So it just happened. Something I've been hoping would happen over the last six years of marriage as it pertains to cooking. I remember being newly married and really bad at the whole planning meals thing/ figuring out how to budget for groceries/ how to use everything in the refrigerator before it goes bad (mostly). My mom is so great at all that stuff. A large part of is due to her having a large repertoire of meals to choose from; she knows the exact ingredients off the top of her head! I remember praying, "God I want that! I want to not have to look in the cookbook for meals all seven days of the week!" Don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed the process, and I hope to keep trying new things. But, wow, what a relief this last month as I've been planning meals, to just pick my favorites to fill most of the week, and then add in one or two new ones! So, just in case you were wondering, here are a list of our favorites, taste-tested by the best, Josiah.

• Pizza, I've finally given up making my own dough, I just use Pillsbury.
• Lasagna, I still have the little sticky note from Renee in my cookbook  that says something like, noodles, cheese stuff, meat stuff, repeat! I love it!
• Enchiladas--Have you tried the Betty Crocker recipe?! It's delicious!
• Quesadillas--This is a finely tuned skill. It has been taste tested on many, and is by far my favorite meal. I can smell the onions and peppers sauteing now! It's also great because you can get your guests involved in the process.
• Pot Roast, passed down from my mom, with extra carrots, please!
• Pulled Beef BBQ--cook a pot roast all day in a slow cooker with sauce, peppers and onions, and serve with cole slaw.
• Spaghetti and Salad--I learned to appreciate salad with meals from the McCaffrey's. 
• Salads as Meal--I never tried this myself before I went to Panera Bread, and I can also credit Renee for introducing me to an "Asian Salad" with a tangy salad dressing, and salty "crunchies".
• Fish, mostly frozen tilapia because it's very affordable. I didn't really touch fish AT ALL until last year at candidate orientation, we had this fabulous chef who sat with Josiah, Elizabeth and I at most meals. Everything he made was so good! So I even tried the fish, and thanks to him, we now eat fish about once a week. (Josiah can't wait to thank him this year!) We have fried it, but our favorite way to eat it is baked in parchment paper with herbs.
• Pad Thai, well, our own version of it anyway. The Sharo's introduced us to Thai food, and we are very grateful! Our favorite Thai meal is pad see'ew. Next time your in Allentown, check out our favorite special treat, The White Orchid.
• Stir Fry--I'm proud to report that Josiah doesn't remember having stir-fry before marrying me, and I'm glad to introduce this Colein tradition to his life. My grandfather taught my sister Tabitha how to make it (he taught me how to make burgers!). The winter edition of Wegman's menu mailer re-inspired me to try this very versatile dish. 
• Meatballs and Rice--My favorite from my mom. My brothers and sisters always groan when I come and she makes "my favorite meal" over and over. =)
• Oatmeal Griddle Cakes--a healthier pancake, passed down from Mom Ritchie.
• Last but not least, burgers and fries. I like this meal because Josiah mostly makes it. Being a former McDonald's employee, he is very particular about his fries. 

I could go on and on,with soups and chilis and salads and I love that! Our favorite desserts include banana bread, strawberry/blueberry smoothies, and chocolate chip cookies.

I feel so blessed to be able to try different foods and enjoy the great variety God has given us on this earth. I also am extremely grateful for a family who is willing to love me through the learning process, and a loving heavenly Father who answers even the smallest prayers.

**I will attempt over the next few weeks to post as many of these recipes as possible for anyone interested.