Wednesday, July 11, 2012
I THOUGHT
I would really be abetter blogger starting with the summer. But, alas, it hasn't happened. SUMMER has happened, and is happening a little too quickly, to be honest, but blogging, not so much. I can't even pinpoint the reason why.
So, a quick recap:
The bathroom conversion from half to full is easily in it's 8th week, probably. I'm seriously not counting. Can't take it. SLOW GOING. Not sure why. Is it that they don't show up until 2pm, WHEN they show up? LOVE our contractor, but he doesn't do much of the work.
A few pics:
Door closed off to make space for shower:
Floor all trashed.
Floor fixed. (Which is currently ruined again due to tiling of shower)
Tiling in progress.
What needs to happen next. Shower finished.(Grouting, door ordered...) New toilet and sink installed. Walls painted. Light fixture hung.
And then the kitchen starts...
We also went on our First Family Vacation. It was a success. Pictures forthcoming...
Thursday, March 8, 2012
This is Our House
If all goes well, (and it should...). We are under contract on OUR house and OUR house. Inspections are currently underway, we are packed (mostly), and will be moving March 31st.
(Deep breath)... we're excited.
I'll post more pictures and write more later. (Promise...)
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Citrus-Cream Cheese Pull-Aparts
Okay, Friends. Merry Christmas!
Ingredients
1 (25-ounce) package frozen roll dough (24 rolls)
Cooking spray
1/4 cup butter or stick margarine, melted
1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries (such as Craisins)
1 cup granulated sugar, divided
2/3 cup (6 ounces) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1 large egg
1 tablespoon grated lemon rind (I use the rind from both the lemon and the lime)
1 tablespoon grated orange rind (I use lime - I like it better)
1 cup powdered sugar
5 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (however much you get from the lemon and the lime works just fine)
Preparation
Thaw roll dough at room temperature 30 minutes.
Cut rolls in half. Place 24 halves, cut sides down, in bottom of each of 2 (9-inch) round cake pans coated with cooking spray. Brush butter evenly over rolls. Cover; let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 30 minutes. Sprinkle with dried cranberries. Combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar, cream cheese, orange juice, and egg; beat at medium speed of a mixer until well-blended. Pour cream cheese mixture evenly over rolls. Combine 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and rinds. Sprinkle evenly over rolls. Cover and let rise 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Preheat oven to 350°.
Bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Cover with foil. Bake an additional 5 minutes or until rolls in center are done. Remove from oven; cool 15 minutes. Combine powdered sugar and lemon juice. Drizzle over rolls.
Overnight Variation: After pouring the cream cheese mixture over rolls, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 12 hours. Gently remove plastic wrap from rolls; sprinkle with rind mixture. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes or until dough has doubled in size. Proceed with recipe as directed.
Yum!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
The Waiting Game
We've put a bid on a house, and it's been a whirlwind. We've been looking. Kind of. So many things have to fall into place for us to be in a position to buy a together home, but we look and see what's out there. And there was this one house that kept grabbing our eye, so we made an appointment to look at it. Cowboy just called the realtor listed on the sign, and she showed it to us. It was awful. So that was good. At least we no longer keep looking at it, and wondering if it's the house for us.
That realtor asked us what we were looking for, and we told her the areas and the price range, and that we aren't really in a serious position at the moment, but are looking. Cowboy also mentioned foreclosures. Hence, our current situation. She found one.
This one:
And it's as wonderful inside as out.
Although, being a foreclosure, there are problems:
a lot of the windows are knocked out. These A/C has been stolen. The dishwasher and stove have been stolen. No washer/dryer. The back door has been broken in (Hence, the stealing). And it needs piers. But still... it's SOOOOO beautiful inside. Oh - we'd want to knock a wall down, add a bathroom, etc. But, still...
So - we made an offer. There are multiple offers... we dont' get a second chance.
But, there is peace. We did what we felt was the right offer, and if it's the house for us, then that will be our house, and if not, then it will not.
But... it's really pretty. But, surprisingly, I really am at peace. I have no idea how long these deals take. Two weeks, two months, two days...
That realtor asked us what we were looking for, and we told her the areas and the price range, and that we aren't really in a serious position at the moment, but are looking. Cowboy also mentioned foreclosures. Hence, our current situation. She found one.
This one:
And it's as wonderful inside as out.
Although, being a foreclosure, there are problems:
a lot of the windows are knocked out. These A/C has been stolen. The dishwasher and stove have been stolen. No washer/dryer. The back door has been broken in (Hence, the stealing). And it needs piers. But still... it's SOOOOO beautiful inside. Oh - we'd want to knock a wall down, add a bathroom, etc. But, still...
So - we made an offer. There are multiple offers... we dont' get a second chance.
But, there is peace. We did what we felt was the right offer, and if it's the house for us, then that will be our house, and if not, then it will not.
But... it's really pretty. But, surprisingly, I really am at peace. I have no idea how long these deals take. Two weeks, two months, two days...
Monday, December 12, 2011
Seriously
Why in the heck have I not been blogging?! Too busy, bad computer, no good pictures...
all lame answers.
So, to re-cap the last four months before the bell rings for 7th hour:
Tomorrow will mark four months of marriage - WOW!
Yesterday was perhaps one of my top favorite five days with Cowboy - because we slept in, and it was just us. Breakfast at I hop (not a normal deal for us), grocery shopping together (not a normal deal for us), a relaxing afternoon on the couch, watching a movie for which I stayed awake (not a normal deal for us),and a really yummy dinner made by me (fairly normal).
I'm busy at my job, and I like it, but I'm ready for Christmas Break. I do more than I would normally do as an accompanist, but I like it.
We finally rented my house in Broken Arrow, and it seems as if the renter is not only a great tenant, but would love to buy the hosue. She has a daughter who has already made a friend in the bneighborhood, so we'll see. Certainly not holding our breath, but seems like a win-win for us.
We're ready to start looking for a house to call OURS. We'll see when that happens.
There goes the bell!
Love you all!
all lame answers.
So, to re-cap the last four months before the bell rings for 7th hour:
Tomorrow will mark four months of marriage - WOW!
Yesterday was perhaps one of my top favorite five days with Cowboy - because we slept in, and it was just us. Breakfast at I hop (not a normal deal for us), grocery shopping together (not a normal deal for us), a relaxing afternoon on the couch, watching a movie for which I stayed awake (not a normal deal for us),and a really yummy dinner made by me (fairly normal).
I'm busy at my job, and I like it, but I'm ready for Christmas Break. I do more than I would normally do as an accompanist, but I like it.
We finally rented my house in Broken Arrow, and it seems as if the renter is not only a great tenant, but would love to buy the hosue. She has a daughter who has already made a friend in the bneighborhood, so we'll see. Certainly not holding our breath, but seems like a win-win for us.
We're ready to start looking for a house to call OURS. We'll see when that happens.
There goes the bell!
Love you all!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Sky Diving!
Yes, this happened a WHILE ago (three weeks from yesterday, to be exact) but I've been a little busy...
It was fun. I was scared. When we arrived in Cushing, OK, it was a bright sunny day. It was a HOT, bright, sunny day.
(Inside the hangar)
The instructors were great, and it looked simple enough. We were completely attached to our "Fly Guy", so we are certainly not "going down" alone... And these guys typically jump 10-20 times a day, so REALLY, we're safe. We watched several people land... my biggest concern (aside from dying, of course) was spraining/twisiting/breaking a foot/ankle/leg... but after watching people land, I realized that that was something that was REALLY a false misconception... but am I the only one who has visions of people landing and having to somersault or roll to a stop?
Our plane...
So, the four of us got in the plane with the pilot. The flight up to 11,000 feet took about 20 minutes. That, I'm sure, is the scariest part? It's too loud to talk to anyone, so you're alone with your thoughts. Thoughts such as... "WHY are we doing this?" "SHOULD I have told my parents?" "WHY did I say yes when Cowboy told me he had signed us up?"...
Then two minutes before "Launch", the guy straps on behind you. My guy, Bobby, was SOOOO nice. He leaned over and said, "Are you nervous?" I said, "YES!!!!" He said, "REALLY?! You seem so calm and relaxed." I said, "Well, it's exciting, but the whole concept of actually LEAVING the plane on purpose..." and he said, "Well, that makes sense. Anyone who isn't nervous to leave a perfectly good plane may be the crazy one." And then Cowboy and his guy were out...
We inched our way up and put our right feet on this little platform outside the plane door and leaned right, leaned left and he pushed us out.
We free fell for about 17 seconds and then he pulled the cord. At which point he said, "I have some good news and some bad news. The good news is our parachute opened perfectly. (At which point I was frantically looking for Cowboy - heart RACING) The bad news is, your fiance's first parachute didn't open and they had to go to the Reserve. But it's open fine, so I guess it's all good news." ...
It was really pretty and fun and ended too soon. We didn't pay the $75 for a video, so the only pictures we have are "ground ones". But that was fine with me.
I loved it, but would only go again if we ended up rolling in money. Cowboy LOVED it, and I would love for him to be able to do it again, whenever he wants.
Cowboy all "suited up"
Me in my gear - why do I always make odd faces?
It was fun. I was scared. When we arrived in Cushing, OK, it was a bright sunny day. It was a HOT, bright, sunny day.
(Inside the hangar)
The instructors were great, and it looked simple enough. We were completely attached to our "Fly Guy", so we are certainly not "going down" alone... And these guys typically jump 10-20 times a day, so REALLY, we're safe. We watched several people land... my biggest concern (aside from dying, of course) was spraining/twisiting/breaking a foot/ankle/leg... but after watching people land, I realized that that was something that was REALLY a false misconception... but am I the only one who has visions of people landing and having to somersault or roll to a stop?
Our plane...
So, the four of us got in the plane with the pilot. The flight up to 11,000 feet took about 20 minutes. That, I'm sure, is the scariest part? It's too loud to talk to anyone, so you're alone with your thoughts. Thoughts such as... "WHY are we doing this?" "SHOULD I have told my parents?" "WHY did I say yes when Cowboy told me he had signed us up?"...
Then two minutes before "Launch", the guy straps on behind you. My guy, Bobby, was SOOOO nice. He leaned over and said, "Are you nervous?" I said, "YES!!!!" He said, "REALLY?! You seem so calm and relaxed." I said, "Well, it's exciting, but the whole concept of actually LEAVING the plane on purpose..." and he said, "Well, that makes sense. Anyone who isn't nervous to leave a perfectly good plane may be the crazy one." And then Cowboy and his guy were out...
We inched our way up and put our right feet on this little platform outside the plane door and leaned right, leaned left and he pushed us out.
We free fell for about 17 seconds and then he pulled the cord. At which point he said, "I have some good news and some bad news. The good news is our parachute opened perfectly. (At which point I was frantically looking for Cowboy - heart RACING) The bad news is, your fiance's first parachute didn't open and they had to go to the Reserve. But it's open fine, so I guess it's all good news." ...
It was really pretty and fun and ended too soon. We didn't pay the $75 for a video, so the only pictures we have are "ground ones". But that was fine with me.
I loved it, but would only go again if we ended up rolling in money. Cowboy LOVED it, and I would love for him to be able to do it again, whenever he wants.
Cowboy all "suited up"
Me in my gear - why do I always make odd faces?
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Ten Days
Are you kidding me?!?! Already??!
I am excited. Although, to be honest, also a little afraid. I know the whole adventure is God's plan - it's been amazing to walk through from beginning to where I am today. I marvel at His goodness and faithfulness and kindness and grace and compassion and love.
But, I would be an idiot if I didn't acknowledge my fear of all of the transitions. All at once.
So, starting this Friday the fun begins. And from that point on, I will never be alone again. I had roommates, of course, through college and beyond. However, the last 11 years I have lived alone. And, while it may be lonely at times, there is a certain peace in the solitude. Of course this does NOT mean that I don't want to marry Steve - not one bit. It's just going to be a rather large transition.
I'm selling my house and moving. I've thought about selling my house, off and on, over the past five years. First, because I wanted to be closer to my friend base - since they rarely come "All the way out to Broken Arrow" to visit and my church and my work are all 20-30 minutes away. But, I've grown increasingly fond of it over the years. So, to sell it, especially in this economy, is a bit sad for me. And I AM moving - but farther away from my friend base. And to a NEW job. Which is going to be good and more consistent, with the freedom to still do a few tours, and summers off, etc. But... it means we get back from our Honeymoon Sunday night, spend the night in Tulsa, drive to OKC Monday, and then on Wednesday, begin my new job. With people I don't know, in a school I don't know, and really, they won't know my story, so it's not like they will care to hear it... which is fin... just another transition.
And then there's the whole being a wife and a bonus-mom. (I hate the term step-mom, and I really am an awesome bonus for any kid, aren't I?!) What if I'm a terrible wife? What if I don't feel like cooking dinner every night? What if I just want to read some evenings? What if I don't feel like talking? Sigh....
And leaving my church family. Particularly my Sunday School family. They have been Romans 12:15 for me over the past five years - mourning and rejoicing. And now, as soon as the celebration is over, I'm gone. How will we find a church that we both love that we can serve and serves us?
Again... this is not a complaining/I'm afraid? I don't want to get married/poor me post. It's just a realistic look at all of the transitions looming...
But I can't WAIT to see Martha and my parents and Karen and Micheline (hopefully) and Corinne and Lydia and the Whites and my aunts and uncles and cousins and brother and nephews. It WILL be a grand fiesta!
I am excited. Although, to be honest, also a little afraid. I know the whole adventure is God's plan - it's been amazing to walk through from beginning to where I am today. I marvel at His goodness and faithfulness and kindness and grace and compassion and love.
But, I would be an idiot if I didn't acknowledge my fear of all of the transitions. All at once.
So, starting this Friday the fun begins. And from that point on, I will never be alone again. I had roommates, of course, through college and beyond. However, the last 11 years I have lived alone. And, while it may be lonely at times, there is a certain peace in the solitude. Of course this does NOT mean that I don't want to marry Steve - not one bit. It's just going to be a rather large transition.
I'm selling my house and moving. I've thought about selling my house, off and on, over the past five years. First, because I wanted to be closer to my friend base - since they rarely come "All the way out to Broken Arrow" to visit and my church and my work are all 20-30 minutes away. But, I've grown increasingly fond of it over the years. So, to sell it, especially in this economy, is a bit sad for me. And I AM moving - but farther away from my friend base. And to a NEW job. Which is going to be good and more consistent, with the freedom to still do a few tours, and summers off, etc. But... it means we get back from our Honeymoon Sunday night, spend the night in Tulsa, drive to OKC Monday, and then on Wednesday, begin my new job. With people I don't know, in a school I don't know, and really, they won't know my story, so it's not like they will care to hear it... which is fin... just another transition.
And then there's the whole being a wife and a bonus-mom. (I hate the term step-mom, and I really am an awesome bonus for any kid, aren't I?!) What if I'm a terrible wife? What if I don't feel like cooking dinner every night? What if I just want to read some evenings? What if I don't feel like talking? Sigh....
And leaving my church family. Particularly my Sunday School family. They have been Romans 12:15 for me over the past five years - mourning and rejoicing. And now, as soon as the celebration is over, I'm gone. How will we find a church that we both love that we can serve and serves us?
Again... this is not a complaining/I'm afraid? I don't want to get married/poor me post. It's just a realistic look at all of the transitions looming...
But I can't WAIT to see Martha and my parents and Karen and Micheline (hopefully) and Corinne and Lydia and the Whites and my aunts and uncles and cousins and brother and nephews. It WILL be a grand fiesta!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)