Friendship and Vests

With every move, we get new neighbors.  Over the years, we've had some great ones!  No one has ever compared to our first neighbors, The Huntley Family...but those memories are for a different time!  We love our new neighborhood.  When we moved in, we were sure that the Southern Hospitality would be over-flowing...but people are busy {us included}.  Of course everyone waves as they pull into their driveway, but we wanted Friendships - not just waves...  SO, we had an idea...

It is a family tradition to have a Christmas Party each year.  This tradition started when we were first married.  The Elliott's, Kostjuk's, Waldeck's and Us!  We had fun year after year and made sweet memories.  Although we moved away, Jon & I have continued to host Christmas parties.  Sometimes it's with our Small Group, some years it's been a Christmas Brunch.  One year everything was ready except for the arrival of our guests....then the stomach flu hit me...and Cancelling the event was the only thing left to do. 

So, coming into this Christmas season, we knew we wanted to have a party ~ we just didn't know who to invite.  Then we thought about our neighbors!  As we walked door-to-door handing out invitations, I wondered if anyone would attend.  Regardless of that concern, the planning began.  I LOVE PLANNING PARTIES!  Love it all!  One thing that I do delegate gladly is the Activities for the evening.  That's where my other (better!) half comes in!  He is great at keeping a group happy.  I must admit that I had a few doubts about his idea, but I went with it.  Every "Holiday" party should have guests wearing their best "holiday" sweater, right?  The plan was for everyone to make their very own Holiday Vests. 

Fast Forward to December 17th, 7pm.  Jon and I put on our decked-out vests and we opened the door to greet our first guests.  They (remember, we don't know our neighbors) looked at our vests, gave an akward smile and continued talking.  I was so relieved when Jon told them it was a joke and that they too could make one!  This crazy idea turned out to be a fun time of bonding.

The Supplies

The Hosts

The Food





Some of the guests

The evening was a success.  Plenty of food, drinks, laughter, happy kids and more!  The best part was that we made new friends.  We are all busy and rarely take the time to do more than wave... but now we have shared memories and can continue building friendships with these sweet neighbors.  I am continually grateful that God placed us in this neighborhood.  I was convinced that House # 1 then #2 then #3 were the perfect houses for us.  I was wrong {again}.  God knew what we needed and I will be faithful with what He has given us and whom He has placed us near.

If I had a Penny...

IF I HAD A PENNY every time I've thought about updating this blog...hhhmmm....I'd have at least 20 cents!  I haven't forgotten about the blog, life is just speeding by so quickly and I can't align my "creative thoughts" with actually sitting at the computer to type them >>>  UNTIL NOW!

Where to begin?  Where I left off is the best place.  Yes, in my last post I shared about being the recipient of a Speeding Ticket.  After 2 months, I am finally right with the LAW again.  You see, yesterday I had the privilege of going to City Hall and standing before the judge at 7:30 a.m.  In front of a room full of people, I had to say the word "Guilty" and I said "Yes, I do want to attend traffic school...Thank You".   So that is where I begin...

Now what has this Tennessee girl been up to for the past 2 months?  Well, all y'all can keep reading to find out!  :)

My dear Friend Kelli E.  and her sweet girls came to visit Franklin (uh, I mean ME) in October!  We had a great time seeing everything a tourist should see, eating lots of great food and spending time with a friend that lives too far away.  She was the photographer that week so pictures are on her blog.  http://www.moment4milk.blogspot.com/  

November came and went in a hurry.  My girl, K, turned 9 years old and we had such fun celebrating HER on several occasions.  On the night of her Birthday, we loaded up the car {even the dog} and headed to Texas.  In the past, we have always flown to TX...but we were up for the adventure of a 10.5 hour drive.  Arriving early to surprise my parents was such fun and we loved having extra time with them.  It was a wonderful Thanksgiving with my family!

Now...December is half over, and I am wondering where the days have gone.  The house is decorated, lights are up, family is coming soon and we are eager to celebrate the birth of Jesus ~ our Savior.

Until next time...

**P.S.  Sorry for the lack {non-existence} of  pictures...This was definitely a "catch-up" post...Pictures coming soon!

PERFECT day

On a PERFECT Fall day I decided to cook dinner before my kids got home from school.  That is always my intention but rarely does it happen...  The afternoon would be PERFECT!  With dinner in the fridge (only needing to be baked), 3 kids happy to be picked up from school, a special treat at Henpeck (a Franklin fave), then off to the Pumpkin Patch.  PERFECT (in theory!).  Pulling out of Henpeck - snacks being consumed - I looked in my rearview mirror and realized that something was happening that was not a part of my PERFECT plan for the afternoon.  I saw flashing lights!  I told the kids to be quiet and keep eating...because I needed to pull over even though I had no idea why.  Once pulled over, the Police Man informed me that I was speeding.  Now, I'm pretty sure that I've said in the past (most likely to my hubby) that I have never gotten a speeding ticket before...Well I can't say that anymore!  My mom always told me, "Never say Never"...and history has proven that correct over & over.  For instance, I will never move from California (ha!) and I would never have a C-Section (3/3).  Anways, back to my almost-PERFECT afternoon with the kids.  Once I had the ticket in hand the tears came.  My daughter unbuckled her seat belt, climbed to where she could reach me and just hugged me!  Thank you God for giving K the gift of mercy.  I needed that hug!  With tears on my face, we proceeded to the Pumpkin Patch.  Upon our arrival, I saw 6 letters that made me sad:  CLOSED.   Yep, it is only open on weekends.  Jacob wanted to find another pumpkin patch, but I decided that I'd spent enough money (expensive ticket) already that day...so we'll get our Pumpkins on Saturday instead! 

The good news is that once I got home I only had to turn on the oven and set the timer for 30 minutes...then dinner was Finished!  I made the Pioneer Woman's recipe of Mac N' Cheese.  This was my 1st time ever making this comfort food - my kids think there is only 1 kind of yummy Mac N' Cheese - Kraft in the box.  My big kids sat and had happy hearts at the table...loading their plate with veggies and the dinner I prepared.  My little guy, B, was concerned that it "looked different".  After a few bites, B exclaimed, "I like it!"    I proceeded to once again remind him of the Green Eggs & Ham book - "I do like them, Sam I Am."    If you have the cookbook, try this recipe.  It was good - not my favorite - but yummy.  I added crumbled bacon on top because...well, everything is better with Bacon!  :)

SO, All in All, my PERFECT day was good.  It was the day God had planned for me.  In it I was shown compassion from my daughter in the form of a hug and I got to teach my kids that we respect authority and admit when we are wrong (even when it's hard). 

I'm a list maker (probably not a surprise)...I'm just going to start leaving some blank lines on my Daily To-Do list to help me remember that there is no such thing as a PERFECT day and that God will add what He knows I need to my schedule. 

 

LIFE IS FULL OF CHOICES

Several weeks ago we invited a family over for dinner.  It was a family that we have said hello to on Sunday's and waived to as we scurry by them in the preschool hallway at church.  We had been wanting to get to know them...and so when our schedule's finally aligned, we set a date!  Of course this also gave me the opportunity to flip through my *Favorite* cookbook and think about what recipes I could make.  I settled on 2 recipes.  Bought all of the ingredients.  Unloaded Groceries.  Then proceeded with the days plans:  church event, soccer game, another trip to the grocery store, middle child losing a tooth, last minute cleaning...you know the routine!  Finally, it was time to prepare dinner.

My Dinner Menu was:

*PW Homemade Artichoke Dip (for the Appetizer)
*PW Lasagna
*Salad
*Green Beans
*Loaf of crusy Italian Bread

A simple menu for sure ~ but a Yummy one!

Well, I proceeded to open my cookbook and prep the Lasagna.  I feel the need to confess that I have never even purchased Lasagna noodles before!  So, this once shy-cook is gaining in culinary confidence once again.  Steps 1-5 = No problem!    Then Step 6.  In this ever so important step, I am instructed to let the mixture SIMMER for 45 minutes!  Yikes!  At this point I am so thankful that I made the last-minute decision to not make the Artichoke dip so I was actually about 45 minutes ahead of schedule.  LESSON LEARNED:  Read the entire recipe before starting!   {Which I always tell my Sous-Chef Karli to do}.  After nearly an hour of simmering, my kitchen smelled like it belonged in Italy.  :)  It was then time to layer the Lasagna & Bake.   45 minutes later we had a Masterpiece!

To quote The Pioneer Woman,

"If it weren't for my beautiful bronze skin or calf roping skills,

 he would've married me for my lasagna. 

 In other words, he married me for my Lasagna!" 

Life is full of choices!  The Pre-"Pioneer Woman Cookbook" Kelli would've served Option A for Dinner . 

Nothing wrong with it {& I will use it for a crazy soccer night this fall, I'm sure}.

OPTION A

But can I just tell you how much fun it was to serve Option B to my family and guests!  I love creating food and watching people enjoy it as we sit around the family table.  As I've written before, it's not just about the ingredients...it's about the experience! 

OPTION B



A Julie Andrews Song Comes To Mind... {Cue Music}

These are a few of my FAVORITE THINGS!

I'm not a collector.  I don't follow fads [on purpose].  My favorite places to shop are Target & Costco...but I've been known to enjoy a trip to Nordstrom every now & again.  I'm a simple Country Girl and these are some of the things I like! 

This is one of my family's FAVORITE WORDS this year.  SIMPLIFY.  Stuff, activities, busyness, whatever...just SIMPLIFY. 

This sign is on top of my kitchen cabinet as a daily reminder to do a "What's truly important?" check often.

Does it get more Simple than sitting on a PORCH SWING drinking Sweet Tea

(Ok, I'm not that Southern ~ A Diet Coke for me, please!).  This swing came with the house and I love it. 

I know I risk ridicule and being stereo-typed with this next Favorite Thing!  But don't knock it till you printed your first LABEL!  I use my LABEL MAKER often and I'm more organized because of it!

A new SIGN I got from Hobby Lobby.  I won't really charge my kids $5 for Whining...

but I'm not going to tell them that!  Sssshhhh...

Love these new plastic SERVING PIECES from Target. 

I use the small plates for appetizers ~ too cute!

                                                           

MEASURING CUPS from Pier 1.  So cute, practical and definitely help keep me happy while cooking. 

 It's the little things, really!

This NECKLACE is a favorite.  Not because it has Jewels on it - it doesn't.  Not because the Pearl is real - it's not.  Not because it was expensive - it wasn't.  This necklace is a favorite for what it says.  "Raising Generations".  Isn't that what we're doing as Mother's?  We are raising the next generation of people. 

 I have lots of FAVORITE THINGS!  But they are just that..Things!  My Salvation, The Word of God, My Family & Friends...that's what is truly in my Heart and for which I am most GRATEFUL!

P.S.  If you have any FAVORITE THINGS, I'd love to hear about them!  :)

I think I Can...I think I Can....

Well, 2 out of 3 is good, right?  I am not a brave cook.  I'll try new recipes out on my little family... but when guests are involved, I only make tried and true recipes (or get a Costco item and make it "mine" by putting it in a cute dish)!  BUT...I'm trying to grow in my culinary skills and braveness...  SO, on Labor Day we invited guests over for dinner.  I decided to make 3 (yikes!) new recipes. 
                      * Rosemary Skirt Steak with a Feta spread
                      *Creamy Rosemary Potatoes
                      *Flat Apple Pie

It proved to be a busy day of prepping, cooking, tossing in the trash and finally getting it right (2/3 at least!).  The Steak turned out beautifully.  Very flavorful and the Feta on top was an added treat.  The Potatoes were my favorite ~ and a big hit!  The smell they created while baking for an hour was so yummy and the taste didn't dissapoint at all.  I will make this side dish many more times to come.  {Picture & Recipe at bottom of Post}.  The Flat Apple Pie didn't work so well!  I tried 2x, but the crust wasn't great...I will be practicing my Pie Crust skills this week and attempt the Apple Pie again soon.  Thankfully, we were so full from dinner that the adults didn't want dessert anyway!  :)  The kids made S'mores by the bonfire so they were fine, too. 

Did I mention who our "guests" were?  Before you think I'm oh-so-brave, I should admit that our guests were my sweet In-Laws who would've been gracious even if my dishes were 0 for 3. 

Here is the Creamy Rosemary Potatoes Recipe:

4 Tablespoons butter
1 cup half and half
1 cup heavy cream
5-6 medium russet potatoes, sliced thin
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 medium onion, finely diced
One 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature
1/ to 1 teaspoon salt
Ground pepper, to taste
2 Tablespoons minced rosemary leaves
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
3 Tablespoons minced chives

1.  Preheat the oven to 350.  Rub the bottom of a 9x13" baking dish with softened butter.  Combine the half and half and the cream in a large measuring cup. 
2.  Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice the potatoes very thinly.
3.  Place the potatoes in a large bowl.  Drizzle with half of the cream/half and half mixture.  Set aside.
4.  In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter.  Add the garlic and onion and cook until translucent, stirring occasionally, about 4 minutes.
5.  Cut the bar of cream cheese in half and add the halves to the skillet, stirring constantly. 
6.  Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and combined, about 3 minutes. 
7.  Pour in the remaining cream/half and half mixture and stir to combine.
8.  Add salt and pepper and stir.  Taste and adjust the seasonings as necessary.
9.  Add the rosemary and green onions and stir to combine.
10. Finally, add 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan and stir to combine.
11. Pour the cream-soaked-potatoes into the baking dish.
12. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the top.
13. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup grated paremesan generously over the top and bake for 1 hour, until it gets brown and bubbly.
14. Remove from the oven and let stand for 10 minutes.  Sprinkle with chives.  Serve!

I Should be a Good Cook!

Really, I should be a good cook! My mom is a great cook...and she comes from a family of great cooks.  I've been married for 14 1/2 years so I've had plenty of practice cooking meals for my family...yet over the last 4 years, I stopped loving it {well, the cooking part of it...the eating part was fine...}.  Until NOW.  It started over the summer when I enrolled my daughter in a Cooking Camp.  She loved it and her excitement was the inspiration I needed.  So, fast forward to TODAY.  As I was walking through my favorite store I spotted this cookbook:  "The Pioneer Woman Cooks".  I was excited because I've been reading her blog for several months now. Waiting in the car pick-up line at school was the perfect chance for me to flip through the pages...and I liked what I saw. Good southern cooking that would be fun to make with my kids...and great to eat while sharing mealtime around the family table. Tonights Meal: Meatloaf  - PW style, Roasted Potatoes, Wedge Salad & Fresh Peaches . Karli helped make it and it was a SUCCESS. 

I know it's random to get excited about a recipe...but it's so much more than ingredients ~ it's about the end product - the goal of having my family sit together and enjoy a meal that I prepared.  I'm loving the creative side as well!  I've decided to do my own version of "Julia & Julie" ~ Only it's more like TN girl meets Pioneer Woman!  I plan to cook {almost} all of the recipes in my new fave cookbook...

That reminds me...my kids need to start doing the dishes around here > it's about to get messy!

Until next time..