Inspired

As I have written before, I have gotten the quilting bug. I completed my "Pink Explosion" quilt about a month ago. I am very proud of what I have done with it, although, I will not be sharing it with anyone, as there are A LOT of glaring mistakes that I just don't see can be fixed. I have created a small label to put on it and will stash it in the closet.

Pink Explosion quilt completed 11.1.11

I have been itching to get started on a new quilt, but don't have much fabric stashed to use and am a bit tight on the "extras" budget so I am trying to hold back on buying any fabrics.


I was inspired by a blogger that I have just started to follow; Eat, Sleep, Quilt. She has made this Jelly Roll quilt look so easy. So I am jumping in feet first! I am thinking some Christmas colors and hoping to have it complete by Christmas.

I will keep you posted....

Future Firefighter in the Family

My nephew, Travis, will be graduating from Fire Academy next month. I am sooo excited and proud of him. This evening Troy and I went to a Fire Academy Family Burn night, we watched at the cadets showed off their techniques. I am always full of awe and appreciation of our men and women in uniform, but tonight really showed their skills up close and personal.

Thank you Travis for stepping up to save others in their time of need every day!

Future Firefighter Travis
Did I mention future calendar model?!

Trav and Uncle Troy

Showing skills on how to enter and exit a burning building

Travis was Captain of his Engine tonight

Proud Friendswood Fire Dept

Travis with his Mimi

Car Fire

Travis and my niece Carley

Did we tell you it was COLD out there?
47 degrees is chilly for us Texans

My Sister Paige and I

What to do with left over turkey?

Well you make King Ranch Spicy Turkey Casserole, of course!
But here are a few hints...


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9 ingredients--- super easy!

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TURKEY- diced

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Gebhardt's Chili Powder
It's the ONLY way to go!!!

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Soup mix is too light, add more chili powder

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This is just right when using HOT rotel too
Could go a bit darker and it would be super yummy!

Here is the recipe (reposted from Feb. 4, 2011)

King Ranch Casserole- My Way

1/2 onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 jar mushrooms, sliced

1 can cream of mushroom
1 can cream of chicken
1 can rotel
1 cup chicken broth
2 cups shredded cheese
1 package of corn tortillas
2-4 chicken breast, diced

Sauté onion, garlic and mushrooms. Combine soups, rotel and chili powder in skillet with onion mixture. Bring to a low simmer for a few minutes for flavors to meld well. Dip tortillas in warmed (not hot) chicken broth and layer in bottom of dish. Take soup and pour in enough to cover tortillas. Sprinkle cooked chicken on the top, then sprinkle with cheese. Repeat steps until mixture and chicken are gone. Sprinkle cheese on top of casserole.

Bake uncovered on 350°F for 45 minutes. Let cool and thicken for 10 minutes. Garnish with sour cream and enjoy.

Friends Night Out

Troy and his two best dude friends used to get together every month. Since getting married, the wives and girlfriends have requested to be present too, we wanted to have fun with them!
This weekend was our weekend together. Steve and his girlfriend, Jennifer, hosted us and made a delicious meal and organized an ornament exchange.

Steve, Steve and Troy

Troy and Mark (and their Jersey Shore ornaments)

Steve & Julie

Steve & Jennifer

Troy & I

Mark & Dianna

The Boys

The Girls

Cant wait until our next dinner. We are thankful to have each of you in our lives!

Thanksgiving

Troy and I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!
We meant to take more pictures, but got distracted by how GREAT the turkey came out....

Thank you Reynolds Oven Turkey bag for "the best turkey ever"

We need a bigger table!

Til next year... hope you and yours remember all that you should be Thankful for!