Great Lakes galore.

Yeah, well September is over. When did that happen?

So, you know how I said I hate running? Well, that's still true, but now I run anyway. And my lungs burn and my legs are always sore, but I feel so much better about myself. I guess exercising does that to a person. And Jared is the bomb for running with me and pushing me to run farther and faster (he doesn't even break a sweat!). 

We had like, 2 weeks of straight sunshine at the end of September. It was glorious. And it was the longest amount of time without rain in Michigan in like, 5 years. And now we're back to weird, unpredictable Michigan weather. Except colder. Raise your hand if you're excited for winter. Oh right, no one is. 

September was a pretty good month, you know? It was still warm enough to play, but not too humid (thank heavens). So we snuck (which is totally recognized as a real word) in some last minute trips to a few of the Great Lakes. First up, Lake Huron.

The water had this beautiful white-ish, ocean-like look to it. It was dreamy. But, the beach was full of rocks and we had to wear sandals the whole time. And there was no one else the - hence the selfie. We also played foot golf that day, which is exactly what it sounds like - golf with a soccer ball and your feet. It was... fun. 

The next weekend, we went to Lake Michigan! It didn't have the same ocean-like look as Lake Huron, but the water was so clear! Like, you could see your feet the whole time. I don't think I've even been in water that clear. And the sand. It squeaked! It was so smooth. We even brought some home. 

Did you know you can rent a jet ski in Michigan, ride for 3 hours across Lake Michigan and end up in Chicago? Well, we have now seen 4 out of the 5 great lakes (one time we drove past Lake Ontario on our way to Niagara Falls - it's the only one not in Michigan, and we won't be heading back that direction, so we're counting it). 

Now let's talk about General Conference, because I'm so excited for it. I think it means a lot more to me now that I don't live in Utah. It is something I definitely took for granted for most of my life. And if I come away with nothing from this Michigan adventure except a love of General Conference, and the things I am able to learn because of that, then that's okay.

Alright kids, lots of love your way from The Great White North. 

Wake me up when September ends.

A little Green Day, anyone?

As of yesterday, Jared and I have been married for 8 months. You might be asking yourself where the time has gone. And so am I. And also the summer? Can I get a holla? Because it's basically fall. Guess who loves fall? This girl. mostly because of the whole sweaters and boots get up. And word on the street is Michigan is beautiful in the fall. Which like, Michigan has more trees than any place on the entire planet, so of course it will be beautiful in the fall. The point of all this is that I have the best husband in the world (he does the dishes every night!), and I am so blessed that I get to be with him forever. Well, enough rambling about that, now I'm going to ramble about:

RUNNING.

Because I went running today for the first time in who knows how long. Anyone want to guess how far I went? I hope you are not thinking too highly of me in this department. I went a whopping 0.60 miles! And it took me 10 minutes. Have I ever mentioned how much I hate running? But, that's what it takes to get in shape. I'm hoping to make it to 0.70 miles by next week. hah.

Okay, guys. I last left you at Niagara Falls. Can I just say really quick how awesome Jared is at planning cool things for us to do? He is so cool. I don't even know why he likes me. Last weekend we went to a freaking NFL game. Yeah. We saw the Lions. Want to know the best part? The tickets were $3 a piece. (it was preseason). The stadium didn't allow big purses (what?), but we didn't know that and therefore had a huge bag full of candy. They made us walk allllll the way back to our car to put my purse away. The moral of this story: if you are going to a game at Ford Field, don't take a big purse.

(PS: I figured out how to make all my pictures huge!)

Next on the list: Jeffica! Jeffrey R. Holland, Jefferson, Jeff came to see us! He came all the way to Detroit just to see us! Didn't you, Jeff? Just kidding. He was on a business trip. But we still got to play with him (it almost make up for the fact that he didn't come to our wedding because he was "sick"). We spent a lovely Saturday afternoon playing disc golf at Willow Metropark. Which is like golf but with Frisbees. I got a blister. And gave up by the 10th hole (basket?). But it was fun!

You've never seen so many trees, have you?

The disc golf course was in a forest. with tons of bugs. 

 Jeff!

Sorry I'm so wordy.

On Labor day we went to this cool Polish Festival in Hamtramck, which is like this little Polish community in Detroit. We watched some weird Yacht races (people run down the street pushing pushcarts while the audience throws water balloons and stuff at them), and ate lots of yummy polish food. Jared said Hamtramck reminded him a ton of Poland.

What a hottie.

We spent the rest of the day at the Lake Erie Metropark - which we wrongly assumed would have a beach (it's on Lake Erie for heaven sake). We went on a cool little nature trail and didn't see ANY wild life. But it was still beautiful.

So there you have it. You are all super cool and we love you.

Our life in the middle of Detroit... Metro

Guys. I live 1,800 miles away from pretty much everyone I know (Utah, I'm talking to you). And obviously, you are all wondering what Jared and I are up to in the Great Green (for now - I give it 2 months) North. At least, I like to pretend you are. Ahh, the beauty of the internet! Because I have decided to keep people (family? You guys care, right?) updated about our little adventure here on 8 Mile Road just north of 8 Mile Road (don't worry, Grandma, we're in a good neighborhood).

So. Jared works for Williams International designing/testing jet engines. It is such a great job for him, and he learning so much. It also provides well enough for our family that I have been able to... not work. Be lazy? Do lots of crafts? Research house plants? Find a job I love. Which I thought I had done back in May. I interviewed and got a job at a Montessori preschool/daycare, and like, that's my scene, you know? Love me some little kids. Anyway, things haven't exactly worked out with that. They job they were hiring for was different then the job I thought they were advertising for, so after (haha) 3 months, we are going our separate ways. But not to worry! I'm working on finding a new job, and already have a pretty promising lead. In the mean time, I will spend my days watching HGTV and dreaming about hanging drywall.

Don't you worry, Detroit's not working us so hard we don't play. In fact, we probably play harder than we work. Just kidding. Guys, Jared is the hardest worker I know. And the hardest player. In the 8 months we have been here we have:

Visited 3 out of 13 Metroparks (go us!)
Taken 2 day trips to Ohio (no, not to see Elder Hancey)
Taken a fencing lesson
Taken a tango lesson
Seen a movie in the Redford Theater
Spent countless days at the beach
Gone to 2 different county fairs and a demolition derby
Bought a couch!
Adopted 2 houseplants named Kevin and Romeo.
Roller bladed 16+ miles
Gone on 2 different canoe trips
Gone to a National Hockey League game (go Red Wings!)
Gone to a Major League Baseball game (go Tigers!)
Seen one of the Detroit Pistons at Ihop.
Only replaced one tire... so far (fun fact: Michigan is the least funded state in the country as far as roads go).
Played outdoor shuffle board
Bowled at the oldest functioning bowling alley in the country.
Eaten 2 coney dogs
Visited Greenfield Village.

Okay, honestly, that list could go on and on. To say we are having the time of our lives would be an understatement. Michigan is beautiful! And there is so much to do! Most recently, we took a day trip to Niagara Falls. A day trip! We drove through Canada because that way was way faster. It was a pretty rainy day, but the falls were still beautiful! We even got to do the Hornblower (the boat that goes right up under Niagara Falls - like Maid of the Mist except the Canadian version). It was an incredible trip.

Standing in front of American Falls

                                                                     

Poncho Selfie

American Falls

Niagara Falls

So there you have it. Also, sorry about the list (I love lists). I'm going to try super hard to keep this bad boy updated, so hopefully there won't be more lists in our future together.

Sharing is Caring

You guys. I'm terrified of extreme weather. Like, curl-up-in-a-ball-and-hide-in-my-closet-during-heavy-rain-storms terrified. Also, tornado's. I can't even believe how terrifying tornado's are (which I've never had to worry about before (Jared tells me I still have nothing to worry about because Michigan doesn't get tornado's)). If it's the least bit windy, I jump straight to tornado's. It's ridiculous. 

On another note: I went to the dentist yesterday. Because I kept having dreams about my teeth, and they freaked me out so much that I had to go to the dentist (I'm not even kidding). For my whole life I went to the same dentist, and now that I live 1,800 miles away from him, I had to find a new one. It was weird. And they were VERY thorough. They poked and prodded and cleaned for almost 2 hours. And I didn't even have any cavities. Also, their office is in the mall. In the Sears at the mall, to be precise. So there's a fun story about my teeth for you. 

I think I want to share some recipes with all you lovely folks. I sometimes have a hard time turning to pinterest for recipes. Like, I don't really trust it. But sometimes, you have cooked everything in every cookbook you own, and you have no other choice. So, here are a few pinterest recipes Jared and I have tried and LOVE. You read that right. They are delicious. Every single one of 'em.

Spicy Sausage Pasta

1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb smoked sausage
1.5 cups diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 (10 oz) can Ro-Tel tomatoes and green chiles, Mild
1/2 cup heavy cream
8 oz penne pasta
1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper, each
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1/3 cup thinly sliced scallions

1. Add olive oil to an oven-safe skillet over medium high heat until just smoking. Add sausage and onions and cook until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

2. Add broth, tomatoes, cream, pasta, salt and pepper and stir. Bring to a boil, cover skillet, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until pasta is tender, about 15 minutes.

3. Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1/2 cup cheese. Top with remaining cheese and sprinkle with scallions. Broil until cheese is melted, spotty brown, and bubbly.

Makes 4 servings.

**Jared served and LDS mission in Poland, so we love Kielbasa sausage! If you've never had it, now is the time. This recipe is super easy and super creamy and delicious. The Ro-tel gives it just the right amount of kick. It comes from the fine folks over at Kevin & Amanda.

Up next, we have...

Bacon and Baked Potato Soup

2 6 - 8 - ounces baking potatoes (such as russet or Yukon gold)
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped celery
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 cups half-and-half, light cream or milk
1 1/4 cups shredded American cheese (5 ounces)
1 cup chicken broth
8 slices bacon, crisp-cooked, drained and crumbled
2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onion
1/4 cup dairy sour cream

1. Scrub potatoes with a vegetable brush; pat dry. Prick potatoes with a fork. Bake in a 425 degree F oven for 40 to 60 minutes or until tender; cool. Peel potatoes, if desired. Chop potatoes; set aside.

2. In a heavy large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and celery. Cook and stir about 5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Stir in flour, thyme, salt and pepper. Add half-and-half or milk all at once. Cook and stir for 5 to 6 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Add potatoes, 1 cup of the cheese, and the broth; stir until cheese melts. Slightly mash potatoes with the back of a spoon or a potato masher.

3. For the topping, reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon. Stir the remaining bacon and 1 tablespoon of the green onion into soup. Heat through.

4. To serve, top each serving with reserved bacon, remaining 1/4 cup cheese, green onions and the sour cream. Makes 6 servings (about 1 cup each).

**Who doesn't love bacon and baked potatoes? This soup knocked my socks off. Also, instead of half-and-half, I used mostly milk with just a little bit of light cream. It is so ridiculously creamy. Did I say that about the spicy sausage? Love me some creamy meals. This recipe hails from MidWest Living. They also have the nutritional facts listed over there. 

This next one seems pretty bizzare, but give is shot - it won't disappoint.

Bacon and Corn Griddle Cakes

8 slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/3 cup finely chopped sweet onion
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2/3 cup milk
1 large egg, beaten
1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil
1 cup frozen, canned or fresh corn
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
warm maple syrup, for serving

1. In a medium skillet, cook the bacon pieces until they begin to brown. Add the onion and continue to cook until the bacon is crisp and the onion is softened. Scoop out a heaping tablespoon of the bacon mixture for topping the griddle cakes upon serving- and set it aside.

2. While the bacon is cooking, combine the flour, chives, baking powder, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Stir in the milk, egg and oil, just until moistened. Stir in the bacon mixture, corn and cheese. The mixture will be thick. If you'd like the griddle cakes to be slightly thinner than those pictured, add a little more milk to thin out the batter.

3. Heat and grease a griddle or large skillet. Pour a heaping 1/4-cup of the batter onto the griddle and cook until it is golden brown- 3 to 4 minutes per side. Repeat with the remaining batter.

4. Serve stacks of griddle cakes topped with a sprinkle of the reserved bacon/onion and a good dose of warm maple syrup.

**These are surprisingly delicious. They are definitely different, but oh, so good. We had them for an easy Saturday dinner, but they would make a great lazy Sunday breakfast, too.

Well, I hope I helped a few of you out there plan some dinners, because I know it can be difficult (Jared is a saint when it comes to helping me plan meals).

Okay, I've been sitting on this horrible futon for long enough. Have a lovely daaay.

PS: I moved to Michigan?

That's right folks. Jared got a job in Walled Lake, Michigan as a mechanical engineer with a company called Williams International. They design jet engines. Or something like that. We had 3 blissful weeks together. And now Jared goes to work everyday. And I spend way too much time on Pinterest. However! It paid off. Look at our aDOORable new doormat:

I bought a plain coir mat at Bed Bath & Beyond, taped some stencils down, and went to town with a paint brush and some porch paint. It was super easy. **Update: I added three coats of an outdoor varnish to maybe help the paint last longer - I let it dry after each coat** And I'm so excited about it. Because now our apartment won't be covered in salt. Because it snows so much here, and everyone puts so much salt on the ground. And now people can wipe their shoes off on our handy little doormat before they come inside. I keep talking like people come over to our apartment often. They don't. So far it's been: The Relief Society president and her councilor, and the repair man.

In other news, I've crossed a whole bunch of things off my bucket list. Thanks to that handsome husband of mine. And, I'm becoming quite the cook, thanks to a cookbook my newly acquired sisters-in-law gave me. And there's a blog to match! Their recipes generally take a few ingredients that I don't already have, so some planning ahead is required. But boy! Do they turn out delicious.

Also, we recently took a trip to the Detroit Michigan temple - it was only 30 minutes away! It is the smallest temple I've ever seen. Our bishop told us it's called a parking lot temple. The stake center next door was bigger. But it was beautiful nonetheless. And the spirit was just as strong as it would be at any temple. What did Jared have to say about this tiny little temple? "I could jump and touch the angel Moroni."

We're selfie masters. Because we don't have any friends.

Guys. I have FIVE followers. So here's a shout out to you ;) Alright. Gotta go make lunch. Bagel sandwiches are on the menu.