P.F. Changs Lettuce Wraps

Yum! While I was doing a shift at the hospital a couple Sundays ago, Curt made me this delicious dinner. Seriously, they are so good! And they aren't that hard to make either. Here's the recipe:

PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps

3 Tbs vegetable oil

1 tsp minced garlic

2 chicken breasts, chopped

2/3 cup button mushrooms, minced

1 cup water chestnuts, minced

3 Tbs green onion

½ tsp vinegar

2 Tbs soy sauce

2 Tbs brown sugar

Fried rice noodles (Mai Fun) – Optional (But they make it even better!--Prepare by following pkg directions)

Iceberg lettuce, large leave, washed and chilled

Saute oil and garlic on low heat. Add chicken and mushrooms. Stir fry over high heat until chicken is cooked. Add water chestnuts and green onion. Cook 1 minute. Add soy sauce mixture and stir fry 1 minute. Remove from heat and serve on bed of Fried rice noodles if desired. Make lettuce cups by slicing head of lettuce through middle. Pull leaves off from outside edges. Dip or drizzle with Special Dipping Sauce.

Special Dipping Sauce:

¼ cup sugar

½ cup water

2 Tbs soy sauce

2 Tbs rice vinegar

2 Tbs ketchup

1 Tbs lemon juice

Happy April!

This month will be a good one! I finished my last nursing class yesterday, just have a paper to finish up, and then I'll be heading home sweet home next Saturday! I'm so very excited! I get to spend Easter with my family, and am so excited to see my amazing mother. It has been way too long since I've been able to give her a big hug and I'm just so so happy! The only down side is that Curt can't come (some people have all the bad luck..aka finals)..but at least I won't be home to distract him from studying. I graduate in less than 3 weeks, and my parents and Curt's parents are coming so I'm definitely looking forward to that! Then I'll be heading home yet again for 3 whole weeks! I'm sure this month will fly by just like the rest of them, and I'm excited for the adventures ahead!

Easter Cake

For our ward party this weekend, each family was asked to decorate a cake to bring to the party. Curtis and I decided to make and decorate an Eater Bunny Cake. Saturday was a crazy day, so we squeezed in some time to do this. When Curt picked me up from work, he was very upset. Come to find out, when he was trying to get one of the round cakes out of the pan, the top half stuck to the pan so it fell to pieces. I told him it wasn't a big deal (that it was a good thing cuz we would have to eat it!) so we ran to the store to get another cake mix. We had a good time decorating the cake, and it turned out cute! (I might have gotten blue frosting in Curt's hair..oops!)

Joy in the Journey

Curtis and I got a cute decoration for our wedding last year that says, "Find Joy in Your Journey." I think his grandma was inspired to give it to us. When we were decorating our apartment and hung the sign up around the time of our wedding, Curt and I decided that we wanted it to be our family motto (even before President Monson's talk), and I had no idea at the time how much I would need that saying in my life. Needless to say, when President Monson gave the talk in Nov 2008 General Conference, my ears perked up as his talk was on our family motto, "Finding Joy in the Journey." It seems I always tend to get really excited about things that are in the future, but then more nervous and less sure of them as they get closer. For instance, I am graduating next month. I used to think this day wouldn't come soon enough, and now that it's near, I'm not so sure I am ready for it. Am I really grown up enough for a real job?? Let alone a job where people's lives are in my hands? Well I sure hope so as I will be starting the job search soon. It is still a hard thing for me, but I am trying to find joy in the journey. Life passes by so fast and can change in the blink of an eye, something that has been manifested to me over the past several weeks more than ever. My mom was diagnosed with colon cancer that was found during a routine colonoscopy just a few weeks ago. We thought all would be well after an intense surgery where a foot of her colon was removed. We hoped, we prayed, but the Lord had a different plan. We found out a week and a half ago that she would need to go through 6 months of chemotherapy treatments. It was hard news to bear, and joy was definitely not the first thing on my mind for quite some time. It still hurts my heart to know the suffering my mom will have to endure, but I'm so grateful for her attitude and her perseverance. Being the completely unselfish person that she is, she worries more about her children than she does about herself. She is simply amazing! I am grateful that she is putting her trust in the Lord, as we are all, knowing that His plan is better than anything we can imagine. She told me yesterday that the surgeon was really impressed that the cancer was found during her colonoscopy as it was only the size of a dime. This is a testimony to me that the Lord does really watch out for His children, and I'm grateful that He is watching over my mom. These recent experiences have helped me to realize that I do not want to spend my whole life looking forward to the next good thing to come along..I want to find Joy in the Journey, right here, right now. Life is too short, too uncertain to waste our time wishing and waiting. And the truth is, there is joy all around us. I find joy when I hear my mom's voice and feel of her strength. I find joy when my husband wraps me in his arms when I've had a rough day. I find joy when I hear the birds singing. I find joy when I feel the hope and peace that the Spirit pours over me when I allow it to have a place in my heart. Joy is always around us, sometimes we just have to take a step back, and slow down and we will find it. I'm grateful for the joy that I am able to find amidst the trials we experience in this life. We are so blessed to find joy in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Celebrate LOVE!

Curtis and I had a wonderful Valentine's Day! I made us Egg McMuffin's for breakfast before I had to go to work. After I got off work, I hurried like crazy to the store to pick up a couple last things, and then home to get my surprise ready for Curt. I made a trail of kisses and conversation hearts around the living room that led to his presents. He got Taylor Swift's CD, and his favorite present of all times, the Madagascar collection..Look at the priceless smile on his face! He got me a really cute card and Wii Fit! He spoiled me! We played last night and it's going to be lots of fun (and hopefully will help me get better balance...It told me that balance isn't my strong point!..As if I didn't know that already!)

Curt didn't want to go out to eat knowing how busy it would be, so we decided to stay home and make dinner ourselves. We whipped up steak, twice baked potatoes, artichokes, garlic toast, and sparkling cider. It was a delicious dinner, and we have lots of leftovers!!

I made chocolate covered strawberries for dessert, and Curt loved them! They are so easy to make and look so pretty. We love being married, and had such a good time together celebrating our love!

Fruit Pizza

Fruit Pizza

Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie:
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup shortening
1 egg
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 tbs. milk
1 1/2 cup flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. salt

Frosting:
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1/2 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Topping:
1 can (5.5 oz.) canned pineapple tidbits
1 fresh kiwi
¼ cup mandarin oranges or and ¼ cup frozen blueberries
1 fresh banana
Sliced strawberries

1. Mix sugar, shortening, egg, vanilla and milk with electric hand mixer until creamy.
2. Add dry ingredients.
3. Press onto a greased and floured pizza pan in a circle about 1/4-inch thick.
4. Bake at 375° for approximately 12 -15 minutes or until edges start to turn a light golden brown.
5. Cool cookie on a cooling rack for 10 minutes. Using a metal spatula, lightly loosen cookie from pan so it doesn’t stick while it cools.
6. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar and vanilla until light. Spread on cooled crust.
7. Use a variety of fruits to decorate the top. Eat and enjoy!

Curt and I went over to Trent's apartment for the Super Bowl and we took this fruit pizza we made. I guess Trent thought it looked so good he wanted to be in the picture too! I got the recipe from my foods class and it was amazing!!! I have been wanting to make it again, but haven't gotten around to it quite yet. But I highly recommend it!!!

Weekend Fun!...A couple Weekends Ago..

We went to dinner at Thai Ruby with Lisa and Denis. As you can see (since all the food is gone!), it was delicious!

We went to the BYU vs. San Diego State Basketball game with them too. We had to hurry and snap this picture as we were leaving...before the end of the game of course! Lisa and I wanted to watch Miss America..the boys weren't all that thrilled, but Lisa and I had fun doing what we do. (Mostly saying things like, "She's not that cute..How did she get on here?" and "Her dress is so ugly!"...We said some nice things too :) We turned it off during the swimsuit competition..who wants to see that right?? It was lots of fun..and the boys stayed entertained..Curtis played on his phone and Denis on his computer.

This is a huge dirty snow/ice pile...we thought it was pretty cool! I'm just glad I didn't fall and ruin my new white sweatshirt...then it wouldn't have been so much fun.

Happy 6 Month-a-versary!!

Yesterday, Curtis and I celebrated our 6 month anniversary!!! I can't believe it's already been 6 months! Time really does go by so fast! I am so grateful to have Curtis as my husband forever! He is so sensitive and kind, and always has something sweet to say to me. I am so blessed to have him as my best friend! I love you Curt! 6 months and still going strong :) (And now that we have reached 6 months, Curtis is relieved that we no longer have to celebrate an anniversary each month…I said that once we reach 6 months, we can just start celebrating yearly anniversaries!)

It's time..To Spice Up my life!

As I was chatting tonight with my friend Lisa about the woes of the boredom I have been experiencing this semester, she spouted off a list of possible suggestions to fill my time..She said I could spend more time on writing on my blog (I laughed at her), or I could become the best drummer for Wii Rockband (my attention span isn't long enough), or I could do her homework? (Really, all the boredom in the world wouldn't motivate me to do other's homework...ok, maybe if I was paid), or I could take a cooking class with her at BYU called "Food Preparation in the Home." Now, today is the last day to add/drop classes...I thought I should entertain at least one of her ideas, so she looked and sure enough, there was 1 lonely little opening in her section, that just so happened to be on the day (Friday) that my nurse doesn't work at the hospital so it will always be open. And then I remembered how I have never taken even ONE fun class at BYU. With this being my last semester, and time slipping forever away of my college days, I called to run this over with Curtis. He, as always, responded, "You know what you can handle." True, but I wanted more like a, "Yes, do it!" or a "Aren't you already too busy?"..At any rate, with no sure answer from my other half, the decision was up to me! The class does have a $50 class fee, but that will sure save us a lot of money in the long run...I won't have as much time to run to the grocery store in an effort to temporarily relieve my boredom. (I know, I know..I need to come up with some real hobbies, since grocery shopping probably isn't a real one!)

Now for the summary of the long post...I am finally taking a fun class at BYU! It was just meant to be! Not only do I get to be in a class with my best friend (something that hasn't happened since our Freshman year), but we get to eat in class :) and just maybe I'll learn some new skills/recipes that will benefit Curtis as well. A win-win situation ladies and gentlemen! It doesn't get any better than that, now does it?!

Who knows?! I may even become the next Rachel Ray (But please, don't hold your breath!)

Crazy Christmas Fun! (only a little late)

As I'm sure it was for everyone, our Christmas break was wonderful!! We really enjoyed the time off from school and work, and loved being with family! Curtis and I were able to spend time with both of our families on Christmas, which is such a blessing!We love the Christmas season and we are grateful for our Savior who gives us hope and joy. Here are our highlights from Christmas break: (Beware..it's kinda long!)

• Talking to Tyler on Christmas day. He is serving a mission in Guatemala. He is such a great example to us! He is so happy there serving the people and his positive attitude is contagious.
• Snow, snow and more snow! Because of the massive amount of snow, my family and Curtis spent hours and hours on the roof of Albertsons (my dad's store) shoveling snow during my dad's vacation off work (ha!). (I was only up there one day b/c I was sick, but man! It was hard work!) Although it was an unanticipated event, we will definitely enjoy the extra money!!
• Skiing at Schweitzer. Curtis and I drove up 6 kids to the ski resort (my brothers, his sister, my cousin and a couple of their friends). We had a great time (especially once we learned to follow the path..who woulda thought?!). Hopefully we can do some more skiing down here! (Thanks Barb and Ernie for the fun!!)
  
• Steak and Gooeys! My aunt and uncle took us to Wolf Lodge Inn. It's pretty famous up in Northern Idaho for it's fantastic steak! We filled our bellys with delicious food, and since we were already in Coeur d'Alene, I talked everyone into going to Gooeys...only the largest dish of ice cream you've ever seen! Even with a huge dinner, no one could resist ice cream. It was a great day of food and fun!!
• Lots of games! We love playing games, and spent hours playing cards (Pinochle to be specific..don't worry if you haven't heard of it...it's rarely played by those under age 60!). We also played a few games of Settles of Catan. Even though the first game ended in too much unhappiness, we matured and more fully enjoyed it after that (at least I did..maybe because I won :)
• Christmas Eve fun...I have to tell the joke I played on Curtis because oh it was just too good not to share! He had joked a while before Christmas about me getting santa-ish lingerie. So my dad and I had this brilliant idea. I bought a little nighty (as my mom calls them), and wrapped it up in paper that Curt had already wrapped a present for me, and had my little brother use the same gift tag Curt had used to write "To:Ashley, From: Curtis." The plan was to open a couple presents before we left to go the Barnes' house. Of course, I picked the present that I had wrapped. I had already told everyone my trick beforehand (which included family and my aunt, uncle and 2 cousins who were there)...it made it all the more funny! I opened the present and said, "Curtis...this is embarrassing." All he could say over and over was, "I didn't do it" as he face turned a nice shade of red. Let's just say, I got him good! (I wish we had recorded it because it was just too funny!)
• Woo hoo for the Wii!! We were so spoiled this year! We got a Wii from my family! Thank you mom and dad! We had been wanting to buy one, but of course it was a bit out of the budget so it was an awesome surprise! We also got Guitar Hero World Tour (the complete band) from Curt's parents as well as MarioKart and Mario Olympics..Curt is officially obsessed! If you are ever looking for some Wii fun, come on over!
• I turned 22...I spent the day shopping and napping, 2 things I love! The party with family was fun and we had yummy banana splits (forget the cake, ice cream all the way!) It was a fun birthday!

We hope everyone had a great Christmas and Happy New Year!