Blue Owl Harvest Salad

Cut a slice of pumpkin bread (I buy one slice from Starbucks) into crouton size pieces. Place on baking sheet and Bake @ 475. Turn 2 or 3 times, until firm.


Add on Salad:
*Lettuce with Radicchio
*Grilled Chicken
*Diced Apples
*Grated Carrots
*Crasins
*Diced Mozzarella Cheese
*Toss with Poppy Seed Dressing
This makes 2 servings


This is a very simple salad, but looks very gourmet and tastes fantastic! I really enjoy trying new recipes and experimenting with presentation. Enjoy!

FARKLE

Our good friends Pete and Jenna' taught us a
fun dice game called FARKLE!
We have taught our family and friends how to play, including my 87 year old Papa. The game involves taking risks and my Ahma turned out to be the biggest risk taker of all. Enjoy the laughter and commentary of us playing FARKLE in Iowa!

Tornadoes and Ice Storms

After Christmas, Mom, Kurtis, and I took a trip north to Ames, Iowa to visit Ahma and Papa. Getting there was quite exciting as we had to brave the elements in many forms. About an hour north of St. Louis we ran into a huge thunderstorm which produced heavy rain and tornado warnings...yes tornadoes. We narrowly missed one which passed behind us by about 20 minutes. Heading further north, the temperature dropped and the roads became frozen. We had to keep a close watch out for black ice as we made our way carefully down the highway. Kurtis and I were constantly checking for updates on road conditions and it paid off, we got word of a multiple vehicle wreck that closed the highway just in time to exit. Eventually we made it to Ames to celebrate with Ahma and Papa. We had a great time catching up, playing games, experiencing snow, and eating great food. I feel very blessed that the Lord provided us with that sweet time!

Mom, Ahma, Papa, Me, and Kurtis

Three generations

Lunch at Hickory Park in Ames. This is my favorite restaurant that I have enjoyed since I was little girl. They have great BBQ!

Happy Thirty-Onederful Birthday, Lynnie!

I have a lot to blog about after being on vacation for 3 weeks. It may take me awhile to get all caught up.

When I was in St. Louis we celebrated Lynn's Thirty-Onederful Birthday at Wapango. Wapango is a pan-latin restaurant with amazing food!! Lynnie is an amazing sister and friend. I am so blessed by her and admire her so much. We have experienced life together...good and hard things. It feels good to know you have a sister and friend who is there for you and is faithfully praying for you. I love her sense of humor, tender heart, and love for the Lord and others. We live thousands of miles away, but when we are together I feel so happy and joyful!

I love you my sweet sister!

Christmas 2008

Enjoying Cold Days in St. Louis

Hello from St. Louis! I have been feeling under the weather for the past week or so, but I am happy to report that I feel refreshed and happy being home. It has been really cold and snowy here and I love how that makes it feel like winter time. For me, this is how I remember Christmas time growing up.

I know our tendency is to rush around this time of year as we try to get everything prepared for Christmas. I feel compelled to pray for myself and everyone that we would take time to reflect on Christ and know His wonder! May His purpose in coming to this earth and His love encourage our hearts . The greatest news is that He did come to draw us to Himself and He will come again to glorify us one day!

Kurtis, Lara, Mom, Lynn, and Pete

Sisters

Pete, Lynn, Christy, Dad, Lara, and Kurtis

"Songs for Christmas"

I love this time of the year because Christmas music is playing nonstop! A few years ago my sister and her husband gave us Sufjan Stevens Songs for Christmas box set! I was tired of the same Christmas music I had and needed a change. I love these Cd's! There are some classic songs and then there are some hilarious ones. I find myself singing along with the songs and this makes me happy. If you are looking for something new I highly recommend this. Enjoy the video below!

A Thankful Heart

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;

his love endures forever."

Psalm 107:1

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with Kurtis' parents and each year I am reminded of how good the Lord is to us. As I look back on this year it was hard, but in the midst of the pain we saw joy and hope. When we first heard the news that Kurtis was being laid off we both were very scared and I didn't want to give thanks to the Lord. As we continued through the long journey we were reminded of His goodness through His Word, friends and family comforting us, and drawing closer to one another. It is so awesome how the Lord handpicked Kurtis' new job. He is more satisfied in his new position. Even during the valleys when you feel like you are falling a part...I want to learn to give thanks to the Lord! He is making all things NEW.

What are you thankful for? or What valley in your life has brought joy, thankfulness, and hope?

I love my sweet hubby

The edible turkey appetizer

Dad, Mom, Me, and Kurtis

Aren't we cute?

St. Louie

I had a wonderful week in St. Louis. It was nice to leave the 80 degree weather behind and enjoy some fall/winter weather. I loved wearing my warm and cozy sweaters, scarves, coats, and ugg boots. I was able to spend quality time with family and friends and get some R&R as well. A good friend is in the hospital with some complications with her pregnancy and it was a blessing to be able to help her. I left feeling refreshed and refueled!

Debbie

Visiting Avril in the hospital

Jacqueline, Carolyn, and the twins! I can't believe they are

10 months.

(I am holding Caden and Carolyn is holding Carson)

Caden

Lyndsay

Meghan

A few weeks ago on Extreme Makeover Home Edition the crew renovated this coffee shop in St. Louis for a very deserving disabled man. He is a precious Christian! It was fun to see it in person!

My sweet Mom

Enjoying a cozy fire

The Backyard Is Done

Kurtis has completed the backyard! I am in St. Louis and I can't wait to see it when I return. The pictures look great and I am so excited not to look at dirt anymore. We are looking forward to entertaining and having out of town company!

In St. Louis...Debbie

Jacqueline, Me, Caden, Carson, and Carolyn

Lyndsay

Dad in Tucson

My dad came out to visit us for a long weekend! We had a wonderful time with him and did a lot of fun things. We took a drive down to Tubac and looked at all of the shops and I showed my dad Tubac Golf & Spa Resort where Kurtis took me for our 1st Anniversary! We introduced my dad to a fun dice game called Farkle and I turned out to be the Farkle champion!. We all love playing games, so that was a fun way to spend our spare time. Blanco is one of Kurtis and my favorite restaurants. We enjoyed the yummy food and the beautiful view! We took a day trip to Sonoita, which is part of Arizona's wine country! It was a beautiful drive. I never thought Arizona would have wineries. We were a little skeptical, but were all surprised how much we enjoyed the wine tasting. It was fun to buy local wine. We hope to return some time soon!

Tubac

Dinner at Blanco

Kurtis & Dad

Lunch with Kurtis' parents and my dad at Paradise Bakery & Cafe!

Our first wine tasting in Sonoita!

UofA Homecoming

Last Saturday we went with our good friends Pete & Jenna' to the football game. Kurtis graduated from the UofA 5 years ago and it was fun to walk around the campus. We all went down early and got a bite to eat on University and then enjoyed the festivities. The ARIZONA Wildcats played USC...it was a close game, but we lost 10 to 17! At lease it wasn't a blowout!

Beer and food at Gentle Ben's

Wilbur & Wilma

Go Wildcats!

Warming-up!

Kurtis, Me, Pete, and Jenna'