Good Eats

When I was typing the title to this post, I originally left out one of the "o"s. This will be a slightly less theological post...

In an attempt to be a better meal-provider (aka Stay at home Mom) I decided that I needed a plan before venturing out to the inexhaustible choices of Super-Lo (that'd be the best grocery store 'round these parts, if you're not familiar.) Yes, I needed to meal plan.

So, I called up my dear friend, Chef Caitlyn. As I suspected, it was better than googling "recipes" because I automatically weeded through the nonsense. One of the gems she passed to me is http://www.simplyrecipes.com/.

It's a blog that really is just recipes. Thank you. I am sick of looking at sites that are the MTV of the cooking world...where are the music videos, I mean recipes, again?!?

I made an entire weeks menu from the site- all recipes under the heading "Budget Meals." The goal of meal planning, after all, is to feed your family good meals on a small budget.

The first night, I chose a recipe for Tuna Pasta with Capers. The "capers" part is what caught my attention. I was more than skeptical about the "tuna and pasta" part. But, she swears by the "Italian-ness" of it...and I can't really argue with an Italian about food; it'd be like starting a land war in Asia.

Skepticism gone. I will be bringing this light, lemony, tart dish to Palm Sunday potluck. I subbed lemon juice (yes, people- fresh) and vinegar for the white wine. It was Sunday. Liquor stores are closed. Oops... However, the combo of the fresh lemon, tart vinegar and capers was fantastic! I also used the whole-wheat, protein pasta that one smart mommy, Meribeth, told me about a couple of years ago. Vitamin C, protein, fiber and tarty-yumminess make for a good family meal. Try it.

The meal tonight was- HOLA enchiladas! I adore any Mexican food. Seriously- does it get better than white cheese dip? The recipe is for cheese enchiladas, but I had black beans on hand, so I mixed those up with some of the leftover green chilies from the sauce, to add a little more fiber and protein. Plus, like my grandmother said, "It'll stick to your ribs longer."

I made my own salsa, given the suggested ingredients, and followed the recipe for the enchilada sauce. It is chunky, but very tasty. I added cilantro and light sour cream to the top. Also- a MUST is to do the marinated lettuce in vinegar and salt. Wow- I have never done this with my Tex-Mex dishes, but I will do it from now on. It's an interesting way to get more greens in (besides the boring salad) and it adds so much flavor to the dish.

Thanks for the new-found favorite, Caitlyn! I hope you're tempted to try a recipe or 2 from the site.

Now...where'd I put that margarita...

Sweatin Like an Oldie

I mentioned my recent rediscovery of exercise in a previous post, but wanted to discuss it a little more. Yes, I realize how completely UNoriginal it is to talk about exercise in January, but I never promised this would be a ground-breaking blog, did I? I'm more of a trend follower than a trend setter, anyway. At least I can admit it, and reap the benefits of other, smarter, more creative people's ideas.

Speaking of stealing people's ideas- that's how I came up with my new workout routine. I noticed that my Mom's best friend, who happens to turn the big 5-0 pretty soon, looked absolutely FAB-u-lous. I mean, the kind of fabulous that makes normal people like us a little sick to our stomachs, thus making us drive through Chik-Fil-A for a quick fix to our jealousy. Theoretically speaking, of course. So, I asked my friend, "What on earth are you doing?" "P90X" was her reply. I thought this was some in-shape person's code that I didn't know about. It was.

It turns out, P90 has been around for years. It was a big craze last year around these parts, and I tried to jump on board after getting the referral from my fit friend. I got the pull-up bar (yikes!) and my husbands free weights (you should have seen the dust on those things- ha!) and was ready to go.
One issue for a flake like me is that you have to commit to 6 days per week, one hour per day. Yeah, I know- it's so much, right?! SO, I started and felt awful for the first 4 days. I mean, too sore to pick up my child, irritable because my body hurt even at rest, hungry, tired and did I mention sore? After that, though, I started feeling great. I noticed that the videos I could barely do the first week, I could do about half of the second week! I was also feeling more energized and less sore- well, I was constantly sore, anyway. Why no ripped, toned and tanned "After" pic, you ask? Well, that'd be because I quit after 2 weeks. Don't be so surprised...I already told you I'm a flake. (Let's not discuss nursing school...)

So, after going through old pictures on my computer, I realized that I couldn't use the "I gave birth, so give me a break on my looks" excuse. You see, when Z was only 12 months old, we went to the beach. I wore a bikini. and there are pictures to prove it. Plus, a friend, while wishing me a happy 30th, mentioned that, among other things, her 30's were her best decade because she was in the best physical shape of her life. I want to be able to say the same.

SOOOO, I'm throwing it out there- much like Kirstie Alley or Winona on Oprah- I'm starting P90 again. That's right, folks. It's in writing. I actually started with my sister several days ago. SO far, so good!

A couple of things are different this time. First, I have an exercise accountability partner in my sis. For someone like me, it's invaluable to have someone encouraging me everyday to follow through.

Second, I am being less stringent on completing every workout for the full hour. Example: the first day, Zoe came into the room, having woken up early from her nap. I had only worked out for 30 minutes. I stopped, took care of her, and never came back to finish the workout. I'm going easy on myself because any exercise is better than none. Yes, I'm sacrificing my other nap-time chores (or shower or eating lunch in peace) for P90. I think it probably a good trade.

The amazing, action shots in this post are from my sister's January visit- when we started the P90 journey together. I know. We look awesome.

Talent

We're having a talent show at church in a few weeks. I jokingly asked my husband what he would be doing for the general entertainment of the parish? He joked he would do a monologue, including his best imitation of a certain person-of-influence. I will not name names.

That actually got em thinking that I want to share one of his many talents with the blogisphere.

He is a natural photographer, and put his instincts to work for some Christmas cards photos for friends. Check out the entire session shots here: http://www.argentum.zenfolio.com/, but look at these samples of some of my favorites.

December and January

I am quite possibly the.worst.blogger.in.the.world. First of all, I don't finish what I start (see NDaD) Can I say that I'll get back to that in the Spring when I can actually wear it? No? Oh, well. Chalk it up to another remnant piece of fabric in my ever-growing collection.

Secondly, I only write about twice a year. Ha! I guess I truly have nothing to say on a regular basis. Consider this my semi-annual posting...

December was quite the whirl-wind over here. Why does motherhood suddenly transport you into a freakish time warp, where days turn to months and all of a sudden you turn around and your baby is having a fairly lengthy conversation with you, while pretending to apply your mascara and wearing your flowered flats? I digress.

My twin sister (well, not really, but it makes me happy when people tease us about that- mostly, because she's 10 years younger than I, but also because she's gorgeous) came for a long visit after Christmas. Actually, she came on my 30th birthday. ugh. That may be a whole other post, people. She stayed for a fun-filled 2 weeks. She slept on a less-than-comfortable air mattress on our playroom floor, got hit in the head with flying vegetables at 8 am (hint: Z got a kitchen for Christmas), rocked P90 with me, made a new friend and had a generally wonderful visit. Sisters are priceless. I definitely want to have at least one boy, but Z needs a sister, too. Here are a couple of highlights from her stay:

The ZOO!

P90- this photo is too amazing for words...

P90 VICTORY!

Skating at the zoo. If you have not done that- DO IT! The zoo is one of the greatest things about this city, and the skating rink has added even more fun this winter. It ends at the end of January, so get going! Can you handle these teeny, tiny skates?! Me neither! She loved it, and went around the circle 5 or 6 times. My back will never be the same, but it was worth it.

Another fun thing in the winter months was our first snow! Z helped us build a snowman last year, but this year was completely different. She wanted to use "coal" for his eyes and mouth and a "carrot nose" and a "scarf. He needs a scarf, Mommy." Apparently he needed a duck on each shoulder, too. Here are the proud architects of Frosty:

Things are not all fun, laughs and snowmen, of course. We are going through another family tragedy. We are at the beginning of a difficult battle with cancer. My father-in-law was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma a couple of days before Christmas. He started chemo today, and will be staying with us during the several day recovery from the treatment.

He is up and down, as anyone would be, but he is mainly focused on the Lord. He is an extremely faithful, devoted man, and through his highs and lows, he is depending on God to see him through this time of trial. Oh Lord, please have mercy upon him. I really appreciate your prayers!