October 28, 2013

Oregon October

This October's weather has been pretty fantastic. Shockingly warm & sunny. 
Thanks to the sun, it makes my iced coffee drink orders not sound so crazy for just a little while longer. Thank you sweet sunshine for that little gift. In addition, it makes going to the pumpkin patch feel strange. Our patch visit included 70+ degree weather, sweat, and a sweet little Isaac (I think he wasn't quite sure what was going on with so many pumpkins around). I'm glad we went, but it sure didn't feel like a fall day at the patch. 

I can't believe how big this little guy is. No more baby, all little boy. Isaac calls pumpkins, "mommies." "Big mommies!" At one point, I had to explain that he was referring to the pumpkins and not the other moms in the area. He sure makes me laugh.

Though I couldn't get much of a smile, these pics are for you, Myrna! 



 November is right around the corner. October sure flew by!

October 17, 2013

Chestnuts falling from the sky...


Boom... Boom!... Thump!... This is what we have been hearing on our roof all day and night for the past few weeks. If we dare walk in the yard, we must be prepared to cover our heads for protection! These spiky chestnut balls have been falling from the sky; it's rather exciting around here. 

I woke up for work to find that Andrew had gotten off early and was outside collecting these chestnuts. This house is just full of surprises. For the past few weeks, any time we look out the window, there is a good chance that we will find someone in our yard collecting these apparent treasures. Many knocks on the door asking if they can come in our gate to collect, etc. Some people say they have been coming to this tree for the past 20 years! On more than one occasion, we have found someone outside at 6am (in the pitch dark & pouring rain) collecting. Creepy? I think they were more creeped out that we were coming/going at that time. With all of the hype going on in our yard, we figured we were missing something by not collecting these. So, collect he did! 

... He delicately cut and roasted them. This became his little project for the night. He says they were roasted a bit too long (and we later learned that you should wait 3 days before roasting after picking). So, we'll try again soon! I just love seeing him find joy in the little things surrounding us every day. His heart is so gentle, curious, and kind. 





October 12, 2013

Trying something new



This month, we are trying something new for meal planning. Actually, I've really never done meal planning. This is a first! 12 days in, and we're doing pretty well at sticking to it. In order to eat out less, eat healthier (trying GF for the past 2 months- I feel so much better), and waste less money on un-eaten foods, we're giving it a go. 

The first step was printing off a calender and entering both of our schedules. It took me a while to realistically plan the placement of meals throughout the week due to the fact that our schedule is different each day. I also hoped that by creating a schedule and keeping it up on the fridge, Andrew could look ahead and see that a certain night was left-over night and help himself (I call him my little garbage disposal, he'll eat just about anything).  Not only are we trying new things, but it also makes grocery shopping a lot easier and more efficient!

This was a favorite meal from last week. And, gluten free!
______

Brown Rice Pene Pasta
Pesto
Cottage cheese
Tomatoes
Roasted brussels sprouts 
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Dishes by Beyond Jordan Studio

 -Cook pasta per package instructions
-Roast halved brussels sprouts at 425 degrees for 18-20 minutes (seasoned with olive oil + garlic salt)
-Combine pasta, roasted brussels, sliced tomatoes, pesto, & cottage cheese
-Enjoy! 

((Add turkey bacon for some extra protein))

October 6, 2013

Learning that this is our life


 We pass by each other at the entrance to the hospital. He's leaving. I'm coming.
His eyes light up and we embrace. "Perfect timing!" A sweet little surprise for the day.  
___

He calls to say he's on his way home but won't make it in time before I leave for work. I say, 'let's meet in the middle for dinner at Chipotle!' Quickest dinner we ever did have, but the best company and a kiss to remember until we see each other again. 

Learning to appreciate the little things over here in the busy MS3 world. Learning that this is our life. Learning to make the most of it. Just thankful he's home, he's happy, and summer is behind us.
Med School- year 3, keep it coming....

October 3, 2013

USS Midway | Sun & Sand Day 5

In the midst of the government shut down this week, this post seems fitting.  Our last day in San Diego graced us with sunny skies and one last attraction to check off our list. Andrew was especially excited to spend a few hours at the USS Midway. It actually might have also been my favorite activity of the trip. Besides the gorgeous beach lounging of course. 

While walking through the halls and decks, we tried to imagine the ship full of young sailors. Small quarters, no windows, strict schedules, and wisps of sea breeze. What these sailors, officers, captains, pilots, etc., do every day is so honorable. I'm not sure I could handle the lack of windows...

We like history, especially military history. We like movies about it, books about it, and apparently, we like museums about it. 
 


Andrew particularly loved all of the planes and helicoptors. He took his time looking at each one. I sat back and enjoyed watching his eyes light up. So precious.

 

I still really want to watch Top Gun after our visit. Though Andrew has to work, maybe we can squeeze a movie date night into this weekend. Thank you sunny San Diego for a great 5 days! We needed this little get away.

Let's hope our government can get everything figured out real soon. I didn't realize until yesterday that this shut down means Andrew doesn't get paid... (duh!) and would have to leave any away rotations he is at ASAP as ordered. Thank goodness he's not at an away rotation right now.

Still so thankful to be a part of this great nation.