Ben's reaction to the Tuna Casserole I made,
"This is so good you could put it on Ritz crackers and serve it at a fancy country club where people would say, 'oh ho ho ho," (Because that is how rich people talk ya know!) The comment sure did make me smile.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Life
Ben is off to the hospital. A resident of one of the nursing homes he pastors at passed away. The family had made arrangements that Ben would do his funeral as his health was going downhill. I am not going, and Ben is cool with it. Yet I admire how he can be called into some of life's most horrific situations, and want to be there. I am happy they have him to help through this time.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Working It
I did manage to get quite a bit of rest today. I was too tired to go to church. I looked like a zombie. Ben said that my breakfast casserole was a huge hit. :) GO ME!
For lunch I ventured into some foreign territory....I made a tuna casserole which called for green onions and red peppers. I've never put these two ingredients into a dish. I was excited to try. The casserole turned out yummy. Ben has not tried it yet, but he will be trying it shortly.
I am making Peanut Butter Smore Bars for the book group that I am going to tomorrow night. They went over well with my students and a few staff members I shared them with last week, so I decided to bring them to this event.
I cooked THREE THINGS in ONE DAY!
I purchased tickets for Ben and I to see the Rockette's Radio City Music Hall traveling tour in December! I had commented to him how the theater schedule just looked "boring" in our area this year, and that there wasn't really anything exciting I wanted to see. (Last year I was die hard about seeing WICKED.) When I saw that the Rockette's were coming to town, I looked at Ben and said: THIS IS IT! This is my die hard, must see show. He happily agreed.
Also, next weekend we are going to pick up my leather jacket. I have found two that I really love, and we are passing the place on the way down to Memphis. I am going to have a really hard time deciding which one.
Is anyone else using pedometers? Our state health care plan is really encouraging them. Most of the people in our building are doing it, so I buckled to the pressure, and got mine over the weekend. I'll let you guys know how I like it.
For lunch I ventured into some foreign territory....I made a tuna casserole which called for green onions and red peppers. I've never put these two ingredients into a dish. I was excited to try. The casserole turned out yummy. Ben has not tried it yet, but he will be trying it shortly.
I am making Peanut Butter Smore Bars for the book group that I am going to tomorrow night. They went over well with my students and a few staff members I shared them with last week, so I decided to bring them to this event.
I cooked THREE THINGS in ONE DAY!
I purchased tickets for Ben and I to see the Rockette's Radio City Music Hall traveling tour in December! I had commented to him how the theater schedule just looked "boring" in our area this year, and that there wasn't really anything exciting I wanted to see. (Last year I was die hard about seeing WICKED.) When I saw that the Rockette's were coming to town, I looked at Ben and said: THIS IS IT! This is my die hard, must see show. He happily agreed.
Also, next weekend we are going to pick up my leather jacket. I have found two that I really love, and we are passing the place on the way down to Memphis. I am going to have a really hard time deciding which one.
Is anyone else using pedometers? Our state health care plan is really encouraging them. Most of the people in our building are doing it, so I buckled to the pressure, and got mine over the weekend. I'll let you guys know how I like it.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Because State Fair Calories Don't Count Right?
Ben and I started off our Saturday with some tasty treats at Shepherds Fest. Ben had homemade ice cream and I had strawberry shortcake. YUMMO! We got to meet a really neat Christian couple who had been married for over thirty years. They do a relationship ministry, and I bought their books. I got to see an old college friend (the reason we went down to this event in the first place) and bought a tote bag from her. Some people really have some great talent when it comes to designing things.
I've always been the "black sheep" of the family......
It is a hard decision to pick another bull to add to the farm....Ben is carefully weighing his options.
This is Freddy, one of the State Fair mascots. I remember him from my childhood days, so I had to get my picture taken with him. That may or may not be a bag of cotton candy in my hand.
This whole exhibit was made of balloons, and I thought it was pretty cool.
How sad is this? Seriously, this is your area's claim to fame? What are you thinking? I've even been to this area before, and I know something has to be more famous than this.
This lady was a moving statue, and it was pretty fun to pose with her.
The Lumberjills...."Chicks with Axes".....this was an awesome event.
I'm on the bus...
The only ride Ben and I rode....the Ferris Wheel. :) I totally wanted to kiss my husband on the ferris wheel....and got to!
Ben using his long arms to take our picture together on the Ferris Wheel.
I had to take a picture of this.....the beekeeper fashionista. Seriously, it is a model in a bee suit.
Some things just aren't right! Ben examines the tomato....
That is one BIG pumpkin Charlie Brown!!!
Slaughters, KY? What a nice town to bring your family up in....
I LOVE dips! When I saw this guy selling dip mixes, I went CRAZY! :) I bought eight different varieties, and decided to stop before buying the dessert ones (they have a website I can go back and get more later). I tried all the different varieties that I ended up buying, and they are super easy to make.
As you can see, Ben and I had a great day at the State Fair. I have not gone in seven years, as my first two years I had to take my students there on a field trip. 28-32 kids at the State Fair (with no money) is not much fun. It was a great experience with Ben. We ate lots of BAD things that you can only get at events such as the fair.Friday night we hung out with our friends Alex and Rachel. We played a game called, "Ticket to Ride." I was happy that the game got much easier as we progressed...I was starting to think I was going to have to have accomodations (for my teacher pals out there) to be able to successfully play it! I actually came in second place, and beat Ben. (I usually beat Ben, but that is because I modify the rules to always seal my victory.
I am up at the crack of dawn this morning to make a Sausage and Egg Casserole recipe I found online. I am taking it to our Sunday School class. We only have to bring in breakfast once every two months, so I figure this is another chance to branch out with the cooking. After church, we are going to pick up a book that I have been waiting for a long time to be released. Then, I plan to plant my butt in the recliner for most of the afternoon and NAP. I am a BIG NAPPER. I don't get to do it much, but I will today. :) Tonight, we are having dinner with some of my co-workers, then watching a comedy act.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Plans Plans Plans
Ben and I have picked out our Halloween costumes....I'm going as a nun (which is a hoot to me since I used to be Catholic growing up) ... who later becomes Martin Luther's wife: Katharina von Bora, and Ben is going as Martin Luther (a monk). We don't have a party yet to attend, but I know we will get invited to one. Last year, we got invited last minute, and I didn't have time to go out and get a costume.
We are also going to my college's Homecoming weekend in October. This will be the third year in a row for me. I want to go especially this year because it may be our last year in the area for some time.
Last night I attended Seminary Wives Institute. I was quite intimidated at first, but quickly began to feel welcomed. One of the greatest things of comfort that was said to me was, "You are only being asked to fill your own shoes to the Glory of God. You are not being asked to fill someone else's shoes." The other big thing she spoke about was the "mold" for the pastor's wife. Which is something I have frequently thought. She reminded us that there is no mold. I put that on my planner on the September page. I think I need to see that SEVERAL more times.
I met a girl who attended a Literacy PD I taught this summer. She was so sweet. She said, "I gave you all fives on the evaluation." I was just happy to have people in my training who taught similar student populations as mine.
We are also going to my college's Homecoming weekend in October. This will be the third year in a row for me. I want to go especially this year because it may be our last year in the area for some time.
Last night I attended Seminary Wives Institute. I was quite intimidated at first, but quickly began to feel welcomed. One of the greatest things of comfort that was said to me was, "You are only being asked to fill your own shoes to the Glory of God. You are not being asked to fill someone else's shoes." The other big thing she spoke about was the "mold" for the pastor's wife. Which is something I have frequently thought. She reminded us that there is no mold. I put that on my planner on the September page. I think I need to see that SEVERAL more times.
I met a girl who attended a Literacy PD I taught this summer. She was so sweet. She said, "I gave you all fives on the evaluation." I was just happy to have people in my training who taught similar student populations as mine.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
To Be Thankful
A few more reasons I am thankful for my husband....
My husband's dad (who passed away 5 years ago) was MEAN to my MIL about her cooking. Lets just say that this woman can COOK....and I'd love to have her food anytime! :) When they first got married (she was a home ec major), he would throw her biscuits on the floor and refuse to eat them. She would make the same recipes his mother would make, and he would say hers tasted horrible, and rave about his moms. He was just bad.
Ben on the other hand, would rave about the shoe leather I sat down before him. He has been so sweet. One thing I especially appreciate is how he brags about my cooking in front of my dad. :) My dad does some of the underhanded digs about my lack of cooking, so I've never reallly had the desire to cook for him. Now, when he comes over, I actually get nervous cooking for him. Ben went on and on about my cooking abilities last week when the visited. It was really precious.
My husband's dad (who passed away 5 years ago) was MEAN to my MIL about her cooking. Lets just say that this woman can COOK....and I'd love to have her food anytime! :) When they first got married (she was a home ec major), he would throw her biscuits on the floor and refuse to eat them. She would make the same recipes his mother would make, and he would say hers tasted horrible, and rave about his moms. He was just bad.
Ben on the other hand, would rave about the shoe leather I sat down before him. He has been so sweet. One thing I especially appreciate is how he brags about my cooking in front of my dad. :) My dad does some of the underhanded digs about my lack of cooking, so I've never reallly had the desire to cook for him. Now, when he comes over, I actually get nervous cooking for him. Ben went on and on about my cooking abilities last week when the visited. It was really precious.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
The Few Things I've Learned about Cooking...
1. Spices really do make a difference. I thought that surely such a small quantity could not change the flavor of a dish so much, but ever a teaspoon of a spice can make all the difference.
2. If I don't start cooking as soon as I get home, I simply won't do it. Once I sit down and start vegging, it is all over for me.
3. I love the smell of fresh garlic in my kitchen! I WILL own a garlic press this weekend though! Hand chopping is for the BIRDS! (Thanks ChiTown Girl!)
4. Finding new recipes is fun. I am not doing anything that requires great skill, but I am building up my confidence.
5. Clean up the kitchen as you go. There is no need for me to punish myself after a nice dinner by a heap of dishes to do, countertops to clean, etc. I learned this one from my mom. I load the dishwasher as I cook, and it saves me a ton of time in the end.
The Menu Next Week:
1. Bacon and Cheddar Meatloaves
2. Lasagna
3. Cabbage-Sausage Supper
4. Tuna Casserole
Two nights I will be home late, so Ben will be having leftovers fending for his poor self! Ha Ha!
2. If I don't start cooking as soon as I get home, I simply won't do it. Once I sit down and start vegging, it is all over for me.
3. I love the smell of fresh garlic in my kitchen! I WILL own a garlic press this weekend though! Hand chopping is for the BIRDS! (Thanks ChiTown Girl!)
4. Finding new recipes is fun. I am not doing anything that requires great skill, but I am building up my confidence.
5. Clean up the kitchen as you go. There is no need for me to punish myself after a nice dinner by a heap of dishes to do, countertops to clean, etc. I learned this one from my mom. I load the dishwasher as I cook, and it saves me a ton of time in the end.
The Menu Next Week:
1. Bacon and Cheddar Meatloaves
2. Lasagna
3. Cabbage-Sausage Supper
4. Tuna Casserole
Two nights I will be home late, so Ben will be having leftovers fending for his poor self! Ha Ha!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Labor Day Weekend Plans.....
Ben is going to pick me up from school, and we are headed to The Heartbreak Hotel. On Saturday morning we are going to Graceland, The National Civil Rights Museum, and finally to The Neely's Bar-b-Que Restaurant (the couple from the Food Network). It will be a whirlwind short weekend. I will be doing my usual....sleeping in the car. I can fall asleep going across town, so going out of town I know I'll get some good zzzzz's. On Sunday after church, we have a big picnic then nothing else planned until Monday at 3:00 where we have a get together at a friend's house. I am so ready for Labor Day weekend (a week early)!
Great End to Yesterday
I mentioned yesterday that the year is in full swing, and the meetings have started with a vengeance before/after school. As you can imagine, I was so delighted to stay after school yesterday. I walk into the library to go sit down with my teammates, and there is a rose and a card. Yeppers, Ben brought me a rose and a card for our one month wedding anniversary. MEGA SWEETNESS!
I proceeded from the meeting happy to be going to my chiropractor. Yet, I sat on the interest ate, going less than one mile in almost an hour. At this point I was thankful that I had Ben's GPS. I missed my appointment, but I was able to get off at the next exit, and find a different way to get home.
We are entering new frontiers on the kitchen front. YEP...I minced garlic last night. Our whole kitchen smells garlicky from the two cloves. I got "most" of the outside off, but still found a random stray or two as Ben and I were eating our chilled shrimp and pasta salad. Mincing was a lot more work than I realized. I loved the garlic smell though.
I proceeded from the meeting happy to be going to my chiropractor. Yet, I sat on the interest ate, going less than one mile in almost an hour. At this point I was thankful that I had Ben's GPS. I missed my appointment, but I was able to get off at the next exit, and find a different way to get home.
We are entering new frontiers on the kitchen front. YEP...I minced garlic last night. Our whole kitchen smells garlicky from the two cloves. I got "most" of the outside off, but still found a random stray or two as Ben and I were eating our chilled shrimp and pasta salad. Mincing was a lot more work than I realized. I loved the garlic smell though.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Post Wedding and Reception
Sorry for the wedding overload! I am just so excited to have my pictures back. I have one more set of pictures to post tonight. Now it is time to get off to work! Enjoy your Monday!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
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