Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Many of my readers will probably turn their noses up at this post; however, I have found a new way to cook brussel sprouts. No, brussel sprouts do not have to be boiled with butter, salted, and choked down. This recipe has zest- and aesthetic appeal. Who knows- it may even make someone out there appreciate this tasty vegetable.

Ingredients:

1 pound fresh brussel sprouts

2 tablespoons basting oil (a garlic and herb base is best)

Salt and Pepper to taste

Preparation:

Soak brussel sprouts in hot water, salt, and pepper. Scrub clean with hands.

Remove from water.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Quarter each sprout.

Drizzle with basting oil. Toss with salt and pepper until each sprout is coated.

Spread in single layer on baking sheet.

Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes. Flip once after 15 minutes.

Remove and enjoy.

We garnished them with fresh parmesan cheese as well- that was also tasty!

I cannot begin to describe how good it feels to cook again! I haven't cooked for about three weeks, and I have missed it like crazy! We were gone during Christmas, and then we left for New York. I didn't cook much before that either- so, it's been a while.

I have really enjoyed cooking today, and I don't think I've quite gotten my fix yet. So, I plan to do a little more cooking this week : )

Oh, and by the way, we didn't just have brussel sprouts. I cooked Andrew's favorite as the main dish- my special sloppy joes. It's a good night in our house!



Day Seventeen: A Passage from a Book that has Touched You

I have had the hardest time coming up with a book that has touched me and my life. I don't have much time to read for pleasure anymore, so I can't remember the last time I read something truly profound in a book. I kept coming back to my favorite- Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery. I relate so much to this book- and my family often calls me Anne.

Once I decided on this book, it was so hard to narrow it down to just one quote. In all honesty, I could put quotations around the beginning and the end and leave it at that. Yes- I enjoy Anne of Green Gables THAT much.

So- I decided on this one:

"There's such a lot of different Annes in me. I sometimes think that is why I'm such a troublesome person. If I was just the one Anne it would be ever so much more comfortable, but then it wouldn't be half so interesting." - Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

I like to think that I am a jack of all trades- master of none. There are so many "Abbys" inside of me, but it makes life so much more interesting. Andrew always jokes that he married several different people when he married me. One thing he never worries about is living a dull life.

I truthfully couldn't stick with just one quote, so I also found this one:

"Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world. It wouldn't be half so interesting if we know all about everything, would it? There'd be no scope for imagination then, would there?" - Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

and this one:

"You'd find it easier to be bad than good if you had red hair... People who haven't red hair don't know what trouble is." - Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

and this one:

"Marilla, isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?" - Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

and lastly:

"When I left Queen's my future seemed to stretch out before me like a straight road. I thought I could see along it for many a milestone. Now there is a bend in it. I don't know what lies around the bend, but I'm going to believe that the best does. It has a fascination of its own, that bend, Marilla." - Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

Now I feel that I must read this book again soon. Ahh- the wisdom of Anne... spelled with an -e!

Wegmans: A Whole New Shopping Experience

Ok, so I couldn't exactly capture pictures of a store without looking like a total creep and while trying to avoid all store personnel. I did manage to capture a few pictures (although they do not do the store justice) in order to share our Wegmans experience.

The outside of the store is deceiving. We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into.

Upon walking into the store, we were greeted with the coolest marketplace. It has the feel of a busy outdoor market- you know, the type you see in the movies. The ones that are bustling and full of life. Everything from the earth colored tile to the wooden beams along the ceiling set off an incredible atmosphere.

Likewise, the floral section is very similar. Everything is conveniently packaged, set out in the aisleway, and screams outdoor marketplace. Adorable.

The lattice with sunflowers draped all along it sets the mood for the vitamin and health section. How precious is this?

And- to make everything complete, they have a candy room. Not kidding- that whole wall is nothing but candy. Have no fear- there is a toy train that circles this area. Not kidding. This store has it all.

They also have an outstanding cheese section... a daycare... fresh meats, seafood and vegetables... fully prepared meals for those in a hurry... regular groceries... AND good prices. I'm talking Wal-Mart (or less) prices. Amazing.

One thing we learned... No matter where you stand, you ARE in someone's way.

Taste of New York

I am sure I will post a more thorough blog about New York once we are finished with our trip, but I know our parents are excited to see pictures, so I thought that I would post a blog with a small taste of the beautiful scenery we are blessed with.

The campus of Cornell University is so pretty.

This waterfall is in the middle of Ithaca. Though partially frozen, it is still very beautiful.

This lovely home is located in Aurora. I think I am going to evict them and move in myself. Andrew says that's not possible, but I like to think that I could.

Cayuga Lake. All of these towns line the lake. It's an incredible sight.

The geese were EVERYWHERE.

How beautiful is this? This state park is only 15 minutes from where we will most likely be living for the first year or so of being here.

It is incredible here- especially once you get outside Ithaca. Ithaca is nice, but it's a bit to congested and busy for us. The countryside; however, is stunning, and it is right up our alley! We are so looking forward to this move- and we're pretty sure we have living arrangements figured out. Once it's a for sure thing, we'll post more details!

Until then- I'm headed to bed for a nap. I caught a lovely cold from my in-laws, and I'm going to work on getting better so I can really enjoy the rest of our trip!



Christmas Fun

Andrew and I had a very nice Christmas. We were able to spend time with both sides of my family- and his family. It was extra special to be able to see everyone this year since we will be living in New York next year.

Our Christmas started out with the purchase of a new truck. Andrew has been very patient in purchasing a truck, and his patience paid off. We found this one for a steal- and he's a happy camper.

When we arrived at my mom's house, I was met with a gorgeous flower arrangement. It was the first arrangement my sister has created, and I felt honored to receive it. I left it at my mom's house though since Andrew and I were traveling to New York. I didn't want to leave it behind though.

Theodore LOVED being at Nana's house this time. He didn't cry- or run. He also thought he was hot stuff because he was able to sleep in the bed with us- which is something that he is NOT allowed to do at home.

He also enjoyed visiting his girlfriend at Pop-Paw Mark's house. He thinks Lucy is the most amazing cat. For the third year in a row, he wasn't able to keep his eyes off of her.

My sister and I enjoyed wearing our matching pajamas from Dad and Anna. I think we look pretty cute!

It was very nice to spend all of the Christmas festivities with my husband!

Andrew played along with my diva niece- and I think they were pretty cute!

I soaked up time with my nieces and nephews.

Overall, it was a Christmas filled with much love and laughter. We have one more stop- my sister and brother-in-law's house. We're going to be there for a couple of days after New Years, and we're looking forward to seeing them!



Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland

I love Christmas.

I love white Christmases the most. You can just imagine my excitement when we woke up Christmas Eve morning at my dad's house to a beautiful winter wonderland. It was one of the best gifts of the season.

This belongs on a Christmas card. There is nothing like a pine tree draped in snow.

Soo pretty!

I am so happy with how our snow pictures turned out.

This one is my favorite from Christmas!

I sure do love my sister : )

And... warming up with a mug of hot gingerbread coffee makes everything complete.

What a wonderful Christmas!

P.S. I realize that I need to start back with Day Seventeen- please give me another week or so!



Tacky Christmas Sweaters

My brother leaves for India tomorrow. He will be gone for six months. I will be in New York by the time he is state side again. So, he requested that we spend today as a family. He also suggested that we make tacky Christmas sweaters. We did- and we had a blast!

I tried using two different glues first- and nothing was working out for me. All was well after I got a glue gun in my hand!

Andrew is hard at work.

We tease Mom that her sweater is the boutique version of a tacky Christmas sweater- it was beautiful.

This is awesome!

CRACK ME UP!

This is the most fun my family has had on Christmas in a long time.

Christmas card? I think so.

I love this!

I hope your Christmas was filled with as much love and laughter as ours! We had a fantastic family- and we are grateful for our many blessings.

Merry Christmas!



Day Sixteen: A Picture That Makes You Feel _________:

Amazed.

The significant presence of God all around me is amazing.

I needed this reminder today.

I am going to take a few days off from blogging... I will resume when I am ready with Day Seventeen.



Day Fifteen: Something that You Want to do Within the Next Five Years

I want to begin a family with Andrew in the next five years. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love spending time with him, but I am so excited to have kids.

I believe this says it well:

"A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for."

Families are such a blessing, and I'm looking forward to expanding ours within the next five years!

Day Fourteen: A Moment, Phrase, or Song That has Changed Your Life the Most

This one is easy...

The moment I said my vows... and he said his... changed my life forever.

As we sealed our marriage with a kiss, we joined our lives together forever. We made the decision to enter into life as a team, and we promised to be faithful to each other no matter what.

We promised to love and cherish... to forgive... to support... to care for... and to honor.

I have an amazing marriage, and I know that we are a great team. I love Andrew so much, and I am so blessed by him and our marriage.