Changes · grown up · Random Thoughts · thoughts · Uncategorized

Growing Pains

Every blade of grass has its angel that bends over it and whispers, “grow, grow.” – The Talmud.

I want things to bloom. I am ready for Spring, really.  Who doesn’t want a fresh start?  For growth?  I want to grow, to change, to be a better person, wife, mother, friend, and employee.  I want to have help from others.  To be encouraged.

But…I don’t like change, or do I?  I like new adventures.  I like to try new recipes, to visit new restaurants, or places.  I like to change when it is my choice.  Not someone else’s timeline or decision.  But I also think we are all like that.  Change is fine if I want it, but not if you are wanting the change and it bothers or affects me.

Bloom.  Grow.  Both involve change.  And we have nothing to do with it.

Blessings.

 

blog · Blogging · blogging party · Random Thoughts · thankful · thoughts · Uncategorized · wow

WOW!

I have to stop and take a moment to thank all of you that have recently followed my blog.  I am in awe of the amount of likes, and some wonderful comments.  But I am completely blown away by the amount of followers I have now, 27 as of this morning.

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!

Happy Thursday!!

Love,
Jerry Ann

Empty Nest · Travel · Uncategorized · Weekend Trips

Weekend Trips

I am in charge of our next couples weekend trip.  Some of the parameters for the trips are that they stay in budget of $400 for each couple for the rooms, within a days drive, and can work within everyone’s schedule.  Ha.

So, we are looking at early October, and I have no clue where to go.  The girls have gone to New Orleans, and that is an option for all of us since there is so much history for the guys to see.  But, been there, done that, ya know.

So…do you have any ideas? Favorite places in the South?  Any input is welcomed! And, thank you in advance.

Blessings.

Random Thoughts · Tea · thoughts · Uncategorized

Tea Forte Kati Tea Cup

I spoke about the African Honeybush Sangria Tea that I brewed yesterday, but didn’t tell you about the cup itself.  It is a Tea Forte Kati Cup.  It lets you brew 12 ounces of loose tea, has this great strainer, and a lid for steeping.  I have several of them.  The one below is Birdsong, and I have the Poppy Fields Kati Cup at work.  Carmen has the Cherry Blossom at LSU (although it is mine, I have let her borrow it for now).

img_4781img_4784You can add the perfect amount of loose tea.  Pour the hot water over, and let steep.img_4785The strainer fits in the cup perfectly, letting you see the water so you don’t over fill.  It is easy to remove, and clean (all 3 pieces are dishwasher safe).img_4787

Easy to use, clean, and love the patterns (my personal opinion).  I am thinking about purchasing one of their tea kettle’s for 24 ounce brewing.  But that is another day.

Blessings.

K & G Blended Tea · Random Thoughts · Tea · thoughts · Uncategorized

African Honeybush Sangria Tea

At the last 5k in downtown Fort Walton Beach, we attended the local Farmer’s Market held at the Landing.  I am in love with one of my purchases.  K&G Blended Tea’s are wonderful, and my newest purchase has become a daily brew.

It has honeybush tea, peaches, strawberries, cherries, mango fruits blended together for this natural sweet tea.  It steeps up quickly, and doesn’t have caffeine so it’s okay if I want to drink it in the evening.  I normally have it hot with a bit of raw honey, but it can be served either hot or cold.  I am in love.

 

You can see the dried fruit.  So yummy.

I especially enjoy it during math homework. Ugh.  Doesn’t make the task of homework any easier, just feels like it does.

Blessings.

Beth Moore · Random Thoughts · Sunday · thoughts · Uncategorized

Sunday Thought

“To any woman who needs to hear it today; you are lavishly loved by Christ and, therefore, lavishly lovely.  Breathtaking.  Exquisite.  Chosen.” -Beth Moore

“Listen to the love song that I am continually singing to you.  I take great delight in you…I rejoice over you with singing.  The voices of the world are a cacophony of chaos, pulling you this way and that.  Don’t listen to those voices; challenge them with My Word.  Learn to take mini-breaks from the world, finding a place to be still in My Presence and listen to My voice.” – Sarah Young, Jesus Calling (Zephaniah 3:17)

Both of these state clearly that we are loved.  To stop and listen to Christ’s love song.

Sunday blessings.

 

 

Uncategorized

Bunnies

I have a problem.  Every spring, I become obsessed with rabbits and bunnies.  I seem to want all of them this time of year.

Isn’t she the cutest?  I found her at TJ Maxx when I was in Baton Rouge with Carmen.  I have several for the house, and I love the white cutouts on this one.  Happy Spring (a little early).

Blessings.

 

Empty Nest · family · LSU · Random Thoughts · thoughts · Travel · Uncategorized · WPS!

LSU & Baby Girl

This week is my Spring Break at the Northwest Florida State College.  I love being able to be off for both school and work.  I do have Math test on Monday when we return, but overall, I have the week off.


Catching up on appointments, the dentist, rheumatologist, and eye doctor all this week.  But…I also get to see Carmen at LSU.  I wasn’t able to move her in last summer (we went on a 50th birthday cruise), and haven’t had the opportunity until now.  I was able to go over on Tuesday, and come home today.

The main event of the trip was to go a LSU Men’s Baseball game on Wednesday evening.  I am all about LSU, Geaux Tigers! except when they play Arkansas.  You know that I LOVE my Razorbacks, win or lose, right?!  We had a great time, cold, but the best part was spending time with Carmen.

They lost in extra innings! 15 Innings to be exact. We got too cold and left after the 14th inning.  We did really try to stay but it was 11pm, and 48 degrees. Ugh. 

Love her.  Loved this time together.

Blessings.

 

 

Craft · Craft Room · Random Thoughts · thoughts · Uncategorized

Crafting Stool

I am on a search for a crafting stool for my crafting table.  I found these at Target, but not really sure about them.  Do I need a back?  Will I be leaning back while at the table?  Too many choices.


I think I like the gray padded one the best.  But I like the round top one since I can adjust the height.  Although, it looks like both of the wooden ones can be adjusted.

I have to sleep on it. My craft room is still in limbo. I need a shelf to place the majority of the stamping items.  Need to clear one off in the garage, so it may be a while before that task is complete.

How do you like to craft?  Standing or sitting?

Blessings.

 

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · Recipes · Spiced Chicken Souvlaki · Uncategorized · WLS

Spiced Chicken Souvlaki & Potato Wedges

We used to order from Blue Apron.  It is a home delivery meal kit service.  We really enjoyed it, cooking together, and trying new meals.  With my surgery, and the kids moving out, it didn’t seem monetarily feasible.

We kept the recipe cards so that we could recreate the meals we really enjoyed.  This spiced Chicken Souvlaki with Tahini-Yogurt Sauce & Roasted Potato Wedges was one of our favorites.


Ingredients:
12 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs (small)
4 Pocketless Pitas
1/2 cup Greek Yogurt
3 cloves Garlic
1 Lemon
1 Pound Russet Potatoes (2 large baking potatoes)
1 Romaine Heart
1 Red Onion
1 Bunch Mint
2 Tablespoons Tahini
2 Tablespoons Za’atar

Preheat oven 475 degrees. Wash and dry the produce. Halve the potatoes lengthwise; cut each half into 3 equal-sized wedges. Pick the mint leaves off the stems, discard the stems. Quarter and deseed the lemon. Peel, halve and thinly slice the onion. Peel and mince the garlic. Cut off and discard the root end of the lettuce; thinly slice the leaves crosswise.

Place the potatoes on a sheet pan Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper; toss to thoroughly coat. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer, skin side down. Roast 28 to 30 minutes turning occasionally.

Make the tahini-yogurt sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the yogurt, tahini, half of the mint (tear just before adding), and the juice of all 4 lemon wedges; season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels; season with salt, pepper and the za’atar on both sides. In a large pan (nonstick preferred), heat olive oil on medium-high until hot. Working in batches, add the seasoned chicken. Cook 4 to 6 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside in a warm place, leaving any browned bits in the pan.

Cook the garlic and onions: Add the garlic and onion to the hot pan (add more olive oil if needed), season with salt and pepper. Cook on medium-high heat stirring frequently and scraping any of the bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook until softened and browned.

Toast the pita in the oven for about 2 to 3 minutes or until warm.

To serve: Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and thinly slice. Divide the lettuce, sliced chicken, and onions and garlic between the toasted pitas. Serve with the roasted potatoes and tahini-yogurt sauce on the side. Garnish with remaining mint.

My plate (salad plate-another tool for my gastric sleeve, and no pita or potato).David received the completed dish.

Enjoy!