Finishing up February

Winding up a busy month with this blog post.  Thankful for the milder weather; but really looking forward to spring!  :D

Marvin spent a lot of time reconfiguring his work area in the garage.

It is now a more streamlined and usable area.

I think it looks great!

Marvin and Jackson worked on building new speaker boxes for Jackson's truck.

Jackson brought out his EMT class photo.  I love it! 

Daddy and Mama got their camper de-winterized so they could take a little road trip.

I enjoyed the fine company of these ladies for lunch.
Karen, Nancy, Holly, Nancy, and Dana

We sent Jackson this 'encouraging' YAY photo after he passed one of his EMT tests.  :D
Laura, Shonda, Chris, Lora, and Allison

This just cracked me up.  Marvin holding the selfie stick...  :D

Jonathan took advantage of the warmer weather and tossed the football with his friends.

We enjoyed a meal with these wonderful folks.
Craig, Susie, Chris, Carlos, Marvin, Jonathan, Sarah, Bill, Leslie

And now with the selfie stick!
Craig, Susie, Chris, Carlos, Marvin, Jonathan, Sarah, Bill, Leslie, Laura

Orange Cream Mimosa

Another good recipe for a ladies lunch that can be made with either Ginger Ale or Champagne, whichever you prefer.

Orange Cream Mimosa

2 ½ cups freshly squeezed orange juice

1 orange, zested

1 cup half and half

1 cup superfine sugar

1 bottle Champagne or ginger ale

strawberries for garnish

Put orange juice, zest, half & half, and sugar into a blender and process until sugar is dissolved - about 30 seconds.  Pour this mixture into a shallow pan and freeze until hard, 4 hours or overnight.  

Remove the frozen orange mixture from the freezer and let it sit to soften slightly, about 10 minutes.  With a scoop or tablespoon, scrape out a small scoop and put it into a champagne glass.  Slowly fill the glass with champagne or ginger ale and serve garnished with strawberries.  

Pink Lemonade Spritzers

This is an easy and pretty recipe for a ladies luncheon.  You can make it using ginger ale, or you can use a white wine like Pinot Grigio if you prefer.  It is tasty either way.

Pink Lemonade Spritzers

prepared pink lemonade from a dry mix like Country Time or Crystal Light

fresh raspberries

fresh blueberries

fresh mint leaves (optional)

Ginger Ale or Pinot Grigio, chilled

To make the ice cubes, pour lemonade into individual ice cube trays filling about ¾ full.  Insert one or two raspberries and blueberries in each cube.  You may also add a small piece of fresh mint if you desire.  Freeze for 24 hours or until frozen solid.  

To make the Spritzers:

Place 3 or 4 fruit filled lemonade ice cubes in a wine glass.  Top with ginger ale or pinot grigio to cover.  Serve immediately. 

A first goodbye

Boy, this one was difficult.  When news broke that Troy and Kelly would be leaving Truman for a new future in Virginia, the first thing I thought of was our already scheduled ladies luncheon.  I was so thankful that it was 'already on the calendar' and knew that we were going to need a little extra time at this particular luncheon.  Although I know we will all see each other before they move away, this luncheon just felt like a good time to celebrate our love for Kelly.  We are going to miss her so very much.

Throughout our gathering we would randomly shed tears.  Not only because of Kelly's coming move, but also because we learned of the passing of a dear lady in our community that very same morning.  There was a lot of emotion on our hearts!  

We thoroughly enjoyed our time together and we are grateful for the friendships that have been forged over the years.  What a blessing.

Alicia, Deb, Laura, Susan and Kelly 

Alicia, Deb, Kelly, Laura, Susan

I gave this photo to Kelly to commemorate a very special evening that our families shared in July 2010.  

Below is a video I made celebrating dear Kelly, or you can click here to see it.  

More Daniel Plan

I have so enjoyed participating in The Daniel Plan study with these lovely women.

It has definitely helped me to get my mind back on track.  I have a long way to go, but feel rejuvenated.  And a special blessing has been getting closer to the wonderful women in this study.

Sue made some yummy and healthy snacks for us one day.  (I'll get the recipes and post them here on the blog eventually.)

We finished up the study by sharing a salad luncheon; with each of us bringing ingredients to create the salad.  Not only was the salad tasty, but we all enjoyed the extra time to fellowship and grow closer.  A special time, indeed.

Coffee and Fellowship

I had the honor of hosting a 'coffee and fellowship' time at my home for many of the ladies of Cornerstone church.  It was a great time and we enjoyed lots of yummy food and great conversation.  It is always a fun time with these ladies.  Glad we were able to put our two tables end to end to accommodate them all.  :)

Sue, Susan, Kathy, Shonda, Lora, Karen, Allison,
Krystal, Ashley, Chris, Stephanie, Susie, Jeanie, Carla, and Susan

And one with the selfie stick so that I can be in the group, too.  :D  

Sue set up a smoothie station and made us several different recipes.  They were all delicious!! (and nutritious!)

Valentine's Day

Daddy took us all out for lunch after church on Valentine's Day.  Then he had Rojina and Anisha bring in roses for all us ladies as a surprise.  He is such a romantic at heart!  :D  So sweet.

We asked someone to take our group photo and they accidentally cut out Julie (who is sitting by Daddy)

Anisha and Rojina bringing in the roses

Daddy, Mama, Anisha, and Rojina

:D

Marvin and Laura

Jonathan, Marvin, and Laura

Alyssa and Julie

Anisha and Rojina

Daddy had these roses to give to Amy, but she was out of town.  So we passed them on to her husband.  :D  

True Men CD Release concert

True Men held a special concert in February to celebrate the release of their new CD, True & Improved.  Of course we were in attendance!  :D  Can't believe this is Matthew's final year in True Men.  The last 4 years have flown by!!

True Men - Matthew on right in red sweater vest.

Matthew selling CD's after the concert

Matt, Brenda, Julie, Anna, Matthew

Matt, Laura, Julie, Anna, Matthew

Gatherings

February has offered many opportunities for fun and fellowship with family and friends.  Here are photos from a few of those events.

Laura, Lora, Susie, and Shonda - just before we attended Vocalosity, a musical performance at Truman.

Yes... we took a selfie in the hallway at Baldwin.  :D
clockwise - Shonda, Brianna, Susie, Lora, Laura

We ladies met for lunch and visiting at Bellacinos.  A lovely time.
Laura, Karla, Chris, and Susie

Family dinner when my aunt and uncle came to town.
Julie, Rojina, Laura, Marvin, Uncle Mitch, Aunt Janice, Mama, and Daddy 

Jonathan was taking the photos for us...

He took about 15!  This was almost the last one...  :)  

This time I got a photo with Jonathan in the group.  :)

Karla, Susie, and I went to the movies... Susie's pitiful little popcorn cup cracked us up!!!

Several of us enjoyed being part of a surprise birthday party for Allison.

fun evening

I love this picture of me with my friend, Karen!  :)  

ICCA contest

Shonda, Alaina, and I traveled to St. Louis to see Brianna and her a cappella group, Minor Detail, compete in the ICCA Midwest Quarterfinal #2 at Washington University (the Varsity Vocals).  It was a terrifically entertaining evening of great performances and we were so proud of Minor Detail.  They were energetic and focused all while sounding fantastic!  The competition was tough and Minor Detail's performance was sandwiched between the eventual 1st and 3rd place groups.

Brianna had a large cheering section of her very own and we were all beaming as we watched 'our girl' perform on that stage with her peers.  So glad we were able to attend!

Beautiful Brianna   :)

Minor Detail coming onto the stage and getting into position for their first song.
Brianna back right.

ready to sing their first song  :)

Minor Detail - Brianna 5th from left

Shonda, Brianna, and Alaina

Peggie and Brianna

Shonda, Brianna, Alaina, and Peggie

Brianna and Laura

David, Brianna, and Carolyn 

I was intrigued by the 2nd place group, 'In the Stairwell'.  They were a group of young men from the United State Air Force Academy and they came out looking sharp in their uniforms.  :)

'In the Stairwell' - group from the United States Air Force Academy

So many talented young people!