Eleven

This past weekend, the girls and I celebrated our 11th anniversary.

I am not quite sure how this happened because I still feel like I am 23 and recently recovering from my *NSYNC obsession.

(Okay, let's be honest. I never really recovered.)

(I still love them.)

(Boy bands forever.)

But eleven years with these girls is one of my most favorite accomplishments. It takes work and each of us have fought to stay together. And I am so glad we have because it is rare to find people who know you so well.

For our fun weekend on the town, we all headed downtown to our favorite hotel, sans babies, husbands and to-do lists, and spent 24 hours eating, relaxing and laughing.

Jenn, Abby, Kim, Natalie and Rachel making the lobby look beautiful.

This has become our designated hang-out spot. We take over this whole section of the lobby while we try to eat as much of the free happy hour buffet as possible.

Two of these girls are currently preggers. That makes babies #11 and #12, already loved so much!

After we eat all the free food we can, we then go up to our room, change and primp, and then go out to a fabulous dinner. My apologies to Jenn for covering up her face. Sometimes I have limited control over my limbs.

 

 

The best selfie ever. Abby took this as we were walking downtown and I love how happy we all are. It's perfect.

 



 

The girls had a belated birthday celebration for me and a flaming piece of cheesecake landed right in front of me. I love flaming cheesecake.

 

 

And I love how special these girls make you feel on your big day.

 

SIDE NOTE: a five-week birthday is highly recommended. Try to make it happen.

 

 



 

The next morning, after seven us (plus my breathing machine) piled into one hotel suite to sleep, we headed downstairs to once again tackle the buffet.

 

And here is my home-girl Rachel. She is my other sister. Claire agrees.

 

 

Eight omelets, multiple cups of coffee, muffins, bagels, fabulous conversation and a mountain of bacon later, we loaded up and headed home, refreshed, full and excited for the next year ahead.

Eleven years is a lot of life lived: joy, heartache, accomplishments, frustrations, weddings, babies, promotions, graduations, beginnings, endings, hope restored. And I am so glad I have lived it with these girls.

The Recap You Didn't Know You Needed

My re-entry into the real world last week was a bit rough. My plane from the DR had to make an emergency landing in Miami. It had something to do with our landing gear not working properly and the pilots were 94% sure that we would land without a problem.

Ummm...

 

Awesome?

Needless to say, we landed perfectly and then proceeded through customs, immigration and then re-boarded with the same fearless pilots for our layover in Atlanta. But because of our small detour, both my aunt and I missed our connecting flights and instead arrived home much, much later.

HOWEVER. The trip was unbelievably amazing. Relaxation was the goal and it was accomplished in strides:

The weather was a perfect 80 degrees.

The food was so fresh and delicious that I actually ate shrimp.

There were long conversations into the night, both in Spanish and in English

There were new recipes to tackle in a fully-stocked kitchen.

There was dipping your toes into the ocean and swimming until you became pruny.

There was dancing. Oh, there was dancing.

 And there was time to soak up the glorious sun (with SPF 50, of course), while deepening old relationships and developing new ones.

It was dreamy in every possible way.

...

And then I came home and the Arctic Vortex arrived.

But my dad also came home for his 72 hour furlough and everything seemed right with the world, Vortex included. On top of that, I got to make cupcakes for a baby shower: coconut cream and double chocolate fudge.

They are my new best friends.

We also went out for my birthday. I wanted us all to be together to celebrate. Sadly, Claire was down with a migraine but the rest of us ate for her:

 

 

 

 

 

Carr looks like an undercover cop in this picture. Love it.

 

 

Spirit fingers at dinner? Of course.

Two of my most favorite boys.

And finally, if you didn't know, Denver is going to the Super Bowl this weekend. It's a big, freaking deal. And our downtown looks so fantastically cool. It's going to be a great game!

 

Time to Ride, boys!

Gourmet Girl, Women's Group and Hand Pies

The title of this post pretty much says it all.

When you combine my favorite Thursday night girls +  a Gourmet Girl who brings caramel and chocolate + buttery, flaky crust topped with cinnamon and sugar and a hot oven, a night of perfection is born.

These girls are so amazing. They have supported me for the past (almost) 11 years and now they are letting me bake with them. Geez. It's like I have hit the friendship jack pot.

Sweet Heather offered her home for us and we quickly covered it with flour and sugar, all the while sampling the pie fillings just to make sure they were edible. And yes, they were totally edible.

SIDE NOTE: Somehow I managed to bake through the entire evening without taking a picture of our amazing hostess. That's ridiculous. So let's all pretend I do have a picture of her in an apron and with a plate full of pies. Because that totally happened.

As you can see, a very delicious time was had by all.

 

Pie crust ready to be filled!

Jenn, Rachel and Natalie mixing it up.

 

 

Jenn and Rachel smiling for the camera. These two were the brains behind our Women's Group. They have known each other since they were young. And here they are, baking pies together. I love it.

 

 

Caramel, cinnamon and sugar. Yes, yes and yes. 

Hand pies ready for the oven.

 



 

Abby, working her pie dough magic.

 

 

 

 

Your favorite Gourmet Girl trying to look like I know what I am doing.

 

Hand pie perfection, all boxed up and ready to take home to share (or not share, whichever).

 

Thanks again, girls, for such a fun evening! You're the best. You know you have had a successful baking class when you find a caramel stuck to your shoe.

(And for those who want to "like" me on Facebook or schedule your own cooking class,  just visit my website or my Facebook page. I will totally show up and bake with you.)

Five Things

I have this new blogger friend. She found me on Facebook on my Gourmet Girl to Go page and invited me to participate in a "Five Things" question series. I agreed right away because 1.) I need blogging material and 2.) I cannot say no to new friends.

Her name is Kris and you can find her blog here. I am a big fan already.

So, without further ado, here is a snapshot in time, or, in other words, a ton of information you have never wanted to know about me. Just think of it as my contribution to helping you get through hump day.

(Which, by the way, I am LOVING this commercial:



Totally brilliant.)

Okay, now without further ado, here it is:

Five Things I am Passionate About:
1. A simple life. My mind is often so cluttered with stuff that I forget to live well. So simplifying is my theme right now. And I love it.

2. Food. I love food. I love growing it, eating it, cooking it, baking it, sharing it and preparing it for anyone who will eat it. It is my love language and my spiritual gifting, if that were a real thing.

3. My family. They are a crazy bunch of people, but they are my people.

4. My friends. I have amazing, incredible friends. Holy cow, who knew I was I cool enough to have friends like that?

5. Jesus. Amen.

Five Things I Would Like To Do Before I Die:
1. Get married. I practically have it planned out on Pinterest anyway and I would hate for that board to go to waste. But in all honesty, I am one of those girls who has thought about her wedding since she was little and I would love to experience it with the right person.

2. Hike Machu Pichu. I know many of you must be shocked over the word "hike" but that is one hike I would gladly tackle.

3. Own another horse. I was 12 years old the first time I got a horse and I would love to see how I would handle it now. Besides, they smell really, really good.

4. Take a week-long cooking class in Europe. Italy, France, Spain, Ireland, any of those countries will do. I want my entire week to be covered in sugar and flour. And chocolate. And maybe some cheese. I don't think that is too much to ask, do you?

5. Memorize large sections of the Bible. Isaiah 40, the entire book of James, 1 John and any of the psalms are on my list. I am horrendous at memorization unless it is put to a song. So I guess this is fair warning if I ever sing verses at you. Don't be alarmed, I'll try to jazz it up a little.

Five Things I Say A Lot:
1. It's not my yard.
2. I could stick my entire head into this bowl.
3. Salted caramel is my love language
4. Seriously.
5. I'm over it.

Five Books/Magazines I Have Read Lately:
1. Country Living Magazine. Naturally.
2. The Harbinger. This was a few months ago but it was a quick and intense read.
3. Treasure Island. It has been over 20 years since I last read that book and it was totally different than what I remembered. It's funny how that happens.
4. The Spirituality of Fundraising (Henri Nouwen). I re-read this all the time because it is essential to my job. It's good stuff.
5. Joy the Baker's Cookbook. I love her, her writing style and her recipes. I highly recommend following her blog!

Five Favorite Movies:
1. The Goonies
2. Pride and Prejudice
3. Braveheart
4. Lord of the Rings
5. Strictly Ballroom

Five Places I Would Like to Visit:
1. New Zealand.
2. Peru
3. Greece
4. Egypt
5. Montana

Now, I am supposed to invite five other people to participate but I am kind of lame and don't know many bloggers. So, if you would like to tackle this list, go for it and just let me know! I'll link you up.

Oh, and happy Wednesday, people of the world wide web.

Gas Pump Awesomeness

I promise this will not become a blog where all I do is post the latest Youtube sensation.

But this video makes me so happy.

Like Disneyworld happy.

And I really, really want to be their friend. I think I could hang with them.



I have a version of "Proud Mary" that will blow your eardrums mind.

For the Love of a Shawarma

I love a good sharwma. Most Middle Eastern and North and West African countries have their own variation of them but they are basically shaved mutton or turkey, roasted and juicy, wrapped in handmade flat bread and often grilled or pressed. Many countries also include french fries and some kind of sauce, like hummus or tahini. They are our version of a burrito or wrap and they are might, mighty tasty.

Yesterday, we stopped at a small shop to grab a few shawarmas as we headed south out of Tunis to our conference in Sousse. And let me tell you something, they did not disappoint! They were warm, toasty and fabulous, stuffed with roasted turkey, cabbage, hummus and french fries.

These were our fearless cooks who patiently created my shawarma while I royally butchered my attempts at French and Arabic:




These girls were not shy! They asked me to take their picture over and over again. I was happy to oblige.

















If I lived here, I would come here daily. And I'd probably hang out with these girls on a regular basis. I'm pretty sure I could role with them.

The Global FC

Hello world!

That's right, I am talking to the ENTIRE WORLD right now because apparently there are 17 people out there who checked this blog yesterday who do not live in the United States of America.

SAY WHAT?

I know, I can't believe it either.

This is a snapshot of  yesterday's audience around 1:00 pm. I am completely amazed that anyone besides my 36,970 cousins and my mom read this blog. And now I have wonderful people who probably mistakenly googled something relating to real cowgirls or real problems with frustration and they stumbled upon me. I am sorry. I am sure speed limit signs saying "17 1/2" were not what you were looking for, especially since your country probably uses kilometers.

But welcome aboard, nonetheless!

So, I am going to give a shout out to the six people in Russia. Здравствуйте! (that means "hello." I hope.) I have never been to your country but I hope you are staying warm right now!

And then there is Chile. Hola Chile! I almost studied abroad in your beautiful country while in graduate school. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be. However, I may use my frequent flyer miles to see you.

And hello Romania! I actually have a wonderful, darling, fabulous friend in Romania right now. I bet she checked the website three times just to make me feel loved. HELLO SWEET FRIEND! I miss you tons.

And let's all say hello to India. I work with quite a few people in India and they are stupendous. Thanks for following along, peeps!

And then there is Brazil. Gearing up for Mardi Gras, are we? Have fun and stay safe!

Greetings to the Czech Republic! You are on my list of places to visit. I hope to meet you soon.

And to the one person in Great Britain: Hello! I am really excited for your summer Olympics.

Finally, to all those in the wonderful US of A: I like you a lot. Each one of you.


Happy Friday, world!

We Are All Just One Scissor Kick Away

This past weekend my mom made the solo trip to Alamosa. She said dad is doing well and trying to keep busy. And they even got in another trip to Walmart. I am learning that it is the small things in life, like discount shopping, that really make a difference.

I, on the other hand, was able to catch up on dishes and laundry and take in a modern dance performance in Boulder with Sam, his friend Jon and Noah. Three boys and me. Watching modern dance. In Boulder. I have never put those words together like that before. It takes a moment to sink in, doesn't it?

But let me tell you, it was amazing! Like So You Think You Can Dance amazing. These people can bend their bodies in ways that defy all logic and gravity. And they are able to do super cool scissor kicks. I long to do a scissor kick. It's a dream of mine.

Sam has a good friend named Gwen (what up, Gwen?!) who performed in the show. She was in almost every routine and she is incredible! She is everything I wish I could be, both physically and rhythmically. It's really not fair but I am trying not to be bitter about it.

I have become such a huge fan of modern dance. It almost makes me want to buy a leotard.

Almost.

And these boys? Well, they were inspired as well.

They are all just one scissor kick away from having their own show.

Bravo, boys.

And bravo, Gwen!

30 Days of Thankfulness - #1

I love November.

I mean I really, really love it. I am not sure if it is the anticipation of the holidays or the fact that we have a four-day weekend full of homemade noodles and football a mere three weeks away, but either way, this month is one of my favorites.

So, for the next 30 days I am going to dedicate this blog to 30 days of thankfulness. 30 things that make my life so much more rich and fulfilling. 30 things that I would hate to live without.

So, for Day #1...

I am thankful for blogging and everything that includes.

Yep, you heard me. Blogging. I love blogging and I didn't think I would. At first, I was scared to put my thoughts, experiences out in the big, big world. What if I sound ridiculous? What if I have nothing to say? What if the only person that reads this is my mom (Hi Mama!)? What if the only thing I can talk about is how much I love Spanx, my desire to live on kettle corn and dark chocolate alone, and how I wish I could secretly date Chuck?

I mean, COULD YOU EVEN IMAGINE?

But technology is a funny and strange thing because any wannabe cowgirl can ramble on and on about both the profound and irrelevant. And because of that, I am thankful. But even though I love being able to share recipes, stories and introduce you to many of my 36,402 cousins, my favorite thing about blogging is you.

(Cue sappy music.)

No, I am serious. You all have seen me through a lot in these last 9 months: trips to the Middle East, the STUPID INTERNATIONAL FITNESS CHALLENGE OF DEATH, the monotony that is Kansas, my lists of completely pointless facts and mundane activities, Noah's musical tribute to cows and my ode to Oreo balls. You are the reason I blog. If it weren't for you, I would have given up on this long ago...my poor mama just wouldn't handle the pressure of being the only reader.

So thanks, peeps. You are the best. EVER.

And that's why you are #1 this month.

(End sappy music.)

Turkish Family

I spent three days in Izmir with my Turkish family. They were unbelievably gracious, kind, hospitable and funny. And that Mama was one amazing cook.

I mean seriously amazing. I arrived to stuffed grape leaves, beef stew, rice with slivered almonds, fresh baked bread, a yogurt and eggplant dish and apple turnovers.

And that was just for lunch.

Let's just say that I am not lighter on my toes, people.

If you knew them you would fall in love with them just like I did. They have amazing stories of survival, persecution and redemption. They laugh as much as my Oklahoma family does at a family reunion and they taught me how to play Settlers of Catan, which we played every night.

An American girl learning a German game in Turkey. Go figure.

My Turkish Mama

a.k.a. the Spunky Lady

My Turkish Sister, Esra, and her husband Ho

Isn't she gorgeous?

My Turkish brother Goksel and his girlfriend Secel

Cetin, my Turkish brother who went to Denver Seminary. He is one of only six Turks in the entire country who have attended seminary. God has big plans for him.

Group shot (minus Goksel)

Esra, yours truly and Cegdin (Spunkmeister) in downtown Izmir

 

A beautiful sunset on the Mediterranean. Love it.

I loved my visit with this family. They are amazing people. Truly amazing. I cannot wait to visit them again.

So...

I am now in Jordan. Eight flights down, two to go! There is still so much for you to see about Turkey, including trips to Cappadocia and Ephesus. But those will come, I promise!

But for now, I have bigger fish to fry.

Cue music.

When you read this I will be retracing the steps of our esteemed predecessor, the world-renowned intellect whose smile could charm the stink off a skunk: Indiana Jones. 

We are off to Petra!

Bob's Beirut

Hello everyone! I am alive and well and living it up in Beirut!

Well, let me rephrase that: I am alive and well and living it up to the point that jet lag has hit me like a punch in the face and I am counting down the minutes until I take an ambien.

However, I have made a tragic discovery...I cannot access my blog at the place I am staying. So, my dear, sweet sister has agreed to post my updates for me when I am unable to. Isn't she the greatest?

Let's give her a round of applause. Go ahead, clap away. You know you want to.

Big thanks to all of you who prayed for travel mercies. I had wonderful flights and easy connections with no lost luggage. And for you foodies out there, I have already tasted goat-cheese pizza, mint green tea, hummus, pita bread and some yummy salad that I am sure has a name but I cannot recall at the moment. Jet lag, remember?

As a side note to my BSF Friday night girls: I am SO GLAD we went out for our Mediterranean culinary adventure last week. The Super Combo has come to the rescue more than once!

I woke up this morning at 3:30 ready to face the world but realized the world was not ready to face me. So, after playing with my new camera and taking many pictures of the wall, the door, the floor and myself (by the way, DO NOT take pictures of yourself at this time of day. Not pretty, people. Not pretty), I went back to bed and started the day again at a normal time.

For the majority of the day, we were in a meeting with another non-profit ministry that we may partner with in the near future. They were amazing men who have a passion for serving the people in their country and the Middle East region. It was highly informative, educational and inspiring.

Here are a few pictures of the city outside of the office windows.  Cool, eh? Is it what you thought it would look like?

However, the highlight of my day, other than the amazing hummus, was meeting my new friend Bob. That's right, his name is Bob. He works with the non-profit and he and I chatted for a good hour or two about culture, sports, traditions and movies.

I asked Bob what he would want all of my friends and family to know about his home country and this is what he said:

"I want people to know that Lebanon is a modern country with creative people and new ideas. And we are also the country with the most freedom in our region. We have the freedom to be a Christian and not be persecuted for it. It is not that way in other countries."

Whoa. That is not at all what I thought about Lebanon. But, the more I am here, the more I see his very words in action. Admist the bullet-laden buildings, this city is modern and progressive. And its people are extremely diverse, intelligent, hard-working, beautiful and free to express their thoughts and beliefs.

Here's what was on his desk:

Thankfully I will see Bob again tomorrow so I am sure I will have even more insights to share.

But until then, the ambien is calling my name. Can you hear it? It sounds amazing.
(written Thursday night)