Happy New Year!!

I know a lot of people are happy to see the end of 2008, however I am not so sure. This was a very good year for me. I am happy to have all the memories from this year... all the family events, old and new friends, travels, job, life. Thank you all for being a part of making 2008 so great!!

See you again in 2009!!

My Current Favorite Drink... Hot Chocolate with Peppermint

I have been loving candy canes this year, like I do every year. However, my friend Erinleigh introduced me to putting the beloved candy cane into hot chocolate. How cool is that! I didn't have hot chocolate packets at my house so I looked around online and found a recipe, made it up, and then found out I like it way better than the regular packets at the grocery store. And, its so super easy and inexpensive that I made a large quantity and now just pull it out when I want some (only, like, every night)!!

Super Easy Hot Chocolate Recipe

1 tbsp. cocoa powder
2 tbsp. sugar
small pinch of chili powder
2 tbsp. water
1 c. reduced-fat vanilla soy milk

I mixed up the cocoa powder, sugar and chili power into a canister and then when I want some I just do 3 tbsp of the mix.

Combine mix and water in a small saucepan. Heat it on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the paste from sticking to the pan. After about 1 to 2 minutes, add milk (if you don't do vanilla soy milk you can add some vanilla to your drink too). Mix it all together until it reaches your preferred temperature.

I love to top off my hot chocolate with a peppermint star peep and a candy cane!! Yumm-o!

Christmas Eggnog (Soy-nog) and Banana Pancakes

I found this recipe online that was adapted from Nigella Lawson’s pancake recipe. So I guess that would make this recipe an adaptation of an adapted. Or something like that. Either way, these were made for my family's Christmas/Birthday breakfast and my parents and I thought they were darn good!



Eggnog/Banana Pancakes

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 2/3 cups pancake mix (I used Aunt Jemima, I think, but any mix will do)
1 1/3 cups Silk Nog (or Eggnog)
2 eggs
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 banana, thinly sliced

Melt the butter and set aside to cool slightly.

In a large, wide-necked measuring cup, measure out the pancake mix. In another cup, measure the Eggnog, beat in the eggs and then the canola oil and slightly cooled butter, and pour the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients, whisking as you do so.

Heat either a griddle or nonstick frying pan, spray with non-stick cooking spray. Use a 1/4-cup measure cup to pour mix onto griddle. Top each pancake with a few slices of banana.

When you see bubbles erupting on the surface, turn the pancakes over and cook for a couple of minutes, if that, on the other side.

Enjoy!

MERRY CHRISTMAS PICTURES!!!!

The Christmas pictures have been added... the are linked under the picture section!!




I had another wonderful Christmas/Mom's birthday with my family! We had so much fun hanging out, opening presents, eating, seeing Jenny and Matt, and shopping!!! My memory is so shot, lets see if I can remember everything that we did...

My parents made it in Tuesday night. So, we started on Wednesday... Mom and I got our groceries at Publix and then we all went to the mall to walk around and eat at Chick-fil-a before the Christmas Eve service at my church. We watched the most awesome Christmas program ever! If it was already loaded on the Buckhead Church website I would show it to you.

Thursday we had a very MERRY CHRISTMAS. Dad made a big turkey dinner and I made an angel food cake to celebrate my Mom's birthday. We opened our presents and had a lot of fun watching Christmas parades. In the afternoon cousin Jenny and her husband Matt came over for dinner. We spent some time on the roof hanging out, eating, walking around the block, and playing Wizards. A great day!!

On Friday we met up with my friend Marcus to help him pick out a fake Christmas tree so he will have one for next year (and I will for sure help him decorate it then). And then we shopped around Atlantic Station (we bought a TON of clothes at Express... they had an amazing sale!!) and then I can't remember... ouch!

Saturday and Sunday we did more shopping!! We ended up going to Express at Atlantic Station (two times), Cumberland Mall, and Lenox Mall!! Hehe. They had such good sales and they had different clothes at each one so we went to one at every mall we ended up at. Saturday we at at Lonestar for dinner and ran into my friend Kimmy! It was fun to see her... she is from Michigan as well and had spent some time up there for Christmas so we were able to chat about all of that!

Sunday my parents tried SUSHI for the first time!! I made sure none of it was raw, my Dad thought it was good but I am not sure what my mom thought. It will probably be the only time they will have any but it was fun!! :D

Sunday night we took down my Christmas tree (sniffle). Through out the week my Dad helped me with some things in my apartment... he is a great handy man!! He installed a dimmer in my dining room which is wonderful to have! He also hung up some art in my living room... which is great cause I wouldn't have been able to do that either!

It was great to have my parents in town and for us to hang out!!

Hope you had a very Merry Christmas as well!!

Parents are coming!!!

Tonight my parents are scheduled to fly down!! I am super excited and can't wait to see them! Please pray that the flight will take off as planned... they are not having the greatest weather up in Michigan right now... eeek!

In preparation for them coming down I was trying to finish up my shopping (I know, I know this is much later than I normally finish up my Christmas shopping) yesterday and there were a few things that were out!! And super random things... it was crazy! And the number of cars on the road yesterday afternoon was amazing!! I guess I wasn't the only one that had last minute shopping to do!

Anyway, I should be finished up tonight before picking up my parents at the airport. As long as all goes as scheduled they will be here by 9:30pm!!

Another Soup

I find that I heart soup in the winter months. They are so easy to make and always so tasty!! I adapted this soup from one I found online.


Chickpea and Kale Soup

1 large onion, chopped
1 tsp EVOO
4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1 bag frozen vegetables for soup
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/8-1/4 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon cinnamon
2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
8 cups vegetable broth
1 large bag kale
about 2 cups water
salt to taste

Coat large saucepan with olive oil and heat over medium-high. Add the onion and garlic and cook over medium-high heat until the onion begins to brown (about 5 minutes). Add the spices and cook, stirring, for another minute. Add the chickpeas and stir to coat them with the spices. Pour in the 8 cups of vegetable stock, bring to a boil, and reduce heat to a simmer for 20 minutes.

Add the chopped kale and stir. If necessary add water to cover the kale and cook until it is tender, about 10-25 minutes, depending on how cooked you like your kale. Check frequently to see if it is becoming dry and add water as needed. Add salt to taste and serve.


This soup has made me about 8 different servings. Gotta love that!!

Giving Up Christmas

So, as you know I went to the Buckhead Church (North Point Ministries) Singles Christmas Event. Remember that they gave us our money back and then some, we were then tasked to give it to someone in need. I was able to pool some money for Toys For Tots. The event made our local new!!! Check it out!!!

What is this??? And I see it in GA!

Ewwh... this can't be possible!

Ode to the Christmas Cookie

I made some cookies this year and they are yummy!! Every year I make buckeyes and of course this year was no exception. I really like the assortment this year and I hope you do too!!




Buckeyes

1 1/2 pounds powered sugar
1 container crunchy peanut butter
2 sticks softened butter

Mix together and roll into balls. Chill.

12 oz chocolate chips
1/2 bar parafin wax

Melt together in double boiler. Using spoon dunk balls into chocolate mix. Cool.


Chocolate Peppermint Swirls

1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 ounce semisweet chocolate, melted and cooled
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
Several drops food coloring (optional)

In a medium mixing bowl beat the butter or margarine with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add the sugar and baking powder; beat till combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour with a wooden spoon. Divide dough in half.

Place half of the dough in a small bowl. Stir in melted chocolate, then knead dough till chocolate is evenly distributed.

Knead peppermint extract and, if desired, food coloring into remaining dough. Shape each half of dough into a ball. Wrap in waxed paper or plastic wrap. Chill for 2 hours, or till firm.

On a lightly floured surface, shape each half of dough into a log about 4 inches long. Roll and/or pat each log to a 6-by-3-inch rectangle. Cut each rectangle in half lengthwise, forming two 6x1 1/2-inch rectangles. Stack 2 rectangles on top of each other, alternating chocolate and peppermint dough. Roll the dough into a circle and cut the stacked layers into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Place about 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake in a preheated 375 degrees F oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or till bottoms are a light golden brown. Remove cookies and cool on a rack.


Cinnamon and Hazelnut Biscotti

Makes about 32

3 cups all purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup toasted hazelnuts
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 large eggs

Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking liner. Mix flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon in medium bowl; set aside. Coarsely chop hazelnuts in a food processor. Combine sugar and butter and mix until fluffy. Add orange zest and vanilla and mix well. Add eggs 1 at a time, blending just until incorporated after each addition. Add flour mixture and mix until just blended. Mix in hazelnuts until just blended. Turn dough out onto a floured work surface. Divide dough in half. Roll each half into a 9" x 2" log. Place the logs on the baking sheet. Flatten each log to 12" x 2 1/2". Bake 25 minutes or until very light golden and firm to touch. Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes. Transfer the logs to a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, cut logs diagonally into 3/4-inch-wide slices. Place slices, cut side down, on your baking sheet. Bake 15 minutes. Turn biscotti over, bake about 15 minutes more or until light golden and firm. Transfer biscotti to racks and cool.


Church Windows

2 cups Chocolate Chips (1 large package)
½ cup peanut butter

Melt together in a double boiler. Remove from heat – let cool enough so the marshmallows don't melt

Add:
1 cup peanuts
3 cups small colored marshmallows

Mix well and put in an 8 x 8 pan. Cut into long, thin rectangles (like church windows)1 pound crunchy peanut butter

Knight in Shining Armor

My take on one view of premarital sex that was told in my Oasis group has stuck with me, because the more I think about it the more truth it holds. As the old fairytale holds, us ladies want our knight in shining armor, however we don't want to give him all the fun of slaying dragons, instead...

We want someone who we can trust to slay our dragons with us. In life, we all have forests of enemies with many dragons in them. The forests are very wooded, very dense and this helps to cover our battles from the rest of the world, only those who we let in are able to see what lies inside our forest. And only those who are closest to us are brought far enough in to see the dragons we must battle. And of those, only a small handful are brought to fight with us. When we have sex before marriage, we lose trust in the guy because we can't trust him to follow God's rules. We feel, somehow, that as a Christan male he has committed to putting us first. When sex occurs prematurely, we see it as him putting himself and his desires before us and what is best for us. Which is opposite to what is biblically directed. Because of that, we never trust the guy enough to bring him far enough in to do battle with us. And, most guys want to be the knight in shining armor that we do bring into battle. This is where it gets frustrating in long-term relationships, the guy wants to be the knight but because we don't have the complete trust in him and because we did something that God told us not to, we don't trust them enough to ever fully do battle with us. However, when we wait, when we know the guy has already put our needs in front of his own, and when he follows God's rules we know that we can trust him fully to do battle right beside us for the rest of our lives.

When you read this, do you agree?

Stepped Up!!

So Carlos has added what I have been looking for to his blog. Last week before the sermon here is what we got to watch.

Buckhead Church Opener December 7th STEP CHRISTMAS from Carlos Whittaker on Vimeo.

Once again, the best church ever! I love working here. Whose creative idea was this??

More Appetizers

Here you go... another round of food that I prepared for Oasis last night. The biggest hit was the hot artichoke dip (it was gone when everyone left)!! I will have to make it again... super easy. The hardest part was draining out the spinach.

Roasted Almond and Date Spread

1/2 cup unsalted roasted almonds (can substitute pecans or walnuts)
1 (8-ounce) package pitted dates
1/4 cup Madeira or dry sherry
Zest of 1 orange

In food processor, combine almonds, dates, Madeira and orange zest.
Pulse until the almonds are finely ground and mixture is almost smooth.

This spread can be covered and refrigerated for up to one week. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Serve with cheese and breads.


Hot Artichoke Dip
(from Vegetarian Times)

1 12-oz. pkg. light silken tofu
2 Tbs. reduced-fat mayonnaise
1 Tbs. Dijon mustard
1 Tbs. lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tsp.)
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1 15.5-oz. can artichoke quarters in water, drained, rinsed, chopped
1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Paprika for dusting

Directions

Preheat oven to 400F. Purée tofu, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, garlic and onion powder in blender or food processor until smooth. Transfer to bowl.
Stir artichokes, spinach and Parmesan cheese into tofu mixture. Spoon into 8-inch glass pie dish or casserole. Bake 20 minutes. Dust with paprika; serve.

Nutritional Information

Per TABLESPOON: Calories: 16, Protein: 1g, Total fat: 1g, Saturated fat: g, Carbs: 1g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 56mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugars: 1g

Christmas at Buckhead Church

Set

I have to admit that I stole the picture from Carlos, however isn't the set at Buckhead Church amazing?!?!?


The creativity of the people that I work with is out of this world! I can't imagine how they come up with it all. I am always impressed!!! And, on top of the cool design, we also got to watch an amazing step team from Morehouse college.

Do you hear what I hear?

PS if the video is posted anywhere online I will add a link here!!

Random Thoughts

Two completely random thoughts that I had this morning...

One.

I was trying to pick out clothes to wear this morning and I started thinking about what my parents are getting me for Christmas. Most years, Mom and I go shopping and she will buy me clothes and then I will get them on Christmas. I have come to like this tradition because I look forward knowing what I will be receiving. I actually look forward to the gift more when I know what it is cause I know for sure that I will love it ;) Though there is something left, though for being surprised. Anywho, for the month between purchase and receival, I dream about wearing my new outfit. Somehow, my outfit becomes super-human and if I had it now would change the world. I would know more, I would be able to do more, the world would somehow be better. I think it's part of my 'grass is greener' thing. Maybe not, maybe it will actually ...

Two.

I was checking my mobile phone account and saw that my Next Bill Cycle is 01/08/2009. This has been such a great 2008. It went by so fast. Wasn't last month just January? It hit me, almost punched me in the guyt, that soon it will be 2009. What is going to happen next year...

Ok, end of my random thoughts for this morning.

Table #52 Rocks!!

Yesterday I went to a singles event at Buckhead Church called Giving Up Christmas and I had a blast!! I sat at table #52 just for my friend Jerry but I am glad I did. Everyone at the table was amazing and we had a so much fun getting to know each other. To see what the event looked like look below...


To go to the event everyone had to pay $5. At the event, they said they would give back the $5 to everyone and then add some too it. All we had to do was win the money back. We played trivia games and each table was a contestant. My table ended up wining $10 per person. The goal was to then take the money to the streets. Give it to whatever we felt like (a charity, someone in need, an organization that needed assistance, anything). My group came up with a few different ideas... mine was to go to a Toys for Tots event that is going on this afternoon. The people who didn't come up with an idea gave their money to the event they most wanted to contribute too. I ended up with $35 for toys!!

After the event ended I helped clean up... I wish I had a video of the clean up... it would have been amazing. I thought it was so cool to watch the layout go from above to the normal church set up.

Once everything was cleaned up I headed to Target to pick up some toys. I hope I got some good ones!!


Do you think I got some fun gifts for kids????

Christmas TREES Are UP!!!

So you know I heart Christmas. And I heart Christmas Trees... well, I now have two trees up (right now I am looking at my one at home all lit up as I type)!!!!

Here is my home tree...





And yesterday Jerry and I put up the tree at Buckhead Church...


Oh so happy!

P.S. There are more pictures of the trees, just click on the link under Pictures!!

Thanksgiving Pumpkin Waffle Recipe!!

I had been given a box of waffle/pancake mix so I decided to use that to make some waffles for my family. They turned out AMAZING!! You will love them!

Pumpkin Waffles

2 1/2 cups waffle/pancake mix
2 heaping tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 Tablespoons soy yogurt
2 cups soymilk
15 oz pureed pumpkin, fresh or canned
1/3 cup oil
2 teaspoons vanilla

Stir together dry ingredients + fresh ginger. In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk together wet ingredients until well emulsified. Pour wet into dry and combine. Prepare waffles according to manufacturers instructions.


We topped them with some fresh Cranberry Sauce... to die for!! I got it from Cooking Light:

1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch

Combine cranberries, 2/3 cup granulated sugar, and juice in a small saucepan over medium-high heat; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer until cranberries begin to pop, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Combine 1/4 cup water and cornstarch in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Stir cornstarch mixture into cranberry mixture; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute, stirring often; remove from heat. Cool completely. Cut pie into 12 wedges; serve with sauce.

Thanksgiving pictures are loaded!!

There was no picture of our entire family! Crazy. However click on the link under pictures to see them all!

WARNING -- I am putting the events of the entire weekend in this 1 post. One post. You heard, one post right? Meaning... VERY LONG! Enjoy the read!!

I had a great (GREAT) weekend with my family. They all drove down and made it to my house around 9:30pm (I think) on Tuesday night. Of course, we had to watch the finale of 'Dancing with The Stars', although we all knew that Brooke would totally win!

We then caught up for a while before Mom and I planned out the next day! The guys were on vacation... no planning for them!!

Wednesday was the day of errands. To start the day I fueled everyone up with some really yummy Pumpkin Waffles!! We topped them with cranberry sauce, real maple syrup, whipped topping. Can't get better than that right! While I prepared breakfast, Dad and Dan pulled out my Christmas tree and they found out how easy it is to set up (I heart my Christmas tree)!!

Errand running started out by getting some necessities for my vehicle (thanks to my great auto mechanics -- Dad, Dan and Marcus -- my car wouldn't run without you guys!!).

Then we went to Lindberg so we could go to, are you ready for this... my shoe guy, Linens and Things, AT&T store, Target, Home Depot, Tin Drum, Starbucks, and Sallys. Whew, it was a lot (and we had additional errands to run after this).

My shoe guy had two pairs of my favorite shoes (fyi, all my shoes are my favorite) and I had to pick them up. Then we went to the AT&T store. I am a current AT&T customer (say what you will, I actually like their service) and we added Dan and my Mom under my service. That was the cheapest way to get them each a phone they both need. We spent quite a lot of time in the store picking out exactly what service we would need, the phones they would get (they each got the same phone - however Dan's was black and Mom's was dark purple which we thought was really pretty), and getting them on the plan. For the rest of the weekend we spent a lot of time figuring out their phones, getting numbers stored, adding ring tones. And calling each other to hear the ring tones! We are so easily amused!

Next, off to Linens and Things cause they are going out of business and we wanted to check out their sales. We only found a window cleaner/scraper/thingie for my shower, the rest of the deals were not great. Off to Target we headed (which is located directly under Linens and Things) to get a few odds and ends. By this time the guys wanted to eat. We had options but I talked them into trying something new (Thai) so we went to Tin Drum, located right next to the AT&T store (literally). I heart Thai food -- this is more an Asian Fusion restaurant that I have reviewed previously in my blog -- and I thought it would be something that would have something for everyone. As far as I know everyone was happy with their choices. For dessert, we headed to Starbucks for some coffee!

Next was Home Depot for a few things to fix up the place I am living -- nothing major, however a few things that the Dad-eye saw that could be easily fixed so he did that. I am so thankful for his and Dan's fix-it abilities!! There is nothing that they can't fix with a little bit of glue and some duct tape (emphasis on the 'ct -- almost have to spit it -- like duCTTTTT tape).

We then headed across the street to Sally's to get some hair dye for my Mom (we put it on the next day and it looks AMAZING on her!!)!!

We were all getting tired, like tired of doing work on vacation, however we had to get food and drinks (cause I really keep neither of much in my apartment) so off to Publix we went. But, on the way we decided to stop at the gun store. I have been wanting to get a gun to practice shooting with. My Dad took me to the range a few times when I was younger and it was fun so I want to be able to do it again. And, it wouldn't hurt to carry one and be able to use it if ever necessary. The store was super fun and I found a gun that I like, however I am now shopping around to see if I can find it any cheaper.

Finally, we made it to Publix and got the groceries. This was the first of many stops to Publix. We found many things that we needed to restock on, we forgot, or that somehow got added to our list during the week.

After all the errands we relaxed for a few minutes at my house before my Dad and Dan made dinner. Warning - when my family is around I give them a free pass to make whatever they want. So, that means I wasn't quite vegan this weekend. I know, I know... tisk, tisk. However, their cooking is just too good to do otherwise.

Victor hadn't had venison in a long, long time so Dad brought some venison down from Michigan so they made steaks and Mom made baked potatoes and we had something for vegetables. Sorry, don't remember. For dessert, I made Pecan Pie. It was so good that later in the weekend I made another one for another dinner. Victor came over for dinner and after dinner we played Wizards. Fun little card game.

Thursday -- HAPPY THANKSGIVING -- started out with Mom and I watching the parade, me decorating my Christmas tree (I love this little tradition that I have started) while Dad and Dan made us breakfast. Mid-day Mom wanted to go for a walk. It was a beautiful day so we went around the block and enjoyed the weather.

We all got ready for the day and then played some Schafkopf and took pictures on the roof before heading to Marcus's parent's house for dinner. There was a great group of people there (Marcus's daughter, parents, sister, sister's husband, their child, friend Wendy, and my family). Marcus's Mom made the dinner and it was ridiculous. It was sooooooooo good! Like my Dad would say... don't put HER food on top of your head! Cause your tongue would knock your brains out to get to it! After dinner and dessert we stayed up talking for a long time. It was sooo much fun!

BLACK Friday. My mom and I decided it would be a good idea to go shopping. We started out around 8:30am by getting stamps for me (did you know that the post office was open on black Friday? Who knew) and then going next door to Ulta. My mom liked my shampoo so we got her some for home. Then we headed to Phipps to say hi to my friend/small group companion Christina. Next was Target and then a sporting goods store to pick up a few things. Crazy that NONE of them were busy. Not even a little bit. You wouldn't have known it was black Friday! Next we headed to Lenox Mall and started out with brunch at Panera Bread. Then we shopped a few stores. We didn't find anything that really interested either of us until we made our final stop at Express. There I found a few good pieces of clothes! Mom got them for me for Christmas. I can't wait to get them on Christmas day!! Mom called Dad and Dan a few times to see if they would want to come out to the mall to join us... amazingly they did not! Can you believe it??

After the mall we stopped by Publix to get a couple necessities for dinner. That night Dad cooked a huge ham dinner with cheesy potatoes, salad, etc. It was sooooo yummy! VJ and Marcus came over for dinner and we had a blast! After dinner we played Wizards again until Marcus and VJ decided to go out. Then the family played Schafkopf again.

Saturday I made another batch of Pumpkin Waffles for breakfast. Dad and Dan put up lights around my window and snowflakes on my window! Its soooo pretty!! Then my cousin Jenny came up from her house (she lives south of Atlanta) and we all headed out to run a couple of errands before going to a shooting range north of town. The range had an hour wait so we went to the bar in the same complex for lunch. On the TV's they were playing the UGA/GA Tech football game and there was one really drunk, really obnoxious fan of GA Tech... so we all became UGA fans for that game! LOL!! Once there was a space open, Jenny and I did some shooting with Dad's help (Jenny had her own gun - an automatic - and we rented a revolver for me). I had a blast!! We tried to find western store, however once we finally found it, it was more of a Mexican store. So, we went home and ate dinner... always a TON of food when my family is around!! After dinner Jen went home cause she had a long drive. We then played some more Schafkopf.

Sunday morning I had to go to work. And my parents had to leave to drive home. So, at 8am they dropped my brother off at Buckhead Church. I hurried in the AM to get all my work done. Dan and I then went to the 9am service and it spoke so relevantly to both of our lives. We spent a lot of the day chatting about how much it does relate!! After the 9am service, Dan talked to Jerry (one of my super cool co-workers) about his recent journey to see his family out west. They have a ton in common!! While they chatted I made sure that there were no fires to put out. Once the next service started and I made sure everything was going well, Dan and I headed to brunch at The Flying Biscuit. The restaurant is right by the church and we both love breakfast!! Yumm-o!

I had been wanting to get some cowboy boots and Horse Town is right by Jenny's house so we took a drive down to it and I found some amazing boots!! On the drive down and back we hit some pretty bad traffic. It would have been horrible had I been in the car by myself, however with Dan in the car we talked the entire way! It has been so long since we have been able to talk that we filled the entire time with conversation. I was so glad to be able to catch up!! After Horse Town we went down the street to an outlet. Jenny got some cute clothes to wear to a Christmas party with her husband.

At home, Dan and I chatted a bit more, ate some dinner, and he got packed up to go back home the next morning.

On Monday, we got Dan to the airport. We got him thru check-in... but not without incident. The bag that he had was too big and he had to pay extra. Then we took his second checked item... his big rifle... to the correct place to check that in. Then onto get thru security. I had never seen the security line that long!! It was crazy!! But, Sunday's weather caused so many delays and missed flights that there were many people there on Monday to try to get on those flights. Because it was so long, Dan had to go straight to the line.

When it was time to say goodbye I had to say it quickly cause I was starting to get emotional. By the time I got back to my car I had tears streaming down my face. Luckily when I had to pay I was able to be cheerful with the lady at the booth. However by the time I got onto 285 (aka the perimeter) I was bawling... and I needed to call my Mom to let her know that Dan was going thru security. Once again, luckily I was able to calm down when I was around people but for the next 2 days, anytime I was by myself I broke down and cried, a lot. I am such a family girl and it can be so sad to have to leave my family!

I had such a great weekend with my family!! I hope your Thanksgiving was as good as mine!

What happens When We Give Thanks...

At North Point on Monday we had our Not-So-Christmas Party. We sang Christmas songs praising our Savior, we ate some amazing cake (at 10am) and had hot chocolate. We gave thanks. The message at the meeting was giving thanks.

'Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.' 1 Chr. 16:34

'For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God NOR GAVE THANKS to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.' Rom 1:21-23

We learned that people who don't give thanks to God:

• They know God
• They do not glorify God
• They do not GIVE THANKS
• Their hearts become darkened
• They become fools
• They exchange the glory of God

People who GIVE THANKS to God:

• We know God
• We glorify God
• We GIVE THANKS
• Our thinking becomes worthy & weighty
• Our hearts become enlightened
• We become wise
• We worship the immortal God

What do I give thanks for? Well, a ton. I am so blessed. Some of what I wrote down are:

Temporal Blessings: Parents, Brother, Extended Family, Amazing Co-Workers, Small Group, Wonderful Friends, All My Possessions (home, stuff in it, car, food, iPhone, etc), Job I LOVE Going To, Health, Ability to Travel to See My Family and Friends...

Eternal Blessings: God's Grace, Love, Forgiveness, Word, Peace, Faithfulness, Wisdom; All-Knowing God; Holy Spirit in Me; Jesus Died for Me; My Salvation; Adopted as a Child of God...

After my family left on Thanksgiving this was the message I needed to hear. I was so sad and missing them so much that I needed to be reminded of all the blessings that are in my life.

One of the songs that was played during communion...

Rid me of myself, I belong to YOU!!

MMMM... Food!

Once again, here is what was made for group last night:

Tabbouleh

1 cup bulgur wheat (cracked wheat)
1 bunch scallions, chopped
1 bunch flat leaf parsley, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 cup (about 1 pound) chopped "vine-ripe" tomatoes
1 cup peeled, seeded, and chopped cucumber
1 cup chopped fresh mint, chopped
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Rinse the bulgur in a sieve under cool running water until the water runs clear, then transfer bulgur to a bowl. Add enough hot water to cover the bulgur by 1 inch. Set aside, covered for 5 minutes, then drain in a sieve and set aside while preparing the remaining ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the scallions, parsley, tomatoes, cucumber, mint, salt, pepper, cumin and cinnamon. Remove any excess water from the bulgur by squeezing it dry. Add the bulgur to the bowl and gently toss. Add the olive oil and the lemon juice and lightly toss, adding more seasoning if necessary. Set the tabbouleh aside for at least 30 minutes (I made it the night before) before serving to allow the flavors to blend.


Greek Sushi Rolls (based on Stuffed Grape Leaves - but I couldn't find grape leaves)

¾ c white sushi rice, cooked
few sheets of nori, cut into quarters -- original recipe: 4 oz vine leaves (these can be purchased in a jar at an ethnic food store)
1½ T olive oil
¼ c onion, minced
4 cloves garlic
2 T mint leaves, chopped
¼ c dill, chopped
1/3 c raisins
1/3 c pine nuts
1½ T Kalamata olives
¼ t salt
black pepper
¾ c vegetable stock
2 T lemon juice

Preheat oven to 350.

Heat ½ T oil, sauté onion, and 1 minced garlic clove, stirring frequently, until soft, about 5 minutes. Combine rice, onion mixture, mint, dill, raisins, pine nuts, olives, salt, and pepper in large bowl.

Take quartered nori, add a heaping spoonful of filling in the center. Fold the sides of leaf over filling, then roll from stem-end to tip, to make a neatroll. Set seam-side-down in baking dish. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling, placing grape leaves cozily together and making two layers if necessary. Cut 3 garlic cloves into large pieces and poke between the grape leaves here and there. Pour stock over grape leaves, then remaining olive oil and 1 t lemon juice.

Bake 20-25 minutes, until liquid is absorbed. Drizzle with remaining lemon juice and serve.



The Greek Sushi Rolls were what I was most afraid of... since I had taken a recipe and changed it with the nori, I was scared they wouldn't taste good however everyone seemed to love them and at the end of the night there were none left!

Love it!

Weekend fun!!

Ok, so I haven't posted yet on the fun times that I had with my family while they were in town. I have been MIA for almost a week. And for this I applogize. When I get home at night I am so tired I just can't make myself post. And I have been busy.

However, on that note, I will get a good post of the fun I had with my family up soon.... as soon as I get the pictures off my phone and from my Mom.

Soon, I swear.