We've Been Busy!

Nicholas and I have been busy this last month!  So busy that I haven't taken time to blog about it!  So even though I still have a bunch of things on my to-do list for today and this week (throw a baby shower, prepare a sharing time lesson, etc.) I am taking a moment to share a few highlights.

My grandparents came to visit from Utah for a few days and so Amy and Belle drove over from San Antonio.  Belle was still getting used to the potty and so we all took our turns running her the restroom everywhere we went!  I had to work on Saturday morning and the whole family 

came to observe my Cha-Cha class...talk about 

pressure!  Isabelle joined right in and we got 

some great barbeque afterwards so all-in-all it wasn't too bad!

We took a shot at grilling our first rack of ribs to enjoy while we watched a Batman marathon- Batman Begins and The Dark Knight.  They were messy, but Nick had fun grilling outside in our beautiful courtyard and they were delicious!

Nick and I were chosen "Residents of the Month" which resulted in a beautiful gift basket full of goodies being delivered to the studio while I was working- 

what a fun surprise!  I demanded that we admire it in its entirety for a few days and now we are working on 

emptying it. :)

We hosted a Curious George birthday party for Belle while 

she was in Houston on St. Patrick's Day.  All of the Cosbys came over and we all got a chance to spoil her a bit.  I made the tomatillo dressing again and it was even better this time with a little bit less cilantro (you could actually taste all of the other flavors!)

Nicholas and I completed our first half-marathon together- my first ever!  We took 2 hours and 14 minutes, but we finished!  The course was down by the gulf and although it was chilly when it began, it warmed up after the first few miles!  Afterwards we enjoyed a barbeque while they handed out rewards and then we went home to sleep!  We are going to continue training and 

hopefully complete another one 

in the fall a little bit faster!

We just returned from a quick trip to San Antonio to celebrate Belle's birthday- this time with Ben 

and Tara!  On Saturday, we enjoyed a jog in the morning (I pushed the jogging stroller uphill...talk about a workout!) and then ate at Culvers before we went to Build-a-Bear!  Isabelle was very excited to actually get to buy something this time instead of just look...she chose a dog named Jack and was excited to take him home in his very own home.  We enjoyed a chocolate cake at home after a scavenger hunt to find the presents.  

Nicholas and I enjoyed quite a ride through the beautiful Texas country yesterday to get back home...but more on that (including pictures) next time!

This post is worthwhile even though it doesn't have a picture!

I have noticed that not very many people care about my posts if they do not include a picture.  Well, sorry- this post doesn't have a picture but it will include a good recipe so keep reading!

February is over and I am still making progress on my New Year's resolutions.  I haven't really taken any great photos, but I have been working towards the half marathon in March, teaching primary (which I definitely count as service), and trying new recipes.  

February was a bit of a set back for me in the running category- I caught a cold and took a few days off from running which always makes it harder to start up again.  However Nicholas and I ran 11.5 miles last Saturday and I am sure that I will at least be able to finish the race- it might not be quick enough to meet Nick's goal, but I will finish and that was all my goal entailed!  

I was called to teach the 7B primary class...so every Sunday I have 3-7 seven year olds.  It actually hasn't been as terrible as I was anticipating, but I am missing Sunday School about the D&C this year.  The children are terribly cute though and say and do the funniest things.  Plus I think I enjoy singing time more than they do!  Nonetheless, I count this as service and thus it is helping me fulfill my goal.

Recipes- I have been trying lots of them it seems lately!  Probably not, but it seems like I am cooking more often these days.  Anywho, I tried a recipe for what is supposed to be Cafe Rio's house dressing and it was delicious!  It was more work than I would usually do for a salad dressing, but it wasn't that hard (just included buying weird things like tomatillos and jalapenos that I don't usually have on hand!).  I liked it on a salad alright but my favorite way to eat it was as a dip for tortilla chips!  So without further ado, here is the recipe- try it out!

CAFE RIO TOMATILLO DRESSING

1 pkg Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch Dressing mix

1 C buttermilk

1 C mayo

1-2 tomatillos, blanched (I used 2)

1/2-1 clove garlic, minced

1/2-1/3 bunch cilantro, chopped (I would start with 1/3 of the bunch at most)

1/2 tsp lime juice (I just squeezed a half a lime in)

1 small jalapeno, seeds removed (don't touch the seeds- their oil burns!)

Blend all ingredients together in the blender until well mixed.  Let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving for best taste.

That is all!  Enjoy it!