Joshua and I have both been meaning to write an entry about cooking for the past few months... and since I have ten minutes to kill now seems like a good time to ramble on about it.

Finding foods that we can share has proven to easier than previously though. Joshua's been open to trying new foods, and I've become much less strict about only eating what I considered "healthy" food. We've found that planning out our meals for every week makes everything a lot easier, even though we never stick to plan.


For a while we would have Mexican every Sunday or Monday (but I am feeling incredibly high-fat-and-salt-content-mexican'd out), so that will probably move to a twice a month deal. Fridays are always pizza & movie night, and Saturdays are leftover. During the rest of the week we try to switch it up, trying new things every week. Pasta usually falls in there about once a week, as well as grilled chicken.

Oh, I guess I should mention that we do (most) everything from scratch. Stews, soups, leavened breads, amazing pizzas, roasts, stir-fries, chips, fries, orzo dishes...

Necessities:

It's beginning to look a lot like christmas...

It's official: Christmas day will be spent in NYC!!

This past June, Joshua and I took Susan and Caleb to a Mets game. We were sitting in the 'winning row' and were given round trip tickets from Baltimore to LaGuardia.

Joshua and I had originally planned to use them for a quick day trip to the city, but my mom had the brilliant idea of us all celebrating Christmas there.

So at ten o'clock on Christmas eve, Joshua and I will arrive in the center of Manhattan via plane, and my parents via train. As our Christmas gift, my parents have gotten everyone rooms at The Belvedere Hotel, which is located "in the heard of New York City's theater district."

Canaan and I agree that no matter what, ice skating will take place. "And it will be epic." Mom is excited about possibly seeing a show, Joshua is thrilled to be able to tour the UN, and although I haven't asked, I'm sure Dad is excited about touring art museums.

Growing up, my family has celebrated Christmas in lots of unusual ways. For the past few years, the four of us have spent the holiday with my mother's family, skiing and snowboarding at a resort. One year we hiked a few miles through the snow-filled woods of Merk Forest,Vermont (dragging Christmas gifts and suitcases on sleds) and stayed in a tiny one room cabin. Over the years I've really come to appreciate 'memories' as gifts; and I've been so blessed by having been given many, many great experiences.

And as our first Christmas married, I this little feeling that no matter what, this year is going to be a little extra-special.