Saturday, December 27, 2008

currently...






We're currently in Mesa, AZ with my sister and her family, really enjoying ourselves, shopping, munching, making and remembering sweet memories... we're headed out tomorrow, driving as far north as we can, through Utah, hopefully making it as far as Salt Lake, then the following day, we'll continue north, into Montana and stay for four nights, leaving the morning of the third! I am enjoying my time tremendously, it feels so great to just get away from it all, and relax, buy goodies... and be with family and friends :)
We're currently in Mesa, AZ with my sister and her family, really enjoying ourselves, shopping, munching, making and remembering sweet memories... we're headed out tomorrow, driving as far north as we can, through Utah, hopefully making it as far as Salt Lake, then the following day, we'll continue north, into Montana and stay for four nights, leaving the morning of the third! I am enjoying my time tremendously, it feels so great to just get away from it all, and relax, buy goodies... and be with family and friends :)

Friday, December 26, 2008

on the road again...

I am currently blogging from the road... litterally on the road, Thanks to my wonderful smart Husband's phone, we're able to drive thousands of miles, still conected to the world wide net! How fun! I'm looking out the covered wagon, I mean windows, at beautiful rugged, sun capped mountains here in the Southern California Desert, on our way to the Arizon state line and loosing an hour. It shall be worth it! We're going to be in Mesa AZ for two nights, spending time with my beautiful sister, her husband, and their 5 children and some of their children! it will be a trip worth the miles! Then sunday, the 28th, we're headed up from Mesa, through Utah, a teeny bit of Idaho, and into one of the most beautiful places in the grand ole Usa, Montana. If you haven't been, I'd HIGHLY advise you to check it out. Highly. We'll be staying in Bozeman, a cute town of about 50,000 in the winter, spring and fall months, and about 35,000 in summer. A thriving college town, with sweet festivals, a huge awesome farmers market, and characture unlike any other town I've experienced. I am beyong excited to spend time with my mom and husband, showing him around a place I hold so dear in my heart.

I'm praying God gets the glory in our time here on the road. What a gift He has given us... these mountains, this weather, snow, laughter, music and warm memories... Praise be to the Lord who gives and takes away.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

It is a Merry Christmas!

I cannot explain how blessed I feel today. It's not just the gifts, or the iced venti non fat peppermint white mocha, family or the rain... it's the gift given to me, that takes away sin, gives me purpose, saves me from pain, and turmoil, gives me worth and value... it's the gift that was Christ Jesus... born to die. submissive to the Will of His Father... what an example we have in the Christ- child. Thank you Lord... this heart could not be more thankful.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

t minus 2 days and counting!

Till we leave on our road trip! we're cleaning house, shopping, wrapping gifts and getting packed and cannot wait to embark in on Christmas, and then our trip!

Monday, December 15, 2008

My December Love List :) To be continued...


#8 Our Christmas tree!
#9- Puffy Clouds 
#10: The open road
#11 Sleep. nough said. :)
#12: Winter Song by Sara Bareilles



SOOOO STINKING EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's offical, we're going on a road trip the day after christmas. We're leaving early morning the 26th, driving from here, Fresno, to Mesa, AZ to see my sister and her children, their spouses and children. From there we're leaving on the morning of the 28th, and heading north :)
We'll drive as much as possible, and stay somewhere that night, most likely in northern Utah, then head up into Bozeman that next day. Michael and I are staying at a friends house while we're there... My mom's coming too, she's staying with other friends in Bozeman. I cannot explain how excited i am.
end of story.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Lydia, I'd LOVE to have you for dinner :)

Karie: I can't wait for your good cookin :)

For all you girls who wanted that recipe:

Here you go ladies :)
Chicken/Turkey Phillo Pie:prep: 20 minutesBake: 45 minutesOven 375deg.Stand: 10 minutesMakes: 8 servings
~2 meduim leeks, thinly sliced
~1 clove fresh garlic~1 tbsp butter or marg
~3 slightly beaten eggs~1 10- ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
~1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese ( 4 ounces)
~2/3 cup milk
~ 2tbsp grated parmesan cheese
~dash of pepper
~2 cups chopped cooked turkey/ chicken
~4 sheets frozen phyillo dough, ( 18x14 inch rectangles), thawed
~3 tbsp butter butter or marg, melted



1.) In a medium skillet cook leeks and garlic in 1 tbsp hot butter until leeks are tender. In a large bowl combine leek mixture, eggs, spinach, mozzarella, milk, parmesean cheese, and pepper. Stir in turkey; set aside.

2.) Lightly brush 1 sheet of phyillo dough with some of the melted butter; fold in half crosswise. ( cover remaining phyllo with plastic wrap and a damp kitchen towel to prevent drying.) Gently press folded dough into a 9 inch pie plate; allow ends to hang over edge. Repeat with remaining sheets of dough and melted butter; staggeromg phyllo in pie plate so the bottom and sides are completly covered.

3.)Spoon turkey filling into phyllo crust. Fold end of the pyhllo toward the center. Bake uncovered, in a 375 oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tell me of your success with your family and friends, they'll love this one!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Egg nog or hot chocolate? meh... coffee!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When do you put your decorations up? no specific time, I'm sure when we have chillins, we'll make that a more specific day.

When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I never believed in Santa Claus so I guess I always knew the truth.

How do you decorate your Christmas tree? white lights, close to the trunk and then out near the edge, so it looks sparkley all over, and red and gold ornaments with a few memorable ones in there too.

Snow! Love it or dread it? I do love snow! I was wish I was somewhere where it snowed.


Do you remember your favorite gift? I'll always remember that, it's Jesus :)


What’s the most important thing about the holidays for you? Celebrating the brith of my Lord.


What is your favorite holiday dessert? cranberry bliss bar from the Bux


What is your favorite holiday tradition? dressing the tree.


What tops your tree? A golden star :)


Which do you prefer, giving or receiving? GIVING ROCKS!


What is your favorite Christmas song? Little drummer boy


Candy canes? meh... I can totally live without them

Favorite Christmas movie? Muppets Christmas, Animal!

Thursday, December 4, 2008

I just can't hide it!

I'm so excited! I've started making a menu for our meals, and I cannot explain how much it's helped me, to find recipes, write them down for a specific day, and then buy what I need for them, then COOK THEM!
Let me share with you, this weeks menu and next week's aswell!

Monday: My husband's favorite:
Chicken Phyillo and Spinach Pie with Butternut soup and homemade bread
Tuesday: out, :) every week after youth group.
Wednesday: Fresh Eggplant parmigiana with a green salad and homemade bread
Thursday: Breakfast: Huevos Rancheros & Dinner: Taco Salad topped with chili with Chips
Friday: Chicken Pot Pie
Saturday: Christmas party at Darryn and Katie's!
Sunday: Meat Loaf, Mashes potatoes, and Green bean cassarole
Monday:Left Overs
Tuesday: Breakfast: Spinach Quiche and Orange Bowknots
Wednesday: Tri- Tip and Corn
Thursday: Personal Made Pizza
Friday: Beef Stew
Saturday: Lasagna


If you'd like any of these recipes