The Picture...

In case it wasn't glaringly obvious, I'm kind of madly in love with my husband. :)  And the other day, I discovered the 4,239,103rd reason that he's adorable.

For as long as I can remember, Micah has kept a picture of me in his bible.  I've always thought that it was a strange picture to keep there, because it's from a mission trip we went on with our youth group during the summer before my senior year in high school, and I'm dressed up like an Israelite in a blue sheet.  (I'm not really sure how blue sheet equals Israelite, but apparently that's the look we were going for at vacation bible school.)  

We weren't even together then, and it never occurred to me to ask him about it until the other night when we were reading together before we went to bed and I saw it stuck somewhere in the middle of Psalms.  

"Hey, where did you get that picture?" I asked.  "And when?"

"I got it from David," he said.  (David has been one of Micah's good friends since they were in middle school.)  "He took it while we were on the mission trip."

"And he just randomly gave you a picture of me?" I replied.

"Well, I kind of asked him for it.  And then I just put it in my bible."  And there it has stayed... for eight years. I wonder if Micah had any inkling, in that moment that he decided to keep the picture of a girl he wasn't even dating yet in such a special place, that we'd end up together.  The absolute flawlessness of God's planning never ceases to amaze me.  :)

Meal-Planning Wednesday

It's definitely a Pioneer Woman week here in the Hargrave house this week.  As I was meal planning this afternoon, I saw so many yummy recipes on her site that I just couldn't resist.  So here's what I'm making.

Wednesday:  Fancy Macaroni and Cheese.

Thursday:  Summer Stir-Fry.

Friday:  Date Night!!

Saturday:  Ranch-Style Chicken with Restaurant Style Smashed Potatoes.  (I've made the Ranch-Style Chicken before, and it's delicious!)

Sunday:  Frito pie.

Monday:  Chicken Salad with chips and fresh peaches.

Tuesday:  Fettuccine Alfredo with Caesar salad and garlic bread.  (I've made this dish about every which way you can make it, so I'm interested to see whether or not I like her version better.)

Ten clues that I'm a country girl...

I'm sure that you know that I grew up in a small town.  This picture above?  It used to be my front yard.

In honor of my hometown, I'm going to give you a Jeff Foxworthy-esque, "You Might Be a Country Girl If..." kind of list.

So here we go.  Here are ten signs that I'm from the country.

1.  I go weak in the knees when I see a Chevy truck with big tires.

2.  I spent more than one Friday night watching men in cowboy hats team rope.


3.  My favorite drink is super sugary, almost syrupy sweet tea.

4.  I've been "parking"... on a four-wheeler.  (Don't worry... it was Micah, and we only kissed.) :)

5.  For me, a twenty-minute drive to the grocery store is a short trip.

6.  In the words of Alan Jackson, my first car was a pickup truck.

7.  I've been muddin' more times than I can count.

8.  My grandparents went to high school with Micah's grandparents.

9.  For fun, my friends and I used to toilet paper houses  (Maybe this isn't a "country" thing, so much as a teenager thing.)

10.  I married my high school sweetheart. :)

My guilty pleasure...

So I don't watch a lot of T.V.  I mean, apart from the hours and hours Micah and I spend watching Lost.  

But I do watch one show religiously.  And if I tell you what it is, you have to promise not to judge me.  Okay.. are you ready?  Here goes.

My name is Ryan, and I'm addicted to "The Bachelorette."

Yes, I totally get that it's trashy T.V.   But isn't that part of the appeal?  I'm watching this cute girl try and wade through all the bullcrap spewing out of the mouths of these whiny, desperate men, and I'm loving it.

This week, she FINALLY kicked Casey to the curb.  I like that she's being careful in giving each guy a chance, but seriously... that guy was nuts.  If I heard him utter the words "guard" or "protect" in the same sentence with the word "heart" ONE more time, I was going to go crazy. 

In seasons past, I've had one or two guys picked out from the beginning.  This season, it's these two:

This is Roberto, and he just seems like a really, really good guy.  Plus, he's not bad to look at. :) And he and Ali seem to have really good chemistry.

And I also like this guy.

Also very cute.  And he seems smart.  AND he's sweet.

So there.  I've come out with it.  My guilty pleasure is out there for the world to see.  Are you judging me?

Blessed be Your name...

One of the most incredible things about being a Christian is the ability to rely upon God's strength in the difficult times.  While I'm weak, He is strong.  When I am scared, He has a plan for my future.  

But what I struggle with sometimes is continuing to glorify the Lord in the midst of my struggles.  Sure, I let Him catch me when I fall, but do I still show His love? Do I still exude joy?  

I heard a song called Blessed Be Your Name by Matt Redman several years ago, and I still cry every time I hear it.  

It's just so true.  God is just as good today, in the midst of the difficulties, as He was yesterday, when life was wonderful.  I want to post the lyrics here because they are so beautiful.  Let it remind you to give praise, even when you're on the road marked with suffering.

Blessed Be Your Name by Matt Redman
 

Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name

Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name

I swear I'm not an idiot...

So Micah and I have been watching Lost for the past week or two.  And we're pretty much obsessed.  Despite the fact that now isn't really the best time for me to become addicted to a new television show, I can't really stop at this point.  It's like a sickness, really.

But that's not what this post is about.

Tonight, as we were finishing up the last episode of Season Two, Micah says, "babe, how many seasons are there?"

"Four," I reply, a little confused by his question.

"Are you sure?  I thought there were more," he said.

"No there are only four.  Winter, spring, summer, and fall.  That's four."

And then he died laughing.

Yes, I really said that.  And, yes, I was absolutely serious.  And, no, I'm not really sure how I graduated from law school.

Yummy Food...

Well, better late than never.

I've got two things to share with you.  The recipe for the Hot Chicken Salad is below.  But first, I have to tell you about the Banana Pudding I made on Tuesday. (Yes, I realize that I wasn't supposed to make it until Sunday, but I was entirely too curious.) 

One word? Delicious. Scrumptious. Delectable. Mouthwatering.

Okay, so that's four words.  But seriously.  DELICIOUS.  It's incredibly creamy and rich, and the flavor is wonderful.  Best of all, it tastes homemade and perfect, and you don't have to cook anything!! One tip, though - let it sit overnight (or at least a few hours) before you try it.  I was unable to resist and ate some right after I made it, and it wasn't NEARLY as good as the serving I had the next morning for breakfast (don't judge me).

So the moral of the story is that this is a recipe you HAVE to make.

And you ALSO have to make this Hot Chicken Salad.  It's a staple in my family, and it's perfect girl food!

Hot Chicken Salad

Ingredients
2 cups cubed, cooked chicken
2 cups chopped celery
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup toasted almonds (toast under broiler for a minute or two, or just toast them in a frying pan on the stove)
1/2 tsp. accent
1 cup mayonnaise
2 T. chopped onion
2 T. lemon juice
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/2 cup crushed potato chips

Preheat oven to 425.  Mix together all ingredients except cheese and chips and put into a casserole dish.  Top with cheese and chips.  Bake for 15 minutes.  Enjoy! :)

Meal-Planning Monday

I never did get around to grocery shopping last week, so I didn't have a menu plan.  But I'm on the ball this week - so here are my recipes.  

I apologize for all of the pork.  One of my bar review professors last week randomly commented about his love for pork, and I've been craving all things pig.

Monday:  Baby Back Ribs with Caesar salad, macaroni & cheese, and King's Hawaiian rolls (Kroger meal deal)

Tuesday:  Chicken Cacciatore with mashed potatoes

Wednesday:  Grilled cheese/apple/bacon paninis with grapes and chips and ranch dip

Thursday:  Tender Pork Roast with mashed potatoes

Friday:  Pork tacos with guacamole

Saturday Afternoon Dessert:  Lemon Granita

Saturday Dinner:  Date Night!!

Sunday Afternoon Dessert: Banana Pudding

Sunday Dinner:  Hot Chicken Salad (I don't have this recipe posted yet, but I will.  And it's worth the wait - I PROMISE!)

SuperTarget savings!!!

Today I achieved something great. Something incredible.  Something unbelievable.

I spent $3.82 for several bags of groceries.  And I saved $29.97.

Okay, so I get that this isn't really such a big deal, but it sure was fun!

Here's a picture of my loot.

Just to make two things clear.  First,  the bottle is pink peach Italian soda, in case you were wondering.  Second,  the baby wipes are for my cousin who is having a baby and also happens to adore a bargain as much as I do - I promise I'm not pregnant.   :)

So, do you want the breakdown?  Of course you do! (If you're new to couponing, check out my general shopping method here.)

Cherries:  The cherries were on sale for $2.49/lb.  I'm in LOVE with cherries, and last week I paid over $9 for a bag, so I snatched some up when I saw that they were marked down.

Pretzels and Italian Soda:  The pretzels and Italian soda were on clearance.  The pretzels were marked down from $1.99 to $.98.  The Italian Soda was marked down from $2.39 to $1.48.  I didn't have coupons for either of them.

Baby Wipes:  There was a $2/1 Pampers Wipes coupon in last week's paper, and it's causing quite the commotion in the couponing community.  :)  Target has tubs of Pampers wipes priced at $2.39, so I grabbed a tub for my cute cousin.

Lysol Wipes:  Target has their Lysol wipes marked down to $1.89, and I had two $1/1 coupons, so I grabbed two.

Orange Juice:  I got a coupon in the mail for a free carton of Tropicana orange juice after going here a few days ago.  So I didn't even look at the price, I just grabbed the juice and threw it in the basket.

Scrubbing Bubbles Daily Shower Cleaner and Refill:  These were the money-maker items.  First, I had a $5/1 coupon for the starter kit from here.  Then, I used a Buy One Starter Kit, Get a Refill Free coupon from here.  And then, because Target lets you stack manufacturer coupons with Target coupons, I used a $3/1 Scrubbing Bubbles Power Sprayer Target coupon from here (click on "Household" to the left to find the coupon more quickly).  And, as if that weren't enough, I had another coupon in my organizer (from the newspaper) which gave me a free $5 Target gift card with the purchase of a Srubbing Bubbles Daily Shower Cleaner.  But when the clerk went to scan it, it wouldn't work - so she just adjusted my price down $5!

Here's my receipt.  I'm still in awe. :)

Miss Priss arrives...

I was in Dallas this past weekend for a VERY special event...

My best friend Lauren gave birth to a BEAUTIFUL baby girl:  Miss Emerson Kate Ammerman!!!

The little doodle-bug was born at 7 pounds, 12 ounces, and she was 20 inches long.  Lauren had an incredibly smooth delivery and both Mom and baby are doing wonderfully! 

This is my perfect/sweet/adorable/gorgeous sister-in-law, Faith, with Miss Emerson, just an hour or two after she was born.  I just love the look on her face.

This is Lauren, loving on her sweet little girl.  You can't really tell from this picture, but that kid has a head full of hair! Just like her momma...

Here is Eric, Lauren's husband, clearly in awe of his new little angel.  There really is something about daddies and their little girls.  It's magical. 

I'm so happy to be an "aunt" to this sweet baby!  She will be loved beyond measure, and I have no doubt that the Lord has great plans for her life.  And I thought I'd post this little poem I wrote for Lauren and gave to her at her shower.  I can't wait for her to grow up so I can tell her ALL about what her Mommy was like when she was growing up. :)

EMERSON KATE

When God set out to make you, sweet girl

He knew just what he would do.

He gathered his angels and strolled through the clouds,

And planned His masterpiece - you.

"This little one must be special," He said,

"A gift from me to the world.

And just as her mommy has hoped and prayed,

I'll make her a sweet little girl."

"She'll need a piece of her Daddy's heart,

And a part of her Mommy's soul.

I'll throw in a pinch of her Grammy's strength

And that will make her whole."

And then you were shaped and formed and made,

You were certainly worth the wait.

You're everything we hoped you would be,

We love you, Emerson Kate.

Music memories...

 If you know me, you probably know that I love music.  And I don't pretend to have super-sophisticated taste, either.  I'll jam out to just about anything.  

My husband, who is in most other respects pretty darn perfect, just doesn't share my enthusiasm.  It's not that he hates music, it's just that it doesn't seem to affect him the way it affects me.

So I was thinking about WHY music matters so much to me, and I think I figured it out.  My brain makes associations very quickly, particularly with sounds, so when I hear something while doing something else, it's like my brain creates a time stamp.  And hearing the sound again, some time in the future, just transports me back to that moment in time.  It's like a time machine, operated by a jukebox. :)

So, here are a list of songs that I may or may not love, and the moment in time I associate with them.  Not that this is even slightly interesting.  I'm so weird.

Criminal by Fiona Apple:  I'm at a childhood friend's house, and she puts this tape in her boom box, and I'm wondering why she's so much cooler than me. (Probably because she doesn't write blogs like this one.)

Wonderwall by Oasis:  I'm with my fifth-grade boyfriend at some place that looks, in my mind, to be a bar (but it couldn't POSSIBLY be a bar, could it?).  We're holding hands.

There's Your Trouble by the Dixie Chicks:  It's the summer before my freshman year in high school. I'm at cheer camp, and Lauren and I are sitting on my bed, sharing the headphones of her Walkman, jamming out and thinking about boys.

I Think I'm In Love With You by Jessica Simpson:  I'm a sophomore in high school, on the bus with the rest of the varsity cheerleaders.  I'm putting glitter gel on every inch of my body.

Trouble by Coldplay:  I'm driving around in my car, brokenhearted because I've broken someone else's heart.

World Spins Madly On by The Weepies:   I'm sitting in a pew, crying for the loss of an incredible woman.

Your Love by The Outfield:  My brother is home on leave from the Navy, and I've followed him to yet another bar.  This song comes on, and we all start singing at the top of our lungs.

At Last by Etta James:  I am walking down the aisle with my brand new husband, unaware that there is anyone else on the planet, wondering how I got so lucky.

Just because...

Man, my husband is handsome.  And my puppy is cute.  (And this picture is a year old.)  That is all. :)

Playing with Photoshop Elements...

I ordered Photoshop Elements 8 on Amazon a few weeks ago, and it arrived a few days ago.  I FINALLY spent a few hours today playing with it, and I am just amazed.  

Like CRAZY amazed.

There are SO many things you can do.  There's a button for whitening teeth.  There's a button for making skies bluer.  

And then there are the layers.  Don't get me started on the layers.

So, even though I have NO clue what I'm doing, I thought I'd post a few pictures.

 Of Lilly, of course. :)

And home.

Meal-Planning Wednesday

After a difficult weekend at home for Micah's grandmother's funeral (which I'll write more about later), we're back in Houston.  I finally made it to the grocery store today, and here's what we're having in the Hargrave household this week!

Wednesday:  BLTs and lettuce wedge with blue cheese dressing

Thursday:  Crock Pot Salsa Chicken with rice

Friday:  Date Night!

Saturday Lunch:  Grilled cheese sandwiches and chips

Saturday Dinner:  BBQ stuffed baked potatoes

Sunday Lunch:  Grab something after church

Sunday Dinner:  Penne a la Betsy with salad

Monday:  Creamy Marinara Chicken Pasta

Tuesday:  Frito Pie