Lake Ahquabi

Having such a great time here in Iowa. 

It's so good to spend time with family before we leave U.S in couple of weeks.

We got here wednesday, got to sleep in and relax a bit.

But, the next day we decided to get out of the house and get some fresh air.

It was a beautiful day.

Lake ahquabi has camping sites.

I would want to go camping here someday!

We went for a walk and stopped by at the playground for a little bit.

Little man had a great time.

..And me, of course!

Treats!!!

Roadtrip to Iowa

It was so sad leaving Goldsboro.

Going to miss our house, friends. everything.

But, I am ready for a new chapter.

New adventures.

I am excited.

Let the adventure begins!

We left Goldsboro around 6 am.

We are going to a 19 hour roadtrip.

2 days, 19 hours drive to Iowa.

There's no way we can do 19 hours drive straight especially

with the kids so we had to do it for 2 days. 

The first 4 hours of the trip was quiet.

started to get uncomfortable but it was okay.

My face seeing the sunrise.

The traffic was bad it took us a while to leave North Carolina.

My favorite view every time we go to Iowa.

The mountains in West Virginia.

We got to OHIO after lunch.

We only had to stop 3 times on our first day of travelling.

I think that is good, especially with having kids with us.

Feel so bad though because the kids were getting so tired from sitting down.

Well, I was too!

I recommend having a lot of entertainment for the kids.

Books, Activity books, Learning toys.

..And lots of snacks!

ohh. make sure they are not drinking a lot the whole time. 

 After 12 hours of driving we decided to stop and find somewhere to stay.

We ended up finding place to stay in Indiana.

I wanted to sleep in the most comfortable bed ever.

I'm glad we decided to stay in Holiday Inn.

We got the 2 bed room.

It was really clean. 

My boys did so good on our 1st day. 

I'm so proud.

All I did all day was snacking. 

I decided to just have some salad since I'm craving for some greens.

This chicken salad were so good.

We decided to sleep in a little bit the next day.

I slept so good!

But, first...

Coffee!

Before leaving we decided to walk around the hotel.

They have indoor pool and gym.

I wish we could stay longer.

But, we have to keep going.

We only had 6 hours of driving left. 

It was actually so much better than yesterday.

Still so sore from sitting down all day.

But. I feel better.

Still just snacking on our drive to Iowa.

I didn't want to eat something big.

Water and some snacks and I'll be okay.

Found these interesting snack at the Asian store the other day.

It was really interesting.

I like it!

Made it to Iowa around 2 pm.

Finally!

Now, time to just relax.

I cannot wait to do some stretching tomorrow.

xo

Goodbye Goldsboro.

Saying goodbye to the house we called home

for 6 years..

Goodbye Goldsboro, North Carolina.

You've been awesome.

Making a big life change is scary.

Making a big life change is scary.
But, know what's even scarier?

Regret.

Moving day and Going away party.

Our weekend has been the most eventful weekend ever. 

It's getting real.

We are leaving!

I am getting sad, but so excited for our new chapter. 

New adventures. 

I am ready. 

We are moving to Italy!!!

I still can't believe it every time I say it. 

But, It think its really going to happen.

Friday, the movers got here to get all of our stuff to ship to Italy. 

A very long day. 

Very long day of just watching them do their job since we can't help them.

Had to do a lot of organizing so its easier for them to pack

our stuff. 

I'm a little OCD..

well not little. 

Knowing that we are not allowed to help freaks me out!

All I can do is just hope for the best.

that they packed our stuff good.

I think they did a good job.

They are so careful with our stuff.

The next day, We had our going away party. 

It's more for my husband since all of his friends/co-workers were there.

But, I invited some of my friends too.

It was a great night.

So good to see everyone for the last time.

Will miss this lady so much!

I hope I get to see her again.

It was so nice of them to give us present.

It's more for our travelling.

Some plane activities for the little man and chocolate for me!

Yes, chocolate! :)

I'm so glad that even though I was quite busy, I got to make Lumpia.

It's everybody's favorite!

Great night. 

A week left. 

Time to just relax, do more packing and get ready for our roadtrip!

Have a good week. 

xo

Let the countdown begin..

It has been 5 years and 4 months when I got here.
I can't believe how fast the time went by. 
Now, We are getting ready for our new adventure. 

I am ready. 

Beef Stroganoff

Even though I have been so busy these days. 

Cooking still always relaxes me. 

Made this delicious dish for hubby.

Probably the last time I'll be cooking in this house. 

I don't know when is the next time I'll be able to cook in my own kitchen!

But. It probably won't be too long. 

Anyways, this dish is so easy I don't think you can mess it up!

So easy and so delicious!

Let me know what you think!

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 8 oz crimini mushrooms, sliced
• salt and pepper
• ½ cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 4 cups low sodium beef broth
• 8 oz dry rotini
• ½ cup sour cream
• fresh parsley, for serving

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium heat in a pot or large skillet. Add the mushrooms and cook until they are tender, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from the pot into a bowl and set aside.
2. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in the same pot. Add the onion, season with salt and pepper, and cook until translucent, 4-5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, 30-60 seconds. Add the ground beef and continue to cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon as it cooks, until it is browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle the paprika over the top and stir to combine.
3. Pour in the beef broth and the pasta. Bring to a light boil then cover the pot. Continue to cook, stirring often, until the pasta is al dente, 17-20 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the mushrooms and sour cream.
4. Serve topped with fresh parsley.

Enjoy!

xo

-Jen

Hand Print Ornaments

Hello everyone!

Remember when I made Hand print Ornaments for my Kurty? 

( Kurt's Hand print Ornaments )

I decided to do it for Kameron.

I know its a bit early, I'm just not really sure if I'll be able to make

it before Christmas so I'd rather do it early than not at all.

I didn't do anything different with how to make it,

Just salt, dough, water. ( Instructions here )

I want to make Homemade Christmas Ornaments every year.

So we can put something new on our Christmas tree every year.  

Hopefully we will be settled in before Christmas.

Maybe we can make some.

I'm so glad we got to make these.

Definitely challenging with little one's hand but its fun!

I highly recommend it for your little one!

I bet they will love it when they see it in the future.

Anyways, the packing has started. 

It  has been so busy this week. 

But, I'm not complaining.

I'm so excited. 

...And I'm so excited to share with you all everything. 

I'm ready for our new chapter!

Have a good day!!

xo

Accept and trust, everything will be okay

"Sometimes you just need 
to take a step back
and take a deep breath.
Things will not always go as planned 
but that's how life is: 
A constant flow of change. 
Accept and trust, everything will be okay."