Hunter's Artwork

My nephew, Hunter, made this very sweet and thoughtful card for me and Sam. Hunter has the biggest heart and he is always there to brighten your day with a big hug and kiss. Since moving to Indiana I have not been able to reap the benefits of all those hugs and kisses from him. It makes me so happy to know that he misses me and still thinks of me a lot because I really miss him. It totally made my day...no, actually it made my whole month when I opened the mail to find this card from him! We put his card on the refrigerator with other pictures the kids have made for Sam. Truthfully if you came to Sam's house and did not know us, you would think we had kids because of all the kids' artwork we hang on the refrigerator. Obviously we do not have kids, but we are incredibly blessed with the best nieces and nephews in the world! Below is a picture of Hunter and my beautiful older sister (his mom), Brandlyn.

Sweet, Southern Favorites

I've been trying lots of new recipes since finding out about allrecipes.com. The website is full of great recipes. I especially love reading the recipe reviews because people are able to make suggestions and give practical cooking advise. This website is especially great for me because I get to learn as much as I can about the recipe and ingredients before I start cooking! Sam and I loved this sweet and savory recipe for pork chops!

Awesome Honey Pecan Pork Chops
Ingredients
1 1/4 pounds boneless pork loin, pounded thin
1/2 cup all-purpose flour for coating
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup chopped pecans
Tip: double the butter, add 1 tablespoon chopped onion, add 1/4 cup maple syrup

Directions
In a shallow dish, mix together flour, salt and pepper. Dredge pork cutlets in the flour mixture. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chops, and brown both sides. Transfer to a warm plate. Mix honey and pecans into the pan drippings. Heat through, stirring constantly. Pour sauce over cutlets. ENJOY! Honey Pecan Salad Dressing
If you like salad, but are tired of using the same old salad dressing and want a change, you should try this recipe from Southern Living. My friend, Kendall, posted the recipe on her blog and it is truly amazing! Drizzle this tasty dressing on fruit or salad or use it as a marinade for chicken. You will not be disappointed! I just made some last night and it is almost gone. Sam really loved this recipe!

Happy Birthday, Keri

Owen, Keri, Noah, and Ella with the ice cream birthday cake
Allison, Noah, Aaron and SamOwen & Logan opening Keri's gift

Last week we had the Sackett's and Weaver's over to celebrate Keri's birthday. I made spagetti, salad, veggies, and bread and Matt, Noah, Ella, and Owen brought Keri's favorite dessert, ice cream birthday cake! We had such a great time and it was so nice being the entertainer for once. I love entertaining, but most of Sam's family and friends have kids so we are usually at their houses (they have toys). Another thing I love about having people over at Sam's house is the noise. To me, there is no better sound than the laughter of children playing and running around the house. There is something about being around kids that gives me so much energy and happiness. I loved every moment of it and I also learned a lot from cooking my first dinner for a large group of people!

Brooke & Logan Weaver

A Learning Experience:

#1 You don't know what you need until you really need it. Sam does not own a ladle or a salad bowl. No problem, Keri and Brooke came to my rescue, but I cannot wait to get those kitchen essentials! Thank goodness for bridal showers!

#2 Dinnerware: Sam has 8 place settings and 8 flatware settings, which is very impressive for a bachelor, but we need more.

#3 Card tables and folding chairs are a necessity.

#4 Two year olds + Foosball tables = Recipe for disaster (the rods are at their eye level)

#5 Evite.com is a great website

Matt & Owen wrestling

Rice Crispy Treats

I love Rice Crispy Treats! I recently made Cheddar Baked Chicken and the recipe calls for a small amount of Rice Krispies cereal so I had almost an entire box left over. "What to do?" , I thought to myself. Lightbulb: Make Rice Crispy Treats! Rice Crispy Treats are one of my childhood favorites and my Mom used to make them all the time. Of course, hers were always delicous! She never failed to get just the right consistency! Some people prefer their treats gooey while others prefer them crunchy. Either way they are sure to be a big hit!

Ingredients:
4 tablespoons of butter
1 package of regular marshmellows (10 oz.)
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal

Directions:
In a large sauce pan melt the butter over low heat. Add marshmellows and stir until completely melted. Add Rice Krispies cereal and stir until well coated. Using a buttered spatula or wax paper press the mixture evenly on to a 13x9 inch pan coated with nonstick spray (or use aluminum foil as pictured). Let cool then cut into squares. Enjoy!