So I woke up at about 7:30, unable to sleep any longer. I guess that's because I'm usually up around 5 getting ready for work. Matthew and I lay in bed chatting for another half hour or so, discussing our plans for today and random things that have gone on throughout the week. Honestly, this is my favorite part of the week. Usually this what we do Sunday mornings before church; we just lay in bed, facing each other talking about anything. We don't really argue, or bicker. It's just us. We talk about what's going on, what we're thinking, and how we're dealing with stuff. Sometimes I think its the only time we can really talk rationally, without joking or breaking down.
Anyway, so not the point. We got up and I started to make donuts. Yay! I only got maybe halfway done when Matt decided it was time to open presents. Yay! :) So I turned off the oil, set the donuts far enough back on the counter that Jafar couldn't get to them, and headed to the living room. We did the stockings first, Matthew, Jafar and I. I got to admit, shopping for the dog was pretty fun (although my husband was a little annoyed with how much I got him). Then we moved on to the wrapped presents.
The whole thing probably took about ten minutes tops, because it was just the two of us. When we were finished Matthew plugged in a new Xbox game, and I finished up some of the donuts.
Fast foward a few hours, we're watching Mamma Mia (because my darling husband bought it for me) when Matthew got a phone call. I guess the two guys that were planning on coming over for dinner got their truck stuck in the snow, and whoever tried to pull them out got stuck too, so they were going to be late. I went in to the kitchen to put the ham in the oven and they ended up walking in a few minutes later.
FYI, make sure you have all the ingredients you need before you start Christmas dinner. I mistakenly used my Sour Cream last night for dinner, because we had some single guys over, and forgot I needed it for my scalloped potatoes. I tried to make potato wedges instead (they didn't turn out to great, but oh well. I don't really like potatoes anyway). Matthew also drank the rest of the milk this morning with his donuts, and I couldn't make the Chocolate cream pie I had planned for dessert. THEN I realized I had never made asparagus in my life, nor had I ever seen it made. Needless to say, panic kicked in. So while my husband was trying to console me downstairs, two guys were yelling at each other while playing Xbox. I know, you can roll your eyes. I'm in tears and someone is yelling "oh, what now? That's right, I KILLED you!"
Ok so dinner turned out OK. We didn't have dessert, and most of the potatoes are still on the tray, but the ham was great, and Carcia ate almost a whole package of rolls himself.
I guess the moral of this day is way beyond what I thought it would be. I had to remind myself during my mental breakdown in my bedroom that this might be the only Christmas I celebrate with my husband, and do I really want to waste it being upset about something out of my control? I mean, yeah, dinner wasn't the best ever, and yeah, ok dessert is kind of important on Christmas. But when I look at the bigger picture, someday we'll look back and laugh at how stupid this whole thing was. What matters is that we're both happy, safe from the crazy weather outside, and perfectly capable to live on without scalloped potatoes.
Sometimes I step back and look at myself. I'm a wife, a working woman, trying to take care of people under me, while keeping up with the laundry and cleaning and cooking. And I have to remind myself that I'm nineteen, that I'm new at this, and that my husband still loves me even if he does run out of clean socks and we don't have any flour in the cupboards.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Oh Christmas
I'm sitting in my house, with the heat turned way up, and bundled in my winter coat. Jafar is even curled up on his dog bed, trying to get a little warmer. The wind outside is blowing, very hard and very loud, and its sending snow flurries everywhere. There's a fresh sheet of white on the ground, and stuck to just about everything. It's strange to me: because of the wind and how cold it is, the snow will freeze to anything. Like the sides of stop signs, jutting out as proof that the wind blew it and it stuck while still moving. I mean there's literally snow and ice sticking off of the sides of poles, signs... anything vertical.
The governor has declared a state emergency, because of the storm blowing in. And through it all, Matthew is wishing he was home for the holidays. I do to, don't get me wrong, but he told me last night in bed. He just sighed and said "I wish home right now, for Christmas". The truth is, we both miss Colorado a LOT, and he hasn't seen his family since June. He's homesick, and its his first Christmas away from home. He misses the tons of cookies, constant bickering, wrestling on the living room floor, the smell of his mom's cooking, little kids running around and a good classic Holiday movie in the background.
I felt such guilt at first, that we couldn't go home. And that I couldn't recreate this scene for him. There will be no Settlers of Catan set up on the kitchen table this year, none of his mom's famous foods or desserts. We won't hear his dad read aloud from the Bible after a meal, or laugh at Josh's jokes. But I'm trying so hard to remind myself, and him, that this our chance to make our own traditions, our own routines, that our kids won't want to miss in the future.
Its hard because I know he wont be here for Christmas next year, and it makes it that much harder for us both. I'm putting on that smile, and enjoying the seasons I do have with him-despite what next year may bring. And through it all, even when he just wants to be in that old yellow living room with the too many books on the coffee table, and yarn strewn everywhere from people's recent crafts, he's happy. He's smiling, he's laughing and joking, and I know he's trying to make the best of this time too.
I guess I just am writing to remind myself why we're not at home. And why its a good thing that we're not. God is in control of this situation too, and He knows that this is what's best for us. To spend the Holidays ten hours away, with other single guys who can't go home. We're doing work here, and we're relying on each other much more because of the situation. So even when we're homesick, and tired of this stupid weather: God is faithful. He's here with His loving arms, and He's teaching us so many new things every day. To the point where I HAVE to feel blessed, even if I didn't the $600 camera, and we only had enough decorations to cover half the tree. That's what makes being a newlywed so much fun. That's why its an adventure in the first place.
The governor has declared a state emergency, because of the storm blowing in. And through it all, Matthew is wishing he was home for the holidays. I do to, don't get me wrong, but he told me last night in bed. He just sighed and said "I wish home right now, for Christmas". The truth is, we both miss Colorado a LOT, and he hasn't seen his family since June. He's homesick, and its his first Christmas away from home. He misses the tons of cookies, constant bickering, wrestling on the living room floor, the smell of his mom's cooking, little kids running around and a good classic Holiday movie in the background.
I felt such guilt at first, that we couldn't go home. And that I couldn't recreate this scene for him. There will be no Settlers of Catan set up on the kitchen table this year, none of his mom's famous foods or desserts. We won't hear his dad read aloud from the Bible after a meal, or laugh at Josh's jokes. But I'm trying so hard to remind myself, and him, that this our chance to make our own traditions, our own routines, that our kids won't want to miss in the future.
Its hard because I know he wont be here for Christmas next year, and it makes it that much harder for us both. I'm putting on that smile, and enjoying the seasons I do have with him-despite what next year may bring. And through it all, even when he just wants to be in that old yellow living room with the too many books on the coffee table, and yarn strewn everywhere from people's recent crafts, he's happy. He's smiling, he's laughing and joking, and I know he's trying to make the best of this time too.
I guess I just am writing to remind myself why we're not at home. And why its a good thing that we're not. God is in control of this situation too, and He knows that this is what's best for us. To spend the Holidays ten hours away, with other single guys who can't go home. We're doing work here, and we're relying on each other much more because of the situation. So even when we're homesick, and tired of this stupid weather: God is faithful. He's here with His loving arms, and He's teaching us so many new things every day. To the point where I HAVE to feel blessed, even if I didn't the $600 camera, and we only had enough decorations to cover half the tree. That's what makes being a newlywed so much fun. That's why its an adventure in the first place.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Early Christmas Gifts and a Welcome Home
Well, I just got back from a long weekend in Colorado, and my husband was just the man I wanted to come home to. :) Not that I ever really want to to come home to another man... He just always impresses me, even when I'm so frustrated and confused. Suddenly there he is, standing by my new car, with a brand new radio he had put in while I was gone. Not only that, but I saw the bags of gifts he bought while I was away, and I am so happy. Not just because he actually got me something: but because he thought about it. He saw what I wanted and he went out to get it, ignoring the price tags, and seeing instead my happiness.
Its a little ironic, since the night before I had been discussing with Cara how frustrated he makes me most of the time. And it was like God heard me, and just rearranged some things. Even in some hard times, its good to know He's still there, and He's still in control. Not only that, but my Savior has perfect timing. And when things get tough, I lean on that promise.
We'll be spending Christmas day not with our families this year, which saddens us, but with some military friends who will also be alone. Two or three guys are coming over for a dinner (which I have to cook). The menu so far consists of honey glazed ham, scalloped potatoes, asparagus (Matthew's request), and rolls. With a chocolate pudding pie for dessert. We'll see how it all turns out... I've never made this big of a meal before, and I've never cooked for anyone that isn't family. Wish me luck, and I'll let you know how this all turns out!
Its a little ironic, since the night before I had been discussing with Cara how frustrated he makes me most of the time. And it was like God heard me, and just rearranged some things. Even in some hard times, its good to know He's still there, and He's still in control. Not only that, but my Savior has perfect timing. And when things get tough, I lean on that promise.
We'll be spending Christmas day not with our families this year, which saddens us, but with some military friends who will also be alone. Two or three guys are coming over for a dinner (which I have to cook). The menu so far consists of honey glazed ham, scalloped potatoes, asparagus (Matthew's request), and rolls. With a chocolate pudding pie for dessert. We'll see how it all turns out... I've never made this big of a meal before, and I've never cooked for anyone that isn't family. Wish me luck, and I'll let you know how this all turns out!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Christmas Baking/Trip Home
So the cookies actually didn't turn out half bad. I made some Jam Thumbprint Cookies, and added some ingredients so the cookie itself wasn't so bad. My husband ate the first batch the night I made them... twenty cookies gone in about two hours. But I guess that IS a good sign.
The next batch was Oatmeal Sunflower Seed Cookies. They came out with a beautiful nutty flavor, almost like peanut butter, but not quite. Next time, though, I think they'd be good with some coconut or dried fruits.
The last batch was Snickerdoodles. The name itself just makes me smile. They weren't half bad, although the dough was sticky and pretty hard to roll into balls. They also came out REALLY small. Bite-size Snickerdoodles. :)
I got ready Saturday morning to fly back home to Colorado and surprise my sister for her sweet sixteen. We were in the car on the way to the airport, I was planning to be there before 9:15, when the plane took off. Matt looks over at my ticket I'm holding and goes "WAIT! That says it boards at 7:55!" I had read the ticket wrong, and it was actually scheduled to take off at 8:15. Matt sped up, and we watched my plane take off as we were driving up to the airport. I'm crying, calling my mom and telling her I can't make it. I went inside, and the very nice United Airlines man put me on standby and got me on the next plane out (which, thankfully, took off in about 45 minutes). I could have hugged him, he was so helpful.
Then I had to run across the B-wing of DIA, to get to my next flight, which boarded about 5 minutes after I landed. The first time, I actually missed the gate, and had to run back downstairs and ask someone where it was. I got the last seat on the plane. Phew. I ended up landing in Junction about an hour after my original flight was scheduled. :) Success. Its nice to know that even when things go horribly wrong, God knows my heart and clears a path for me.
Also, our lab ate a whole cheese ball off the counter during that whole mess because my crazy husband left it out (after I told him not to!). Poor puppy is probably very sick.
More next week, I suppose. We have to finish up our Christmas shopping. :)
The next batch was Oatmeal Sunflower Seed Cookies. They came out with a beautiful nutty flavor, almost like peanut butter, but not quite. Next time, though, I think they'd be good with some coconut or dried fruits.
The last batch was Snickerdoodles. The name itself just makes me smile. They weren't half bad, although the dough was sticky and pretty hard to roll into balls. They also came out REALLY small. Bite-size Snickerdoodles. :)
I got ready Saturday morning to fly back home to Colorado and surprise my sister for her sweet sixteen. We were in the car on the way to the airport, I was planning to be there before 9:15, when the plane took off. Matt looks over at my ticket I'm holding and goes "WAIT! That says it boards at 7:55!" I had read the ticket wrong, and it was actually scheduled to take off at 8:15. Matt sped up, and we watched my plane take off as we were driving up to the airport. I'm crying, calling my mom and telling her I can't make it. I went inside, and the very nice United Airlines man put me on standby and got me on the next plane out (which, thankfully, took off in about 45 minutes). I could have hugged him, he was so helpful.
Then I had to run across the B-wing of DIA, to get to my next flight, which boarded about 5 minutes after I landed. The first time, I actually missed the gate, and had to run back downstairs and ask someone where it was. I got the last seat on the plane. Phew. I ended up landing in Junction about an hour after my original flight was scheduled. :) Success. Its nice to know that even when things go horribly wrong, God knows my heart and clears a path for me.
Also, our lab ate a whole cheese ball off the counter during that whole mess because my crazy husband left it out (after I told him not to!). Poor puppy is probably very sick.
More next week, I suppose. We have to finish up our Christmas shopping. :)
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
tonight's dinner
I frequently look online for dinner ideas (partly because I have so few recipes myself, and partly because I always have so few ingredients), while searching on www.allrecipes.com (probably one of the greatest recipe sites of all time) I found a simple Broccoli Cheese Soup. I really wish I could make bread at all, or I would have formed bread bowls to put this in, just like my mom used to when we were little. But since my bread-baking has turned out so ugly in the past, I decided to go a different route. Just the soup.
For the most part it turned out ok, I did end up putting some onion powder in, and a lot of extra milk. The soup was way too thick for my taste before, but that may have been partly due to the large chunks of broccoli. Next time I think I'll puree it, and add some ham or chicken. Overall though, it wasn't bad at all. I was surprised. Sometimes my cooking comes out so... ugly. Like the time I tried to make manicotti and I bought the wrong cheese, so the filling came out one big clump? Or the time I forgot about the chili on the stove and burned the whole thing to the bottom of the pot? Yeah... that's what I mean by ugly. We've had to make a few quick runs to Burger King down the road because I get confused. Who knew there were so many different types of salt and pepper? Or cheese, I thought I knew a lot about cheese. But there are a lot that I can't even pronounce. Its just weird!
Anyway, tomorrow I'm doing a LOT of baking. I'm gonna make Christmas cookies for us, and a few married couples down the street, some fellow employees at Starbucks, and some of the single guys who will be here alone for Christmas. I thought about sending some overseas to our deployed friends, but I'm not sure I have their address anymore, and sending food isn't easy. There are a lot of steps to follow when sending to military personnel.
I'll let you know tomorrow how my Fingerprint Jam Cookies, Frosted Sugar Cookies, Russian Tea Cakes, and Biscotti come out. :)
For the most part it turned out ok, I did end up putting some onion powder in, and a lot of extra milk. The soup was way too thick for my taste before, but that may have been partly due to the large chunks of broccoli. Next time I think I'll puree it, and add some ham or chicken. Overall though, it wasn't bad at all. I was surprised. Sometimes my cooking comes out so... ugly. Like the time I tried to make manicotti and I bought the wrong cheese, so the filling came out one big clump? Or the time I forgot about the chili on the stove and burned the whole thing to the bottom of the pot? Yeah... that's what I mean by ugly. We've had to make a few quick runs to Burger King down the road because I get confused. Who knew there were so many different types of salt and pepper? Or cheese, I thought I knew a lot about cheese. But there are a lot that I can't even pronounce. Its just weird!
Anyway, tomorrow I'm doing a LOT of baking. I'm gonna make Christmas cookies for us, and a few married couples down the street, some fellow employees at Starbucks, and some of the single guys who will be here alone for Christmas. I thought about sending some overseas to our deployed friends, but I'm not sure I have their address anymore, and sending food isn't easy. There are a lot of steps to follow when sending to military personnel.
I'll let you know tomorrow how my Fingerprint Jam Cookies, Frosted Sugar Cookies, Russian Tea Cakes, and Biscotti come out. :)
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