Shrimp Pasta Stir Fry

I have one of my new favorite recipes to share with you. I made a batch of this on Sunday and we will have it for dinner twice this week. It's delicious, easy, healthy, and there are lots of possibilities to mix it up. This is a variation of a recipe from Dr. Phil's 20/20 Diet.

Shrimp Pasta Stir Fry
The Cast of Characters:

-1 box whole wheat linguine
-shrimp (I use frozen/pre-cooked)...about 6 shrimp per person
-4 tbs. peanut butter softened in the microwave for 90 seconds
-1 package mushrooms
-1 tbs. garlic
1 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. crushed red pepper (can adjust according to heat preference)
3 cups baby spinach
1 cup veggie broth
1 diced red pepper
1 diced yellow pepper
1 bag frozen broccoli
1 dash soy sauce

Make linguine. Set aside. I keep mine hanging out in the strainer and then use the same pot to make the stir fry. Cook up the baby spinach, veggie broth, diced peppers, mushrooms, and broccoli (I microwave it first for about 5 minutes. Try the steamer bag kind to make it even easier. Or you could even use fresh broccoli). In a bowl make your sauce. Mix the peanut butter, garlic, ginger, red pepper, dash of soy sauce. Pour over cooked stir fry veggies. Toss in linguine. When ready to serve, mix in shrimp. If you are using fresh shrimp (not pre-cooked) you can cook them with your veggies. This is yummy with crushed peanuts on top. How easy and simple is that?!

Variations: no meat, chicken, bean sprouts, edamame, peas, baby corn. And if you think peanut butter in pasta is weird (don't knock it till you try it!), you can omit the peanut butter and add some sesame oil for more of a pasta salad vibe. You have tons of possibilities!

And Yet....

I've been a journaling fiend lately, and wanting to share some of my thoughts with you on the blog. Early November was one of the most difficult times I have had since Hadley passed. Physically I am all healed and feeling good, this month marks FIVE months since her birth and it would seem life has resumed back to business as usual. But yet it's so not usual, it's weird, new, and raw. But on the outside it looks the same. It even feels the same sometimes. But I am not the same, I am so radically different and changed (in some ways for better and some ways for worse). 

  Hadley's grave marker arrived and was installed last week. That hit me like a ton of bricks. It was physical evidence of the gaping hole in my heart. If you've lost someone close to you (I never had until Hadley), you know the feeling. The heart wrenching pain as your eyes spill out the tears caused from your broken spirit. Your hands feel and touch every inch of the stone and you think trying to "read" it like braille will somehow make it make sense. There's no sense to be made from it. I've struggled with teaching this year. It's hard to love other people's children when yours is in the ground. It's difficult to smile through gritted teeth when people tell you with an exaggerated eyeroll that "life's crazy, parenting is hard." Believe me, I know. But yet, I cling to the knowledge that "everyone is just doing their best." I'm in this weird space of refusal to be a victim (I flat out refuse. I am lucky and grateful and life doles out crap to everyone) but also being comfortable being like, yeah, this is totally unfair, unjust, and it sucks. It just really does. 

About 3 weeks after Hadley's death, AJ and I went back to church. Oh friends, it was so hard. One of the songs has a repeated verse that says, "You are good." In July when we sang that song that day in church, I couldn't. I grabbed AJ's hands as my eyes filled with tears. "I can't sing that because I don't believe that." I whispered to AJ. He nodded, he couldn't sing it either. I could not, would not believe that God was good. No good God would take my baby away. Sometimes it's hard to tell that AJ and I are progressing, that life is in fact moving forward. A few weeks ago in church we sang that song again. And this time I sang along. In fact, I bought the song on Itunes that same day and have probably listened to it no less than ten times a day since. It's such a paradox: life can kick you so hard and yet...and yet.....He is good. I don't understand why this happened to us. I will never understand. But one of the things that makes Him good is that I don't need to. He sees my pain, He hears my cry, and I like to think He wonders why I sob at her grave because He holds her now and while it SUCKS, we are trying to rest in that three word mantra: He is good. In spite of all the junk. That is something to sing about. Don't stop singing, even if it's through tears. 

Stranded: Outerwear!

Today I am linking up with Shay at Mix and Match Mama and Erica at Little Bit of Everything  for their monthly Stranded series!!

Last month was all about candy...now that it's getting cooler, this month is all about outerwear.....Here are my 3 essentials!

1. Classic Peacoat. I love a good peacoat. They can be dressed up or down and are just the perfect pop of prep. I have a white one this year that I really like, but I also love fun brightly colored ones.

2. Black Northface Fleece. I of course of had to jump on the black Northface bandwagon after going to college in the Northwest. I distinctly remember telling my parents, "But really, evvvvveryone has one and I really need one" at Christmas time 2009. I am on my third Northface black fleece since then and love and it as much as the day I got it. They make itty bitty baby ones and yes, future Baby Steele will be rocking one, too.

3. Puffer Vest. Confession: I used to think puffer vests weren't cute. Then I found one in a cute print I liked and I want to get a hundred more. They are warm and look cute with dark washed jeans. Both these looks pictured here need to get in my closet immediately!

Those are my top 3 outerwear choices!

They Listen

Today I had my students vote for Trump or Clinton (I didn't dare introduce write ins or third parties....if you teach then you know there would be 997984794 more questions so we just kept it simple). They had to write the candidate they wanted on their "ballot" (index card), draw a picture, and write a sentence why they chose that candidate. I didn't have them share with anyone, but I did tally the votes and Clinton won by a two person margin. It was intense, guys. I stuck the "ballots" in my bag along with other grading and tonight, while watching the real election results unfold on TV, I read my students' ballots and was blown away at their candor and sincerity.

photo cred: NYTimes 

 I won't post pictures because I don't really have their permission to, but their drawings were SPOT. ON.. Here are some of the responses I received:

Note: I corrected 1st grade spelling because I speak fluent 6 year oldese but you might not. 

"I like Trump because that's a cool name."

"I like Hillary because she's better than Trump."

"Hillary because my mom loves her."

"That Donald guy is rude." 

"Donald Trump will keep us safe."

"Hilary won't put walls around us." 

"I pick Donald Trump because he is not a Democrat." (This student spelled "democrat" correctly, too. Dang) 

"I pick Hillary because she's a girl and we need a girl president." (got this response three times) 

"I will pick Donald Trump because Hillary says she will kill babies." 

"I want Hillary because Trump will build big walls."

"I pick Hillary Clinton because she is nice.Donald Trump is mean."

These little ears listen. Their eyes watch. And their mouths speak what they hear. Their hearts and minds take it all in and they wrestle with it and try and make sense of it all just like us grown ups do.  Let's make them proud. 

Recipes, Goals, and Pinterest Finds

Oh weekends, even WITH the extra hour this weekend, they just go by so fast, don't they?!

This weekend was delightfully lazy: a little gymmin', tried this recipe for crockpot ribs (loved it), this recipe for pumpkin coffee cake (one of my fave recipes all year), went to dinner with my man, did some Christmas shopping (I was wondering since Halloween was on Monday if Christmas stuff would be out. It was out. So out. I respect the turkey, but I kind of love the Christmas cheer in November too), went for a loooong walk around Daybreak Lake, meal prepped, started Jodi Piccoult's new book, caught up on laundry (two people live here...why is there always so much?!), got my hair cut and colored, took a nap, and overall just chilled. 

I've been doing a lot of soul searching lately and came across this quote on Pinterest and just love love love it. Some of the things I am trying to change this month: 1) getting more sleep, 2) not being on my phone as much, 3) speaking up when something is wrong or unfair and 4) pushing myself to physical limits and not giving up when I feel like it.  I used to do a whole monthly goals things on the blog, but right now, these are the four I am focusing on this month....and I get the feeling these ones might be on my radar for longer than that. 

Speaking of monthly goals, I also came across this on Pinterest and had to laugh. I am working out of my 2016 and 2017 planner these days and it's just so "Leslie" (Steele and Knope). 

That's all I've got, folks. Oh and ......

It seems in the current political climate (I pray the world keeps spinning after Tuesday), we should at least agree on colors on cups. Whatevs, ya'll. I think the green cups are adorbs (I love how it's drawn with all one line....we're all connected. Sob!) and I will gladly sip my grande nonfat light whip caramel brulee latte in any cup, thank you very, much. Cheers (with any color cup you'd like) to a new week ahead! 

What I'm Loving Lately

Hey there! It's been a minute since I've posted a WILL...so here it is! November edition: where is time going??

1. Movie Afternoons with my Man. We've spent a few Sundays over the past few months going to movies and it's been really fun. Of course the experience is not complete without a tub of popcorn. But it's the perfect way to spend a weekend afternoon (especially when it's gloomy out!) We saw "Girl on the Train" last week and enjoyed it. I read the book and the movie sticks very closely to it.

2. Halloween: Can we just take a second to wonder why the calendar gods had Halloween fall on a MONDAY? Truth be told, I was sort of dreading it and it wasn't that bad. I wanted a Halloween costume that was a character that my kids knew this year so I was Pete the Cat! The Halloween party was cute, chill, and clean (my 3 party necessities) and all in all, it wasn't too bad. It was such a beautiful evening that AJ and I sat in the driveway and handed out candy there. Of course it was one of the major holidays without our girl so I was sort of bummed. I had a fun family costume planned (of course I did) and I'm tucking it away for future use. I hope my Hadley was an angel this year. After all, it's a simple costume for her, really.

3. The Voice: I need to fill The Bachelor reality TV void in my life and I have turned to this show. I am loving it! Team Alicia is my fave (because Alicia is like a soulful goddess) but there are lots of great contestants on all the teams. Brenden and Darby are my most faves. I love hearing new songs and rediscovering old ones. I'm hooked on this one.

4. Boot Camp: I am going strong and have set a goal to get my "50 workouts" star on the wall before 2016 is up. I am working hard, dripping sweat, pushing myself, and really enjoying it. I joined for weight loss but I am discovering the benefits of increased energy, feeling stronger, and those good ol' endorphins. I am so glad I made this step for myself.

5. Tunics and Leggings: I pretty much was seriously lacking on my spring/summer wardrobe (see: pregnant, then too sad to shop). Now that it's fall I'm trying out some fun new looks and I am crazy about long tunic + leggings + boots. Throw on an infinity scarf and you have my uniform. Here's some style inspiration I found on Pinterest and am loving:

6. Coffee: So I went decaf/half caff when I was pregnant and boy, did I miss a rich full caff latte. They are back in my life in a big way and I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of Christmas season at Starbucks (I legit CRIED when I walked in and saw my Chicago location decked out for the holidays one year. It was quite literally the place where I planned all my lessons my first two years teaching and it just felt cozy/homey/holiday cute and I loved it so much. I know, I'm a nerd. Coffee and Christmas forever!) Also, can some coffee lover give me any and all info on the "Flat White?" It only comes in one size and I'm apt not to trust things that come in one size only. #butreallythough

My new coffee traveler: "Love you a latte"  

7. Magazines: I have a STACK of books I want to read this fall, but I am loving the light reads of People, Glamour,  Oprah, Food Network magazine, and even Family Circle (yes, I subscribe to that). Perfect reads when I'm tired, want to take a bubble bath, or whenever. Magazines are my jam lately.

8. Amy Schumer: So yes, I do have the stack of books to read beside my nightstand, but I have been on the waitlist for Amy's book for weeks so when it came in over Fall Break, I knew I had to press pause on all other books and read this one. I devoured it. It's funny, cute (warning: raunchy), and has just enough heart to make it touching to boot. Read this one if you're a woman in your 20's. Just kidding, read this, everyone! She's awesome.

Savor the Sparkle

When AJ and I first got engaged I remember being in love with my ring. I would look at it from every angle. I loved how it shimmered in the sun, how it sparkled and shined with the light. We were young, giddy, excited and in love. Now, nearly three and a half years after our engagement (and nearly 2 and half years after we wed), we are still young (well, sorta), giddy, excited, and in love. I am absolutely in awe of the blessings and joy that come with married life. 

But that's not to say our marriage is perfect....it's definitely not because it's made up of two completely imperfect people. But we extend grace to each other, and to ourselves. We laugh, cry, fight,  discuss, walk, dance, whisper, soar, and limp through this crazy messy life. But it's a beautiful life precisely because of the mess. No mess means no grace given or received. I give thanks everyday for this life partner God has chosen for me. I am passionate about marriage because it makes the world a brighter, better place, It's a tangible way to witness a small sliver of God's unconditional love for us (much like the parent and child relationship). On our one year anniversary we went to Lake Tahoe and we bought a sign (well, AJ surprised me with it after I mentioned I liked it in a store and he went back and bought it for us while I was getting a facial. See what I mean? He's a keeper). It says, "Forever, For Always, No Matter What." We had no idea what those last three words would mean to us. I want to grab ahold of every young couple engaged or thinking of marriage and tell them the story of our summer and say, "See??? This is what life can throw at you. Pick the person you want beside you for something like that." Pick someone who will hold your hand as the windows of the life as you know it rattle and shake all around you and you are able to still smile as you whisper to each other, "This too shall pass." 

The other morning I woke up to the sun streaming through the windows...I was comfortable and content under piles of down blankets and lots of pillows. Suddenly my wedding ring caught me eye. The sun hit it at just the right angle and I looked at it through the eyes of a newlywed: It sure was pretty. I realized I wear this ring day in and day out and never really bothered to even notice it (or the significance it holds).  Since then, my ring has caught my eye at other times. I'll glance at it during the work day, look down at it in the line at the grocery store, and I'll see it shimmer on the gym floor as I'm holding a plank. Basically, I'm looking at it like I did when I first received it: I'm savoring the sparkle. I'm remembering what it felt like to have that ring on my finger when it was new, with the joyful excitement of a newlywed. It wasn't until I looked at something simple like my ring that I discovered how much I was taking the gift of marriage and my one in a million husband for granted. How much I take a lot of things for granted. Not cool, Leslie.  I want to look at everything in my life with the mindset of, "Isn't it incredible?" Life is SO precious. I never knew exactly how precious until recently. 

 This doesn't just apply to the gift of marriage or material things. How many things/life experiences do we currently have that we once danced with joy to have received them? Did we work hard for years and years and now we are living in a home that we once only dreamed of? Did you wish and pray for a church community that you love and enjoy and now you're a regular on Sunday mornings, knowing the worship songs by heart? Did you spend hours scanning through job options and tweaking your resume, only to land a job that you enjoy and that you are good at? Have you dreamed of the day you'd be a parent and now you rock your little one to sleep and load up the stroller for evening walks? Did you wish for a good friend, who knows the depths of your joy and sorrow while you were in the midst of loneliness and now you've got yourself a core group of great pals with whom you share stupid memes with via text? Have you had your mind and heart planted firmly on graduation day, to get that degree and feel accomplished? Now school is behind you and you can celebrate never footnoting or works citing anything ever again. Have you battled with that last 5, 10, 15, or 20 pounds? Now you realize the number on that scale does not define you: you are strong, fit, active, and treat your body with dignity. 

In the mess, it's so easy to forget how big we are blessed (this is one of the lyrics to one of my favorite songs, "This is the Stuff" by Francesca Battistelli). Stop, pause, reflect, grow, and give thanks. Savor the sparkle. After all, you once only dreamed of it.