A Time of Thanks

It's Thanksgiving week, and I thought I would share with you what I'm thankful for this year.  Of course some stay the same every year, but I try to add a new one each year.

1. Husband
2. Family, this includes Sadie Mae
3. Friends
4. A God who loves me unconditionally and forgives me everyday
5. Freedom to live my life and make the choices I want
6. Spending Thanksgiving with my family for the first time in 3 years-this will be Chris' 1st Thanksgiving with my family EVER!
7. Love
8. Joy
9. Laughter
10. Kindness
11. Job
12. The real good in people
13. Simplicity of a smile and how it can make a day better
14. A Beautiful day
15. Vacation-location anywhere
16. Ability to improve my self


It's not that many, and I'm sure there are more I just can't think of them.  But I am thankful for each and everyday I am alive and can't wait to see what the future has in store for my family, my friends, and myself!

Happy Thanksgiving!!  May you have many blessings to be thankful for!


Psalms 107:1
"Give thanks to the Lord ,for He is good; His love endures forever."

Friendship

"Friendship is not just something you can get
anywhere; it's earned so it shouldn't be
taken for granted.  It should be treasured."

Since we've moved closer to home, I have been able to see friends that we have only been able to see for maybe once a year when living in Texas.  And let me tell you it has been so great!  We, Chris and I, have truly missed our spending time with some of our best and closest friends.  But we do miss our friends in Texas greatly!






I was driving in the car on the way back from visiting my bestie, and I thought about all the friendships I have and have had-why we were friends and why we are not.  Driving is such a great time to think.

I thought about the friendships I have had and still have through the years.  Thinking about my elementary school friends--oh the days of a simple innocent life--the days of recess, friends forever necklaces, roller rink birthday parties, etc.  It's weird how time and place changes friendships.

Growing up, most of my friends were from my church youth group and dance.  It's amazing how you and your friends change during phases and events of your life, and man they aren't easy.  Middle school and high school were easy, but not so easy.  I will say, my friends I made at my high school were amazing when I needed them-when my life seemed to fall apart, for a sixteen year old that is.  And yes, I don't talk to most of you today, but you were placed in my life for a reason.  And to Lauren, I'm so glad we have stayed in touch and worked at keeping our friendship since highschool (11th grade home room to be exact).

College, well that was a blast!  I learned a lot about myself and grew as a person.  Some of my friends managed to take me out of my bubble I created for myself and introduce me to the world.  I will have to say that college was some of the best years of my life!  My friends were amazing; I couldn't have asked for better.  Some I still talk to and some I don't, but they were there for some of most memorable and favorite memories.  My best and closest friends today are my college friends.  I love you all!!  And thanks to those friends that kept in touch while we all moved away and started a new chapter in our lives.  ---you know who you are :)

To my Houston friends, thank you for being there for me in a new city and new lifestyle.  Thanks for putting up with my griping about not being able to see my friends and family.  You all have been great!  I love you all!  And I miss ya!!  Amanda, Jenn, Laura, Ashley, Kendra, Miriam, Kristen, Stephanie, Lindsey, JP

So, I want to thank all of the friends I have had through the years, the ones that I still have a relationship with and the ones I don't.  I know that each and everyone one of you were placed in my life for a reason.  Thank you for loving me just the way I am no matter what and putting up with all my idiosyncrasies and stubborness. I look forward to growing as a person and our friendships growing even stronger!

Friendships are like a marriage, not easy all the time, but totally worth the work and love!  Thank your friends for being there for you, and tell them how much you appreciate them!

Stuffed Zucchini

I thought everyone would like to try this delicious recipe.  I made it this weekend for our friends who came into town, and they loved it!  My husband, Chris, also loves this recipe, and he does not like most vegetables (especially zucchini).

It's a very light, healthy meal, and did I mention it tastes great!  You get your protein and veggies in one meal, so I serve a small salad as the side.

My friend Amanda gave me this recipe, and I want to thank her for sharing it with me!

Stuffed Zucchini:

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, grated
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons ketchup
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup grated Pecorino Romano
• 1/4 cup dried plain bread crumbs
• 1 pound ground turkey, preferably dark meat
• 2 zucchini, ends removed, halved lengthwise and crosswise
• 1 short orange bell pepper, halved and seeded
• 1 short red bell pepper, halved and seeded
• 1 short yellow bell pepper, halved and seeded
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Lightly drizzle the olive oil into a 13 by 9 by 2-inch baking dish.Whisk the onion, parsley, egg, ketchup, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl to blend. Stir in the cheese and bread crumbs. Mix in the turkey. Cover and refrigerate the turkey mixture.

Using a melon baller or spoon, carefully scrape out the seeds and inner flesh from the zucchini, leaving 1/8-inch-thick shells. Be careful not to pierce through the skin. Fill the zucchini and pepper halves with the turkey mixture, dividing equally and mounding slightly. Arrange the stuffed vegetables in the baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce over the stuffed vegetables.

Bake uncovered until the vegetables are tender and beginning to brown and a thermometer inserted into the filling registers 165 degrees F, about 45 minutes. Transfer the stuffed vegetables to a platter and serve

Recipe: Giada de Laurentiis

Bon Apetit!