Unending Joy: In The Kitchen

Lately I have been oddly motivated to try new recipes and get myself in the kitchen more. Cooking has never been my thing. I feel uncomfortable when cooking, especially when trying new dishes. I actually get anxious! Crazy. Actually, not that crazy, for me :)

But I have made a goal for myself...try a new recipe (main or side dish) once every 2 weeks. I've succeeded so far! Last week I made bacon-wrapped green beans, homemade chili and lasagna from scratch! And it all passed the taste test :)

It's soooo nice to be back home and have a weekend with nothing planned. And by nothing planned I really mean: swimming with friends, church, carnival, dog show and home team :)

We are REALLY loving being at home.

Every day is still a struggle with my anxiety. I physically feel it off and on and it wears. me. out. Good news: Monday (hopefully) will be the end of health issues for me. And pain!!! I get my new mouth guard. I cannot express just how exhausted I am from this ongoing pain. I am so ready to move on from this. Anyway, I think when I don't have to battle pain on a daily basis, my anxiety will decrease a bit. I am hitting the gym 4x/week, which helps a lot. Also, I have for force myself (why? who knows) to relax more when Orien naps. I am so programmed to GO GO GO that I don't naturally think 'Hm, I should sit down and read or jump in the pool or (OMG) take a nap!' So I'm working on that one currently...

as you can see here...

Brett and I went on a date last week with Aaron & Andy. We make it a priority to go on a date twice a month and it works WONDERS for us. Even if we don't have much to talk about :) It's simply refreshing to just sit and eat. I am incredibly thankful for our family and friends who regularly babysit for us. You are SOOOO appreciated!