Chili Dip

September 4th, 2009

My hero, BooMama is hosting the coolest thing today…..a dip recipe party!  Yes, any fantasy you might have in the world of yummy dips….can and will be found on her blog today!  So….don’t just sit here people…GO!! And make dip!  Your people will love you for it!

My contribution to the party will be a dip my family makes with my chili.  So…if you want, you can make a meal out of it.  Heck, we do all the time!  Enjoy party people!

Chili (GRITS style)
1-2lbs ground turkey (browned/drained)

2 cans Great Northern Beans (drained)

2 cans Navy Beans (drained)

McCormick’s Mild Chili Seasoning  (use spicy if you like)

Salt/Pepper (as you like or need)

This is the easiest food in the world.  However, I live in Indiana now and for some reason….the folks who cook here….like to put noodles in their chili!  Why?  I do not know!  I have one word for that….sacrilege!!

Directions:

Brown the turkey and drain.  Add McCormick seasoning packet and a little water (I use the packet and fill it with water to add to the meat).  Put in the tomato sauce and stir.  Add the beans, stir….throw in a little salt/pepper if needed.  Reduce heat and cover.  Let this concoction simmer for 20-30 min.

Now….to turn it into dip!
We like to add the good stuff.  Shredded cheeses (your favorite choice), sour cream, chopped onion or scallions, chopped jalepenos and or hot sauce!  The sky’s the limit! It’s all up to you and your wild imagination.  But when you’re finished..you can either eat this alone as your own personal bowl of deliciousness or use tortilla chips and turn it into the most hearty dip ever!

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Royal Proclaimations | 21 Comments »

Did somebody say…reunion?

September 2nd, 2009

It’s been 25 years since the class of 84 walked across that graduation stage.  Where in the world did the time go?  I look in the mirror and see….it really has been that long.  I’ve been gone a very long time.  I haven’t lived in Florida since 1998.  I haven’t lived in my hometown since 1989.  In other words, I haven’t seen these people in a sweet forever!

I received a message on Facebook (my favorite people connection device) from a classmate this morning.  She and another classmate want to put together a real fancy shin-dig event to celebrate our oldness!  But she has stipulations, people!  It must be a NICE event!  None of this picnic/barbeque stuff.  They want to celebrate in style!  Sounds good to me.  Remember, I live 1000 miles away….if I’m going to travel that far home…..let’s make it a real party!

Now, I just need to focus on the abs!  Oh and the other flab that follows me around on a daily basis.  I can’t go back looking like, this!  I want to look fantastic!  I know, I sound so shallow!  But, for real….I want to inspire not cause other’s to crack up and point.  I guess what I really mean is…I haven’t been disciplined with my habits.  I’ve eaten whatever I’ve wanted.  I don’t bother getting sweaty over exercise.  I live fast and furious (in a mom of 3 teens kind of way!).  I don’t spend money trying to keep young.  I’ve just aged!

Life has a way of aging you even more than you deserve sometimes.  I’ve experienced some of that too.  I realize that there are many things I want to be ready for.  Not just reunions….but for Christ as well.  I wonder, am I anticipating Him and what He’s going to think of me when He sees me?  My flesh wants to look amazing at my 26 year reunion….but what does my heart look like now to God?  Have I been feeding and caring for it the way He  would want me to?  Or have I been lazy and irresponsible?

I have work to do.  I’m not who I need to be….inside and out!  I don’t want to just age.  When I reunite with Jesus….I want to be my very best!  I want to capture every moment and live abundantly in Him.  I want to be ready!

Posted in Royal Proclaimations | 4 Comments »

2 Weeks

August 31st, 2009

What if you woke up tomorrow and found out that you only had 2 weeks left to live?  Would you panic?  Surely you would be alarmed!  Even if you’re a believing and confessing Christian.  That kind of news is a bit startling!  For anyone.

On Friday, when I came home from school….I received a message from my favorite cousin down south that said..”My aunt Marilyn had been taken to the hospital and they found she has an aggressive brain cancer.”  The doctors don’t expect her to live more than 2 weeks!  I sat there, stunned!

I live so far away.  How can I help?  What can I do?  I want to be there with them.  Most of my family had gathered at the hospital to say goodbye and love her on to eternity.  She was being treated with a medication that relieved the fluid on her brain.  This was working like magic.  Before she was not talking or thinking straight.  Now she was awake, laughing and sharing in the fun (what fun there could be) going on around her.

I spoke to family members who assured me that they understood my not being there….but my heart……just hurt.  I love my Aunt Marilyn.  She was very instrumental in my growing  up years.  She was one of many aunts that spoiled me rotten and loved me anyway.  Her life has been one of travel and excitement.  When I was a kid….she would always bring me back something very special from wherever far off place she had visited.  Very cool stuff too!

I haven’t seen her in many years ( I’ve lived in Indiana for 10 years) and going that far south has been nearly impossible to do.  But I regret it.  I feel sad that I have missed out on seeing my family.  You can’t get that time back.  Now, all I can do is pray for her and send her my love over the phone through family.

Tonight…..I received an update.  The doctors have given her radiation treatments and other medications.  It’s amazing.  They feel she could live much longer if things keep going the way they are.  Instead of 2 weeks….they say she could have even a year left.  God, you are incredible!

I am rejoicing at that news!  She’s not out of the woods….but what amazing hope I feel.

scripturepsalm912411refuge

Tags:
Posted in Royal Proclaimations | 7 Comments »

The Colts! In pictures!

August 30th, 2009

I promised some pictures….and here they are!  We are crazy about the Colts!  It is awesome living so close to Indy!  I wish I had season tickets.  That would be incredible!  We had a great time at the game and hope to go again this season.

Hubby & Me

colts-game-019b

Some on-field action!

colts-game-011b

Tyler & Ally

a-t

Gavin & Gates

colts-game-016b

 

Peyton …. workin!

colts-game-035b

 

Evan & Gavin (and a lady communicating with the aliens)

colts-game-040b

 

WE LOVE YOU COLTS!!!  Can’t wait for the games to really begin!  🙂

Posted in Royal Proclaimations | 4 Comments »

Living in limbo

August 28th, 2009

I’ve been waiting on my new job to start.  Yes, really.  I know I whined about being moved to Math Remediation (since I’m not savvy in that area) but c’mon already…..let’s get this baby rolling!

My room is not ready.  I’m waiting on tables, computers and the whatnot to get things going.  Right now, the room has over 30 desks sitting in it.  I’ve done a little sprucing up (cause it was a nasty mess) and I have my personal desk cleaned out and reloaded for my own happy pleasure.  I’ve even covered two bulletin boards with some bright yellow paper and hot pink floral fabric.  Now I just need some fun stuff to poke up there for encouragement.

I’ve been covering for teacher’s, the nurse and in offices (sounds like the old days, huh?).  Today, I was called out of the health center to do data input for Guidance.  What next?  I’m really feeling like I’m in limbo!

I’m just thankful to see Friday!  I heart you Friday!  You’re the only thing I know for sure today.  🙂

Jesus,

I’m so glad you know just what to do with me.  I’m lost without you!  Thank you that you provide me with a great job and a loving family.  Both of which bless me tremendously.  I love you, Lord!

Amen.

Tags: ,
Posted in Royal Proclaimations | No Comments »

It’s a brand new day…

August 27th, 2009

 moving-ingavin-dorm-bldg

Yesterday, I stepped into new territory as a mama. I packed up everything I could think he might need while he was away. I tried to think clearly….but how can you when you’re dropping your kid off at college? I was doing my best!

We arrived at Eigenmann around lunch time. It was a pretty cool system. Families pull through (when it’s your turn) and unload in the driveway right in front of the building. I say that because….we watched families all over campus hauling their belongings down the streets (because that’s how they had to). The dorms are not all the same. Some are far away…other’s close to the drop off area.

We felt very thankful!

Everything went great! He’s in an awesome building and is learning his way around. We bought some groceries to get him started and to make him feel at home. Guys like food! 🙂 We’ve got a list going with the things he’s finding impossible to live without. It’s those little things, ya know?

We left him around 7pm. He had dorm meetings to attend and friends to connect with. We just had to drive home and start a new way of living. Much like him. He called…..needing computer help. His dad smiled…happy to be needed so soon. I smiled..just hearing his happy voice.

He’s going to be fine….and so are we. We love him and know God has great things in store for him.  Growing up is part of life….who knew it would happen so fast?  Goodluck, Sweetboy!  Enjoy your time there at IU!  Home is always here if you need it.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Royal Proclaimations | 5 Comments »

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »