Bon Appetit!

Move over Rachel Ray, Paula Deen and Ree Drummond...... you've got NOTHING on my friend :)
I was very spoiled yesterday, and still can not get over it.

A few years ago I met this lovely lady Cheryl through my job. Her and I became friends and occasionally do lunch together. Our conversations are so easy and enjoyable. We both love cooking, cook books, exchanging recipes, etc. Yesterday, she invited me to her home to have lunch and to cook together. How fun and sweet is that?

*this is a HORRIBLE photo of me, but I hated not to include one of us.

This is the first time I had visited Cheryl's home and I was in love. I know she probably thought I was a strange one, walking through her home taking pictures, but I couldn't help it. She has an eye for decorating, and every detail of her home is just gorgeous!

For lunch she made a cheesy potato corn chowder and grilled turkey sandwiches. It was delicious! Cheryl is a very natural, talented cook. She reminds me of my mom in that way. They are the kind of cooks that measure nothing, alter recipes to fit their liking and it always turns out perfect.

After lunch, together we made spicy chicken spaghetti. This is a recipe of Cheryl's that I've always wanted to make, but never thought I could master it. With her help- I pulled it off. :) I loved watching her cook, and learning a few of her famous recipes!

We then made mini cheesecakes topped with caramel and pecans!

Cheryl then packed up ALL of the spicy chicken we had made together, the cheesecakes and our leftovers from lunch and sent them home with me. She said she wanted Troy and I to be able to have dinner on her for the next few nights. I am overwhelmed by her generosity. I know how difficult it is to prepare your home and a meal for a guest. Not only did she invite me for lunch, but then sent me home with four nights worth of dinner.

The food was delicious, but what I appreciate even more is the fact that I have someone like Cheryl in my life. I can't tell you how thankful I am to know such a generous, kind, selfless woman. The fact that she would want to spend time with me is an honor!

Thank you Cheryl for a wonderful day!

This & That

I love our weekends!

Friday night we had dinner with friends at Coals Artisan Pizza. If you haven't been, it's gourmet style pizzas that are named after areas of town here in Louisville. We enjoyed it!

However, I think we could eat anywhere and have a wonderful time with these friends! Troy went to medical school with some of these sweet people and I love that they all stayed in Louisville for residency. They do not come any better than Heather and her husband, Adam..... and Mona is one of the most charming girls I know. We have so much in common with this bunch and love spending time with them.

Troy and Adam talking video games :)

After dinner, we walked to Homemade Ice Cream and Pie Kitchen.

It was a good night with great friends.

On Saturday, we went to file our taxes. Yes.... I took a picture.

We celebrated the fact that we didn't owe anything to Uncle Sam by going to Chuy's. Well, I celebrated.... Troy doesn't care for Chuy's. God love him- he goes for me. He says the only thing worth eating there is the chips and queso. He even ordered chips/nachos for dinner. He does that sometimes at Mexican restaurants... orders nachos... and I think it's so weird. Why would you order/pay for what they give you free? It would be like ordering/paying for oyster crackers at Skyline Chili. Who does that? I always tease him about it.

After dinner we made a trip to Target. I got a cart. That's Troy's basis on how long we will be there. If I get a cart- he knows he might as well head to the electronics to keep himself entertained. :) You know you love your life when just being with your husband in Target is enjoyable :)

On Sunday, mom and I decided we were in the mood to shop and headed to the mall. 

She treated me to a mani/pedi, she is so good to me!

Mom getting her zebra on :)

I love being with my her. I love having the close relationship that we do. I would truly be lost without my momma.

I can not close this post without asking you to say a prayer. My dear friend Brittany tragically lost her sister a few days ago. I can not imagine their grief, and pray for peace and rest for their hurting hearts. Would you join me?

Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Have a good Monday.

Kristin

Thankful Thursday

Today, I am thankful for a flexible job that allows me to help my friends when they need me. Nothing gives me more joy than helping them! Can I brag on the friend i helped today? Jennifer, one my closest friends, is superwoman- and that is no exaggeration. While raising two children, she works as a nurse in Labor and Delivery/NICU and is finishing up her Masters, soon to be a licensed Nurse Practioner. On top of that, she somehow never misses a school play, holiday party, soccer game and is the "class parent" for whatever activity is going on at the time. If you see a girl rushing between working, studying, and seeing patients to serve tater tots to her son's school- that would be Jennifer. I am exhausted just typing it. So proud of you Jennifer!!!

Anyway, back to Thankful Thursday. So I get to hang with this sweet little guy for a few hours on Thursday mornings. He makes me miss working with children.

Max doesn't quite understand what Troy is to me. Sometimes he calls him my daddy.... "is this your daddy's game?" But most of the time he calls him my "boy." "Is this your boy's controller? Why is your boy at work? Is he a good boy?" I love it.

Keeping himself entertained while I put my face on.

Today I am also thankful for impromptu lunch dates with a sweet friend and neighbor. Having such a close friend a few feet away is a DREAM! I love that we can walk to one another's home late at night in our pajamas (well, I'm in pajamas- she has enough decency to put clothes on) to watch the Miss America pageant, and other shows that I'm too embarrassed to admit we watch.

And I am thankful for the "Dol Sot Bi Bim Bop," AKA: delicious Korean food, that we had for lunch today. ;-)

And because he just walked in and did so......

I must say I am so thankful for a husband that hugs and kisses me like he hasn't seen me in ages...... every single time he walks in the door. Oh how thankful I am for his affection.

What are you thankful for on this Thursday?

Ash Wednesday

I've had this song in my head all afternoon.

My intention for today was to write a somewhat aloof post regarding Ash Wednesday. I had my list of "what I'm giving up" ready to go. Somehow my post changed as I began to write.

I grew up Catholic, and though we do not practice the faith any more- many of the beliefs and traditions are still near and dear to my heart. I’ve seen several comments this week mocking or questioning the season of Lent, and the sacrifices people make in celebration of it.

Your sacrifice, no matter it’s size or significance is if nothing else,a conversation with you and the Lord. That alone is precious to me. Who is anyone to question that? This post is not meant to do such a thing, but more just an honest confession from my heart.There are many references in the Bible where we are taught to fast in prayer. Fasting in that sense, is giving something up. I feel the Lord would bless you for your sacrifice, no matter it’s worth.

I could list for you, a dozen different sacrifices I have considered. Some are foolish, some are shallow, and some would be very difficult for me. Difficult- that’s what I need, right? As long as it feels like a true sacrifice, surely I’m good with choosing that one.

But it doesn’t feel good. It feels timely, insufficient, and unworthy.

Those of us, who “give up” something for Lent, probably do so to grow closer to God. I think the sacrifices I had come up with would somewhat do that….for 40 days.

I want to surrender more to Him than my fast food, or my DVR. I want to give Him more than my shopping, or my eating out, or my texting.

I want to give Him all of me. Everyday.

I want Him to dwell in every area of my life. Not just the ones that are convenient or easy for me. I want Him to take my life and do with it what He has planned. More importantly…. I want to be able to say that without being afraid.

I want my actions to reflect His love. I want my words to reflect His goodness. I want my thoughts to reflect His desires.

I want to be bold enough to tell others of the peace and joy He can bring to your life.

I want to be a better disciple for Him.

I do not deserve His blessings, and yet He continues to fill my life with His mercy, grace and peace everyday.

He has blessed me with a husband, who gives me a love so pure and so precious that it completely overwhelms me.

He has blessed me with parents that carry me daily….. even at 31. I would be nothing without them, for they are the very reason I know Jesus. He has blessed me with a sister, brother, precious in-laws, etc.

He has blessed me with friends who warm my heart and feed my soul. The joy that they bring to my life is immeasurable.

He has blessed me with a job that I do not deserve, and that I do not thank Him for enough.

He has blessed me with good health that I take for granted.

He has blessed me with His son Jesus, and His sweet Holy Spirit.

The sacrifice I hope to make for Ash Wednesday is……. Me.

“Take my life, and make it yours Lord

Fill me with your love.

You are all I need,

I surrender all of me.”

“All of Me” by Selah (one of my favorite groups)

To all Catholics celebrating Lent, Happy Ash Wednesday to you! Whether you are giving up Reese’s Easter eggs, meat, soda, whatever it is…. may you be blessed for making a sacrifice for God, and taking a stand for your faith!

To all Christians preparing for Easter, may His sacrifice me more real to you today than it ever has before.

To anyone who has ever wondered what a relationship with Jesus is like, may your heart be filled with the peace of His love, and the knowledge of His promise.

Romans 10:9,10 "...If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you shall be saved.”

Revelation 3:20 Jesus said "Behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him..."

And just because I can't have a post without a picture... Easter 2011 :)

A wonderful Ash Wednesday to all.

Love,
Kristin

P.S. For all the non-Catholics- don’t forget to avoid Moby Dick on Friday ;o)

Apple, Abigail and American Idol

I love a lazy weekend with my husband. We have been so busy lately, and it was nice to just relax and do nothing together.

On Saturday we went to upgrade my "piece of junk" phone. I am now the owner of an Apple Iphone 4S, and I have absolutely no idea what that means. 4? S? I am just excited to have a phone with a better camera!

That evening, Sam, Jason and Abigail stopped over for a visit. We had such a nice time with them. Jason scored a phenomenal deal on a "Keurig" and was nice enough to pick it up and deliver it to us. They even brought us a variety pack of coffee to go with it! Thank you sweet friends!

Troy and Jason set up our new toy and then we enjoyed a cup of coffee while visiting and playing with Abby. She sang for us, counted for us, and kept us entertained. I often wonder what the four of us ever did before her. :) I just can't get enough of this sugarplum. We love our friends, and are so blessed to have them.

I could not include any photos of Abby and I. I wore sweats, with no face this weekend....and this girl just can NOT pull off all na-tu-ral folks! Troy is much cuter anyway.

On Sunday, we continued the laziness with plenty of garbage television, and a very healthy yummy pot of homemade chicken and dumplings. I decided that the cold winter day required a pot of such goodness. Although, any recipe calling for the combination of butter and heavy cream.........I will take on any kind of weather day.

I finally caught up on American Idol. Can I just say that I love all of the drama of Hollywood week? The commotion and turmoil with the group performances is very entertaining. :) I still don't have a favorite (I usually do by now!?) somehow no one has stood out to me yet. Last season, this Georgia peach was a favorite of mine from the beginning. I've been enjoying her new cd.

I also really liked Scotty.

Another one of my favorite idols will be releasing her new album on May 1st. I can listen to her music over and over again.

I need a country artist to root for this year!!

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

Love,

Kristin

"So This is Love, So This is What Makes Life Divine" - Disney's Cinderella

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8
Today is my parent's 36th wedding anniversary! In a world where 50% of marriages end in divorce- it is a blessing to see that my parents have been married for almost 4 decades. They have taught me what love is all about, and I am the wife I am today, because of my them.

"But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female.'' For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." Mark 10:6-9
I can't begin to say how much they do for us. They are the most self-less parents I know. I am so thankful for all they have done and all they have given. What I am most thankful for though, is their faithful and committed love to one another. It means everything to me. Ultimately, it is the glue that binds our family. Their love is the source of all traditions and memories...... past, present and future. Their love keeps us together. For that I am so grateful.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! Congratulations on 36 years! I love you so very much.

To Blog....or Not to Blog!?

I'm frequently telling Troy that I was born in the wrong century. I'm convinced I was meant for more of the "Little House On the Prairie" time era. He laughs and says I wouldn't last a day and reminds me of my "top 7" list (random things I can't live without- that's a whole other post). I suppose he is right, but I feel like I am always so behind on technology these days!? I've noticed that post college, I never know the newest on gadgets such as iphones, ipads, facebook, twitter, etc. This brings me to blogging......

I miss the days of printing photos and making albums. I am so behind on doing this, and know it's because of the digital camera, and all it's convenience. I am picture crazy. I rarely leave the house without the camera, and am constantly sending pics from my "piece of junk phone" (as husband calls it- I desperately need to upgrade my phone!) to pretty much anyone on my text list that is willing to look. I take a lot of pictures.... a lot.

I need to get on top of printing all of our photos and getting them in albums. We have thousands of pictures. It is a daunting task. I wonder how long my albums will stick around though? I predict it won't be long, and we will all be viewing photos from online sources only. I'm afraid all of my beautiful engraved photo albums and memory books will soon be a thing of the past. My children will probably only know virtual albums. That is so sad.

See... I'm tellin' ya. I was supposed to be the other sister with Laura, Mary and Ashley on the prairie. I could handle Nellie Olsen.

So I'm going to try blogging. I'm going to attempt to have a virtual memory book, so that when my pictures sit in the camera for years, or if albums become a thing of the past, I will at least have something to look back on.

I remember growing up and my mom talking about what she would grab if the house caught on fire (second to family/pets of course). It was the family photo albums. All 5, 233 of them :) While trying to decide if I should begin blogging, Troy and I had the fire conversation. I said that I would grab the albums, but he would have to grab the camera and the computer tower where all of our photos are saved. When "Walking Dead" went to commercial, I said "okay, so you grab the computer, right?" His disheveled response..... "okay, now what caught on fire?"

That's it.

Blogging it is.

But for now, I must get back to the greatest thing EVER invented in life. My DVR....

they have those on the prairie, right?

Kristin

Happy Valentine's Day Sweet Husband of Mine :)

"I don't want the whole world.....the sun, the moon, and all their light. I just wanna be the only girl, you love all your life."

-The Band Perry

So very blessed to be loved by this man.