I watched many Barefoot Contessa episodes on the Food Network when I was on bedrest (it was the one of the only shows I would watch virtually every day). I kept thinking that maybe I could be like Julie in Julie & Julia and cook my way through Ina's cookbooks. I am not sure if I am THAT motivated to do so, but am definitely on a recipe trying kick using her cookbooks. (And that was one of the items on my rejuvenation list, so I am happy to be accomplishing it!)

Last night, I made the Spring Green Risotto. Man, was it ALOT of work....But very yummy. Below is the link:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/spring-green-risotto-recipe/index.html

I substituted garlic for the fennel because I don't care for fennel. And, if I made it again, I would only use 2-2 1/2 cups of leeks. Overall, delish!

I love a clean house; not working creates so many more messes though. Lily and I are using the house every day--breakfast, lunch, dinner, and many play times. It becomes so much more dirty. I think i have swept 3 times this week. UGH!

Off to take my shower. Mom, Dad, Briton, Matt and I are taking Candace out for her birthday tonight. We are going to Paula's and I am excited to eat at a nice restaurant, since it has been awhile!

Still tired today. Definitely have more motivation than yesterday afternoon, but tired.

Lily got her haircut today; then we took a walk around the block.

Candace finds out what she's having this afternoon. I am so excited to know! We are going to go register with her in the next week or so. Then, it is time to start planning showers!

This weekend is crazy. Zach is graduating, so we have lots planned with the Morris Family. Jon will be home from Alabama, so it will be good to see him.

Candace's birthday is also this weekend--Happy birthday, Candace!

We took Lily strawberry picking this week and there is a picture of her riding on the cart with the strawberries. She had so much fun eating them while we were picking them. She was covered in red strawberry juice!

Another friend of ours lost his job last week. I am praying for them as it was just an unfortunate series of events that has left him devastated and frustrated. However, his wife and I had a discussion about how this suffering has the potential for some godly growing. Praying that he will see that and take steps towards the LORD in this time. A good reminder to me that others are suffering in various ways and "in all things God works for the good of those who love him." (RM 8:28)

Energy, or lack thereof

The last few days I just have kept pushing and pushing myself (including today). Every evening I am beat beyond exhaustion. This afternoon, I am totally spent.

I know I shouldn't be, but I am totally frustrated. Frustrated to tears. I am tired and my body hurts. I know it is not a bug either. It is just constant physical labor that has lead me to the sofa. I want to be back to normal so badly, but it just isn't happening yet.

Lily threw up in the car today, twice. Not the flu--just something stuck in her throat. It led to several hours of cleanup, as you can imagine. I still cannot figure out how to get the carseat cover off. I spot cleaned it the best I could, but as soon as Matt gets home, I am hoping he can get it off so that we can wash it (even though the directions say not to--maybe that's why I can't get it off?)

I asked Matt to bring dinner home. I was going to try another Barefoot recipe, but just cannot even think about making dinner at the moment.

I was thinking earlier that if Daisy was living, she would probably be home by now. She would be living under our roof. I probably wouldn't be getting ANYTHING done :) due to having two little ones and no energy!!!

SO GOD--As i was writing this post, a friend dropped a quick email. Definitely helped calm my spirit. Note to self, when you are thinking of someone, drop them a note. It makes all the difference in the world!