Good Eats

I decided for both the benefit of recording some of these for myself and for sharing with others, I would post a few of our favorite recipes lately.  I have been trying lots of new things recently.  Some have worked out great, and some not so well.  But so far, no one is starving around here, so it's all okay.  This first one we made just last night, and everyone was happy with it.  I would recommend it as an appetizer or finger food for a get-together because it was difficult for me to figure out what to serve with it.  It's definitely a light meal item.  I served it as the main dish with some red beans and rice and a green veggie side.  A coleslaw would go well with this also.

Grilled Chipotle Shrimp
prep: 25 minutes
cook: 10 minutes
serves: 6-8

1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
1/4 cup adobo sauce
6 garlic cloves, minced
2 Tbsp water
2 Tbsp lime juice
1 Tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp salt
2 lbs uncooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Sauce:
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup minced fresh cilantro
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tsp grated lime peel
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp minced fresh mint

1.  In a small saucepan, bring brown sugar, chipotles, adobo, garlic, water, lime juice, oil, and salt to a boil.  Reduce heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes longer.  Remove from heat; cool completely.
2.   Transfer mixture to a large resealable plastic bag.  Add the shrimp; seal bag and turn to coat.  Refrigerate for up to 2 hours.  (I think I let it sit in the bag for maybe 30 minutes.)
3.  Meanwhile, combine the sauce ingredients; chill until serving.
4.  Drain and discard marinade.  Thread the shrimp onto metal or soaked wooden skewers.  Moisten a paper towel with cooking oil; using long-handled tongs, lightly coat the grill rack.  (I used the broiler and just misted some cooking spray on the broil pan.)
5.  Grill shrimp, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 inches from heat for 6-8 minutes or until shrimp turn pink, turning once.  Serve with sauce.

And now for a picture break.

Last homecoming...for now.

This next recipe was a little more work, but definitely delicious.  It did not stick around for very long.

Chicken Enchiladas with Avocado Cream Sauce
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 medium white or yellow onion, peeled and thinly sliced
2 poblano peppers, stemmed and thinly sliced
1 jalapeno pepper, finely diced
8-10 flour tortillas
4 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie worked well for us)
2-3 cups Monterrey jack cheese

2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp flour
2 cups chicken broth
3/4 cup sour cream
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 garlic powder
1/4 tsp pepper
2 avocados, peeled and pitted
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
juice of 1 lime

1.  First make the sauce by melting the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.  Add the flour, whisking until golden and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes.
2.  Slowly whisk the broth into the flour mixture.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3.  Stir in the sour cream, cumin, salt, garlic powder, and pepper, whisking if necessary to remove any lumps.
4.  Remove from heat and transfer mixture to a blender or food processor.  Add avocados, cilantro, and lime juice and pulse until smooth and well-blended.  Remove lid occasionally so that heat can escape.
5.  Season with additional salt or pepper if needed.
6.  In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.  Add onion, poblano, and jalapeno, and saute for 5-6 minutes until onions are translucent.
7.  Remove from heat.
8.  To assemble enchiladas, place tortilla on a flat surface.
9.  Spread a tablespoon or two of avocado sauce down the middle of the tortilla.  Then layer some vegetable mixture, shredded chicken, and cheese.  Carefully roll the tortilla and place seam side down in a baking dish.
10.  Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
11.  Drizzle the top with about half of the remaining avocado cream sauce, then cover the dish with foil, and bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes, or until tortillas are heated through and begin to harden.
12.  Remove from the oven, then serve individual enchiladas drizzled with the remainder of the sauce.  You can also garnish with addition cilantro, cheese, and/or sour cream.

Another picture break.

Bronson racing at sports day...he's the boy in the purple hat.

And this is an old favorite from my mother-in-law.  I have made this one a lot lately.  It's great for bringing a meal over for a family with a new baby because it is easy to reheat.  Be careful with salt additions.  I have had a few batches that were super salty.

Cheese Manicotti
8-15 manicotti shells
1/2 lb sweet Italian sausage
30 oz Italian tomato sauce (or regular with your own added herbs and spices)
2 cups mozzarella, shredded
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 grated Parmesan
1 egg
1 Tbsp chopped parsley
1 tsp garlic salt
1/4 tsp pepper

1.  In a 13x9 inch baking dish, cover manicotti shells with boiling water.  Let stand for 5 minutes, drain, and rinse with cold water. 
2.  In a skillet, brown sausage, crumbling as it cooks.  Drain.  Stir in tomato sauce. 
3.  In a separate bowl, combine remaining ingredients.  Stuff the shells with cheese mixture.
4.  Pour half of meat sauce in baking dish.  Place stuffed manicotti on sauce.  Dot any remaining cheese mixture on top.  Cover tightly with foil and bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes or until shells are tender.

And now I will finish with a bowling picture.

My bowling dates...really excited!

Recent Books I've Read

On Becoming Babywise

by Gary Ezzo, M.A. and Robert Bucknam, M.D.

This is a book that was recommended to me by a few moms while I was pregnant with Bronson.  I didn't start using the tips in it until he was 3-4 months old, so it took him a while to get in a routine.  But once he was in a normal routine, it made a huge difference in my days and nights.  He became a very good sleeper during his pre-toddler and toddler months.  This book gives information on sleeping, eating, awake time, and other advice for newborns and young infants.  I just reread this book a couple months ago, and have been following some of the basic tips since the early weeks after James was born.  He is a much better sleeper than Bronson and has really benefited from being on a daily routine.  This book did not have step by step instructions like I had longed for in those early days with Bronson, but you can't give specific instructions to all parents when every baby and parent is different.  This book was written by the same authors that wrote "Growing Kids God's Way", which is a Christian ministry and curriculum for parents.  I have wanted to go through the GKGW series as well.  

Perelandra (Space Trilogy, Book 2)

by C.S. Lewis

This is a series Luke kept encouraging me to read.  I had a hard time getting through the first one, although I thought it was good.  This one I really enjoyed and got through it much faster.  It was more of a fantasy story than a science fiction read.  I loved the symbolism in it to represent Christ and Satan and angels.  I know that some of it was a little above my head, but I liked Lewis' perspective on how other worlds/planets with life could potentially exist.  The story is about a man from earth who goes to a new world that has just begun.  

The only other books I have read in the past few months have been nursing textbooks, which I'm sure you do not want to hear about.  The next ones I'm looking forward to pouring myself into are:

Daniel: Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophesy 

by Beth Moore

There is a group of women that I am meeting with weekly to study the book of Daniel.  I am looking forward to seeing what the Lord is planning to teach me through this study.  I am hoping I'll be able to keep up with the homework.  There is also a group of guys (husbands) that are also going to do this study separately.  It will be fun to go through a study alongside Luke.

Life After Life

by Kate Atkinson

The squadron book club is reading this one this month.  It sounds like a very interesting read.  I don't think I'll be able to read it in just a couple weeks time with all of my schoolwork, but it will be fun to read it eventually.  The discussion at book club is always fun.

So what are you reading?

Hello Again!

It has been a really long time since I last posted, and a lot has happened during my absence.  Probably the biggest event was Luke's homecoming from his very long deployment.  We figured out that he has been at sea for 9 1/2 months this year.  It blows my mind when I think about that.  Luckily that time has gone by rather quickly.  Bronson and I have kept busy, and that really helps. 

In October, when Luke was away, there was a modeling fair on the base.  A bunch of modeling agencies from Tokyo came in to take applications and photograph Americans interested in the modeling business.  This is something Luke had always thought would be a great opportunity for Bronson.  His blue eyes and blonde hair are a big hit here, and we thought it would be smart to use that to start a college fund for him.  We have been contacted multiple times for possible modeling jobs.  None of them have worked out yet.  But he's scheduled for his first photo shoot next week.  I'm really intimidated by all this.  The fact that I have to drive to some unknown destination in Tokyo and corral a toddler around to try to get him to cooperate for pictures seems daunting (especially if he has to miss his nap).  I've been told that there will be someone there who's specific job is to entertain and tend to his needs.  We'll see how it goes.  But how can you resist those beautiful eyes?!

Another thing that has kept me busy is school.  I decided to apply to an online RN-to-BSN program, so that I can finally finish my bachelor degree.  It's been going pretty well.  When Luke was deployed I had a great system.  Since my evenings were usually when I felt Luke's absence the most, that's when I would do my schoolwork.  Now that Luke is home, the evenings are when I want to spend time with him.  So I've had to give up some of the activities I did during B's nap to do schoolwork.  It's worked out pretty well, but I'm glad that the semester is almost over.

"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.  I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies." -Psalm 18:2,3

Fort

How to Keep a Busy Toddler Happy

I have been learning some tricks to keep the Bron-Monster entertained and happy these last few weeks.  With Luke gone now, it's been especially difficult to have no relief in the evenings.  Bronson is just a boy who needs people interaction and constant stimulation.  To me, it's exhausting.  I know that this age is important to be learning and growing and interacting and doing.  I have found these tips and tricks to help me on the days when I need to accomplish things around the house.

1.  We rearranged our furniture so that Bronson has his own little play corner in our small Japanese living room.  As long as the toys are neatly displayed on his shelves, he is happy to play by himself for a little while during the day.

2.  Rotating toys has amazing results and is so easy.  I keep a big tub of toys nearby, and put away toys he loses interest in, and I bring out new ones he hasn't played with in a while.  It's so neat to see him mastering toys that he once had no idea what to do with.

3.  I also cleared the bottom shelf of one of our bookcases, and loaded it with 15-20 of his books.  This is on a different side of the room, so that he is not distracted by his toys.  He now sits quietly and flips through his books.  Sometimes I hear him jabbering away just like he's reading them.  He stacks the books, looks at the pictures, and in the evenings he will find a book off of his shelf and bring it to me to read to him.  I also have been rotating his books, so that he doesn't get bored with them.

4.  Getting him out of the house in the mornings has made a huge difference to what he's like the rest of the day.  I try to take him on a walk in the stroller in the morning before it gets super hot.  Even if it's just a walk around the block to take the trash out, he loves it.  A change of scenery seems to really help.  Most afternoons I try to take him out to run errands or even just to run to the post office to pick up our mail.

5.  When I'm working in the kitchen,  I've had a problem with him hanging on my legs.  It makes it really difficult to cook or wash dishes with a toddler hanging on me.  So I found some fun magnets to put on the lower half of the fridge that have kept him busy and in the same room as me.  He may be getting bored with these as well, because I haven't seen him playing with them for a few days now.  But I have brought in a little bouncy ball that he loves to bounce on the hardwood floor and hear the noise it makes.  Hopefully this will not become a hazard.  :)

6.  Something else that I just started doing is introducing a new food/combination everyday.  He's getting to the age where he doesn't want to try anything he hasn't had before, and I have not been really good about giving him a lot of cooked adult food.  I usually give him fruits and vegetables by themselves and maybe a little off of my plate whatever I'm eating.  I found some toddler food ideas on Pinterest that I'm going to try.

7. Music is a must with this little man.  I usually play music for him in the morning while I'm getting ready for the day.  He LOVES music.

8.  Bath time is also a great time in the evening when I know he's entertained with little effort on my part.  To me, evenings are the hardest.  When both he and I are tired, it's not a good mix.  But the bath is relaxing and fun.  It winds him down for bedtime. 

9.  I have found that if I give him 15-20 minutes of my undivided attention a couple times a day, it satisfies his need for one-on-one interaction.  I know in the future, these times of mom and Bronson play are going to be the precious times that I remember.  It's fun to sit and read with him or pick a toy and work on it together or just wrestle/tickle.  It's amazing to see him learning and developing into a little boy.

I know I didn't quite get to 10, but that's all that I do for now.  I would love to get him outside.  There are so many great outside activities, but our house/yard just isn't great for that right now.  It's too hot, and there are too many mosquitoes swarming our yard.  Maybe in the fall, we'll be able to migrate outside during the day.  The playgrounds in the area are awesome, so I'm looking forward to exploring parks and playground in the near future.

Those are all of my ideas.  So what do you do with a busy toddler?

   

A Dog and Her Boy

iPhone picture=blurry....sorry!

Books

Highlights #2

1.  Saturday we went up to Asakusa (in Tokyo area) for a little day trip.  It was really fun.  We actually went up there when we first got here to Japan when it was deadly hot.  It was fun to see it again and get some great pictures with my nice camera.  We went to the temple, went out to eat at a tempura place, and then walked around some shopping areas.  I bought a CUTE owl tea set.  Pictures to come.

2.  It doesn't sound like a great thing, but Bronson and I stayed home pretty much all week.  It was nice to get back into a routine.  Since Luke has been home, we've gotten all off kilter.  We both feel more normal now and feel refreshed to go out and do things.

3.  I hosted Bible study this week.  It was a small group of just three, but it was really nice to fellowship with some other women.  Beth Moore is really great!  We are studying the book of James. 

4.  Friday night we went out to eat in Yamato with a group of friends.  It was an Italian place that was REALLY good.  And to top it all off, Bronson was very well behaved.  He sat on my lap contentedly while I ate.  Of course, he did get a couple hands-full of some noodles before I could stop him.

5.  The owner of our house dropped off some chocolate treats that we have been enjoying the past couple days.  Yum! 

Dancing Man

 

Anytime there is any music on Bronson is dancing.  I think he might become a musician one day.  It used to be that he would get on his knees or his hands and knees and bounce or sway back and forth.  But now that he can support himself on his feet, he started bopping upright at the coffee table.  We have dance parties every day now, and it's so much fun!

How to turn a normal room into a Nursery

 

A crib is a good start.

 

Oh, good!  The baby fits!

 

Next, a theme...or just some cute bedding.

 

Add some personal touches.

Given to me by my Aunt JoAnn.  Hand quilted by my Great Grandma.

 

Lastly, fill up the shelves and walls with educational material...and adornments.

And you've got yourselves a nursery!  More pictures to come.

Highlights

I have seen people do weekly highlights on their blogs and thought it was a great idea.  First, it'll keep you all updated on what's going on with us (or really, what's going on with Bronson).  And secondly, it'll keep me accountable to post on the blog.

This week's top 5 awesome things:

1.  Valentine's Day, of course!  Luke made me a steak dinner on the grill.  It was a lovely evening in.  Bronson went to bed early, and we spent the evening dining and watching a romantic movie together.

2.  Bronson has started clapping.  It's soooo cute!

3.  On Wednesday we went out to dinner.  Yay for TWO days of no cooking!  We went to this really great Thai restaurant within walking distance from our house.  The lady running the restaurant took Bronson while we were eating and had him behind the bar.  :)  She had a shop of cool Thai things next door that we explored. 

4.  We got to skype with Grandma and Grandpa Scripture.  Bronson showed off his standing and dancing abilities.

5.  This morning Bronson let me sleep until 9 am!  He might be a night owl like his dad. 

6.  Yeah, I couldn't keep it to 5.  I also got my dress in the mail...the one I ordered for a formal squadron event that took place 2 weeks ago.  But...it's here.  I'll be able to wear it for other occasions.  I can't wait because it's really pretty!

And that's it for now! 

The Bron Monster

Bronson has been crawling for about a month now.  He's quick, quiet, and inquisitive.  In other words, he's into EVERYTHING!  Don't get me wrong.  It's great.  I'm having a ton of fun with him.  He loves to play and interact.  I could spend all day watching him figure things out and playing with him.  It's amazing to watch each little development.  He changes before my very eyes.  But it's so much work!  Buying, wrapping, and packing Christmas presents has been quite a feat.  He just loves the brightly colored paper.  Today, I was making some phone calls, and Bronson escaped from the living room while I was occupied.  I got off the phone and thought it was eerily quiet.  I went searching for him and found him sitting in front of the dog's food bowl with handfuls of food.  He had crumbs all over his face, and after further inspection, found that he had a piece of dog food in his mouth.  Yuck!  I guess he's all boy.

Here are some pictures long overdue.

This isn't a great pic, but I found him behind the furniture.

Home Owners

We live in a house off of the base here in Japan.  It's actually less than a 5 minute drive to the front gate depending on the traffic lights.  We only looked at 3 houses in town before snatching this one up.  Originally, the house was listed as not allowing any pets, but we talked to the realtor about how gentle our dog is, and she convinced the owner to allow us to live here.  Now, this is a different situation than most who rent in that it's the owner's actual house.  He lived here and loves this house.  It's kind of a lot a pressure. 

He's come over on occasion to check things out.  He refuses to come inside.  Usually he comes when there is some kind of work being done on the house or lawn.  He had hired someone to trim the bushes and someone to fix our driveway gate,, etc.  Every time he came, he would bring us a gift.  Japan is very much a gift-giving country.  People give gifts for everything!  Well, he would stop by the local patisserie and bring us some custard-type desserts that are very popular among the Japanese.  Very yummy!  And he has also grown very fond of Laika.

Today, I pulled up to the house after my Bible study on base, and he was there.  He, of course handed me a box of more custards as soon as I got out of the car and motioned at the work he was doing (He speaks zero English, by the way.).  The previous time he had visited he saw a chair in the yard that was blocking a hole in the bushes.  Luke and I had put it there, so that we could let Laika out of the house, and not have to worry about her getting out of the yard.  I showed him the hole and tried to explain this to him in the very few Japanese words I knew, and he tried to talk back to me in Japanese.  I had no idea what he said, but got the sense that he understood what I was saying.

Well, today he put up a mesh plastic chicken-wire sort of thing against the bushes to block that hole.  I thought it was super nice of him to do that because originally he didn't want pets in his house.  He must really be impressed with Laika....or maybe he's bribing us to take care of his house.  Anyway...he seems very nice, and I wish that I could communicate with him.  The only thing I could do was bring him some banana bread.  Hopefully that was enough of a thank you.