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!

  

30 Days of Thankfulness: Weeks 3 and 4

Hi!  Sorry for the delay!  Better late than never!  Here's the last half of my November thankfuls...

15.  Greg and I were able to get a new Christmas tree this year, and that has been exciting! One day, we'd like to do a real tree, but we just need more space.  We found the perfect tree at Target.

16.  I am thankful for an unexpected day off!  One of B's grandmothers came to town, and I was able to take the day off.  A bonus on this day is that Greg also had the day off, so we were able to spend a lot of time together.

17.  I'm so glad that we started our Christmas shopping already!  We are hoping to get it done early.

18.  I spent the afternoon with a new friend.  We went to see Argo in the theater and then we spent the afternoon chatting.  I'm thankful for new friendships.

19.  I'm thankful for cold days spent cuddling with the dogs.

20.  Call me crazy, but I'm thankful for the struggles that Greg and I face.  I think that they bring us closer together and make our relationship stronger.

21.  I had a long phone conversation with a friend on the phone.  It had been way too long since I talked with her.  I am so glad that we were able to chat and catch up!

22.  I am thankful for mine and Greg's low key Thanksgiving together!  Don't get me wrong, we love being with our family on holidays, but it's nice to not have the stress of cooking for a large group!

23.  Greg and I were able to get out to the movie theater to see Skyfall after he napped to recover from working black Friday.
 
24.  I went to the mall, and it made me realize how thankful I am that we are almost done with our Christmas shopping!  Bonus: since Greg works at the mall, when we think of something we need to get for someone... Greg can just grab it when he's on break.

25.  I'm thankful for a long Skype date with one of my best friends.
 
26.  I am glad to have play-dates with friends and their children.  B really enjoys playing with his sweet friend.

27.   I love wrapping presents.  My mom always made wrapping presents an art, and I guess I got it from her.  I think that it's refreshing and exciting to sit down and make presents look beautiful.

28.  I'm thankful for a GREAT day with B.

29.  We had a wonderful meal tonight for dinner!  It's quickly becoming one of my favorites!  Homemade salmon fish sticks and pearled couscous.  SO good!

30.  I'm thankful for an afternoon off!  Greg and I were able to finish the rest of our Christmas shopping today!

I feel like I should clarify that I'm thankful for so much more than the 30 things that I have listed this month.  I just don't always take time to think about what I am thankful for on a daily basis. I feel like it was a really good thing for me to do this year.  Greg and I have had our fair share of struggles over the past year, but it's still been a good year with so much to be thankful for.  I hope that you were all able to think about all the things that you are thankful for during the past 4 weeks.  Now, we are moving forward to the craziness of the holidays.  I cannot wait!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Week 2

Hi!  I hope that everyone has had a great week!  I am excited that I have inspired some other people to post their weekly thankfuls.  I look forward to reading them all week!  Here we go with week 2 of November thankfulness.

8.  I am thankful for my wonderful in-laws.  I often talk with people who struggle with their relationship with the in-laws.  I seriously won the lottery when it comes to my in-laws.  They are wonderful to Greg and I, and we are so happy that they are such an important part of our lives.  They support us, and love us no matter what is going on, and we are thankful for that every single day.

9.  I am thankful for extra money that Greg and I had to use for a nice dinner out.  We don't go out to eat often at all because we don't always have money to spend on a fancy meal out.  This night was a rare treat for us, and we went to eat at PF Changs.  It was a delicious treat!

10.  I am thankful for new friends that we are making in Durham.  We have been getting to know several new people, and I am looking forward to seeing where our friendship takes us!

11.  I am thankful for veterans.  Greg and I have several veterans in our families.  We are especially thankful for those in our family that have served our country.  

12.  I am thankful for friends that call, text, and message when I'm having a bad day.  Those thoughts and messages really help when you are just having a crappy day.  It makes me think of how I can easily send those types of messages when I know a friend that's have a hard day.

13.  I am thankful for fuzzy socks.  I don't think I really have an explanation for this.  I just love them.  I am thankful to own several pairs that I wear all the time when the weather is cold.

14.  I am thankful for our sweet babies, Hershee and Penni.  It's amazing how they love us unconditionally.  I am so thankful that they are there to snuggle with me on cold nights.  I seriously cannot imagine our life without them.  I'm going to go love on them right now!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Week 1

I love November.  It's the month that I was born, it's the beginning of the holidays, it's a great month for college football, it's the month when cooler weather moves in, and it's the month when I like to think about all the things I am thankful for.  Last year I did one post where I talked about all the things I was thankful for, but I think this year I am going to try and do a weekly post.  I think it will give me time to really reflect on the past year, and I'll spend time each day thinking about what I am thankful for.

1.  I am thankful for Greg.  I know that I say it every year, and I will continue to list him every year.  There is really no one that I would rather face the challenges of life with.  I am thankful every single day that Greg is my partner in life.  I love him every day more than the last.

2.  I am thankful for time spent with family.  We were in Gatlinburg, TN last week with my parents, my brother, sister in law, and my sweet nephew.  I am so glad that we got to go there together and spend time together laughing and joking.  We missed that my other brother was not able to make it.  But, I am looking forward to all of us being together again at Christmas.

3.  I am thankful for my parents.  I am especially thankful for the time we were able to spend with them last weekend.  I am glad that we have the technology that we have, so that I can see them on FaceTime whenever I need/want to.  I am glad that Greg and I have their love and support throughout our journey.

4.  I am thankful that I got so spend time with my college roommate, Allison, last week.  I hadn't seen Allison since her wedding!  It had been way too long.  I am so glad that Greg and I decided to detour over to Cherokee, NC before heading to Gatlinburg last weekend.  I loved seeing her and Danny, and I really loved putting my hands on her belly trying to feel the baby move.  I can't wait for their little one to arrive!

5.  I am thankful that Durham is really starting to feel like home to us.  We have signed our lease for another year, and I am looking forward to staying.  We haven't lived anywhere long enough to feel the "home" feeling that we are starting to have here.  I'm excited about friendships that are being formed with people that we have met and been spending more time with in Durham.

6.  I am thankful for the holiday season.  For some reason, I am really ready to get all my Christmas decorations out!  I am sure that Greg would tell you how shocking this is because he thinks that I don't have a ton of holiday spirit, but he only thinks that because I don't love watching all those terribly corny Hallmark channel/ ABC Family holiday movies.  ugh.  They are awful.  But, I am looking forward to the long trip home at Christmas to see our families, and just general holiday cheer.

7.  I am thankful for Lauren, Bryson, and B.  I have been taking care of B for 14 months now.  I cannot believe how big he is getting!  I am so glad that I have a job to go to everyday that I love so much.  Every single day with B is an adventure, and I wouldn't trade spending that time with him for anything.  I am so happy to be a part of their family, and I look forward to watching B grow over the next year.