Nike Human Race Austin 8.31.08

My cousin Meg & I volunteered for the Lance Armstrong Foundation Water Stop #1 @ the Nike Human Race on 08.31.08. It's coined the world's largest running event, happenign in 25 cities around the world. Lance lead the race sporting his yellow jersy. 15,000 people ran behind him trying to keep up. Other famous people in the race were Ben Harper, Matthew McConehey Here are a few photos from that day.

Happy Birthday Kristopher!!

Kris' birthday did not go quite as planned this year, so I decided to add an old birthday photo. Hurican Ike was on it's way to Texas and my mom was in it's path. We decided to pick her up and move her, the animals (3 dogs & 2 cats) and the guns to safe ground in Austin. It was exciting none the less. Kris still got most of what he wanted that day, wings, tequila and a new playstation game - all the while knowing that his MIL was safe. :o)

Chicken Cacciatore

I got this great new recipe, read through it and changed it up a little. The changes are mentioned below.

What you will need:
1/2 cup flour
all season salt (calls for kosher salt)
pepper
Italian seasoning
cayenne pepper or red chili flakes
chicken breast with skin (calls for chicken thighs)
3 tablespoons pure olive oil
1 can of mushrooms (calls for fresh, canned works just fine)
1 green bell pepper
1 onion
2 carrots (calls for 1 carrot, I liked two)
1 can of diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons basil paste - I like the kind in a tube that you can keep in the freezer. (calls for fresh)
1 tablespoon oregano (calls for parsley, I didn't have any)
1 can chicken broth
1 cup red wine

Combine flour, all season salt, pepper, Italian seasoning. Dredge chicken breast lightly in flour mixture, patting off excess. (Next time I will cut the breast off the bone, but leave skin attached). In a cast iron round pot over medium-high heat add olive oil, when oil is hot add chicken, brown both sides, about 8-10 minutes. After chicken is browned, remove chicken and set aside. Add onions, bell pepper and carrots, sauté until tender. Add mushrooms, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, basil, oregano, cayenne and wine; bring to a boil add chicken. Cover and cook on medium-high for about 20 minutes. Cook on simmer for another 20. Serve with mashed potatoes. Enjoy!

Sweet Pork Salad with Cilantro Dressing

I've been playing around in the kitchen a lot this year. I'd like to start documenting some of my favorite recipes...but you all know how timely I am with any kind of post. So we'll just see how things go. This is one of my favorite recipes so far. The sweet pork is great on a salad or in a sandwich. It's so yummy. Below is the recipe, feel free to change it to your likings.


Sweet Pork Salad with Cilantro Dressing

2-4 lb pork roast1 ½ Cups Coca Cola, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Seasoning Salt Sauce:1 Cup Coca Cola1 Cup ketchup

Dressing:1 jar Herdez Salsa Verde (mild tomatillo salsa, any size)

Equal amount of prepared ranch dressing (Hidden Valley)

1 Bunch Cilantro

10 inch wheat or flour tortillas

Shredded green leaf lettuce

Black beans (caned/drained)

Cilantro lime rice (steamed rice with chopped cilantro leaves and fresh lime juice, as much as desired) Diced tomatoes, cheese, guacamole….etc

Crispy Tortilla Strips (flour tortillas cut into thin strips and fried in vegetable oil until browned)

1. Place roast in crock-pot with Coke; season with salt, pepper and garlic seasoning. Cook on low overnight, until tender. Remove roast from crock-pot, discard juices. Shred pork into bite size pieces and place back into pot on low.

2. Place Cola and ketchup in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring often. Heat to a low boil. Pour over shredded roast. Cook on low until ready to serve.

3. For dressing, place equal parts salsa verde and ranch dressing into food processor or blender. Add Cilantro leaves and process until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

- I changed this up a little. I added different dairy products until it was the right consistency and flavor. Try adding milk, sour cream or more mayo. Whatever you like.

4. To serve: Place tortilla onto a large bowl or plate. Layer with lettuce, beans, rice, pork, dressing and tomatoes, cheese and guacamole/avocado.

July

Wow, this year is flying by...I can't believe we're already in the middle of July. Things are good here in the Love house. My parents came to visit us for the 4th of July, while they were here we kayaked on Lady Bird Lake to watch the fire works. It was the best fire work show I've been to in years. I definlitey recommend getting out on the lake for the show.

While my parents were here they helped put down new base bords in the house. We're now one step closer to having the house back in order. But I'm a little hesitant to say that...last month a snake broke our garage door and this past weekend our fridge went out. It's always something! Below are a few remodeling updates. Before and After's.

Kitchen & Dinning Room

Bathroom New Paint (thanks honey)
New Tile - Still a little dirty
New Carpet going in - No more concrete floors!


Little Baby Spike


Macon is happy the summer is here.

She was not happy with the stormy weather we were having back in May.

Mom & Dad have a new addition to their family, her name is Lexie

I believe

I don't like to forward many emails. But this one is great...take the time to read it. It's worth it!


A Birth Certificate shows that we were born. A Death Certificate shows that we died.
Pictures show just how we lived! Have a seat . . . Relax . . . And
read this slowly.

I Believe...
That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other.
And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do love each other.
I Believe...
That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
I Believe...
That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I Believe...
That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.
I Believe...
That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
I Believe...
That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I Believe...
That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
I Believe...
That you can keep going long after you think you can't.
I Believe...
That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I Believe...
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I Believe...
That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I Believe...
That money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I Believe...
That my best friend and I can do anything, or no thing and have the best time.
I Believe...
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.
I Believe...
That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I Believe...
That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
I Believe...
That it isn't always enough, to be forgiven by others, sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I Believe...
That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I Believe...
That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but, we are responsible for who we become.
I Believe...
That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.
I Believe...
Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
I Believe...
That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.
I Believe...
That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.
I Believe...
That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I Believe...
That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

'The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything.'

Have A Great Day! -

Long Time

I know, it's been a long time since I've posted about anything. I'm not as good at blogging as I thought I would be. I will try to get better. Promise. So there has been a lot going on lately.

I just completed another wedding with STC. It was the first all inclusive package with Angel Springs. I have to say it went great! I wish Laura and Brett all the happiness in the world. It was so nice to work with Laura's family!

STC was also featured in The Knot best of 2008. Woohoo!! Congratulations STC!!!

Dad celebrated his 65th birthday a week ago. Happy Birthday Dad!

A belated happy birthday to Megan & Kody, who celebrated their birthday on May 24th! Last but not least happy anniversary to Jarrod & Brandie who celebrated their first wedding anniversary in April.

Megan

Kody

Brandie & Jarrod

Ted and Carla's dog Toyota had her babies; they're a month old now. Aren't they cute?

Kris & I got a new cat; his name is Spike. (top) Mom and Dad have his sister, Tabby. (bottom)



I got a great new recipe:
Strawberry Basil Lemonade
-Crystal Light Lemonade
-Fresh Strawberries (about 4-5 per pitcher; diced up small)
-Fresh Basil (about 4-6 leaves; grind them up to get the juice going first)
-Add Vodka to preference

Ever wonder how your name gets on all of those mailing address list? Well here is a way to remove your name and get less mail: http://www.dmachoice.org/consumerassistance.php

We had a rat snake in our garage last night. Kristopher was so kind to get it down today.