Joy Among the Pots and Pans

The crockpot: It is probably the most under-utilized tool in my kitchen.  I know many women swear by their slow cooker to help them prepare healthy and tasty meals each night.  So, I am on an adventure to find some new recipes for my family! Sundays in our house are often most stressful than I would prefer.  Getting the girls dressed, fed, and out the door for Mass is always an ordeal. (as it Mass itself with a 2 year old!) When we get home, we are are usually hungry and tired, so having to cook a big meal often results in 2 grouchy adults. Enter the crockpot!  Last Sunday, I prepared a meal and set it by 6:45AM.  We arrived home to a delicious aroma, and all we had to do was set the table and make rice.  Afterward, M slept easily for her nap and we actually had time for leisure, rather than the crazy rushing-around that often occurs. What I made: 2-3 chicken breasts (whatever I had on hand), unthawed 1/2 plain yogurt 2 Roma tomatoes, purreed in a blender 1 onion, sliced 2

Since leaving Capitol Hill, I have taken a step back from politics and focused on getting settled in Minnesota and establishing a routine of life here.  But it is now a new year, and a new legislative session in both Washington and St. Paul, so I believe it is a good time to get back into policy and politics. Today is the start of the Minnesota Legislative Session, and from what I have read, transportation and education are to be the year's key issues.  I intend to follow my local congressmen and review proposed policies, Stay tuned!   Useful Links to follow: Legislative Schedule Minnesota Catholic Conference Minnesota Politics Blog List of MN Politics Blogs MPR Capitol View

A new year, a new list of books to read!  When I was young, I devoured books, but as a grew and gained more responsibilities, my reading accomplishments diminished.  A few months ago, a good friend and I started an online book club, and began to hold each other accountable for reading and studying again.  This list may be a little ambitious, but they say you will never accomplish your goals if you do not first write them out.  So, here goes! (Note: I have a few more to add, so I will update later!) January: The Absolute Beginner's Guide to C Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen Northanger Abbey - Jane Austen (finished!) The Infancy Narratives - Pope Benedict (Dec 2014 Book club selection) (almost finished!) Only the Lover Sings - Josef Peiper February: The Absolute Beginner's Guide to C Book Club Selection Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen March: Beginner's Guide to HTML Mansfield Park - Jane Austen Book Club Selection April: Beginner'

Wow, so I somehow completely missed blogging during the whole Advent Season, and I am just on the tail-end of the Christmas Season.  Better late than never to post, right? So much as happened!  I successfully survived my last month of pregnancy of waddling around and having no maternity clothes that fit, and we were blessed with the most darling little girl, Baby SweetiePie.  She is still in her sleepy newborn stage, and I just adore watching her and her dark head of hair and cute dimples!  Moreover, little M had taken to her quite nicely, although we are still working on the concept of "gentle touches" and why we shouldn't wake a sleeping baby.  :) It is now a New Year, and I have quite a few goals or resolutions.  That will be another post, but I am looking forward to spending this year growing, learning, and working through the highs and lows of this adventure of life.