A Few Meal Ideas

by Erica

I really enjoy trying out new recipes. I have come across a few lately that I have added to my collection. You might also like to give them a try.

Sweet and Sour Meatball Skewers:
Why I like it: I like anything you can put on a skewer and grill.
http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/sweet-sour-meatball-skewers-113530.aspx

Enchilada Casserole:
Why I like it? Fast and I usually have these ingredients on hand.
http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/enchilada-casserole-113524.aspx

Chicken Lettuce Wraps:
Why I like it: It seriously tastes like PF Chang's Lettuce Wraps.
http://recipes.heddings.com/index.php?m=recipes&a=view&recipe_id=729

Pefect Panini Sandwich:
Why I like it: Fresh basil, fresh mozzarella and a chance to use my panini press (thanks grandma!)
http://www.foodnetwork.com/videos/perfect-panini-sandwich/1311.html

Enjoy and let me know if you try them. Motivation for me to add more recipes to the blog.

My Garden

by Erica

I decided to plant a garden this summer. Jason built the box for me and I filled it with 15 bags of dirt, tomato, zucchini, squash, cucumber, pepper, and pumpkin plants. I also planted some beans and lettuce from seeds.

Now, if I can keep these guys out...we might get to eat something from it come July or August.

Minivan Owners

by Erica

First, to alleviate all rumors that have already started, no, we are not pregnant :)

It was time to start looking for a new family vehicle and a minivan was the right fit for us. We considered a new SUV, but I didn't feel like I gained that much more than what I had with my Pathfinder. It is funny how life has changed. My top priorities in looking for a new car was ease of getting Ashlyn in and out of the car and one that would accommodate our (someday) growing family. The Odyssey had most everything I was looking for. We are pretty excited.

El Colectivo

by Erica

I came across TripAdvisor.com days we before we left for our vacation. Through the forums page, I learned of the city buses (El Colectivo) that only cost 1 peso roundtrip. It is a much better rate than the one-way $7 taxi ride. We knew to look for the bus that had Wal-Mart written on the windshield. What we didn't know was which bus to get back on. We pretty much guessed the first time and were dropped off about a 1/2 mile from our hotel.

We needed to head back to Wal-Mart for a few more groceries on Tuesday. We hopped on bus 13, a short walk from our hotel. When done shopping, we waited at the bus stop for bus 13 again. Our thinking was that this buses route looped from the hotels to Wal-Mart.

We did have one oppertunity to get off the bus in the center of town. In hindsight we should have gotten off. We continued riding but soon realized that this bus was not going to our hotel. It was going in the opposite direction and did so for many miles. We traveled up and down the bumpy streets of Cabo. We saw the real Cabo...the cinder block houses, houses made of scraps of wood and other materials. It was very reminisent of our experience in Juarez last summer.

After about a hour (we were still thinking that it was going to loop back around) we were the only people on the bus. The bus driver pulled into a dirt parking lot filled with 2-3 other buses on the opposite side of town. This was a bit unsettling. A man came on the bus asking us where we were going. As Jason communicated with the bus driver, I sat there, ever-so-thankful that he speaks Spanish. Apparently, as soon as we got on the bus, we were supposed to tell the bus driver where we were going.

Well, from there, we were transferred to another bus which was to take us back to the center of town. We sat for about 10 minutes before taking off. Once we got going, the bus driver was only going about 5 miles an hour. We were hot, irratated, uncomfortable and ready to get back. We rode this bus for another 30 minutes or so. By the time we got back to the hotel, we had been gone for 4 hours. Our Wal-Mart run should have taken 1 1/2 at most.

Needless to say, I was cranky and Ashlyn was starting to lose it. Thankfully, Jason had the patience to get his worn-out girls back up the air-conditioned room.

It wasn't the way I wanted to spend a day of our vacation. Perhaps, it is one of those experiences that we'll look back and laugh out. Right now, it is too fresh in my memory and so it is not very funny.

Cabo Days 1 and 2

by Jason

It's a beautiful Sunday morning here in Cabo. Ashlyn and I enjoyed breakfast on the balcony as we listened to the sounds of the ocean. She probably didn't know much difference as she dined on her usual banana, milk and toast. I, on the other hand, tried to ingrain this memory in my mind.

We arrived on Friday. Both flights went well. The planes were empty enough for Ashlyn to have her own seat (not that she sat in it much). The extra room was very nice as she crawled between mommy and daddy.

We got settled into our room later that day and walked around the resort. We ate at an incredibly over-priced pool-side buffet that night. It was beautiful, the food was good, but we won't do that again.Saturday morning we caught the city bus and headed to Wal-Mart for some grocery shopping. It wasn't very obvious where to catch our bus. After walking for a bit, we found a bus stop and hopped on. We bought only what we could carry back, which should last us for a few days.

After some naps, we headed for the pool. I really like the way these pools are designed. They are only 4 1/2-5 feet deep, but there are large areas that are only 6 in. deep. It is so nice that Ashlyn can stand and play on her own. We also bought her a great pool toy that she really likes!
I had read about an Italian restaurant that served over-sized portions not too far from our resort. It was indeed, good and filling. We were entertained by a mariachi band singing 'Piano Man' to us.

We had read about the time-share 'sharks' and were prepared for them at the airport and the hotel. The problem about Cabo is that everyone wants your business from the people at the resort to the people on the streets and the people standing in front of their restaurants. I understand that business is very slow here right now, but I am afraid that it is always like this. Everyone seems to have dollar signs in their eyes as they see visitors walk by. Even the man who pointed us towards the restaurant last night wanted payment for his help. It takes some of the relaxation out of our vacation. I wish that people would want to help just to be kind.

It is time for me to get our stuff together and head down to the beach. Ashlyn has yet to play in the sand.

Wordless Wednesday

by Erica

I am stealing an idea from my friend, Jo's, website. Thanks, Jo! This requires me to do two things: post every Wednesday and take more pictures. So, here we go!

This beautiful bouquet welcomed me at my doorstep yesterday. A reminder that I am loved. Sent by my husband for no other reason. Ashlyn and I spend the day walking by them saying, 'Ohhh' and smelling them. Then I tell her that the man she marries one day must be as special and thoughtful as her daddy.

So Proud

by Erica

My sister, Karisa, was named staff member of the year at Cedarville! Today she is being honored in chapel with her award. Before I go on, I must tell this story:

Karisa had come out for a visit in March. The day she left, her boss called and told me that she was receiving this award in two weeks. That night, our flights were booked and we were heading to Ohio to surprise her along with my parents and grandparents.

I can't understand the timing of this, but our grandma had passed away a couple days before we were all supposed to fly out. Keep in mind that Karisa did not know of this award or was not supposed to know. Due to the funeral, the award ceremony was postponed.

Everyone in the family was so excited for her that we all told just about everyone. The secret was revealed when Grandma's best friend, said something to Karisa. Although Karisa found out in advance, all the family was there to congratulate her in person, which was really neat.

Now a month later, Karisa is being recognized in front of 3,000 students, faculty and staff! She has worked so hard to earn this award. There have been so many people over time that has said, "Oh, you're Karisa's sister? She is so sweet, she did ______ , ____ and ________ for me." Karisa always goes above and beyond for people. She invites homesick students over for dinner, sends cards for those needing encouragement, and houses parents of students so that they don't have to pay for a hotel.

Like I said, Karisa is truly deserving of this award. We wish the timing would have worked out for us to go to the rescheduled award ceremony. And Karisa, you know that Grandma is rejoicing in heaven and telling EVERYONE about her granddaughter and her big award today!

You can listen to the presentation at http://cdrmedia.cedarville.edu/cdr/chapel_20090415.asx
It begins and 6:40.

Vegas and Beyond

by Erica

Since Leanne and Karen updated their blogs, I guess I should too...

Ok, two weeks ago Jason had a trade show in Vegas. I was able to meet up with him there for a couple of days. Ashlyn spent time with her Nana and Papa. It was the first time leaving her for more than a day. I have to say that the flight was the most relaxing flight that I have taken in 1 1/2 years. I actually read a magazine and took a nap.
Jason and I had a great time together. We stayed on the strip and took in a Cirque du Soleil show. Although Vegas is a unique city, we concluded that it is not an appropriate place to take our children. There is too much that I don't want their innocent eyes to see, which is really too bad. However, if they decide to go back to the famiy friendly Vegas, we might have to go back with them.

Jason and I were anxious to get back home to see Ashlyn. We were away from her for long enough. She had a great time with Nana and Papa. I guess she and Nana went to the zoo and feed the horses together (at Nana's house, not the zoo)! A bonus was spending some extra time with Auntie and Keith who were visiting from NYC.

Mom and dad were out here this past week. We were all spoiled. A highlight of their visit was when Ashlyn would wake up and ask for Bapa (Grandpa) not Mom, but Bapa. It made me cry when after they left, Ashlyn came out to the kitchen asking for Bapa and I had to tell her that Grandma and Grandpa had to go home. Mom and dad had taken her to the Chidren's Museum one morning. I guess she had a red tutu on for most of the time. Mom, being in the excellent seamstress that she is, made Ashlyn her very own pink tutu. It is too cute!Both mom, dad and I worked tirelessly on spring cleaning the house. Seriously, it was an all day project. Smoke detector batteries were replaced, light fixtures were cleaned inside and out, every window, screen and blind were cleaned...even the ones in the window well! See what I mean by being spoiled?

They had to go home today, but we will see them in just a couple weeks for a family wedding. We have been very fortunate to get to see both our families so often these past couple of weeks.