Let It Snow!!!

Orlando doesn't get snow. Orlando's idea of winter is not my idea of winter. I love winter, just so you know, and losing winter is one of the things I'm most sad about when it comes to our move. So back in December, I had a talk with God. I asked Him to give us one really good snowfall this winter, since the chances of us getting snow in Orlando are extremely slim. Now whether the 7 inches of snow in my yard are God personally answering my prayer, or just another part of the odd weather pattern we've had the last 8 months, I don't know. But I don't care! For several hours on Monday, I watched ginormous snowflakes floating down from the sky, and turning the ugly brown yard all sparkly and white. These photos were taken before the snow got deep, but you get the idea.

Snapper and the neighborhood kids went crazy in the snow, sledding down the street and the steepest yards, building snowmen, and even jumping on the snow-covered trampoline in one of the back yards.

Pepper didn't last very long outside. He hates to be cold. He did last longer than usual though, because he had the great idea of wearing his lion costume! It is thick fleece, so he was nice and toasty for a whole 5 minutes, and so very adorable.

A few of our neighbors brought their little dogs out into the cul-de-sac, and I had to take my camera because the pups were so cute in the snow!

Snapper succeeded in soaking several complete outfits, and every pair of gloves she and I own. When she came in, we made snow ice cream using a recipe posted on Facebook by my friend Julie. It was such fun, and the ice cream was tasty!

All the schools have been closed since Monday, as has Matt's office. So we have been stuck at home...which is just fine with me! Matt has to go back to work today, though, and we are really going to miss him. *Sniff*

In the last few days, Matt and I have gotten a lot accomplished toward having our house market-ready. Most of the master bathroom tile is in! All the baseboards, doors, and trim in the house have been scrubbed. We completely refreshed our kitchen! Matt painted the kitchen, while I scrubbed and touched up the cabinets, wainscoting, and chair rail. I also cleaned out the cabinets, scrubbed the windows and sills, and cleaned the heater registers.

We have been very productive, and I have a lovely home and very sore arms to show for it. Matt needs to finish the tile in our bathroom, do all the tile in the other upstairs bathroom, and tile the laundryroom. He also needs to paint our front door and the shutters. I need to paint the bathroom cabinets and the trim on the stairs, and do general cleaning. Then the house will be ready! Hooray! This photo shows the bathroom tile in progress. Can't wait for it to be done!

I supposed that's a pretty good update for right now. I don't really have a lot else to say. Oh! I do have a great recipe to share, though. Matt and I have been working on eating as healthy as possible. That means trying to have at least 2 dinners per week meat-free. Matt is a meat person, so creating tasty, vegetarian meals is a good challenge for me. Yesterday I succeeded, and here's the recipe! It is one I created myself, so I can take full credit for this tremendous success. Even Snapper loved it and begged me to make it again. Pepper wouldn't touch it, but that's no surprise. Some days he won't even touch pizza...Anyhoo, the flavors in this dish were so rich and satisfying that neither one of us missed the meat! Yummy, yummy! I will be making it again very soon.

Mexican Pasta

Prepare 4 servings of whole wheat rotini according to the directions on the box.

While the pasta is cooking, chop:

2 crookneck squash

1 zucchini

12 asparagus spears

1/2 an onion

In a skillet, cook for 2 minutes:

2 Tbsp. olive oil
4 Tbsp. (of 4 cloves) minced garlic
1 tsp. cumin
1 Tbsp. oregano
2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. sea salt

Add chopped onion and brown.
Add remaining chopped veggies and 2 oz. chopped mild green chiles.
Cover and let cook for 5 minutes, stirring occassionally.
Add 1 cup grape tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes more.

Serve veggies over whole wheat rotini.