Oooopa!

Once a year Mr. R. and I get to relive our honeymoon in Greece. Five years ago we spent two weeks island hopping in the Mediterranean. We saw ancient temples, we swam in the ice cold sea, toured the ruins, soaked up sun in Mykonos, and rode the donkey of death in Santorini. We also ate as many gyros and dolmas as our bellies could handle. 

The second weekend in October means one thing to us. GREEK FEST! The local Greek Orthodox church puts on a festival with music, dancing, crafters, and most importantly FOOD. This year we took Pip and she loved the music and dancing. She would have been content to hangout in the music tent all day. 

 Mr. R. and I decided Greek dessert is where it's at. Baklava, honey cookies, baked doughnuts, and a shredded wheat dessert that was beyond amazing. 

Only 365 days until the next one. 

Someone's in the kitchen with Mr. R. (and it's not Dinah!)

Piper is really into being right where Mr. R. and I are. No more just laying on her playmat or hanging out in the Bumbo. She wants a ringside seat to all the action. 

Normally I cook dinner and Mr. R. entertains the Pip, but tonight he announced he was DYING of hunger and could not wait for me to prep the meal by myself. That left us with two options. Succumb to the quick food gods of takeout or find a way to engage Pip and cook at the same time. 

Enter Mr. R.'s high chair (yes, this was his chair back in the day) and the cart cover. (The cart cover keeps Pip from slipping out of the chair). She happily played with her purse and Sophie the giraffe and we had dinner made in 35 minutes.

Not bad for a Monday!

Happy Birthday Mom!

 Today is my mom’s birthday!

We are wishing you a beautiful, delightful day, with a corner piece of cake.

 My mom is a huge and influential force in my life.

I am thankful for her strength, commitment, work ethic, and unconditional love.

We love you!

It is well with my soul

This has been a rough week, and it's only Wednesday.

This has been a rough school year, and it's only October.

Parenting is hard, and she is only four months old.

But it could always be worse. 

I could be doing this alone.

I could be without faith.

I could be without friends.

I could be without prayer.

So no matter what troubles, trial, or triumphs I may face tomorrow.

It is well. 

It is well with my soul. 

Daddy's Girl?

I think it is so amazing how Piper changes daily. When she was first born she was 100% Jeff. The chin, the eyes, the forehead, even her hair was all Jeff. At two months she started to resemble me justalittlebit. Her eyes are mine, her ears are mine, and her skin coloring, that is from me too. Now at almost five months, Mr. R. and I have a daily go-round about who Piper looks like more. Last night I found a baby picture of myself and I convinced my grandparents she was my clone. Today, Piper's eyes look green and she is all dimples when she smiles. The green eyes and dimples are 100% her daddy. 

What do you think?

Chicken stuffed poblano peppers

On Sunday I made Stephanie's salsa soup minus the chicken broth. After 5 hours in the crock I was left with shredded chicken breasts, black beans, corn, and tomatoes. This is the chicken mixture that gets stuffed inside the roasted poblano peppers.

To roast the peppers I turn on the broiler. 

Place the peppers in my oven wand wait three minutes. Flip and repeat.

Once the peppers are roasted, I wait for them to cool, cut off the tops, and remove the seeds.

Then, stuff the peppers with the chicken mixture.

Top with queso. 

(Chedder + Rotel)

And finally,  serve with rice and sour cream.

Monday Night Dinner

Giada's Minestrone soup, Texas Toast, and fruit.

Guests for dinner.

Great conversations around the dinner table.

 Love bestowed on our little girl.

Trying plums for the first time.
(She loved them!)

Loving Monday, welcoming Tuesday, looking forward to Friday.