The problem with being a doer...

...is that sometimes you just really want to do something, but you can't. And not because the thing you want to do is bad per se, but rather it is not the right time for doing that something. At least that's what someone said, and that someone has the power to say wait, which is fine but you want to know why...and that explanation is not forthcoming.

Frustrating? You betcha.

Causing growth? I can only hope and pray and trust God.

"But the fruit of the spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control; against such things there is no law" Galatians 5:22-23

Yupe. I'm learning. It sucks, but it's also good...right?

r.

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Manic Monday (after a birthday)

Monday can be a bit of a rough day after a three day birthday weekend...but yet it comes. And then you become blessed by the simplest of things.

Singing!

fun with markers (yes, I'm still a kid at heart)

hair long enough to make the smallest of ponytails!!!

sweet potato and kale pizza (recipes for pizzas coming)

and here's a teaser of what the weekend involved...

best b-day present = cirque de soleil

oh yes :)

amor,

r.

 

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Leap Day

Happy Leap Day! (or if you prefer, Sadie Hawkins Day)

While mine was fairly calm compared to other years, it was still fun and I approve of the google cartoon.

So in keeping with their theme: Hop you had a froggy nice 29th!

-r

Celebrating by not celebrating

I start this post off with a serious note that I want you all to know I sincerely hope you've had a wonderful Valentine's day, and that you were loved and spoiled a least a little today.

Now I promise I'm not going to bore you all with my soapbox speech on the merits of a day dedicated to celebrating romantic love in a certain kind of way (for those of you who know my views on this particular day of the year, you follow; for those of you who don't - I'll summarize and say it's the opposite of my favourite). However, I also refuse to ignore acknowledging it's existence today, because it was just too good of a topic or I'm too lazy (you pick!)

The first year I was dating my hubby he was very sweetly quite excited to celebrate Valentine's day. And while we did exchange gifts (in part because it was our two month anniversary as well), I had to break it to him eventually that Valentine's day wasn't my thing and I couldn't be bothered to have him buy me flowers and chocolates on Feb 14th (plus I argued the price of those items was so much more during that time of year that he could get me flowers and chocolate 3 times throughout the year for the same amount).

Our first Valentine's Day as a married couple is turning out to be quite the experience. We're in our sweats and pj's, watching Big Bang Theory reruns, and knitting/fixing computers. But as I write this, I realize that I've never loved him more. 5 and a half years after meeting him, I'm blessed to be married to my best friend in the whole world, and I wouldn't trade a night like this for anything.

Happy Valentine's Day! No matter how or who you celebrate it with, know that you're loved.

-r

Superbowl Sunday (just go with it)

Okay, so this post is actually a week late, so I"m going to ask you to pretend you're reading this last week Sunday. Pretty please for me? Thank you!

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It's Superbowl evening ladies and gentlemen...Superbowl XLVI to be exact. I am parked on the couch at my in-laws, with food galore, and the confession that I still don't completely understand American football. But still I try!

For those of you who know me well enough, me + American Football were never friends. I thought it was a slow, confusing, and very unentertaining game to watch. I figured it was 'just an American thing' (my apologies to my American friends). But times have changed (and I have an American football loving husband) and I now begrudgingly quite enjoy Superbowl Sunday, although my hubby will confirm I still ask the silliest questions regarding football rules.

One of the main reason's I love Superbowl is because it gives me a chance to make food. Yummy party appetizer-type food! This year I went a little overboard, and made 4 different recipes. Below is the recipe for what was deemed the most successful and on the remake list...look for it at your next party! (yes, that means you have to invite me).







Macho Nacho Dip
(*disclaimer: i did not name this dish, but i wish i did!)

First Layer
1 can white kidney beans
1 cup light (5%) sour cream
2 tbsp taco seasoning

Place ingredients in mini food processor (or blender) and puree until smooth. Spread evenly over bottom of 8x11'' glass baking dish. Cover and refrigerate while making the next layer (put the dish in the fridge this each time you've completed a layer)

Second Layer
1 cup frozen sweet green peas (thawed)
1 can diced green chilies (or you can do what I did and replace this with 1/2 cup of water)
3 lg avocados
2 limes (you'll use their juice)
1/3 cup minced red onion
1 tbsp minced fresh cilantro
1 1/2 tsp taco seasoning
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper

Place peas and can of chilies with their liquid (or substituted 1/2 cup water) in blender and puree until smooth. Set aside. Peel and pit avocados and mash pieces in a bowl. Squeeze the juice out of 2 limes and add to mashed avocados and mash some more! Add pureed peas mixture and remaining ingredients and mix well. Spread evenly over bean layer and refrigerate.

Third Layer
1 cup light sour cream
1 tub light garden vegetable cream cheese (I used Philadelphia brand)

Stir together softened cream cheese and sour cream until well mixed. Spread over guacamole layer and refrigerate.

Fourth Layer
2 cups salsa (use light, medium or super spicy as you wish)
2 tsp minced cilantro

Mix together and then, you guessed it! Spread over cream cheese layer and refrigerate.

Fifth layer
1 cup shredded cheese (old cheddar or marble are the best kinds to use)
1 cup chopped lettuce (you can use iceberg, but romaine lettuce cut small enough works nicely too)
1/3 cup minced red bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped green onions

Sprinkle cheese over salsa layer. Top with lettuce, followed by red pepper and green onions.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving. Try to have it all assembled in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving. Enjoy!!!

*recipe courtesy of Janet and Greta Podleski, in their cookbook The Looneyspoons Collection (arguably the best cookbook I've ever owned. Honestly. Just ask my hubby!)

Happy eating!
- r