MISS MADDIE!!!! That's what I hear everyday when I walk into my classroom, accompanied by little hugs around my knees and kisses on my stomach. It's been about a month since I became "Miss Maddie" and I could not be happier! I thank The Lord so much for providing a job change for me at the most unlikely time. Being a preschool teacher has been the most fun, exhausting, and challenging career experience I have had in my young life.
The biggest change has been working full time. I feel much more fulfilled in my professional life but chore time, and more importantly, puppy time has dwindled a bit. Also, my sweet, wonderful husband has to deal with me coming home exhausted! I'm hoping I will get used to it as time goes on and have more energy at the end of the day but until then he has been so patient with me.
Working with 12 3-5 yr old children has allowed The Lord to teach me a lot about patience, compassion, and grace. I have learned to not be so serious, go with the flow, and to always take a deep breath. I work in a part of Cincinnati that is not always the best when it comes to socioeconomic status and because of that I see a lot of the repercussions of raising a child in that environment. It has been very hard for me to cope with what I hear and see on a daily basis and it kills me I can't fix every situation I come across. The Lord is slowly teaching me I cannot fix the situation, that's His job, but I can make sure every child I see knows Miss Maddie, and more importantly The Lord, loves them so very much! I'm having a blast and I can't wait to see and share what the months to come have in store!
Besides the job change not much has changed in our little life but all is very well! The puppies are doing great! Aspen is beginning to settle down. She is still her hyper self but she is able to function like a normal dog and sleep. Cody is fitting into our family perfectly! We love him so much and can't believe he hasn't been here the whole time. Since I started the new job they go to doggie daycare 2 times a week and that has been so fun for them and so helpful for us! They come home exhausted which is great but they also get to be out of their crates and socialize which is even better!
Chad and I are doing great! As usually Chad is doing fabulous at his job and is still as passionate as ever. We are a year and a half into our marriage and I still highly recommend it. Being married to your best friend is the greatest gift ever! We are the couple we hate! Too much PDA and obnoxious nicknames are a part of our everyday routine. Sorry to all, we're trying lol. The best thing in our life currently is The Lord has been answering a lot of prayers we've been asking since and before we've been married. He's revealed most of the questions we've had about career options, moving, kids, the whole shebang. I'm sure you'll hear about all of them as they unfold in His timing but the most beautiful part about it hasn't been the answers, but the reminder about how faithful our Lord is. When we had given up or even forgotten He came through as He always does.
I think that's all for now. Love ya'll!
Miss Maddie ;)
June 30, 2015
April 23, 2015
Los Barriles
Last month we took a vacation to Los Barriles, Mexico with my parents. They recently bought property there and we had to check it out! Los Barriles is about an hour north of Cabo on the Sea of Cortez. It's a smaller town filled with locals and Americans alike. When you look toward land you feel like you're in California and when you look towards the sea you feel you're on a tropical island, aka my paradise.
We had pretty low expectations upon departure. When your parents tell you they bought a trailer (yes, a trailer) in Mexico you wonder if they've gone off the deep end. But when we saw the town and especially the ocean, we totally got it. This is the view from their place....
You see what I mean?
The town was super cute and a nice mix of tourism and everyday life. It had everything a picky American would need while still feeling authentic. Our favorite spot in town was a coffee shop about a block away from my parent's place. It was ran by a young American couple who recently moved there from Washington. The beans were roasted on sight and shoes were optional. It's my new happy place...
They also had two dogs...
Coffee, dogs, and palm trees. There is absolutely nothing better.
On top of the dogs at the coffee shops there were dogs everywhere in town! Dogs, cows, chickens, goats, you name it, they all ran wild. Basically my version of heaven.
We went to Cabo for two days to visit some family friends that have a time share there. Cabo was its own type of fun. One word: party! It was hoppin' with college students on spring break. It was fun to watch the craziness and be in a bigger town. That was the place for great shopping (I love bargaining!) and it was as equally gorgeous as Los Barriles...
This trip will go down as one of my favorite vacations ever! We miss it so much and talk about it on a daily basis. Honestly, if it was possible we'd move there. That's how much we loved it.
We can't wait to go back!
March 3, 2015
Mr. Codes
As most of you have probably seen through my thousands of Facebook and Instagram posts we have a new dog! Our little furry family is complete....for now ;) Chad and I have been seriously discussing getting another dog for a few months now and in February really started our search. We've known pretty much since we got Aspen that eventually we'd get another dog, it was just a matter of timing.
This time around we wanted a shelter/rescue dog. Both Chad and I have a huge heart for these animals and their situations. It breaks our hearts that these dogs are overlooked because of breed or their "issues because they're shelter dogs." Our new guy is living proof of how awesome they can be!
Before meeting Cody we met two potential siblings for Aspen that fell through. First we met Maddie, a Blue Heeler that was just precious but when she met Aspen the teeth came out and she tried to attack our baby, so that was a no. Next we met Annie, an adorable white Pitbull who we absolutely loved! Unfortunately, this time Aspen was the one who didn't like her. At this point we felt hopeless that we'd find a right match.
Occasionally I'd check a website called petfinder.com. I typed in cattle dog, male, medium size, and 100 mile radius from Cincinnati. Lots of options popped up, including Cody. To be honest I wasn't really interested in him but I sent an inquiry just for the heck of it. Next thing you know the three of us are driving to the middle of nowhere to meet this little fur ball. Neither Chad or I had high hopes and chalked the whole trip up to seeing new sights. Well, when we got there it was love at first sight! He was so sweet, funny, and a little weird....he was perfect for us. The big test was Miss Aspen. Being in a new place with all kinds of animals, sounds, and smells completely stressed her out and we expected her to lash out at Cody. Instead, they sniffed each other, played a bit, and basically ignored each other. For Aspen, this was huge. We knew he was it. They said we could take him home right then but we had absolutely nothing ready!
That next week Chad was in California so I prepared the house for our new baby, and tried to prepare my current baby as much as I could for this new change.
On Saturday, Febraury 28 we adopted Cody, formally known as Biggie. We decided to change his name for a few reasons: he really isn't that big, all I think of is Biggie Smalls, and we wanted it to match Aspen (west coast and a city). He has responded to it very nicely and doesn't seem to be confused which is great! He is supposedly a year and a half. We'll be celebrating his 2nd birthday in July. We aren't exactly sure what he is but we think he's Red Heeler and Beagle. He's shorter than Aspen but about the same weight....he's a little chunker :)
When we brought him home Aspen and him played like best friends outside but inside Aspen was very territorial and did not like another dog in her house. By Sunday afternoon they were playing in the house and sleeping in each others' beds. Aspen still gets jealous but we are trying to give her extra attention and love so she knows everything is fine. The transition is going way better than expected and we couldn't be happier! We think this new addition is exactly what our family needed. He is very playful but knows how to relax which is exactly what Aspen needs in her life.
His personality is complete love bug. All he wants is to bury his head in your lap and receive kisses and belly rubs. We can tell there must have been some abuse in the past because when you come up to him he will sometimes coward down, it breaks my heart. His story is he was dumped in a field at an unspecified age and a woman called the shelter to pick him up because the property he was on was owned by a woman who was going to kill him just for being a dog. When he was rescued he was 8 months old. He's been a great dog so far! He hasn't done anything scold-worthy and just wants to play with his sister, get loved on, and sleep.
We love that Aspen now has a buddy and we have a new little boy to love. This is a really joyous time in our little family and I'm so excited to share it with you! Thank you for all the sweet posts and I can't wait for everyone to meet him and play with them both!
xoxo
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This time around we wanted a shelter/rescue dog. Both Chad and I have a huge heart for these animals and their situations. It breaks our hearts that these dogs are overlooked because of breed or their "issues because they're shelter dogs." Our new guy is living proof of how awesome they can be!
Before meeting Cody we met two potential siblings for Aspen that fell through. First we met Maddie, a Blue Heeler that was just precious but when she met Aspen the teeth came out and she tried to attack our baby, so that was a no. Next we met Annie, an adorable white Pitbull who we absolutely loved! Unfortunately, this time Aspen was the one who didn't like her. At this point we felt hopeless that we'd find a right match.
Occasionally I'd check a website called petfinder.com. I typed in cattle dog, male, medium size, and 100 mile radius from Cincinnati. Lots of options popped up, including Cody. To be honest I wasn't really interested in him but I sent an inquiry just for the heck of it. Next thing you know the three of us are driving to the middle of nowhere to meet this little fur ball. Neither Chad or I had high hopes and chalked the whole trip up to seeing new sights. Well, when we got there it was love at first sight! He was so sweet, funny, and a little weird....he was perfect for us. The big test was Miss Aspen. Being in a new place with all kinds of animals, sounds, and smells completely stressed her out and we expected her to lash out at Cody. Instead, they sniffed each other, played a bit, and basically ignored each other. For Aspen, this was huge. We knew he was it. They said we could take him home right then but we had absolutely nothing ready!
That next week Chad was in California so I prepared the house for our new baby, and tried to prepare my current baby as much as I could for this new change.
On Saturday, Febraury 28 we adopted Cody, formally known as Biggie. We decided to change his name for a few reasons: he really isn't that big, all I think of is Biggie Smalls, and we wanted it to match Aspen (west coast and a city). He has responded to it very nicely and doesn't seem to be confused which is great! He is supposedly a year and a half. We'll be celebrating his 2nd birthday in July. We aren't exactly sure what he is but we think he's Red Heeler and Beagle. He's shorter than Aspen but about the same weight....he's a little chunker :)
When we brought him home Aspen and him played like best friends outside but inside Aspen was very territorial and did not like another dog in her house. By Sunday afternoon they were playing in the house and sleeping in each others' beds. Aspen still gets jealous but we are trying to give her extra attention and love so she knows everything is fine. The transition is going way better than expected and we couldn't be happier! We think this new addition is exactly what our family needed. He is very playful but knows how to relax which is exactly what Aspen needs in her life.
His personality is complete love bug. All he wants is to bury his head in your lap and receive kisses and belly rubs. We can tell there must have been some abuse in the past because when you come up to him he will sometimes coward down, it breaks my heart. His story is he was dumped in a field at an unspecified age and a woman called the shelter to pick him up because the property he was on was owned by a woman who was going to kill him just for being a dog. When he was rescued he was 8 months old. He's been a great dog so far! He hasn't done anything scold-worthy and just wants to play with his sister, get loved on, and sleep.
We love that Aspen now has a buddy and we have a new little boy to love. This is a really joyous time in our little family and I'm so excited to share it with you! Thank you for all the sweet posts and I can't wait for everyone to meet him and play with them both!
xoxo
February 3, 2015
Finding the Path to My Purpose
When I was a kid the first thing I remember wanting to be was a ballerina. However, my mom told me that when I was about three I wanted to be a cat.... Since then I've wanted to be a princess, vet, teacher, lawyer, chef, business owner, elf, interior designer, model, event coordinator, counselor, and probably so much more. I'm still waiting for a long lost relative to call and say I'm an heir and Food Network to realize I'm a boss at microwaving leftovers but until then I'm stumped. When we were kids the sky was the limit with our dreams but anywhere between 16 and 18 the dreams come to a halt and the reality check hits. College visits, deciding a major, and basically planning your entire future. Who thought that was a good idea?? When I was a teenager I could barely decide where to go to lunch let alone decide my future!
I started college as a business management major because I wanted to be an event planner. When I got my internship I realized quickly experience was more important than knowing business and as I start Accounting 101 I realized I hated business management. I switched to Family and Consumer Science which was the best decision I've ever made (besides marrying Chad <3). It was the first time I actually succeeded in school and was passionate about academics. I loved every minute of my program studies! People always ask me what this major is so here is Montana State University's definition: "The Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) profession is dedicated to enhancing the relationships among individuals, families, communities and the environments in which they function. The family and consumer sciences profession takes leadership in improving individual, family, and community well-being; impacting the development, delivery, and evaluation of consumer goods and services; influencing the creation of policy; and shaping societal change, thereby enhancing the human condition."Sounds good, right? The problem is I have no clue what to do with it!
By the way, our society doesn't like that. When I tell people I'm 23 and don't know what I want out of life I get a look of pity. Like, I'm unfocused and irresponsible because I haven't decided what I want to do for the next 50 years. Does anyone know what they really want for the next 50 years?!?! Is it that bad to not have it figured out? I struggle with this all the time. As much as I love my husbands (and that's a lot) it's hard living in his shadow sometimes. He's known from a very young age he wanted to be an engineer. He got a degree in it, received a job offer right out of the gate, then got his master's (for free!!!). Now he's making bank, climbing corporate ladders, and loving it. I mean, that happens to no one! Come on, Chad! ;) I couldn't be more proud of him but that type of focus is something I've never known. I love and have a passion for so many things I can't decide which one is best. I guess you could say I have passion ADHD. I cannot decide what I want to do. I just want to love it! Heck, I'd be happy being a barista the rest of my life if that's what God had for me.
I guess I'm writing this because I wonder if there are others out there that struggle with this? Struggle with not knowing their purpose in life. Struggle with feeling inadequate because they don't have a true profession. Wishing God would provide a neon sign saying "THIS IS WHAT I WANT YOU TO DO!" I assume most Christ followers have prayed the same prayer I have: "Lord, I'll do whatever you want if you'll just show me what it is." It's never that easy, is it? God loves to be creative instead of obvious. Sometimes beautiful but let's be honest, most of the time annoying. Does anyone else struggle with this? Not knowing? Not even a little clue?!?!
As a Christ follower I know my true purpose in life is to show God's love, follow His will, and hopefully bring others to Him. I love that! It's comforting to know that is what life is truly about, but which avenue do I take to allow all those things to happen? I know, trust God. That's the answer to it all. Easier said than done for this imperfect girl. I guess that has been my prayer through it all, that I would trust Him enough to lead me to the right passion in His right timing. That is my prayer for you too. I know I can't be alone in this and I'm praying earnestly for The Lord to reveal your calling as well.
Thanks for letting me rant and I hope that this post could be somewhat of an encouragement for those struggling like me. Thankfully we are not alone and we have each other and The Creator on our side with only the best intentions for our life. That is such a joy and huge relief! Praise Jesus for His perfect will and timing! Who knows, maybe I can still become a cat....
Maddie
January 27, 2015
The New Year
I can't believe we are already into 2015! This year went by so fast! Crazy is the only word I can think of to describe it lol! Here is a little recap of the end of our year and what we expect for 2015:
2014 ended wonderfully with a trip to California to visit my family. With Aspen in tow we enjoyed the sunshine and being in Redlands. We were able to see lots of friends and family and just relax! Leaving was insanely difficult for all of us but we bounced back into Midwest life pretty painlessly.
Jan. 5th we celebrated one year of marriage! I can't believe it's already been a year. I feel like it was just yesterday! Since it was a Monday and we had just gotten back from CA we just went out to dinner and recovered from our trip. It's still so exciting to me that it has been a whole year!! I love him more today than I did a year ago and I wouldn't trade being Mrs. Chad Wentling for anything! :) <3
Jan. 12-ish marked one year in Cincinnati for me. Everyone said give it a year and you'll be fine. Well, it's been a year and still not a fan. LOVE our friends and church though. They make it fun but I'd rather just steal them all and make them move back west with me. Maybe I'll work on that this year...
Jan. 18th marked one year with our peanut, Miss Aspen. Again, can't believe it's been a year. It hasn't been an easy one but totally worth it! She's becoming an awesome dog ( I can't say puppy anymore, wahhhh!!) and we wouldn't trade her for the world!
We took a spontaneous trip to Charlotte, NC in the middle of January which was so fun! Charlotte is a great town that's trendy but still has that classic southern charm. It was great to get away, just the two of us, and enjoy being together.
Chad will be doing a lot of traveling these next few months. They're trying to wrap up their project with AirBus which isn't going as smoothly as planned. Chad is just a boss and knows everything about everything and is getting the job done! I'm insanely proud of him for being the point person for this current project but at the same time I want my hubby home!!
I'm still at Equipping Ministries as their office manager. It's getting better but definitely not what I want to be doing forever. The problem is I still don't know what my calling is but I'm trusting The Lord will lead me there when the timing is right. For now I'm just working hard and keeping my eye out for any good opportunities.
Our main goal for 2015 is to get ourselves and our house together. We have both gained so much weight since being married. It's disgusting. We are both sick of it and are changing things up! It's exciting to be back on track. We'd love your support and encouragement with this journey. Also, we've noticed that after only one year of marriage we have collected so much crap! We both absolutely hate clutter and totally believe that living simpler is the way to go. So, we've decided that once a year we are going to have a major clean out of all the things we don't need and either sell them or give them to charity. This spring we'll be having our first garage sale and are stoked to get rid of some of the clutter and get organized.
In March we'll be taking a trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. My parents have recently fallen in love with the area and invited us down there to see it. Obviously we could not pass that up! We cannot wait to escape the cold and relax on the beach with margarita in hand.
As always we will be traveling all over this year: Montana, California, Nebraska, Michigan, and who knows where else. We both love traveling but agree it's getting old going to the same places. Sadly, our vacations feel more like obligations to see as many friends and family members as possible in the shortest amount of time. Obviously we love seeing them but we come back more exhausted than when we left. Our goal in the future is to explore new places and have new experiences with our friends and family beside us. That way we all get a vacation! We'll see how it goes lol.
We're also expecting to get a second dog in 2015. We feel like a second pup will complete our little family and we would love a sibling/playmate for Aspen. We are being very thoughtful and prayerful about it as it is not a light decision. Reason being is Aspen can be quite a little diva when it comes to other dogs. Some she loves and others she wants no part of. We expect this process to be lengthy but are excited for the future member of our family.
We can't wait to see what 2015 will hold and I promise to keep you updated as much as I can! I hope your holidays were absolutely wonderful and you have a great 2015!
Love ya'll!
2014 ended wonderfully with a trip to California to visit my family. With Aspen in tow we enjoyed the sunshine and being in Redlands. We were able to see lots of friends and family and just relax! Leaving was insanely difficult for all of us but we bounced back into Midwest life pretty painlessly.
Jan. 5th we celebrated one year of marriage! I can't believe it's already been a year. I feel like it was just yesterday! Since it was a Monday and we had just gotten back from CA we just went out to dinner and recovered from our trip. It's still so exciting to me that it has been a whole year!! I love him more today than I did a year ago and I wouldn't trade being Mrs. Chad Wentling for anything! :) <3
Jan. 12-ish marked one year in Cincinnati for me. Everyone said give it a year and you'll be fine. Well, it's been a year and still not a fan. LOVE our friends and church though. They make it fun but I'd rather just steal them all and make them move back west with me. Maybe I'll work on that this year...
Jan. 18th marked one year with our peanut, Miss Aspen. Again, can't believe it's been a year. It hasn't been an easy one but totally worth it! She's becoming an awesome dog ( I can't say puppy anymore, wahhhh!!) and we wouldn't trade her for the world!
We took a spontaneous trip to Charlotte, NC in the middle of January which was so fun! Charlotte is a great town that's trendy but still has that classic southern charm. It was great to get away, just the two of us, and enjoy being together.
Chad will be doing a lot of traveling these next few months. They're trying to wrap up their project with AirBus which isn't going as smoothly as planned. Chad is just a boss and knows everything about everything and is getting the job done! I'm insanely proud of him for being the point person for this current project but at the same time I want my hubby home!!
I'm still at Equipping Ministries as their office manager. It's getting better but definitely not what I want to be doing forever. The problem is I still don't know what my calling is but I'm trusting The Lord will lead me there when the timing is right. For now I'm just working hard and keeping my eye out for any good opportunities.
Our main goal for 2015 is to get ourselves and our house together. We have both gained so much weight since being married. It's disgusting. We are both sick of it and are changing things up! It's exciting to be back on track. We'd love your support and encouragement with this journey. Also, we've noticed that after only one year of marriage we have collected so much crap! We both absolutely hate clutter and totally believe that living simpler is the way to go. So, we've decided that once a year we are going to have a major clean out of all the things we don't need and either sell them or give them to charity. This spring we'll be having our first garage sale and are stoked to get rid of some of the clutter and get organized.
In March we'll be taking a trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. My parents have recently fallen in love with the area and invited us down there to see it. Obviously we could not pass that up! We cannot wait to escape the cold and relax on the beach with margarita in hand.
As always we will be traveling all over this year: Montana, California, Nebraska, Michigan, and who knows where else. We both love traveling but agree it's getting old going to the same places. Sadly, our vacations feel more like obligations to see as many friends and family members as possible in the shortest amount of time. Obviously we love seeing them but we come back more exhausted than when we left. Our goal in the future is to explore new places and have new experiences with our friends and family beside us. That way we all get a vacation! We'll see how it goes lol.
We're also expecting to get a second dog in 2015. We feel like a second pup will complete our little family and we would love a sibling/playmate for Aspen. We are being very thoughtful and prayerful about it as it is not a light decision. Reason being is Aspen can be quite a little diva when it comes to other dogs. Some she loves and others she wants no part of. We expect this process to be lengthy but are excited for the future member of our family.
We can't wait to see what 2015 will hold and I promise to keep you updated as much as I can! I hope your holidays were absolutely wonderful and you have a great 2015!
Love ya'll!
December 10, 2014
Leftover Turkey Gumbo
Hey!
I wanted to share a recipe I found that my husband just adored. It's very hearty, slightly spicy, and will use up a lot of leftover Thanksgiving/Christmas turkey. It's a turkey and andouille sausage gumbo. Here's the link: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/turkey-andouille-gumbo-recipe.html The directions are slightly vague so you might feel a little lost during the process. My advice is add 2 1/2 or 3 quarts of stock (I used chicken stock) instead of just 2. The sauce is extremely thick so extra liquid will help. Also, don't be afraid to add extra spices. While I was cooking it I only added a pinch or so of each and I needed much more. Lastly, be patient. It's a simple dish but takes a while to cook. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
Love ya'll!
I wanted to share a recipe I found that my husband just adored. It's very hearty, slightly spicy, and will use up a lot of leftover Thanksgiving/Christmas turkey. It's a turkey and andouille sausage gumbo. Here's the link: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/turkey-andouille-gumbo-recipe.html The directions are slightly vague so you might feel a little lost during the process. My advice is add 2 1/2 or 3 quarts of stock (I used chicken stock) instead of just 2. The sauce is extremely thick so extra liquid will help. Also, don't be afraid to add extra spices. While I was cooking it I only added a pinch or so of each and I needed much more. Lastly, be patient. It's a simple dish but takes a while to cook. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
Love ya'll!
December 7, 2014
The Vet Called Me Crazy
Dec. 2nd we celebrated Aspen's 1st birthday. It's so hard to believe she is already a year! It seems like yesterday we were driving home with this 6 week old peanut with terrified looks on our faces. We had no clue what we were doing or how to properly take care of a puppy. A year later we still have no clue what we're doing but she's potty trained and hasn't eaten the couch, success! This dog is our child and before you tell me animals and children are different, don't. I'm aware. But for me there are very few differences between furry babies and human babies. Obviously the love for a child exceeds the love of a pet and there are things you'd do for your human child that you wouldn't do for your furry child but if you aren't willing to have a huge love for your pet, treat them like family, and make them apart of your life vs. an accessory in your life then don't get one. Personally I don't think animals deserve to be an accessory, they have too much love to give. Now that my rant is over I can get back to my point, this dog is our child. We've watched her grow up, learn new things, and stuck by her during a very rough first year of life.
As some of you know this year with her has been more than difficult, here's a quick recap: early on she was throwing up much more than a normal pup should, after months of trying to figure out what's wrong she ended up in the hospital with the vet telling us her digestive organs weren't moving and if it gets any worse she might die. The theory was she had Inflammatory Bowel Disease and after months of food trials we discovered it was only a food sensitivity, praise God! Now she is on a food that is easier on her tummy and life is peachy on that end. However, from a young age we also noticed her behavior was different than most puppies. She wouldn't nap like a normal pup during the day, she didn't want to play with her toys and only wanted to bite us. As she got older the behavior progressed and we had no clue what was happening. She was great in obedience class, understood commands and tricks, and surpassed her classmates on comprehension. But at home things were different, she was becoming aggressive and seemed to never calm down. We didn't understand why this was happening because she got plenty of exercise and stimulation that this breed requires. I talked to her vet and she said it wasn't an obedience issue it was a behavior issue. She referred me to a vet that has a PhD is animal behavior. We met with her and she diagnosed Aspen with severe anxiety (I had no clue dogs could have anxiety! What could they be anxious about??). This threw us both for a loop and I immediately blamed myself. Clearly I did something wrong and the stress of getting married, moving to Ohio, and keeping a puppy alive rubbed off on Aspen and I ruined her. The vet assured me that it wasn't me and most of the time dogs develop anxiety on their own (I still didn't feel better and to this day blame myself). After observation the vet explained to us that Aspen does not know how to calm down. She is almost always in an anxious state and cannot regulate the excitement. It's very similar to humans with anxiety and do not know how to control it. She recommended anti-anxiety medication and we are now on the road to recovery. We meet with the vet monthly to discuss her progress and options to get Aspen to a balanced state. She isn't there yet but she will actually take naps during the day and the biting has dropped tremendously. WOOHOO! So that is where we are today and we are eager to get our baby to a balanced and happy state. Can you imagine what it would be like to not be able to calm down and not have control over it?? Poor thing!
At one of our vet visits I was raving about how sweet Aspen is, how funny, entertaining, and loving she can be. Both of us were going on and on about how much we love her and even though we can't wait for her to be balanced and calm down she is an awesome dog. Our vet had no response. She couldn't understand how we could feel that way about her. Even though she is a great vet and very knowledgeable I was stunned a woman that has devoted her life to helping animals could not accept my dog for who she is, sickness and all. We told her even after everything we have gone through we would choose her all over again. She said we were crazy. Why could she not open her mind to see how it's possible to love her? Shouldn't she of all people understand? I began to wonder if she was right. Is Aspen really that bad? My heart has been in a lot of turmoil because of it all. I play the blame game, ask God why she couldn't just be a regular dog, feel so distraught that she feels anxious and I can't fix it, and at the same time feel such happiness because of the joy and fun she brings to our lives. When all of this was too overwhelming my dad was such an encouragement when he said, "Honey, God brought this dog to you because he knew how loving and compassionate you both are. Most would throw that dog away the minute something was wrong but He knew you would stick by her. Plus remember, no dog is perfect." Ever since those words of wisdom I thank God for her and her craziness everyday. I feel honored God allowed us to take care of one of His fragile creatures.
Aspen has taught me a lot since she's come into our lives. She's shown that patience really is a virtue, love does not require perfection, and the little things in life are sometimes the most exciting. I love her so much! I'd have 100 more of her.....maybe I am crazy.
~Maddie
November 25, 2014
The Cincinnati Hater Pays a Compliment
As the end of Fall approaches I realize I haven't posted anything since June, where has the time gone?? I can't say we haven't done anything between then and now, we have! We've been to Montana, parents have visited, we road-tripped to Michigan, I survived the awful summer humidity, and much more.
However, I think the most important thing I did this summer was just to stop. I stopped wishing I was in a different state, (even though I still want to be) I stopped wanting to live in a different house, I stopped and started to finally enjoy married life, I stopped focusing on the pesky 5 (or 10) pounds I need to lose and focused on life in the present, life that God has given me right now. I tell you, it has done wonders. I'm happier, more content, and so happy in my marriage! The desires of living back west and every other dream I have are still there but I'm more content with letting God handle those and enjoying the journey.
The most shocking part of my new content, less cynical self is I, dare I say it, like Cincinnati. Ugh, that leaves a bad taste in my pessimistic mouth. However, before you think I've lost my edge, let me preface that I still hate the suburbs. The sea of Starbucks, Targets, and sub-divisions still disgust me. But, I really like downtown and the surrounding area.
When you travel through Cincinnati you feel the spirit of what it was and is becoming once again. It is the most "American" city I have ever been to. It was built by industry, blue-collar immigrants, which is the epitome of the American Dream. You can feel the determination and excitement of revival as you drive the cramped streets filled with classic art-deco architecture. Even when traveling through the "not so great" areas you don't feel threatened because the hope is there too. The four short years I've been visiting, and now living here I have seen a huge revival and change through the streets of Cincinnati. It's been amazing to watch and be a part of. I can't wait to see what's in store for this resilient city and while I'm here I will enjoy every minute of it.
While this post was short I think it sums up our summer perfectly. I promise (I mean it this time) I will write more! My encouragement to any who read this is to truly just be present and content in the moment and with the Lord. It's amazing what happens when you let it go....and now you're singing in Idina Menzel's voice. Stop it! I'm trying to be serious here. Truly, let go and let God.
Love ya'll!
June 19, 2014
It's been awhile
Hey Everyone!
Sorry I haven't posted anything in a while, its been a little crazy around here! I thought I'd give you an update on what's been going on the last month or so....
I feel like most of May I was gone, which I loved! The beginning of May I went back home for my dear friend Katie's wedding. Of course being home was sublime and the wedding was perfection. Katie and Mitch have been dating since our freshman year of high school, I think. Basically, tying the knot was long overdue and I couldn't be more happy for them! It was a lovely back yard wedding that just screamed Katie's style and I couldn't get enough of the cuteness. Plus seeing old friends just topped it off. At the end of May Chad and I took our official honeymoon trip. We road tripped it down to Florida and stayed in my Grandma's condo across the street from the beach. I hadn't been to the condo since I was around seven so being back unleashed so many memories. Chad and I lounged on the beach and basically just soaked up everything Panama City Beach had to offer, we absolutely loved it. On the way back we stayed in Nashville for two days and I fell in love fast. I never thought I could see myself living anywhere except the West Coast but I would move there in a heartbeat and be happy as a clam. I loved the people, the city, and the deep roots of country music everywhere. Chad and I had such a great time and came back with amazing memories. At the end of this month we'll be traveling to Montana which will be awesome and I seriously can't wait!!
Chad has been traveling a lot for work but thankfully things are slowing down and I have my fingers crossed I'll be able to spend a full month with him haha. But seriously, he is killing it at work, he got a big promotion and his team members entrust him with many responsibilities that I'm sure other engineers do not receive. I am insanely proud of him and I can't brag on him enough! He is seriously awesome and the best engineer the company has, I'm completely unbiased of course. I see huge success in his future in whatever he decides to do. I actually just received a job offer today and took it. I will be the office manager for Equipping Ministries International. It is a nonprofit that provides learning material for missionaries all over the world. I am very excited to be working in a Christian environment and learning the responsibilities of how a business runs. It definitely isn't the dream job but I'm learning I don't know what the dream job is for me right now. In the mean time it will be a great experience and extra income!
Emotionally I am still adjusting to all the changes. I thought I was doing better but with all the trips and seeing friends and family I remembered how not awesome Ohio is. The only things I like about living here are Chad, Aspen, our church, the greenery, and now lightning bugs....those things are awesome. Living in the burbs is still driving me crazy and the house and I don't get along. I love our backyard but it's completely nonfunctional because of the lack of fence. Now, I've discovered humidity and it is dreadful! Give me 100 degree dry heat any day but this stuff is unbearable. Yes, I am aware other places are worse, you don't need to tell me. Thankfully, I have some blossoming friendships that are keeping me somewhat sane. Thanks for putting up with me ladies. God is definitely revealing His plans to us through all of this though which is comforting and we know this situation is not permanent. It is definitely bonding Chad and I and that is such a blessing.
Little Miss Aspen is awesome! She's six months old now which seems impossible! I can't believe how fast time has flown. Most of her bad habits are gone now and she is turning into a great dog, I hate that I can't say puppy anymore :( She has been having a lot of tummy troubles recently and we are wondering if she has a wheat intolerance. If things continue we will get her tested and take the necessary steps so our little peanut is healthy. At the end of the summer we are going to enroll her in intermediate dog training and are looking into agility training for her. Since she has so much energy it would be perfect for her. We babysat a dog named Jake for some friends a couple weekends ago and fell in love with him and the idea of having two dogs. Aspen and Jake became fast bff's and were so cute playing together. Chad and I knew almost immediately our family would be complete with a second dog. However, right now the timing isn't perfect and we decided to wait until Aspen is at least one and we have a fence. Nevertheless expect a second dog in the Wentling household at some point in the next few years.
I think I've filled you in on all the major things happening in our lives right now. I promise to keep you more in the loop from now on! ;)
Love ya'll!
Maddie
Sorry I haven't posted anything in a while, its been a little crazy around here! I thought I'd give you an update on what's been going on the last month or so....
I feel like most of May I was gone, which I loved! The beginning of May I went back home for my dear friend Katie's wedding. Of course being home was sublime and the wedding was perfection. Katie and Mitch have been dating since our freshman year of high school, I think. Basically, tying the knot was long overdue and I couldn't be more happy for them! It was a lovely back yard wedding that just screamed Katie's style and I couldn't get enough of the cuteness. Plus seeing old friends just topped it off. At the end of May Chad and I took our official honeymoon trip. We road tripped it down to Florida and stayed in my Grandma's condo across the street from the beach. I hadn't been to the condo since I was around seven so being back unleashed so many memories. Chad and I lounged on the beach and basically just soaked up everything Panama City Beach had to offer, we absolutely loved it. On the way back we stayed in Nashville for two days and I fell in love fast. I never thought I could see myself living anywhere except the West Coast but I would move there in a heartbeat and be happy as a clam. I loved the people, the city, and the deep roots of country music everywhere. Chad and I had such a great time and came back with amazing memories. At the end of this month we'll be traveling to Montana which will be awesome and I seriously can't wait!!
Chad has been traveling a lot for work but thankfully things are slowing down and I have my fingers crossed I'll be able to spend a full month with him haha. But seriously, he is killing it at work, he got a big promotion and his team members entrust him with many responsibilities that I'm sure other engineers do not receive. I am insanely proud of him and I can't brag on him enough! He is seriously awesome and the best engineer the company has, I'm completely unbiased of course. I see huge success in his future in whatever he decides to do. I actually just received a job offer today and took it. I will be the office manager for Equipping Ministries International. It is a nonprofit that provides learning material for missionaries all over the world. I am very excited to be working in a Christian environment and learning the responsibilities of how a business runs. It definitely isn't the dream job but I'm learning I don't know what the dream job is for me right now. In the mean time it will be a great experience and extra income!
Emotionally I am still adjusting to all the changes. I thought I was doing better but with all the trips and seeing friends and family I remembered how not awesome Ohio is. The only things I like about living here are Chad, Aspen, our church, the greenery, and now lightning bugs....those things are awesome. Living in the burbs is still driving me crazy and the house and I don't get along. I love our backyard but it's completely nonfunctional because of the lack of fence. Now, I've discovered humidity and it is dreadful! Give me 100 degree dry heat any day but this stuff is unbearable. Yes, I am aware other places are worse, you don't need to tell me. Thankfully, I have some blossoming friendships that are keeping me somewhat sane. Thanks for putting up with me ladies. God is definitely revealing His plans to us through all of this though which is comforting and we know this situation is not permanent. It is definitely bonding Chad and I and that is such a blessing.
Little Miss Aspen is awesome! She's six months old now which seems impossible! I can't believe how fast time has flown. Most of her bad habits are gone now and she is turning into a great dog, I hate that I can't say puppy anymore :( She has been having a lot of tummy troubles recently and we are wondering if she has a wheat intolerance. If things continue we will get her tested and take the necessary steps so our little peanut is healthy. At the end of the summer we are going to enroll her in intermediate dog training and are looking into agility training for her. Since she has so much energy it would be perfect for her. We babysat a dog named Jake for some friends a couple weekends ago and fell in love with him and the idea of having two dogs. Aspen and Jake became fast bff's and were so cute playing together. Chad and I knew almost immediately our family would be complete with a second dog. However, right now the timing isn't perfect and we decided to wait until Aspen is at least one and we have a fence. Nevertheless expect a second dog in the Wentling household at some point in the next few years.
I think I've filled you in on all the major things happening in our lives right now. I promise to keep you more in the loop from now on! ;)
Love ya'll!
Maddie
April 18, 2014
All I need is a Little Coffee and a Whole lot of Jesus
He's smooth, very rich, wonderfully sweet to me, but has a dark side. The moment he touches my lips I'm filled with pure bliss and delicious happiness. That's right, I'm talking about coffee. Coffee, the elixir of life and the best part of any day. My love for this magic potion didn't start until college when my friend Julie introduced me to the French Press. She showed me what quality coffee tasted like and it was love at first taste! Since then our relationship has grown into an amazing love that transcends time.
Now, I'm not going to go on about coffee for 5 paragraphs, that would bore you to tears. Instead I want to tell you why coffee has become a very important part of my life these last few months.
It's been no secret that I've had a rough transition moving here and I'm still fighting with it everyday. I've found myself smack dab in the middle of the burbs in Ohio....the last place I want to be. One of the many downfalls of the burbs is the sea of Starbucks. Don't get me wrong, I love me some Bucks but I came from Bozeman where unique, fun, and awesome coffee shops were a stone throw away at all times. I expressed my anguish to my new and fabulous friend Sophia and she said she was also suffering from a Starbucks overload. We decided to stick it to the burbs and find unique, fun, and awesome coffee shops in the greater Cincinnati area. Since then it has been a weekly pilgrimage to different coffee shops we find on Urban Spoon (such a genius invention). We've been to coffee shops that house libraries, knick-knacks galor, chocolate covered wine bottles, overpriced crossiants, and even a coffee shop that used to be a house. With each trip I get more excited to see new parts of the city and try some new brews. We have even gotten a few more girls (shout out to Paige and Keri!) along for the journey and it really has turned into the best part of my week.
Meeting with these ladies each week has made this whole process a lot easier. They've given me friendship, support, love, spiritual peace, and hope that I will actually survive the burbs! I know this transition is going to be a very long and painful process for me. This has been the hardest thing I have ever done in my life and I long for the day where I can be back West. But in the mean time all I need is a little coffee and a whole lot of Jesus. Thank you ladies for sharing your love of coffee with me and for welcoming me with open arms! I'm already excited for next week ;)
Maddie
April 2, 2014
California and Montana Eatin'
Last night I made a roasted artichoke for dinner and it made me reminisce of summer nights growing up. It was a common occurrence to have grill outs with chicken, steak, corn on the cob, big salads, and of course, artichokes. My love for these weird veggies began early, pulling off leaf after leaf, dipping them into luscious garlic butter and scraping the meat off creating one fresh, garlic-y little bite. It's such a fun way to be interactive with your food!
It wasn't until I moved that I realized how spoiled I was to grow up in Southern California. I didn't realize things could be "seasonal" and that certain fruits and veggies (like artichokes) couldn't grow everywhere. It was clear I didn't take advantage of the situation when I was in it. This wasn't more clear as when my Montana friends came to CA for the wedding. I'm pretty sure most of them got sick from eating so many fresh oranges from our orchard.
In honor of Spring and fresh produce I want to share a few recipes that are iconic California to me, and because I love Montana too I want to share a few heartier dishes that remind me of the Treasure State:
California
Roasted Whole Artichokes
This recipe has a step-by-step picture tutorial of how to roast an artichoke. It's insanely simple and pretty much full proof. If you don't feel like using garlic or lemon juice just use olive oil, salt and pepper. This will allow for a simpler flavor.
http://pinchmysalt.com/how-to-roast-whole-artichokes/
Whole Orange Cake
I made this with my friend Abi over spring break last year. It has an amazing fresh citrus flavor that could be dessert or breakfast if you're feeling a little naughty! My only advice is really beat those oranges to heck in the food processor, we ended up with some chunks of orange peel in it which was no bueno.
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/whole-orange-cake-50400000126573/
Blackened Chicken and Cilantro Lime Quinoa with Avocado Cream Sauce
I'm probably the only Californian that doesn't like raw avocados. Avocados are classic California and have made its way into the trendy food world popping up in ice cream and pasta, personally that makes me want to gag. However, I do like it in sauces and dips such as this one.
http://www.sarcasticcooking.com/2012/03/15/blackened-chicken-and-cilantro-lime-quinoa/
Montana
When I think of Montana I don't think of produce, I think of all things meat. You haven't tasted meat until you've been to Montana. The fact that you can look across the street and see your dinner eating grass confirms the quality and freshness that comes from Montana ranchers and farmers. Do me a favor, go to Montana just once and try a steak, your life will be changed.
Bacon and Blue Cheese Butter
I'm pretty sure no matter where you're from when you think Montana you think cowboys and when you think cowboys you think meat. This butter has two, well three, of my favorite things: butter, bacon, and blue cheese. When placed on top of a perfectly cooked medium-rare steak....oh em gee. Pure heaven.
http://www.steamykitchen.com/5984-bacon-blue-cheese-butter-on-grilled-steak.html
Honey Garlic Pork Chops
I made these the other night for dinner and I'm pretty sure they're one of the simplest and yummiest pork dishes around.
http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=59689
Mustard and Cracked Pepper Roast Beef
This dish is hearty yet refined, the way I look at Montana. It has traditional elements with a few surprises.
http://reecenosh.blogspot.com/2009/01/mustard-roast-beef-recipe-courtesy.html
Enjoy!
Maddie
It wasn't until I moved that I realized how spoiled I was to grow up in Southern California. I didn't realize things could be "seasonal" and that certain fruits and veggies (like artichokes) couldn't grow everywhere. It was clear I didn't take advantage of the situation when I was in it. This wasn't more clear as when my Montana friends came to CA for the wedding. I'm pretty sure most of them got sick from eating so many fresh oranges from our orchard.
In honor of Spring and fresh produce I want to share a few recipes that are iconic California to me, and because I love Montana too I want to share a few heartier dishes that remind me of the Treasure State:
California
Roasted Whole Artichokes
This recipe has a step-by-step picture tutorial of how to roast an artichoke. It's insanely simple and pretty much full proof. If you don't feel like using garlic or lemon juice just use olive oil, salt and pepper. This will allow for a simpler flavor.
http://pinchmysalt.com/how-to-roast-whole-artichokes/
Whole Orange Cake
I made this with my friend Abi over spring break last year. It has an amazing fresh citrus flavor that could be dessert or breakfast if you're feeling a little naughty! My only advice is really beat those oranges to heck in the food processor, we ended up with some chunks of orange peel in it which was no bueno.
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/whole-orange-cake-50400000126573/
Blackened Chicken and Cilantro Lime Quinoa with Avocado Cream Sauce
I'm probably the only Californian that doesn't like raw avocados. Avocados are classic California and have made its way into the trendy food world popping up in ice cream and pasta, personally that makes me want to gag. However, I do like it in sauces and dips such as this one.
http://www.sarcasticcooking.com/2012/03/15/blackened-chicken-and-cilantro-lime-quinoa/
Montana
When I think of Montana I don't think of produce, I think of all things meat. You haven't tasted meat until you've been to Montana. The fact that you can look across the street and see your dinner eating grass confirms the quality and freshness that comes from Montana ranchers and farmers. Do me a favor, go to Montana just once and try a steak, your life will be changed.
Bacon and Blue Cheese Butter
I'm pretty sure no matter where you're from when you think Montana you think cowboys and when you think cowboys you think meat. This butter has two, well three, of my favorite things: butter, bacon, and blue cheese. When placed on top of a perfectly cooked medium-rare steak....oh em gee. Pure heaven.
http://www.steamykitchen.com/5984-bacon-blue-cheese-butter-on-grilled-steak.html
Honey Garlic Pork Chops
I made these the other night for dinner and I'm pretty sure they're one of the simplest and yummiest pork dishes around.
http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=59689
Mustard and Cracked Pepper Roast Beef
This dish is hearty yet refined, the way I look at Montana. It has traditional elements with a few surprises.
http://reecenosh.blogspot.com/2009/01/mustard-roast-beef-recipe-courtesy.html
Enjoy!
Maddie
March 19, 2014
Top 10 Again
As of today Chad and I have been together for 3 years, 8 months, and 2 days. Isn't that just adorable?! ;P Since we've been married I've discovered so much but I don't feel like 2 months of marriage allots for any advice giving, instead I'd like to share with you what I've learned so far:
1. Everyone that told me I had to look cute while sleeping were jerks. When I was engaged I got new "pj's" as gifts and advice from excited new brides on how wonderful it was to have cute sleepwear and be adorable for your husband. OK, newsflash, he's sleeping too! Why does it matter what I look like if he's asleep as well?? If he's staring at me while I'm asleep that's a whole new set of issues. After a few nights of these "pj's" I had to give them up. I was cold most of the time, things were falling out, and major static cling plagued me night after night. Even though I'm married I still deserve the right to wear mixed matched pj's with my hair pulled up in a pineapple-shaped bun. If he can't handle that then he shouldn't have married me. (thankfully he can!)
2. Gosh I'm selfish! When I was single all I had to think about was myself: my goals, my dreams, what I wanted for dinner, how I wanted my house to look, etc. Now it's not just about me and that's really difficult.
3. I want to be around him all the time. We were long distance for 3 years and went 3 or 4 months without seeing each other. I could handle it but now a normal work day is too long. I can't get enough of him! I seriously love being around him and I hope that never changes.
4. Girlfriends are still necessary. I've learned that my husband is not my girlfriend and he won't want to watch chick flicks with me or go shopping all the time. I'm away from all my girlfriends and gosh I miss them. They are a crucial part of my life and I really wish they were around.
5. Getting a puppy right away was a bad idea. Let's get something straight, I love Aspen like crazy!!! But getting her 2 weeks after we got married has been tough. We missed out on just us time and its really been like having a baby. Before we do anything we have to think about her and it's a huge responsibility. I kind of wished we would have waited or had gotten a puppy before marriage. None-the-less she's our little lovey and I can't imagine life without her.
6. Meshing two lives together is rough. Bringing two different lives, opinions, dreams, and everything else together and making it work smoothly is a job in itself.
7. I really really love him. Let's get serious for a moment, I hate my living situation. I hate being in Ohio, being away from our friends and family, our house, the backyard, the weather, the town, etc. The only things that I like are Chad, Aspen, and our Church. The way our life is right now is so far away from what I imagined and frankly it's miserable however, I'd rather be here with him than in California without him. He's my world and I can't imagine life without him. I love him so much and will always want to be where he is.
8. God is a big deal. I guess this is kind of a no brainer but it's so true. I thought it was hard to follow God's plan when it's just me but now it's even more crucial that we listen to God and grow together because if we don't we'll fall apart.
9. Expectations are huge....huge. OMG! I had no idea how many expectations I had for marriage until I was in one. I found it was so important for me to state my expectations and for him to state his even for the littlest things so that we were on the same page.
10. It's the best thing ever! It's true. I absolutely love it! It's amazing being able to be married to my best friend. It's the biggest blessing and really there are no words for how awesome it is!!
Love you, Chad!
Maddie
March 10, 2014
Ode to Roommates
Having roommates has been one of the biggest blessing of my life! Obviously I'm married now so I have the coolest roommate of all but let's face it, he's a boy and there is a big difference between boy roommates and girl roommates. My first roommate was the typical college freshman roommate, aka I didn't like her. We never really talked and she would do her homework at 2 am with the desk light shining in my face but enough about her, let's get to the good stuff!
My first roommates were Kayt and Kelsey. We moved in together the summer before my senior year of college. Our apartment was this strange little place that used to be an attic which meant it was hellishly hot during the summer and arctic cold during the winter but the weird quirks of the place were what attracted us to living there. The three of us were the epitome of roommate perfection (besides The Golden Girls, of course). I think all three of us were shocked at how well we got along. I mean, 3 women living under one roof is a recipe for drama but there never was any. We did have spats from time to time but nothing major. In that year we lived together we truly became a family and the day we moved out it was almost like a piece of me was gone (dramatic but true). They were my Golden Girls and I'm determined to live with them again someday!
Moving out led me to moving in with Abi! I only lived with her for a semester but she totally prepared me for marriage, I swear we were a married couple. We'd watch Jeopardy together, confide in each other, and pick up groceries for one another. We lived in Family-Grad housing on campus which was awesome but had its quirks as well. We lived with a lot of exchange students to we'd hear ethnic music and drums at 4 in the morning. We'd hear drills, laughing, yelling, and lots of car alarms as well. The kicker was we lived in the basement apartment so we could hear our upstairs neighbors peeing....lovely. We never complained though, we'd just laugh it off and chalk it up to the college experience. That semester was so amazing and living with her was such a blessing. She is one of my best friends because of it and I seriously miss living with her!!
My next roommates will be one, or all, of the fab 5 (you know who you are). I'm determined for that to happen so get ready ladies.
Living with roommates has given me some of the best experiences and memories of my life! It was filled with midnight frozen yogurt runs, Say Yes to the Dress marathons, and girlfriends who become sisters. All I can say is I hope everyone can experience living with roommates. It's just the best!
Maddie
February 27, 2014
Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
If you have not discovered that magic of the slow cooker, aka the Crock Pot, you need to do so. I find slow cooker meals make large quantities so it's perfect for lots of leftovers or parties. The best part? It cooks the meal for you!
I discovered this soup recipe and OH EMM GEE it's divine! It's creamy, thick, and full of flavor and it's perfect for this cold weather...
Crock Pot Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
8-10 cups turkey or chicken stock, divided
8 oz. uncooked wild rice (I used 4 oz. wild rice and 4 oz. of brown rice just to mix it up)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 celery ribs, diced
2 carrots, diced (when I make this soup again I'd add about 4 carrots)
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons chicken soup base (like Better Than Bouillon)
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups half-and-half or cream
2 cups diced cooked turkey (I just used the carving block turkey in the deli section)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or one tablespoon dried parsley flakes)
salt and pepper to taste
Add eight cups of stock and the uncooked wild rice to a crock pot set to high. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and saute onion, celery and carrots until onion is transparent, about 10 minutes. Season with the black pepper, and add the sauteed veggies to the crock pot. Stir in the chicken soup base. Cook on high for 3-4 hours (or on low for 6-8 hours) until the wild rice and veggies are sufficiently tender.
In the same skillet over medium heat, melt 1/2 stick of butter. Whisk in the flour, and cook for a minute or two. Gradually add the half-and-half or cream, whisking constantly. You may wish to thin this mixture out with an additional cup of stock at this point. Once thickened and completely smooth, add the white sauce to the crock pot and stir to combine. Add the turkey and the parsley (and perhaps another cup of stock if you prefer a thinner soup), and cook on high for another 15-20 minutes until heated through. Taste to correct seasonings before serving.
This soup is probably one of my favorite things I've ever made so it's really worth a try. Enjoy!
Maddie
I discovered this soup recipe and OH EMM GEE it's divine! It's creamy, thick, and full of flavor and it's perfect for this cold weather...
Crock Pot Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
8-10 cups turkey or chicken stock, divided
8 oz. uncooked wild rice (I used 4 oz. wild rice and 4 oz. of brown rice just to mix it up)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 celery ribs, diced
2 carrots, diced (when I make this soup again I'd add about 4 carrots)
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons chicken soup base (like Better Than Bouillon)
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups half-and-half or cream
2 cups diced cooked turkey (I just used the carving block turkey in the deli section)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or one tablespoon dried parsley flakes)
salt and pepper to taste
Add eight cups of stock and the uncooked wild rice to a crock pot set to high. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and saute onion, celery and carrots until onion is transparent, about 10 minutes. Season with the black pepper, and add the sauteed veggies to the crock pot. Stir in the chicken soup base. Cook on high for 3-4 hours (or on low for 6-8 hours) until the wild rice and veggies are sufficiently tender.
In the same skillet over medium heat, melt 1/2 stick of butter. Whisk in the flour, and cook for a minute or two. Gradually add the half-and-half or cream, whisking constantly. You may wish to thin this mixture out with an additional cup of stock at this point. Once thickened and completely smooth, add the white sauce to the crock pot and stir to combine. Add the turkey and the parsley (and perhaps another cup of stock if you prefer a thinner soup), and cook on high for another 15-20 minutes until heated through. Taste to correct seasonings before serving.
This soup is probably one of my favorite things I've ever made so it's really worth a try. Enjoy!
Maddie
Update
I realized its been a while since I've updated you on our lives here in the Buckeye state. The reason for that is really not much is going on but I'll try my best to think of something...
First off, marriage is awesome! I highly recommend it. Being married is truly like getting to be with your best friend all the time. After being long distance for 3 years we are definitely taking advantage of finally living in the same place and it's so cool to interact on a daily basis. We've gotten connected to the young marrieds group at our church and it's great to make friends that are in the same season of life that we are in.
Aspen is 12 weeks old now and is so curious and biting everything! She's actually a really good puppy though and loves being around people which we're very relieved about. She's pretty much up for anything and isn't scared of much, which again we're very happy about because we want her to be a super social dog. Next week we start obedience school and I'm so excited! Our goal for her is to basically be a bombproof dog. We want her to be exposed to a lot and to take her anywhere with ease. The biggest issue we're seeing is she likes to chase cars when we're on walks so we want to break that habit fast!
Chad is doing great, working away as usual. He's making great strides at work and I'm so proud and happy for his success! He turned in the first draft of his thesis and he'll be done with his masters soon and I know he'll be very relieved when that's finished lol. He's definitely over the education system. Of course, baseball (and church softball) season is right around the corner so I think that's putting a little extra spring in his step!
I'm doing alright. The move has been more difficult than I thought it would be and I'm really struggling with all the changes. Being with Chad and Aspen is a dream but the fact that I'm not where I really want to be is extremely hard. Moving to a new state, being away from all of my friends and family, and adjusting to the changes of marriage is pretty overwhelming. I'm really trying to give it all to God and to remember He has an amazing plan for all of this but I'm sure you can imagine how difficult that is. I'm just taking it day by day and trying to see the blessings of it all.
We're both so sick of this cold weather and can't wait for it to warm up so we can get out and explore along with starting on some of these house projects. The big things on our list are get a dog pen for Aspen, start my garden :) and begin painting the bedrooms. We're both really excited to give this house some lovin'!
That's all I can think of right now so I hope that suffices. I promise I'll keep you updated more often! Love ya'll!
Maddie
First off, marriage is awesome! I highly recommend it. Being married is truly like getting to be with your best friend all the time. After being long distance for 3 years we are definitely taking advantage of finally living in the same place and it's so cool to interact on a daily basis. We've gotten connected to the young marrieds group at our church and it's great to make friends that are in the same season of life that we are in.
Aspen is 12 weeks old now and is so curious and biting everything! She's actually a really good puppy though and loves being around people which we're very relieved about. She's pretty much up for anything and isn't scared of much, which again we're very happy about because we want her to be a super social dog. Next week we start obedience school and I'm so excited! Our goal for her is to basically be a bombproof dog. We want her to be exposed to a lot and to take her anywhere with ease. The biggest issue we're seeing is she likes to chase cars when we're on walks so we want to break that habit fast!
Chad is doing great, working away as usual. He's making great strides at work and I'm so proud and happy for his success! He turned in the first draft of his thesis and he'll be done with his masters soon and I know he'll be very relieved when that's finished lol. He's definitely over the education system. Of course, baseball (and church softball) season is right around the corner so I think that's putting a little extra spring in his step!
I'm doing alright. The move has been more difficult than I thought it would be and I'm really struggling with all the changes. Being with Chad and Aspen is a dream but the fact that I'm not where I really want to be is extremely hard. Moving to a new state, being away from all of my friends and family, and adjusting to the changes of marriage is pretty overwhelming. I'm really trying to give it all to God and to remember He has an amazing plan for all of this but I'm sure you can imagine how difficult that is. I'm just taking it day by day and trying to see the blessings of it all.
We're both so sick of this cold weather and can't wait for it to warm up so we can get out and explore along with starting on some of these house projects. The big things on our list are get a dog pen for Aspen, start my garden :) and begin painting the bedrooms. We're both really excited to give this house some lovin'!
That's all I can think of right now so I hope that suffices. I promise I'll keep you updated more often! Love ya'll!
Maddie
February 25, 2014
Ham, Egg, and Potato Bake
Chad's family has a tradition of having breakfast for dinner. My family never did this so at first I found it a little strange but I began to embrace this fun concept and now we have breakfast for dinner quite often! The first time I attempted this tradition I made the yummiest ham, egg, and potato bake that I could probably eat every day, it is so yummy!! Here's the recipe!
Ham, Egg, and Potato Bake
600g (about 3 large) potatoes
75g (1 cup) grated tasty cheddar cheese
44g (1/2 cup) grated parmesan cheese
150g shaved ham, finely chopped
1/2 medium onion, grated
4 large eggs (we use eggs with a minimum weight of 59g)
250ml (1 cup) cream
Salt and pepper
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Thoroughly grease a 19cm or 20cm diameter pan. (We previously recommended using a spring form pan for neat and easy serving, but some people found that their pan leaked. Only use a spring form pan if you are sure that it is leak proof).
Line the base of the pan with baking paper. If your pan isn't non-stick, line the side of the pan also. ©
Peel and halve potatoes. Boil potatoes until tender, drain. Allow potatoes to cool then cut into 1cm thick slices.
Combine cheeses in a bowl.
Cover the base of the prepared pan with a layer of potato slices. Season with salt and pepper.
Top with half the ham and onion. Sprinkle with about one third of the combined cheeses. Continue layering ingredients (seasoning each layer of potatoes), finishing with a layer of cheese.
Use a whisk or fork to beat the eggs and cream until well combined. Gently pour the mixture over ingredients in pan.
Bake for about 50-60 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the egg mixture has set. Cover the bake with aluminum foil if the top begins to over brown before the egg mixture has set.
Remove from oven and set aside for 5-10 minutes before removing from pan. Cut into wedges to serve.
Enjoy!
Maddie
Ham, Egg, and Potato Bake
600g (about 3 large) potatoes
75g (1 cup) grated tasty cheddar cheese
44g (1/2 cup) grated parmesan cheese
150g shaved ham, finely chopped
1/2 medium onion, grated
4 large eggs (we use eggs with a minimum weight of 59g)
250ml (1 cup) cream
Salt and pepper
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Thoroughly grease a 19cm or 20cm diameter pan. (We previously recommended using a spring form pan for neat and easy serving, but some people found that their pan leaked. Only use a spring form pan if you are sure that it is leak proof).
Line the base of the pan with baking paper. If your pan isn't non-stick, line the side of the pan also. ©
Peel and halve potatoes. Boil potatoes until tender, drain. Allow potatoes to cool then cut into 1cm thick slices.
Combine cheeses in a bowl.
Cover the base of the prepared pan with a layer of potato slices. Season with salt and pepper.
Top with half the ham and onion. Sprinkle with about one third of the combined cheeses. Continue layering ingredients (seasoning each layer of potatoes), finishing with a layer of cheese.
Use a whisk or fork to beat the eggs and cream until well combined. Gently pour the mixture over ingredients in pan.
Bake for about 50-60 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the egg mixture has set. Cover the bake with aluminum foil if the top begins to over brown before the egg mixture has set.
Remove from oven and set aside for 5-10 minutes before removing from pan. Cut into wedges to serve.
Maddie
Wait, what's for dinner?
Granted, my life isn't super hectic right now but I have found a way to stay on top of one of the most important parts of life....dinner. In our family food is no joking matter. For example, when I was a little sprout I went to the doctors for routine booster shots and my Nana bought me a snow cone maker for taking them like a champ. Our family rewards with food, always appreciates a good meal, and never misses a feeding! Being married I started to get a little overwhelmed with the excitement of being able to try tons of amazing recipes from Pinterest and my cookbook library. Meal planning is what saved me from drowning in the land of slow cooker meals and cauliflower pizza crusts.
Once a week I pick 2 or 3 new recipes from my collection, anymore than that I find too overwhelming and I end up buying ingredients that I'll never use again. The rest of the week I make recipes I either know by heart or can create from what I already have in the pantry. After I go shopping I sit down and create the menu for the week. The new recipes I disperse throughout the week and intertwine the easier recipes between them; one day is usually designated leftover day because let's face it, no one wants to cook all the time. I'm lucky because the previous owners made a chalkboard door in our kitchen that is also magnetic so I can put the recipes up to be seen for the entire week, however meal planning doesn't need to be that visually fancy. Putting the meals in a planner, on a piece of paper, or creating your own menu board are all great options.
The biggest tip I have for meal planning is to keep your pantry stocked! Keeping a healthy amount of spices, broths, herbs, can goods, and all of those base flavors allows you to make all kinds of recipes with ease. Another thing I do is buy frozen veggies. They have the same nutrients as fresh and are cheaper, which is great since being on budget is key. Of course having a big stock of fresh fruits and veggies is important as well. Lastly, I buy in bulk. Once or twice a month I go crazy at the store and basically buy it out! I hate having to go to the store all the time for one or two things.
I hope these meal planning tips add a little peace to your life and you find them just as helpful as I have. Love ya'll!
Maddie
Once a week I pick 2 or 3 new recipes from my collection, anymore than that I find too overwhelming and I end up buying ingredients that I'll never use again. The rest of the week I make recipes I either know by heart or can create from what I already have in the pantry. After I go shopping I sit down and create the menu for the week. The new recipes I disperse throughout the week and intertwine the easier recipes between them; one day is usually designated leftover day because let's face it, no one wants to cook all the time. I'm lucky because the previous owners made a chalkboard door in our kitchen that is also magnetic so I can put the recipes up to be seen for the entire week, however meal planning doesn't need to be that visually fancy. Putting the meals in a planner, on a piece of paper, or creating your own menu board are all great options.
The biggest tip I have for meal planning is to keep your pantry stocked! Keeping a healthy amount of spices, broths, herbs, can goods, and all of those base flavors allows you to make all kinds of recipes with ease. Another thing I do is buy frozen veggies. They have the same nutrients as fresh and are cheaper, which is great since being on budget is key. Of course having a big stock of fresh fruits and veggies is important as well. Lastly, I buy in bulk. Once or twice a month I go crazy at the store and basically buy it out! I hate having to go to the store all the time for one or two things.
I hope these meal planning tips add a little peace to your life and you find them just as helpful as I have. Love ya'll!
Maddie
February 16, 2014
Healthy Breakfast Cookies
Chad is not a breakfast person and usually eats a granola bar or two on the way to work. I'm not quite sure how he does this because if I don't have a bagel or a bowl of cereal I turn into a grumpy, tired, mess of a girl who is less than pleasant to be around. Anyway, it's hard to send my husband off to work with granola bars that, although relatively healthy, have lots of unnecessary sugars and preservatives. So I decided to find an alternative that was equally yummy without all that junk his body doesn't need. Well, I think I found it...
Healthy Breakfast Cookies
1 1/2 cups uncooked oatmeal
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
**I added walnuts for an extra crunch
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix vanilla extract and cinnamon into the applesauce. Blend applesauce mixture with all other ingredients. Drop rounded cookie dough onto a greased cookie sheet or parchment paper (use parchment paper if you can. I greased a cookie sheet and it made the bottoms a little soggy). Use the bottom of a glass or your hand to press the rounds down flat. Bake 20-30 minutes or until golden (They don't expand in the oven so feel free to go big!) Remove from oven and let cool.
The beauty of this recipe is that it is completely interchangeable with different spices, dried fruits, nuts, shredded carrots, or adding extras like flax seed, chia seeds, or some dark chocolate!
Maddie
Healthy Breakfast Cookies
1 1/2 cups uncooked oatmeal
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
**I added walnuts for an extra crunch
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix vanilla extract and cinnamon into the applesauce. Blend applesauce mixture with all other ingredients. Drop rounded cookie dough onto a greased cookie sheet or parchment paper (use parchment paper if you can. I greased a cookie sheet and it made the bottoms a little soggy). Use the bottom of a glass or your hand to press the rounds down flat. Bake 20-30 minutes or until golden (They don't expand in the oven so feel free to go big!) Remove from oven and let cool.
The beauty of this recipe is that it is completely interchangeable with different spices, dried fruits, nuts, shredded carrots, or adding extras like flax seed, chia seeds, or some dark chocolate!
Maddie
February 14, 2014
Rigatoni Bake
Cooking and baking are some of my greatest passions. Ever since I was little I was rambling through cookbooks, creating recipes, and starring in my own Food Network show with a very captive audience of stuffed animals and baby dolls. Today, the audience isn't as captive, Aspen usually sleeps while I'm cooking, but the passion is still very much alive. Now that I've graduated I have the free time to finally prepare all the dishes I've been admiring and thankfully being married allows for a willing (or not so willing) guinea pig for all of my creations.
Rigatoni Bake
1 (500 g) package rigatoni pasta
Grease a 13 x9-inch casserole dish.
Cook the rigatoni until firm-tender (do not overcook as it will cook more when baked) toss with 2 tbsp oil to prevent drying out; set aside.
Cook beef with onions, garlic, seasoned salt and pepper until beef is done and no longer pink; drain off fat. (If you feel like making it vegetarian just cook the garlic and onions until the onions are translucent)
Stir in pasta sauce; simmer 20 minutes.
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese and eggs.
On the bottom of the casserole dish spread 1-1/2 cups meat sauce.
Top with half each, the cooked rigatoni, ricotta cheese mixture and meat sauce.
Repeat layer ending with meat sauce.
Rigatoni Bake
1 (500 g) package rigatoni pasta
1 lb lean ground beef (I didn't have any beef but it turned out perfectly if you feel like making it vegetarian)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic (or to taste)
season salt and pepper
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic (or to taste)
season salt and pepper
2 (700 ml) jars favorite pasta sauce (I used a mix of 2 different sauces for more flavor)
2 cups ricotta cheese
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4-1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
2 eggs
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4-1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
2 eggs
Set oven to 350°F.
Grease a 13 x9-inch casserole dish.
Cook the rigatoni until firm-tender (do not overcook as it will cook more when baked) toss with 2 tbsp oil to prevent drying out; set aside.
Cook beef with onions, garlic, seasoned salt and pepper until beef is done and no longer pink; drain off fat. (If you feel like making it vegetarian just cook the garlic and onions until the onions are translucent)
Stir in pasta sauce; simmer 20 minutes.
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese and eggs.
On the bottom of the casserole dish spread 1-1/2 cups meat sauce.
Top with half each, the cooked rigatoni, ricotta cheese mixture and meat sauce.
Repeat layer ending with meat sauce.
Top with remaining cheese.
Bake uncovered until hot and bubbly, about 30-35 minutes.
Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.
Bake uncovered until hot and bubbly, about 30-35 minutes.
Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.
This dish is super simple, makes for plenty of leftovers, and can be modified so many different ways. I hope you enjoy!
Maddie
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