new look

When I was little I used to rearrange my room and its layout quite often. I've always liked changing up the scenery- therefore why not with my little blog, too? What do you think of the new look? Thumbs up or down? I'm still not quite sure, so we'll see how long this lasts.

Oktoberfest

Jessie & I co-hosted the first annual All-Girls Oktoberfest Party at my house last weekend- it was hit! The group was small but ready to party and we enjoyed classic German foods such as brats with sauerkraut, homemade pretzels and Amana Millstream Schild Brau Amber beer a-plenty. We played croquet, bocce ball, had paint-your-own beer stein craft time, danced and laughed like crazy. Jessie & I even wore lederhosen outfits that she hand-made for us for Halloween a couple of years ago!

here he is!

Thai Spring Roll Class

Last week Jessie and I took another cooking class at the New Pioneer Co-op- this time we learned to prep and roll Thai Spring Rolls! The variety of ingredients were immense and delicious- we chose from carrots, shrimp, cucumber, avocado, seasoned pork, mango, rice noodles, fresh herbs, etc, all julienned (the hard part) to perfection. We then strategically placed our ingredients along with lettuce (for support) upon rice paper and rolled them up in proper fashion. No cooking (except for the shrimp and pork ahead of time) was necessary and they turned out so cute and yummy- especially with the addition of a couple of homemade dipping sauces. We enjoyed a classic hoisin sauce as well as Thai peanut and coconut sauce with our rolls which made them absolutely delish and refreshing! Thanks Jessie for the pictures and as usual the fun and laughs!

Welcome Jonah!

At 4:51 this morning my newest nephew entered the world, weighing in at 8 lbs 4 oz and 21 inches. The word on the street is that he has dark hair, a scrunched up nose and loves to suck on his fist. I love him so much already and we haven't even met. I can't wait til tonight when we get the chance! Welcome to the world and the family, Jonah.

lead foot

You know that feeling when you pass the cop on the road and immediately look in your rear-view mirror to see if the lights come on? Yeah, that happened to me on the way home from the gym the other night. But for the first time in my life I got a WARNING and not a ticket! Sweet relief!

baby on the way

For heaven's sake not ours- my brother and sister-in-law's and expected in about a week! I'm so excited for the latest addition to our family and I can't wait to meet this little boy they've already chosen to name Jonah. He is guaranteed to be adorable- check out the DNA for his siblings (my fave niece & nephew, Cale & Ayla).