Fabulous Summer Quinoa Salad!

This is one of the only tried and true Gluten free recipes that I've found. I've made it over and over, and over again. I didn't find it in a fancy cookbook, or out of that retard Elizabeth Hassleback's book... I found it on some obscure website that I can't even locate now. Anyhow~ try it, trust me, you'll love it. Even those who don't want to try quinoa love it. Report back when you love it.
Ingredients:
1 cup uncooked red quinoa (color is irrelevant!)
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
2 avocados, diced
1 cup artichoke hearts (I leave these out because I hate them)
1/4 fresh, chopped basil (the more, the better!)
2 tbsp toasted pine nuts (jury is still out on these~they are very expensive, and I'm not sure they are worth it!)
2 tbsp capers (I've never used them, but if you like them, use 'em!)
1 red onion (calls to be thinly sliced. I put it in the food processor and emulsify it because I hate the texture of onions~do what you please!)
Olive oil
Balsamic Vinegar
Fresh Lemon Juice
2-3 garlic cloves (or more!)
Directions:
Bring 2 cups water and quinoa to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until water is absorbed, approximately 10 minutes. Strain and rinse well under cold water. Set aside, perhaps in the refrigerator.
In small skillet, use 1 tbsp olive oil to saute the red onion until transparent. Also set this aside.
Vinaigrette Dressing:
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (or lime juice, but I've never used it and can't vouch!)
2-3 minced garlic cloves
1/3 cup olive oil (I've rarely used the whole 1/3 cup, usually about 1/4 works, but it's up to you!)
salt & pepper to taste
whisk together
Now, mix all ingredients together, and I find that it tastes best when served cold.
We eat this with ground chicken burgers a lot!
Enjoy!!

Howdy the Bouncy Cow

This little guy is Mason's newest friend. He is approximately 2 feet tall, is sturdy enough for him to sit on, and bounces. Basically, he is AWESOME. Our friends Mike & Monica bought a similar one for their daughter Bella (it isn't a cow, and isn't even the same brand, but it is similarly cute!). The last time we visited, Mason couldn't get enough of it, so of course I had to get him one. I really try not to do that, because I think everything is cool, and I would spend non stop, which isn't really in our budget. Plus, who wants a spoiled little stinker, anyway?? Especially when he is as equally entertained by an empty egg carton! Anywhoo, I think this little guy is cute, and I always justify things by saying that I think we'll eventually try for another one someday! Welcome to the family, moo cow!
Specs: Made by Trumpette, you know, the company who makes those adorable ballerina socks?

Updated pictures of the family....

I'm not sure if there is anyone on here that isn't also on Facebook, but just in case.... here are some updated photos. I just love the one of Mason, she just happen to catch him, he was crawling away and he turned around and smiled, as to say "you aren't taking my picture!" And we got him! So cute!

Pilates- class 2

When Michael and I got married I joined the MAC club with him. He has been a member since birth, practically. I wasn't completely wild about the idea at first, because I pretty much fight anything and everything that forces me into a "box". The MAC is all about being "inside the box". They have rules, rules, and more rules. No flip flops in the lobby. No cell phones in the lobby. No athletic attire in certain elevators. It is what you would refer to as an "old boys club". This used to infuriate me. Mainly because I always, always found myself in the wrong damn elevator in, you guessed it, athletic attire- getting dirty looks from one of the 'ol boys.

But, I've decided if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. After I got over the sticker shock of paying to take Mason to their daycare, I went to my 2nd pilates class today. After having my gall bladder removed, and a c-section, my abs are pretty much WORTHLESS. So, time to get them into a less flabby form. Wow.... the instructor doesn't sit by and watch you fumble around and make an arse of yourself, she trots right over and makes you do it until you get it right. Ensuring that you will be sore for days.......... I am determined to catch up to the 65 old woman who has tighter abs than I've ever had in my life......

Why does my child hate everything right now?

Eating~ hates it. Sitting in his high chair~ hates it. Getting his fingernails clipped~ hates it. Getting his diaper changed~ hates it. Where, oh where, has my sweet, darling Mason gone? He still appears, giving me hugs, kisses, smiles, enough to keep me from losing my mind, apparently. Is this a phase? A sign of worse things to come? I do not know. He once used to calmly sit in his high chair and clear his plate. Now, he looks at every item in disgust and throws it on the floor. I'll admit, I found this humorous at first...... *Sigh*

Unemployed no more!

That's right, I can take myself out of the long unemployment line. Well, it doesn't really work that way anymore, it is all done online, but you catch my drift. I finished my classes on Monday, the 2nd round of CNA (certified nursing assistant) courses through PCC. This round was for Acute care, which is required to work in hospitals in Oregon. The first round would have enabled me to work in long term care aka nursing homes.... no thank you. So, getting back to my point, as I was getting closer to finishing my class, I got all antsy in my pantsy and started applying for jobs. Most hospitals probably rolled their eyes, as I have no experience whatsoever in the medical field. Well, then Legacy Health Systems called. I had applied for a part time position at Good Samaritan (on NW 23rd, no less!), on their surgical unit. The low down is, nobody really wants part time right now, but I do, I do! So, I went in for an interview, and it was AWESOME. I haven't interviewed for a job in, oh, 10 years. Seriously, the mortgage industry is so incestuous, you get a job because of who you know, not your interviewing skills! Needless to say, I was freaking out. Luckily, my friend Steph is a few steps ahead of me and had just gotten hired at OHSU and gave me a few pointers. Not to gloat, but I freaking NAILED it. So, I got the job, all is well, and I am oh so thankful that I don't have to search high and low for a job now!!! Yay!! I have orientation on the 15th.. stay tuned. Many misadventures to follow. Now for varying, part time childcare.........