Red Pepper Zuchini Chicken

I just made the most delicious and healthy dinner, which means I must post the recipe so you can make it this weekend.

My goal in the next 6 months is to combine all of my favorite recipes into a recipe book and sell them with all proceeds going to Colleens Dream.  I'd love to accomplish this by Christmas, but I just don't see it happening.  Stay tuned for further information.  I'm excited for this project and what I can do with it.

Roasted Red Pepper Chicken and Zucchini Noodles

Quick, healthy, easy and oh so tasty.

Ingredients:

	8 ounces Jarred Roasted Red Peppers
	Olive Oil or Avocado Oil 2 ounces soft goat cheese  sea salt ¼ chopped onion 1 clove garlic minced 2 pounds zucchini spiralized or chopped Mushrooms 2 chicken breasts

Directions:

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce:

Combine red peppers, 1 tsp oil, goat cheese and blend in blender until smooth.

Chicken:  Slice chicken breasts  in pieces, cook in pan with oil, salt and pepper.  Set aside.

Zucchini Noodles:

In a pan add spiralized zucchini, onion, garlic, mushrooms, salt and pepper and cook until  soft.

Combine all ingredients and enjoy.

Cancer Update

The Friday before I went to Seattle and while I was out on my morning jog, because it is finally cool enough in the mornings to jog in Phoenix, Dr. Dan called to let me know that I didn't match for the trial.  

He did talk with Dr. P in Boston about different kinds of treatments that I could have.  Dr. P did feel like we should wait on surgery.  However when Dr. Dan was talking to me he felt like I should have surgery and also that I should start on immunotherapy.  Immunotherapy has not been approved by the FDA for treatment in OVC, however they are finding that it is working and it has been approved for 6 other cancers.

Because it isn't approved, we have to jump through some hoops.  They will send it into the insurance company to see if they will approve it.  If it is denied, Dr. Dan will write a letter.  If it is still denied then we will go to the company that makes the drug to see if they will cover the costs or at least some of the cost.  The cost is about 12000 per treatments and I should have it every 2-3 weeks.

Thursday I went to a small town in eastern Idaho to do some naturopathic treatment.  My tailbone pain started up pretty bad after treatment.  I was suppose to have 5 days of treatment, but I had to stop it today because of the pain.  I am mostly in pain when I sit, but the pain is worse when I lay down in any position.  I'm frustrated that I'm not well after 3 years of treatment.  But I still have hope that something, sometime will work.  I can't give up hope or the fight and I won't.

Lessons

My trip to Seattle wasn't what I expected.  I definitely did have some of the expectations that came from it, but not all.  I expected that it was going to probably be the last time I went there in my relationship with HM, but I wasn't expecting to go there to be a detective, which I ended up being.

It's always sad when relationships end, but worse when you lose respect for someone you thought you knew.  I've wondered what it was that I was suppose to learn in this relationship.  HM would tell me often that he was learning so much from dating me.  And even as we said goodbye he reminded me that he had learned so much from me like grace, endurance, faith, etc.  But I kept asking myself what I was suppose to learn from this.  As I've pondered the last week I've realized I have learned a few things.
~Over the past several months I've been repeating the quote by President Hinckley that says, "Be true to who you are and the family name you bear."  Mostly the "Be true to who you are" kept going through my mind.  I realized that I wasn't being true to who I was when I told HM I was ok with him not being of my religion.  I had hope that someday he would see how much my religion means to me and want to know more, even though he always told me he wasn't going to join my church.
~Long distance only works if both are willing to work on it and not just one.
~Trust is a huge factor in every relationship, even if it is only a friendship.
~If you lie, you will always get caught, which is why I always tell the truth.
~I've really never been one for blonds, I'm a tall, dark and handsome kind of girl.
~The biggest lesson I learned was that if someone hurts me, it hurts me even more if I'm mean and try to hurt the other person.  However through this, I've also become more reliant on the Atonement and am so grateful that I can repent of my weaknesses.

An hour before this all went down on our way to the Mariners game, Nick called me.  I told him about HM and that it was ending.  He said the sweetest thing to me, "You will always be the girl who got away."  It definitely gave me the confidence that I needed to patiently and kindly do what I needed to do.

Home Projects

Mom and Dad flew back to Phoenix with me after Labor Day so you know what I did don't you?  One guess, new house/older house means the need for updates.

We got a lot accomplished, but there is still a lot left to do.  We also found the day they were leaving, that I have a major leak at my rose bush.  Grrr.

No joke, we spent at least 24 hours trying to make decisions, going back and forth to the tile shop and home depot.  Seriously we went to Home Depot in just a few day 16 times; because we forgot things or didn't have things because dad doesn't have his tools in AZ.  Thankfully my friends and neighbors had a lot of tools.  I now however am a proud owner of a nail gun and tile cutter; so if you are in phoenix and need to borrow them, you are welcome to them anytime.  It also means I'll have to put dad to work again when he comes in February.

We put backsplash in the kitchen (mom and I actually did most of it and it was easy), bead-board up under the bar and used the cabinets (because they brought the wrong ones) that I asked the cabinet people to pick up at least 5 times since April and didn't, for an entertainment center.  They fit perfectly.  I want to put paneling on the wall of the entertainment center and some shelves, but for now I will have to live with a slightly unfinished entertainment center until dad returns.  I kind of feel bad that I work my parents when they come to visit, but dad actually told me he enjoyed it.

It's The Weekend

It's the weekend, which means tomorrow is Football Saturday (even though BSU has a bye week) I'll still be watching a little here and there.

In 15 minutes my ride will be here to take me to the airport yet again.  I'm off to Seattle this weekend to visit HM and Aubrey.  I think things will be rather low key while I'm there.  I'm excited for the rain and cooler temperatures that are predicted.  I'm looking forward to a run in the rain.  There is an awesome trail near HM's home that is peaceful and beautiful.  I hope to frequent it daily.

I'm planning on doing some cooking while I'm in Seattle.  I like to go out to dinner and try new restaurants, but I also like to cook and know exactly what I'm eating.  Hopefully HM likes lemon chicken, because my mouth has been watering for it.

Hope you have some fun and relaxing things planned this weekend.

Shout out to my sister Tenielle whose 38 Birthday is today!  I love this picture.  It was 5 weeks before I was diagnosed with OVC.  No worries of cancer only good times watching some bull riding.

Things I'm Totally Into These Days

With the calender telling us it's actually almost Fall in many parts of the country, even though we are still in middle of Summer in Phoenix, I'm feeling a little Fall creep into my fashion for when I travel north in the coming weeks.  However, I'm still holding on to Summer in my heart of hearts and actually living in Phoenix we have no choice but to enjoy 100 degree's in September, even though I'm only here 11 days this month.  With that said, I'm totally into many things both of which have significance of Summer and Fall.  So without further ado, here are a few of those things...

~Flannel shirts or at least plaid shirts that look like flannel, because we all know we won't be wearing flannel anytime soon in Phoenix.
~Voluminous Butterfly Mascara for my bottom lashes.  It makes them stand out and the fine brush doesn't get on my lids.
~Wunderbrow 1-step brow gel.  Since losing my hair to cancer, my eyebrows and eyelashes have never been the same, but with the help of color, they are back.  I love this because it stays on for a few days.
~Ombre Lip Liner from NYX, this is awesome for those days that you want a little color on your lips, but you want to have the neutral look.
~Ballcaps on College Football Saturdays.
~Room Fragrances which I got in Pouslbo for my Scentsy burner.  My house smells so fallish.
~Warn looking, ripped jeans, never thought I'd go for this style, but I like it.
~Tieks, I actually don't have a pair, because I can't seem to let myself spend $200 dollars on a pair of flats (short people don't even like flats), but I love all of the colors and pictures I see on instagram.  Maybe one day I'll give in.
~Speaking of instagram, I love it!  It's so fun to see pictures of my nieces and nephews and friends. I also like it that I can journal my life through pictures.
~Bremuda.  Nope I've never been there, but one day this past Spring I started following Bremuda on instagram and now I see a picture every day of the blue water and it makes me want to vacation there.
~I'm getting supper syked for my conference in Austin in October.  I've been pinteresting all of the fun facts and places that I'm going to have to visit when HM and I go for our little getaway. So much to do in such a little time.
~And speaking of Texs, I'm totally into jean dresses, my short jean skirt, jean shirts, and cowboy boots.
~One day last month I was on the stair stepper at the gym watching the Pioneer Woman.  She made this Mexican Pasta Salad.  It made me start salivating right there at the gym.  Of course I hurried home after sweating my brains out and made this to take to the Sondrups for our after pool party dinner.  I seriously can't get enough of this salad.  It is easy, quick and lasts for days (if your one person), otherwise it will be gone in minutes if your feeding a crowd.  Definitely my new go to salad for the future.

•  FOR THE SALAD:
• 1 pound Elbow Macaroni, Cooked To Package Instructions, Drained, And Rinsed With Cold Water
• 2 ears Fresh Corn, Husks And Silks Removed (I just used frozen corn)
• 1 can (15 Oz. Size) Black Beans, Drained And Rinsed
• 1/2 cup Chopped Black Olives
• 6 whole Roma Tomatoes (or 2 Large Tomatoes), Chopped
• 3 whole Green Onions, Sliced Thin
• 1/2 whole Red Onions, Finely Diced
•  Chopped Cilantro (optional) You know I don't use this
• Of course I have to add something to this, I love a red, orange or yellow pepper.
•  FOR THE DRESSING:
• 1 cup Jarred Salsa 
• 1 cup Light Sour Cream
• 1/4 cup Mayonnaise (of course I use olive oil mayo)
• 1 clove Garlic, Minced Or Pressed
• 1/2 teaspoon Cumin
•  Salt And Pepper, to taste
• 2 Limes, Juiced

INSTRUCTIONS

Grill the corn on a grill pan, or just place it in a hot skillet to brown some of the kernels. Remove from pan, allow to cool slightly, then use a sharp knife to cut the kernels off the cob.

Combine all the dressing ingredients in a bowl and stir until combined.

Place the macaroni, corn, beans, olives, tomatoes, green onions, red onion, and cilantro (if using) in a large bowl. Pour 3/4 of the dressing over the top and gently toss until all the ingredients are coated. Add the final 1/4 of the dressing if you think it needs it. Cover and allow salad to chill for 2 hours.

Garnish with cilantro, lime wedge, and any other extra ingredients you have!

Be A Bucket Filler

Today in Young Womens the person giving the lesson talked about being a bucket filler.  I loved this idea.  The lesson was on what comes out of our mouths; is it nice or unkind, gossip, not taking the Lords name in vain and standing up when others use foul language.

What does it mean to be a bucket filler?  Constantly be on the lookout to find ways to fill other people's buckets with positive thoughts instead of negative ones and serving others.  I've found in my life that it is so important to find the good, accentuate the positive.

I'm going to work really hard at being a bucket filler.  I don't know about you, but I know that when someone fills my bucket  I'm happier and it makes me want to turn around and fill someone else's bucket.  So there you go, go out and build someone else up by being a bucket filler!

End of Idaho Summer

I love this, even though it is still summer here in Phoenix, as in it was over 100 today.

It's always sad to me when the kids go back to school and everyone thinks Summer is over when it really isn't.  I returned to Nampa the day the kids went back to school August 22 (Aidree started school this week and Bridget starts next week).

I was so glad that after school they came over to swim, have family home evening and to tell us all about their first day of school.  Grandma even made cupcakes with MM's to resemble color crayons.

These kids are too cute.  Graham and Carter facetimed for the first time.  Little do they know in a few years they are going to be the best of friends.

One afternoon I spent a few hours with my friend Kayla who went to Haiti in February, because remember I was going to go? She went even though I had to pull out.  I so much enjoyed listening to her stories about Haiti and the medical mission.  She is going again in November and wants me to come along, but that will depend on my health and what happens in the coming months.

My cousin Chandler returned home from his 2 year mission to Tucson last month and gave his mission report when I was home.  It was super fun to see many of our family members at church.

Girl Cousins are the best.  Oldest is 43, Youngest is 8.

 It was a great surprise to run into my childhood friend Mark.

I had a lovely lunch with Kaycee and Alisha and got to see this cute boy.

I had the biopsy for the clinical trial.  They went through my left buttock.  I had a hard time coming out of the sedation, which I always do.  I was sore and tired the first day, but healed up rather quickly.  It is always a fun surprise when a handsome man sends you flowers, especially when you have to get stuck in the butt.

I love canning.  Seriously I do.  There is something lovely about fruit in jars and hearing the pop of the lids when they are ready.  I also love dried fruit and having it for the Winter months.  We canned peaches and pear sauce and dried pears and peaches while I was home.  Mom made several fresh peach pies, which were out of this world delicious.

Last weekend we spent in SLC to visit some of my siblings.  Saturday we went to Swiss days where we also had to stop off at Grannies Drive-Inn for an almond joy shake.  I haven't been to either for 3 years.  Oh, how things have changed in 3 years.

I'm still kind of sad about not going to MVY this year, but at least I get beautiful pictures from there daily.

My favorite season is upon us, that's right my friends it's football season!  4 months of weekends full of football games!  I don't even really care who is playing, I just love the sport.  Of course I am partial to BSU and always will be, but I also like Utah, BYU, Texas AM, Clemson and Alabama to name a few.  I spent several hours watching some pretty intense football games this past weekend, including the BYU/UOA game in which BYU won in the final 4 seconds. And tomorrow Utah plays BYU.  I can't tell you which team I hope wins, but whichever one wins is the one I'll be rooting for.

Sunday my friend Jenny and her husband came to visit and then my friends from grad school came over.  It is always fun to sit and chat for hours with these friends.  It's crazy to think we have been practicing medicine for 12 years.

Labor Day we went on an awesome hike.  Oh, how I miss hiking.  I can't wait until it cools down in Phoenix so I can go hiking more often.

That evening I went to my friends the McConkies.  Shelley, her 6 kids and I went to their local you pick farm and picked produce which we then turned into our dinner.  The watermelon and tomato's were delicious.

And the most exciting...my sister Tenielle got engaged.  We spent several hours on Friday and Saturday dress shopping for not only Tenielle but also Tanner's finance Kayla.  Thankfully Kayla found a dress, because they are getting married in only 1 month.  Tenielle's wedding date is set for December 16.  Holidays this year, will be a little different for sure.

Mom and Dad came home to Phoenix with me on Tuesday.

I worked the past few days and I've put dad to work.  There are several projects going on here.  Hopefully come Tuesday when my parents leave, they will all be completed and I will feel that my house is finally complete.