Hash Brown and Egg Casserole

Looking for a last minute breakfast idea for tomorrow morning? I've got just the thing.
A few weeks ago, I had a few girls over for a dinner party and I went with a breakfast theme. I tried out two casseroles - this was a crowd favorite.  Normally on Christmas morning we have a large family breakfast. This year we will be attending church services together so we will need a quicker breakfast, so this will be perfect!

Ingredients:
1 (2 pound package) frozen hash browns potatoes, thawed
1 pound pork sausage
1 small onion, diced
7 eggs
1/2 cup of milk
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
12 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions:
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 2 quart baking dish. Place the hash browns in the bottom of the baking dish.
2. Heat a skillet and cook and stir the sausage and onion until sausage is crumbly, evenly browned and no longer pink; drain.
3. Whisk together the eggs, milks, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper, and pour over the hash brown potatoes. Layer with half the cheddar cheese, the sausage mixture, and the remaining cheese. Cover with foil.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Remove the cover; return the casserole to the oven and bake until a knife insterted into the cetner comes out clean, about 10 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.


This recipe was originally from AllRecipes.com and has been slightly adapted for our preferences.
Enjoy and Merry Christmas.

Boomer Sooner!

Over the Thanksgiving holiday my family had to celebrate in true Oklahoma fashion - we dawned our Crimson and Cream and cheered on our Sooners. We were thankful for football, family and of course, a Sooner victory!

 My face in this picture makes me laugh.. I'm not sure what is it ....maybe it was because I was thinking "Dad, will you please shave the goatee!!??"

I love going to the games. I just love seeing people who are so passionate for their team and the loyalty of fans. Anyways - Boomer Sooner. Beat OSU tomorrow! (Had to add that - I couldn't call myself an Okie if I didn't!)

Guess Who's Back!

I knew it had been awhile since I've posted..but I didn't realize it had been THAT long since I've posted! A lot has happened since September!

I had high hopes of posting a beautiful sentiment on Thanksgiving..but that never happened. I really enjoy Thanksgiving. You get the family time and food just like Christmas but everyone is so rushed and frazzled many people want the day to just be over. Thanksgiving is just a nice time to relax and enjoy family without the stress of gift-giving (and honestly, should it be that stressful to give - I think not!) 

I haven't been blogging much since the arrival of the iPad. I have been leaving my ol' laptop at my office and only having my iPad for home. It would take me a lot longer to type an entire blog entry on my iPad - I guess I could try..but I feel like it'd be more trouble than it's worth..so any way that is my explanation for the lack of blog entries as of late.

I'm going to try to get back into writing some.
Maybe I will just write about being Thankful in December still. I know- gasp- we can only be thankful in November right before we eat turkey. It's just uncalled for to be grateful the rest of the year!

But for now I leave you with this - a look into what it was like to have my mom as a mom .

When I was little I would come home from school/church/someone's house--and my room would look at little like this..but add in toys. My mom would come in and clean everything off the floor and pile it up on my bed. She'd even take everything from underneath the bed and closets. It was a MEAN and dirty thing to do..because you'd have to clean it all up before you could get into bed{..or sleep on top of it all or on the floor (both of which- I am sure I tried to do) }
Well now that I am older. I will do this to myself. I have lovingly defined this as "mom-ing myself" and have to do it often but frankly - I HATE hanging up my laundry/clothes..and yes, I shouldn't air my dirty laundry on the internet--but have no fears that's all clean laundry you're lookin' at! ;)

Now... I feel the need to clarify this - I love my mom and at the time I HATED when she would do this to me..but her annoying OCD ways of cleaning that drove me into sarcastic fits of rage as a child have now become the way I enjoy cleaning...

So..thanks mom for all that you've taught me and the monster you've created. I really do appreciate it!

Hosanna

Lately "Break my Heart for What Breaks Yours" has just been on my heart. I'm not normally one to share lyrics. I find myself to be the opposite of a trendy music lover. I don't try to be cool. I'm over that..I pretty much got over that after trying out for cheerleader like 6 times and never making it. Coolness is not a big deal. Just be you. Anyway, off that mini soapbox. These lyrics have been in my head for a few weeks now. Especially the "Open up my eyes to the things unseen, Show me how to love like You have loved me, Break my heart for what breaks yours." I have just been trying to live out my faith. I'm not entirely sure what that evens means but I know that God didn't call us to go to church because we are supposed to, go home and eat a pot roast and see ya next Sunday. He called us to live out. Be Jesus to the people in our community. 


Ouch - I haven't been doing this. I've been going about church as a legalistic to-do list. I go to church, I tithe. I say my prayers. I'm a good person -- IT IS SO MUCH MORE than just that. So leaving you with a this song by Hillsong United called Hosanna - google/youtube. It's a great song. Until next time ---- 


I see the King of glory
Coming on the clouds with fire
The whole earth shakes, the whole earth shakes
I see His love and mercy
Washing over all our sin
The people sing, the people sing

Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna in the highests from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/h/hillsong_united/hosanna.html ]

I see a generation
Rising up to take the place
With selfless faith, with selfless faith
I see a near revival
Stirring as we pray and seek
We're on our knees, we're on our knees

Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like You have loved me
Break my heart for what breaks Yours
Everything I am for Your Kingdom's cause
As I walk from earth into eternity

I've tasted the Apple juice

.....and I like it.

iHappy?

I've never been a hater of Apple products. I honestly could have cared less. I find myself to be practical with my purchases, except for when it comes to shoes. With that, all practicality just flies out the window. I have a Dell computer and I like it. If I replace it, I'll probably replace it with a Mac, but that's only if I win the lottery. I have an Android because I like my cellphone service provider. I am not going to switch just for the iPhone. In Marketing terms, I'm probably what you would call a late-adopter. In normal person terms, I'm the person who still likes nice and new products but I'm going to wait it out and see what others have to say first. Also, if you wait it out a bit-- prices tend to drop. Some might say I'm a cheapskate. "She get it from her mama!"

On with my story....I have wanted a Nook or Kindle since around last Christmas. I have currently being using their free apps on my phone. I love reading on the app. It's so convenient. I have always been a reader. I honestly thought, there's no way I would want to use an e-reader. It's just not the same as a real book. While that is true, it is still a wonderful invention.

For months, I have researched Nook vs Kindle. I have looked at both in person, asked people for references, and, of course, did quite a lot of online research. (So late-adopter of me!) In the back of my mind, I thought what about this iPad thing. My roommate has one. I had played on it numerous times. I finally decided that the iPad would be the better purchase because I can download both Nook and Kindle apps on the iPad. With both apps, I can share books with friend with Kindle and Nook. I can have the best of both e-reader worlds. I even tried winning a free iPad in a texting competition - that should probably be it's on blog.

Fast forward to my birthday. The time finally came - I made the purchase...I was finally getting my iPad. Once I made my purchase...I had to wait a week. SHOOT ME. Patience isn't my thing. But then one Friday morning (just a few days later, actually!) it arrived in the mail! Oh what a glorious day. It really was such an exciting day. I had waited for a long time to make my big purchase. I could have bought the Kindle or Nook months ago. I have a decent job. But I saved up my money and made a good logical decision before I purchased. I had waited a long time for the day it arrived! It was so worth it. It made it more exciting.

Also - I recommend Apple Refurbished products. I have gone this route previously. In high school, I purchased my iPod via Apple Refurbished and I still use it today. They warranty them the same but you can save a lot of money. This is the way I got my iPad. If you have questions - please ask me. My iPad was used but it arrived with no scratches or problems. Apple doesn't send out bad products (Yea, I'm sounding like one of those people!) 

You might be from Oklahoma if......

Your sunglasses have burned your face......

If you have lived in Oklahoma you understand when we say it's been a hot summer we mean scorching temperatures. I've lived in Oklahoma for, well all of my life. I've even been blessed to be from the hottest part of this great state - Southwest Oklahoma. I remember summers being hot, but this summer has been unreal. I understand that most people that read my blog are also from Oklahoma so you understand my pain.

Ironically,  I'm writing this blog on a day when the weather is actually normal.. {in the 90s rather than 130s!} but most of this summer has been pretty rough.

Things I have learned this summer:

- Leather seats CAN be deadly. The man who thought of leather seats and a wood grain steering wheel has obviously not experience 120 degree temperatures! Skirts/shorts are cooler when outside but once you sat down, you are looking at third degree burns on the bootay. I have considered driving with potholders so I can handle my steering wheel. I can imagine the looks I'd get as I'm driving down the road with big potholders, I think it would prevent texting and driving. {I might be onto something here!}
- I've learned why people cannot live on the surface of the sun. Although, I'm thinking we've come as close as humanly possible this summer.
- Why my dad insisted I keep the doors closed as a child..because "we don't a/c the entire neighborhood!" Yes, I've come to find out how much a cool house costs.
- I have also learned that the Oklahoma clay ground can actually shrink up from the excessive heat and burst water pipes and close a town for a day...except pharmacies. We don't close. We're more reliable than the mail! Anyone in Shawnee last week had to learn this lesson the heard way.

And this last thing might just fall into the "You might be a redneck if.." but whatevs. I have found a solution to burning my face each time I put on my sunglasses.

I should probably mention that I'm slightly embarrassed and how dusty my car looks in this picture. I didn't realize it until it's blown up for the world to see. I'll get right on that! 

Yep, that's right. You can laugh, but it works!

and on the bright side...you aren't having to shovel snow each morning just to leave your house!

Kind of low quality phone picture but you get the point! 

Josh's Birth: It's Kind of a Funny Story

After blogging about the current camera dilemma at my house, it made me think of a fairly funny story...

Since birth, my youngest brother has been a little bit of surprise child. The whole fact we were having another brother was QUITE a surprise so to offset that shocker we had planned his birth. He was to arrive by planned c-section on Monday morning, April 17, 2000. We had planned one last weekend of fun with just two children. We were going to go stay in Lawton at a hotel and then get up Monday morning and get a little brother. We were going to eat at Cracker Barrel and get to swim at the hotel. It's sad now that is what excited us, but we were from a small town and we were little and enjoyed simple things.....or we're SUPPOSED to that is. Joshua being the little toot that he is decided to come on Friday night...at around 2am or something insane. No one had expected that. We all rushed to the hospital. {For some odd reason, my parents gave me the camera and told me keep up with it. I was 12. I couldn't remember my homework but a camera should be fine right? Hello that's a BIG responsibility.} I'm sure you see where this is going....we get to the hospital which was an hour away from our house and I have to go to the bathroom...this is the last time I remember seeing that camera. I hope someone enjoyed using it that day. Thanks to them my little brother will grow up not having any pictures from his birth. If he didn't look so much like my dad, he might think he was adopted..which I have tried to tell him before. ;)

This baby picture is pretty believable, right? I'm working on a project to create pictures for his childhood memories...I feel like it's the least I can do..I'm kidding but I do love a little Photoshop craziness. {MOM - please show this to Josh. I know he will CRACK up because I am!!}

I'm glad 11 years later we can joke about this. People still won't leave me with the responsibility of  keeping up with the camera...which I guess is appropriate considering my charger is lost - oops.

Which this brother is the same brother here---> Oh Brother!. I think I could have an entire blog about the things my siblings do and say..seriously they're hilarious. Even though they are surprises or as they say - "bonuses"...I wouldn't have it any other way.

Tuesday Thoughts: Blogging

I read many different blogs and so many of them seem to have super fascinating lives and always have something cool going on in there lives...I have on question for them - how do you have time for all these projects and pictures?????

I keep telling myself I'll take more pictures - then I can't find my camera charger. So alas, dead camera = no pictures = uninteresting blog.

I'd use my roommates camera {because I do that sometimes} but you wouldn't believe this --it's MIA. So if you happen to find a nice camera or a camera charger laying around somewhere - it probably belongs to someone at my house. Give us a call. There's really not a reward - we don't have any money, but we do have a particular set of skills. {No, not skills like that crazy awesome Liam Neeson from Taken} I'm talking more like the crafty, baking, loyal friendship sorts of skills. Not as awesome when fighting for your life but makes for some fun times. So hey... help us find our stuff.
Because I re-decorated my bedroom and I'd LOVE to share that with you...

I'm sure my mom is cracking up at this because we aren't big picture takers. We have outstanding memories but they all reside in our minds so I pray we don't get Alzheimers because we will have no physical images to remind us who people are....


Anyways - that is all I have today. I just wanted Channy to have something to read at work today. ;)

Thursday Thoughts: Must Love Dogs

Well I wrote this about two weeks ago - and thought I had it set to auto-post. I suppose that didn't work since I just found it in my drafts. I will go ahead and post it now. 


I'm a terrible blogger. My bad. 


If you know me you might know I'm not a huge dog lover. I just wanted to prove it is possible for me to like them though. I'm dog sitting this week and I actually have played with this dog and sorta enjoyed it. 

Wednesday Thoughts: To my cousin Melissa

Melissa,
I know you probably won't see this blog until weeks from now. I'm sure that whole "having a baby" thing will probably trump reading my blog. I am sure you are spending this last night as a child-less couple celebrating. Actually, I can imagine it being more like one last freak out moment to make sure EVERYTHING is ready. I know that is going to be me. I know sleeping probably isn't easy. It's like that "night before Christmas" feeling..expect instead of bringing home that baby doll from Santa you are bringing home a real life human..that you have to feed, bathe, educate, and raise. AHH. That is scary. I'm sorry you probably have thought of all of that. Let's just say I'm glad it's you and not me at this time. But all of that aside, I'm not writing this blog for scare tactics I wanted to write in honor of this significant moment in your life.

Many of my childhood memories include you. Staying the night at meme and papa's house, playing hairdresser, playing Nintendo, jumping on the trampoline, wearing your hand me downs {until I outgrew everyone}.. all of those memories seem like just yesterday. {It also reminds me how much cooler your house was than mine - for no wonder I was always there!} I'm sure you don't remember this - but I remember making cookies with you and telling everyone we made them from "scraps" instead of from scratch.

Now you are going to be a mom..... You spent many years bossing me around and watching after me and there is no doubt in my mind that you will be one terrific mother.

I cannot wait to wrap my monkey arms around that sweet baby. Also, I'm ready to know that baby's stinkin' name!

I love you and Ben. I am so excited to watch you raise this sweet little girl and the memories associated with that.

Love, Your "little" cousin Jenn.

P.S. Little Baby Girl Jenkins, enjoy your beautifully organized closet - that was all me! Your mom was always cleaner than me when we were kids..so I had to prove I grew out of my messy phase!

Trendy Tuesday: Selfishness

Selfishness trendy, what!?

The title isn't really reflective of what I'm talking about..well, not really. Lately, I've just felt very selfish. I've noticed that our world is very self-centered...so see what I mean..It's trendy. We are always thinking about ME. I'm preaching this to me. I get so caught up in what is going on in MY world I forget there are billions of other people in this world who might also be having a bad day.

Anyone else had this slap in the fact lately? You just need to hear- Hey, SLOW down. Enjoy life, look around, smell the flowers, and get to know the people around you.

What if being selfless became trendy. I mean, really think about it. Think how your grocery store trips would be different. Think about how work could be different. I mean, it could be LIFE changing. You know how we make this "trendy"..it starts with us.

I'm challenging myself to slow down and try to get to know people and look at their needs. I am going to challenge myself to not get so caught up in ME and try to focus on OTHERS.


I want to challenge you to look at it too. Maybe you are already selfless - if so I applaud you because its something I struggle with. I often expect my mom to just drop what she is doing because I have a major world crisis..(not really) and need her to talk to me..not thinking "oh yeah, she has 4 other kids and her own life."

So yeah, let's see how this goes.

Happy Tuesday!

Weekend Update: Catch Up

Well, I obviously missed a few posts. I have the book reviews written but I forgot to post them and I already have things to write about today so I will finish up the other book reviews later this week. Another post that didn't get posted was the yummy Oreo recipe. So I'll just hold off on that one until this Friday. 


But let's catch up with my weekend. I LOVE local businesses. Why, of course, I do...I work for one and spend all my time promoting one! I didn't intend to have a "downtown" day on Saturday but I stopped by two local eateries this past weekend and BOTH were wonderful. I am still stuffed from both. (Don't judge me by the amount of calories I inhaled this weekend!) 


My first stop was fairly new little spot in downtown Shawnee. If you haven't visited sips downtown kafe on main street..where have you been the last 6 months. This place is THE PLACE. They have a wonderful coffee selection. (to be honest, I'm not the world's greatest coffee connoisseur but I do enjoy some sugared-up, creamy coffee drink, you know the kind that really has no coffee in it!) They also have a GREAT lunch menu, I'm talking delicious paninis with yummy local veggies. I am making myself hungry just thinking about it! Although, I have frequented sips other times I have never tried their waffles. I honestly have no idea why. They were sooooooooooooooo amazing. 

Photo courtesy of Amanda Teape!
I shouldn't have eaten lunch on Saturday after such a big breakfast but I did...I stopped by another Shawnee local business. It has been open for a couple of months - Brickhouse Pizza. I had the pepperoni calzone. The waitress told us that this calzone would probably feed two people but me and Rachel decided to get our own. It was HUGE. I think 4 people could have eaten it. It made a nice meal the next day! 

So go support your local businesses. Go visit these two places and I PROMISE you will not be disappointed. 


Oh another note: You may have noticed I can find my way around a kitchen...well one thing I am going to confess to right now is that I couldn't make a grilled cheese without burning it. Not long ago I even had to text message my brother to ask how to make a grilled cheese...but guess what I did this week---PERFECTION.

I'm sure you all are starving now. I apologize!

Book Review: The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games trilogy

This was probably my favorite book(s) that I've read in quite a while. Talk about being left on the edge of your seat. Whew, I could NOT put these books down. I really wasn't sure if I would like these books. They are "science fiction" which is normally not my fave. Bravo Suzanne Collins, incredible read. I cannot wait for the movies to come out. There are three books in this series, hence "trilogy".  I would say the first two books are my favorite of the three. The third is a little different paced and also the tone of the book has changed a bit from the first two. - Still a good read and you obviously can't just skip the last. You would be so depressed. They are set in a "post-apocalyptic" time period that is sometime in the future. I am just going to give a brief "need to know" synopsis to give you a taste but cannot say too much because I know I will ruin something for you. This book is so incredibly unpredictable. I think that is why I loved it so much. There were times when I would literally gasp because I was surprised by something. How often does a book make you do that. Pick these books up today.  I'm sure this little synopsis makes it sound very violent and dark but I promise it is creepy or anything. I guess it can be a bit dark but just remember it has to end good, right?..Maybe?

      

The Hunger Games are an annual spectacle in which a group of children are forced by the government to fight one another to the death on TV.  It is obvious that something has gone terrible wrong with humanity. The world is being ruled by a ruling city called the Capitol, which a luxurious place with fascinating people. Everyone else lives in 12 districts who are cut-off from the Capitol and from one another.

Life in the districts is very oppressive. Hard labor and terrible living/working conditions. If things couldn't be worse, each year each district is required to give up two children, chosen through a lottery and enter them in "The Hunger Games." The 24 children are then left in an enormous area with traps and dangerous hazard to fight for their survival. The last child left alive wins a lifetime of luxury and fame. Everyone watches the live broadcast of the games.  

Book Review: Murder in Manolos

Murder in Manolos:

First off, this is a special book. Why? Because I lived across the hall from the author in my freshman dorm. I was so excited to read this book. I know that Linsey worked hard and is incredibly talented so the book had to be amazing.

I was right. Murder in Manolos has the whimsical theme of a romantic comedy {that everybody every girl loves}, along with the suspense of a Nancy Drew mystery. You instantly fall in love with Heidi Hart, a recent college-grad {I can relate!} who is broke and jobless. She comes from a prominent family who want her to be successful and married {like all of her friends} Heidi wants to make it on here own and reluctantly takes a job as a nanny so she can pay the bills. Her life as a nanny is not what she expects it to be. She is a nanny, er companion, to a 15 year old girl and the nice quiet job turns out to be a lot more than she bargained for. She plays a Nancy Drew nanny helping her companion solve a deep family mystery. 

I don't want to give too much away. I do suggest this book to you. I felt like there were many parts of this book that I could relate to as fairly recent college grad. I like being able to relate to the main character in a book. I think that is why I enjoy reading, it's better than television/movies. You can picture scenes and really live in them. Linsey gathered first-hand experience being a nanny herself, which adds extra perspective to Heidi's character. Although, I'm not sure Linsey has been having to solve in crimes lately! 


The ere of mystery will keep you reading. It is hard {at least for me} to put a book down when I'm not sure what is going to happen next. No, I'm not a patient person. 

Congratulation Linsey on your first book. I can't wait for Book #2! 

Where I've Been Wednesday: Book Reviews

My dad has always said that I waste books. He may be correct, but I think he is just jealous that I'm a speed reader. I don't intend to read books in a matter of days..it just happens. In a matter of a few days though, laundry multiplies like bunnies, blogs don't get written {oops!} and sleep becomes less of a priority. So for now I'm on a book fast. It's for my own good. So here goes - my book reviews. You will see why I have to "Just say NO to reading" for awhile now.


So to keep in the theme of my weird blog schedule -- where have I been in the last two weeks?---Oh, in a good book .....or seven. 
I'm going to write this in SEVERAL posts - I think it will be easier in the long run. 

So if you are looking for a summer read or a summer reading list - here goes. I highly recommend any of them. Each of them very different so there's something for everyone!

Enjoy. Let me know if you read them - I'd love to hear your opinions! 

P.S. Come back Friday -- I've got a recipe to die for..one hint: it has to do with OREOS! ;) 

Weekend Update: Oh wait, It's Tuesday

Hey, I just sat down to blog and was going to write a little something about Monday--and realized it's Tuesday. 


I just wanted to say I'm alive - I hadn't posted in awhile because I was addicted to some fascinating books..which I will be discussing tomorrow. So - come back tomorrow for Trendy Wednesday: Book Reviews!


Seriously, great books..took up too much of my time. Kept me from sleeping..or delayed going to sleep at night. Yeah, some people read to fall asleep. I could put in a movie. I get hooked on books {not phonics! ;) }


I'm sure you are all anxiously awaiting to find out what books I'm talking about...until tomorrow y'all --enjoy this cute little face. 

Trendy Tuesday: Happy Birthday Dad

Okay, so a birthday isn't exactly something you think about as "trendy" but hey people are having them everyday! ;) 

Happy Birthday to one of my favorite people, my hero, my dad!


I may look like my mom, but believe it or not I sure do act a lot like my dad. 


I love every moment we get to share with each other. I love that we share a similar sense of humor. I easily see that Jonathan and I are following in your footsteps. We know you were the original "business-kind of guy." 


Love you Daddy and Happy Birthday. You don't look a day over 30! Haha!

Weekend Update: Week-long Catch up!

I hadn't really intended on making a week-long hiatus. But, oh well, it happens. I actually met myself coming and going last week..so that means--there's lots to share. 


Falls Creek. 
Oh, there are few places that are comparable to Falls Creek.  Falls Creek has been such a special place to me and my family for many years. Each of my summers growing up involved camp. My mom and I joked last week saying I was pretty close to a professional camper as a child. I attended Falls Creek with my dad years before I was technically supposed to be there. (Preacher's Kid Perks!) Falls Creek wasn't the only camp I attended, there was Super Summer and Southwest Baptist Assembly (oddly enough the smallest - but probably my favorite camp!) I would have happily been at camp every week of the summer. Which thanks to my networking skills as a young sap, I knew plenty of churches I could tag along with to Falls Creek. So enough back story, I was thrilled that my youth minister didn't mind me hanging out with them for 2 days. It is exactly what this former professional camper needed. There's just something about sweating to death and camp showers. (eek!)  But MRBC'ers - be warned - I plan on being there all week next year!


Home.
I got to spend 4th of July with some of my favorite people. My family. They are the craziest bunch of people, but hey, they are mine. Little Sister even declared the weekend as "Sister's Day" (The last time I was home it was Father's Day, she thought we needed a day to be honored as well.)  We are also probably some of the lamest people. We didn't really do a lot but after being at Falls Creek for just 2 days - I was exhausted and enjoyed the down time just relaxing with the crazy people I love. We didn't pop fireworks. 1. Because it is dryer than dry in southwest Oklahoma. The place is about to self-combust. You think I'm kidding..but it sprinkled that Saturday and my sister had no clue what rain was - because she hasn't seen it in her lifetime. (I kid, but seriously it is so HOT and DRY!)  2. We never pop fireworks. We are probably some of the cheapest people ever. We get it from my parents and honestly, none of us kids even care to waste money on fireworks! But I don't mind watching city displays! (Not that it's bad if you do, but we would rather do other things with that money!) 


In between all this traveling around I've been engrossed in a book series..but more on that another day. 


This last weekend I was at my home..my bed, my couch, my kitchen, my yard. It was just splendid. The first time that has happened since Memorial Day. I plan on having some more lazy Saturday's in the coming weekends. This weekend we grilled out with friends. I hung out by the pool. I also made a slip n' slide and played Sardines (reverse hide-in-seek) and had a near broken bone experience. Pretty much a perfect weekend in my opinion!


I think that brings us to today. A full week back at work..this will not be easy. Yikes!




Oh and sorry for the whole - no pictures thing. I don't think I took a single picture in the last couple weeks. I stink, I know. My bad. 

Fat Food Frieday: Baked Parmesan Zucchini

This is a GREAT summer food. I tried it last week and YUMM-O!

I found this recipe last week when looking for ways to cook zucchini. I LOVE vegetables. If you aren't looking for recipes online - get out of the stinking stone ages. There are so many sites and blogs out there with tips and recipes. 

Of course, if you don't like trying new things maybe stick to the norm but if you are wanting to try something crazy--get to Google-ing! 

4 small zucchini, washed and halved lengthwise

1 tablespoon olive oil

salt & freshly ground black pepper

1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

2 garlic cloves, minced (I used minced garlic in a jar - it's what I had and I love easy!)

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the zucchini, cut sides up, in an ovenproof dish large enough to hold them in a single layer. Lightly brush with the olive oil and season with the salt and pepper. In a small bowl mix the Parmesan cheese and garlic together, then sprinkle over the zucchini.

Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the zucchini are tender and the cheese is browned.

Tips - I normally use a baking sheet covered in foil when I'm baking anything. It makes for an easy clean-up! Also, I think this could easily be done on a grill. To be honest, I have no idea how to turn on my grill so I stuck with the oven. (Yeah, I'm a college graduate and don't know how to grill-get over it. My last name is Baker- not Griller, mmmkay!) 

Thursday Thoughts : Really Petite

So, I'm not Really Petite. I'm actually more on the giant-sized proportions. (Well, I'm technically only giant if I'm in 4 inch heels). My cousin Stephanie shared this blog with me last weekend. This little lady (she really is little - I mean XXS/XS - puh-lease eat a cupcake!) shares her finds in fashion. I mean who doesn't want to dress to impress. I do. I really enjoy great clothes - at the right price. So rather than pouring my heart out today - go check out Really Petite. 

Trendy Tuesday: Water for Elephants

Water for Elephants is great. I don't mean the movie. Although, I adore REESE Witherspoon.
I just recently finished the book, Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen.  It's an excellent and easy read. My synopsis truly doesn’t do this book justice. I expected it to be boring, and I certainly didn’t expect the book to touch my heart the way it did.

It tells a story via the viewpoint of an 90-something year old man. He illustrates the beautiful tragedy that was the train circus of the 20's and 30's. It is a fictional tale that illustrates true stories. It brought something of the past to life for me. I don't want to give away too many details. But I highly recommend this book. 

Enjoy! 


If you are looking for a summer read- PICK this one. I hope this movie will show at the dollar theaters soon. I know it won't compare to the book but I still want to see my girl Reese..plus its a $1.50 (So, technically I have a buck-fifty movie theater not a dollar theater!) 

Weekend Update: Baby Showers

See the sweet little brunette above...she having a baby! Melissa was that big sister I never had. She teased me, she fixed my hair, she bossed me around, she basically got the benefits of having a little sister while getting the benefits of being the baby of her family. Many of my childhood memories involve my cousins. We never had a Nintendo or trampoline but luckily our cousins shared! I have been so blessed to have such close cousins. I am even more blessed that I got to see them all and catch up with them this past weekend and also to celebrate the upcoming birth of " Baby Girl"  Jenkins!

All grown up (minus Miss Priss in my arms)...but thankfully we all grew up and learned how to fix our own hair!  Mothers don't always know best, well when it comes to hairstyles!

And Steph, when I said I liked your bangs - I don't mean circa 1991. ;)

Fat Food Frieday: Red Velvet Cake

Alright - It may by Monday but I am finally getting this posted. 

Easy Red Velvet Cake 


Cake: 
1 box of German Chocolate cake mix
1 1/4 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
1 bottle (1 oz) red food color
1 tbsp unsweetened baking cocoa


Frosting:
2 oz cream cheese
2 tsp milk
1 1/2 whipping cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar


1. Heat oven 350 degrees. 
2. In large bowl, beat all cake ingredients with electric mixer on low. Pour into pan(s).
3. Bake as directed on cake mix box. Cool completely.
4. In chilled large bowl, mix cream cheese and milk until smooth. Beat in whipping cream and powedered sugar with electric mixer on high sped, scraping bowl occasionally, until soft peaks form. Frost cake! Store in refrigerator.


ENJOY :)

Thursday Thoughts : A Story Behind the Name

Have you thought.."Why Will Cook for Shoes?"
Even if you haven't, I'm about to answer that question for you. 

Last Christmas, my mom found a small little gift and thought it fit my personality and habits just perfect. It's a running joke around my family and friends that I have a bit of a shoe problem. It started when I was young. High heels are my forte. I've never struggled with wearing them. I actually love wearing them..the higher the better. (A motto some reserve to the regards of their hair!) I refuse to count how many pairs I have. I also would like to blame this problem on my mom. She encouraged it. The worst part, I like good shoes...you know the expensive ones. Thanks, MOM!


I also do my very best to live up to my last name..so I guess you could say I know my way around a kitchen. Which is pretty evident to all the people at work. They are my little guinea pigs...literally pigs. We are all trying to lose weight thanks to this habit of mine! 


So when she found an apron that says.."Will Cook for Shoes!" she knew I had to have it.


What she thought was a funny present has turned into something inspirational for me..and that I truly thank you for, Mom. 


So, the truth is out. No, I didn't think of such a creative blog name. I wish! 

Where I've Been Wednesday: Home

I want to start this post with - I am still working on the layout/design of the blog. Obviously, I am not working very hard because its not really getting anywhere. Stay tuned for what I come up with. 

When I thought of this "Walk a Week in my Shoes" idea I really saw something different than what I'm going with today.


I planned on being much better at taking pictures of my feet and how these feet and wonderful shoes take my to fascinating places. While I did experience some great places last week- work, the dentist, a Mexican fiesta birthday party for a dear friend,  and then home..only one of those place stood out in my mind. 


Home.


I know I have written about my trips home many times before but those visits are such special moments for me.  How do my shoes represent a trip home? I'm not really sure. Although, I see two very important people who see those shoes as they step out of my car and run to meet me with anticipation. I will always cherish those hugs. (Gosh, makes me miss them so much as I write this) 


Little Sister loves playing dress-up. She doesn't realize that she looks just like me when I was her age. Although, her tiny feet hardly compare to my giant shoes, she wears them proudly. She doesn't realize there is a 20 year age gap between us. She looks at me like we are the same age. Like I'm her best friend..because that what sisters are! I never knew I wanted a sister until I met her for the first time..now I cannot imagine life without one. 


Littlest Brother is growing up so fast that he know could wear my shoes and they'd probably be too small. Wait, he is a boy. He has never worn high heels. (Well, that is the story he is sticking to anyways...until I remind his girlfriend someday when he is 16!!) 


Watching them together brings such joy to my heart. I know there will be a time when my visits are less frequent and I cherish each moment with them. We have a different sibling relationship than most brothers and sisters but I cannot imagine anything different. They have blessed our family so much. 


I hadn't intended to be so mushy. I apologize. I've been feeling a bit homesick and this is my thoughts on that. 


Anywho, I will stop bring a sap and post something more exciting tomorrow..er, hopefully. 

Trendy Tuesday: Pinterest

If you haven't already stumbled upon this wonderful creation - you are probably have been much more productive than me. If you are addicted to blogs and looking at other people's ideas, homes, crafts, clothes, hair, etc, then you are going to LOVE this.

We've all come across a marvelous idea on the old world wide web and thought - I love that idea, I need to remember that for a future date. I even had a folder on my computer saving all these little tidbits...but that is no longer needed my friends. With this revolutionary technology you can "pin" your ideas, your friend's ideas, and even random strangers. It is so fascinating.


If you are like my roommate - you will be consumed by this little website. I'm starting to think Channing is actually getting paid by them to recruit new people to the site. (Not that they are hurting for visitors - I honestly don't think they expected this volume of fans!)


Basically, Pinterest is a collaboration of many people's thoughts. Once you are on there you can see people from all over and their homes, crafts, recipes. We have already sampled a few recipes at my house that were Pinterest-inspired. I have many crafts on my agenda..that you might just be seeing later. I will try to remember to let you know if I found the idea on Pinterest when I post the craft project. Not to mention, I want to re-decorate my entire house because I'm filled with inspiration. Instead of having little files on my computer I can have boards that I can put my ideas and fine new ones. Get to pinning! 


So much to do, so little money..or is it time?




If you would like an invite to start pinning..please let me know. I've heard its hard to get on there without an invite. I would love to be an enabler! 

Weekend Update: 2 Weddings, 2 Weekends

So this inaugural Weekend Update post is actually going to highlight 2 weekends and 2 weddings. 


Last weekend, I watched a friend and former roommate marry her best friend. Taylor, Rachel (see her wedding highlights - Life Update) and I had many conversations about weddings. Now both of my former roommates are old married women. We talked about Taylor and Pete numerous times. Taylor and I weren't that close until I needed a roommate and she need a place to live...and fate brought us together. But prior to our housing situation and friendship I had seen Taylor and Pete together and there wasn't a doubt in my mind they weren't for each other. Then through the time Taylor and I lived together I got to watch them get engaged and now married. How fun is that. There wedding could not be more beautiful. It was so them! I wish them the very best. 

This past weekend I spend a little time at my parents. I enjoyed seeing a dear friend from high school marry a lovely lady whom he obviously adores. I wish Reese and Madison the best. Although, it reminded me how fast time flies..didn't we just graduate high school?

Another big reason for going home is to celebrate my Dad on Father's Day. For around 7 years now my church has held a Father/Son Look-a-like contest. Here are our two twinkies: Don't they look JUST alike! 

Guess who else ended up dressing like twins. I wish I could say this is the first time this has ever happened. I also wish this picture wasn't blurry. Thanks Mom ;) 

And the craziest, funniest, "I cannot believe this happened moment" happened on our way back last night. I always make Jonathan drive. He is a better driver and he has a lot of making up to do since I drove him around for 2 whole years until he turned 16. So we are chatting {or most like I am talking and he is pretending to listen} and he yells. We are OUT OF GAS! I look up at the handy dandy fuel range - it says 9 miles. I knew we needed to get gas. I even mentioned it on my way out the door to my mom. We head out of Altus {If you are familiar with the area, we made past Headrick almost to the Red River which is farther than 9 miles from Altus.} We're in trouble. Let me set the scene for you. The car temperature reads 114 degrees. We can only drive 9 miles. I have only had this car a little over a year..I've never had it this low before. I'm not sure just how accurate that fuel range thing is. I am so glad Jonathan is driving because my first thought was drive into Headrick. {If you aren't familiar with Altus, you will know there's not much there} Driving to Headrick would have been a bad idea. So we head back to town HOPING and praying to make it back to the gas station on the edge of town. Our sweet parents did not have much sympathy. We turned off the radio and A/C and sweated it back to town. Luckily, my level headed brother made a wonderful decision and just as we pulled into the gas station and got to the pump we ran out of gas...PRAISE THE LORD. Seriously, I sweated and prayed all the way to that pump and truly believe He knew we wouldn't have made it in the heat..we are both babies. {Which by the way, if you haven't been to hell..err I mean Altus..you don't understand just HOW hot it is there!! 118 at 7:00..I'm not kidding..I saw people working in their yards at 10:00pm because it was finally cool enough! } Anyways, I cannot believe that happened or that I'm sharing it with people. It's pretty embarrassing but I know its just another memory I get to share with my little brother. We've had a few over the last 21 years! 

That's been the first weekend update. Stay Classy, blog world.