It was the best of times, it was the Wurst of times

This past weekend we went to New Braunfels for Wurstfest.

It was so much fun and a much needed break!

Here is our gang. We are so blessed by our Galveston group of friends.

There is more people to the group but some couldn't come.

I'm so thankful for each of our friends and hope despite moves and life changes coming up, we stay connected in each others lives!

The weekend was so nice because:

a) We got cash out so we didn't worry about money at all and we blew a lot! Take that monthly budget! 

b) we ate and ate and ate some more!

c) we were spoiled by the Polk's family

d) New Braunfels is pretty awesome (our friend Kyle would be very happy to hear that! I feel his goal for the weekend was to convince us to move there.)

Here was our 2nd food we ate:

Potato Pancakes with applesauce

And mine included gobs of powdered sugar on top!:)

It was fun watching them fry the pancakes. It must be so hot back there.

They were so yummy!

Before the pancakes, came a pork chop on a stick and fried pickles.

I will always eat fried pickles, anywhere anytime.

If fact, how 'bout now?!?

Here is us eating the pancakes. We also got to hear a yodeler, very impressive, and snagged a Christmas ornament to remember the trip by.

Wurstfest ended with some German chocolate pie- yummy!

You know the rest of the weekend was spent playing games, watching football, and discovering THE coffee table at Pottery Barn.

It was wonderful. Great friends, yummy food, and away from Galveston.

I've decided we need to do these trips monthly. 

We will have to go back again.

I hope you get to experience some Wurst times too- get the potato pancakes and the fried pickles!

THE coffee table and rugs to go with it

This weekend we went to New Braunfels. Another post on that later.

We stopped at the San Marcos outlet mall. Wow! It was a-ma-zing! 

I went inside Pottery Barn and died. Too much stuff...all so cute...

Anyway, I found THE coffee table and after calculating Christmas money and making sure it fit in the car, we bought it! I love it! 

Here is a picture off the web of it. 

Our house is decorated with stuff from all our adventures around the world, most of those being third world countries. It is hard sometimes to find things that will go with that.

I love, love, love this table though. I feel it has that perfect touch.

But now I need a rug to go under it, need...(yeah right!)

I have some small rugs but it makes the round table look weird because the rug is too small.

I have looked at Pottery Barn (to get ideas), Target, Overstock, and Amazon just to see what rugs are out there. I can't decide if I would like a 5X7 or 8X10. 

I want something light and not so dark.

Here are some that I like:

Not sure about the leaves but it's pretty.

 I really like this look. For some reason I'm always drawn to black.

Am I really that dark of a person?

This beige and brown is my favorite but it's Pottery Barn so like WAY over my budget but so perfect for the house.

First world problems :)

I like the idea of having a little color to add to the room from the rug.

Thinking of what I want our house to be one day is so fun.

I know it will take a while and money before I feel it's complete but it's fun to plan!

What rug did you like?

As of late...

Lately, we have been super busy. 

Chad is in panic mode with his boards coming up and I have just been busy. 

Last weekend, we ran in the D'Feet Breast Cancer race.

Most of us ran the 10k (6 miles). Chad and his friend ran the 5k (3 miles).

I was so happy to be there and support our teacher who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

The weather was great, expect for a pretty strong wind on seawall. 

I ran my best time and even placed 3rd in my age group. I didn't even know until I got an e-mail saying I won a prize! It was great to spend time with good friends and support a good cause. :)

Chad and I have been needing to go on a date since it has been forever since we have been on one.

We looked around and found a graveyard tour done by Galveston Historic Foundation.

So we signed up for it!

Here are some of my favorite grave stones.

The tour lasted an hour and a half was very interesting!

We learned a lot of history and stories of some Galveston families.

And it was great just spending some time with Chad!

I really want to read some non-fiction books about Galveston now.

It does have a pretty cool history.

What has kept me busy lately is my quilt.

I have finally finished the quilt top!!

I love how it turned out! I still have one more class and the hard part has yet to come- the actual quilting but I see a light at the end of the tunnel. I am so glad I took the quilting class. It was been really fun and enjoyable. 

Next weekend, we are going on a trip with all our couple friends. I am so excited and can't wait to get away for the weekend. 

Happy Fall to you all!

The Messy Kitchen

 I've decided if I had a cooking show it would be called "The Messy Kitchen".

That basically describes how I cook. Chad hates my days in the kitchen when he is on clean up duty.

Well today was a messy kitchen day!

After church, we headed to conquer Wal-mart. My hatred for that place grows every time we go. 

Thankfully I had back-up today- Chad and I hurried through as fast as we could.

I love groceries, once they are home and all put away. 

Today, with fall actually in the air, (it's in the 60's today) I made my fall food favorites!

Strawberry bread! I love bread, any kind will do, but strawberry bread is especially yummy.

It's easy to make and makes a lot. I usually freeze a dozen for later so it will last.

And because moist muffins will grow mold extra fast in Galveston. Thanks Galveston.

We are trying sunflower oil now. Chad says it is a little bit healthier than regular. 

Hey, maybe this will help with my new talent of frying food. 

I also have a new favorite trick- frozen fruit!

I never have time to eat breakfast in the morning but I will drink smoothies.

So I buy lots of bananas and freeze them.

Remember to take the peel off!

Frozen bananas+yogurt+milk (whole milk of course)+ lots of Hershey chocolate syrup=

A perfect Whitney breakfast smoothie:)

Another fall favorite: hamburger soup.

It's a family recipe and favorite! 

I have already posted the recipe for hamburger soup here

Last, I made, as I like to call them, the Rolo Sandwich.

Put a Rolo candy on a Ritz cracker, stick it in the oven at 350 for 4 minutes,

stick another cracker on top when they come out of the oven and are squishy.

They are pretty good- salty and sweet but Chad and I both decided we just rather eat Rolos.

Now to go clean my messy kitchen...

If you have a cooking show do they clean the kitchen for you?

Flying Goose and Fried Things

 Well, I made my first flying goose this week.

I actually made 12. And let me tell you, these flying geese make me happy!

No, I didn't go hunting or cook a crazy dish.

The flying goose is a technique we learned in quilting class this past week.

It's a trick in quilting. It looks like you made triangles but really it's all squares! Tricky, tricky.

Yeah- flying goose. Pretty cool. 

Here is my first block. There are four flying geese in this pic and they all match great.

I'm so proud.

But I'm even prouder of my pinwheel! 

It matched up, it matched up...did I mentioned it matched up!!! :)

This quilting thing is my new love, besides Chad, chocolate, Georgia, chocolate...

Anyway, I'm really enjoying it. I love the class and the 45 min. drive doesn't even phase me.

In other news, food news, I have gotten really, like really, good at frying stuff.

Chicken is my specialty. 

Tonight I made Chicken Fried Steak from The Pioneer Woman.

This is her picture from her website but mine looked just like it!

It was delicious. :) Click here for the recipe.

And this morning for breakfast, I made my grandma's drop donuts.

Basically fried dough with powdered sugar icing on top. Totally healthy!

Hey, my arteries might not like my new frying talent but my stomach does. (And Chad's too!)

Check out my newest purchase for our house.

This awesome basket. From where, you ask? IKEA!

I made my first trek through Ikea this past weekend.

My life has been changed. 

so. many. ideas. 

My mind was blown.

But happy to say, after miles of walking through Ikea I only walked out with this awesome basket.

I plan to put my quilt in this basket once it's finished.

Here is my cute, fluffy, in desperate need of a haircut, running partner!

Georgia loves running with me now. 

In fact, she now knows when I put on my shoes it means "run" and begins her happy prance and the annoying trick of getting her leash, then dropping it my lap.

We learned last week Georgia does have a limit. We tried to run 4 miles last week but she was done at 3.5- poor pooch!

She is really the best though, fluffy hair and all.

Well folks, that's about it with the Pac's.

Hockey season has started. Oh you didn't know? Well, it has and I now have one very happy husband, who looks extra cute in his Dallas Stars jersey. :)

Over and out, y'all!   

My First Quilt

First quilting class was a hit! I love it. Our first class we learned to cut and practiced sewing a small 4X4 square. But most importantly, we picked out fabric. My favorite thing to do!!!

Oh, how I love fabric...the colors, the texture, designs, possibilities!

This quilt will hopefully go in our living room. 

Fingers crossed- found out quilting has to be pretty exact.

hmm...that could be bad.

Homework!

A key to remember what fabric is what.

An example of the first block we will do next class.

This is super small but I already love love love how it turned out!

Thank goodness for long tables with 2 leaves in it.

I can spread all my fabric out.

I have sorta fallen in love with this table that our renter is letting us "borrow". 

Do you really think he would notice if it accidentally got put on the moving truck? ;)

Throw Away! Edges are straight now!

This is the pattern for the quilt. 12 blocks!

I'm scared! Can I really create that?!? 

I labeled my baggies for my scraps. :) Love labeling things- that's why I'm a teacher!

I have loved quilting so far! I even dreamed about ironing my fabric. I also dreamed about a bagel shop opening on the island. Oh please,  Einstein Bagels come to Galveston. I would love you forever and buy lots of bagels!!!

Speaking of ironing boards, I need a new iron and iron board right now. The college iron board on the door isn't cutting it no more! X-mas idea. (mom, reading this?!)

Here's to matched triangles and squares and a steady hand when I cut!

Running with a Purpose

This past week at school a dear co-worker of mine announced she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

I received the e-mail in the evening. It felt so surreal.

I had just spoken with her that morning...

She doesn't know any details yet; what stage, if it has spread, or treatment options.

The news really hit home for me.

She has two children and a husband.

She was one of the first people to help me at Trinity.

She helped me find extra babysitting jobs, professional development, and how to work extended day. 

She bent over backwards to help me in whatever way she could.

 And what's amazing is she does this with everyone she meets!

She is so strong. These past couple of days she has remained positive and chosen to fight no matter what.

Watching her strength and her readiness to fight has been so humbling.

It has also been awesome to watch our school respond.

We immediately formed a support team and are ready to serve her family with whatever they need!

We also formed a running team in her honor for the D'Feet Breast Cancer race in October.

I signed up for the 10K in hopes this will help me start running again.

I am so excited to be a part of this and show my love and support for such an amazing person.

I now run with a purpose.  

I am always reminded of my favorite verse in times like this:

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

May we all remember His plan for us.

Blessings to all. 

Sometimes you just need a Saturday

For those that know me well, know that I love being home.

I love cooking at home, reading at home, being with Chad at home... 

I am a true homebody and I know this about myself.

Lately, we have been going, going, going.

People have been over, errands have been run, pig parades and pancakes have happened at school

and good times have been had by all.

But I can feel myself longing, needing, yearning for a day at home.

So, I told myself this Saturday was it. :)

And already I feel better.

I woke up and made coffee just so I could drink from my new mug. 

In my opinion, pretty mugs make any beverage taste better, don't you agree?

This morning I actually enjoyed my coffee instead of gulping it down as my kids are walking in the room, impatiently waiting for the caffeine to kick in.

I made my weeks whole of tea in my new tea kettle.

Strawberry summer :)

I fill up the tea in water bottles and chill them for my lunch.

I am lovin' my new kettle and how fast it boils water!

I spent extra time with Georgia, getting dog cuddles.

Chad bathed her yesterday so she smells fresh and is nice and pouffy.

Chad and I lounged around until the last possible minute and it was heaven, my friends.

Just sitting, not hurrying or remembering to tell each other important forgotten conversations, 

just sitting... enjoying the moment. 

Another favorite of stay at home Saturdays is I always cook breakfast.

This morning it was the Pioneer Woman's french toast.

Very yummy! I didn't soak the bread over night and it was still good.

You can find the recipe Here

yes, we ate the whole pan.

I am happy with myself that I have realized some of my weaknesses and what fixes them.

I am a person who loves friends, going out, working hard at school but I have a limit. And I have found that my limit is usually met before others but that's ok.  Because when I start getting that feeling, the one in my stomach, that means: it is all becoming too much, I know a Saturday at home with coffee, Georgia, and Chad will soothe all feelings.

Sometimes you just a need a Saturday...

Say What?

Here is what I have been up to.

What I have been eating lately...

Lots of chicken...I got this recipe off pinterest. Chick-fil-a nuggets people, they taste like Chick-fil-a nuggets. Chad, who has been deprived of Chick-fil-a for 23 years, loves and approves them.

Recipe found here: http://www.mynameissnickerdoodle.com/2011/03/fabulous-food-friday-79.html

What has consumed me...

School...this week has been full of parent conferences. Today I had 4 parent conferences. I am blessed with super parents this year but conferences wear me out. Thank goodness for a surprise Starbucks run from a co-worker. It made me day 10X better and more caffeinated:)

Sonic runs are always good too!

What I've been wearing...

Chad went shopping with me on my birthday. He dressed me in maroon skinny jeans, white skinny jeans, and 3 new tops. I've gotten some compliments at work. Thank goodness Chad has some style because I sure don't. 

What I've been watching...

This is a show my mother-in-law and my brother told me about. It is a cute little show, nothing great, but  a good show. Quirky and entertaining. 

What I've been reading...

The movie comes out soon. I wanted to read the book before I saw the movie. It is really good so far, an easy read and interesting. Excited to see what happens.

Our church is also doing the Purpose Driven Life revised- it's called "What on Earth am I here for?" You read chapters every day. You also have small group lessons and sermons over the book. So far it's good. 

What I'm thinking about...

I signed up for a beginners quilting class. I am super excited to learn to quilt. I'm going tomorrow to pick up my supplies and fabric. Picking/feeling fabric is my favorite thing to do. Only downside is the class is Monday evenings and 30 minutes away. I am trying to get super organized with school so I can leave by 4:30. Fingers crossed.

What I'm wishing for...

House decorations. After shopping with Chad at World Market I have new visions for our house. I want a huge clock, vases with flowers, baskets, and funky furniture. My decorations now are from all over the world- africa, haiti, mexico so World Market fits perfect. I have made a list and am waiting for Santa ;)

What have you been doing lately? 

Happy September!  

Birthday Love

Yesterday was my 24th birthday and it was one of the best ones yet.

Chad made a German Chocolate Cake for me.:)

We ate at my favorite Galveston place, Farley Girls, with friends and then came back to the house for cake and Settlers of Catan. 

Our friends decorated the house.

Chad did a super job and made the day very special. 

My friend Megan got me this awesome drink dispenser. I love it, especially since I host a lot. It will be great!

I also got a gift card to Target and a basket of goodies.

Chad and I went to Austin last weekend as part of my birthday.

We ate some amazing food and spent some great time with my brother.

Some of the best food we ate came from this awesome cheese shop we went too.

We had duck salmoni and some peanut fed pig salmoni. 

And some delicious cheese.

We got some sweets at Quacks. It was so good.

 Chad gave me a tea kettle.

I love loose leaf tea and have wanted a tea kettle for a while.

I got it from World Market- one of my favorite places.

It is suppose to have a distressed look to it.

I also got a huge tea infuser. Yeah for loose leaf tea and my cute new tea kettle!

It was a great day. I am very spoiled. I am thankful for all who made my birthday a great day. 

Here's to a great year as a 24 year old. :)