Merry Christmas to Greg! Day 3

Sunday was the last day of our trip to DC.  We didn't have any major plans except going to the baseball game that afternoon.  When we got up, we talked with Jordan and decided to go do brunch at a place down the road from her apartment.  It was delicious!  Greg got belgium waffles with fruit, Jordan had a delicious fruit crisp, and I had a breakfast sandwich.  

After brunch, we loaded up the car so that we would be ready to head home after the baseball game.  Then we walked over to the stadium.  On our way, we decided to stop at a newly opened restaurant/brewery, Gordon Biersch.  Greg had one of their beers, and Jordan and I had sangria!  It was a nice stop before the game, especially since we had nicer/better drinks for less than we would be paying at the stadium!  

The game was fun!  The Braves played really well, so it was nice to watch them beat up on the Nationals!  We had good seats, and the weather was amazing!  The game was the perfect ending to our adventure in DC.  

This is the cafe where we had brunch

Jordan and I at Gordon Biersch before the Braves v. Nationals game

Greg's beer at Gordon Biersch before the game

Here's a panoramic shot of the stadium from our seats!

Here's an awful picture of Greg and I from the game.  I can't believe I'm actually posting it on the blog.  

Merry Christmas to Greg! Day 2

Saturday morning, we got up and talked about what we wanted to do for the day.  I really wanted to try and get by the zoo, we also talked about walking to see all the memorials and the cherry blossoms, and then we talked about going over to Ford's Theater.  We didn't do a good job of planning ahead or thinking about reserving tickets.

Well, we got ready and headed to the Metro to get over to Ford's Theater.  We stopped at Starbucks to get caffeinated before we headed to the theater.  By the time we got there, the tours were all done and the theater was closed to visitors.  I was kind of bummed because I knew that Greg was kind of looking forward to doing that.  We then headed over to the Washington Monument, reflecting pool, Lincoln Memorial, MLK Jr. Memorial, and we just looked across the water at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.  I am so glad that we walked to see all of them, but it was a TON of walking.

Also, it was the Cherry Blossom weekend.  Unfortunately, most of the cherry blossoms had already reached their peak and had begun losing their flowers.  There were still some pretty ones, so I'm glad that we got to see those.

When we got close to the mall again, we thought about checking out the Holocaust Museum, but the line was ridiculously long!  By this point, we were hungry and tired, so we made our way to a cute bar with patio seating for happy hour.  We enjoyed just sitting and chatting with Jordan!

We headed back to the apartment to relax for a while before we went to dinner.  We did dinner over at We The Pizza, which is a restaurant started by a former Top Chef contestant.  It was pretty good.  Between the three of us, we tried mushroom, hawaiian, pepperoni, and white pizza.  The white pizza was my favorite!

After dinner, we were all pretty dead tired, so we just headed home to hang out.  We didn't even end up staying up late at all!  Greg and I were asleep by 10:30!

Jordan and I at the Washington Monument

Greg and I at the Washington Monument

Greg and I infront of the Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial

MLK Jr. Memorial

They have MLK Jr. quotes on this wall surrounding the statue.  It's pretty cool.  This is one of the quotes that I like the most. 

Here's a picture of one of the prettier cherry blossoms

The Jefferson Memorial.

Merry Christmas to Greg! Day 1

This year, my gift to Greg for Christmas was a trip to Washington DC.  He had never been before, so I started squirreling money away back in October for this trip.  I made a little book for him to open on Christmas morning, that had pictures of the monuments, memorials, and big DC landmarks.  The final page of the booklet I had printed a copy of the Braves baseball schedule, and circled the dates that they were playing the Nationals in DC.  He was excited!

He looks ridiculous with the baseball cap and the toboggan on, but he had just opened those.  Here he is reading the little booklet that I made for him about our trip to DC.

We drove up Thursday night after work.  The drive was long because we kept running into night construction.  We were so glad when we finally arrived at my friend, Jordan's, apartment.  We are so thankful that she let us crash at her place for the weekend, and it was also wonderful getting to spend time with her!

This is the view of the Washington Monument from Jordan's apartment

Friday morning, it was raining and so we just took it easy.  We slept in, and took our time getting ready and by mid-day we were out and about!  We stopped by the Library of Congress, and then walked past the Capitol to meet up with friends that we had just found out were also in town! We met up with the Slighs and then headed over to the Museum of Natural History.  We didn't spend a ton of time there, but then we went to the Museum of American history.  I thought that the American History museum was much more interesting than the Natural History Museum.  We spent quite a bit of time looking around, and going through all the exhibits.  I loved the Star Spangled Banner, and all the dresses from the First Ladies.  After we finished up at the Museums we headed over to Pennsylvania Avenue to look at the White House, which was honestly, a total let down.  I hate that we couldn't schedule a tour.

The Library of Congress

The Capitol

Kermit the Frog at the Museum of American History

The White House

We were really worn out, and our friend had texted us that he was a sport bar watching the Masters... So, of course we headed that way.  We hung out for a bit, had a snack and drinks, and then took the Metro back to Jordan's apartment.

Friday night we went to game 1 of the Nationals v. Braves series.  We didn't dress for the weather at the game, the wind was blowing and it was much colder than we had anticipated!  The Braves weren't playing as well as we thought they should be, and I was freezing, so we left after the 7th inning.  Umm, that was the wrong move for sure.  On the walk back to the apartment, I joked with Greg that they would probably come back and win it.  Well, they did and we missed it.  Greg was majorly disappointed, but he didn't hold it against me for too long.

Walking into National Park

Our seats were great!  I just wish that it had been slightly warmer, or less windy

Visit from the Barrows

Greg's parents came up to visit a couple of weeks ago.  It was great to have them!  The timing of their trip was actually really good because I happened to have most of that week off, so I was able to be around while Greg was working.  We had a really good time while they were here!  We love just really love when people come visit, so that we can show them all the reasons that we love Durham.

I took them over to Nasher Museum of Art over on Duke's campus.  It was really neat.  I hadn't been there before, and I think that we all enjoyed it.  They had an exhibit on photography and different types of exposure that photographers use to get the look that they want in their photographs.  We also walked through the section where they have pieces from their permanent collection.  We saw an Andy Warhol photo in the photography section, and I spent the longest time staring at a Picasso in their permanent collection.  Afterwards, I took them by one of my favorite local restaurants, Foster's Market, to grab sandwiches.

We also took them to our favorite, local pizza place, Lily's Pizza.  Of course, it was amazing.  I have to tell you about this salad that they have there.  It's a roasted pear salad with a pear vinaigrette.  The salad is a bed of mixed greens, roasted pears stuffed with blue cheese, toasted almonds, and homemade croutons. It is to die for... So delicious!

Thursday night after Greg got home from work, we went to the Carolina Hurricane's NHL game in Raleigh.  I love going to watch hockey.  It's so much more entertaining in person than it is on TV.  It is such a fun environment and the fans are wild!

Friday morning, I had a bunch of errands to run, so I suggested that Ralph and Linda over to Duke Gardens.  I wish that it had been warmer because Linda said nothing much had started blooming.  I told her that she'd just have to come back in the spring to see everything.  We went last year in May and it was gorgeous.

Overall, it was a really good visit and Greg and I were so happy that they were able to come visit!

A vinaigrette that will change your life

I found this recipe on Cooking Light's website.  Have I ever mentioned how much I love Cooking Light?  I get their magazine every month, and I love looking through it and finding new recipes to make!

Pistachio Lemon Vinaigrette
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons pistachios, finely ground in food processor
2 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1.5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons maple syrup (the real stuff)
2 teaspoons dijon mustard
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/8 teaspoon salt

The recipe that I used it in was Pork chops over couscous with Pistachio-Lemon vinaigrette.  This was divine, but while we were eating dinner I kept talking about all the different ways I could use the vinaigrette.  I think you could do it over chicken, you could use it as a salad dressing, you could mix it in a pasta salad or a sweet potato salad, it would probably be delicious over steak, it would be so good over a kale salad, etc.

You can double or triple or quadruple the recipe easily and keep it in a mason jar in the fridge for a couple of weeks (but it won't last that long).  Promise me that you are going to make this vinaigrette this weekend.  Seriously, just do it.  Delicious!

2013... Already an exciting year!

Hello!  Luckily for me, updating the blog on a regular basis was not one of my New Year's Resolutions, so I don't feel guilty at all for not updating for almost 2 months.  I think one of the main reasons that I haven't updated is because we have had so much going on!

As many of you know, Greg and I haven't had the easiest road when it comes to jobs.  We have moved several times since before we got married, and each place we have been has been a different experience when it comes to employment.  It was very hard to find a job when we moved to Savannah, GA while Greg was doing graduate school.  I thought that it would be super easy to find a teaching job, then I thought I was going to get a job at a church to be a youth minister (and that didn't work out), and then I was so desperate for a job that I just took the first offer I got with a Montessori school.  While we were in Savannah, Greg worked the pre-load shift at UPS (4:00am- 9:00am).  When we had to move to Charleston for Greg's unpaid internship... I knew that I had to find a job fast, so I just applied to daycares since that is what I had experience with.  Luckily, I got a job the first week we were in Charleston.  After Greg's internship ended, he got a seasonal job offer from the Durham Bulls, so we moved up here.  It took me about a month to find a job because I couldn't quite decide what I wanted.  I knew that I could probably find a daycare job pretty easily, but I wasn't sure that is what I wanted to do.  I interviewed with a family to be their nanny, and I just had a really good feeling about it.  So, I made the switch from daycare to nannying which has been phenomenal.  Unfortunately, the family I was working for had to move up to Philadelphia after I had been with them for 5 months.  BUT they introduced me to the family that I currently work for, and I am so glad that they did!  I have been with the same family for almost a year and a half, and I absolutely love it.  After the Bulls season ended, so did Greg's seasonal job with them.  He spent several months trying to find a permanent job within the sport's market up here, but it was tough.  He ended up taking a part-time job with Eddie Bauer, and in December we decided that he should crank up the job search again for a permanent, full time position somewhere.

It was hard.  He had several interviews that he felt really good about, but they didn't pan out.  We had many discussions about whether he should branch out from the sport's market, or should we start looking for jobs outside of Durham.  It's tough.  I love my job and we love Durham, so in the end, the thought of having to leave was something that we weren't ready to do.

All that to say, I am so excited to share with everyone that Greg has accepted a full time job with a State Farm agent.  He has been studying for the past couple of weeks, and he took the first two insurance exams last Thursday and passed!  He is studying this week for the next 2 exams, which he will take on Friday.  After he passes, he will begin training with the agent that he is going to be working with.  The agent is opening a new store location, and they will officially open on April 1.

On top of the wonderful news of Greg's full time job... My duties at work will be increasing in late June when the family that I work for will welcome baby #2.  It will be an fun and exciting year all around!

I want to thank everyone that has supported us throughout our journey.  It hasn't been easy at some points, but I would not change a thing.  I think that the past 3.5 years have made us so much stronger than I could have ever imagined.  I think that struggling together is one of the best experiences that a young married couple can have together.  I don't think that this will be the end of struggles that we face, but I know that we'll be fine.  So, thank you for all the thoughts, prayers, encouraging emails, texts, and calls.

Here's to a wonderful 2013!

Christmas 2012

Hi!  Greg and I were lucky enough to have a lot of time off at Christmas.  We were gone from Durham for 11 days, and we were able to actually really enjoy time with our families instead of constantly having to worry about leaving for the next place.  We left for Alabama on Friday afternoon before Christmas.

Greg had to work until 3:00 on Friday, and I got home 2 hours before that.  I ended up packing the car, and I am so proud of myself!  Being married to a Barrow has taught me how to pack a car!

The drive was pretty uneventful except for some traffic in Charlotte.  I don't know why, but it always makes me happy when I get a picture of the AL sign as we drive in.  I don't know why I get so excited because we still have to drive a bit get over to Tuscaloosa.  We ended up arriving a little after midnight.

We stayed up talking with my parents until around 2 am.  The next morning, the dogs decided it was time to get up at 6!  So, I got up to let them out, made the coffee and sat down to relax before everyone else got up.  Ben and Alicia came down that morning to do gifts, and it was so good to get to spend some time with them!

My sweet  nephew, Justin, was at Mom and Dad's house.  I absolutely loved being able to spend so much time with Justin while we were in Tuscaloosa.  He is the cutest!

Saturday night, Greg and I were able to go to Birmingham to meet some friends.  I am so glad that we were able to see so many people in such a quick visit.  I am pretty mad at myself for not getting a picture with everyone!  I loved being able to catch up with Mary and Lauren.  I really miss them throughout the year.  

Although I am frustrated with not getting a picture of the entire group on Saturday... I am so glad that I thought to get a picture of Greg and I.  I never ever remember to take pictures when we do things.

We had an extended family Christmas on Sunday with my Mom's sister and her children.  It is so much fun to get together with everyone.  Last year was the first time that we have done that since my grandma died, and it has been really great.  After my cousins and Aunt headed home, we did presents with Mom, Dad, Guy, Andrea, and Justin.  This picture makes me laugh because Greg had just opened a baseball hat and put it on, and Justin was totally checking him out.  So funny!

I don't know about you... but one of my favorite Christmas traditions is watching Christmas Vacation.  

Here's a picture of me sporting my new PJ pants, house shoes, and old lady fleece robe.  

Mom and Greg's Christmas Eve tradition is to watch It's a Wonderful Life.  Dad and I tolerate it.  ha!

Here's a picture of us on Christmas morning.  We were literally about to walk out of the door when Mom made us go pose by the Christmas tree.  Not the best picture, but I'm glad we have it.

Unfortunately there was a pretty significant chance of severe weather on Christmas day.  We had originally planned to drive over to Clanton to do Christmas with Greg's family, and then drive on to Roanoke to stay with Greg's parents for a few days.  Greg's sister decided that we should just postpone the family Christmas until the next day since we didn't know what the weather was going to do.  So, we had to leave Tuscaloosa a little earlier than we had planned and went straight to Roanoke.  

Christmas night we just relaxed with Greg's parents.  We did presents, and then played an intense game of Scrabble.  You can just call me the dog whisperer because somehow I always end up with all the dogs in my lap.  

The day after Christmas we drove over to Clanton to do Christmas with Greg's grandmother, sister, her husband, and kiddos.  Grandmother asked Greg to read her a story from a magazine, and I thought it was too sweet not to snap a picture.  

Linda's dog is a hoot.  She was playing some Christmas music on the piano and he hopped right up there while she was playing.  Too funny!

We left Roanoke on Saturday to go to Atlanta.  I am irritated at myself that I didn't get any pictures of this!  We went by to see Greg's cousins and his aunt and uncle.  It was wonderful to see everyone, and we had a great time catching up with them.  They also made an incredible dinner of shrimp & grits and Brunswick stew.  After we visited with everyone, we headed to the suburbs of Atlanta to stay with our friends for a couple of nights.  We had not seen Brad and Maria in over a year, so we really enjoyed being able to spend time with them before heading home on Monday.  Maria got some pictures with her camera, so hopefully I can add those soon.  

We headed home Monday, and I know that the dogs were so glad to finally get here.  Hershee is a nervous wreck in the car.  She pants the entire time.  Once we arrived home she fell fast asleep and I think if we hadn't moved, she would have slept until today.  Penni is the total opposite of Hershee.  She just lays down and totally relaxes during the drive.  

Overall, I would say that it was a great visit.  I am so glad that we were able to see so many of our friends, and our entire family.  I am thankful for all the time that we got to spend with them.  It was a wonderful Christmas break!  I hope that you guys had a wonderful Christmas too!  Much love!