NC BBQ Picnic

We decided that this summer we wanted to have our small group over to our place and introduce them to true NC BBQ. Midwest pulled pork or ribs are nice, but NC style is really good too. So we set the date and time and this past Saturday had our party.

It was the first time we've ever had so many people over to our tiny apartment or cooked for so many so it presented some challenges for sure. But we rose to the occasion and had a blast with it. John was a huge help and I could not have gotten everything done without him.

We got up early and got the meat in the oven. It wasn't an ideal day to have the oven on all day because it got really hot up in here but what can you do. The only way to have super tender meat is to cook low and slow. And it did come out very tender.  John is my meat man and chopper. He did the rub on the meat and pulled it apart once cooked. He also chopped the cabbage up for slaw.

The Meat Rub

John trimming off some fat and rubbing the rub into the meat

Getting ready to chop up the cooked meat. Careful with that knife Johnny!

Carolina pulled pork

John chopping up the cabbage for slaw

While he ran some errands I peeled and chopped peaches for cobbler.

They smelled so yummy

Cobbler before it hit the oven

Then I made some baked beans, recipe compliments of Mom Cox and the finale was hushpuppies. And I have to say I was scared of the hushpuppies because I hate working with the splattery hot oil but this time it actually worked out really well and I was so proud of myself. I think I may even have to do it again in the not so distant future.  The only problem is those are so adictively good that I can't make them too often.

Hushpuppie Batter

Fry baby fry!

Me actually happy that I'm not burning myself

We ran a tight, but relaxed ship and with our quick lunch break were able to sit down and rest a few minutes before our first guests arrived. It was looking a little cloudy all day so we weren't sure if the rain would hold off. Thank God, it did. Everyone came and we introduced them to the food. We all got plates and of course sweet tea. (I forgot to mention we made 5 gallons of that as well.) Then we headed outside and had a little picnic.

Our Iced Tea Maker proved itself. After 9 runs it was still alive.

It turned out great. The kids were able to play and we all just had a really nice time. Most people enjoyed the food too which was really nice. I think we were all stuffed to the max, especially after the cobbler and ice cream sundaes. Ah....good weather + good food + good friends = Great time!

A New Do

I haven't cut my hair in a long time. I am usually not great at keeping up with it and once it got to a certain length I figured I might as well keep going so that I could donate my hair to locks of love. So I waited, and waited, and waited til I could wait no longer. So today was the day I went to get it chopped off.

Before back

Before front

First step was putting my hair in a ponytail, measuring out 12 inches and then snip snip and I felt free.

My ponytail cut off my head, ready to send in

Next my friend Kelly did a great job. I knew it was going to be short and I usually go with just a straight cut. She wouldn't let me, but I think she did pick something that is not too crazy for me but looks really nice as well. My family and John really like it.

After back

Final front

My hair has a natural whoosh to one side and doesn't like to cooperate with curling into my face, but I really like it too. Thanks Kelly, "you done good." And now I feel free for the summer. Yay!

2 Years!

We have made it to our 2 year anniversary! It's hard to believe that it's already been 2 years. In so many ways it feels like just yesterday that we were planning the wedding. I can honestly say, and I know John agrees that it's been a wonderful 2 years. I have been enjoying marriage more than I thought I ever would.

We decided on a small celebration this year and we went to our favorite Hawaiian restaurant, The Tiki Terrace that catered our wedding. They have amazing food and the atmosphere always brings us back to our wedding/honeymoon. So it's a perfect choice. Every year we go I wonder if the food will be as good as the last time. Every year it does not disappoint!

We started out with our usual appetizer.

Taro Chips & Pineapple Salsa

We both decided to try something different this time for our entrees. John's was ok but mine was stupendous and I would highly recommend it.

A Mahi burger. I don't think it was one of our favorites on the menu.
It's a little blander than some other choices.

The Maui Mahi
This was amazing! It was breaded Mahi and had a sweet / spicy asian sauce
Delicious!

Last but not least we had to get our wedding cake. Yes, this is the cake we used for our wedding because it is only the most delicious cake either of us has ever tasted. I'm not exaggerating either!

Haupia Coconut Cake
(This picture doesn't do it justice, but it's AMAZING!)

We had a super nice relaxing time re-visiting Hawaii and if you're ever in the mood to get away I would highly recommend it. The prices are very reasonable too!

Aloha!

Strawberries are wonderful!

Strawberries have been on sale and I have been loving it. Last week I think I bought 5 cartons and we actually used 3 that week. The others I froze for smoothies. Strawberry soup for dinner. Strawberry smoothies. My latest to try was a fruit salsa. We had it with the cinnamon tortilla chips and it was delicious. We had alot left over so I decided to make some pancakes and we used it as a topping. So good! It's a keeper for sure and I have never been so excited to make pancakes again!

Pancakes with our Smoothies (strawberry,mango,kiwi,blackberry)



Our Delicious Fruit Salsa



Make Your Move Tour

Went to a concert last night - Tenth Avenue North & Third Day

Tenth Ave North is a great band and actually they are the artist of the song that I walked down the aisle to at our wedding so I am kind of sentimental about that. But seriously they have a great heart and a good message.

Tenth Ave. North

Third Day is amazing too and they played a long time. We left a little before the encore because it was a very late night for us with work the next day but it rocked! I love the southern/ country / rock sound they bring.

I love paying to rock out in praise to God!

Easter Weekend

Had some friends come and stay with us over Easter weekend and it was a grand time. For the first time in a few weeks we had sunshine and warm weather and we definitely took advantage of it. We went to the Lincoln Park Zoo and meandered around, just enjoying the sights, sounds and sun. When we stumbled into the conservatory though, we stumbled into Spring. The first thought I had was, "So this is where you've been hiding!" It was so green and flowery and I never wanted to leave.

Many pictures and ooohs and ahhhs later we left the zoo and walked to Giordano's to meet up with another of their friends and have Chicago deep dish pizza. Oh so wonderful! Headed home on the train and due to some delays it took  2 hours. Yikes, but eventually we made it home and slept soundly.

It was great to spend time with friends and family for Easter and as always to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior. We are grateful for the new life we can have in Him. And I was grateful for the reminder at the zoo of the new life (flowers) that will eventually be coming our way, hopefully soon.

The Day the Jeep Died

Goodbye Compass!

Monday April 18, 2011


This day started out much like any other day. However, not too far in it was clear that it would surely play out completely different than anticipated. I received a call from John at about 7am from a gas station. His clutch went out in his jeep, rendering it un-driveable. Not good. Ok. I need to pause here and take a short trip back in time. The last time we had this car serviced it had a major repair, and the time before that, and so on. We were already well aware that it was time to trade it in and get a new car. It was something we just had not quite gotten around to yet. 


That being said, this new event forced our hand and it was no longer something we could put off. John had the car towed to the dealership and then we ended up having it towed again to Carmax. I left work at lunch and met John at Carmax where after hours of thought, browsing, tears, discussion, prayer, consideration, frustration and surrender we drove home a 2008 honda civic. Dinner at Panera helped to ease the pain a little. 


It was a tough purchase because it was not in ideal circumstances or exactly in the budget but after a few days God really gave us peace about it and I can now be excited about our "new" car. It drives nice. So now we are just praying it lasts for a r-e-a-l-l-y long time. 

The Replacement