For Papa

I've been thinking about this post for the past few days.  It's taken me some time to process the chain of events from this last week...it's funny, I am not normally like that.  At least I don't think I am.  But it's pretty hard to be objective about yourself, so...

My Grandpa passed away this last week.  His health had been on the decline for the last several years, so this wasn't entirely unexpected, however it is still hard when your favorite grandparent passes away.

Can I say that?  Well, I guess I just did. 

He was my mom's dad and he was the grandparent I was closest to.  He always had time for me, and if he didn't have time, he made time.  When I was little, it was not unheard of for me to spend the entire weekend with him at his house.  I am sure each of us has a story that their grandparent has told them so many times, but each time it's told, you act as though you've never heard it before.

He loved to tell of one particular weekend I went home after staying over at his house for several days and after being home for a very short time, I wasn't enjoying the regimented lifestyle.  Meaning: I didn't like having to be a member of the family and help out.  I packed my bags and told my dad and mom that I was moving to Grandpa's.  What a little stinker!  But that story just tickled my Grandpa more than anything, and if I heard it once, I had heard it a thousand times.   


And I never tired of hearing it. 

I am so happy that he is no longer in failing health and struggling for each breath.  He was saved and that is what makes this bittersweet.  Bitter because he is no longer with us (I am selfish, what can I say?), but sweet because he is with our Father.  What a blessing that is!

The service was a wonderful celebration of his life.  My mom and uncle and aunt each spoke to what a wonderful father and grandfather he was to each of us.  How he loved babies and his eyes always lit up when one was around.  He was such a special and wonderful man.

The pastor who officiated said it simply.  Life is about our relationships.  The relationship we have with Him, and the relationship we have with others and how we need to take advantage of each.

And Grandpa did that to the fullest.   

I will miss you so much Papa, but I will see you again.  

Menu Plan Monday

I didn't get to a few of the meals planned for last week because of some unexpected events, so some of those will roll to this week.  Here's the plan for this week...

Sunday-Soup from the freezer, sandwiches

Monday-Roast Pork and Black Bean Chili

Tuesday-Baked Shells Casserole (one dish meal!)

Wednesday-Corned Beef, Potatoes, Coleslaw (not really traditional, but NOT a fan of cooked cabbage)

Thursday-Burritos with taco meat, black beans, cheese, sour cream, salsa

Friday-Tuna Noodle Casserole, green beans

Saturday-Leftovers

For other great recipe ideas, visit here.

Sunny Day

The layout of the pictures was bugging me, so I changed it...

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It's been so nice outside for the last couple of days.  We wake up in the morning and there is bright sunshine streaming through the windows.  I am ready for spring.

But of course, me being the non-outdoorsy type, "ready for spring" means I am ready to break out the flip flops.  That's as far as it goes.  If I am feeling really adventuresome I might don a pair of capris.  I live on the edge.  

But I am trying to get better, because I know the Peanut needs to get outside and I want her to enjoy the outdoors.  So on Monday, I took her out to the common area to play with her ball.  It also gave me an excuse to play with the manual settings on the camera.  It wasn't quite "no coat" weather, as there was a breeze and it was still a little chilly, but it definitely was too warm to put bundle her up like this.

Instead, she got to wear her new little rain jacket that Grandma got her.  Because we get so much rain here!  Weather.com says on average less than nine inches a year.  That's a far cry from the average of 55 inches back in HomeTown.

I think my Mom wants us back home.  Yeah, me too.

So I am starting to learn that great pictures are all in the editing.  Some of you are probably thinking, "Duh."  But, live and learn, right?  I wouldn't say these are professional grade in any way, but I am getting better...

I remember our wedding photographer saying that cloudy days are best for outdoor shots.  I can see why...everything in the picture intensifies in the bright sun--the shadows, the pale skin, etc.

I will have to keep that in mind.

Time With the Family

DH's parents came to visit this last week and we enjoyed the time that we got to spend with them.  As always, it was too short, but Peanut got to share a lot of special memories with her grandparents.  In addition, DH rarely gets to celebrate his birthday with his parents, as they live several states away from us, so it was extra special as he was able to do that this year.

I don't think I pulled out our camera out once while they were here, but luckily I was able to snag some pictures off of DH's mom's camera chip.   Aren't digital camera's wonderful?  

Seriously, how did we ever survive? 

The Peanut had so much fun with her new found playmates and was able to bond with each of them, which was so special.  I have never been close to my Dad's family, so I am always thankful for the opportunity when the Peanut is able to share some time with my in-laws.  Thanks so much for making the trip up!

Here are some of the highlights~

I don't know why, but this picture reminds me of Megan Follows in Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel.  I think its the hair?

Peanut liked peaking around the corner with Grandma and Grandpa.  Not quite "hide & seek" just yet. 

Lovies with Grandpa.

Snuggles with Grandma.

Sweet & Sour Pork and Pineapple Stir-Fry

I've been trying to find some new pork recipes to try.  For a number of reasons...it seems like we eat a LOT of chicken and pork is often times a lot less expensive.  You know it is the other white meat. 

I made this stir fry for DH's folks when they were here last week and I did change some things around.  The original recipe called for fresh pineapple, and while I *heart* fresh pineapple, this is hardly the season for good ones and it's expensive this time of year.  So I used canned pineapple chunks--I know, I live on the edge.

Also it called for sugar snap peas, and I love those too, but they were pushing $5/lb and they were all limp at the store, so I decided not to waste my money and I substituted green pepper.  (As I am typing this, I suppose I could have used frozen snap peas--can you buy those frozen?--so that may have worked too)

So really this is just the "Jackie version" of this yummy, new, will definitely make again, recipe.
 
1 lb pork, cubed
1/2 tsp salt
2 1/2 Tbsp of cornstarch, divided
2 green bell peppers
1 medium onion (I used yellow, but it called for red and that would definitely be prettier)
1 can pineapple chunks, drained, juice reserved
5 Tbsp soy sauce
4 Tbsp rice vinegar
1/2 cup apricot/pineapple preserves
1 Tbsp vegetable oil


5 cups Cooked Rice

Heat oil in nonstick skillet over medium high heat.  Dice bell peppers and red onion in 1/2 thick wedges. Toss cubed pork with salt and 2 Tbsp of cornstarch and add to skillet.  Once the pork is browned on one side, add bell pepper and onion and cook until pork is finished and onion starts to brown.  Add pineapple chunks and warm through.

In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, remaining cornstarch and preserves.  Add to skillet and cook until thickened.  I thought more sauce was needed so I added about half of the juice from the can of pineapple.  It stretched the sauce a little further and added some more flavor. 

Serve over cooked rice.  Enjoy!

This recipe is linked to:



Beauty and Bedlam's Tasty Tuesday
Blessed With Grace Tempt My Tummy Tuesday
Grocery Cart Challenge Recipe Swap

Menu Plan Monday

Last week went so well, and although I was worried we would have so many leftovers we'd be throwing some away, they all got eaten, so no waste.  Which I love!  I am trying a few new recipes again, so that's always fun.

Sunday-Asian Pork Noodle Skillet (from an old Pampered Chef cookbook)

Monday-Nachos with taco meat, black beans, cheese, salsa, sour cream

Tuesday-Penne Alla Betsy (another one from the Pioneer Women cookbook)

Wednesday-Roast Chicken, Baked Potatoes, Green Beans

Thursday-Chicken Broccoli Couscous

Friday-Leftovers

Saturday-Burritos with taco meat, black beans, cheese, salsa, sour cream  We like Mexican food in our family, in case you couldn't tell. 

For other great recipes, please visit the Organizing Junkie. 

To The One Who Has My Heart

Is this really the eighth time we've celebrated this day together?  WOW.  Makes me feel so old.

Oh, no wait...that's you.   TeeHee.

 

 

So much has changed in these last eight years.  You called me after much urging from our dear match maker.  You wined and dined me (well, there was no wine, but you know what I mean) during our whirlwind courtship. You added me to your cell phone plan, after some ridiculous cell phone bills on both our parts.

You proposed.  I said yes.  We said I do.

We moved in together in a tiny little duplex.  We bought a house.  We did many a household project.  (We is a very loose term.)

We started thinking about babies.  You were more excited than I.  (I had never changed a diaper...I KNOW.)  We bought a family car.  The test confirmed what we suspected--"we" were pregnant. 

However, these last eighteen months have come with the most changes, or rather those that were the most life altering, and I am so glad that you have been right by my side as we followed His plan for us.

You went from having just one girl, to having your two girls, as you so fondly call us.  You not only "let" me quit my job, but you encouraged me to do so, despite not knowing just exactly how we would make ends meet. 

Your previous job threw several curve balls.   You withstood the pressure to provide with dignity.  You made the agonizing decision to move us for a better long term opportunity.  And this hasn't been an easy road for you--you left a M-F/9-5 job to one working nights and weekends, sometimes coming home at 3:30 am and going back at 10 am just to do it all over again.  Just so we don't have to do the baby swap and I could remain home full time with our daughter.   Let's face it...this one income thing is hard.  And you never complain. You come home each night with a smile on your face, grateful for the time that you can spend with Peanut and me. 

Thank you.  Thank you for being such a wonderful and caring husband, a doting father, and a loving provider.

You have my heart forever. 

Happy Birthday, my Dear Husband.

Confection Tour

I love to see processes and how things are made in factories.  Many years ago on vacation, when it was just DH and I, we were able to go to the Korbel winery and see how sparkling wine was made using the "methode champenoise" method.  We also were able to see the Jelly Belly factory and see how Jelly Bellys  are made.

I know.  I am a nerd.  But the free samples are worth it alone.... I ♥ the Juicy Pear ones.

We were able to go see how a certain confection was made today...it was so much fun!  The name of this certain confection cannot be revealed, as it will disclose my location.   

I know this as well--I am paranoid. 

We had to put on hairnets for the tour.  Tee hee...I cannot believe I am revealing what a dork site I was.  But DH and Peanut are cute. The Peanut actually didn't even take hers off...probably because we were wearing them too.  Such a good girl! 

 

Update

I have been so busy taking care of the final details of our unexpected prayer request, that I haven't really given an update.  As I knew He would (although being the human I am, I wanted to fix it all myself), God has taken care of all the details.  Everything has been straightened out with the former renters and we now have new renters in our home house.

God is good. 

Menu Plan Monday

Last week went really well.  First time in probably a month that every night went off as planned.  !!!  We are having some family in town this week and DH has some vacation, so we are excited to all spend some time together.

Sunday-Chicken Fried Steak (never thought I would make this, but I am venturing out.  It's the Pioneer Woman's recipe, however it's not on her site--only in her cookbook, I guess.), mashed potatoes, green beans

Monday-Sweet and Sour Pork with Rice (recipe from a Pampered Chef cook book), green salad

Tuesday-Chicken Parmesan, mashed potatoes, green beans

Wednesday-Baked potato bar with chili, cheese, sour cream, broccoli, green onions

Thursday-Spicy Peanut Chicken with Rice, Broccoli

Friday-Out to Dinner--DH's birthday!

Saturday-Leftovers