Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Weekly Recipe

Check out my Weekly Recipe! Slow Cooker Corned Beef & Cabbage! I know it isn't a very common dish. However, I really think you will enjoy it! Just give it a try! It would be a great dish to prepare on St. Patrick's Day!

Friday, February 18, 2011

Change of Heart

I am currently writing this from my parent’s computer in Southern Illinois, far from my wonderful husband who is still at home in Virginia. Yesterday Matias and I flew from Virginia to Illinois to visit with family for a few days. The day before we left I was feeling guilty and sad because we were leaving Peter for 10 days! I know we are a military family; we are used to this kind of stuff, right? That's what I thought. However, we have been a very spoiled military family lately. Peter has not gone anywhere for an extended period of time since April 2010. We have not really been apart since then. It has been such a blessing! However, I fear that because of this I am becoming very attached, very reliant and very soft hearted.

I really don't know how to explain it. As a military wife you kind of prepare yourself when you know your husband is going to be gone for an extended period of time. It is almost like you distance yourself a little bit so that it doesn't hurt so bad when he actually leaves. And when you do that often, it becomes easier. In Okinawa, we were doing that often, so I just got used to it and it was easier every time he left.

When your husband is gone all of the time, you become very independent. Not because you want to, but because you have to. I have become so dependent on Peter coming home from work and helping with Matias. He is there to fix things around the house. He is there to fix the computer when I break it. (Which is quite often) He is there to kill bugs for me...oh wait, never mind, he makes me kill bugs myself, even when I beg him to kill them for me. He is just there when I need him! I can call him or text him almost any time of the day. I have become so used to this, it scares me to think that he could deploy this year.

Becoming soft hearted...I don't really know how to explain it. I guess when you are apart so much your heart kind of becomes a little tough. It can withstand trials, struggles and distance easier than others' hearts. My heart isn't hardened, just a little tougher because of all of the time I have spent away from my husband. But that toughness is wearing off! I haven't had to be tough or strong for a long time. Recently, I have had an amazing husband to lean on and be my strength whenever I needed him. So I guess I just fear that I am becoming a softie. I fear that my heart is too soft to handle a deployment.

Basically, this short little 10 day trip to Illinois has made me realize that I am not the "military wife" I used to be. I am missing my husband horribly and we are only going to be gone for 10 days! 10 DAYS! I used to make fun of people who complained about missing their husband for such a short period of time. I would tell them to, "suck it up, try being apart for 6 months or a year!" So I guess I just need to take my own advice. Just suck it up and realize that though I love my husband so much, that God is my strength and my everything. My husband will not always be there for me. (Even though he would like to be) I need to become attached to Him, dependant on Him and rely on Him for my strength.

P.S. I will not be posting a recipe this week. Sorry! This week was kind of crazy with all of the traveling. I will try to post something next week.

Monday, February 14, 2011

A Different Kind of Valentine's Day

Last night my husband, Peter, said, "Valentine's Day was only created so that American businesses' could make a profit off of it. It is a ridiculous holiday." I was not at all surprised by this comment. Peter has always felt that spending money on flowers that will just die in a few days is just a waste of good money. He would be more likely to buy me a plant of some sort that would last longer. However, I hate plants and he knows this! So therefore, he usually does not buy me anything. This would probably bother most women, but I grew up with a Father that had the same mind set about buying flowers. (Yes, I realize more and more everyday that I did indeed marry a younger version of my father.) So I don't really think much of it when I do not receive flowers on Valentine's Day. Receiving gifts is definitely not my love language. However, acts of service is my love language. Thankfully, I have an amazing husband who performs little acts of service for me everyday to make me feel loved. So what do we do in our family to make Valentine's Day special? Well, my Mom and Dad always made Valentine's Day special for the whole family. My Mom would prepare a special meal with an amazing dessert. I would then put on an apron and serve the meal to my parents and younger brother. It was kind of fun! The whole family would then eat the meal by candle light. It is a tradition that I have continued in our family. So tonight we will have the following:

Appetizer: Asparagus with Wasabi Dip
Main Course: Steak with baked potato and salad
Dessert: Red Velvet Cake (Grandma's Secret Recipe)

I might not get flowers, but I still look forward to this day. I get to enjoy a special meal with the love of my life (and the other little love in my life.) If only Matias were old enough to serve Peter and I. Until then, I guess we will just serve ourselves.

Yes, that is wedding cake on my face.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Weekly Recipe

Those of you who know me well know that I have a sweet tooth. I love dessert and I love baking! This recipe is quick and requires minimal ingredients. If you are looking for something sweet, I highly recommend this dessert! Check out my White Chocolate Cranberry Bars!

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Weekly Recipe

Check out my recipe of the week! I found a great pasta recipe that is very good and very affordable! It is not a typical pasta recipe because the main ingredient is pumpkin. I know, it sounds weird, right? I promise your family will love it! So give my Penne with Pumpkin Sauce a try!