In case you didn't know already, I love food. On top of that I love to cook. While it's a deadly combination for my mid section, I'm quite sure it's why my marriage is so happy and strong. : ) Anyway, I saw a picture online the other day for a Tomato, Avocado, Pesto Sandwich. I already had the ingredients so I thought I would give it a try. After I made the bread, it needs to be good and hearty, I got ready to layer up the sandwiches for grilling. At that point I decided the recipe needed a little tweaking. Hmmm, what would be great on this sandwich? Yes! Bacon! Ooohh, and cheese! I didn't get any pictures because, well, the sandwiches started to fall apart a bit and it was well past dinner time and my boy thought they were about to faint. I'll try to snap one the next time I make the sandwich. In the meantime, here's the recipe for you to use your imagination!
Bacon, Tomato, Avocado, Pesto & Cheese Sandwich:
1 Avocado
1 Tomato
A few slices of bacon
Cheese
Pesto (I just blended some basil, spinach, parmesan cheese, garlic and a little olive oil together)
Bread thick and substantial enough to hold the goods
Spread a thin layer of pesto on the outside of a piece of bread. Place bread in a skillet on medium high or panini press if you're lucky enough to have one. Then layer on the rest of the ingredients. Top the sandwich with another piece of bread with a layer of pesto on the outside. Flip the sandwich once the first side starts to ever so lightly brown. Complete grilling and then EAT! This is a very tasty and filling sandwich.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
I'm here! I'm here!
Ok, so I'm stinky at this whole blogging thing. I knew I wouldn't be wonderfully faithful, but goodness, two posts? Anyway, I'm going to attempt to get my blog on from here on out. Or at least a week. Maybe a couple of days? We'll see.
Too much has happened since the last post to be able to fill you in on everything (anniversary, boat rides, sick friends, babysitting, parties, new words, concerts, word of new homes, friends moving, etc.), so I'm going to hit just a couple of highlights. Maybe if I take the short and sweet approach I'll be less overwhelmed and more likely to post more frequently. Besides, who really wants to hear about every.single.detail. of our days?
The most exciting things have been happening with the boy. His communication level has been growing by leaps and bounds. It's been so fun! For instance, for a few nights now when he starts crying in the night, he hasn't been so much crying as yelling out for his "papu." (papu=pacifier) I'll hear, "Papu, papu, papu! Mamamamama!" He's also become helpful in the area of meal prep. After a few days of putting stuff on his tray that he didn't really want to eat I started asking him what he wanted. Honestly, I didn't think this tactic would get us very far, but after he sat there for a second he said, "sheeeez." I got him some cheese and he gobbled it up. The next meal I asked and got, "ahule." I gave him a waffle and he scarfed it down! There are some things he doesn't quite know how to say so I have to show him or list things off and when I get a "yummm!!" I know I've hit the jackpot. Right now those things are most likely blueberries, strawberries, kiwi, tomatoes, or crunchies (baby chips). Man, the boy needs to eat some veggies! My favorite is when he wakes up in the morning and is making noise in his crib. The past few mornings I've heard him yelling for "yaya" (yogurt) and "ahule." He either knows his routine well or is waking up seriously hungry!
In other news... We've been saying our goodbyes to people and are planning our last outings and events with friends because the move is happening 1 week from tomorrow! Oh my... It's been a little sad, but we're still mostly excited. Honestly, I am still trying to wrap my brain around this being a "forever" move. When we enlisted in the Army 3 years ago, I had every intention of Matt serving his 3 years, getting his student loans paid off, and then moving back home. After a year or so we both realized that this is actually a pretty great job and were ok with the thoughts of re-enlisting. At that point I started wrapping my brain around and even started getting excited about moving every few years. So just as I was understanding and embracing the meaning of moving every 2-3 years, Matt wins the USMA Band (United States Military Academy - I've been instructed that people refer to it as the USMA band, not West Point band...) job and we are lucky enough to be moving to a place that can be home till he retires. Talk about a strange feeling. I never, ever, thought I would call NY home. Even more strange is that Jonathan will always think of NY as home. KY will only be known as where our family lives, and VA will only be his place of birth. Weird. Also weird - Matt could potentially retire as a Sergeant Major in the the Army. Anyway, those are other thoughts for other days. : )
Well, I supposes that's all for now. I'm going to enjoy some alone time while the boy naps. Enjoy your day!
Too much has happened since the last post to be able to fill you in on everything (anniversary, boat rides, sick friends, babysitting, parties, new words, concerts, word of new homes, friends moving, etc.), so I'm going to hit just a couple of highlights. Maybe if I take the short and sweet approach I'll be less overwhelmed and more likely to post more frequently. Besides, who really wants to hear about every.single.detail. of our days?
The most exciting things have been happening with the boy. His communication level has been growing by leaps and bounds. It's been so fun! For instance, for a few nights now when he starts crying in the night, he hasn't been so much crying as yelling out for his "papu." (papu=pacifier) I'll hear, "Papu, papu, papu! Mamamamama!" He's also become helpful in the area of meal prep. After a few days of putting stuff on his tray that he didn't really want to eat I started asking him what he wanted. Honestly, I didn't think this tactic would get us very far, but after he sat there for a second he said, "sheeeez." I got him some cheese and he gobbled it up. The next meal I asked and got, "ahule." I gave him a waffle and he scarfed it down! There are some things he doesn't quite know how to say so I have to show him or list things off and when I get a "yummm!!" I know I've hit the jackpot. Right now those things are most likely blueberries, strawberries, kiwi, tomatoes, or crunchies (baby chips). Man, the boy needs to eat some veggies! My favorite is when he wakes up in the morning and is making noise in his crib. The past few mornings I've heard him yelling for "yaya" (yogurt) and "ahule." He either knows his routine well or is waking up seriously hungry!
In other news... We've been saying our goodbyes to people and are planning our last outings and events with friends because the move is happening 1 week from tomorrow! Oh my... It's been a little sad, but we're still mostly excited. Honestly, I am still trying to wrap my brain around this being a "forever" move. When we enlisted in the Army 3 years ago, I had every intention of Matt serving his 3 years, getting his student loans paid off, and then moving back home. After a year or so we both realized that this is actually a pretty great job and were ok with the thoughts of re-enlisting. At that point I started wrapping my brain around and even started getting excited about moving every few years. So just as I was understanding and embracing the meaning of moving every 2-3 years, Matt wins the USMA Band (United States Military Academy - I've been instructed that people refer to it as the USMA band, not West Point band...) job and we are lucky enough to be moving to a place that can be home till he retires. Talk about a strange feeling. I never, ever, thought I would call NY home. Even more strange is that Jonathan will always think of NY as home. KY will only be known as where our family lives, and VA will only be his place of birth. Weird. Also weird - Matt could potentially retire as a Sergeant Major in the the Army. Anyway, those are other thoughts for other days. : )
Well, I supposes that's all for now. I'm going to enjoy some alone time while the boy naps. Enjoy your day!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Day 2!
I'm back! You should be impressed. Well, the weather is finally wonderful again. We had a massive downpour last night, thank you Jesus(!), and some cooler air came in with it. While we seriously needed the rain, I was a little bummed to miss out on MUTS. However, the boy and I ventured out into the storm to go play with my good friend, Melissa, and her sweet boy, Lucas. It's so wonderful to have a place away from home that you can just show up and feel at home. Too bad we're leaving soon... Anyway, here's a glimpse into our life today:
The agenda... Well, today turned out to be rather busy! Melissa and Lucas came over so that Melissa and I could go check out the Thrift Shop on post. You never know when you'll find something that you just need. After that, I put the finishing touches on the grocery list and headed out to the bank and then off to the commissary for some shopping. It is such a great feeling to have food in the house. Actually, I always have a huge desire to cook everything all at once, or eat all the snacks. Oh yeah, you may be wondering where my child was during all of this. Matt pretty much had a day off so he got to be the babysitter for the day while I ran errands in peace! : ) I love his job!! After that, dinner was made, a walk was taken, we played with some neighbors while outside, and now I'm getting ready to go for a run with some other friends on post. I can't wait to hit the bed!
The menu... The big meal prepared today was BBQ Chicken Pizza. YUM!! Homemade crust, caramelized onions, bacon, chicken, and freshly grated cheese. Delish!
The world of the boy... Ok, so I'm seriously loving this age. Today he started signing "please." Ahhhdorable. Also, while taking a bath he asked what the bubbles were. After I told him it was a bubble, he looked up at me and said, "Buh buh." Oh my gosh!! He tried to say bubbles! He's just so interesting to watch as he tries to figure out the world. He really studies everything.
A favorite thing about Hampton Roads... Alright, in preparation of our move, I've decided to start listing all the things I've loved about living in Hampton Roads. Of course, there are several things that I will never miss, but there are lots of great things about this place that I would like to remember. The first to make the list will be the sunrise over the bay. Who could not love seeing this out their window?
One of my favorite things... Today's featured item is this; wonderful, tasty, healthy, delicious yogurt. It's a little on the pricey side, as far as yogurt is concerned, but is a great treat. I have been buying the YoBaby yogurt for the boy for quite some time, but have started buying the grown up kind for me! I have even tried using it in a few recipes and have not been disappointed. You should give it a try! (if you find the Chocolate Underground kind, BUY IT!)
The agenda... Well, today turned out to be rather busy! Melissa and Lucas came over so that Melissa and I could go check out the Thrift Shop on post. You never know when you'll find something that you just need. After that, I put the finishing touches on the grocery list and headed out to the bank and then off to the commissary for some shopping. It is such a great feeling to have food in the house. Actually, I always have a huge desire to cook everything all at once, or eat all the snacks. Oh yeah, you may be wondering where my child was during all of this. Matt pretty much had a day off so he got to be the babysitter for the day while I ran errands in peace! : ) I love his job!! After that, dinner was made, a walk was taken, we played with some neighbors while outside, and now I'm getting ready to go for a run with some other friends on post. I can't wait to hit the bed!
The menu... The big meal prepared today was BBQ Chicken Pizza. YUM!! Homemade crust, caramelized onions, bacon, chicken, and freshly grated cheese. Delish!
The world of the boy... Ok, so I'm seriously loving this age. Today he started signing "please." Ahhhdorable. Also, while taking a bath he asked what the bubbles were. After I told him it was a bubble, he looked up at me and said, "Buh buh." Oh my gosh!! He tried to say bubbles! He's just so interesting to watch as he tries to figure out the world. He really studies everything.
A favorite thing about Hampton Roads... Alright, in preparation of our move, I've decided to start listing all the things I've loved about living in Hampton Roads. Of course, there are several things that I will never miss, but there are lots of great things about this place that I would like to remember. The first to make the list will be the sunrise over the bay. Who could not love seeing this out their window?
One of my favorite things... Today's featured item is this; wonderful, tasty, healthy, delicious yogurt. It's a little on the pricey side, as far as yogurt is concerned, but is a great treat. I have been buying the YoBaby yogurt for the boy for quite some time, but have started buying the grown up kind for me! I have even tried using it in a few recipes and have not been disappointed. You should give it a try! (if you find the Chocolate Underground kind, BUY IT!)
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Getting my feet wet
Alright, part of the reason I haven't started blogging until now is because it overwhelms me. : ) For those of you who know me well, that's not a huge surprise. Quit laughing. While I may be creative, I don't handle a blank canvas very well. I'm awesome at copying things or even taking another's idea and revamping it. So, the thought of trying to put down all my thoughts on a blank screen held me back for a long time. However, I think I have developed a way to overcome my issues. For most days I'm going to do an organized, structured, fill-in-the-blank type layout. Obviously there will be times I will just type, but I believe I will probably stick with the structure as much as possible. : ) So, here we go.
On the agenda...Today, like most Thursdays, will consist of hanging with my boys most of the day and then heading over to the gazebo for MUTS. For those who don't know about MUTS, it is the weekly Music Under the Stars concert that is performed by the band here on post. Some weeks it's the full concert band, some it's a smaller ensemble. Regardless the group, you can find us perched on a blanket surrounded by friends, their kiddos, a nice breeze from the Bay, and even a few snacks, listening to some fun music. This afternoon will be slightly different than usual as I will get to watch a little boy, who is just a few weeks younger that J, while both his mom and dad are at the sound check for the concert. He's definitely a sweetie and I always look forward to watching the boys interact.
On the menu... Well, it's almost payday and the kitchen is starting to look a little sad. Fortunately I had stocked up on some different meats a while back, so I will be shopping in our freezer today. I made a loaf of bread yesterday, so I'm thinking steak sandwiches for lunch and maybe Jambalaya for dinner. Nothing fancy, but it all gets the job done! Thank goodness a trip to the bank is on the agenda for tomorrow!
Projects... There are no particular projects on the agenda at the moment, unless you consider sorting and packing a project. I'm sure the sewing or baking bug will probably bite soon though, so we'll see what happens within the next week!
The boy... Oh man, this is probably my favorite topic and I'll have to work hard to reign myself in. With this topic I hope to just give you some highlights of his most recent developments or maybe just some favorite things about him being this particular age. Right now he is starting to mimic noises. If you ask where his dog is, he'll proceed to look till he finds it and will then "bark." He has also started to be able to pick out a few colors on demand, thanks to the colored Goldfish. He can usually pick out green, red, and purple. Two things that I'm particularly loving at the moment is receiving lots of hugs and hearing his sweet little voice say "Bye bye." LOVE IT! Oh! One more thing...he has spent the morning walking over to my purse and trying to smell the flowers on it. : )
The move... There's not a whole lot going on with that at the moment, other than housing stress. While I'm not worried about having a place to live, I would like for it to be somewhat nice. You know, nice as in having more than 8 inches of counter space in the kitchen, or to be able to clean and people actually be able to notice, or to not have to worry about J eating the paint that's chipping off the wall, etc. I'm really not asking for too much. : ) We'll see what happens...
A favorite thing... I have lot's of favorite things. Today, because I've already said a lot, I'm just going to feature a favorite kitchen gadget. The Lazy Spoon and Ladle are amazing! You need them. Seriously.
Well, I've said a lot. I'm impressed if you've made it this far! I'll learn to condense. I promise!
On the agenda...Today, like most Thursdays, will consist of hanging with my boys most of the day and then heading over to the gazebo for MUTS. For those who don't know about MUTS, it is the weekly Music Under the Stars concert that is performed by the band here on post. Some weeks it's the full concert band, some it's a smaller ensemble. Regardless the group, you can find us perched on a blanket surrounded by friends, their kiddos, a nice breeze from the Bay, and even a few snacks, listening to some fun music. This afternoon will be slightly different than usual as I will get to watch a little boy, who is just a few weeks younger that J, while both his mom and dad are at the sound check for the concert. He's definitely a sweetie and I always look forward to watching the boys interact.
On the menu... Well, it's almost payday and the kitchen is starting to look a little sad. Fortunately I had stocked up on some different meats a while back, so I will be shopping in our freezer today. I made a loaf of bread yesterday, so I'm thinking steak sandwiches for lunch and maybe Jambalaya for dinner. Nothing fancy, but it all gets the job done! Thank goodness a trip to the bank is on the agenda for tomorrow!
Projects... There are no particular projects on the agenda at the moment, unless you consider sorting and packing a project. I'm sure the sewing or baking bug will probably bite soon though, so we'll see what happens within the next week!
The boy... Oh man, this is probably my favorite topic and I'll have to work hard to reign myself in. With this topic I hope to just give you some highlights of his most recent developments or maybe just some favorite things about him being this particular age. Right now he is starting to mimic noises. If you ask where his dog is, he'll proceed to look till he finds it and will then "bark." He has also started to be able to pick out a few colors on demand, thanks to the colored Goldfish. He can usually pick out green, red, and purple. Two things that I'm particularly loving at the moment is receiving lots of hugs and hearing his sweet little voice say "Bye bye." LOVE IT! Oh! One more thing...he has spent the morning walking over to my purse and trying to smell the flowers on it. : )
The move... There's not a whole lot going on with that at the moment, other than housing stress. While I'm not worried about having a place to live, I would like for it to be somewhat nice. You know, nice as in having more than 8 inches of counter space in the kitchen, or to be able to clean and people actually be able to notice, or to not have to worry about J eating the paint that's chipping off the wall, etc. I'm really not asking for too much. : ) We'll see what happens...
A favorite thing... I have lot's of favorite things. Today, because I've already said a lot, I'm just going to feature a favorite kitchen gadget. The Lazy Spoon and Ladle are amazing! You need them. Seriously.
Well, I've said a lot. I'm impressed if you've made it this far! I'll learn to condense. I promise!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Here we go!
Well, I've finally decided to take the plunge. I mean, all my friends are doing it so I should too, right? : ) Actually, with life passing by so quickly, I thought blogging would be a great way to document what's happening so that I can remember what's happened. Yeah, exactly. So, here I am and here we go. Hopefully I'll keep up with things! Forgive me if I don't. I will be playing around with format for a bit to figure out the best layout for my scattered and easily overwhelmed mind. : ) I hope you enjoy getting a glimpse of my crazy brain and I hope you enjoy reading!
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