Happy Valentine's Day!!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful and Happy Valentine's Day!  Leading up to today I was beginning to have some negative thoughts since there is not a "significant other" in my life.  But then I began to think what this day of love was all about.  All that came to mind was this verse: Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." After thinking about this verse, I realized that I needed to think about the greatest love of all and why we are capable to love others! God's love is unconditional and it surpasses all knowledge.  We can love others ONLY because God first loved us!  In this verse it says "while we were still sinners..."....God didn't send Jesus to die because of anything we did or just because we were good but ONLY because He loved us! Whenever you are uncertain about God's love for you, remember that He loved you even before you turned to Him! How wide, how long, how high, how deep is the love of Christ! Ephesians 3:18 - God's love is perfect!  May you think about this not just today but EVERYDAY!  "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly that all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Thanks be to God! AMEN! (Eph. 3:20-21)

XOXO

-E

SNOW IN DALLAS!

SO when I moved to Dallas I never dreamed I would see a foot of snow outside my window!  Last Thursday it started snowing early in the morning and didn't stop until after midnight!  It was so beautiful! I woke up to huge snowflakes coming down! They predicted we would get 1-3 inches, then 4-6 inches but when all was said and done we got 12 inches!!!!  Needless to say I was pumped! I love snow! Thursday when I got off work I went to my favorite place in Dallas, Lakeside Drive, and took pictures then later that night my friends Sarah , Hannah , Miranda and I walked around Highland Park in snow and built a snowman! It was so much fun!  I have a feeling it will be awhile until this happens again!  Here are some pics of the beautiful snow.....

I know this pic is a little dark but I thought it was so ironic to see snow on a Palm Tree! This is in front of my favorite house on Lakeside drive...I call it the"Palm Tree House"... original I know.....but everytime I pass by I dream of living there...I just love Palm Trees!

Miranda, Hannah, Sarah, and I playing in the snow!

Two puppies playing in the snow on Lakeside Drive

Lakeside Drive Park....so beautiful!

I love this pic...so beautiful and serene!

XOXO

-E

The Joy of Cooking

First off, I would like to say that one of my resolutions of the new year is to blog more.  So sorry it has been almost 2 months since my last post!  This post is long overdue, but I wanted everyone to know about the best Christmas present I received this year.  Let me preface this with saying, Rachael Ray is pretty much my cooking role model!  Ever since I was little I have been fascinated with cooking and even pretended that I had my own show on the Food Network.  I remember only being able to get the Food Network on vacations so every chance I would get I would be glued to the TV to watch the Essence of Emeril featuring Emeril Lagasse.  Now that the Food Network is on my basic cable....I pretty much watch every show they have!  In college, my roomates always knew when I had been watching TV if it would be turned to the Food Network! All that to say, sophomore year of college my mom, Lauren and I got to meet Paula Deen! She was so sweet and I was so excited to meet her but a life goal was to meet Rachael Ray!  In December I saw that Rachael Ray was going to be at the Borders in Rogers, AR!  Seriously! As soon as I move to Dallas she shows up in NWA and of course Dallas was not on her list of places to go!  The weekend she was supposed to be there my parents had already planned to come to Dallas to help me set up  my apartment so I just accepted the fact that I would have to wait to get one of my cookbooks signed by Rachael. :( Fast forward to Christmas morning.....I open up a present from my Grandparents (who live in Bella Vista) and they had bought me the newest Rachael cookbook!  I was so excited to add this to my collection which I started about a year ago!  I had almost bought the cookbook myself the week before because I had really wanted it.....then my Grandma tells me to open the book....It had been signed by Rachael herself AND my Grandma even got a picture with Rachael!! At this point I was so excited that tears started rolling down my face because I realized that my Grandparents had gotten up early on a Saturday, waited for hours, just so I could have a signed cookbook by my cooking idol!  It was seriously one of the best presents I have ever received!  I know my grandparents were surprised by the tears rolling down my face but the hours in line made it all worth it to see that reaction!  Needless to say, this present was all I could talk about at Christmas and it will be something that I cherish forever!  Sidenote:  If anyone is ever stumped on what to get me for birthdays, Christmas, etc. get me a cookbook! I think they are a great present that keeps on giving! (to quote Cousin Eddie).  Sorry for the long post but I really wanted to share that story!   More posts to come soon!

XOXO

E

My Grandparents, Mom, Dad, and Me.

Lauren and I waiting to see Paula Deen!

My signed cookbook and pics of my Grandma with Rachael!

With my cookbook on Christmas morning

Four People I'm Thankful For

So looking back through my life I've realized how God has blessed me with wonderful friends!  I think now is a very appropriate time to take the time to highlight these girls that are my best friends who I could not live without!!  Fayetteville, Dallas, Kansas City, New York City, Destin, Cozumel and the list goes on.....we have had some wonderful times making wonderful memories!

Graduation...we are now U of A alum

Stacey's birthday at Powerhouse

Spring Break Cruise 2009

Going out with the girls

Summer 2008 trip to NYC

Summer 2008 trip to NYC

My first Subway ride in NYC

Fall 2008

Fun night with the girls

Bid Day Senior Year 2008

Stacey's 21st Bday

My 21st Bday

Cheerin' on the Hogs

Girls trip to Dallas

Lauren's 21st Bday

Lauren and I got to meet Paula Deen 

Destin Summer 2007

November 2009 Stacey is engaged

 

Philippians 1:3 "I thank my God every time I remember you!"

Thanksgiving 2009

This year we had Thanksgiving in Bella Vista with my grandparents.  I was very lucky to take off work for a few days so I could spend extra time in NWA!  I love Thanksgiving because we always have lots of fun, eat lots of good food, and I get to soak up everything my grandma knows about cooking!  Mom and I were actually informed that Thanksgiving is at our house next year so this year we really had to watch the main event of cooking the turkey.  My favorite dish of Thanksgiving is Sweet Potato Casserole.  We do not just make the basic casserole with marshmallows.....we add brown sugar, pecans, and lots of butter (Paula Deen would be proud)!  Needless to stay we were all stuffed but in a very good way!  Mom, Dad, and I also started a new tradition this year.  We had never gotten up early to experience some Black Friday sales so this year was the year we finally ventured into the madness.  We decided since I was needing some cookware for an apartment why not get a deal!  It was tons of fun and I think we started a new tradition!  This Thanksgiving I think I am especially thankful for my wonderful family!  Being away from them is hard but it makes it very special when I get to go home and spend quality time with them.  God Bless you all through this holiday season!

Dad, Mom, Me, and Matt

This picture was taken at the Fayetteville Square....every year we go to see the lights...it really gets you in the Holiday Mood!!

Sophie really wanted to be a part of the table so as soon as Granddad got up she jumped at the opportunity to join the table!

Sophie is one smart pup!  She knows she has the best odds if she sits by Granddad because he is the most likely to share his meal!  I mean how could you resist?

Here we are loading up our plates for Round 1!  

Here we are in front of our Thanksgiving spread!  Yes, it did taste as good as it looks!

I hope y'all had a great Thanksgiving and enjoy this Holiday Season!  Remember Jesus is the Reason for the Season and take time to praise him for the great blessings he has given you!

I've Moved to Dallas

As most of y'all know I finished at the U of A in August and decided to move to Dallas!  At first I wasn't sure about my decision because this meant leaving my wonderful family and friends in NWA, but after lots of thinking I have decided that this is where I need to be to start my life in the "real world".  I am very thankful for the wonderful friends I have met so far!  They have helped me acclimate and maneuver my way around the BIG D!  Here is a little glimpse into my life so far in Dallas!

Me, Molly, Caroline, Nicki

As many of y'all know, Nicki was my roomie for 2 years in the TriDelta house.   Molly is one of Nicki's friends from high school (they are from Dallas) and Caroline (from Austin) is one of Molly's roomates from Baylor.  I am so thankful for these 3 girls!

These two girls are Hannah and Sarah.  Hannah (from Dallas) and Sarah (from St.Louis) were roomates and Pi Phi sisters at Mizzou.  I met these two girls at bible study and I can't imagine Dallas without them!

Lauren (on the left) is one of my good friends from work.  She went to Texas A&M and moved to Dallas after graduation.  I am so thankful to have met her and hang out with her outside of work!

Meagan (left) and Cheyenne (center)

These two girls are who I am currently living with!  Megan and Cheyenne are both from the greater Dallas area and went to the U of A with me.  Meagan was a Tridelt with Nicki and I and was even our neighbor sophomore year in the Tridelt house!  I am so grateful to be living with these two great girls!

Elissa and Miranda

Elissa and Miranda are both Native Arkansans like myself therefore we have a special bond living in Dallas!  Elissa went to the U of A with me and Miranda went to UNT but they are both originally from Conway.  I met Miranda through Elissa at bible study.  As you can tell these two girls are very fun and I am so glad to have them here in Dallas!

I hope y'all enjoy learning a little about my new friends in Dallas!  I promise to update more often to keep you in the know about my new life in the BIG D!

XOXO

-E

God Bless America and BBQ

My Patriotic Puppy Sophie!  I just love her profile!!! :)

My brother loved the smoked ribs Granddad made for the 4th!  He tested many before we actually ate!

My Grandma loves sparklers!!!  We called her Lady Liberty all day!

The 3 racks of ribs my Granddad smoked!  They were wonderful!!!!

Our table Patriotic table scape!

My Dad...he was the only person not dressed in patriotic clothing so he grabbed some red wine to take care of that!

Matt and Granddad: Our wonderful chefs for the day!!

The 4th of July was so fun!!  My Mom, Dad, Brother, Sophie, and I spent the day at my Grandparent's house hanging out and eating.  We had smoked ribs and pulled pork, which my Granddad woke up at 5 am to put in the smoker, baked beans, coleslaw, watermelon, brownies, and spice cake cupcakes! It was a very yummy day to say the least!  I love holidays with my family because they are always filled with good food and lots of stories and laughs!  We finished the night with watching fireworks at Arvest Ballpark and when they only lasted 10 minutes we spent the rest of the night driving up and down the highway being "fireworks chasers" and trying to find other fireworks displays across NWA.  It was a great day for our family and I hope it was for everyone else as well!!!!

XOXO

-E