growing green

We are for real going green. Last year Aaron planted our first garden, but this year he really worked his fingers to the bone. The garden is in this separate fenced in area next to our house; I think the people that lived there before us parked their ATV’s there. You can’t really see in these pictures, but he leveled it all out, put weed paper down, laid flagstone all around the garden, made the garden box, planted the veggies & herbs, & built a sprinkler system (that uses rainwater). What in the world! That is a lot of work. We picked our first squash this past weekend, and I can’t wait to enjoy the rest of veggies. We are growing: cilantro, basil, rosemary, cherry tomatoes, 2 other breeds of tomatoes, bell peppers, squash, zucchini, jalapenos, and cucumbers. I’ll keep you guys in the loop about all the yummy stuff we are cooking up with our home grown goods!

 Week 1

Week 3

Here is a snap shot of our fun Work Week at SharpTop Cove with our college friends and leaders!

farewell favorite things

This past month was extremely busy! I’m really thankful for that, but really looking forward to staying in Shreveport this week. Last weekend I got to see one of my best friends get married in Athens, GA. Since I flew into Atlanta I was maxed out on carry-ons, so I didn’t bring my camera (ugh). Hopefully I’ll get some pictures from people, and share those with you so you can see Katie Blair become Katie Smith!

I have a slight new adventure. I’m hoping this is temporary, but so far it is working so it might end up being permanent. I’m finally going gluten-free (sigh). After years of stomach issues and lots of encouragement from my sister, I’m bucking up and saying farewell to all the things I love to eat! For example: Kashi, Honey Wheat Pretzels, Pasta, Tacos, Cupcakes, Pita, Granola bars ... I'm going to stop now. A friend pointed out to me, my Blog title might have to be changed to “alottacereal the gluten-free version”! Praise the Lord that they make gluten-free cereal! (I’m so not kidding that would have been a huge issue.) I did make this Chickpea Salad for myself yesterday, and it really was tasty. I’m trying to get really creative, so I don’t burn out on certain foods. I wish I had added avocado, so try adding that. Here is my little invention.
Chickpea Salad
-1 Can of Chickpeas (Rinsed & Drained)
-1/4c Diced Red Onion
-2tsp. Minced Garlic
-Dash of S&P
-Dash of EVOO
-1/2c Sliced Cherry Tomatoes
-2TBS Chopped Cilantro (grown from our garden…I know, you’re welcome)
-1TBS Lemon Juice
-2tsp. EVOO
-1TBS Grated Parmesan
-Pepper to Taste
Sauté Onion, Garlic, S&P, & EVOO. Set aside & cool. In a small bowl mix all ingredients along with Chickpeas. Chill for at least an hour, and then you’re ready to serve.