Come back another day...how does never sound?
But seriously, what in the hee-haw is up with this wicked weather? It has me in a trance and continues to lull me into an almost non-functioning state of utter lethargy. I kid you not. I really felt as though I was going to fall asleep multiple times on my hour and fifteen minute commute this morning. And no, that is not a typo my lovelies, ONE HOUR AND FIFTEEN MINUTES. Read it and weep.
I know people always love to say "we really needed this rain," but come on already. Where has the sun, my fickle friend, gone? Will he shine down his glorious rays anytime in the near future?
In other news, Meagan's wedding week is here! She is getting married this Saturday, September 19, 2009. On the docket, we have her bachelorette party tonight at our house, rehearsal and rehearsal dinner tomorrow AND the wedding and reception on Saturday.
Did I mention the wedding and reception are set to take place in the great outdoors? So, for my dear friend's sanity, I pray this rain would graciously bow out of her wedding weekend. I don't think raincoats and wellies are a good look on a bride dressed in white...
Stay tuned for a major post!!!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Tasty Tuesdays: the 13th installment
Greetings to you on yet another glorious sunshine-filled day (sarcasm duly noted). I'm not sure what is going on with this weather, but I think I'll actually be surprised if I walk outside one morning and see the sun.
So...despite the less than stellar conditions outside, I'm here to brighten up your day with a delicious recipe sure to satisfy your brunch crowd. Per usual, this recipe is a snap to make, and if you know how to make french toast, you are halfway there.
If you are following the blog, you might have noticed I made this just two short days ago while I was in Austin. I recommend baking your banana bread a day or two prior so the egg wash can really soak in the bread. I was told this could be on a restaurant's menu, which to me, was probably one of the highest compliments ever given to me (thanks Uncle Chris)!
For the 13th installment of abundant life Tasty Tuesdays, I give you banana bread french toast. You're welcome!
Ingredients:
1 loaf of your favorite banana bread
1/2 C milk
1 egg
1/2 t vanilla
1/2 T sugar
1 t cinnamon
1. Whisk together the milk, egg, vanilla, sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
2. Slice banana bread into 1/2 inch-thick slices.
3. Dip each piece into egg wash and grill in a skillet on medium heat.
4. Top each piece with powdered sugar and sliced bananas.
For a truly decadent dish, you could top slices of the banana bread french toast with my bananas foster recipe from last week. I know, I know. It's almost too mind blowing, but it would knock the socks off any restaurant brunch item!
Reader question: what's your favorite brunch item? I think mine is a tie between monkey bread and mimosas.
So...despite the less than stellar conditions outside, I'm here to brighten up your day with a delicious recipe sure to satisfy your brunch crowd. Per usual, this recipe is a snap to make, and if you know how to make french toast, you are halfway there.
If you are following the blog, you might have noticed I made this just two short days ago while I was in Austin. I recommend baking your banana bread a day or two prior so the egg wash can really soak in the bread. I was told this could be on a restaurant's menu, which to me, was probably one of the highest compliments ever given to me (thanks Uncle Chris)!
For the 13th installment of abundant life Tasty Tuesdays, I give you banana bread french toast. You're welcome!
Ingredients:
1 loaf of your favorite banana bread
1/2 C milk
1 egg
1/2 t vanilla
1/2 T sugar
1 t cinnamon
1. Whisk together the milk, egg, vanilla, sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
2. Slice banana bread into 1/2 inch-thick slices.
3. Dip each piece into egg wash and grill in a skillet on medium heat.
4. Top each piece with powdered sugar and sliced bananas.
For a truly decadent dish, you could top slices of the banana bread french toast with my bananas foster recipe from last week. I know, I know. It's almost too mind blowing, but it would knock the socks off any restaurant brunch item!
Reader question: what's your favorite brunch item? I think mine is a tie between monkey bread and mimosas.
Monday, September 14, 2009
short and sweet
Happy Monday to my readers (all two of you). If you are local, I hope you are a good swimmer, as it appears we now live in Seattle where it rains for multiple days on end. Being the ardent sunshine lover I am, it is tough to cope when the skies boast gray hues day in and day out, but I press on and know if we didn't have days like these, we wouldn't fully appreciate the sunny days...
As the post's title indicates, short and sweet was the name of the game this weekend and will carry over as the theme for this post. This weekend was comprised of a quick trip to Austin for a little fousin love and general merriment in light of the fact that Sean will be Spain-bound for a year in just a few short days.
E and I headed southbound on Saturday morning only to be met by major downpours and may-juh traffic. 'Ole Andi was not feeling her best and apparently wanted to reenact the scene from 27 Dresses on numerous occasions (I'm hydroplaning! I'm hydroplaning!). Much to my chagrin, the dicey conditions required "all hands on deck" or should I say both hands on wheel (with a death grip) pretty much the entire way down. Thank goodness I had the distinct pleasure of Elisa's company for the sluggish drive down.
very pleased to have made it safe and sound
Once we made it to the Dehan casa, Elisa set to work churning out four loaves of banana bread and a double batch of puppy chow. She is a machine and doesn't dilly-dally around in the kitchen. I helped myself to copious amount of Ana's salsa using basically anything as a vehicle to get that delicious goodness in my mouth. Oh Ana, why is your salsa so darn addictive and why don't you sell your goods in Walmart (probably because you have standards, but you're killing me)?
We also took great pains to select a restaurant option worthy of hosting Sean's bon voyage dinner which, without going into too much detail, turned out to be quite a laborious affair. After much hemming and hawing (and several broken hearts), we ended up at a Tex-mex chain...oh the horror (insert sarcastic tone here)! After dinner, we enjoyed an Argetinian flight at The Grove and stuffed ourselves with rum cake, banana bread and puppy chow. The night was capped off with a viewing of Sleepless in Seattle...classic.
group shot after our exotic gourmet meal
Sunday consisted of church, grocery shopping, cooking and more driving in the rain. After church, I took the reigns on brunch and whipped up my easy garden bake (see Tasty Tuesdays for the recipe) and banana bread french toast. I'm sure it goes without saying that grapefruit mimosas accompanied said brunch. Once Elisa finished her twelve loads of laundry, baked two pans of beer bread and packed up her life in Andi's dwarf-like backseat, it was time to hit the road again.
The trip north proved to be much more manageable and we arrived in Irving at a respectable hour. In fact, we made such good time, I stayed for dinner. Her roomies cooked up a delicious feast, but I think I mostly consumed bread for my dinner. Superfluous (but delectable) amounts of beer bread and garlic bread were demolished, and I drove home in a deliriously happy carb coma.
And since I was such a slacker last week, I'll leave you with a montage of pictures that tell the story of my Labor Day with the fam. I couldn't muster a post, so these will have to suffice.
my delish homemade barbeque sauce...drool
love this pic of Haylee with her Papaw
my flaming bananas foster (I swear there was a flame)
a very alert and stoic Meredith
Until we meet again, have a blessed and abundant week!
As the post's title indicates, short and sweet was the name of the game this weekend and will carry over as the theme for this post. This weekend was comprised of a quick trip to Austin for a little fousin love and general merriment in light of the fact that Sean will be Spain-bound for a year in just a few short days.
E and I headed southbound on Saturday morning only to be met by major downpours and may-juh traffic. 'Ole Andi was not feeling her best and apparently wanted to reenact the scene from 27 Dresses on numerous occasions (I'm hydroplaning! I'm hydroplaning!). Much to my chagrin, the dicey conditions required "all hands on deck" or should I say both hands on wheel (with a death grip) pretty much the entire way down. Thank goodness I had the distinct pleasure of Elisa's company for the sluggish drive down.
very pleased to have made it safe and soundOnce we made it to the Dehan casa, Elisa set to work churning out four loaves of banana bread and a double batch of puppy chow. She is a machine and doesn't dilly-dally around in the kitchen. I helped myself to copious amount of Ana's salsa using basically anything as a vehicle to get that delicious goodness in my mouth. Oh Ana, why is your salsa so darn addictive and why don't you sell your goods in Walmart (probably because you have standards, but you're killing me)?
We also took great pains to select a restaurant option worthy of hosting Sean's bon voyage dinner which, without going into too much detail, turned out to be quite a laborious affair. After much hemming and hawing (and several broken hearts), we ended up at a Tex-mex chain...oh the horror (insert sarcastic tone here)! After dinner, we enjoyed an Argetinian flight at The Grove and stuffed ourselves with rum cake, banana bread and puppy chow. The night was capped off with a viewing of Sleepless in Seattle...classic.
group shot after our exotic gourmet mealSunday consisted of church, grocery shopping, cooking and more driving in the rain. After church, I took the reigns on brunch and whipped up my easy garden bake (see Tasty Tuesdays for the recipe) and banana bread french toast. I'm sure it goes without saying that grapefruit mimosas accompanied said brunch. Once Elisa finished her twelve loads of laundry, baked two pans of beer bread and packed up her life in Andi's dwarf-like backseat, it was time to hit the road again.
The trip north proved to be much more manageable and we arrived in Irving at a respectable hour. In fact, we made such good time, I stayed for dinner. Her roomies cooked up a delicious feast, but I think I mostly consumed bread for my dinner. Superfluous (but delectable) amounts of beer bread and garlic bread were demolished, and I drove home in a deliriously happy carb coma.
And since I was such a slacker last week, I'll leave you with a montage of pictures that tell the story of my Labor Day with the fam. I couldn't muster a post, so these will have to suffice.
my delish homemade barbeque sauce...drool
love this pic of Haylee with her Papaw
my flaming bananas foster (I swear there was a flame)
a very alert and stoic Meredith Until we meet again, have a blessed and abundant week!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Where were you?
Eight years ago, on this very day, around this approximate time, our nation suffered one of the most devastating attacks ever unleashed on our soil. It was a day of infamy that tested our spirit as a nation and sent a jolt down our spine as we weren't merely watching terrorists attack eastern countries from the comfort of our plush living rooms.
I cannot help but reflect and offer up humble prayer as I remember the atrocious events of the day and the innocent lives that were taken. I still remember exactly where I was and can pinpoint the precise emotions that overwhelmed me upon receiving the information. I was attending my classes at UNT that fall morning and saw students gathered around a TV broadcasting the news. Initially, the only information we were privy to were the Twin Towers were on fire. Unaware of the details and feeling a sense of panic take over, I immediately began speed-walking to my car while dialing my dad's number. I recall sobbing and demanding to know if we were at war. To think, millions of human beings live their lives accustomed to being in a constant state of war. It is both exceedingly humbling and incomprehensible.
My soul aches for those families who lost grandparents, fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, sons, daughters and cousins. It may sound crazy, but today, I pray for forgiveness to pour over their hearts as they attempt to heal from the gaping wound that occurs when losing a loved one. May Christ give them the strength to forgive the evil malice, so that they may in turn, bring greater glory to His kingdom.
While I know with 100% assurity that nothing slips through God's hands without being a part of His perfect will, BUT as imperfect humans, it is so hard to understand why something like this would/could happen. It boils down to one of the greatest theological questions: why is there evil/suffering in the world? My thoughts, beliefs and Biblically-based comments are likely for another time and another post, but it is a question many wrestle with in an age of so much uncertainty.
The only constant thing in this world is Christ. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. While there may be extreme suffering, sadness, evil and desperation in the life and in this world, God promises we do not live for this world. Our destination is eternal life in the presence of the perfect Holy one who is incapable of sin. If we truly believe this, what would our lives, attitudes, reactions, conversations and pursuits look like?
Per usual, I have gone of on a tangent-driven diatribe of sorts. Please join me today in praying for the victims' and perpetrators' families. May the events of this day, eight years ago, serve an eternal purpose in that through this tragedy, they are pointed towards salvation in Christ.
I cannot help but reflect and offer up humble prayer as I remember the atrocious events of the day and the innocent lives that were taken. I still remember exactly where I was and can pinpoint the precise emotions that overwhelmed me upon receiving the information. I was attending my classes at UNT that fall morning and saw students gathered around a TV broadcasting the news. Initially, the only information we were privy to were the Twin Towers were on fire. Unaware of the details and feeling a sense of panic take over, I immediately began speed-walking to my car while dialing my dad's number. I recall sobbing and demanding to know if we were at war. To think, millions of human beings live their lives accustomed to being in a constant state of war. It is both exceedingly humbling and incomprehensible.
My soul aches for those families who lost grandparents, fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, sons, daughters and cousins. It may sound crazy, but today, I pray for forgiveness to pour over their hearts as they attempt to heal from the gaping wound that occurs when losing a loved one. May Christ give them the strength to forgive the evil malice, so that they may in turn, bring greater glory to His kingdom.
While I know with 100% assurity that nothing slips through God's hands without being a part of His perfect will, BUT as imperfect humans, it is so hard to understand why something like this would/could happen. It boils down to one of the greatest theological questions: why is there evil/suffering in the world? My thoughts, beliefs and Biblically-based comments are likely for another time and another post, but it is a question many wrestle with in an age of so much uncertainty.
The only constant thing in this world is Christ. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. While there may be extreme suffering, sadness, evil and desperation in the life and in this world, God promises we do not live for this world. Our destination is eternal life in the presence of the perfect Holy one who is incapable of sin. If we truly believe this, what would our lives, attitudes, reactions, conversations and pursuits look like?
Per usual, I have gone of on a tangent-driven diatribe of sorts. Please join me today in praying for the victims' and perpetrators' families. May the events of this day, eight years ago, serve an eternal purpose in that through this tragedy, they are pointed towards salvation in Christ.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Tasty Tuesdays: #12
"This is bananas...and bananas are GOOD!" (name the Food Network host)
Today's recipe comes to you hot of the press, as in I prepared it for my family just last night (a mere 14 hours ago). So far, I'm two for two on this one, which I felt was consistent enough to qualify it for a Tasty Tuesday post. It is also fresh in my mind, and requires very few ingredients or skill. It is precisely these characteristics that make it a prime candidate for a Tasty Tuesday recipe in that it adheres to my food/recipe philosophy: short ingredient list, no-fuss prep and quick cook time.
My first go at this recipe took place at the lake house a few weeks ago when I prepared it for my uncle, cousins and Trishey. Unfortunately, no one was present in the kitchen to witness my flaming skillet, so the magic was lost on me. If there are no witnesses, it's kind of like it never happened. And while the end result was a tasty treat, I think attempt numero dos could be deemed more of a success overall.
So, I could chitchat all day long, but you came for a recipe and I shall provide. Your Tasty Tuesday recipe is Bananas Foster.
Ingredients:
2 large ripe bananas, peeled and sliced on a diagonal
1/2 stick butter
1/4-1/2 C brown sugar
1/2 C dark rum
1. Melt butter in a medium non-stick skillet.
2. Stir in brown sugar.
3. Add bananas and saute for a few minutes.
4. Pour in rum and ignite skillet. *Use a long handle lighter, not a match. Stand as far back as possible. Safety first!
5. Allow flame to extinguish on its own and serve mixture over vanilla ice cream.
As I stated before, it is best to do this in the presence of a crowd as the flame is fairly impressive (unless you're my family and apparently, it takes a lot to blow their skirt up). I would also recommend this as a showy end to a meal prepared for a date. It's so simple to prepare, but it makes you look like a gourmet chef who really knows your way around the kitchen.
P.S. I got crazy yesterday and tried the highly touted pumpkin spice latte. The blog world has been buzzing about this fall treat, but sadly, yesterday's splurge will be my last. I simply do not care for lattes in the least. They are not coffee, and truth be told, I am a coffe (espresso) girl through and through.
Today's recipe comes to you hot of the press, as in I prepared it for my family just last night (a mere 14 hours ago). So far, I'm two for two on this one, which I felt was consistent enough to qualify it for a Tasty Tuesday post. It is also fresh in my mind, and requires very few ingredients or skill. It is precisely these characteristics that make it a prime candidate for a Tasty Tuesday recipe in that it adheres to my food/recipe philosophy: short ingredient list, no-fuss prep and quick cook time.
My first go at this recipe took place at the lake house a few weeks ago when I prepared it for my uncle, cousins and Trishey. Unfortunately, no one was present in the kitchen to witness my flaming skillet, so the magic was lost on me. If there are no witnesses, it's kind of like it never happened. And while the end result was a tasty treat, I think attempt numero dos could be deemed more of a success overall.
So, I could chitchat all day long, but you came for a recipe and I shall provide. Your Tasty Tuesday recipe is Bananas Foster.
Ingredients:
2 large ripe bananas, peeled and sliced on a diagonal
1/2 stick butter
1/4-1/2 C brown sugar
1/2 C dark rum
1. Melt butter in a medium non-stick skillet.
2. Stir in brown sugar.
3. Add bananas and saute for a few minutes.
4. Pour in rum and ignite skillet. *Use a long handle lighter, not a match. Stand as far back as possible. Safety first!
5. Allow flame to extinguish on its own and serve mixture over vanilla ice cream.
As I stated before, it is best to do this in the presence of a crowd as the flame is fairly impressive (unless you're my family and apparently, it takes a lot to blow their skirt up). I would also recommend this as a showy end to a meal prepared for a date. It's so simple to prepare, but it makes you look like a gourmet chef who really knows your way around the kitchen.
P.S. I got crazy yesterday and tried the highly touted pumpkin spice latte. The blog world has been buzzing about this fall treat, but sadly, yesterday's splurge will be my last. I simply do not care for lattes in the least. They are not coffee, and truth be told, I am a coffe (espresso) girl through and through.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Tasty Tuesdays: the 11th edition
WHAT - a - whirlwind! In all the craziness of the past two days, I got to work today, only to realize it was Wednesday and I had completely neglected my Tasty Tuesday post. I offer my deepest apologies, and hope this has not produced mass devastation or a total downward shift in your world (note the sarcasm).
To get this post up in the flashiest of flashes, I present you with a super simple recipe for a busy weeknight dinner. I created it myself (yes, I'm brilliant) and have used it many a night, whether cooking for just myself or for my family. It requires only three ingredients (the fourth is totally optional), so it is 100% foolproof for even the most inexperienced cooks.
Today's Tasty Tuesday (errr...Wednesday) recipe is Taco-Seasoned Tilapia.
Ingredients:
4 tilapia fillets
1/2 packet taco seasoning
1 can of Rotel*, drained
1 lime (optional)
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Rub fillets with taco seasoning to evenly coat both sides. Place in a baking dish coated with non-stick aluminum.
3. Distribute Rotel over fish and bake for approximately 12 minutes or until fish is cooked through.
4. Squeeze lime over fish and serve.
I like to serve this with black beans and corn. This dinner can be made in a pinch and served in less than 30 minutes. And if you're feeling adventurous, mix equal parts sour cream and salsa together and dollop on the fish.
And have a Tasty Tuesday (or Wednesday)!
To get this post up in the flashiest of flashes, I present you with a super simple recipe for a busy weeknight dinner. I created it myself (yes, I'm brilliant) and have used it many a night, whether cooking for just myself or for my family. It requires only three ingredients (the fourth is totally optional), so it is 100% foolproof for even the most inexperienced cooks.
Today's Tasty Tuesday (errr...Wednesday) recipe is Taco-Seasoned Tilapia.
Ingredients:
4 tilapia fillets
1/2 packet taco seasoning
1 can of Rotel*, drained
1 lime (optional)
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Rub fillets with taco seasoning to evenly coat both sides. Place in a baking dish coated with non-stick aluminum.
3. Distribute Rotel over fish and bake for approximately 12 minutes or until fish is cooked through.
4. Squeeze lime over fish and serve.
I like to serve this with black beans and corn. This dinner can be made in a pinch and served in less than 30 minutes. And if you're feeling adventurous, mix equal parts sour cream and salsa together and dollop on the fish.
And have a Tasty Tuesday (or Wednesday)!
Monday, August 31, 2009
blowin' through the jasmine in my mind
Looks like somebody has a wicked case of the Mondays...ME! Traffic was bananas, parking was no bueno, I spilled my entire mug of coffee all over the office kitchen AND I gave a degree counselor an appointment that was not theirs. Whoops-a-daisies.
Might it be possible we could fast forward to Friday, por favor? No?
Be that as it may, instead of posting my customary weekend wrap-up, I would fancy switching things up a bit. I'm certain I don't need to inform you today is the last day of August. Do you know the catastrophic implications of this? It means my beloved season of summer is technically over, effective tomorrow. I know, I know. Summer in Texas usually stretches through September (and into October for that matter), but the traditional three months of summer are bidding us adieu and I am hanging on to that summer breeze with a death grip that's tighter.
In honor of my fair-weather friend, Summer, I would like to take you on a brief journey as I reminisce the highlights of summer's 2009 tour.
1. The birth of my niece, Meredith Hope Mendez, on May 21. Yes, according to my definition laid out above, I know she wasn't born in the "three months of summer," but she's too cute and miraculous to not be included. Sue me.
2. My Memorial Day weekend which included an inaugural stay at the Kingland Manor. (If you've been reading my blog this summer, you may be a tad confused thinking I live there...I wish. This has served as my "home away from home.") It was on this trip that I got the privilege of spending time with Ed, Lianna's husband. It was also on this fateful trip I was introduced to beer bread (word to Elisa) and fell in love with star gazing.
3. Serving as the co-inventor of ghetto sangria. It will always remind me of my summer days in k-land, and I consumed many a glass under the sun and stars.
4. Attending "Lakes Get it On" (Lianna's bachelorette bash) which included a whole lot of lake, dance parties, belinis, amazing food and divine company.
5. Finally getting up on the water skis and managing to have a good time while I did it. Determination does pay off every now and again I suppose.
6. Lianna's wedding weekend: trying Indian food (and a chile-infused champagne cocktail) for the 1st time at the rehearsal dinner, going to a cocktail party with the Austin capital for a backdrop, barely making it through an emotional reading during their wedding and getting down at their rockin' reception. It was THE highlight of my summer, without a doubt.
7. Preparing homemade feasts with loved ones and enjoying sublime company while dining alfresco...be it at the lake or on the patio. This summer truly sparked my desire to experiment in the kitchen and to savor long dinners with family. Thank you Elisa and Christina. I hold you responsible.
8. Tie-dying shirts for the very 1st time ever. I'm definitely in need of a tutorial as my first finished product was severely lacking.
9. Playing in the pool with my most favorite 2-year-old in the whole wide world: Princess Pearl (Hay-Hay). I cherish the moments you clung on to me like a koala bear. You are loved beyond measure.
10. Participating in my first cooking competition: Kingsland Cocktail & Salmon Throwdown. While we lost the cocktail round, China and I fought back with a vengeance and ruled the salmon round.
I could go on and on gushing over the qualities that are inherent to my first love, summer. I have not taken one sunny weekend for granted. I have savored drinking my iced coffees, reading outside in the hammock, eating my weight in food hot off the outdoor grill, dining outdoors, taking long walks in the summer breeze, laying on the deck gazing at the stars, sipping frosty glasses of sangria, strolling barefoot in the grass, wearing sundresses and flip-flops, driving with the windows rolled down and taking the time to feel the sun on my face. Suffice it to say, it has been an abundant summer and I have loved every last precious warm moment (well, at least the parts that weren't work).
Should you be interested, my last "summer" weekend was comprised of pool time, may-juh chat time (with my BFF Kori), errand time, cook time (rocked the tequila-lime shrimp tacos for my sis and her fam), nap time, church time, movie time, God time...and various other "times." I'm sure it's all a bit blah, blah, blah, so I hope you enjoyed the switcharoo post.
I know this is a marathon post, but one final (and most important) note is necessary. I leave you with a few verses from Galatians. Although it is short, there is so much that speaks to my heart in just the couple lines. I find it so interesting that scripture lets us know we will be delivered from the evil we currently experience, BUT it is according to the will of God. What does this look like? I'm sure it doesn't always (or ever) look the way we anticipate or even pray for. However, His will is perfect and far superior the ideas and schemes we concoct in our heads and heart. I hope it speaks truth to your heart and refreshes your soul.
Galatians 1: 3-5
Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Might it be possible we could fast forward to Friday, por favor? No?
Be that as it may, instead of posting my customary weekend wrap-up, I would fancy switching things up a bit. I'm certain I don't need to inform you today is the last day of August. Do you know the catastrophic implications of this? It means my beloved season of summer is technically over, effective tomorrow. I know, I know. Summer in Texas usually stretches through September (and into October for that matter), but the traditional three months of summer are bidding us adieu and I am hanging on to that summer breeze with a death grip that's tighter.
In honor of my fair-weather friend, Summer, I would like to take you on a brief journey as I reminisce the highlights of summer's 2009 tour.
1. The birth of my niece, Meredith Hope Mendez, on May 21. Yes, according to my definition laid out above, I know she wasn't born in the "three months of summer," but she's too cute and miraculous to not be included. Sue me.
2. My Memorial Day weekend which included an inaugural stay at the Kingland Manor. (If you've been reading my blog this summer, you may be a tad confused thinking I live there...I wish. This has served as my "home away from home.") It was on this trip that I got the privilege of spending time with Ed, Lianna's husband. It was also on this fateful trip I was introduced to beer bread (word to Elisa) and fell in love with star gazing.
3. Serving as the co-inventor of ghetto sangria. It will always remind me of my summer days in k-land, and I consumed many a glass under the sun and stars.
4. Attending "Lakes Get it On" (Lianna's bachelorette bash) which included a whole lot of lake, dance parties, belinis, amazing food and divine company.
5. Finally getting up on the water skis and managing to have a good time while I did it. Determination does pay off every now and again I suppose.
6. Lianna's wedding weekend: trying Indian food (and a chile-infused champagne cocktail) for the 1st time at the rehearsal dinner, going to a cocktail party with the Austin capital for a backdrop, barely making it through an emotional reading during their wedding and getting down at their rockin' reception. It was THE highlight of my summer, without a doubt.
7. Preparing homemade feasts with loved ones and enjoying sublime company while dining alfresco...be it at the lake or on the patio. This summer truly sparked my desire to experiment in the kitchen and to savor long dinners with family. Thank you Elisa and Christina. I hold you responsible.
8. Tie-dying shirts for the very 1st time ever. I'm definitely in need of a tutorial as my first finished product was severely lacking.
9. Playing in the pool with my most favorite 2-year-old in the whole wide world: Princess Pearl (Hay-Hay). I cherish the moments you clung on to me like a koala bear. You are loved beyond measure.
10. Participating in my first cooking competition: Kingsland Cocktail & Salmon Throwdown. While we lost the cocktail round, China and I fought back with a vengeance and ruled the salmon round.
I could go on and on gushing over the qualities that are inherent to my first love, summer. I have not taken one sunny weekend for granted. I have savored drinking my iced coffees, reading outside in the hammock, eating my weight in food hot off the outdoor grill, dining outdoors, taking long walks in the summer breeze, laying on the deck gazing at the stars, sipping frosty glasses of sangria, strolling barefoot in the grass, wearing sundresses and flip-flops, driving with the windows rolled down and taking the time to feel the sun on my face. Suffice it to say, it has been an abundant summer and I have loved every last precious warm moment (well, at least the parts that weren't work).
Should you be interested, my last "summer" weekend was comprised of pool time, may-juh chat time (with my BFF Kori), errand time, cook time (rocked the tequila-lime shrimp tacos for my sis and her fam), nap time, church time, movie time, God time...and various other "times." I'm sure it's all a bit blah, blah, blah, so I hope you enjoyed the switcharoo post.
I know this is a marathon post, but one final (and most important) note is necessary. I leave you with a few verses from Galatians. Although it is short, there is so much that speaks to my heart in just the couple lines. I find it so interesting that scripture lets us know we will be delivered from the evil we currently experience, BUT it is according to the will of God. What does this look like? I'm sure it doesn't always (or ever) look the way we anticipate or even pray for. However, His will is perfect and far superior the ideas and schemes we concoct in our heads and heart. I hope it speaks truth to your heart and refreshes your soul.
Galatians 1: 3-5
Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
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