Resolutions

Oh it's the time of year we make our resolutions for the new year. I have several things I want to improve for the next year. I always say I am going to lose weight so this year I will not resolve to lose weight! I just plan on being healthier.

I am resolving the following:

First and foremost, I resolve this daily not just at the New Year. I want to walk a closer walk with the Lord. I want to study my bible more. This is something I need every day to make it through life.

I plan on being a better wife. Not that I am a bad wife. I just plan on making sure Rob knows every day how wonderful he is and how is such a blessing in my life.

I also resolve to be a better friend. 2009 I hurt two people I love dearly with some of my actions. I want to resolve those issues and hopefully move forward and never again hurt them again.

I also want to kick a couple of bad habits. I was off coke for a while but I want to cut back to one or none a day!

I want to spend less time on my phone via texting, facebook and email! This is a must!

I want to make one new recipe a week. I used to do this but have slacked off. So look for the pictures and recipes to come!

Stay on budget. We usually do really good with this but I want to travel more this year.

FINISH THE BASEMENT!!!!! This will be done by Spring. (I PRAY)

And the one I know I will break is to exercise more. I do fine in the spring and summer but winter I just want to stay in my comfy clothes by the fire and watch movies!


My 20 year reunion is coming soon. I know there is no way I will get my high school figure back. If I did, I would be in the hospital! So just a few pounds or 50 pounds would be great!

I am looking forward to 2010! I know God has a plan and I am excited to see what it will bring!

Happy New Years and stay safe!

Third Annual Christmas Baking Day

For three years now, I have had a baking/candy day with some of my girlfriends in our home. I love it! It is one of my most favorite times during the holidays. We laugh and chat all day! We have chocolate everywhere. There is always one or three batched of the bark scorched. I am learning though. I know the times now that makes the bark perfect in the microwave so I am writing it down in my cooking journal!



I think this year was the best year yet! It was so relaxing and things flowed so well. We had more than enough goodies for everyone to have several tins full of the delightful treats! We made caramel pretzels rods drizzled with chocolate, chocolate covered pretzels, peanut butter ritz dipped in chocolate, sugar cookies, oreo balls, snickerdoodles, thin mints, sugar cookies,chocolate spoons, turtles, and peppermint melt cookies. We had chocolate and peppermint everywhere! I monogrammed aprons for everyone. The aprons turned out to be really needed this year!

Angela and Amy making peanut butter ritz dipped in chocolate. (actually Amy put Brett's call down to take this pic)

Mandy, Shawna, Angela, Wendy, Me, Amy, Amanda with a plate of our creations!

Amanda making snicker doodles!

Shawna and Mandy dipping pretzels in caramel. Nicole, Rebecca, and Amanda making thin mints. Wendy smiling for the pic!
Mandy and Shawna icing sugar cookies!

Life Group Christmas Party

Our Wednesday night life group had our Christmas party at the Walrod's house. Jill made some yummy goodies and an amazing punch! It was such a fun evening. We exchanged white elephant gifts by dirty Santa. Then played catch phrase which was a blast!


Joe and Mandy looking at the lighted picture which makes city noise!
Doug and Angela during catch phrase!
Daniel admiring his school desk book ends!
The wonderful hosts and our dear friends, John and Jill Walrod!
Oh the anticipation of the gift!
Joe and Mandy Nellis, another couple who are dear to us!
Angela and Doug Murphy and Shawna and Daniel Parks.
Yes they are dear and loved by us also!


We are so blessed with this life group! We all are there for each other in the good and bad times.

Christmas Presents

Last year, I went a little over board on Rob's presents. This year we set a limit on the presents! Well I am over it as usual sorta. I am planning on the gifts I went over to be his Stocking stuffer!! I did something extra to day I hope he likes. I can't say what it is at this time but it is something that he will use daily but also remind him of some of our adventures! Just having Rob as my husband has been such a blessing and a great gift from God!

I love this time of the year! I love the lights on the houses, the church looks amazing, the smell of cookies baking, and the tree all decorated. When I see the bright Christmas lights around town, I think of the wise men following the bright star to see the new born Christ baby! Can you imagine the anticipation they felt knowing an angel told them to follow the star. As kids ( and adults) we are excited to open our presents on Christmas morning. It can not compare to what you would feel seeing baby Jesus in the manager.

So when you open your presents this Christmas, remember the best gift given to us! The birth and death of our saviour Jesus! The toys will break, and the other gifts will be forgotten but the one gift that is everlasting is Jesus!

Disappointments

Last week had to be one of the worst weeks! I will not going into details but it was just a really bad week.

As I was struggling to understand things and why bad things happen to people who love God so much, I decided I can not let this hurt my walk with the Lord. I read my bible alot last week. I kept going to Philippians. I kept saying the Lord doesn't promise us to be happy. Joyful in Him, yes but that doesn't mean we will have an easy life. I am trying to stay positive and not become depressed with our sad news. I keep leaning on God and Rob at this point. Rob is such an amazing husband. He takes wonderful care of me. I have been an emotional roller coaster for the last week. God blessed me with him.

So positive things:
It is almost Christmas! Happy birthday Jesus!
I will get to see my family in 9 days!
Rob and I are definitely closer!
Cookie day was very successful this year! Probably my favorite time yet! ( I will post pics and details this week)
Wonderful friends who have been there for us this last week! You know who your good friends when they can cry with you or sit with you at the hospital. I am so thankful for all the love we have received this last week.
Very thankful for our family!
I am thankful for our bosses! Rob's work was very understanding as well as mine! It is good to know when something happens you know you can take care of things and not have to worry about your job!


I will post pics from cookie day and our Christmas tree this week. Rob and I have been trying to go on a date for two weekends but it didn't happen with the problem we had. This Friday night we will go on a date like we did the first time we went out! Mexican dinner and Christmas lights!

Sorry such a vague post! Not ready to disclose the sadness to everyone!

Thanksgiving week

I have been such a slacker lately on posting. It seems time is something I am always lacking.

Well in the Young's world, things are busy! We spent Thanksgiving in Delaware with Rob's sisters family. It was a wonderful trip and very relaxing. I enjoy being with the Beams. They spoiled us!

Rob and I flew into Baltimore the Friday before Thanksgiving. Well you could say Saturday morning. The Beams picked us up late morning. We went to Fort Mchenry! What an amazing place. That is where Francis Scott Key wrote the Star Spangled Banner! It makes think about the battle that was won there!

Next we were off the the harbor for shopping. It was also a time to build up our appetite for seafood that evening. We went to Woody's Crab House! Wow, the crab cakes were scrumptious. We may have to fly into Baltimore every time we go to see them so I can have more crab cakes. We left there ready to pop! It was a delightful day!

Sunday we went to Longwood Gardens! I want to go back in every season to see God's beauty! The conservatory had amazing flower sculptures and flowers everywhere. I can not describe what all there is to see. It is just amazing!

Monday we had the pleasure of having lunch with our niece at her Thanksgiving luncheon at school! Afterwards, Vickie, Danielle and I went to the nail salon. Vic and I had a relaxing pedicure while little Danielle had a manicure!

Tuesday was shopping day! We shopped so much, we had to borrow another suitcase to bring everything home. Wednesday we baked four pies for Thanksgiving dinner and went shopping again with the whole family! For dinner, we went to a great little Italian restaurant. It was the real deal!

Thursday we stuffed ourselves into a turkey coma. Friday the men got up and did the Black Friday specials while us ladies stayed in bed! Then we had to fly home!

It was sad leaving the family! We love them so much and wish we all lived closer!

December is going to be a very busy month!
Next weekend is the third annual Christmas baking day with a few of my friends! It is a day I look forward to all year. So does Rob! He loves the goodies!
Then the following weekend,we will have Christmas with the Youngs and then off to Missouri for a few days!

Just remember during this busy time, the Reason for the Season is Christ! Remember to reflect on His grace, love and mercy! Be patient with your family, friends and the clerks at the mall. When all is said and done, it is all about the little baby born so long ago who would die for our sins. I am so thankful for Jesus! He loves me no matter what! I do not deserve His unconditional love but isn't it amazing!

Grateful

Thanksgiving is in two weeks. We all give thanks for the things we have or the people in our life. This year I am thankful Rob and I can give.

We give monthly to help our Little Naomi in Kenya attend school and to have food. She has clothes and is receiving a Christian education. What a blessing to know we are giving back to the Kingdom!

We support several missions! Rob and I may not be able to live in Africa but we are supporting friends that are doing work for God! We see how lives are changing and accepting Christ!

I challenge you to give yourself, give a bible, give money to help others here in the US or in another country.

A Thanksgiving in my Heart

I am trying a new outlook with a new month. I want to have a Thanksgiving in my heart always.

Here are some things I've been thinking about lately. For those of us who are Christians, we will always be able to give thanks. Following Christ isn't easy, in fact, we are guaranteed that we will suffer in one way or another if we do give our lives to Christ. I know of Christians who have suffered, and who are currently suffering unspeakably horrible things. But as Christians, we really can "give thanks in all things".
Because will never experience the worst.
1. We will never suffer alone.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. Isaiah 43:

This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses. Hebrews 4:15a
For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:52.

2.We will never suffer fruitlessly.
For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 2 Cor. 4:17

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Rom 8:283.

3.Our suffering is temporary.

After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10

Thank you Lord that whatever happens, I will always have something to thank You for!

AMAZING!

Last night, Rob and I saw Wicked! It was incredible! The music was great and the stage was breath taking. Rob was impressed with stage and the lights. I felt like I was in another world and I thoroughly enjoyed it! It was worth every dollar to see!

OCTOBER ALREADY?

I just realized it is October and I have not even posted once!This is what has been going on in the the Young's world.

We went to Sikeston the first weekend of October to see the Mays side! It was a great weekend but way too short. We arrived and it seem we ran the whole time. We enjoyed the parade with family and Jamie was in Miss Cotton Carnival! She didn't win but she sure did look gorgeous. She was competing against girls who had tons of pageant experience. It was only her second pageant.

The second weekend in October we tried to relax a little since we are always on the go! it turned cold this weekend. We had a fire in the fireplace most of the weekend. We did a little shopping and had dinner to celebrate Mandy and John's birthday from our Wednesday night life group! We went over the Nellis after dinner at Jose Peppers and played board games. We love our group!

The third weekend in October we went to the zoo because we love our zoo. Rob bought us season pass so we try to go as much as time allows us. The animals were so active. The lion actually roared where it shook you! He was upset with the female pushing him off his rock to take a nap! The baby giraffe which was born in June and the one born last November are growing up fast! Sunday we worked the Kenya table at church! It was great to talk to others about our trip and what Mary and Wallace are accomplishing in Kenya! Sunday evening Mom and Dad Young came over for dinner. It was nice to visit with them!

Really nothing too excited. We are planning a Halloween party at our house. A little dance social with the gang before the basement is completed. ( well who knows when we will totally complete it)

October is flying by. The trees are changing colors. The winds are turning colder. Winter will be here before we know it. The holidays are approaching. We have purchased two Christmas presents already! I hope to have all our shopping completed by December 1st! I want to enjoy this Christmas season without being rushed. I am also ready for the Third annual Christmas baking day! It is such a fun day with the girls!

Enjoy the fall! It is an amazing time of the year when God paints beautiful colors!

THE ADVENTURES OF CAMPING

This past weekend we went camping with Janel, Phil, and The Parks! We went to Fall River on Saturday since the storms kept us from leaving on Friday night. I think I took close to 100 pictures according to my hubby. I thought I would post a few for your enjoyment.


Janel setting up her tent. This picture is for her mom. When J told her mom she was going camping, her mom busted out laughing.

These Pics are in random order, sorry. We stopped at the Belmount Hotel for lunch on Sunday on the way home. This is the oldest water tower in Kansas.

Fall River was having Rendezvous Days at the other camping ground. We ventured over to see what is going on. The people had tents and were dress how they dressed in the pioneer and trapping days. Very interesting. The gang all together.

The windmill farm outside of Belmount!

Aww Shawna and Daniel but the river down from the dam.

Such a cute couple! Phil and Janel! Didn't I do good fixing them up?!?

Rob would have been a good pioneer man. He is amazing outdoors. He can do anything I have found out! I am sooo blessed with this incredible husband!

Kansas' sunsets are God's blessings. I think He gives us the beautiful sunrises and sunsets to make up for all the winds we have!

I like this pic of our feet! Sorry to share but too bad! LOL

It was a relaxing trip with great friends. I may post more pictures when we have time next week.

Next week's post will be about the Adventures at the Cotton Carnival in my hometown, Jamie's pageant, and fun times with the family!

Challenge you to let someone know how much you appreciate them.

Guess What We Are Doing This Weekend?!

Yelp we are going camping with the Parks! Hopefully it will not rain!

Childhood memories

The smell of fish sandwiches and hamburgers coming from the American Legion stand. the cool crisp air in front of zipper and the roundup. The pageants at center stage. On Saturday morning everyone you know would be downtown to watch the parade which usually lasts 2 hours. Aww, Sikeston Cotton Carnival week is one of my all time favorite things from my childhood.

Even after I moved away, I would come home for the weekend to watch the parade with my family. Every year we would sit in the same place. It would be my dad, my sister and her husband plus their three daughters, my brother and his wife and Molly Claire. Aunt Moz also would come. We would enjoy this time as a family. This year Rob is going to join in the tradition. It will be bitter sweet for me this year. This is the first year I have been without my brother there to aggravate me the entire time!

The Cotton Carnival also has pageants. Little Miss and Mr Cotton Top, Jr Miss Sikeston, Miss Sikeston and Miss Cotton Carnival will be held. Jr Miss is only for Sikeston Public School Freshman and Miss is only for Senior girls that attend Sikeston Sr High School. Miss Cotton Carnival is open to any girl ages15-18 that does not attend Sikeston Public Schools.

I won Miss Sikeston in 1989.(Yes it was a long time ago). I always hoped one of my nieces would be Miss Sikeston. Well 3 of the 4 nieces go to private schools. But this year, Jamie is going to be in Miss Cotton Carnival. I get to go through the nerve wracking moments like my sister did when I was in pageants. Now Sara and I can be stressed out together.

Well while Jamie is on stage looking beautiful, you will sure to find me stuffing my face with a hamburger, funnel cake, and whatever else I can find. I am sure I will post pics when we return!

Things that make me smile....

God's beauty and love!

Waking up in the morning seeing Rob beside me!

Opening up my email in the morning and always having the Jenn updates and emailing my girlfriends funny life things that happens every day it seems.

The smell in the air when fall is approaching and the leaves starting to change.

Kansas' sunsets.

Receiving text messages from my nieces and phone calls and them saying I love you even if their friends are around! No matter how much they try to grow up on my, they are still my little sweet peas.

My 10 am text from Rob! He is amazing man.

Talking with Aunt Moz every day even when we have nothing really to say.

Cooking for people. Its my way to say I care. I think its my only talent!

Completing projects!

Angela's status updates on facebook!

Greeting Rob at the door when he comes home from work!!! I await that hug and kiss all day!

My church family!

Knowing I am a better person today than I was before. Thanks to God's grace!

A cup of Rob's chai!

My life with Rob

Our wonderful friends!

Match making when it works out!

reading the bible with Rob

Embroidery

Saying prayers with Rob every night before falling asleep beside him....

What makes you smile!

Biking with God

Rob and I are doing a couples devotional. Last nights devotion was wonderful! The story was comparing their walk with God as a bike ride on a tandem bike. It is a fun and exciting ride every day riding with God. And when you trust in Him, He takes over and you sit in the back while He leads you on the "life" adventure. Sometimes you wonder where God is leading and question it. God response is "Just pedal" .

Another example they gave was along the ride you pick up some blessings, and some gifts from others. Well God says the bike is heavy, we need to pass out the gifts and share the blessings along the trail.

I want to let God to lead the way in my life daily. It is hard sometimes but my prayer is just to pedal for God's adventure. I want to have my bike heavy so I can share the gifts and blessings of God's love with others.

Basement Project

This week the framers started working on the basement! There is dust every where but I am just thankful. Soon our home will have 2 more bedrooms, another bathroom, a home theater room and an extra living room! WooHoo! It is exciting to go down stairs every day to see the progress! Pictures to come later from beginning to end!

20 Year Reunion

Well I have to face reality soon, my 20 year high school reunion is next summer! It was a time in my life I am so glad you only go through once! I was consumed with beauty pageants when I was in high school. Main reason I weighed in at a whopping 70 lbs when I graduated! Yelp, I was tiny.

Well with the reunion around the corner, all the anxieties I when attended good oLE SHS are coming back. All of a sudden I am freaking out about my weight! So I think it is time to lose a 100 lbs before I see all my old class mates.

I thought about doing the couch to 5K but that would require me to run again. So Rob and I are biking! The only probably is we live in Kansas. The weather never is cooperative. It is either raining, too windy, or too stinking hot. I am looking forward to the rain to cease but by then it will probably be ice and snow. Luckily, my husband bought me a treadmill. Oh wait it is unplugged in the basement. We are currently trying to finish the basement in our home.

Another way I thought I could drop a hundred pounds would be to stop cooking. I really don't think that will happen either. I would be way too cranky if I couldn't cook!

Well hopefully I will be pregnant by the reunion! I can blame it all on the baby!!!

Our First Anniversary Celebration

My wonderful husband treated me to a four day weekend in Chicago! We had such a wonderful time! We went to Adler Planetarium, Shedd's aquarium, Field Museum, Navy Pier, Science and History Museum (the Harry Potter exhibit was there), Willis Tower AKA Sears Tower, Millennium Park and a river Boat Tour. We ate Thai, Chicago Style pizza and Ethiopian food!

Here are a few pics from our adventure!

This is Ethiopian food! you eat this with your fingers using Injera( a flat sour dough type bread). In this pic there is Chicken with a boiled egg, cabbage, gomen (which is the green stuff) beef and a lentil side. You also eat the bottom of the pan which is a large piece of injera! YUMMY!

The bean at Millennium Park!

Rob in front of the Man eaters of Tsavo at the Field Museum. Watch the movie A Ghost in the Darkness and you will know the story of these man eating lions!

Rob and I in front of the Weasley's car from Harry Potter. It was the only thing we could take pictures of from the Harry Potter exhibit at the Science and Industry Museum.

A fountain going over the River from the boat tour!

Rob and I standing in front of the Sun at the planetarium!

103 floors high on the glass sky deck at the Willis Tower (Sears Tower)

Gino's East Pizza ! Need I say more?

Rob acting silly at the Field Museum in front of SUE!

Pic of us on the River Tour!

We did not save our cake top because we ate it on our wedding night. So I made one for my wonderful hubby! IT was strawberry cake with butter cream icing! It was very good!

The weekend of our actually anniversary, we went biking riding and had a picnic. This guy resides in one of the parks by Riverside!

Rob riding in front of me down by the river!

I was so happy we could cross the bridge at the Keeper!

The Keeper of the Plains by the Arkansas River. This is also where Rob proposed to me!

Rob and I enjoyed a wonderful two weekends of celebrating our anniversary. I am so blessed with an God loving, wonderful husband!

Wow its been a Year already?!?

A year ago yesterday, I married my best friend, my lover and the man God picked for me. Rob is one of the most amazing people I know. He has such a kind personality. He is silly and fun and loving. I could have not asked for a better husband than him. I do not know what I did to deserve such a wonderful husband!

The last year has been such a blessing. We have shared so many laughs and a few tears. We have been making our house a home. Hopefully the basement will be completed before our 2nd anniversary! We have shared times with friends, family and alone time. We have built our marriage on God's foundation and He is blessing us with such a grand life!

We spent our anniversary weekend doing what we love the most, being together. Saturday, we went for a long bike ride along the Riverside area and had a picnic. Sunday, we relaxed by the lake and then enjoyed a romantic delicious dinner!

As all other special days, such as birthdays, we believe one day celebrations are not enough! We will continue the celebration in Chicago for four days this weekend!

I can not wait to see what God has in store for us in the years ahead! What every it is, we will enjoy the adventure together!

Pictures to be posted after our Chicago trip!

Pottery Class

Last night was week three of four in our pottery class! I finally made a few pieces to be fired so I can put glaze on them next week!

Here are a few action shots!

Janel and Amanda enjoying working with the clay!

Our instructor, Richard, centering Amanda' s Clay

My first piece worth saving!

Busy Busy Busy

It seems this summer I have not had a chance to breathe. Kenya, the nieces, birthday celebrations and life keeps us busy. I have two other posts drafted but I haven't had the time to upload all the pics so they are waiting to be posted. So stay tuned for the pics.

We have been busy every night this week. I had pottery class (which I plan to take pics on Tuesday)and we both meet with a group we are starting a life group with on Wednesday. In September, we will have two bible study groups and I am excited to be able to spend time with two groups of our friends.

Yesterday,thanks to my wonderful hubby, I bought a sewing/embroidery machine. Granted, I do not know who to sew yet! I bought a used one from the sewing store to see if I really want to do this. Basically, I want to sew a few things and embroidery gifts! I really want to do towels for every season! I am officially domesticated! Who ever would have thought I would be Susie Homemaker, well except I still work along with being a Domesticated DIVA!

Earlier in the week, Rob and I were reading our bible together. We were discussing how the sabbath is suppose to be a day of rest. Rest, what's that? We talked about trying to have a day of rest which we all need and God wants us to have. Then yesterday a friend emailed me that she is needing to listen to what God what wants her to do and not be so busy to be busy. That had me thinking again. Our schedule for August is booked and we have very little down time. If God was telling me something, He might get voicemail! All day yesterday I kept thinking about the email my friend sent and the little discussion Rob and I had. Another reminder when I was at the sewing shop, there was my favorite verse hanging on the wall. BE STILL AND KNOW I"M GOD! Ok Lord, you are smacking me in my face. Yes I know I need to be STILL but how do I do that when I am busy!!!!

So I guess what I am trying to ramble about is this. We are so busy with life most of the time, we miss out on blessings God is trying to show us. We miss out on out time to be still with God. I have my prayer time when I am driving back and forth to work but then sometimes that is even busy time with other things, (talking to friends or family, singing ect)

So I am scheduling my still time. To spend more time in God's word, to spend time resting and also just learn to be still and listen.

Hope

I was listening to the radio this morning. K-Love was playing a song that is not one of my favorites so I decided to channel surfing. I stopped on a talk show. They were discussing how there is no hope in this economy. Then I turn it to the news, nothing positive there either. It made me think, How do people who do not know Jesus survive in this world today? When all they hear is the hopeless and lies all aroung them.

Then a verse I read last week came to mind.
Jeremiah 23:16
This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.

I see the prophets in the scripture being the news Media, the government and others of the world trying to think things are not going to be better unless we rely on their way. I am relying on the Lord's way. I am not conforming my ways or my beliefs to what anyone else thinks is best for me and my family. God's way then my husband's way with God directing him is what is best for us! I have hope of a better tomorrow. I know one day it will be glorious in Heaven!

There was a time in my life when I strayed from my Christian walk. IT was a very dark period in my life. By the grace of God, I am forgiven and can know there is hope and love. I strive to be a better person but I am human and sometimes fall straight on my face. I do not want to live in the dark ever again. My faith and hope is with Our Lord! Do not let others tell you it is hopeless. There is hope with Jesus!


The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;
Lamentations 3:25

Shrimp Pasta

One of my comfort foods is shrimp pasta. It is easy to make and it is just good! I made it last night since I had a horrible headache! The only problem I do not have a recipe, I wing it.

So I will share what I do but it changes every time I make it!

1 bag of Frozen cooked shrimp, pull the tails off
mushrooms
asparagus
small tomatoes
onion
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
a pinch of basil
a pinch of parsley
1/4 c of onion approximate
1/4 c white cooking wine
1/2 c chicken broth or more if you need more sauce
garlic to taste I use the minced garlic most of the time and it is usually two teaspoons
5 tsp butter

I first melt the butter in a large pan. I saute the mushrooms, onions, asparagus, garlic and small tomatoes. Then I add broth and wine and shrimp. let simmer for about 15 minutes while the angel hair pasta is boiling and the bread is baking in the oven.

I sometimes just to mushrooms and onions and garlic too. add whatever you like. the flavor is from the wine and broth and the spices. Veggies are optional. This is a thin sauce. you could thicken it with corn starch. Remember to take some liquid out of the pan into a bowl then add the about a tablespoon of starch to the liquid and whisk it to make it not so lumpy. Then add it back to the pan. This will help with the lumps in the whole sauce.

Have a great day and happy cooking.
Next recipe will be coconut choc chip cookies. I am making this weekend sometime so I will let you know how they turn out!

Reflecting

In two days, I will be 37 years old. Wow where does the time go. I feel like I am still in my twenties. I have been thinking about the year of 36 and a lot happened during my 36th year.

Rob and I were married a month after I turned 36. We have traveled to Cabo San Lucas, Texas, Oklahoma (twice), Missouri (three times), and Kenya! I moved into our new home when we were married. We had several parties at the house. I had my gallbladder removed! Jenn and I took a couple of cooking classes. We have been to five weddings not counting our own. We have made memories with friends that will last a lifetime.

Year 36 was great! Bring on 37! I wonder what year 37 will bring........

Latest addition to the kitchen!

Oh I so enjoy Bed Bath and Beyond! I could work there since I am so familiar with their store and pricing! The only problem would be I would spend my check on merchandise.

Last night, the nieces and I took a little trip to BBB! I needed to return the latest purchase of the Mr Coffee Tea Maker! It leaks like crazy. Rob and I have tried everything to keep it from leaking but we gave up and returned it. Anyways back to the wonderful store, I purchased a wedding present for Miss Becky Lee. I also bought a great new pan.

It was 19.99 and I used a 20% off coupon so it was really 15.99!

When we got home, Dottie and I made brownies. It is such a great thing.!You lift the divider and wow- you have perfect cut brownies!

I finally have to admit. I have a kitchen tools addiction. My brother used to be Mr. Gadget because he had the latest and greatest gadgets. I guess it runs in the family!

I wonder what else to make in this new little pan. I bet corn bread would work also! Yummy!

The fun things we brought back from Kenya

Well we have been back almost a month from Kenya! We are discovering we have brought back a few things we really didn't know from Kenya!

Our best friend, Janel brought back e colli and a strain of Typhoid! She has been in the hospital since July 9th and hopefully we will be out today! She did have all her vaccinations but this is a strain that is not preventable apparently. The doctors said they will not know for several weeks what exactly the strand is but they know how to treat her. She looks and feels better every day! Last week when she was in ICU, I decided I do not need to visit third world countries anymore. I am sure I will change my mind one day since the hubby was born there.

I brought back, Fred, the parasite! I realized after the girls named him, I have a brother in law whose name is Fred! (Sorry to the Beams if you read this one) It has been interesting having Fred. He doesn't like Japanese, Mexican, Italian, or American food so far. Hopefully Fred will be dead soon with the medicine!

Now reason why he was named Fred. At my cousins house in Tulsa, they have a turkey on a nest of eggs. We named her Wilma. So the name Fred was on every one's mind because of the Flintstones!

I highly recommend anyone traveling to different countries to have Cipro on hand. Better yet take Cipro while you are there to kill anything that decides to try to smuggle back into the States with you!

The Simple Things in Life

I have realized over the years the simple little things in life makes me happy. One of those things are my nieces. When I know they are happy, it makes me happy. Since we picked them up on Friday, we have been on road most of the time. I have bored Rob and the girls touring the Precious Moments Chapel. Then we went to Tulsa to be with our family on my Dad's side.

Just having them with us has changed my mood in so many ways. They probably think I am cranking when I am telling them to keep there stuff picked up, or hang up your towels, or the one Frannie hates, you need to eat something! We enjoyed our cousin's Mexican food on the 4th and a wonderful breakfast. We have laughed with all my family. Jamie and Dottie played with our 3 year old twins, Sophie and Chloe. They are so adorable! They pretty much latched onto the girls. We all went to the Oklahoma Aquarium. Then back to Kansas.

Just spending time with the girls makes me so happy! Frannie and I made puppy chow but I added a little too much powder sugar! The girls wanted to see my best friend Liz! SO Liz came over for dinner and swimming! Frannie and I froze while we were in the pool. I watched the others play after I got out and it made me realize it is just the little things that makes the girls smile also. I don't have to plan something every day they are here ( even though most days are busy). They just want to have fun with us.

When we went back into the house, we tried to watch a movie. I think Rob and Dottie were trying to watch it but the rest of us were laughing too hard. I finally moved away from them so we could watch the movie but I feel asleep within minutes of sitting still.

I am so blessed to have wonderful nieces! They make my heart smile so much!

Well tonight is zoo night. Sedgwick County Zoo has Twilight Tuesdays and are open until 8:30! We all love zoos!

A few recipes from my kitchen to yours

Well I thought a few people may be entertaining this weekend and might want a dip recipe. Every time I have made this dip, there is nothing left. It is pretty yummy!

Buffalo Chicken Dip

4 Baked Chicken Breasts or A roasted chicken from the store.
2 cup of cheddar cheese
1 cup of ranch dressing
1/2 cup of Frank's Hot Sauce
1 8 oz Cream cheese

Shredded the chicken. Put the shredded chicken into a large pan and add cream cheese. When the cream cheese melted. then add ranch, cheddar cheese and Franks. Let cheddar cheese melt then add it to a small crock. Serve with Frito's scoops and celery. You may want to add more or less hot sauce depending on your taste. I sometimes add blue cheese dressing along with the ranch dressing.

Another quick breakfast recipe
Fry crumpled sausage until brown stir in cream cheese until melted. Serve on a croissant! It is so yummy. I use about 4 oz of cream cheese. Last weekend, I also added mushrooms to the sausage mix!

These recipes came from my sister in law, Joyce. She gave them to me a couple months back and I have made both several times.

My Stuff Mushrooms
preheat oven to 350
1 package of Sausage
10-15 med to large mushrooms
stove top stuffing (sage or original) usually half the package
1/4 c of Marsala cooking wine
1 cups mozzarella cheese
1 c of Parmesan cheese

Pop stems of mushrooms and cut the stems into small pieces after washing. Brown the Sausage and the cut up mushrooms stems. Put the mushrooms caps into a 9x11 casserole baking dish. When sausage is browned, add stuffing, half of both cheeses and Marsala wine. When the cheese is melted, stuff the caps with mixture. bake for 15 mins then add the cheese to the top of the mushrooms. When cheese is melted, take out of oven.
I also have cooked these in a crock pot if we were having company to have them hot. Just top with cheese then put in crock on low.


Enjoy!

Some Call It A Bucket List

I have always said you should have a list of things you want to do one day and actually do them.

On my list, which I started when I was in my twenties, I wanted to travel, do adventurous things, try different foods and experience things. I have checked off bungee, jumping tamien(which I have still never told my Aunt and Dad about so shhh, they will kill me), going skinny dipping in someone elses pool (another thing that was done with girls only and no men), see Nascar race which I have been to several, go to a professional sport of every kind except basketball, white water rafting was checked off last year, and of course see my favorite animals in their country which was checked off two weeks ago. (wow I am getting emotional writing about finally seeing hippos and Giraffes in Kenya)

There are so many things I still want to do. I think I always think of this list around my birthday thinking time is a ticking.

I still want to see to Italy, Greece, Ireland, New Zealand and Spain. I want to go to the San Diego Zoo, see the Grand Canyon, go to Multanomah Falls in Oregon, I want to take a picture with Rob and I together in Central Park, I want to do the boat ride on the channel in Chicago (which I hope is checked off Labor Day weekend) and I want to cater an event.

So many things not enough space to write them all but they are still doable. What is on your list to?

The Invasion of the Young's Home!

Anyone who has ever had a conversation with me probably knows I love my nieces. I have four on my side and Rob has four plus one nephew. My nieces and I love to hang out and do all kinds of things. Usually on my trips back to Missouri always includes a movie and some type of shopping. Well, the girls are coming to our house for TWO weeks! Rob and I are extremely excited to host the teenagers but I am a little nervous! The only guest we have had so far in our home overnight is Janel and Liz! Oh and Rob's nieces spent one night and we had Krista for two other nights. So far no one for an extended stay!

When I lived back in Missouri, I was with the girls all the time and when I come back now they pretty much are with us from the time we arrive until we leave. I have to work while they are here but really they wont notice we are gone for too long. They usually sleep until noon. They will have of course three TVs to watch, over 120 movies to pick from, WII to play, the computer and of course, the pool. I hope they can entertain themselves while we are working and not be too bored!

I have started to prepare for the girls to arrive. I have bought fruit gushers , fruit roll ups, pizza rolls, popcorn, chips, cheez its, root beer, Dr Pepper, Cherry Coke and ramen noodles(this is for Jamie). The two guest rooms dresser drawers will have space for their clothes. We have a towel rack thingy on back of the doorin the guest bath for their towels,which was needed. I even bought a new comforter for one of the guest rooms.

I am looking forward to showing them around Wichita and elsewhere. We plan on going to the zoo, see the Keeper of the Plains at night, go to the Cosmophere in Hutch, Watkins park, Derby water park, and of course go to a movie. I am still looking for different things to do with them.

Any suggestions?????

New Law in Kansas

Well be careful if you are driving in Kansas starting July 1. It will be illegal to drive in the passing lane unless you are actually passing a car and unless you are in city limits.

So this morning on my drive to Hutch on K96, I thought I would see how many cars actually follow this rule. There were three trucks/cars that were just driving in the passing lane without passing anyone in a 24 miles stretch. So starting tomorrow they can be ticketed for this.

So here is a fair warning to be careful driving in Kansas in the passing lane!


I usually pray when I am driving but maybe I also need to get a book on CD to distract me from the weird things I see!


Also remember to buckle up, its the law!

Another weekend!

Well another busy weekend! We had Joe and Mandy's rehearsal dinner Friday night and the wedding on Saturday. It was a lovely wedding and the reception was grand! We so enjoyed hanging out with friends we haven't seen in a while. My husband looked so handsome! Well I think he is handsome all the time!

Sunday was perfect! I spent some alone time with my hubby! I baked an angel food cake with homemade whip cream and strawberries. We also had spicy pasta salad with chicken! It was so yummy!

We did have one tragic part of the day. Rob was looking out our bedroom window. He was excited to see a baby bunny by the deck. I ran over to the window to see it! It was so cute! We were about to leave to go to the greatest store in my book, so we decided to take a closer look from the deck. We walked quietly out on the deck so we wouldn't scare it. then looked down and I almost starting crying. Something bit the bunny and it was dead. I was horrified! To top it off, when Rob went to pick it up out of the yard later in the evening, it was gone. So something munched it. I am so sad over a bunny!

Back to the greatest store. If you know me very well, I love to cook! So the greatest store is Bed Bath and Beyond. I love Williams and Sonoma but it is a little pricey for me. Rob and I bought a wonderful little thing. We bought a Mr Coffee Ice Tea maker! We can use our loose leaf tea in it! Rob enjoyed iced blueberry tea Sunday afternoon. One thing off my wish list to buy!

Did you do anything fun over the weekend?

My big brother

A year ago this morning, I was standing beside my brothers hospital bed. We just took him off life support and I watched my brother pass away. My family misses him so much!

Glen Allen loved his daughter Molly Claire more than anything. He used to call me and talk about everything she was doing. He thought she hung the moon and the stars.

He loved his nieces and spoiled them. He would always buy their Christmas presents or birthday present items he would want to play with. Frannie has had GI Joe dolls and I think she even got a bb gun one year. He was just a big kid himself.

He also loved to cook! Hmmm I guess it runs in the family. Some of his friends and him would enter BBQ contests and they won a couple of times. He also won a chili cook off ( so have I at Pathways)

He never met a stranger. He loved to talk! ( yes this runs in our family also) He loved the outdoors. He fished and hunted any chance he could get.

I remember he would take me fishing at night. We would talk for hours while we were waiting on the fish to bite. He also took me trout fishing. That is one of my best memories. He also took me rabbit hunting. Apparently, rabbits are out even when there is 3 foot of snow . The first time we went hunting was right after a blizzard in SE Missouri. Mark Coatney and Glen Allen let me tag along. Dad made sure I was bundled up where I could barely move. I think we killed one rabbit that trip. He also taught me how to drive a stick shift in his Chevy S-10. He loved Chevy and our dad is a Ford man!

I also have another memory of being on his shoulders after his sixth or seventh grade band concert. We were a lot alike. We both are very stubborn, strong willed people. So we butted heads often. I could tell so many stories! He always made me laugh!

I miss him everyday!

More PIcs

A few more pictures until I have time to blog. I will post animal pics this weekend and I will blog. Maybe I can sweet talk Rob into blogging also!


This is the bunks in the temporary dorms. The kids were excited to have their very own bed! at the end of each dorm is a toilet and shower. Most of the kids never even had their own mattress and blanket. So this is such a blessing!

Sara grabbed me to give me my ktanga (sp), which is a blanket they wear as a skirt in Kenya. We all received one but Rob and Scott received tunic shirts. We all danced while they put the items on us. It was a very special time!

This is our precious Naomi! She is the child we sponsor at the school in Mabatini! She is 5 years old!

This is the team with Wallace and Mary on the roof of the new dorms at the boarding school in Josca. The students are living in temporary dorms until the new ones are completed. Wallace and Mary are such amazing people! They want to take care of the children in the Mathari Valley. With God and God's people help, they are making sure the kids get out of the slum and receive food, clothing and an education. I believe there are around 550 children living in the temp dorms and loving it!



Stay tuned for more to come!

A Few Pics From Kenya

Until the words come to me what stories I should write about from the trip, here are a few pics.

She was determined in tug of war. Scott kept telling me to get a pic of her cute face. This was mild to what it was when she was really pulling on the rope!

One of the obstacles I had to deal with on the trip was the squatty potty. I usually tried to use it after the cleaning ladies cleaned it!

This is one of my favorites. He was the handyman with us installing the light panels while we talked with the people in the shanties. Christine accept the Lord and while we prayed with her the sinners prayer and when we said Amen, the light came through one of the holes for the panels. It was such an amazing moment.

Sara is a social worker with Missions of Hope. She was also our translator, friend and a such a blessing when we were with her. I will miss her so much!

These little guys are still on my heart. They lived close to Mabatini school. They were not apart of the school but would hang around watching and listening to the kids play and learn. It is so heart breaking when you can not help all the children in the villages.

Over looking an area of the shanties. It is such a poor area in the Mathari Valley.

Rob and Scott played Shark, tug of war, musical chairs, other games during VBS. See the lady in the back of the picture, she watched all the games both days and never left. She enjoyed watching the children play. Behind her are the potties........
Masai men and I don't think they were too happy with Rob taking their picture!

This little guy was at a house beside Marathi North school. He is so precious.

More to come from the trip including animals and pics from Rob's high school in Kenya!

Bare with me as I am still processing things.........