the conditions to be removed is coming up and I need to get on it. It feels like it was only yesterday that we were gathering all this information and putting together our original application. But it also feels like a lifetime ago.
Our application should include pictures of trips we have taken together the past two years as well as holidays celebrated together. It's been a sweet trip down memory lane. But I am excited to be done with it and feel like we can relax, or at least shift our focus to something more exciting - like our adoption!
I guess it is just another chapter in our story - does it seem to anyone else like our story includes more paperwork than the average couple? Maybe it's just me.
So I continue to drink my weight in water and slather on the hand lotion in preparation for my fingerprints and hoping that all this paperwork is worth it. It will be I know, but right now with end of quarter papers due, green card stuff needing to be completed and finally my finger print woes it just all felt like a lot of red tape to fight through to get to live life.
I am trying to find truly give these worries and concerns to God and live in the freedom I know is there for the taking if I can just make time to find it. I know that these things are necessary, and I will celebrate when they are completed, I just need a better attitude to get there!
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Butterflies
Nothing better than that Friday feeling. J has been busy with work lately, and we have been having a hard time getting our schedules to give us good time together.
But tonight, is a much needed date night and even though it is only 9am I am super excited for it.
Even though we see each other every day it can be too easy to go days at a time without really having quality time with each other. We have both felt something missing the past couple of weeks and with a busy weekend ahead, it feels so great to know we have this time set aside to reconnect.
I think I will take the opportunity to dress up pretty...the sunshine makes it much easier to want to put on a dress!
It is good to know that as we approach our second anniversary later this summer, I still get butterflies in my tummy thinking about going on a date with my hubs.
Hope you all have fun weekend plans - Seattleites, looks like the sun will be sticking around - Yay!
But tonight, is a much needed date night and even though it is only 9am I am super excited for it.
Even though we see each other every day it can be too easy to go days at a time without really having quality time with each other. We have both felt something missing the past couple of weeks and with a busy weekend ahead, it feels so great to know we have this time set aside to reconnect.
I think I will take the opportunity to dress up pretty...the sunshine makes it much easier to want to put on a dress!
It is good to know that as we approach our second anniversary later this summer, I still get butterflies in my tummy thinking about going on a date with my hubs.
Hope you all have fun weekend plans - Seattleites, looks like the sun will be sticking around - Yay!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Soap Opera
In the bathroom attached to our bedroom we are lucky enough to have two sinks. Next to Jeremy's sink are his contact lens solution bottles and a green ceramic hand soap dispenser. I do not like said soap dispenser. Firstly, it is just plain ugly - not a good enough reason for J to get rid of it. Secondly, it holds some strange antiseptic smelling neon soap it. And thirdly it leaks, making the once white pump bright orange and sticky orange mess all down the sides and onto the counter.
Anyway, I usually avoid his soap dispenser at all costs and instead take the few extra steps to the Bath and Body Works soap dispenser standing by my sink which is currently holding Midnight pomegranate scented soap - which all manages to stay in the dispenser until you need
This morning however I made a slightly un-nerving discovery. After I brushed my teeth,(which I always do over J's sink because that's where we keep our electric toothbrush plugged in) I managed to get some toothpaste on my hand so after brushing, I rinsed my hand under the tap and pumped to get some soap.
Nothing.
I pumped again. Still no soap.
Then I realised, there is no soap in this dispenser. I haven't used it for months and had a slight memory of having to pump a few times to get soap out the last time. Has he really been out of soap for that long?
I guess he must be reaching over to use my pink, scented soap right?
Right?
It is time to retire the nasty green soap dispenser and replace it with one that is A. Full of soap and B. see-through so I can monitor how fast it is getting used up!
Hope you are having a fabulous Tuesday.
Anyway, I usually avoid his soap dispenser at all costs and instead take the few extra steps to the Bath and Body Works soap dispenser standing by my sink which is currently holding Midnight pomegranate scented soap - which all manages to stay in the dispenser until you need
This morning however I made a slightly un-nerving discovery. After I brushed my teeth,(which I always do over J's sink because that's where we keep our electric toothbrush plugged in) I managed to get some toothpaste on my hand so after brushing, I rinsed my hand under the tap and pumped to get some soap.
Nothing.
I pumped again. Still no soap.
Then I realised, there is no soap in this dispenser. I haven't used it for months and had a slight memory of having to pump a few times to get soap out the last time. Has he really been out of soap for that long?
I guess he must be reaching over to use my pink, scented soap right?
Right?
It is time to retire the nasty green soap dispenser and replace it with one that is A. Full of soap and B. see-through so I can monitor how fast it is getting used up!
Hope you are having a fabulous Tuesday.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
What's for Dinner Wednesday - Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Few flavours blend together as well as tomato and basil, and this soup is the perfect melting pot for them!
I love to serve this soup with grilled cheese sandwiches or cheese quesadillas but it is just as good with salad.
I made a half recipe based on the Barefoot Contessa's recipe. I may have mentioned this soup before but it's worth a revisit if I have!
This is a simple recipe but it takes some time because you have to roast the tomatoes before making the soup and letting it simmer, You might want to give your self a couple of hours from start to finish - but you will not be in the kitchen for all of that time!
Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs plum tomatoes, cut in half lengthways
1/8 C olive oil
1 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
3/4 tsp black pepper
1 onion chopped (about 1 onion)
3 garlic cloves
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
1 14.5oz can tomatoes including the juice
2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
1/2 tsp thyme leaves (fresh or dried)
16 oz (half a quart)chicken broth or water
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix together fresh tomatoes, olive oil, salt and pepper until the tomatoes are coated. Spread them them out on a baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes.
In a stock pot over medium heat, saute the onions and garlic in a tbsp of olive oil, with the butter and the red pepper flakes for ten minutes or until the onions start to brown. Add the can of tomatoes, basil, thyme and chicken stock. Add the roasted tomatoes, and any liquid on the baking sheet. Bring to a boil and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes.
Use an immersion blender or transfer contents to a regular blender and blend.
It can be served hot or cold according to the recipe, but I think cold soup is weird so I cannot vouch for how good it is chilled! But hot it is wonderful.
Enjoy.
I love to serve this soup with grilled cheese sandwiches or cheese quesadillas but it is just as good with salad.
I made a half recipe based on the Barefoot Contessa's recipe. I may have mentioned this soup before but it's worth a revisit if I have!
This is a simple recipe but it takes some time because you have to roast the tomatoes before making the soup and letting it simmer, You might want to give your self a couple of hours from start to finish - but you will not be in the kitchen for all of that time!
Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs plum tomatoes, cut in half lengthways
1/8 C olive oil
1 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
3/4 tsp black pepper
1 onion chopped (about 1 onion)
3 garlic cloves
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
1 14.5oz can tomatoes including the juice
2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
1/2 tsp thyme leaves (fresh or dried)
16 oz (half a quart)chicken broth or water
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix together fresh tomatoes, olive oil, salt and pepper until the tomatoes are coated. Spread them them out on a baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes.
In a stock pot over medium heat, saute the onions and garlic in a tbsp of olive oil, with the butter and the red pepper flakes for ten minutes or until the onions start to brown. Add the can of tomatoes, basil, thyme and chicken stock. Add the roasted tomatoes, and any liquid on the baking sheet. Bring to a boil and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes.
Use an immersion blender or transfer contents to a regular blender and blend.
It can be served hot or cold according to the recipe, but I think cold soup is weird so I cannot vouch for how good it is chilled! But hot it is wonderful.
Enjoy.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Silly Old Bear
I love Winnie the Pooh. That's not really a secret. With so many questions about our baby future, one thing that is for sure, our nursery will be decorated in original WtP. Boy or girl. He and his friends,. are friends to all!!
Anyway, this afternoon Miss Z (one of my best girl friends who happens to be 6 years old, and who I lived with for the first 4 years of her life) went to watch the new Winnie the Pooh movie. She had called me up and asked if I would go with her after she saw the commercial for it on TV. Pretty much I would do whatever she asks. I love that she still considers me a friend even though I got married and moved out - in spite of her insistence that Jeremy just moved in! I guess she forgave me. And even forgave J too for taking me away.
It was a great afternoon and a time to be present with this little lady who will always have my heart. And with the bear who has a little piece of it too! ha ha
Here is a shot of us about a year ago at her b'day party - clearly I need to take more pictures with her because this may be the most recent one I have!! Both of us have had quite a lot of hair chopped off since.
Anyway, this afternoon Miss Z (one of my best girl friends who happens to be 6 years old, and who I lived with for the first 4 years of her life) went to watch the new Winnie the Pooh movie. She had called me up and asked if I would go with her after she saw the commercial for it on TV. Pretty much I would do whatever she asks. I love that she still considers me a friend even though I got married and moved out - in spite of her insistence that Jeremy just moved in! I guess she forgave me. And even forgave J too for taking me away.
It was a great afternoon and a time to be present with this little lady who will always have my heart. And with the bear who has a little piece of it too! ha ha
Here is a shot of us about a year ago at her b'day party - clearly I need to take more pictures with her because this may be the most recent one I have!! Both of us have had quite a lot of hair chopped off since.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Grieving is a part time job
On Monday, I meet with a small group of classmates from college to work on our project for the quarter. As I hear about the large number of credits some of them are taking and am aware as people arrive from one job to leave for class or a second job, I begin to feel like I am wasting my days away. I feel spent at the end of the day. I feel tired but what takes up my time?
I am in school, working part time and keeping house. It doesn't seem like much when I look at it like that.
I think back to my days of teaching preschool, and especially with YWAM I was on the go all the time. I managed to fit so much into my week. In YWAM, I would leave the house at 7.30am and often not return until late at night during DTS. I was tired, but I rarely felt overworked. I loved what I did and I was happy to devote my time to it. I liked being busy. The saying goes, idol hands are the devils play things, I can see that in my life. Now I am less busy, I am doing less, but still feeling just as much.
This afternoon as I was reflecting on this and connecting it to the message from church on Sunday and how we must be right on the inside, and not just in our actions (there was way more to it than that, but that was the piece that has been connecting some dots in my pondering) I realise that the burden of infertility and especially the loss of our pregnancies, and the loss of what this time in our lives "should" be is something that cannot be put on a shelf and forgotten. It is a part of me now, it shapes me and my life, and it probably always will. It is a thorn in my flesh.
While it is very true I do not think about our losses every moment of every day. But it is also true that they pass through my mind for some moments most every day. Grieving isn't something you just do once and then cross it off your list.
Some days my grief means I shed tears, or go over old journal entries and remember what it was like to feel pregnant. To read my hopes and dreams, and remember what life was like before we knew too much about how quickly things can change. It reminds me of a more innocent time, it helps me find peace and trust in the truth that God makes babies.
Some days those moments of grief compel me to find someone else who can carry this grief with me. Someone who can understand how I am feeling. I have found a really supportive online community as well as having a great support in real life. If my grief has a hopeless tinge, I find a blog which tells the story of IVF working first time, against all odds. Reading posts about the struggles of infertility which have been overshadowed by the joy if pregnancy, birth and parenthood. On other days when my grief has a glimmer of possibility I find a blog abut a family that have adopted to build their family. Seeing the beauty of a family brought together by the gift of adoption is another confirmation of God's hand and His perfect design. And can bring me comfort.
Some days my grief is a distraction from the present. Daydreams of what could have been are just too alluring and I can lose myself in them for a couple of hours. Other days my grief is the fuel that inspires me to action; to take a bite out of life, to dig in and embrace every sweet moment.
It's a little tiring.
It's like having a totally unpredictable part-time job. Some days the boss is great, easy to work with and very flexible, other days she's moody and sad. You never know what the day will hold, but you know you will have to punch in and out at some point.
I can't feel guilty about it. About those lost moments. This is just life for now, and I have a good life.
I don't feel sad. Really, I don't. But give me those moments, and I'll try hard to give them back to God and wait for him to redeem them. Which I know he will.
I am in school, working part time and keeping house. It doesn't seem like much when I look at it like that.
I think back to my days of teaching preschool, and especially with YWAM I was on the go all the time. I managed to fit so much into my week. In YWAM, I would leave the house at 7.30am and often not return until late at night during DTS. I was tired, but I rarely felt overworked. I loved what I did and I was happy to devote my time to it. I liked being busy. The saying goes, idol hands are the devils play things, I can see that in my life. Now I am less busy, I am doing less, but still feeling just as much.
This afternoon as I was reflecting on this and connecting it to the message from church on Sunday and how we must be right on the inside, and not just in our actions (there was way more to it than that, but that was the piece that has been connecting some dots in my pondering) I realise that the burden of infertility and especially the loss of our pregnancies, and the loss of what this time in our lives "should" be is something that cannot be put on a shelf and forgotten. It is a part of me now, it shapes me and my life, and it probably always will. It is a thorn in my flesh.
While it is very true I do not think about our losses every moment of every day. But it is also true that they pass through my mind for some moments most every day. Grieving isn't something you just do once and then cross it off your list.
Some days my grief means I shed tears, or go over old journal entries and remember what it was like to feel pregnant. To read my hopes and dreams, and remember what life was like before we knew too much about how quickly things can change. It reminds me of a more innocent time, it helps me find peace and trust in the truth that God makes babies.
Some days those moments of grief compel me to find someone else who can carry this grief with me. Someone who can understand how I am feeling. I have found a really supportive online community as well as having a great support in real life. If my grief has a hopeless tinge, I find a blog which tells the story of IVF working first time, against all odds. Reading posts about the struggles of infertility which have been overshadowed by the joy if pregnancy, birth and parenthood. On other days when my grief has a glimmer of possibility I find a blog abut a family that have adopted to build their family. Seeing the beauty of a family brought together by the gift of adoption is another confirmation of God's hand and His perfect design. And can bring me comfort.
Some days my grief is a distraction from the present. Daydreams of what could have been are just too alluring and I can lose myself in them for a couple of hours. Other days my grief is the fuel that inspires me to action; to take a bite out of life, to dig in and embrace every sweet moment.
It's a little tiring.
It's like having a totally unpredictable part-time job. Some days the boss is great, easy to work with and very flexible, other days she's moody and sad. You never know what the day will hold, but you know you will have to punch in and out at some point.
I can't feel guilty about it. About those lost moments. This is just life for now, and I have a good life.
I don't feel sad. Really, I don't. But give me those moments, and I'll try hard to give them back to God and wait for him to redeem them. Which I know he will.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Little did I know!
Little did I know that just moments after I hit 'publish' on the blog yesterday J announced that the date day he has planned was a hike. So much for the lazy day that I was starting to imagine lay ahead!
So we packed snack bars in the camel pack, threw i our sunglasses and our rain jackets and off we went! We headed to Rattlesnake Mountain and walked the trail 2 miles up to Rattlesnake ledge - and then down again. The sun had come out and the weather was perfect for hiking. Warm, but not too warm and sunny but not too sunny. And not raining at all! Perfect.
This hike was so close to the city, I can't believe I have never hiked it before. Not that I am a frequent hiker but still. I admit that even though it was not a long hike, only 4 mile round trip, the hike was not exactly a walk in the park! I am so unfit! It's true that it's not about a number on a scale (which has been creeping again!) but it is about how you feel when you are being active. And it was painful today!! As I puffed and panted up the mountain I resolved once again that I really need to get in better shape. It felt so good to reach the top and was a big relief! The view was amazing, you could see for miles. The sun was shining and we ate our snacks, guzzled water and laid in the sun for a while watching the chip monks running around....before heading back down the mountain. It is so much easier going down!
As we hiked through the trees, looking down at the lake and at the mountains in the distance it took my breath away. Everywhere we looked it was so beautiful. I couldn't help uttering words of thankful praise to God with each step. I felt so glad to be alive. So thankful for the beauty around me. So at peace. When the new heaven and new earth come, how much more amazing is it going to be? I can't imagine, because this heaven and earth is just so beautiful.
Back in the car again, I felt great. I love that feeling you get when you have completed a challenge.
PJ's until noon, and then hiking the PNW in the afternoon. Not a bad way to spend a day. Here are a few pictures.
So we packed snack bars in the camel pack, threw i our sunglasses and our rain jackets and off we went! We headed to Rattlesnake Mountain and walked the trail 2 miles up to Rattlesnake ledge - and then down again. The sun had come out and the weather was perfect for hiking. Warm, but not too warm and sunny but not too sunny. And not raining at all! Perfect.
This hike was so close to the city, I can't believe I have never hiked it before. Not that I am a frequent hiker but still. I admit that even though it was not a long hike, only 4 mile round trip, the hike was not exactly a walk in the park! I am so unfit! It's true that it's not about a number on a scale (which has been creeping again!) but it is about how you feel when you are being active. And it was painful today!! As I puffed and panted up the mountain I resolved once again that I really need to get in better shape. It felt so good to reach the top and was a big relief! The view was amazing, you could see for miles. The sun was shining and we ate our snacks, guzzled water and laid in the sun for a while watching the chip monks running around....before heading back down the mountain. It is so much easier going down!
As we hiked through the trees, looking down at the lake and at the mountains in the distance it took my breath away. Everywhere we looked it was so beautiful. I couldn't help uttering words of thankful praise to God with each step. I felt so glad to be alive. So thankful for the beauty around me. So at peace. When the new heaven and new earth come, how much more amazing is it going to be? I can't imagine, because this heaven and earth is just so beautiful.
Back in the car again, I felt great. I love that feeling you get when you have completed a challenge.
PJ's until noon, and then hiking the PNW in the afternoon. Not a bad way to spend a day. Here are a few pictures.
Camping plans in mid-July? Should have known better!!
It's mid July and we had planned to wake up this morning under canvas after a night of camping. However, the downpour last night and the threat of even more wetness over night and into this morning made us put a pin in our plan. We'll take the pin out at the first hint of warm weather and go, but geesh, you would have thought it wouldn't be too much to ask for a dry day in mid summer, but then again it is Seattle.
So I will stop my complaining at that one paragraph because I do understand that this unpredictable weather is a part of living in this glorious city. It is the price we pay. The mountains, the water, and the green are the positives and the wet weather comes with those. So I will make a cup of tea, read a book and appreciate the home I have to keep me warm and dry.
Our nixed camping plans left us open to take up the invitation to join J's parents, his sister and her fiance at a delicious Thai dinner. Oh my! So tasty and so good to be in the company of family.
We are enjoying the slow start that Saturday has had. J made breakfast, I read, he caught up with the Tour de France. We are starting to think about changing out of our PJ's and into real clothes, but there's no rush! As much as we would have loved to be camping, I confess it's hard to be sad because I really heart lazy Saturday mornings.
Apparently the sun will be making an appearance tomorrow, I'll believe it when I see it. But we have some BBQ plans with friends so I hope it does. It always makes me feel a little bad to send J out to grill wearing his waterproof jacket, hood up!! haha
The only plan we have now is going out to take a walk and find some coffee...it's a good thing that's something else Seattle does so well!!
So I will stop my complaining at that one paragraph because I do understand that this unpredictable weather is a part of living in this glorious city. It is the price we pay. The mountains, the water, and the green are the positives and the wet weather comes with those. So I will make a cup of tea, read a book and appreciate the home I have to keep me warm and dry.
Our nixed camping plans left us open to take up the invitation to join J's parents, his sister and her fiance at a delicious Thai dinner. Oh my! So tasty and so good to be in the company of family.
We are enjoying the slow start that Saturday has had. J made breakfast, I read, he caught up with the Tour de France. We are starting to think about changing out of our PJ's and into real clothes, but there's no rush! As much as we would have loved to be camping, I confess it's hard to be sad because I really heart lazy Saturday mornings.
Apparently the sun will be making an appearance tomorrow, I'll believe it when I see it. But we have some BBQ plans with friends so I hope it does. It always makes me feel a little bad to send J out to grill wearing his waterproof jacket, hood up!! haha
The only plan we have now is going out to take a walk and find some coffee...it's a good thing that's something else Seattle does so well!!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Just around the corner
Our August to start exploring more options to grow our family is approaching fast. Our doctor is usually busy so even though I want to pretend it is not happening I knew I would have to call this week to be able to get in to see her in early August. Yesterday I bit the bullet and phoned the office. I spoke to our doctors assistant and explained that we had been waiting until August to consider our next step, she said, "well, come in next week and then we could have you on a new regime for your August cycle" Gulp.
Suddenly it all felt too real, too fast, and I lost every ounce of peace in my spirit.
I totally put it on Jeremy as I explained to her that we had decided that we would start the process in August so could I please have an appointment in August because I didn't think he would want to come in any earlier!
After I had made the appointment I realised that Jeremy would have probably been just fine if I told him we were going in mid-July instead of early August (the available appointments were about 10 days apart!) but I was the one recoiling from moving on to new possibilities!
My reaction to her offer, and to her assumption that we would be doing treatment was a surprise to me. I had always imagined that I would be ready to jump in and that Jeremy would be more hesitant one, and perhaps he still will be but I am now aware that I am also experiencing some caution about jumping in to anything. In some ways this makes me feel happy. I have not turned the corner into becoming someone who will do anything to have a baby. I still have enough distance to stop and seek Gods perfect plan, rather than heading down any path offered, or the path that feels like the quickest way to a baby! This gives me a little more confidence in our ability to make the right choice. Even though the cry of my heart is that we wouldn't have to make a decision at all. That God would just surprise us with a natural pregnancy, but I realise there may just be a different plan for us to bring our miracle home!
Today I feel good about having the doctors appointment on the calendar, and I am letting myself have some excitement about hearing the possibilities and moving forward. Moving closer to having our baby. We have not in any way decided that fertility treatment is the direction we are going, but we have already met with an adoption agency to hear the process for that so this feels like the other half of the information we need to make a decision. We believe that God will lead us, because we trust He is building our family. Even now, as we wait and we wonder, He knows. He is going to give us a child, the perfect child for our family and I am so very excited. Excited to hold that child in my arms and look back on this day, and all the other days before it that have held so many questions, and be able to see His plan. To know that when we welcome a child into our home it will be our perfect miracle. It will not be the end of our journey but just another part of the story God is weaving.
(p.s. those fabulous pink roses were a surprise gift from J this weekend! Swoon x)
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
What's for dinner Wednesday - Stuffed Peppers
On one of our first dates, Jeremy and I had a conversation about favourite foods. He mentioned stuffed peppers and stuffed tomatoes and tucked that little nugget away in case I needed it. Sadly, it has taken almost two years of marriage for me to finally make him one!
This was a recipe taken from Cooking Light's publication, Eat Smart, Eat Well. It is a fairly simple meal to prepare even though it looks fiddly. It is worthy of a special occasion, or just a Wednesday night dinner with someone special!
I served it with a side of steamed sugar snap peas and some thinly sliced onion and shredded cabbage which I fried together in a teeny bit of butter and olive oil. Simple sides but so good to have some green to go with the peppers.
This recipe is for 4 peppers. We ate two for dinner and I packaged the others up for lunches in the days ahead.
Ingredients
4 red peppers
3/4 lb ground (mince) beef
I C-ish chopped onion (1 onion)
1 C un-cooked brown rice (you could use white too, I just prefer brown)
1/2 C chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
2 C bottled pasta sauce (divided)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 C dry red wine (I used cooking wine)
Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees
Cook rice according to directions. Set aside.
While the rice cooks, cut the tops across the peppers. Cut out the white membrane and the seeds and throw away. Place the peppers in a glass 8x8 dish, cut sides down. Cover with plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 2 minutes or until peppers are crisp-tender. Cool. (I wasn't sure what 'crisp-tender meant, and I cooked the peppers for two minutes, and then an extra 30 seconds and they turned out great)
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat. Add the beef, onion, parsley, paprika, salt and allspice and cook until beef is lightly browned. Remove from the heat. Add the rice, 1/2 C pasta sauce and cheese. Stir to combine.
While the beef is cooking combine 1 1/2 C of pasta sauce and the red wine in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil.
Spoon about 3/4 C of the beef mixture (or until its all gone) into each pepper, I packed them pretty tight.
Place peppers in a baking dish coated with cooking spray, add the wine mixture to the bottom of the dish. Cover with foil.
Bake at 450 degrees for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes until lightly browned. Serve the peppers with sauce. Garnish with the pepper tops to look pretty!
So good!
This was a recipe taken from Cooking Light's publication, Eat Smart, Eat Well. It is a fairly simple meal to prepare even though it looks fiddly. It is worthy of a special occasion, or just a Wednesday night dinner with someone special!
I served it with a side of steamed sugar snap peas and some thinly sliced onion and shredded cabbage which I fried together in a teeny bit of butter and olive oil. Simple sides but so good to have some green to go with the peppers.
This recipe is for 4 peppers. We ate two for dinner and I packaged the others up for lunches in the days ahead.
Ingredients
4 red peppers
3/4 lb ground (mince) beef
I C-ish chopped onion (1 onion)
1 C un-cooked brown rice (you could use white too, I just prefer brown)
1/2 C chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
2 C bottled pasta sauce (divided)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 C dry red wine (I used cooking wine)
Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees
Cook rice according to directions. Set aside.
While the rice cooks, cut the tops across the peppers. Cut out the white membrane and the seeds and throw away. Place the peppers in a glass 8x8 dish, cut sides down. Cover with plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 2 minutes or until peppers are crisp-tender. Cool. (I wasn't sure what 'crisp-tender meant, and I cooked the peppers for two minutes, and then an extra 30 seconds and they turned out great)
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat. Add the beef, onion, parsley, paprika, salt and allspice and cook until beef is lightly browned. Remove from the heat. Add the rice, 1/2 C pasta sauce and cheese. Stir to combine.
While the beef is cooking combine 1 1/2 C of pasta sauce and the red wine in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil.
Spoon about 3/4 C of the beef mixture (or until its all gone) into each pepper, I packed them pretty tight.
Place peppers in a baking dish coated with cooking spray, add the wine mixture to the bottom of the dish. Cover with foil.
Bake at 450 degrees for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes until lightly browned. Serve the peppers with sauce. Garnish with the pepper tops to look pretty!
So good!
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Date Day
Beautiful sunny day here in Seattle. J and I decided instead of date night we would make the most of the sunshine and have a date day!
After a much needed (for J) sleep-in this morning I made a big breakfast while he caught up on the 'Tour de France', his absolute favourite sporting event and it makes me happy to see him enjoying it so much. We have even talked about the possibility of going over to France one year to follow the tore and see more of the French countryside. It's all talk as of now, but it could be a fun adventure in the future!
After we were totally stuffed from breakfast, we headed to Denny Blaine Park, one of the many beach parks that are just spectacular on a day like today. We wanted to have a view of the water while we laid out and read. I wish I had worn a swim suit because it was hot enough to swim I would have been tempted to take a dip in Lake Washington as many others were doing! We laid back and soaked up the sun, stopping every once in a while to share a thought or two.
It was blissful.
Jeremy has been travelling quite a bit for work recently. This past week we was gone for two days in Michigan for a hearing. While it was only one night, he left early in the morning and returned late at night so it felt like longer. I am getting more accustomed to staying in the house alone but I don't particularly enjoy it. When he has been gone we try to make an extra effort to reconnect after he gets back. It is strange how much distance can creep in even after just a couple of days apart so we try to be intentional to not let it! This date day was a great way to reconnect after this most recent trip.
Laying in the sun was just part one. After a few hours we took respite from the heat for a while in 'Oh Chocolate' a boutique candy store that I happened to buy a Groupon for a while back. It was for two glasses of wine and two of their homemade truffles. J got a salted caramel and I got a fig and dark chocolate truffle to go with our delicious glass of vino. Oh Chocolate! Oh my! So good. And we really lucked out because there was a chocolate class happening later and the owner was getting some chocolate dipped strawberries ready and just happened to have some extras which we gladly taste tested!
I don't know what you got up to today, but I hope you found some beauty and some laughter. I am so thankful that in life we get days like this one every now and then, when everything just feels right with the world and everything seems perfect - even if it's not.
After a much needed (for J) sleep-in this morning I made a big breakfast while he caught up on the 'Tour de France', his absolute favourite sporting event and it makes me happy to see him enjoying it so much. We have even talked about the possibility of going over to France one year to follow the tore and see more of the French countryside. It's all talk as of now, but it could be a fun adventure in the future!
After we were totally stuffed from breakfast, we headed to Denny Blaine Park, one of the many beach parks that are just spectacular on a day like today. We wanted to have a view of the water while we laid out and read. I wish I had worn a swim suit because it was hot enough to swim I would have been tempted to take a dip in Lake Washington as many others were doing! We laid back and soaked up the sun, stopping every once in a while to share a thought or two.
It was blissful.
Jeremy has been travelling quite a bit for work recently. This past week we was gone for two days in Michigan for a hearing. While it was only one night, he left early in the morning and returned late at night so it felt like longer. I am getting more accustomed to staying in the house alone but I don't particularly enjoy it. When he has been gone we try to make an extra effort to reconnect after he gets back. It is strange how much distance can creep in even after just a couple of days apart so we try to be intentional to not let it! This date day was a great way to reconnect after this most recent trip.
Laying in the sun was just part one. After a few hours we took respite from the heat for a while in 'Oh Chocolate' a boutique candy store that I happened to buy a Groupon for a while back. It was for two glasses of wine and two of their homemade truffles. J got a salted caramel and I got a fig and dark chocolate truffle to go with our delicious glass of vino. Oh Chocolate! Oh my! So good. And we really lucked out because there was a chocolate class happening later and the owner was getting some chocolate dipped strawberries ready and just happened to have some extras which we gladly taste tested!
I don't know what you got up to today, but I hope you found some beauty and some laughter. I am so thankful that in life we get days like this one every now and then, when everything just feels right with the world and everything seems perfect - even if it's not.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Just another Thursday
Sitting down to dinner, lemon lentil soup. I have been craving it for days but the hot weather just didn't make me willing to stand over a hot pan. Lucky for this particular craving the weather in Seattle took a little down turn today and this summery tasting soup was perfect.
J has been gone for work for the past couple of days and even though it's not that long I always get so excited for him to come home. I cleaned the house top to bottom in honor of his return, and baked his favourite banana bread this afternoon so he has something tasty for breakfast in the morning. I love being his wife and I am so proud of how hard he works for us, I like making time to go the extra mile to show him just how much.
A blog which I enjoy is titled the 'Joy of Homemaking', and today was a day I honestly felt that this was describing how I felt about my day. I was able to create in my kitchen and make my home a welcoming place and I loved every second of it.
I enjoy being in school and learning, but sometimes I get frustrated when I feel like there are other things, like my husband, can get put on the back burner because of it. This week has felt like I have hit a great rhythm with my life. I am making better choices about my time. I am making my marriage a priority, connecting with the important people in my life, and keeping up to date with school. I can't believe it is Friday tomorrow but I am feeling pretty accomplished for the week. That's a good feeling.
On the baby-making front we have one more cycle before we go and see our doctor to discuss further fertility options. August will be a month to make a decision about where we go from here, or at least to make a plan for what's next. Fertility treatment and adoption are both on the table in a very real way. They both have ups and downs. It's a big decision. We covet your prayers for wisdom as we make this decision. I just want us to be on the same page, and confident that we are walking the path God has in mind. For today we pray that God will intervene and give us a July miracle but we are also thinking ahead to the decisions that may be ahead of that doesn't happen.
J has been gone for work for the past couple of days and even though it's not that long I always get so excited for him to come home. I cleaned the house top to bottom in honor of his return, and baked his favourite banana bread this afternoon so he has something tasty for breakfast in the morning. I love being his wife and I am so proud of how hard he works for us, I like making time to go the extra mile to show him just how much.
A blog which I enjoy is titled the 'Joy of Homemaking', and today was a day I honestly felt that this was describing how I felt about my day. I was able to create in my kitchen and make my home a welcoming place and I loved every second of it.
I enjoy being in school and learning, but sometimes I get frustrated when I feel like there are other things, like my husband, can get put on the back burner because of it. This week has felt like I have hit a great rhythm with my life. I am making better choices about my time. I am making my marriage a priority, connecting with the important people in my life, and keeping up to date with school. I can't believe it is Friday tomorrow but I am feeling pretty accomplished for the week. That's a good feeling.
On the baby-making front we have one more cycle before we go and see our doctor to discuss further fertility options. August will be a month to make a decision about where we go from here, or at least to make a plan for what's next. Fertility treatment and adoption are both on the table in a very real way. They both have ups and downs. It's a big decision. We covet your prayers for wisdom as we make this decision. I just want us to be on the same page, and confident that we are walking the path God has in mind. For today we pray that God will intervene and give us a July miracle but we are also thinking ahead to the decisions that may be ahead of that doesn't happen.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
What's for dinner Wednesday - Baked Potato
I assume my love of potato come from my British roots. Jacket or baked potatoes are one of our nations favourite meal options. It's typical pub fare and we LOVE it.
My move to the USA meant saying goodbye to baked potato on a menu as a staple (it was a tough transition but years of counseling have got me through it)I also have to point out that in here in the USA the typical baked potato comes covered in chili and sour cream and bacon. That is not how we do it on the other side of the pond, we prefer Heinz beans and some cheese or my personal fave tuna and mayo.
This is a simple meal and perfect with salad or fruit for a summer evening meal.
Ingredients (trust me, in England it's a national treasure)
Baked potato, one per person for dinner
Can of tuna
Mayonnaise
Dijon mustard
Black pepper
Frozen corn
Directions
Heat oven to 375 degrees.
Scrub potato, poke holes in the potato with a fork. Wrap potato in foil and cook in the oven until soft when squeezed - about 45 minutes, depending on the size of the potato. You could also cook the potato in the microwave)
Open tuna and drain out water or oil. Put tuna in a bowl, mix in mayo and Dijon mustard to taste, I probably use a couple of tablespoons of mayo and one of mustard, but make it the way you prefer. Add pepper to taste.
Put 1/2 cup of frozen corn in a strainer and pour boiling water over the top to defrost and warm.
Stir corn into tuna mixture.
Cut potato in half and fluff the flesh of each half. Top with tuna mixture. If there is too much tuna you can store it for another day. I often make up half the potato and half the tuna for lunch and then refrigerate the leftovers for another day.
[As a side note, I was never sure how to use up left over mashed potato but now, I use it like a baked potato. Heat it and add toppings - I hate when leftovers are wasted and this new find has been great!]
The simplest meals are the best. Especially when the sun is shining and you don't want to waste it being stuck in the kitchen.
"What did we have for dessert," you ask? Frozen ice pops of course!
My move to the USA meant saying goodbye to baked potato on a menu as a staple (it was a tough transition but years of counseling have got me through it)I also have to point out that in here in the USA the typical baked potato comes covered in chili and sour cream and bacon. That is not how we do it on the other side of the pond, we prefer Heinz beans and some cheese or my personal fave tuna and mayo.
This is a simple meal and perfect with salad or fruit for a summer evening meal.
Ingredients (trust me, in England it's a national treasure)
Baked potato, one per person for dinner
Can of tuna
Mayonnaise
Dijon mustard
Black pepper
Frozen corn
Directions
Heat oven to 375 degrees.
Scrub potato, poke holes in the potato with a fork. Wrap potato in foil and cook in the oven until soft when squeezed - about 45 minutes, depending on the size of the potato. You could also cook the potato in the microwave)
Open tuna and drain out water or oil. Put tuna in a bowl, mix in mayo and Dijon mustard to taste, I probably use a couple of tablespoons of mayo and one of mustard, but make it the way you prefer. Add pepper to taste.
Put 1/2 cup of frozen corn in a strainer and pour boiling water over the top to defrost and warm.
Stir corn into tuna mixture.
Cut potato in half and fluff the flesh of each half. Top with tuna mixture. If there is too much tuna you can store it for another day. I often make up half the potato and half the tuna for lunch and then refrigerate the leftovers for another day.
[As a side note, I was never sure how to use up left over mashed potato but now, I use it like a baked potato. Heat it and add toppings - I hate when leftovers are wasted and this new find has been great!]
The simplest meals are the best. Especially when the sun is shining and you don't want to waste it being stuck in the kitchen.
"What did we have for dessert," you ask? Frozen ice pops of course!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Whatcha doing?
Last week one of my devotionals was based on Eph 5:15, an urge to walk wisely and make good choices about our time.
The devotional gave the example of a small child asking through out the day, "whatcha doing?" What if God was asking that question to us throughout our day? How would we feel having to answer the questions about what we are doing with our time in the moment?
I struggle to make goo choices with my time, and to invest in the things that I would consider a priority. My values are sadly not always my priorities. This devotional has stuck with me and the still small voice of the Holy Spirit has been asking, "whatcha doing?" throughout my day.
Strangely enough, my homework is getting done, house projects are getting crossed off the list, I am eating better (the "whatcha doing"? that shouts loud when I reach for the chocolate has been a kicker in the best possible way!) I see God's leading in my day. I feel better about what I am doing and making time for the things I value makes me like who I am a whole lot more too.
I am far from perfect, but I am thankful that God is working with me as I am and calling me to something greater.
Now the voice is asking me "whatcha doing?" so I am off to change laundry (thrilled to be able to hang it outside to dry in the sunshine!), do some reading for school, write a paper and wander down to get some iced coffee as a reward. Good day ahead.
Whatcha doing today?
The devotional gave the example of a small child asking through out the day, "whatcha doing?" What if God was asking that question to us throughout our day? How would we feel having to answer the questions about what we are doing with our time in the moment?
I struggle to make goo choices with my time, and to invest in the things that I would consider a priority. My values are sadly not always my priorities. This devotional has stuck with me and the still small voice of the Holy Spirit has been asking, "whatcha doing?" throughout my day.
Strangely enough, my homework is getting done, house projects are getting crossed off the list, I am eating better (the "whatcha doing"? that shouts loud when I reach for the chocolate has been a kicker in the best possible way!) I see God's leading in my day. I feel better about what I am doing and making time for the things I value makes me like who I am a whole lot more too.
I am far from perfect, but I am thankful that God is working with me as I am and calling me to something greater.
Now the voice is asking me "whatcha doing?" so I am off to change laundry (thrilled to be able to hang it outside to dry in the sunshine!), do some reading for school, write a paper and wander down to get some iced coffee as a reward. Good day ahead.
Whatcha doing today?
Monday, July 4, 2011
Happy Independence Day
Conversation between a little girl and her mum that we overheard while walking around Green Lake yesterday...
Mum: Tomorrow is 4th of July
Girl: Is it your birthday?
Mum: No, it's 4th of July
Girl: Daddy's birthday?
Mum: I guess it's America's birthday
Girl: It's America's birthday?
Mum: Yes
Girl: America's having a party?
Mum: Yes
Girl: Are we going to America's birthday?
Mum: Well, sort of...
Girl: Will there be a bouncy house?
Ha ha ha, so sweet!
We are off for a day full of family, friends, BBQ-ing, fireworks and all things red, white and blue...
Mum: Tomorrow is 4th of July
Girl: Is it your birthday?
Mum: No, it's 4th of July
Girl: Daddy's birthday?
Mum: I guess it's America's birthday
Girl: It's America's birthday?
Mum: Yes
Girl: America's having a party?
Mum: Yes
Girl: Are we going to America's birthday?
Mum: Well, sort of...
Girl: Will there be a bouncy house?
Ha ha ha, so sweet!
We are off for a day full of family, friends, BBQ-ing, fireworks and all things red, white and blue...
Sunday, July 3, 2011
F.Y.I.
Yes, I was bored with my old blog template. Don't get too used to this one because I am still trying to figure out exactly how to customise it. I want to use my own pictures for background, nothing fancy but I want them to fit with the format and I can't figure it out...yet.
I want this page to reflect me in more than just writing. As you know from previous posts I am not exactly a computer nerd, so this may take me a while. But today was the first step.
I have big plans, including adding menu tabs under my title but those instructions are just plain scary. Baby steps. Just like before I got my hair cut shorter, say yes, know you want the change, and hit the button...Done. (cry a little because you miss you hair, ha ha)
This is it for now, but the look of this blog will (hopefully) be changing over the next few days and weeks. Any tips you lovely blogging ladies have to offer would be very, very appreciated, as well as any feedback about the changes.
I want this page to reflect me in more than just writing. As you know from previous posts I am not exactly a computer nerd, so this may take me a while. But today was the first step.
I have big plans, including adding menu tabs under my title but those instructions are just plain scary. Baby steps. Just like before I got my hair cut shorter, say yes, know you want the change, and hit the button...Done. (cry a little because you miss you hair, ha ha)
This is it for now, but the look of this blog will (hopefully) be changing over the next few days and weeks. Any tips you lovely blogging ladies have to offer would be very, very appreciated, as well as any feedback about the changes.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Hey! Hey! Are you ready to play?
Yes, I am.
School assignments complete and handed in, reading up to date and the sun is shining.
J is out on a bike ride. I need to straighten my hair before I leave the house, but I may take my big strange hair outside onto the deck. Dust off the lounge chairs and enjoy this beautiful day.
Even though Nadal just killed the dreams of a Brit in the Wimbledon final this year, I still think it is highly appropriate afternoon for Pimms.
We will head downtown to meet friends, Josh and Anjie for drinks and more Baseball later. I love a long weekend - even one in honor of American Independence Day. It always seems strange for me to celebrate July 4th, but if it means I get some special time to enjoy with my husband, family and friends I'll take it. And who doesn't love fireworks?! Seriously. It feels strange for me to watch fireworks wearing short sleeves - all those years of watching fireworks in November for Guy Fawkes bundled up and freezing are not easy to push aside!
I might not be 'proud to be an American' but I am proud and blessed to be married to one, and feel extremely lucky to live where I do.
On the subject of countries celebrating, Happy Canada Day to all my lovely Canadian friends!!
School assignments complete and handed in, reading up to date and the sun is shining.
J is out on a bike ride. I need to straighten my hair before I leave the house, but I may take my big strange hair outside onto the deck. Dust off the lounge chairs and enjoy this beautiful day.
Even though Nadal just killed the dreams of a Brit in the Wimbledon final this year, I still think it is highly appropriate afternoon for Pimms.
We will head downtown to meet friends, Josh and Anjie for drinks and more Baseball later. I love a long weekend - even one in honor of American Independence Day. It always seems strange for me to celebrate July 4th, but if it means I get some special time to enjoy with my husband, family and friends I'll take it. And who doesn't love fireworks?! Seriously. It feels strange for me to watch fireworks wearing short sleeves - all those years of watching fireworks in November for Guy Fawkes bundled up and freezing are not easy to push aside!
I might not be 'proud to be an American' but I am proud and blessed to be married to one, and feel extremely lucky to live where I do.
On the subject of countries celebrating, Happy Canada Day to all my lovely Canadian friends!!
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