tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61758917164605264522024-03-13T13:00:39.966-07:00a peak.take a [peek] into the felder world.Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237535884587102254noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175891716460526452.post-45694437854505075732011-12-21T08:51:00.000-08:002011-12-21T08:51:43.312-08:00Hustle and Bustle!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Who here is guilty of hustling and bustling a bit too much this Holiday season?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">me.me.<span style="font-size: large;"><b>me</b></span>.me.me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> If asked that question, I would be the obnoxious student raising their hand high to the sky, trying hard to not jump from their seat.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This holiday season has possibly been the fastest in history for me. I find this odd, seeing as I am a stay at home wife with zero kids. Shouldn't time be slow? Shouldn't I have all the time in the world? Shouldn't I have had morning upon morning to decorate for the holidays, go shopping, bake goodies, and rest on the coming of Christ?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, I thought it would be that way. Instead, I was busy checking off the to-do lists, buying the gifts, and not really breathing in the meaning of Christmas and the memories that come with it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Let's hope that this week is different. Mark gets off work tomorrow, we fly to Texas, and we will spend the week celebrating Christ's birth and the wonderful gift he has given us...all with my fabulous family! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a bit of our busy month :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanksgiving weekend Mark's madre came to visit. It was full of fun and included a day in San Francisco and winery hopping in Sonoma. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage1.s3.amazonaws.com/b94b419a189211e19896123138142014_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://distilleryimage1.s3.amazonaws.com/b94b419a189211e19896123138142014_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage0.s3.amazonaws.com/c9b592f6189211e1abb01231381b65e3_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://distilleryimage0.s3.amazonaws.com/c9b592f6189211e1abb01231381b65e3_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage1.s3.amazonaws.com/b94b419a189211e19896123138142014_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Once the first of December hit, I made this advent calendar. My plan was to have a note, bible verse, or activity in it each day for Mark to open. Gingerbread house decorating, Christmas light looking, random gifts, ornament making, christmas movies with hot chocolate, ice skating date night, and etcetera. Sadly, this dream did not become the best reality...with the "hustle and bustle" of life we were lucky this month if Mark got home from work on time and if I had a fresh meal on the table. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage0.s3.amazonaws.com/f8f1a2d21c8211e1a87612313804ec91_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://distilleryimage0.s3.amazonaws.com/f8f1a2d21c8211e1a87612313804ec91_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The following weekend Mark's dad and step mom flew in from North Carolina. The second they showed up they got straight to work fixing our refrigerator...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage1.s3.amazonaws.com/2f7946301d4a11e1abb01231381b65e3_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://distilleryimage1.s3.amazonaws.com/2f7946301d4a11e1abb01231381b65e3_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">After such hard work, we took them to a restaurant to enjoy this<i> huge</i> California steak...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage10.s3.amazonaws.com/bd38a0981d6211e1a87612313804ec91_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://distilleryimage10.s3.amazonaws.com/bd38a0981d6211e1a87612313804ec91_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The next weekend, I put on a Fair Trade Christmas Party at church. This is what took up most of my time this holiday season...but it was so worth it. I spent many many hours at our local Starbucks preparing for this night and I'd say it was quite a success, all because of the Lord. He is slowly teaching me to be more like him by being a good consumer and voting for justice and equality with the items I purchase. I'll share more about this in another post :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage4.s3.amazonaws.com/ff1ea8681d0311e180c9123138016265_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://distilleryimage4.s3.amazonaws.com/ff1ea8681d0311e180c9123138016265_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The last several days I have been busy at the home sewing and crocheting Christmas gifts.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage7.s3.amazonaws.com/50cad8d2161311e1abb01231381b65e3_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://distilleryimage7.s3.amazonaws.com/50cad8d2161311e1abb01231381b65e3_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage6.s3.amazonaws.com/38e872cc161f11e1a87612313804ec91_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://distilleryimage6.s3.amazonaws.com/38e872cc161f11e1a87612313804ec91_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>{I couldn't show you those unwrapped now...}</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Merry Christmas, friends! I hope you find joy and rest this holiday with family, friends, and the saving grace of Christ! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237535884587102254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175891716460526452.post-12003406134890636882011-11-09T15:37:00.000-08:002011-11-09T15:37:01.891-08:00Projects Galore!<div style="text-align: center;">Not to make excuses, but the lack of my blogging has largely been due to the countless amount of projects we have undertaken here at the house. So to catch all of you up, here is a glimpse of the projects/fun that has been had the past week or two.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Circa Halloween time I made these yummy candy corn sugar cookies...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://distillery.s3.amazonaws.com/media/2011/10/25/9e77429809f84cdc800c91f9f65c0a96_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://distillery.s3.amazonaws.com/media/2011/10/25/9e77429809f84cdc800c91f9f65c0a96_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And on Halloween Day we <u>finally</u> got around to carving up these...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage0.s3.amazonaws.com/dceb8c88042711e19896123138142014_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://distilleryimage0.s3.amazonaws.com/dceb8c88042711e19896123138142014_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We sanded some wood</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://distillery.s3.amazonaws.com/media/2011/10/30/dd5d678a032911e1a87612313804ec91_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://distillery.s3.amazonaws.com/media/2011/10/30/dd5d678a032911e1a87612313804ec91_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">and then distressed it like crazy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">and then stained it as well.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://distillery.s3.amazonaws.com/media/2011/10/30/caf8d0f8034b11e1abb01231381b65e3_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://distillery.s3.amazonaws.com/media/2011/10/30/caf8d0f8034b11e1abb01231381b65e3_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">All to get a more organized office...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://distillery.s3.amazonaws.com/media/2011/10/30/1f97150e035e11e19fe212313813204c_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://distillery.s3.amazonaws.com/media/2011/10/30/1f97150e035e11e19fe212313813204c_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I started sewing Christmas presents...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">but we can't show those!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And I <strike>learned</strike> am learning to crochet.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage7.instagram.com/beb8bacc099c11e180c9123138016265_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://distilleryimage7.instagram.com/beb8bacc099c11e180c9123138016265_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We are dog sitting this big puppy...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage2.instagram.com/468f3adc0b2a11e1abb01231381b65e3_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://distilleryimage2.instagram.com/468f3adc0b2a11e1abb01231381b65e3_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I sewed a table runner, painted new curtains, and finally made a thankful tree for our table...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage1.instagram.com/b125e2600b2511e1a87612313804ec91_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://distilleryimage1.instagram.com/b125e2600b2511e1a87612313804ec91_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>{you can kind of see all three in the above picture}</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage0.instagram.com/e0885db20b2511e1abb01231381b65e3_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://distilleryimage0.instagram.com/e0885db20b2511e1abb01231381b65e3_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And we finally have some pictures that aren't of just us in this home...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://distillery.s3.amazonaws.com/media/2011/10/25/2963202e8e654bf790d0188005e56f02_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://distillery.s3.amazonaws.com/media/2011/10/25/2963202e8e654bf790d0188005e56f02_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now we just need to tackle the project we have in store to display those... Any projects you have been up to lately?</div>Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237535884587102254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175891716460526452.post-41044674614056584632011-11-09T15:12:00.000-08:002011-11-09T15:12:27.881-08:00Confession<div style="text-align: center;">I have a confession to make.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
I lied. I said I would write a thankful post every day in November, and alas...one week later...I have done <b>nothing</b>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">When I sit and think about how much I am thankful for, I realize how ridiculous it is that I couldn't NOT write about it. I think it's because I just don't thank the Lord enough for what He has given me. Each day passes with the many blessings that inhabit it and I don't even take notice that they exist. Yes, I'm thankful for it, but I don't notice it..they are just expected. I don't see them as the beautiful gifts they are. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I pray I shout thanksgiving and count my blessings each day. I pray I take the time to count those little gifts that I am given...because each day is a blessing. I pray that in each breath I give thanks to the Magnificent Creator who made me and in so doing, bring Him glory. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">______________________________________________ </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What am I thankful for today? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Amazing Grace.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The grace that saves this self-consuming, un-thankful, materialistic sinner. The grace that abounds in and through me each day as He molds me more into His image...because it is only by His <i>grace</i> that I am good. It is <b>only</b> by HIS GRACE that I can be selfless, thankful, and run from the things of this world. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, Lord, friends, people. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have a confession. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>I'm a sinner.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>I'm saved by grace. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>&</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> I am oh so <i>thankful</i>. </b></div>Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237535884587102254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175891716460526452.post-53574882859362014692011-11-02T10:09:00.000-07:002011-11-02T10:09:41.674-07:00A Season of Thanks<div style="text-align: center;">Psalm 100 explains this season so well...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-15510">1</sup> Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-15511">2</sup> Serve the LORD with gladness!<br />
Come into his presence with singing!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-15512">3</sup>Know that the LORD, he is God!<br />
It is he who made us, and we are his;<br />
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-15513">4</sup> Enter his gates with thanksgiving,<br />
and his courts with praise!<br />
Give thanks to him; bless his name!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-15514">5</sup> For the LORD is good;<br />
his steadfast love endures forever,<br />
and his faithfulness to all generations.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I had my first graders memorize that verse last year. It is such a beautiful verse to meditate on this time of year...the Lord indeed is good. I am going to <i>try</i> to give thanks to the Lord each day this month via this blog. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And so it begins. </div><div style="text-align: center;">_________________________________________________ </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Day One </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">We are continuing to get settled here and each day it is beginning to feel more and more like home to us...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">how, you ask?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, a home to me involves people... people who can walk in this place without knocking. People who you can share food with and discuss life with. People who can dominate you at Nertz (Mark and I need to practice). People who can pray for you, hold you accountable, and grow with you. We are beginning to form authentic relationships...and even meeting wiser and older folks who can train and disciple us this first year of marriage and counting. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Folks like these two... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://hphotos-sjc1.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/s720x720/297947_574240421201_77000180_31810287_1685683368_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://hphotos-sjc1.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/s720x720/297947_574240421201_77000180_31810287_1685683368_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Joking :) This is obviously a Halloween costume of the people that dominated us at Nertz. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This couple has been such a breath of fresh air as we settle here. Max laughs like a hyena, cooks some mean gnocchi, and radically lives for the Lord. Monica can grow a mean garden, knows all things discounts and good deals, and lives out joy in all circumstances like no other. We are looking forward to living life alongside these two for as long as the Lord has us here. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>I give thanks to the Lord for continuously providing for Mark and I as we make this place a home. I came here with many doubts, questions, excitement, and fear. I left a family of believers to find a family of believers! Thank you Lord for your provision!</b></div>Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237535884587102254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175891716460526452.post-38266417660093402622011-10-21T09:17:00.000-07:002011-10-21T09:17:47.180-07:00InstaFriday<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Seeing as I haven't blogged in an <b>entire </b>week, I figured now was a good time to link up at this place. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://liferearranged.com/"><img alt="life rearranged" border="0" height="120" src="http://liferearranged.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/instafridaybutton.jpg" width="200" /> </a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Last Friday I finished my first ever DIY skirt! Woo! Maybe this will make me wear skirts more...I'm sure my husband would like a change from his "every single day I wear jeans" wife. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://distillery.s3.amazonaws.com/media/2011/10/14/e653c13b7bc04d8ea297739c92165d32_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://distillery.s3.amazonaws.com/media/2011/10/14/e653c13b7bc04d8ea297739c92165d32_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Saturday we celebrated our 6 months of being married and my 24 years of being alive and went to Yosemite. We hiked up to Yosemite Falls, which is reported to be a 6-8 hour hike. We did it in 4...and felt the pain from it when it hurt to walk the following day. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">P.S. isn't that beautiful? How great is our God?!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://distillery.s3.amazonaws.com/media/2011/10/15/f55814b51d6a4ff4a844cc6299e466e4_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://distillery.s3.amazonaws.com/media/2011/10/15/f55814b51d6a4ff4a844cc6299e466e4_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Going to Yosemite made Mark and I miss climbing that much more. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">(Mark pulled his finger pulley so we have had to take a break from it for a while)<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, we finally put up our training board so I could at least train a bit...while my stud husband does one arm pull ups with his good hand. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://distillery.s3.amazonaws.com/media/2011/10/16/a67fe9f4fd9f4d39b4c3f2d25e2eff8b_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://distillery.s3.amazonaws.com/media/2011/10/16/a67fe9f4fd9f4d39b4c3f2d25e2eff8b_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> let the training commence.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://distillery.s3.amazonaws.com/media/2011/10/16/e055767f43e5483db78f4d7e0a8d67b8_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://distillery.s3.amazonaws.com/media/2011/10/16/e055767f43e5483db78f4d7e0a8d67b8_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tuesday we took the ol' Frisbee out for some fun. We walked to a couple parks in town, but it turned out that all the little soccer teams had booked each field.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/18/cd41d3912c284e48b11fe1ffdde268e1_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/18/cd41d3912c284e48b11fe1ffdde268e1_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">That's when we were thankful for a good back yard.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/18/235a6cb623904ed1bfd26326508090c5_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/18/235a6cb623904ed1bfd26326508090c5_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wednesday we took a walk to the local library to get library cards. Mark wasn't too excited when I told him to let me take a picture of him in front of this. Can't you tell?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">That's when I put away the phone for a good amount of time...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/19/ff7e838cce864910a2763d4046084da3_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/19/ff7e838cce864910a2763d4046084da3_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">...until yesterday when I sewed my second DIY skirt for Lori (in addition to multiple other things that I will share eventually). I think I've found a new hobby in sewing...if only I had a job to purchase the needed fabric :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">More on that later. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/21/3e5940f6492249e38aeeea1a76486a77_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/21/3e5940f6492249e38aeeea1a76486a77_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Today. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Just got back from my morning jogging loop and am now waiting for the espresso machine to warm up to make a much needed latte.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mark and I get our California drivers licenses today. Starting tomorrow we will no longer get the long standing joke at the grocery store when we show them our driver's license...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"You're from Texas? I'm sorry."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">and I will no longer have to hold my tongue from saying something back. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Friday, Friends!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">{linking <a href="http://liferearranged.com/2011/10/instafriday-24/">here</a>}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237535884587102254noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175891716460526452.post-17324710835869289462011-10-14T15:59:00.000-07:002011-10-14T15:59:41.033-07:00Firsts<div style="text-align: center;">Last night Mark and I rode our bikes to the town Farmer's Market for the<b> first</b> time...only to realize we forgot the key to our bike lock. So, we biked back to the house to get the key, which is when Mark decided he wanted to walk there instead.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">These feet are thankful we only live about a mile away from the happenings downtown.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The weekly Farmer's Market was wonderful. Booth beyond booth of fresh produce, good food, kettle corn, and little shops were lined up on <b>1st </b>street. We were sad to hear that this weekly ritual ends later this month and won't pick back up until April. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> We didn't get any fruit or vegi's because we forgot our bag, but Mark decided I looked too legit in these to not buy them...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/14/31fe46583cd146e1981931ce252944e0_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/14/31fe46583cd146e1981931ce252944e0_6.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">After strolling down <b>First</b>, we had some good grub, began the stroll back home, stopped at the baseball fields to watch an inning of a kid's game, and then got back to the house to get much needed rest.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">__________</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Another<b> first</b> for the Felder clan is that I attempted and dominated my first stab at sewing a skirt. <a href="http://sweetcarolinebumbumbum.blogspot.com/2011/09/paper-bag-skirt-diy.html">Thank you sweet Caroline for great instructions</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/14/d75287c9f33d4ae1bb2731cdc6828107_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/14/d75287c9f33d4ae1bb2731cdc6828107_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">__________</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And the last <b>first </b>that will take place tomorrow...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mark and I are road tripping it to Yosemite for the <b>first </b>time of many! We are only going on a day trip to hike around. You have to reserve a camping spot there at least 6 months in advance...can I say crazy!?! I'll try and remember my actual camera for once...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Oh...Sunday also marks my <b>first</b> birthday as a married lady... and six months of being a married lady! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll be 24...can I say EVEN MORE CRAZY?!? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great weekend :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237535884587102254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175891716460526452.post-54343018389976321622011-10-13T08:02:00.000-07:002011-10-13T08:11:06.072-07:00Fall Recipe Party!<div style="text-align: center;">Morning, friends :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strike>Miss</strike> Mrs. Caroline and I go way back to the summer before college. She has an adorable shop and blogs over <a href="http://sweetcarolinebumbumbum.blogspot.com/">here</a>. Today she is having a fall recipe link up party, so check it out to get some yummy goodies and delish meals to cook up this season. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
We decided to take her up on the challenge of sharing a fall dish.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fall brings so many great things regarding food. Chai lattes, pumpkins, cinnamon, apples, the cool air for chili...one thing that I love busting out in the fall is the beginning of winter squashes...which brings us to a new recipe for ya'll!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Butternut Squash Risotto</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I loved it. It was creamy and warm, which was great for the cool night. The butternut squash was delectable. You should try it out.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b>Really.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Head to the store and get the following asap.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/11/09d9629549034aaf9a6933c94c1cd8df_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/11/09d9629549034aaf9a6933c94c1cd8df_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Olive Oil (2 T)</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Butternut Squash (1 pound)</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Leeks (2 of 'em)</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Thyme (3 sprigs)</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Arborio Rice (1 cup)</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Basil Leaves (Handful)</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Chicken Broth Low Sodium (32oz) </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup)</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Once you have all the goods go ahead and prep the vegetables. Mark and I like to prep everything and put them in individual bowls. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>NOT PICTURED</b>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">before you prep put the the 32 ounces of chicken in a saucepan on the stovetop. Heat it up and let it simmer. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Moving on...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">First prep the butternut squash. You will want to peel it and then dice the squash into 1/2 inch cubes. Here's some photos for you. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/11/d82579b1c0af41a9bc1605f639275cd2_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/11/d82579b1c0af41a9bc1605f639275cd2_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>cut off the top and bottom to have a solid base.</b><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>then peel. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>slice in half long ways. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>it takes some umph, so get ready for a work out.</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/11/7d872fff746d4770a92b73aa64a3bfa1_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/11/7d872fff746d4770a92b73aa64a3bfa1_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b> </b></i><b>scoop out the seeds with a big spoon. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>and if you are like us...</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>wash and dry the seeds.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>pop them in the oven at 300 degrees for around 20 minutes.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>enjoy your yummy and healthy snack.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/11/30d4c750f16c47a18c97733796c95328_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/11/30d4c750f16c47a18c97733796c95328_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b><br />
<b>with flat side down, cut vertical strips a 1/2 inch wide.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/11/fec1b4219a014a03b155b32ec4f1cc8c_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/11/fec1b4219a014a03b155b32ec4f1cc8c_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>make cuts through the squash</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> you can kind of see it.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>they are 1/2 inch.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/11/23fc1b82ebf548ffab8e3316ba63d39b_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/11/23fc1b82ebf548ffab8e3316ba63d39b_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>final cuts and you get semi-perfect 1/2 inch butternut squash cubes.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>that kind of look like cheese cubes.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/11/9d1a3859712e4848b7da581b9419f59b_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/11/9d1a3859712e4848b7da581b9419f59b_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>you should have only 2 cups plus some for the butternut squash.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>if you had more like me, put the rest in a ziploc bag.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>seal it as tight as possible.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>throw it in the freezer to make a quick side dish to a meal later in the week. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;">moving on. grab those leeks.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/11/0a1477606eb24ce285c1e326402e3ca6_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/11/0a1477606eb24ce285c1e326402e3ca6_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>toss the dark green.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>keep the white and light green.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;">...here is where i would add something looking back now...</div><div style="text-align: center;">make an additional long cut down the middle of each leek to separate each 1 into 2 sections. </div><div style="text-align: center;">then.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/11/b539281da4314fc39f055baf715d92d1_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/11/b539281da4314fc39f055baf715d92d1_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>cut 1 inch strips. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>put them in a bowl and set it aside. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/11/4b984cba211d4cd18a725adbc9f6f8ec_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/11/4b984cba211d4cd18a725adbc9f6f8ec_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="ingredient-set"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">take off the leaves from the 3 sprigs of thyme.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">chop them up and put them in a bowl.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">take your basil leaves.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">chop them up.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">put them in a separate bowl.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> PREP READY!<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/11/635509fed8c646ebbbfa0f8458950671_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/11/635509fed8c646ebbbfa0f8458950671_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Heat 1 T olive oil over medium high heat in a heavy duty saute pan or a large pot.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/11/48d613a4f1a640cdb257de30aa29345b_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/11/48d613a4f1a640cdb257de30aa29345b_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">When hot, but not smoking, add the butternut squash.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Let it sit there for a bit.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Then stir some.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Let it sit there.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sitr some.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Repeat for around 5 minutes.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Once the squash is lightly browned, empty all of it into a bowl and set aside.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Bring the heat to medium and put 1 more tablespoon of olive oil in the pan.<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/11/e3d31aa897524d78a6938b492f158587_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/11/e3d31aa897524d78a6938b492f158587_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saute the leeks and thyme.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">After 5 minutes go ahead and pour in the rice...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">And get ready for the tedious part...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Give the rice a stir, and after a good minute, scoop a cup out of your simmering pot of broth.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/11/dcbd447087aa47aca2a35d76fe5cc326_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/11/dcbd447087aa47aca2a35d76fe5cc326_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stir. Stir. Stir.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The key to risotto is patience. stirring. patience. and more stirring.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">In 4 minute intervals, continue to add 1/2 cup broth to the risotto (while stirring). The recipe online says it will last 15 minutes. I say 25 minutes. Keep the heat on medium, but if you need to you can raise the temp a bit more (I raised mine a little to speed up the process). Just remember that the rice needs that time to cook, so don't go crazy and put it on high!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Once you pour your last 1/2 cup of broth, the rice should still be a bit harder than you'd want it to be. Don't worry, you can let it cook for more. And you can stir while it cooks :) </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">When the last 1/2 cup is poured, put back in the butternut squash and let it cook and stir for an additional 10 minutes. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/11/b7b68c508d0f42d28df4ac2022d50d4e_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/11/b7b68c508d0f42d28df4ac2022d50d4e_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Then add your chopped basil and some 1/2 cup parmesan cheese...give it a good stir.</span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Then plate it up and add some of the basil on top as a garnish.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/11/06c316bad209482584d8296256a58c04_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/11/06c316bad209482584d8296256a58c04_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Delicious.</span><br />
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For the actual recipe, all credit goes to bon appetit, our usual stop for recipes. Get it <a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/quick-recipes/2010/12/risotto_with_butternut_squash_leeks_and_basil#ixzz1adMcLq9C">here</a>. <span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><br />
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The recipe I posted was split in half to accommodate for 2 people with a little bit of leftovers (Mark always needs leftovers for the next day at work!)<br />
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Hopefully this will inspire you to go out and make your own fall recipe...and then share it with me!<br />
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Off to make another fall inspired recipe...apple cinnamon bread!<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Go to the Link Party and check out other recipes <a href="http://sweetcarolinebumbumbum.blogspot.com/2011/10/chocolate-chip-pumpkin-muffins-fall.html">HERE</a><br />
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</span></div></div>Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237535884587102254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175891716460526452.post-63002035900040239912011-10-07T08:52:00.000-07:002011-10-07T08:52:13.154-07:00A Life Update for Friends Afar :)<div style="text-align: center;">In case any of you Texans or Carolinans or whoever were wondering..here's a quick life update for you.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Warning: This post has no pictures and all words. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Scratch that.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I just added a video. Yay for technology!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mark and I found a church we have decided to join here! We wanted to find a place that was in our town so we could really live life with the rest of the body. Last night we went to a small group at a couples home and loved it, so we are excited to start living life alongside these people. We would love prayers as we begin forming relationships here.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Pray that they are gospel-centered, intentional, and downright fun. Pray that the Lord provides an older couple to come alongside us and disciple us. That would be awesome...and pray for relationships to be formed with maybe some high school students or younger folks that we could come alongside and, by God's grace, train and disciple as well. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Pray for those people who aren't in our church body who we have become friends with...that good solid relationships will be made and that we won't selfishly leave the Lord out of them because it makes us feel uncomfortable or we are nervous. If we really believed the gospel to be true, then why would we NOT share this good news with others?! I've been super convicted of this lately. <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Pray for me (Ash) to find a place I can work (I had an interview last week at a school and have yet to find out the outcome). Ultimately, pray for me to trust in the Lord's provision, be pro-active and prayerful, be content, and see opportunities for ministry whether I get paid or not. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Pray for our marriage...that we wake up each day reminded that we have a blessed opportunity to live this gospel out right here in our home. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Lastly, pray for me (Ash) to choose joy and to give thanks for all the little things the Lord blesses us with each day. Each things he gives us is a gift. So often I forget such things. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Check out this video I saw about a book...I like it :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/GhOUaszMGvQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237535884587102254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175891716460526452.post-82230844084386374432011-10-07T08:29:00.000-07:002011-10-07T08:33:25.270-07:00It's beginning to feel a lot like autumn!<div style="text-align: center;">...which also means Christmas is not too far away, but let's not rush ourselves. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Due to the move happening in September, and Mark and I living out of boxes and suitcases for the last 2-3 weeks, I didn't get a chance to really embrace the fact that Fall was approaching. Now that our boxes are unpacked and life is beginning to become normal again, I finally have the time to think about pumpkins and scarves and mustard yellow and chai lattes and flannel shirts and turkey and...oh i need to stop. I'm getting too excited!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yesterday I even had the time to put together a quick wreath for our front door. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/07/6464f6e2856b4caaa6b0ff9cc140c930_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/07/6464f6e2856b4caaa6b0ff9cc140c930_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's not on the door now...because after looking at it this morning I decided it needed more rosettes, so off the door it came.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm a big fan of the grapevine wreath during this time of the year - the lovely brown color just screams Fall to me. With such a great wreath, I decided to keep it pretty simple by just adding some flannel rosettes to it. Having that thing on the door will definitely make it feel more like autumn around here :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And if you were interested...here's a close up! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/07/76596106c45a463b8766a9a53d7eed96_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/07/76596106c45a463b8766a9a53d7eed96_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't you think it needs just a bit more fun added to that thing? Hot glue gun turning on and fingers are prepared for a bit of torture...I'm still learning :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237535884587102254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175891716460526452.post-84653241172960218882011-10-06T10:24:00.000-07:002011-10-06T10:25:26.503-07:00thursday letters.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/06/340d5bac8ce54f77ba50079d7bdddb6b_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/06/340d5bac8ce54f77ba50079d7bdddb6b_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Hubs. </b>Last night you diced, caramelized, and simmered all of the onion goodness for me. Thanks for making me not cry and taking the tears from the onions for me. <b>Pink and Turqoise Wonder. </b>I've missed you and am pretty excited to live life in the bike lane. Get ready for many more trips to coffee shops, the grocery store, and strolls around town. <b>Dearest HEB. </b>We miss you very much. We miss your prices and your huge selection of all things coffee, all things seafood, and all things...well...everything. Alas, California grocers will do for now. <b>Hey Handsome. </b>I love you. I don't say that enough. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope everyone else is having a great Thursday! I enjoyed a run in the rain this morning and am just about to start a day filled with crafty goodness. So excited!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237535884587102254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175891716460526452.post-31483623240937819242011-10-05T08:21:00.000-07:002011-10-05T08:21:07.444-07:00Lessons Learned<div style="text-align: center;">Yesterday, I learned that biking in the Bay is much different than biking in flat land Texas.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I took the bike out of the storage, put the wheels on, and decided to bike over to a coffee shop to read and the local grocery to pick up some last minute things. It was a climb, but at least the hills were good for burning the calories from my chocolate-chip pumpkin pancake breakfast.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yesterday, I also learned how to break into our home when and if I lock the keys inside...hopefully that won't happen again...and hopefully, if it does, a window will be left cracked open for me to climb through. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/04/63f386662c17425ca4dc538e77c529da_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/04/63f386662c17425ca4dc538e77c529da_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">1) take screen off.</div><div style="text-align: center;">2) open up really thin window.</div><div style="text-align: center;">3) pray this pumpkin pancake eating body will fit thorugh said window.</div><div style="text-align: center;">4) attempt to climb up.</div><div style="text-align: center;">5) realize i haven't gone climbing in a while and it would be much easier to have some help.</div><div style="text-align: center;">6) grab stool.</div><div style="text-align: center;">7) laugh at self and get laughed at from school students passing by</div><div style="text-align: center;">8) SUCCESS!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><fast forward to now></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This morning I just finished making myself a chai latte.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/05/2f29392a35df41d2b148b2da0864e64c_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/05/2f29392a35df41d2b148b2da0864e64c_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">and some more pumpkin pancakes...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/05/8bd0964034404905b3417498d824273b_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/05/8bd0964034404905b3417498d824273b_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll probably jump on the bike again to run errands and attempt mastering the hills...but let's hope I don't relearn the task of climbing through a window again. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Any lessons you've learned lately that you wish you hadn't?!</div>Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237535884587102254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175891716460526452.post-802546027066852202011-10-03T17:33:00.000-07:002011-10-03T17:33:37.412-07:00WE ARE HOME!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's raining outside...and while I wish it was Texas because rain is oh so valuable there right now...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">it's not.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's not Texas because our home is now in California! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/flags/usa/caflagb.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/flags/usa/caflagb.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.50states.com/flag/caflag.htm">via</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The life update saga begins now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After relentless hours of packing, last week, Mark and I began the trek to California. Thankfully we didn't have to haul everything ourselves. A moving company picked up our packed boxes and drove them the 30 hours for us. So wonderful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We still had to make the drive though. After much thought we decided that we could try and life off of one car while living out here in the West Coast. So, we sold Mark's <i>legendary</i> Acura Legend and in result, only had one car to drive to California. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That would've been a huge blessing....but because Mark was a bit sad about having his car taken away from him he decided to do this the whole drive...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://distillery.s3.amazonaws.com/media/2011/09/23/52e156b4485247bf86ae2dd758457d85_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://distillery.s3.amazonaws.com/media/2011/09/23/52e156b4485247bf86ae2dd758457d85_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://distillery.s3.amazonaws.com/media/2011/09/23/52e156b4485247bf86ae2dd758457d85_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Joking :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://distillery.s3.amazonaws.com/media/2011/09/24/3e62e9930b4f4fe5a7fbe7d9cea7823d_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://distillery.s3.amazonaws.com/media/2011/09/24/3e62e9930b4f4fe5a7fbe7d9cea7823d_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We went halfsies and I definitely slept a bit as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After making the 2 1/12 hour day car trip through Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and then along the 101 of California...we finally made it to our new home in the Bay. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fast forward to this past Friday and the aforementioned moving van met us at our home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That's right. We went one week without furniture. No worries. Mark's company put us up in a swanky hotel and we got one whole week to splash some paint on our walls without our belongings taking up space. It was a <i>blessing</i> in disguise. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The house is pretty much all taken care of, despite one room that has all of our "i need to sew this/hang this/build this" stuff. We are trying to remind ourselves that we can take a breather, sleep at night, save up money, and gradually do these projects. As for now, our home is feeling like <i>home</i>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our furniture, our books, our pictures are now filling these once empty spaces. We installed shelves, painted the walls, and even picked tomatoes off our tomato plant. We cooked. We baked. We lit candles. It's funny how familiar scents can make a home feel like home. I grew up all over the place and moved year after year with my family...but the moment I felt that I could call a place home was the moment that familiar smell began to circulate throughout the home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(sidenote - mom, i want one of those scentsy things you have. christmas list?)</div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">The current homey smell...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/03/2cbbc0ab97804a248113172a36b390ed_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/10/03/2cbbc0ab97804a248113172a36b390ed_6.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">that picture would have the following words written in chalk..</div><div style="text-align: center;">(the chalk is still missing. we've opened every box, so i may just have to go buy more)</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>pumpkin chocolate chip muffins</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">aka deliciousness in every single bite. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I got the recipe at joy of baking and i insist that you try it out. i may even bake another batch tomorrow...partly because i love how they taste and partly because i love the aroma that fills up the home as they bake. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Off to play a game of Settlers with the hubby. Yes. We play with just the two of us. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237535884587102254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175891716460526452.post-86276982883543457302011-09-15T14:56:00.000-07:002011-09-15T14:56:53.036-07:00Letters on a Thursday.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/09/15/2f1e6fa3a88d4cc7a92f897995289150_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/09/15/2f1e6fa3a88d4cc7a92f897995289150_6.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Husband, </b>this time next week we will begin a road trip to the west coast. prepare to be dominated in all car trip games known to man.<b> Upset Tum, </b>because of you mark and i will be getting our soup on tonight. please feel better soon. <b>Dearest Reader, </b>mark and i do not wear adult diapers nor do we have a little on the way (see picture). we do have great friends who give us free boxes...and who have littles. you are wonderful, steinbachs. <b>U-Haul,</b> why are your boxes so expensive?! thank you mark's company for reimbursing us for said moving expenses. <b>And other half..</b>even though you can't climb in the gym tomorrow night...i know you're still the strongest, most hard-core, climber there. Please heal fast finger pulley. <a href="http://www.rockclimbing.com/routes/North_America/United_States/California/Yosemite_National_Park/Yosemite_Valley/Bouldering_Yosemite/Camp_4/Midnight_Lightning_13749.html">Midnight Lightning</a> is waiting for you to conquer it. </div>Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237535884587102254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175891716460526452.post-73931228619973086802011-09-14T12:02:00.000-07:002011-09-14T12:02:08.701-07:00Frame It!<div style="text-align: center;">And the countdown continues...8 days. <br />
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Wow.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We are in the midst of moving hysteria here at the Felder house. It isn't too hectic seeing as we don't have many things...but I have definitely had my fair share of taping boxes today. While boxing up our belongings we noticed that some things are just too tough to move.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Example.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My bouquet from the wedding day. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It has served it's purpose as a cute decoration in the dining room, but moving that thing will result in dried out flower petals everywhere. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mark was a bit more disappointed that it had to go than I was. It's easier for me to get rid of things because of moving so much as a kid. So, to appease Mark (and myself...I definitely like the idea of keeping things from our wedding day!) I did a little project to keep bits of the bouquet with us forever. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Did anyone else say FOOOOR-EEEVVV-ER? Oh Sandlot, how I love you. When I was a kid I may or may not have had a crush on Benny "The Jet" Rodriguez. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Back to what I did today (besides packing boxes).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/09/14/8b127fe3a7754c5288fdad226567b993_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/09/14/8b127fe3a7754c5288fdad226567b993_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/09/14/8371206cd0804623aa0186f618ad857d_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/09/14/8371206cd0804623aa0186f618ad857d_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/09/14/78d084a5eeab402a80b6a59c6e6041b8_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/09/14/78d084a5eeab402a80b6a59c6e6041b8_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now we can take it with us to California.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Or at least part of it :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I used the same burlap that was wrapped around the bouquet as the background, and then chose 3 of the flowers to put in the frame. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This would have been much easier if the flowers weren't completely dried out. Regardless, it was still super easy and required zero tools except some hardback books to press the flowers in. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you like the idea of pressing flowers and framing them, I love this idea found on DesignSponge! </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets4.designsponge.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_3226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://assets4.designsponge.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_3226.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2011/05/diy-project-dried-flowers-and-herbs.html"><b>{via}</b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
Back to packing up this apartment...</div>Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237535884587102254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175891716460526452.post-21738360122238959672011-09-13T08:08:00.000-07:002011-09-13T08:10:14.202-07:00a place to call home<div style="text-align: center;">This last week Mark and I got to take a trip, all expenses paid by his company, to our soon to be "hometown" to look for a place to live. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">While we were there we made a little day trip to San Francisco, which is about a 30 minute drive away.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/09/11/681e2ff548c94b9899843ac66aae0bbf_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/09/11/681e2ff548c94b9899843ac66aae0bbf_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mark's sister, <a href="http://www.amandafelder.com/">Amanda</a>, took us on a full out hike around the city. Little Italy, Chinatown, Ghirardelli Square, and many other places... My calves are still aching from the pain of all those hills. Despite the pain, it was definitely worth it. We even got to have some <i>amazing</i> dim sum at this joint called <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/hang-ah-tea-room-san-francisco">Hang Ah</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Result: We'll be back soon.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">That same day we went into Berkeley. I decided this is the only place Mark is allowed to ride his fixed gear bike at for the next 2 years due to it not having as many hills as Benicia...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Just joking, babe. You can ride it in Benicia. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Just <u>not</u> in San Francisco.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">While in Berkeley we went to another amazing restaurant and had some of the best pizza I have ever eaten. If you're ever in the area, check out the award winning restaurant called <a href="http://www.zacharys.com/">Zachary's</a>. There were hundreds of awards on the wall declaring they had the best pizza...and I would have to agree with each and every one of them. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Zachary's has proven that cheese on the bottom and sauce on the top is definitely the way to go with deep dish pizza. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/09/11/1990970b000d44cb833033897dcbba54_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/09/11/1990970b000d44cb833033897dcbba54_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We (of course) had to stop by the infamous In-N-Out Burger as well. I know Fort Worth/Dallas folks have this place within driving distance now, but Houston is being a bit slow on this one...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/09/12/2296eebc4b48489a98c26c21199fcec0_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/09/12/2296eebc4b48489a98c26c21199fcec0_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And the whole reason we made this little trip out to the Bay Area...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/09/12/9eefa551512b4535b8169a23fb51b9d0_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/09/12/9eefa551512b4535b8169a23fb51b9d0_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>our new home!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mark and I were so blessed to find this great 2 bedroom/1bath bungalow to rent with a pretty awesome gal as the landlady. It has an <i>incredible</i> backyard with tomatoes already ripe for pickin', room to put more plants, a perfect concrete slab for a fire pit, and loads of space for back yard get togethers! And the inside is just as great...</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">In only <span style="font-size: large;"><b>9</b></span> days {insert ashlee's freak out mode because she just realized she has so much to do} the moving van will come to our little, yet great, apartment and we will begin the trek to California!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I can't wait to share more pictures with ya'll...just one issue.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">i need to get in the habit of taking more pictures.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">it'll happen. promise. </div>Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237535884587102254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175891716460526452.post-46846587251319761722011-09-01T14:57:00.000-07:002011-09-06T07:25:07.585-07:00Letters on a Thursday.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/09/01/2a23dcd74292483aa02b872c24500f1c_6.jpg" /><b> </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Groom, </b>this week after i was lovingly being your helpmate by being a back seat driver, you decided to let me know that you were a professional drive. my response? you aren't in nascar....and then you made known that indeed, you are not one who only knows how to turn left, but you are a <i>true</i> professional who can turn left, right, reverse, u-turn, brake at the right time, and take care of me. thank you for your wit, charm, and keeping me safe in the car. i think this means you should be the driver <i>all</i> the way to california. agreed?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Dear Amazon, </b>the other half and i are oh so thankful that after 4 months of patiently waiting, you finally sent the first issue of bon appetit to us. thanks to you we have a handful or restaurants to hit in the next several months!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>three day weekend,</b> i am <u>so excited</u> for you to get here. first friday, <a href="http://www.pmaddens.com/PeterMadden.htm">maddens</a> brunch, lake cabin, <a href="http://www.newlifecs.net/">new life</a>, and seeing good people will make this weekend one to remember. please come soon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Sweet Husband of Mine, </b>thank you for loving me despite my inability to love you back at times. those times i do love you are only evidences of God's grace in my life... oh, how <i>great </i>is He, to save a sinner such as me!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope everyone else has a great three day weekend...or regular ol' two day weekend! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Check out this rad <a href="http://www.todaysletters.com/">blog</a> for the inspiration behind Thursday's letters... </div>Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237535884587102254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175891716460526452.post-85730835145967751682011-08-24T08:16:00.000-07:002011-08-24T08:16:38.594-07:00Pork Vermicelli!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">If there is one thing Mark and I miss about Colllege Station...ok.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Scratch that.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mark and I miss LOTS of things about College Station. Friends. Family. Church. BCS. Climbing wall. And etcetera...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">but, the one thing I was referring to that we miss tons are these 2 food joints off Texas. Pho Johns and Rosie Phos. Oh how we miss the pho. More than that, we miss the vermicelli. Last night I decided I'd try and whip up one myself from a recipe I found in this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gourmet-Today-All-New-Recipes-Contemporary/dp/0618610189">Gourmet Today</a> cookbook. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Side note - this cookbook is amazing. We bought it for 50% off at one of the many Borders close out sales...and we've cooked every meal from it since. On Monday night we had some friends over and I made a delectable arugula salad with pancetta wrapped peaches, the most commented on corn and tomato gratin, and steph king even helped out by making the delish catalan tomato grilled bread...with a beer can chicken as the main dish. Every single bite was amazing and I am officially in love with this cookbook. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Back to vermicelli. So. We found a pork vermicelli recipe in here and with all the amazingness we had on Monday evening, we had high hopes for supper last night. Mark even texted me during the day saying "I AM SO EXCITED TO COME HOME AND EAT!" That's not a normal occurrence. He was stoked about his vermicelli. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you're just as stoked as we were here is what you need to do...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Get this stuff.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/021355ff55da4653ae2557b1935ba20d_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/021355ff55da4653ae2557b1935ba20d_6.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">and this stuff.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/9e5a1bd22adf4ab0b7b2be292e6e818e_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/9e5a1bd22adf4ab0b7b2be292e6e818e_6.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">To be even more precise for you here is a list:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 pound thin rice vermicelli noddoles</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 cup unseasoned rice vinegar</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tablespoon + 1 tablespoon Asian fish sauce</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tablespoon + 1/3 cup sugar</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/3 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon salt</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 carrot, shredded</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 cup scallions, thinly sliced</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 cup unsalted, roasted peanuts, chopped</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/3 cup fresh cilantro and mint, torn</div><div style="text-align: center;">8 (1/4 inch) boneless pork loin chops</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 finely chopped shallot (1/3 cup)</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 limes (juiced)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Once you have what you need you will first want to make the noodles.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Vermicelli noodles are rice noodles that can be found in the Asian section of your grocery store. If you don't have International sections, you should look near the rice and it should be there. The store should have a selection of various rice noodles - you'll choose the vermicelli style...aka the really thin ones.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">To make them you first need to boil a pot of water and fill <i>a different</i> pot or bowl with hot water from your sink.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Place the noodles in the bowl of water from your sink and let it all soak for around 10 minutes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/89a1b23c8a0248ca9d1178f30d84e548_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/89a1b23c8a0248ca9d1178f30d84e548_6.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Then, drain the vermicelli noodles in a sieve. If you don't have a sieve (such as myself) you can use a strainer.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Just make sure you watch the noodles because they could easily slip through.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/d40e14b02fba47e6b4acb00692c942de_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/d40e14b02fba47e6b4acb00692c942de_6.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now place the drained noodles in the boiling water for 1 minute. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you are impatient like me and place the noodles in when the water is really just simmering, make it 2 minutes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/cc769f9564be42b182b418714f8511d5_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/cc769f9564be42b182b418714f8511d5_6.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>{it's boiling...kind of}</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Once that has gone for 1 (or 2) minutes place it back in the sieve/strainer.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This time run cold cold water on it to get it to stop cooking.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/cfa6744eaed34545bc05fa08dfccd7cc_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/cfa6744eaed34545bc05fa08dfccd7cc_6.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Once all of the noodles are cooled, turn the water off and let the vermicelli strain away. You want these noodles dried off. It helps to use towels to make it even more dry. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I used paper towels and patted it down pretty nicely. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You can even have the noodles sit there while you get the rest of the dish ready.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Next, you can make the sauce that will go with the salad. This is a noodle salad. I don't think I told you that.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Whisk together 1/4 unseasoned rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon Asian Fish Sauce (watch out, this stuff smells real fishy), 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisk away until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved. Then set that aside.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/33aafe464f4c4fbe9a90af287cc16c37_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/33aafe464f4c4fbe9a90af287cc16c37_6.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
According to the list way up top, you should already have one shredded carrot, a handful of cilantro and mint leaves (tear these up if they are big), thinly sliced scallions that equal out to be about 1/4 cup, and 1/2 cup chopped unsalted and roasted peanuts. Leave all of those items aside.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I keep everything in little bowls. If you don't have the counterspace...which will be me in 1 month from today because of small kitchens in California...you can go ahead and combine the noodles, sauce, and all that's mentioned above. I don't like to do that because I like how it looks in the end without it. No difference though. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now that the whole salad/noodle part is done you'll want to make the pork. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's what you do. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Get your boneless 1/4 inch thick pork and pound them into being thinner. About half the size. You can do this by placing them in between plastic wrap and pounding them away with a mallet.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/3009f7de2e284de1b0c0fdb88b864ce5_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/3009f7de2e284de1b0c0fdb88b864ce5_6.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>{use the non spiky side on such thin meat}</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Once pounded down cut each pork loin in 1/2 lengthwise.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/1029669fbe6148d49225e8c7a83fe5dc_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/1029669fbe6148d49225e8c7a83fe5dc_6.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Then place all the pieces in a bowl.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/32ca53936bb246208e97bb82565eed7d_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/32ca53936bb246208e97bb82565eed7d_6.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then, go to your stove stop and place a little saucepan on medium heat. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">While that heats up take a shallot and chop it up.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/e22aaaa729a246e1a389bb41ce951f65_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/e22aaaa729a246e1a389bb41ce951f65_6.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
You only need one good sized whole shallot. Keep the other one to use for something else later.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Go back to your (hopefully) medium heat sauce pan and put in 1/3 cup sugar.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/d95d65e83640400f9290a420999ba23a_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/d95d65e83640400f9290a420999ba23a_6.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>{that's sugar...cant you tell?}</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">However enticing it may be, do not stir.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wait.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now. once the sugar has begun to melt, you can give it a little stir. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Use a wooden spoon. Metal on metal is no bueno. And plastic stirring in such heat equals melted plastic. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Keep stirring OCCASIONALLY (does anyone else have a habit of wanting to stir a lot?) until the sugar dissolves and becomes a golden caramel color. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Resist the urge to put that over a bowl of ice cream. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Instead. Pour in the chopped shallots, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, and the juice from 2 limes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/5ca89708d6f2479a8813fa06e60c3872_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/5ca89708d6f2479a8813fa06e60c3872_6.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I know the picture is poor, but in case you can't tell, this thing is lighting up and boiling like crazy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Not lighting up really. That was an exagerration.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It was a bit crazy for a bit though. I had moments of wanting to take it off the burner. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Once again, resist, and instead stir like mad for 2 around 2 minutes. The caramel will dissolve away and the shallots will be softened and your kitchen will smell good. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Take that sauce and pour it over the pork (which should still be in the bowl). </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/eae4f892dec141b59d7e0e067c06086a_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/eae4f892dec141b59d7e0e067c06086a_6.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Make sure each piece gets the mixture soaked in it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then place a grill pan (or a good saute pan if you don't have one) on medium-high heat. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Once hot, lightly oil the pan, and place the pork on it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/d562d2b2b54a4eccac54f1c2e40e9b1b_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/d562d2b2b54a4eccac54f1c2e40e9b1b_6.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">After just one minute flip the pork over</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The pork will have this caramel colored glaze on it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/9fc4800ad1584917a58b6abc48e55418_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/9fc4800ad1584917a58b6abc48e55418_6.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">After one more minute, take off your done pork and put it on a plate to the side while you finish up the other pieces. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Once down you are now ready to assemble your dish. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">First, place the noodles in a bowl or a plate. Follow that with the carrots and the green onions.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It should look like this...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/6f636708f21146b0ae1dd669297e4eb5_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/6f636708f21146b0ae1dd669297e4eb5_6.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then add the chopped peanuts, the pork, and the fresh herbs. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/b2da245dcf8249948c90ea7c71ebfd38_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/23/b2da245dcf8249948c90ea7c71ebfd38_6.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pour the fish sauce over it (what you whisked together earlier) and boom. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">A Meal. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Post bite thoughts:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mark and I loved this meal, but it definitely was not up to par with what we missed so dearly from CStat. I've decided next time I need to make more fish sauce, add some jalapeno peppers in it for a kick of spicy, and add some chopped lettuce as well for more vegis. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But, this was still really good and will definitely be made again (with those few additions). </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Rumor has it that in California the Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and Thai food restaurants are <u>incredible</u>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Along with the Gourmet Cookbook we bought at Borders, we also bought some California and San Francisco reading guides. The Chinatown and Japantown sections were read instantly.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mark says that is what he is most excited about. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I semi-agree :) </div>Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237535884587102254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175891716460526452.post-61120156957567350872011-08-19T07:31:00.000-07:002011-08-19T07:44:14.645-07:00keeping up to date<div style="text-align: center;">Good morning, friends</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Yesterday, after many weeks of knowing I needed to do this, I finally made and filled out a little calendar for the following months. I have been wanting to make a fun calendar for Mark and I to just hang in our office and have birthdays/holidays/etc. reminders on. I have put it off saying I would wait until December and make one for the next year. I soon noticed this was a problem due to my ability to forget important dates. </div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">This mind needs things to be written down. </div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, mom, even grocery lists. Aren't you proud? </div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyhow, I found some calendars online for inspiration, and this is what I ended up with...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><br />
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</script><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">There are a couple of things I would change, but because it is only a couple months, I decided it was good enough for now. Some of the sayings are inside jokes between Mark and I, which makes it fun and unique to us!<br />
<br />
For example...<br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>"i can pencil you in" </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b>-- </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b>what I told him after he asked me out on our first date, and after he proposed to me</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>"california, here we come"</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b>--</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b>well, that's when we will "come"</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>"if i'm hermione, then you're my ron" </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b>--</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b> we just love hp. mark was a bit upset that he couldn't be harry when he saw this. i couldn't think of what to put and seeing as that was the month for halloween, i figured it would do.</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyhow, after making this I realized we have only a few weekends left in Texas... because of that, we have big trips planned for mostly every weekend leading up to California. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This weekend we are going to see Scott, Anne, and their <i>adorable </i>boy, Boone, in middle of nowhere Texas. The Chapman's (Scott & Anne) work full time at <a href="http://www.campeagle.org/#home">Camp Eagle</a>, a camp Mark worked at in college. This camp is awesome. Mark and I secretly wish he had a full time job there. We are super excited to get some good climbing in while we are there, but even more excited to see the Chapman's before they head off on a European adventure and before we head off to California.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
You can read about their soon to be Europe backpacking trek with a 1 1/2 year old <a href="http://herewegolife.wordpress.com/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-8mNrtZZ/0/M/DAN1458-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-8mNrtZZ/0/M/DAN1458-M.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>{our 2 minutes of talking time at the wedding}</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">.thank ya'll SO much for coming.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The weekends following will consist of... a trip to Austin, College Station, our soon to be new home in Cali, and at least one weekend to pack up things here in Houston.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This month is going to go by fast!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's a good thing I have this calendar to keep me organized now. Do ya'll ever have problems forgetting important dates amongst the chaos of life?!</div>Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237535884587102254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175891716460526452.post-50456173076983606872011-08-18T07:29:00.000-07:002011-08-18T07:29:26.504-07:00Letters to the Littles<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/294494_2282843160677_1536790778_2561678_8038344_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/294494_2282843160677_1536790778_2561678_8038344_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Dear Cade, </strong>You are such a <em>stud </em>6 (almost 7) year old. Not only are you super smart, but you are super witty too. Jokes come out of nowhere for you and I <u>love</u> that. You are an amazing big brother to your little sister and Mr. Coleser. Thank you for always showing enthusiasm about everything and for doing your best work with what you're given - whether it's painting a mural, learning to dive into the pool, or playing basketball. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What is so great is that you continue to strive towards your best even when you've failed prior...like when you were learning to catch that ball while jumping into the pool. You tried and tried and tried and FINALLY YOU GOT IT! But you didn't stop there...you wanted to keep doing it, with your best effort, until you caught it multiple times. Wow. You are a hard worker, Cade. You taught me a bit about persistence this last week and for that, I am thankful. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I <em>pray</em> you grow up desiring to do well in life, but not for the benefit of you, but for the benefit of making Christ known. I pray you are able to realize that we live in darkness and perfection is not attainable except through the saving work of Jesus on the cross. I love you, boy. Thanks for being so darn witty and teaching me to not give up. It reminds me of Paul in Phillipians 3. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. {Phillipians 3:12-14}</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Press on, boy.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/293163_2282866641264_1536790778_2561754_4952450_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/293163_2282866641264_1536790778_2561754_4952450_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><strong>Miss Grace. </strong>You are all bits of crazy...in a good way. I had SO much fun with you this last week. I have loved watching your personality evolve over the past few years and can't wait to see how it grows even more as your grow up. I know we have told you this all growing up, but you are such a wonderful balance of girly girl meets play in the mud girl. We used to laugh about how you would be in a tutu playing in the mud. That is definitely <em>you</em>. </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">I saw it evolve even more this last week.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"> I saw you hold your own with your brothers; I saw you make your point known; I saw your ability to keep things ordered and in control. But, then I also saw this gentle way about you...how you would help your little brother on the play ground, how you would share anything and everything given to you, and how you would <strong></strong>cuddle oh so well (I can see already what a great nurturer you will be!) </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">So many people think that a woman of the Lord is one who stands idle, who is gentle and quiet. But looks at Proverbs 31! This woman has strength. She has dignity. She plants vineyards. She is orderly. She speaks (with wisdom). She does not eat the bread of idleness. </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Girl. You are beautiful. You taught me this week to not eat the bread of idleness. To stand strong and work hard, but in a gentle way. I have struggled so much lately feeling that I don't have a purpose...as I sit at home without a job tending to the ways of my household...but that is such a lie. I have an opportunity <em>now</em> to work hard and to manage my home well. Thank you for reminding me of that; thank you for reminding me of my calling to be a woman who takes action, yet still submits, honors, and reveres my husband. </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">And I pray just that for you, miss. I pray you grow into a strong woman who fears the Lord...who manages her household well...but who still submits to her husband as the church submits to Christ. I am definitely still learning much about that.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Keep playing in the mud. Keep painting your nails. Keep eating paleo if you want to (but I know you secretly like the sugar). Keep growing into the woman the Lord has called you to be. </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Love you, pretty pretty princess. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/228814_2283049765842_1536790778_2562130_7976461_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/228814_2283049765842_1536790778_2562130_7976461_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Coleser. Cole Beart. Colbert Report. Cheese. </strong>That's right. You are such a cheese. You made me want to have kids so much sooner than Uncle Mark and I are planning... like <strong>now</strong>. Tell your mom that proably won't happen though...even though it would be nice to have a cousin close to your age. Just wait 2 more years :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I just love your smile. You smile at everything. And then you have this look. This look that I think is kind of flirtacious and mom and dad better watch out for when you grow up....this look of "Yeah, I know I'm cute...and I know you know it." It's pretty cute. It's <em>real</em> cute.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyhow. You, sir, are a delight. Thank you for smiling at every possible moment. Thank you for your manners. Thank you for gladly doing what Nana and I asked you to (except with that instance of the grape and the couple times of climbing out of your crib).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Side note: I hope this means that you'll be a stud rock climber. My bet is in and I say yes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love that you listen and you obey well. If you do something wrong and you are told no, you stop pretty immediately. You aren't too stubborn and you don't get upset that easily. I'm not saying you're perfect. I'm just saying, by the grace of God, you are often quick to obey and quick to forgive...and quick to smile :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you for reminding me to rid myself of stubbornness and bitterness that I often hold. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you for reminding me to smile in a cheese kind of way sometimes. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>CHEESE!!!</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/263288_2282856881020_1536790778_2561729_2229006_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/263288_2282856881020_1536790778_2561729_2229006_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Love ya'll. Come visit me in the San Fran area? MmmK? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tell mom to just put you on a flight (because you are all pros by now).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We'll go rock climbing, kayaking, build tents, climb trees, play hide and seek, paint, cause mayhem, and I'll even give you some icees and ice cream.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't tell Mom though...that's just between us ;) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237535884587102254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175891716460526452.post-47813311128573316182011-08-17T10:25:00.000-07:002011-08-17T10:25:46.312-07:00Oh, Happy Day!<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Well friends. As mentioned in the previous post, keeping up a blog is a difficult thing to do when you are working...does nannying even count as a job?! I'm back on the bandwagon for a while though (I hope). My temporary nanny gig ends on Friday and then I will be spending the next month prepping for a big move to San Francisco. Yes. A month. Insane. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yesterday marked 4 days that Mark and I were married! Marked. Ha. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">{i'm probably the only one that laughed at that one}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And this past week also marked the day that we got all our pictures from our big day! Daniel (who is married to Mark's sister) shot our wedding pictures for free. Such a blessing. We owe you big time :) Good thing we will be living a short hour drive from you in a month from now.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Daniel is insane. Not only has he competed in MANY iron mans, but he is also a genius engineer and a great photographer. Check out his incredible work <a href="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Portfolio/Athletes/7157445_QBh7j#459395135_XGw3M">here</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, with pictures in hand I figured I would share some of our fun from April, 16th! Most of the pictures were taken by Daniel, but some are from my sweet grandma, Grammy, who also had her camera in hand!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Our wedding was held at <a href="http://www.doublecreekcrossing.com/">Double Creek Crossing</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">A <em>beautiful</em> place for an outdoor venue.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The rehearsal dinner was at the <a href="http://www.thekylehouse.com/">Kyle House</a>. I think the rehearsal dinner was one of my favorite parts - simply because it was time to just relax and chat with those we loved. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Even some of the guys had something to say...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-RtRnB2C/0/M/DAN0844-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-RtRnB2C/0/M/DAN0844-M.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Even</em> Phillip had something to say...now that's crazy. P.S. Dan. I see your rattail. Props to you for hiding it from me on the wedding day though :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And on to the wedding day...after grabbing a delicious breakfast from Madden's the girls and I headed off to Double Creek to get ready for the day!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/229449_2024910032510_1536790778_2267658_6014518_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/229449_2024910032510_1536790778_2267658_6014518_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>{my aunt, me, grandma, and mom at Maddens}</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So many things were already set up! It was such a relief. Most brides or bridesmaids are running around the hour before the ceremony getting everything ready or at least delegating things. I was doing none of that. Our wedding started at 6 pm and all the decorations were easily done by noon. It was amazing. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are a couple pictures of the set up:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-txHKLDm/0/L/DAN0920-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-txHKLDm/0/L/DAN0920-L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>{trail mix buffet}</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">we had 5 selections of trail mix and some awesome bags to put them in for the guests to take home! It went well with our outdoor theme. The bags were the brown coffee bags with a stamp on it that had a tree, "oh happy day!" and Mark & Ash written on it. The trail mix seemed to be a hit according to the guests! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-BnBH97f/0/L/DAN0923-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-BnBH97f/0/L/DAN0923-L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>{gift table}</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The tables were either covered with quilts or an ivory cloth with burlap as runner. This is the gift table with some of our engagement pictures around it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/230359_2024924272866_1536790778_2267719_1683821_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/230359_2024924272866_1536790778_2267719_1683821_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>{centerpieces}</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/231031_2024924432870_1536790778_2267720_4358123_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/231031_2024924432870_1536790778_2267720_4358123_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>{menu}</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made that chalkboard out of plank of wood and chalk paint. So simple. I now use it for recipes on this blog! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-LH5n2xv/0/L/DAN1120-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-LH5n2xv/0/L/DAN1120-L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>{the tree guest book}</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was set up right before the entrance to the ceremony. An art student at BCS painted this for us and did such a great job! She even put our initials in the tree and put wildflowers on the ground, which went with our theme. The sign says "Please leaf a thumbprint on our wedding tree!" I bought the Kleenex box from Hobby Lobby and placed some baby wipes in it. The little metal trash can was also bought at Hobby Lobby, along with the easel. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-hjvfVdv/0/L/DAN1429-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-hjvfVdv/0/L/DAN1429-L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>{guest book table}</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The normal guest book was set up on this table, which was across the aisle from the tree! Along with the guest book were the fan programs and some activites for the kids. Those cards had a word search I made on one side, and a mad lib made up about our wedding day! Some of the kids came up to me at the reception to share me their stories. Some adults did as well...it was fun :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/229209_2024925432895_1536790778_2267727_176610_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/229209_2024925432895_1536790778_2267727_176610_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can see a bit of the wording on the fans there...it was another simple project to make!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-jW5R2SX/0/L/DAN1160-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-jW5R2SX/0/L/DAN1160-L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>{cake and pie tables}</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The cake was a simple cake, but oh so delicious! I had an assortment of pies out and placed little flags in them for some added decoration. The sweet love bunting was a simple DiY project! There was also bunting on the trail mix table that said "Happy Trails!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-Bc9QMwH/0/L/DAN1164-2-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-Bc9QMwH/0/L/DAN1164-2-L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>{close up}</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyhow, as mentioned earlier, <em>everything</em> was set up. It was amazing. All I had to worry about was being ready in time to see my soon to be husband at 3 for before the ceremony pictures :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-wh8hgWG/0/L/DAN7684-2-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-wh8hgWG/0/L/DAN7684-2-L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hair, check. Make up...almost check :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-TNT7Mhp/0/M/DAN0985-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-TNT7Mhp/0/M/DAN0985-M.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-8mmWD5k/0/M/DAN1018-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-8mmWD5k/0/M/DAN1018-M.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div align="center">While the girls got ready, so did the guys...</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-njH2KX2/0/M/DAN1008-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-njH2KX2/0/M/DAN1008-M.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-3fHtxLB/0/M/DAN1005-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-3fHtxLB/0/M/DAN1005-M.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">And after a long wait I was ready to see my groom :) </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-mXvdHD4/0/L/DAN7741-3-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-mXvdHD4/0/L/DAN7741-3-L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-J2zsSgs/0/M/DAN7751-3-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-J2zsSgs/0/M/DAN7751-3-M.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-B2RMttB/0/M/DAN7756-3-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-B2RMttB/0/M/DAN7756-3-M.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-pq3HCQ8/0/M/DAN7766-3-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-pq3HCQ8/0/M/DAN7766-3-M.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><strong>{it was so hard not to kiss him}</strong></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Along with seeing eachother before the ceremony, we also opted to take pictures with our bridal party before as well. I am SO glad we did this. It meant that after the ceremony we could take our 30 second walk to the reception site and get to partying right away. It also meant Mark and I could have some quality us time (not rushed) before the ceremony while taking pictures. I am so glad we did it this way. Walking down the aisle and seeing him standing there was still just as great even though I had already seen him all snazzed up in his suit :) </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-csbmbD6/0/L/DAN1088-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-csbmbD6/0/L/DAN1088-L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The girls had on JCrew dresses in different shades of blue. We got them on sale, which was a BIG plus! They wore various colors of gray shoes and well...you can see their bouquets :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-fc8jC5C/0/M/DAN7900-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-fc8jC5C/0/M/DAN7900-M.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The guys pants were from Express (along with Mark's coat). They wore gray Toms, which we gave them to as a gift.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-XcJVXhb/0/M/DAN7922-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-XcJVXhb/0/M/DAN7922-M.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Cade got TOMS too, he just didn't have them on yet ;) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We also took pictures with the families before too!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-wcdSxpf/0/M/DAN7936-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-wcdSxpf/0/M/DAN7936-M.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>{missing you mike f!}</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are some shots of the ceremony...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-47cCc9H/0/L/DAN1295-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-47cCc9H/0/L/DAN1295-L.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-PgNmbFN/0/M/DAN1337-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-PgNmbFN/0/M/DAN1337-M.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-xWrcBPs/0/M/DAN1359-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-xWrcBPs/0/M/DAN1359-M.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-6T3btWM/0/M/DAN8135-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-6T3btWM/0/M/DAN8135-M.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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WOO HOO! We're hitched :) CELEBRATE!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-2MszF4d/0/L/DAN8154-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-2MszF4d/0/L/DAN8154-L.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-LNFwDKv/0/M/DAN1399-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-LNFwDKv/0/M/DAN1399-M.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>{that was my mom's veil}</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-rHsJX66/0/M/DAN8163-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-rHsJX66/0/M/DAN8163-M.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-b9MpVBx/0/M/DAN1427-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-b9MpVBx/0/M/DAN1427-M.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>{flower girls/ring bearers/niece/nephews/adorable}</strong></div><strong></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
the rest of the evening was filled with...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">dancing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">eating.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">dancing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and eating some more...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-tDRvzjw/0/L/DAN1477-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-tDRvzjw/0/L/DAN1477-L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-gMB4dKp/0/L/DAN1546-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-gMB4dKp/0/L/DAN1546-L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-DSWMHCP/0/L/DAN1898-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-DSWMHCP/0/L/DAN1898-L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And after hours of dancing and eating we were out the door and well wishes and lots of rice were thrown our way :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-NsT7vSc/0/M/DAN1971-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-NsT7vSc/0/M/DAN1971-M.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wow. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I shared a lot more pictures than I thought I would. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I still can't believe this day happened. I am so glad I have pictures and videos to look back at because it all went by so fast! I am so thankful for each of you that were there that day and each of you who were there in spirit .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank you :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you enjoyed the little recap of our wedding day! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://www.derkacsphotography.com/Clients/Felder/i-DSWMHCP/0/L/DAN1898-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237535884587102254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175891716460526452.post-26093967339065172742011-07-31T16:54:00.000-07:002011-07-31T16:54:00.390-07:00It is crazy to think that there only a few weekends left for Mark and I in Houston. Most of the following weekends leading up to the move date consist of trips around Texas to see family and friends...which we are absolutely excited about.<br />
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As for this weekend, staying at home was nice. Yesterday Mark and I took our normal trip to the zoo with a Starbucks in hand. We decided to divulge and purchase a ticket for their 4D Pole to Pole movie.<br />
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Even though the 3-d glasses were rad, we weren't too fond of the movie. I think it's because we are comparing it to the Star Wars 4-d ride at Disney. Not even close...<br />
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After roaming around the zoo we went to check out the <a href="http://revivalmarket.com/">Revival Market</a> in the Heights area. It was a bit crowded - only due to how amazing it is.<br />
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Click on that link and go check it out asap if you are in the Houston area. Mark got the Revival Dog and I enjoyed a Market BLT with some delicious ginger-lime slaw that I hope to re-create this week.<br />
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Now that I mention it...most of the food I have eaten this weekend has been excellent. As I write this, I am sitting on the couch in our little home while Mark has an apron on and has been working away in the kitchen for the past hour.<br />
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And let me tell you.<br />
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This house is filled with good smelling food that is brewing away in there.<br />
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I am so thankful to have a husband who can cook good food :)<br />
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I hope you have had a good weekend as well!Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237535884587102254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175891716460526452.post-5364066595160800072011-07-28T15:42:00.000-07:002011-07-28T15:42:38.339-07:00It's Thursday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.budgetsavvydiva.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/trader-joes-in-brooklyn1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://www.budgetsavvydiva.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/trader-joes-in-brooklyn1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.budgetsavvydiva.com/2011/02/buy-buy-trader-joes/">{via}</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Hey Merk.</b> This Saturday we are going to go to the zoo....vulture feeding at 11:30. You find enjoyment in such odd things. <b>Trader Joes, </b>in two short months I will be a customer roaming in your aisles. I. can. not. wait. <b>Cade, Face, & Colbert, </b>get ready for tons of fun with Aunt Ashlee and Nana. Endless sonic drinks, ice cream, six flags, swimming, baking, painting, chalking, basketballing, sword fighting, and mayhem. <b>Mama Crake, </b>thanks to you I can sport a really fun looking apron in my kitchen all made by me. Thanks for the sewing lesson :) I know you're ready to have your daughter back from Uganda, but I didn't mean being a substitute one for the day. <b>Love</b>, I can't wait to start this new adventure with <i>you</i>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237535884587102254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175891716460526452.post-24625975503144547332011-07-23T16:10:00.000-07:002011-07-23T19:23:18.779-07:00Here We ComeA whole month.<br />
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I can't believe an entire month <b>{minus one day} </b>has gone by.<br />
Circa one week ago not much had changed in the Felder household.<br />
Go back to this week, however, and changes were a happenin...<br />
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Life was normal. Mark was waking daily to make his trek to work in the Houston traffic. I woke daily to spend my summer days nannying {hence to why I haven't been blogging}. We began making solid friendships with dear friends at <a href="http://www.sojournhouston.com/">Sojourn Community Church</a>. Rock Climbing at TRG became a regular thing. I was fired up for my year of teaching Kindergarten at <a href="http://www.tcshouston.org/">Trinity Classical School</a>. Houston became <i>home</i>.<br />
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Fast forward to Tuesday. This week. My handsome husband comes home with some big news...news that could result in Houston not being home anymore. News of his job transferring him. The days following were spent in discussion and prayer and research and as of yesterday, friends...we are moving.<br />
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Where, you ask?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://unionstreetinn.com/images/sanfrancisco3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://unionstreetinn.com/images/sanfrancisco3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<b>CALIFORNIA...HERE WE COME!</b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">{sung to the tune of the hit song, of course}</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">thank you O.C. </span></b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In just a couple short months we will be moving to an area about 30 miles out of San Francisco, 30 miles from Napa Valley, 50 miles from San Jose, where Mark's sister and husband live, and just a day's drive from Yellowstone and Yosemite. How great is that?! </div><br />
This bit of news caught us both by surprise. While we are <i>beyond</i> excited, there are definite bits of hesitation when taking this big leap to California. Our comforts are here. Our families are here. Our friends are here. Life is <u>here</u>. All the while, we are confident the Lord allowed us this opportunity in order to bring His name more glory and to advance His kingdom further.<br />
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We are excited to share in this adventure with ya'll! We will be moving sometime during September or October and as of now his company plans on keeping us there for 2-3 years. <br />
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Look forward to many blog updates on our journey towards the Golden State :)Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237535884587102254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175891716460526452.post-82432140947076135032011-06-24T08:07:00.000-07:002011-06-24T08:07:37.861-07:00Letters on A Thursday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2608/5842118780_9a5619cd30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2608/5842118780_9a5619cd30.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://traceysculinaryadventures.blogspot.com/2011/06/cinnamon-sugar-pull-apart-bread.html">{get it here}</a></b></div><br />
<b>Sweet Husband. </b>You cleaned up every single dish last night. You clean every single dish pretty much every <i>single</i> night. Thank you for serving and loving me so well. <b>Folks.</b> The Felder's are heading your way in T-Minus one day. I can't wait till we dominate the Malone's in some basketball. <b>Dear Pinterest, </b>I think my never-ending headaches may have to do with my innate obsession of staring into the computer screen at your lovely website...I may be exaggerating a tad there. But really. I like you...you inspired me to make some mean, delicious cinnamon bread today. Cinnamon bread that was so mean and delicious that I had no time to take a picture of it. Thank you. <b>Merk. </b>The other night you sang everything you had to say to me. Thanks for making my life a musical. Love it and love you.Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237535884587102254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6175891716460526452.post-27489770358315279372011-06-21T06:26:00.000-07:002011-06-21T06:26:57.973-07:00Thankful Tuesday.I'm not sure why I made Thankful Tuesday on a Tuesday. It goes so much better with Thursday. Alas, I continue...<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=brinner">Brinner.</a> It was a common occurrence in the Malone household. The Fisher's have certainly continued that tradition...mostly due to their eldest son (my nephew, Cade) thinking breakfast is the most wonderful thing in the world. I remember the moment Nana put a pile of pancakes in front of him for the first time. Since then, he hasn't turned back. Well, Cade, I agree with you. Breakfast sure is good. I am thankful for the times you can sneak in an occasional handful of chocolate chips into your buttermilk pancakes. That's what your Uncle Mark and I did last night. Brinner. Chocolate-Chip Pancakes for me. Blueberry Pancakes for him. And a delicious yogurt parfait on the side...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b> {yes. bacon was included. it's a must have.} </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">bacon was not included in that parfait.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">it was on the side of the pancakes.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">that would note have been appetizing. </span><b> </b></div><br />
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I'm thankful for traditions continued. Traditions such as "Brinner", a delicious coffee cake recipe from generations ago, or running down the stairs in your pajamas on Christmas Day...traditions such as Muster, the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band, or saying "Howdy"...<br />
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I'm thankful for the opportunity to begin new traditions with our new little family. {No, I'm not pregnant}. It's just the two of us. Who just started singing Will Smith's song? I did. Soon the two of us will have the same last name. We just got the marriage licenses in the mail a couple days ago, so I am off to legally change my last name to Felder.<br />
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Don't worry, Mom. Mark and I decided to carry on the tradition of the name Malone. Ashlee Malone Felder. Weird without a Nicole...but it will do : )Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237535884587102254noreply@blogger.com0