Semper Fi...

Just a few pictures from Ave Maria University's Marine Gala 2010. For those who don't know, this event raises awareness and funds for the university's military scholarship, of which Andrew is a grateful recipent! This year it took place on February 27 at the Ritz Carlton in Naples. Delicious drinks, appetizers, and food! There were also some inspiring and faith-filled talks given by generals.

(Thanks for contributing to my birthday gift, Mom, Laura, Catherine and Chris!)

Birthday Cheer

The week of my birthday was extremely busy for me, but we managed to squeeze in some celebratory time, including a little surprise party from hubby, which I came home to the evening of my birthday. Thanks for the cake, Christine!



We were matching (upside down)!




Then this Sunday evening, Christa and I went out to celebrate our birthdays (Feb. 23 & 24) with a few friends. Thanks for treating me, Rose!!


The birthday girls

Great group of ladies

A brief respite

This past Saturday hubby pulled me away from my work and studies for a few hours. We accomplished some errands then went for a walk on the beach. Ben met up with us for a delicious dinner at a traditional Greek cafe and a round of minature golf. A lovely and much-needed breather for me!


The peaceful, beautiful ocean reminded me of St. Catherine of Sienna's words that I read for class this past week: "You, eternal Trinity, are the craftsman; and I your handiwork have come to know that you are in love with the beauty of what you have made, since you made of me a new creation in the blood of your Son. O abyss! O eternal Godhead! O deep sea! What more could you have given me than the gift of your very self?"

Coming soon...

(Props to Christa McMahon for helping us design our poster and program!)

Knead bread?

Since a few people have asked for this particular recipe, I decided to document the next time I made my rosemary onion focaccia bread. We attended a dinner party tonight, and I was happy to contribute bread, so I spent this afternoon alternating between baking and making Valentines while the dough was rising. :)

Rosemary Focaccia Bread

1 1/2 tsp. active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water
2 tsps. honey
1/2 cup chopped onion
3 tbsps. olive oil, divided
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. plus 2 tsps. minced fresh rosemary, divided
3-4 cups all-purpose flour (I substitute at least 1 cup with whole wheat flour)
1/2 tsp. kosher salt

In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Stir in honey and let stand for 5 minutes. Saute onion in 1 tbsp. olive oil until tender and add to yeast mixture. Add the salt, 1 tbsp. rosemary, 1 cup flour and 1 tbsp. oil; beat until smooth. Stir in enough flour to form a soft dough.
Turn onto lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in greased bowl, turning once to coat top. Cover and let rise (preferably in a warm place) until doubled, about 40 minutes.
Divide dough in half and pat each portion into a 9 inch circle. Place on a greased baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 35 minutes.
Brush with remaining oil, sprinkle with kosher salt and remaining rosemary. Bake at 375 for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire racks.

Mixin' it all up

I LOVE the smell of fresh herbs! Can't wait to have my own garden.

Hubby is always excited to have homemade bread.

Kneading away


Ready to bake...

Fresh out of the oven!

Cajun Cookin'

Following our brief stop in New Orleans, LA, this past December (on New Year's Eve = a little crazy, but delicious food nonetheless) I have been anxiously waiting to try my hand at some Creole/Cajun cooking. I am very fond of spicy foods, but Andrew always reminds me to keep moderation-of-spice in mind, so he can actually enjoy the food. :) Tonight this gumbo piqued my palate. The gumbo was quite good (I substituted shrimp for the chicken), but turned out to have a little too much liquid (which I drained), so I might make a thicker roux next time and add more vegetables. And I did have to add extra pepper and another teaspoon and 1/2 of the Creole seasoning, to give it more kick. :) I served the gumbo over rice, with cornbread and sauteed spinach. This vegetable has been my absolute favorite as of late; I simply saute fresh, organic spinach in a little olive oil, with minced garlic, salt and pepper for about 1 minute until the color darkens, and voila! So fresh and healthy. The cooler, rainy weather we have been having spurs me on to experiment with "soupish" concoctions, so stay tuned for more recipes!

Perfect Love

Can we ever give enough of ourselves in the manner of Christ, whose most perfect example of love we are privileged to know and emulate? Usually not, for He went to the length of laying down His life for mankind in obedience to the Father, while many of us are called to die in a far less drastic manner; in a service of love to the other, be it spouse, relative, friend, or sometimes stranger. Even so, we find it a struggle to relinquish our selfish desires, ideals, injured feelings, petty emotions, ect. when it would cause the happiness or comfort of another. Or if we muster the will to accomplish this much, we still struggle with acting in total unselfishness, with a joyful heart and countenance; thus, we are not giving our true and best effort, and the act still lacks perfect love. Today's Scripture readings affirm this - if we do not have perfect love, we gain nothing. Perfect love "is not jealous...it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury...It bears all things...and never fails" (Corinthians 13:4-8). Seemingly a small order, but the weakness and selfishness of human nature often prevails, and we act as though burdened with a chore. It is essential to always keep our gaze on Christ on the cross - an image that I like to refer to as the perfect "textbook" for marriage, by the way, (...active hormones or not! Isn't the merit greater when the struggle is greater? :) Christ did not bemoan His calling, but embraced every instant of joy, sacrifice, and suffering with the entirety of His faculties and being - out of perfect love. Can we not serve God and those we love with at least a fraction of this perfect love?