My official "first" day as a Marine Officer Housewife!

Well, the day began early yesterday morning as Andrew prepared to start TBS. While we were both nervous and anxious for what was to come, yesterday was a GREAT first day! I kept very busy working around the house, running errands, and looking around our new city. One of the things I am enjoying so much about being at home is how I get to really take time and focus on meals and cooking. As I have told you earlier, I have loved cooking and planning meals since Andrew and I got married. Last week I ventured into making homemade bread with our bread maker and today I made the BEST home-made wheat rolls! It has been so much fun! Anytime I start something new in the kitchen there is always a part of me that is completely scared, (it is probably the penny pincher side of me that doesn't want this to fail because I'll be wasting food that we spent money on) but being in the kitchen has taught me a lot about not holding so tightly to life that I can't enjoy the blessings that the Lord has given us. It has taught me to be joyful. It has taught me to not be scared of failure or getting everything "perfect". It has taught me a new form of serving Andrew and the people God brings to our home. I'm excited to see what else comes of my time spent in the kitchen!

One of our favorite places to eat out on dates is PF Changs. Every time we are able to take a nice date out, Andrew and I would drive there and get 3 things: Changs Spicy Chicken, Crab Won-Tons, and Pork (or shrimp) Fried Rice! While looking at one of my favorite cooking blogs (Lynn's Cooking Adventures) last week, I came across a Pork Fried Rice recipe that I knew we would need to try. So last night, I decided to try it out! And it was WONDERFUL! I have always wanted to do something like this but never thought we had the resources to do it...oh I'm so glad I was wrong :). It was easy and made a TON! Something that I will keep ingredients for and fix for when we have company! Thought I would give you the recipe so you could try it if you'd like! This comes from Lynn's Kitchen Adventures- I adapted it a little but it was her original idea and recipe!( http://www.lynnskitchenadventures.com/2011/04/pork-fried-rice.html )

Pork Fried Rice

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 eggs
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce (plus some)
• 2 clove garlic, minced
• ½ lb of ground pork (would be good with whatever you have on hand, Chicken, Shrimp, Beef)
• 2 carrots, shredded
• ½ cup frozen peas
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• sliced water chestnuts (optional)
• slivered almonds (optional)
• chopped onion (optional)

1. Mix together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce with the eggs and beat well.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok.
3. Add egg to pan. Swirl and scrape egg to cook, basically you are scrambling this, but do not over cook it. You want this to error on the side of not done because you will be adding this back to the pan later on.
4. Remove egg from pan and set aside.
5. Return pan to stove. Add the meat and crumble and brown until meat is done. You want the pieces of meat pretty fine for this
6. Drain off all but a few tablespoons of fat. If you are using a lean mean you will not have any fat to drain off.
7. Add garlic, carrots, peas, and rice and cook for 3-4 or until vegetables are tender and rice is starting to brown. (pretty much everything but eggs, soy sauce, and rice vinegar)
8. Add the egg back to the pan along with the remaining soy sauce and the rice vinegar. Let cook for 2-3 minutes more.
9. Add more soy sauce to taste.
10. Serve and enjoy!

Went to Good Will to find some hidden treasures...this was one that I am beginning to resonate with

Andrew's first day! Lovin' on my man!

So Proud of Him!

All in all, we have had a great time in VA. God is teaching us a lot and we feel as if we have "grown up" quite a bit since being out here. Blessings of friendship and provision have poured over us and we are so grateful and humbled. It truly is an adventure.