We're Still Here

It's been awhile since I've posted anything. This time of year is a little slow for us. Here's just a couple things we've been up to.

First, our friends asked us to puppy sit their adorable lab named Faith. She was so cute and well behaved. We watched her overnight, but it was very easy. I say this because Craig was the one that got up at 4:30 am to let her out when she started whining. Preston and Kaitlyn loved looking at her. And that's about it. For some reason, they thought Faith was going to go after them. Towards the end, the kids did start warming up to the puppy. We were happy to be of help to our friends.

Then, we had snow! SNOW!!!! I have a love/hate relationship with snow. I love to see it. I love when it tends to make a surprise appearance now and then in Texas. However, I HATE to drive in it. If I know I have to drive somewhere and there is snow in the ground, I have terrible anxiety. I blame it on the fact that I was in a bad car accident in 2009 and then I had to drive in snow last winter and my car was sliding on the ice. Thus, the reason behind my anxiety.

So, this is the backyard as the snow was falling. Very pretty.

This is one of our shelties, Lady. She doesn't like to be outside in wet weather any longer than she has to.

Here is another look at our backyard in the snow.

The snow didn't get much deeper and it melted shortly after.

So, not much going on with us in way of activities. However, as I look at our calendar, it's starting to quickly fill up with many things planned. Stay tuned.

Spicy Mac N Cheese

Time for another recipe post! Spicy Mac N Cheese is such a delicious dish but don't eat if you're watching your carbs and fat intake. lol I usually only make this when my dad is in town because it's his favorite. It may be a little spicy for some, but it's just right for our family. Here's the recipe:

Spicy Mac N Cheese from Food Network
2 cups elbow pasta, cooked
16 0z cheddar cubed, 1/2 cubed, 1/2 shredded
8 oz pepper jack cheese, cubed
2 tsp. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp. dry ground mustard
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
4 Tbsp. sour cream
1 large egg, beaten
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup half/half
4 slices bread
1 Tbsp butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large bowl, toss cooked pasta with cheese cubes and pour in 13 x 9 inch casserole dish. In another bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, mustard, nutmeg, sour cream, egg, heavy cream, and half/half. Pour over pasta. Cover with shredded Cheddar. Bake uncovered until top is beginning to brown, about 35 minutes. Meanwhile, cut bread into crouton-sized squares. In skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add bread cubes. Toast bread until golden. Sprinkle bread on top of pasta and bake 10 more minutes. Enjoy!

Here's to 2011

As we say good-bye to one more year, it's with great hope that we look forward to 2011. With great anticipation, we are eager to see what God has in store for our family, friends, and loved ones.

2010 was full of many heartaches and trials for us. We mourned the passing of an aunt, grandma, a sister, and numerous cousins. Loved ones were hospitalized for various illnesses and surgeries.

But 2010 was also full of many, many blessings from God. We witnessed many healings and health transformations. God proved his Word is true over and over. So many God ordained events occured and miracles were seen.

God is good. All the time. It's so easy to look at the negative in all situations. It's so easy to be saddened and miserable because life doesn't always go our way. However, the Bible says to be joyful always.

Craig and I decided many years ago that we always have to stay positive. We find the good in every situation and know that God is still guiding our steps.

There is one Scripture that Craig and I have repeated over and over throughout our marriage. It has proven true time and time again. Interestingly, I have seen this Scripture repeated over and over for 2011.

"'For I know the plans I have for you,'" declares the Lord, "'Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.'"-Jeremiah 29:11

Let's make 2011 the year we truly listen to God. Let it be a year full of promises being fulfilled. Let it be a year so incredible, that God's love just continuously radiates from us.