Pappy

I'm not sure how to start this blog, but I'll just go ahead and state: My grandpa died last Saturday. We knew he was not doing well, but we weren't sure how much longer he would be here. Curtis and I had planned on going to see him Sunday afternoon but he died Saturday night. So Sunday we headed to Beaumont, the visitation was on Monday and the funeral was on Tuesday.

I've never had anyone close to me die before so I knew this was going to be hard. I will miss my 'Pappy' very much. I grew up with him in my life and I loved to go spend the weekend with my granparents. I've learned so much from them throughout my life. I was reminded of how great a man he was by the things people said about him. My grandparents have always demonstrated God's love in their lives by helping anyone and everyone who needed anything. My extended family is HUGE due to all the people they've 'adopted' over the years. You never knew who was going to show up at our family dinners. They are a true picture of serving God.

My grandma has been very strong, taking care of my granpa for the years since he's been diagnosed with cancer. She knows in her heart that he is in a better place, we all do. So we take comfort in knowing that we'll see him again. I can't wait! I am so thankful for the hope that I'll have him in my life again one day. I have a great family, ALL of them are awesome people who have helped make me who I am today, and for that I'm so thankful!

August Birthday's Are The Best

I love my birthday. It's the best day ever! . . . well for me it is. I told Curtis the other day that he needs to learn to love my birthday as much as I do! :) I use it as an excuse to get away with all kinds of mischief. One of the best part of my birthday festivities is the annual (of course) birthday dinner. This dinner is one of a kind. My mom will cook you WHATEVER you like and everyone else has to eat it with no complaints. (Which is one of the many reasons my mom is the best ever) I really enjoy this privilege to say the least. My mom will also make you whatever kind of cake you want, which for everyone in my family is something different. My cake of choice is yellow cake with chocolate icing, plain but OH SO YUMMY when it's freshly made just for my birthday.

So this birthday dinner is a family affair, all of your grandparents and sisters and closest family members are required to come. . . ya know unless they can't. So this year, I wanted to host my birthday dinner at our new house. I've been wanting both sets of my grandparents to come and see our new house and I thought this was the perfect opportunity. It was so great to see all of my family. I decided to cook spaghetti for everyone. Spaghetti is not necessarily my favorite meal of all time, but I wanted to cook. I've never cooked for more than 4-5 people, so 13 was kinda overwhelming and I thought to myself, "Self! Ya know, 13 people are coming over and this could go terribly wrong if you try to cook something too ambitious, you best stick with the old faithful. . . spaghetti". So the decision was made. It turned out perfectly. I managed to cook JUST enough food for everyone; with the help of my mom, sister and Aunt Rita of course.

In short, the birthday dinner was a success. :) Not only did I get birthday presents (which is always fun), but i had a great time hosting everyone. Yay for a house with enough room for everyone!

P.S. It's still my birthday month... just a reminder! :)

How About Them Muffins!

So, I found this blog through my friends blog and although I don't know this girl, her recipes sound very delicious. ESPECIALLY this banana chocolate chip muffin recipe. I wanted to share this with you, I plan on trying it very soon. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Posted by Chelsea Hurst

Learn how to make these before you have children. Seriously. These are so good. And they aren’t labor intensive so even us non-bakers can handle it. Give it a go and let me know what you think.
1 c. sugar

1/2 c. butter, softened

1 T. water

2 eggs

3 crushed bananas (works best when they are old)

2 c. flour1 t. baking soda

1-1.5 c. chocolate chips

Preheat your oven to 350. Cream butter, sugar, and water until smooth. Add eggs and beat well. Mix the mashed bananas. Then mix in flour and baking soda. Stir in chocolate chips. Easy as pie! Well, easy as muffins… Ha. I’m hilarious. Put into greased muffin tins and bake for 15-18 minutes.

http://rootsandringsrecipes.wordpress.com/2009/07/31/banana-chocolate-chip-muffins/