ON A SNOWY DAY

Crocheting away on a snowy day. Making a scarf out of fisherman's wool for a friend's birthday this weekend. I know she'll love it! 

I'm still feeling really great! No signs of morning sickness at any time of day (although I'm only 5 weeks so it's still a little early for that to kick in). Mark and I are so so so excited. We are slowly trying to figure out some details, but so much is so far down the road at this point that we know our plans can and likely will change. 

We feel so blessed to have family and friends surrounding us with support (and especially prayer) at this early stage of pregnancy. This was our main reason for spreading the news as soon as we found out! Thanks to everyone for all the wonderful words of congratulations and advice!

XOX

POSITIVE

We are SO blessed!!

5 weeks in now, due June 24th, 2013!

Thanks be to God!

THANKSGIVING

I have always loved autumn. It has always been by far my favourite season. And growing up so close to the Gatineau Hills, there wasn't much that could beat out the beauty of the changing leaves. However, I had also never experienced autumn in the prairies.

This was my first Thanksgiving (and first holiday) spent outside of Ontario, and it was truly lovely. We spent the weekend in LeRoy, SK, a very small town where Mark’s grandparents farm. We had visited them on our road trip to the West coast this summer, and at that time we had no idea we would be visiting again so soon! I was thrilled, because I think I fell in love with the farm on our last visit. Standing there in the fields is just indescribable. You can see sky all around. And I was lucky enough to experience a true prairie storm. You can see it coming for miles! And then there is all the treasure. Old barns, old houses, old cars, old farm equipment, old everything. I swear they could open a museum. I could just spend hours exploring and taking pictures. I can’t believe I haven’t posted any pictures from our trip yet – but they are coming! I took a few more of the farm this time around though!

On Sunday the whole family came over to the farm. Mark’s Aunts and Uncles, cousins, and puppies. It was wonderful to meet everyone and we were just so happy to be spending the holiday with family. And of course there was so much food! We had such an amazing time, and we look forward to our next farm visit!

We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well!

xox.

TEA LATTE

Ecstatic about my new milk frother. (Thanks IKEA!)  Making tea lattes every day.

Now all I need is some sugar-free vanilla syrup and an espresso maker.

RECIPE: CHILI-STUFFED PEPPERS

This weekend Mark and I are heading to LeRoy, SK to visit Mark’s grandparents at their farm for Thanksgiving. Yeehaw! From there we are driving straight to Prince Albert for a 3-day teachers conference. We come home Thursday night, and head right back out on Friday morning to Edmonton for an IKEA trip and to hit up the West Edmonton Mall (for the second time this year!).

I am trying to use up our perishables before we leave, so for lunch today I made some more stuffed peppers. I had made some chili yesterday (in our new dutch oven from Mom & Dad! Holla!) and along with some rice and cheese, I stuffed those peppers full of deliciousness. Let me tell you I had one very happy husband at lunch time!

 Chili – Stuffed Peppers

1. Make some chili.

2. Cut, scoop out, and wash some peppers.

3. Cook some rice.

4. Grate some mozza cheese.

4. Combine chili, rice and cheese.

5. Stuff your peppers!

6. Grate some more mozza cheese, and sprinkle on top.

7. Line a 9x12 casserole dish with parchment paper.

8. Bake at 400F for 40 minutes et voila!

As I’ve said before, these are such an awesome, easy, and fast meal to make – especially if you are using leftovers like me! In fact, both times that I’ve made them, I’ve stuffed peppers with leftovers. Awesome solution to clean out your fridge! We also love these because they are so versatile. You can stuff them with anything!

If you like this idea, check out my stuffed sweet potato recipe!