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).

OUCH

I tried my first group class at my gym last night called Body Pump. Let me tell you that 60 minutes of weight lifting and toning every large muscle group in my body has left me recalling those high school memories of two-a-day practices....ouch! Today my muscles hate me and groan every time I get out of my chair, tomorrow, if I remember correctly, will be even worse.

Tis the season

This time of year brings much happiness around our house. It is football season and Mike isn't just a little bit of a football fan- he is pretty obsessed and very knowledgeable and seriously LOVES the game. Because I have accepted this about him and love him in return, I have also become quite the football fan myself. I even have my own Fantasy Football team- I say it is so that I have something to cheer for while watching all the games (yes we get ALL of them) but really it is because I'm so due to win one of these years and I really can't wait to take all these guys' money and rub it in their face that a girl beat them and their teams that hey spend all year researching and crafting- ha.

We are also looking forward to the first Iowa tailgate this weekend that we'll be able to attend this year and it just so happens to be the biggest and best of in-state rivalry games: IOWA VS. IOWA STATE! Mike & I have a special place in our hearts because we first met at a Hawkeye tailgate! We are both Hawkeye alums and therefore we bleed black & gold (the pic above is us tailgating at the Michigan game in 2005) so needless to say we are so excited to beat the 'Clones and vindicate ourselves for that awful performance last year that we don't like to talk about...can't wait!