I'm alive

Going through a bit of a rough patch...work is stressful-but I'm blessed to have a job. Had to make some other big decisions that were hard to make, but I had to do what was best for me. Why am I telling you this? Cause I need prayer. Prayer for guidance,  prayer for patience, and prayer for peace. I'm ok. Just a little rattled lately. But life is still good. And I know I'm blessed. Maybe just some blessings-Ill just have to wait for...

xo

recipe hit & miss...

So I recently decided to really start cooking again. I used to cook all the time years ago, but got really slack and pretty much quit. So I'm out of practice, but I'm slowly working on it. I did quite a bit of blog stalking, getting most of my inspiration from The Cooking Photographer, as well as the blogs of friends. So anyway, I tried this recipe Roasted Carrot and Cream Bowties with Peas. I modified it a bit, adding chicken (because lets face it, a meal isn't a meal without some sort of meat), switching rotini for the bowties, and pureeing only half of the carrots and saving the other half to put in the pasta for color. It tasted ok. But just ok for a lot of work is not enough for me. It was good enough for me to eat that night, and two helpings the next day though, with the help of my salt shaker. The problem didn't start until Saturday, when I get a call from Kroger. Guess what? The huge bag of peas that I'd poured right into the pasta? Recalled. Well um...it's a little too late...since I ate 3 helpings, and Darren had 1 the night before when he came over. Guess why they were recalled? Because they found GLASS in them! WONDERFUL! So needless to say, I threw the rest of the leftovers away. Luckily, Darren and I both survived so far. How often do you get a call from your grocery store basically telling you, hey if you eat those peas you bought this week....you may die! I can't stop thinking about that popsicle "Shards of Glass" commercial. Fabulous...Once mom realized we'd be ok, she said, Jennifer, you finally cook for Darren, and now he's going to die. LOL...

So today I tried again, with much better results this time. Sheila from Union gave sent me this recipe last week, and I am so into anything that includes the words "buffalo chicken" that I just had to try. The only adjustment I made on this one was no celery...because I think that's just weird. It turned out DELICIOUS! I used Frank's Red Hot sauce for my wing sauce, and it was wonderful. YUM!

Ok so I'm not the best at pie cutting. But you get the point. This Buffalo Chicken Pie was Sooooooo yummy!

Life is fabulous! xo

he really is awesome...

Darren, that is.

My sweet, adorable, handsome guy placed these on my coffee table Wednesday.  

When I asked why, he gave me a puzzled look, that um Jen, don't you get it? Look.

"Cause you said you were having a bad day..."

Wow.

Could he be any more awesome?

I told him he can't do this every time I tell him I've had a "bad day", because he'll have to buy them all the time.  :)

Remember these? From my bad day last month. I see a pattern. lol

Life is fabulous! xo

What's going on in the life of Jen?

Outside my window.....it's late, so it's dark. And it's been SO chilly lately. Not a fan. But I hear that this weekend is going to be warmer, which makes me smile :)


I'm thinking....things are going to be turning around soon, financially anyway. The new job is going well. Got my first two mortgage files in late this afternoon. I start on them first thing. Refis! I know they won't all be that simple, but its nice that the first two wont be purchases. I'm also really liking some of my new coworkers, they make me laugh. Also looking forward to Williamsburg with mom on Monday for our day off.


I'm thankful for....having all my needs met, at all times. And then some. I tend to worry needlessly. I have to remind myself of all the times and amazing ways Heavenly Father has taken care of me. Oh and my parents :) and friends!


I'm wearing....pjs and a dog sleep on my leg-she must be as close as possible of course


I am remembering....ideas for Elisabeth's shower, and jotting them down so I won't forget. Been thinking of my Nannie lately. And having dreams about her and others from my past. Weird. Also remembering how much I miss the beach and how awesome it was. I can't believe that was 2 months ago!


I'm going....to bed soon, I am not getting enough sleep! Good thing work is not that far so I don't have to get up early


I'm currently reading.....well...I hope to be reading the last Vampire Academy soon. Please find it soon E! :)


I'm hoping.....Friday comes soon.  Well, tomorrow evening first so I can see Darren, then Friday :)


Noticing that....I have more free time with this new job. (I guess from no commute) And I'm loving it!


Pondering these words....."The more that you learn, the more places you will go" Dr Seuss. So true!


From the kitchen....I am starting to gear up to actually cook again. Its been ages! Planning on making practice cupcakes for E's shower-maybe this weekend

One of my favorite things.....Coco-and lately? Junkfood. Don't know what my deal is. Can't. Stop. Eating!!!


A picture thought I'd like to share.....

Happiness sometimes comes when you least expect it to, and where you least expect it from. :)

Life is fabulous =) xo