However, that does not mean I have not been enjoying cooking or eating out. I have had the opportunity to dine out with my guy many times in the past few months. From my birthday dinner of scallops and farro at the now closed North Bay Bar and Grille, to lobster and potato at The Point of Rocks for Valentine's Day to herb roasted chicken and a delectable salad with raspberry vinaigrette dressing and zingy red onions at the new 406 Bar and Grill, to GF/DF pizza at Mackenzie River Pizza Co.....let's just say that my taste buds have been dancing with forgotten flavors, comforting tastes and the joys of sharing a meal with the man I am so blessed to have in my life as my partner, best friend and highly compatible music geek.
I know, I know....you're probably wondering, "Where are all pics of these awesomely good foods?" Well my fellow readers, they are here below, waiting for your eyes to devour them.
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| Birthday scallops and farro with vegetables. |
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| Valentine's Day lobster. |
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| GF/DF pizza with goat cheese, pineapple, pine nuts, basil, red pepper and sliced tomato. |
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| GF/DF pizza with goat cheese, pineapple, pine nuts, green pepper and diced tomato. |
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| House salad with red onions, cherry tomatoes and creamy raspberry vinaigrette. |
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| Herb roasted chicken with cubed baby reds. |
When I moved to Kalispell in July of 2014, I was still broken, anxious to start teaching but hopeful that this new home would bring light and love back into my heart. And you know what? By being patient and waiting on the Lord to guide me to the right church and the right man, I have so much light and love in my heart that somedays I don't know what to do with it! On those days, it's like I can't give enough hugs or say "I love you" or guide my students enough.
Recently, our pastor spoke about breaking the habits of negativity and fear and doubt. And by adapting the habit of being joyful and thankful into my daily life, I had the most amazing week with my kiddos. We sang songs and I was able to teach them about pronouns and verbs, and we wrote information pieces about birds and made Easter chick houses with the oh-so-bad-for-you Peeps and graham crackers and frosting and Cadbury eggs.
For once I finally had the energy I had the energy to prep really neat hands-on lessons and crafts. I found myself putting up my defenses against any negativity and just deflecting those words with an open and joyful heart. And I think my kids noticed the difference. When we worked with fractions and they got to design "fraction kites", a lot of them just shouted at how cool it was and how much fun they were having. I had lots of hugs and love from those kids and it wasn't just because it was our last week week before spring break. A week filled with the remembrance to be joyful and take ACTION in being joyful and finding joy, was an inspiring moment for me and reminder that you will only receive as much as you give and release into the world.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
" Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
And one final note. If ever you are in need of some coconut ice cream filled with childhood memories of eating grandma's chocolate chip cookie dough straight from the bowl, look on further than:
