Friday, November 28, 2008

Happy 16th Anniversary

Happy 16th Anniversary!!!
I cannot express just how much this man means to me. He is such a great husband, wonderful father and works so hard for his family. He is a man of faith and integrity and I just love him so much. I am looking forward to the years ahead of us...
I love you so much Troy!!!

Monday, November 24, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving!


May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have never a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Friday, November 21, 2008

A Daily Reminder

I hung this plaque in our foyer and I love the saying. A gentle reminder each day as we head out the door.


Thursday, November 13, 2008

Birthday Pics

I am having such a hard time uploading pictures to Blogger this week...so sorry it has taken me so long to get these pictures up for you. Here are a few.



These are the wonderful people that put together the party! Thank you sooo much guys~!!! (Leonard, Carrie, me, Troy, Judy and Indian)
The girls....
The guys...
Me, Rachel and Elle

Troy, me, Michele and Johnny


Chelsea, Troy, me, Marie, Maddie and Todd
The kiddos...
I love each one these new friends that God has brought into my life! I can't believe how blessed we've been in just a year and a half... I know that these are the type of friendships that will last a lifetime! There are a few friends in these photos that have been in our lives for many years and we thank the Lord that we have been able to watch each other's families grow and lives blessed over the years.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

SURPRISE!!!!

My awesome husband and friends threw me a Surprise 40th Birthday party last night!!! There were about 70 people there...wow what a fun night!

We took a TON of pictures...so, once I get them all collected I will post them so you can all see.

Friday, November 7, 2008

My life lesson from this past month...

If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.
Ecclesiastes 4:10 NLT

It's easy to remember that you're supposed to serve others. It's harder to let others serve you. God wants to show you His love through His people; don't be afraid to ask them for help!

My Cousin's Wedding

My cousin got married in San Diego last month. What a beautiful day!!!
Congratulations to Kelley and Tom!
Click here to see their slideshow.

I've been Awarded!

I've been given the "I've Fallen for Your Blog Award" from Theresa of Devotions for the Seasons of Life blog....Thanks Theresa! I would like to pass this award on to Tracy of My Crazy Crew, The Grocery Girls and to Amanda at Photography by Amanda. You can check out their blogs over in my Blog List.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

The Big 4-0!!!

I had a wonderful 40th birthday yesterday. Two of my girlfriends picked me up at 9:30am to get coffee and pedicures. What a treat! Then at 11:00am we met a few more friends for lunch at Flatbread Community Oven. Yum!!! We had such great girl time with hilarious conversation!!!

Then in the evening, Troy came home early from work and we were off to a surprise dinner. Whoo Hoo...PF Changs!!!!!

I opened my gifts from my parents...a new camera!!! I am sooo excited! As you can see from the photos on this posting, my old camera has seen better days! So, now you can all expect some clearer pictures on this blog...yea!!! All in all I had a wonderful 40th birthday! Troy has one more surprise in store for me this Saturday...I can't wait to see what he has up his sleeve!!!!




Tuesday, November 4, 2008

A Cozy Meal

It's chilly here today, so this recipe seems like the perfect meal. Bake up some fresh bread and serve alongside while getting cozy on the couch watching the polls to see who our next President will be!
Pumpkin Black Bean Soup
Serves: 6-8
Prep time: 60 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes

INGREDIENTS:
3 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 can (16 ounces) pumpkin puree
1/2 cup chopped shallot or red onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 tablespoons olive or canola oil
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
3 tablespoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon allspice
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Baked pumpkin seeds, for garnish (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS
Place oil, shallot or red onion, garlic, cumin, salt, pepper, cinnamon and allspice into a large pot and cook on low-medium heat until the shallot or red onion and garlic begin to brown.
Using a food processor, puree the beans and tomatoes with half of the vegetable broth. Add the pureed beans, tomatoes, pumpkin and the rest of the broth to the pot.
Simmer the mixture uncovered until thick, about 40-45 minutes. Before serving, stir in the balsamic vinegar. Garnish with baked pumpkin seeds.
Tip: You can add less vegetable broth to create a thicker soup and substitute 1/2 stick of margarine for oil, if preferred.
Tip: Use an emersion blender to simplify the process. You can puree the ingredients together inside the pot you’re using to cook the soup, instead of using the food processor.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Tomorrow is the Big Day!

Hope you'll all get out and vote on Tuesday! It's a privilege and blessing to be able to do that in our country, so please VOTE.


God Blessed Us...Twice Before 11:00am!!!

I was getting ready this morning, wondering how Troy's hand therapy appointment was going, what I am going to make for dinner and when I was going to find time to mow (since he can't do it for awhile). When to my surprise...what did I hear? A lawn mower outside my window! Our wonderful friend, Indian, was out there mowing for us!!! What a blessing from God! Well, after I cleared the tears from my eyes I noticed there was a message on our answering machine. It was my friend Tisha letting me know that she is bringing dinner over tomorrow night! Can you believe how good God is???!!! He has blessed us with so many wonderful friends who are taking care of us during this rough patch. I have never in my life felt so loved!

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Halloween

The boys enjoyed carving their own pumpkins now that they are old enough.


Chase carved a pig..with slop and all!
Tanner carved a zombie...looked really cool lit up!
The boys found their costumes by digging around in their dress up clothes...Tanner even found a mask of Troys from 1987!!! Chase as Jason... Check out that treat bag!!! It's huge! And he just about filled it up by the end of the night.
Troy enjoying his chili around the fire pit.The best part of the night....trading candy!!!
My favorite part of Halloween is sitting around the firepit, enjoying a potluck dinner with neighbors and friends. We had the perfect weather too!
(Cindy and me in the back and Judy and Carrie in front)

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Don't Forget!


....Sunday November 2nd at 2 A.M. !!

Bike ride on the Boise Green Belt

Bike ride on the Boise Green Belt

Never know what wildlife you might see on the river

Tanner...cooling off after a long ride

Chase enjoying the Boise River

Troy and the boys.....

Tanner riding along the Green Belt

Little League Giants Chase Lind #13

Little League   Giants  Chase Lind #13

Chase

Little League White Sox Tanner Lind #4

Little League  White Sox  Tanner Lind #4