Veggie "Sloppy Joes"

1 cup dried lentils, rinsed, sorted
2 cups water
1 cup celery, chopped
1 cup carrots, chopped
1 cup red and/or green peppers, chopped
1 cup onion, chopped
3/4 cup ketchup
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar)

In a medium saucepan, add lentils and water, bring to a boil then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Do not drain! In slow cooker, combine celery, carrots, onions, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce and lentils and water from saucepan. Cover slow cooker and cook on low for 8 -10 hours or until lentils are cooked and soft. Stir in vinegar while toasting hamburger buns. Spoon sloppy joe mixture on buns and enjoy :)

Doctor Visits

With the start of the new year comes a new round of doctor's visits. Fortunately, the first two of the year have been a success!

1. Miss Mia's. She is up to *almost* the 5th percentile for weight at 20lbs, 3 oz. I was worried doctor would do "you're a bad mommy" routine in regard to Miss Mia's weight. Fortunately, the doctor said all was good and Miss Mia can continue her eating habits, while Mommy keeps hiding the full fat butter in her Mashed Potatoes! All other progressive milestones are being met - and Miss Mia was a dream with the doctor, unlike our last few visits to Children's (but we won't go there right now!)

2. My visit. Today, the doctor wrote out a 'script for Clomid. Oh, and a 'script for 20 minutes a day in the sun. Seriously. Fingers crossed that things work . . . just want my body to again realize it IS female.

~ Saturday is bloodwork for next week's visit with the endocrinologist!

White Bean & Barley Risotto

1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 1/2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup pearl barley
1 15 oz can small white beans
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 6 minutes. Stir in the broth and barley and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover and simmer until the barley is tender, 30 to 40 minutes. Sir in the white beans and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with pepper, stir in the parsley and serve.

Horsey Ride!

It's too cold to ride our real horses, so Miss Mia decided on the next best thing. Poor Hansy!

Cardinal Hangout

Miss Mia was beyond excited when standing at the window, looking out. I knew it wasn't due to snow - she still doesn't like it (to which, I say YAH!).

Here, there were around 10 cardinals in my wild rosebush! There are some good things that come out of a snowy day after all!