Casual Fridays

Ok, I have a lot of thoughts today, but the first thing we need to talk about is this: I was recently on a day trip to Gatorland with a group of 5th and 6th grade girls from my church as a chaperone (really, this should have been my first clue). I work with these girls in my church's AWANA program. Miss Mary has been running this group since I was in 5th grade and whenever I go on these outings with them, in my mind, I'm still one of Miss Mary's girls. So all these adorable girls show up with their cute little colorful backpacks, and we're all talking and giggling and comparing our accessories fashion when I have this sudden stroke of enlightenment that I've owned the little drawstring backpack on my back—which I got during my college days—longer than these girls have been alive. 

And then I died. The end.

But seriously when did I go from being a 5th grade girl to being old enough to have a 5th grade girl?? I can't. Let's move on.

LPL was a few weeks ago, and the dynamic was so different this year. It was right down the road from where the Parkland school shooting happened and there were family members of some of the victims in attendance. As a Floridian, I know I was feeling pretty numb that weekend, and it was hard to enter in to some of the more joyful worship that the LPL crew always bring. They began the weekend with a beautiful tribute to the lives that were lost in the shooting, and it was good to have an outlet for the grief that that heinous crime brought. Ms. Beth gave us a little "Hydrology Theology," speaking on how the Holy Spirit is the spring of Living Water within us. The best part of the weekend though was being able to attend the SSMT Celebration after the official LPL event concluded. 2017 was my third year participating in SSMT, but I haven't made it to any of the celebrations before now because they're usually in Houston. It was so fun meeting some of my Siestas and cheering each other on as we recited our Scriptures to each other. 

#beachtherapy

February 17th was a day for pink books and teeny tiny broken shells. The waves that pound you somehow have a way of smoothing the rough edges, too. God is good in the midst of it all. 

"I have learned to kiss the wave that drives me against the Rock of Ages." 

-Charles Spurgeon-

And here are just some random photos of life lately....

The crazies got haircuts this week. Yay! for less dog hair flying around! Aren't they sweet?

This is what we call "training up a child in the way he should go."

This happened. 

That's a 523 on the electronic Yahtzee. 

I'm such a winner, you guys. 

And stop judging me for keeping an electronic Yahtzee game in my purse. 

And now I will share with you my Mini-Banana Muffin recipe which is a total homerun. When we get random cold snaps in March (not funny, Florida), I bake. Seriously, this recipe doesn't miss. You're welcome. 

Ingredients: 

3/4 cup flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/2-1 tsp cinnamon (I tend to go heavier on the cinnamon than the average human.)

2 ripe bananas (seriously, the browner the better)

1/4 cup + 2T sugar

2T + 2 tsp butter

1/2 egg

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees then mix your dry and wet ingredients separately. Add the dry mixture to your banana mixture and mix till smooth. Spray your muffin tin with non-stick spray and then spoon your mixture into it. Bake for 10 minutes and enjoy. This recipe yields exactly 24 muffins which is one mini-muffin tray. Perfect. 

Link Love

- HiHo Kids : Welcome to my latest youtube obsession. Literally.

- International Women's Day : My feelings exactly.

- Family First : And while we're on James Breakwell—I died. This guy is too funny.

- KFC/Taco Bell : This makes me laugh so hard. Maybe my sense of humor is really immature, but I just don't care. 

- Savchenko & Massot : Because just because the Olympics are over doesn't mean I'm ever going to stop watching this flawless routine by the Germans. Wow. Make sure to watch all the way to 6:00. 

- James & Cipres : Bonus figure skating video. It's not from the Olympics, but it's also mesmerizing. Be sure to watch till 5:15.

- I Ain't Doin' It (Easter Edition) : She just keeps gettin' better, y'all. 

And finally, my sister-in-love who is the prettiest pregnant fairy princess ever is due today, and I'm dying to meet my newest little niece or nephew. Let's go, Baby Oz!!

Jennifer Corcoran Photography

Casual Fridays

Can you believe we're halfway through October already?! I can't. But this Kid Snippets video seemed like an appropriate way to kick off today's post. 

First item on the agenda for today: deodorant. I think it's about time I updated you on my deodorant saga. Since it's been about two and a half months since I started using the fancy expensive stuff I bought, I figured I can pretty accurately judge it now. And guess what: I'm converted. I went through the first stick and bought three more. Lest you think that's excessive, buying the 3-pack saved me $12. Which is the price of one bar on its own. Kindof a buy 2, get 1 deal. #worthit  Anyway, as far as a deodorant goes, it's definitely the most effective I've ever used. As far as an antiperspirant, I personally have found that it works just about as well as anything else I've ever tried so no complaints there. Cons: it is very thick and that takes some getting used to. Also, it will come off and show up on your clothing if you're not careful, BUT it doesn't stain your clothing so...lose/win. Overall, I'd recommend it. By the way, this is not a sponsored post but if anyone over at Native is reading and wants to send me a check, holla back at me! For the rest of you, if you're interested in trying it out, I can send you a referral code which will get you a free travel sized stick with any purchase. You're welcome.

Are you so over me talking about deodorant? I am. Here's a super-cute pic of my guys to awkwardly smoothly transition us to something else.

If you read my post on Monday, you know that Cody and I recently took a roadtrip of heroic proportions. We tried to hire a driver for our last leg home, but her mom was all, "Umm...that's not even legal." Whatever. 

I re-read Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers last week. I kept trying to remember how long it's been since I read that one. And then I found this photo. It's been a solid 11 years. I feel real old. I wasn't planning to do a recap on this one, but if anyone's dying for one, shout it out in the comments and I'll do something about it. I'm currently working on a biography of Thomas Jefferson. I figure if I'm serious about reading through the presidents, I really should aim for at least two a year. 

Brasil ~ 2006

I've used my CrockPot twice this week. I use my CrockPot all year long, but we're getting to that time of year where it has a permanent spot on the counter. If you have any tried and true CrockPot recipes, please send them all.

My jam lately has been Portugal. The Man's "Feel It Still". The lyrics are wack but I cannot get this groove out of my head. Love it. 

And finally, a shout-out to my BFF Christina because today, she leaves her 20s behind! You're so old. Kidding. Please don't throw that back in my face in a few weeks. Love you, girl!

Circa Halloween 2011

Casual Fridays

Y'all. I've been trying to avoid this, but I think I need to have my wisdom teeth extracted. I've had two different dentists tell me that it would be a good idea to have them out (the first of which told me this more than 5 years ago, but he wasn't very professional and I just didn't believe him). I hate, hate, hate the dentist and am terrified slightly anxious about the idea of going under anesthesia for oral surgery. I never had braces or even so much as a cavity until a few months ago, and when I went to have it filled: I cried. (But for the record, my husband told me I was very brave and he's a nurse and he doesn't lie about stuff like that.) Anyway, my bottom left wisdom tooth occasionally causes me pain (which is why I went to that first dentist 5 years ago), and this week, my jaw has been hurting so bad. This is possibly the worst it's been and the longest it's lasted. Or maybe it just seems that way because it's fresh in my mind that my dentist told me I needed to have them removed. Cody and I went to the dentist a few months ago for the first time in our marriage because we figured it was about time we started taking advantage of the dental insurance we have. I hadn't had a cleaning in more than 10 years. So, I mean, I think I'm taking pretty good care of my teeth if after more than 10 years of nobody cleaning my teeth but me, I only had one small cavity starting. Right?! Ok, we are wandering all over the place here and what is the point of all this, Hannah?! The point is this: have you ever had your wisdom teeth removed? Did you live? And did any of you actually have a good experience with wisdom teeth extraction? (Isn't "extraction" the most painful sounding word you've ever heard??) Is there an oral surgeon in the Central Florida area you would recommend? And realistically, how long was your recovery? No horror stories, please. As you can see, I'm having a hard enough time with this as it is. 

Moving on, since today seems like a good day to be taking your advice and opinions on important matters, please send me all your favorite go-to recipes. I've been lacking inspiration in my meal-planning lately and could use some fresh ideas. What does your family love? The easier, the better.

On to the next topic: as you may have read, I recently read The Taming of the Shrew, and I am now accepting suggestions for which two Shakespearean plays should go on my 2018 book list. I read Macbeth last year, and I still intend to read Hamlet this year so that leaves your choices for a tragedy as follows:

• Antony and Cleopatra
• Coriolanus
• Cymbeline (is this a tragedy or a comedy? I've seen it listed in both categories)
• Julius Caesar
• King Lear
• Othello
• Romeo and Juliet
• Timon of Athens
• Titus Andronicus
• Troilus and Cressida

I'm personally leaning toward Romeo and Juliet. I haven't read it since 9th grade. Your options for a comedy are:

• All's Well That Ends Well
• As You Like It
• Comedy of Errors
• Love's Labour's Lost
• Measure for Measure
• The Merchant of Venice
• The Merry Wives of Windsor
• The Tempest (once again: tragedy or comedy? I've seen it on both lists)
• Twelfth Night
• The Two Gentlemen of Verona
• The Winter's Tale

I'm thinking Twelfth Night for a comedy, but I'm seriously open to any suggestions you have. What say you? As you can see, I have 10 tragedies and 11 comedies to go. My long-term plan is to read one tragedy and one comedy each year until I get through them all and then I'll move on to his histories and poetry after that. I just realized that I'll probably be 50 before I reach my goal of reading everything Shakespeare ever wrote and that makes me feel very old. Like, really will I still be blogging when I'm 50? Oy with the poodles already.

To sum it up: wisdom teeth, recipes, and Shakespeare. Heaven help. Have a great weekend!

Casual Fridays

This past Sunday night, my house was full to the brim with sweet friends. Sweet friends that I graduated from high school with 10 years ago. (I must have graduated when I was 14, right? Oh leave me be in my denial!) No matter what age we are, I can't believe it's been a whole decade since my high school days, a whole decade of marriages, children, careers, and moves, and I loved every minute of having these people laughing, playing, eating, and talking in my home. I hope each and every one of you knows I love you and you are always, always, always welcome here!

Colonel's Corner/Major's Mischief

Well, yesterday it was Major's turn to go under the knife. That's right, there will never be any little Majors running around because Major no longer has the necessary equipment to spawn. Bless. And to be honest, I think Colonel was more stressed about it than Major was. I mentioned last week that Colonel doesn't do well with separation, and boy was he a mess yesterday. When I got home and Major wasn't with me, that was it. Colonel could not be consoled, and he would not let me out of his sight (or reach) all day. And when it was finally time to go get Major, I ended up just taking Colonel with me because when I picked up the car keys, we had a meltdown. He hasn't left Major's side since. Annoying? A little. Incredibly sweet and endearing? Totally.

Link Love

Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life - Trailer : Hey-o! We've got an air date at long last! Anyone who wants to revisit Stars Hollow this fall is welcome to come over to my house for Pop-Tarts and coffee because duh. 

www.jamesbreakwell.com : I recently discovered this webcomic, and it immediately made the very short list of websites I must check every single day. Hilarious.

Onion News: Nation Down to Last 100 Grown-Ups : And speaking of hilarious: this article, right here. I'm not a huge fan of the Onion News normally, but this one nailed it. 

Sheet Pan Roast Chicken Dinner : My sister made this for me while I was in Japan, and YUM. She used boneless thighs, and I will definitely be adding this to the monthly rotation in my house fo' sho. Thanks for the recipe, Caroline!

Have You Read the Most Popular Book From the Year You Were Born? : I found this list of the most popular books by year from 1930 to 2016 very intriguing. I think it'd be interesting to read through it. (with exceptions, of course, because when it comes to books like Twilight or 50 Shades - #iwillnever) Incidentally, I have not read the most popular book from the year I was born: Patriot Games by Tom Clancy.

Christy's Coconut Contest : Robin Jones Gunn has a fun little contest going on and the winner gets her own Phil. 1:7 coconut mailed to her from Hawaii! And if you've ever read the Christy Miller series, you'll understand the significance of that.

And last on the agenda for today: pretty, pretty books and handsoaps! There's just something about getting a package in the mail. Even when you ordered it yourself and you know it's coming and you know what it is, it's still just fun when it finally gets to your mailbox and you get to open it, amiright? You may remember the amazing sale Robin Jones Gunn had going on and the sweet deal I got on books that have been on my wishlist for a while now. Well, they came on Wednesday and now you get to know what they are. Gardenias for Breakfast, Christy Miller's Diary, and Departures. Even though I'm dying to know when the new Christy books are going to be released, I'm super-pumped about these three. I've never read any of these before, and I've wanted to for a very long time. And what's with all the handsoaps, you ask? Bath & Body Works had a 10 for $30 sale going on and, in case you didn't know, that's like, a million percent off the normal price so really, who could pass that up? Not me.

Well, somebody stop me. I think that's about enough uselessness for one day. Which of my new Robin Jones Gunn books should I read first? (I'm leaning towards Departures.) What's your favorite Bath & Body Works scent or product? Did you go to your high school reunion or do you keep in touch with high school friends (besides just checking out their pictures on facebook which totally doesn't count)? What was the most popular book from the year you were born? Any tips on how to keep Major down during his recovery, poor thing? Have a fabulous weekend after you leave me a comment.

I'm Back!

Hi! Hello! How've ya been? Did you miss me? Did you even notice I was gone? Now, I realize it's Monday, and we're supposed to be talking literature around here, but let's pretend it's Friday and do a little catching up. I feel like we need to get reacquainted. 

First of all, lest you think I'm like, the laziest, most neglectful blogger alive, we have been in the process of switching internet service providers and my laptop didn't take to the switch too well. So I was pretty much internet-less all last week except for on my phone, and, let's get real: ain't nobody got time for trying to blog from my phone. I don't know how anyone does it, but those people are amazing and unendingly patient. (I'm lookin' at you, Lynds.) And speaking of Smart Phones, I'm getting used to mine except I miss having actual buttons to press. I've decided touch screens are for the birds and texting takes forever now. I'm not even being dramatic about it at all. Anyway, our new internet is way faster and my laptop finally got on board so we're good now.

Now that you know the technical reasons behind my radio silence last week, I'll be straight with you and tell you why I really dropped off the grid. My hubby turned 25! And he requested homemade apple pie and brownies. Brownies I can whip up fairly quickly but my apple pie is a pretty big endeavor which involves making a mess of the entire house. Totally worth it though when you get this:

I mean, amiright? It's totally fine if you're drooling at the screen right now. 

He also requested steak-green-pepper-and-onion-kabobs from Publix (which he actually grilled himself because this white girl does not operate that kinda heavy machinery) and macaroni-n-cheese (totally in my wheelhouse) which led me to try out a new recipe which I've decided to share with you now because Holy Wow, it was that good. Do yourself a favor, throw your diets to the wind, and go make yourself a pan of this cheesy goodness.

To start off, this is The Best Ever cookbook and my go-to for any and all delicious recipes. Thus, I give you Macaroni and Cheese, page 398.

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (7 oz)

1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon ground mustard

1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

2 cups milk

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (8 oz)

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Cook macaroni as directed on package.

3. While macaroni is cooking, melt butter in 3-quart saucepan over low heat. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly; remove from heat. Stir in milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute; remove from heat. Stir in cheese until melted.

4. Drain macaroni. Gently stir macaroni into cheese sauce. Pour into ungreased 2-quart casserole. Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly.

I followed the directions 100% except right before I popped it in the oven, I dumped sprinkled more cheddar on top. Y'all. Make it and get ready for a party in your mouth. It's definitely the best mac-n-cheese I've ever made, and I've tried my fair share of recipes. You're welcome.

Colonel's Corner

Check this guy out. I've taught him how to pose for the camera perfectly. He's a genius.

Ok fine. 

The truth is: Cody was standing right there making him stay so I could take a picture to send to my sister for her birthday. He fears Cody's wrath so he listens to him. (Can't you see that abject submission in his eyes?)

But isn't he just the sweetest thing you ever did see?

The fun new thing with this guy is that he follows Diddy and Dixie across the TV while I'm playing Donkey Kong. (Yes, Donkey Kong Country 2 on my old-school SuperNintendo.) He's seriously riveted to the screen anytime I'm playing and it's hilarious.

If you've been here long enough, you are acquainted with my ChapStick addiction and yesterday, my sister-in-love gave me this new one. It's the best. 

She loves me. She gets me. 

Either that or she's angling for some future babysitting favors. As if she needed to.

In fact, she will be dropping my favorite youngest niece off here in a couple hours and I can't wait.

There we are circa May 2011. I love us. Thanks for my new favorite, Lyndsey!! It's totally sitting less than two feet away from me as I type this because you know, I need to reapply every 9 seconds or so.

Anyway, I think we're about caught up on all the exciting stuff in my life (oh quit judging me because I think ChapStick and new recipes are exciting), except I didn't tell you that we got a humongous new TV because my husband says I shouldn't put stuff like that on the interwebs because strangers will try to rob us or something. I promise someday we'll talk books again. In fact, Christy should totally be arriving THIS WEEKEND, y'all! Which will either mean a super-giddy recap next Monday or more blog silence because I'm still poring over every single word or pacing down by my mailbox if for some horrifying reason it hasn't come yet.  

What's going on in your life lately? Oh and P.S. I've totally been jamming to Cheerleader by OMI lately. Yes. Yes I have.