5 years ago

5 years ago today I walked down the aisle to merry my best friend. The past five years have been an adventure and I can't wait to see what the future brings. I am so blessed to share my life with you, I love you Drew!

Merry Christmas

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born,

to us a Son is given,

and the government will be on His shoulders.

And He will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Prince.

Merry Christmas Y'All

Chili Night

It has finally gotten cold enough where I can justify a chili night. Chili just doesn't sound good to me on a warm night. So I (I mean Drew) cooked up a pot of chili and we had our GREAT friends over! We enjoyed a time of eating, fellowship, and games (the boys whooped us in Trivial Pursuit). When you make it through my post, you'll find the recipe at the end :)

The boys...they're silly. We couldn't get one of the girls because a member of the group felt she was not dressed up enough :)
We have Goody (Jason), Drewski (Drew), Ry-Ry, and KiKi (Kain)...Thanks for the nicknames Ry-Ry!

Ry-Ry and Mindy

Ryan's best friend Kendall

Lesly and Kendall playing games and having a blast!

Hamming it up for the camera

Lucy hanging out under the table

Lots of love between the girls

Looking for a good chili recipe? I just so happen to have one (thank you Vaughn).

Ingredients:
2 lbs. ground beef
1 medium onion diced
1 large bell pepper diced
4 cloves of garlic (minced)
3 jalapenos (if you like is spicy, 1 if you like it mild) diced
4 cups chicken stock
2 cups water
1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes
1 15 oz. can tomato sauce
1 can tomato paste
2 Tbs. salt
2 Tbs. chili powder
2 Tbs. pepper
1 Tsp. cayenne pepper

Directions:
Brown ground beef in large skillet. Drain half of drippings, add onion, bell pepper, garlic, and jalapenos saute until veggies soften.

Transfer to a large pot. Add chicken stock, water, tomatoes, sauce, paste, and spices/seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer 3-4 hours.

Serve with cornbread, potatoes, and cheese.

A Friendly Thanksgiving

We enjoyed the Saturday after Thanksgiving with some friends. Ryan made a delicious turkey, we all brought our leftovers, and stuffed our faces. We played some fun games; Imaginiff and Mexican Train...good times were had by all!

Ally, Kain, and Amber

Ryan and Mindy

Ryan with his super cool dog, Abby

Loaded Potato Soup

Absolutely the best loaded potato soup ever, hands down! Look no further for a great recipe!

Ingredients:
9 baking potatoes
2/3 cup all purpose flower
1/2 tablespoon salt
1/2 cup bacon bits, divided
10 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
2/3 cup butter
6 cups whole milk (I use milk with less fat)
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 green onions chopped
1 8 ounce container sour cream

Directions:
1. Prick potatoes with a fork and cook in the microwave 3 or 4 at a time, and scoop out the flesh while the others are cooking.

2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook about a minute. Whisk in milk a little at a time, stirring constantly until thickened. Stir in potatoes, salt, pepper, 1/3 cup bacon bits, 2 tablespoons green onions, and most of cheese. Cook until thoroughly heated. Stir in sour cream and heat through. Serve with remaining bacon, onions, and cheese.

Thank you Allrecipes!