Lil bit of this. Lil bit of that.

I did it. 
I joined pinterest and I love it.
I made two recipes from there tonight:
Cajun Chicken Pasta and Healthy Deep Dish Cookie Pie. 
They were both delish!  Hubby went on and on about how wonderful the pasta was.  We were both surprised at how good the cookie pie was considering it had beans, oats and unsweetened applesauce in it. 

We watched Moneyball Friday night and munched on Cuban Sandwiches from Kool Korner Sandwiches.  Loved the movie - if you haven't seen it, you definitely should. 

Last night we went on a date to Village Tavern and dined on filet mignon and chicken pasta with basil cream sauce.  It was a nice evening.
Other than that, we have been lounging around and enjoying the weekend.  I really needed time to recover and reflect from last weekend.  My sweet husband has been so good to me throughout everything.  He lets me grieve at my own pace.  He knows when to hold, when to hug, and what to say. 
I plan to start running full time again tomorrow.  I know that will help clear my head and enable me to sleep better.  Thanks to my blog friend over at 5th Belle Avenue, I now have a running schedule and a goal to work towards instead of my usual 2-3 mile runs.  You can email her as well and she'll forward you all of the information.  So inspiring and helpful.
Today was the first day I haven't cried all week.  I still think about what happened or how sad my dad is every few minutes.  I wish I could take his pain away and carry it myself.  I would.  Please, please, please continue to pray that him (Jim Bynum) and my aunt (Jane Culberson) can feel the comfort that only our Father can provide right now.

And His plan is perfect.

Last Saturday morning CJ and I headed towards Prentiss, Mississippi.  As we pulled in the drive of Mamaw and Papaw's house I noticed all of the cars.  Once I walked inside I saw all of my cousins, their children, my aunt, my brother, and my parents.  The house has not been that crowded in years.  The phone rang almost constantly, visitors came and went, there was all sorts of food dropped off from sweet family and friends.  Those few days were sad and even tragic, but our hearts didn't feel nearly as heavy as they would have had we not been surrounded by each other.

During our few days in Mississippi I heard two statements that rang true:
"God don't make no mistakes." - Pearl
"..but I do know that God has a plan.  And His plan is perfect." - Dr. Tripp

Virginia Bynum
Virginia Lee Mikell Bynum was born February 1, 1929 in Jefferson Davis County. She was the daughter of Herman Ray Mikell and Edna Mae Brinson Mikell. She was a homemaker and a member of Prentiss Presbyterian Church.
Mrs. Bynum is survived by her husband, James Bynum of Prentiss; her son, Jim Bynum of Birmingham, AL; her daughter, Jane Culberson of Laurel; five grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and a sister.

James "Jim" Bynum
Joint funeral services were held Monday, January 23, 2012 at Saulters Moore Funeral Chapel in Prentiss, MS for Mr. James "Jim" Bynum, age 83, who passed away Saturday, January 21, 2012 and his wife, Mrs. Virginia Bynum, who passed away on Friday, January 20, 2012 in Prentiss, MS. Interment followed at Prentiss Cemetery. Saulters Moore Funeral Home of Prentiss was in charge of all arrangements.
James W. Bynum was born February 1, 1929 in Jefferson Davis County. He was the son of John Buell Bynum and Flora McIver Bynum. He served in the US Navy and was a veteran of World War II. He retired as a Superintendent from Exxon after working thirty five years. He was a former member of the Rotary Club and Lions Club of Prentiss and served as the VA County Service Officer. He was a member and elder of Prentiss Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Bynum is survived by his son, Jim Bynum of Birmingham, AL; his daughter, Jane Culberson of Laurel; five grandchildren, six great grandchildren; and two sisters, Louise Luper of Jackson and Mildred Edmons of Sicily Island, LA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and a sister.

Thank you all for your prayers for my family and I last week.  The days that we rejoice will be more often than the days that we are sad.  Please continue to pray for my dad, Jim Bynum and aunt, Jane Culberson as they cope with their loss and Heaven's gain.

"And they lived happily ever after..." is not the end.   

Fall four times, get up five.

I am yours regardless of

The dark clouds that may loom above

Because You are much greater than my pain

You made a way for me

By suffering your destiny

So tell me, what's a little rain

'Bring The Rain' by Mercy Me

Life hasn't been easy recently.  I understand that things could always be worse and that some people's problems would make mine pale in comparison.  However, that doesn't ease my heart as selfish as that may sound. 

This post will not be about what jacket I'm loving, where we had dinner last weekend, or how great my new gum tastes.  This post will be about what's been my reality as of last week and this week. 

Last Thursday my mom had emergency surgery.  The surgery didn't scare me, although it's never easy to see your mother in a hospital bed.  What did scare me were the circumstances of it.  My mom's life could have been changed forever.  She's back to being healthy again thanks to the prayers from our wonderful family and friends...and the sweet nurses, doctor and surgeon.  Maybe one day I'll post more about the miracle we witnessed, as for now that is all I'm comfortable sharing.

My grandmother's health started to decline earlier this week.  Her husband of 65 years and children were by her side as the nurse started her on morphine Monday night.  All of my life she has talked to me about our Father.  I know she was at peace when she met him this morning around 4am.  Heaven gained a mighty fine angel today.  As I was packing this afternoon, I found myself thinking what she would say about the dresses I picked out for her visitation and funeral.  There were two ways to dress and two ways to decorate: tacky or tasteful.  I love that I knew her that well.  God, I love her.  If you feel led to pray, please pray for the Lord to comfort her family as we honor her (Virginia Bynum) life in the coming days.

My grandfather is not doing well.  He was diagnosed with cancer months ago and has been undergoing treatments once a week.  He had an MRI done on his brain yesterday.  His confusion has gotten worse this week.  If you feel led to pray, please pray for him (Jimmy Bynum) to have positive results from his scan, for his confusion to reside, and for his heart - as I'm sure it must hurt for the loss of his wife.

Wednesday evening, my dog fell from the steps and hit his head hard causing what we think was a seizure or stroke.  He was very unsure of himself at first.  As of today, he's very sore.  I'm hoping the fall was a freak accident and that there was no underlying issue that caused it.  I'm also hoping that he'll feel like himself soon.  I am so thankful for our friend Ashley.  She works at a vet and answered all of my questions.  If you feel led to pray, and you pray for animals, please pray that he feels like himself soon and that his health be restored.  He's been by my side for nine years.

So there, in a very small nut shell, is the short version of where my thoughts lie for now.
 
xo

Chocolate pie and such.

I'm going to run through last weekend so that I'll have it here as a memory... Last Friday I gasped when hubster handed me a bouquet of flowers for no reason.  My first flowers as a wife!  I'm ridiculously sentimental, I know. 

We went on our usual Mexican date on Friday night.  I love our weekly dates.  There is nothing better than spending Friday night in a booth, gazing at my hot husband, munching on salsa, chips and tacos, having a margarita and laughing about our week. 
Saturday morning we woke up and made beignets.  Yum!  They were just as delicious as I wanted them to be!  Later that evening we went to dinner with our friends Katie and Joseph.  It's always nice catching up with friends.
On Sunday we went to my mom's for tender roast, savory potatoes and carrots, cream corn, butter beans, and my mom's delicious chocolate pie.  She even made us an extra pie to take home...which is probably why this skirt is snug.

Monday morning came...I walked into my office and was told that I got a raise, full time status, and benefits.  SCORE!  I'm so excited for the opportunities that this will afford me and hubster.  So happy!   
Monday night the ever so boring National Championship game was on.  We went to Meredith and Adam's house to watch the game with them, Adam's brother Simon, Katie and Joseph.  We had a great time, too much pizza, and some birthday cake for Simon's birthday.  Not to shabby for a Monday night, but definitely more eventful than usual! 

xo

Uhm, YUM.

I stumbled across a recipe online for Brennan's chicken lazone.  The recipe had great reviews, looked easy, and five of the (only) seven ingredients were already in our kitchen.  I made the dish last night and it was superb!  Cook this for dinner one night and consider it a favor to you and your family!

Chicken Lazone

1 tsp Salt

1.5 tsp Chili Powder

1.5 tsp Onion Powder

2 tsp Garlic Powder

4 Whole Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts

1/4 c Butter Divided

1/2 c Heavy Cream

Combine seasonings.

Coat chicken breasts.

In large pan, melt half of the butter.

Add the chicken breasts. 

Cook on medium heat for 7-8 minutes, turning only once.

Pour cream in pan and lower the heat.

Let simmer, stirring until sauce thickens.

Add remaining butter.

Once butter is melted, add chicken to plates and top with sauce.

Done!



My best friend Meredith made this casserole for us one night a few weeks ago.  She dropped it by our house with all the sides and desserts.  I know, we have the best friends/neighbors anyone could ask for.  Best casserole ever!

Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

1 Whole Shredded Rotisserie Chicken

2 Cans Cream of Chicken Soup

 8 oz Container Sour Cream

2 Envelopes of Crushed Ritz Crackers

1 Stick of Butter - Melted

Salt and Pepper

Poppy Seeds

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Butter a 9x13 baking dish.

Layer shredded chicken on bottom.

In separate bowl, mix soup, sour cream, s&p. (Greek seasoning is good too)

Pour mixture on top of chicken.

Pour crushed crackers on top of mixture.

Drizzle butter on top of crackers.

Sprinkle with poppy seeds.

Bake 20 minutes uncovered.

My SIL's good friend, Sky makes the best dessert.  It's like heaven!  She was sweet enough to give me the recipe and now I find myself craving it.  It's wonderful after dinner or for breakfast the next day with coffee.  I'd love a piece right now!

Blueberry Dessert

20 oz Can Crushed Pineapple - Not Drained

3 c Fresh/Frozen Blueberries

1 c Sugar

1 pkg Yellow Cake Mix

1 Stick of Butter - Melted

1 c Chopped Pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Butter a 9x13 baking dish.

Put pineapples and blueberries in bottom of dish.

Sprinkle sugar on top.

Pour dry cake mix over mixture.

Drizzle butter over cake mix.

Sprinkle pecans on top.

Bake for 45 minutes.



Christmas Vacation

As I type this, our vacation is nearing an end as all good things must.  We have had a wonderful time and truly enjoyed each other's company, the company of our family, and our friends.  I'm so thankful that we were able to spend this time together.  I just love my handsome hubby!
Here's a recap of our sweet memories...
We started off our vacation by going with our best friends to Lovoy's at Soho in Homewood for an Italian dinner.  We had a great time with Meredith and Adam.

 

We spent Christmas Eve shopping for our final gifts, running errands, and baking for the next day.  We picked up our delicious ham from The Honeybaked Ham Company and the to die for dressing and gravy from Irondale Cafe...which happens to be one of the best eats here in town.  We exchanged our gifts that night.  I loved our first Christmas Eve as a married couple!

On Christmas we woke up, got ready, and went to Staci and Brian's to spend the day with them and the kids.  We opened gifts, ate a nice lunch, played some board games, and just enjoyed being together on Christmas. 

 The next day we headed to MS to visit with my grandparents and have Christmas with my parents and brother.  My aunt cooked a yummy meal.  (Sidenote:  My grandfather is doing ok.  He has two more treatments before they'll decide on a plan of action.  Please continue to pray for him to have peace, strength and remain pain free.)  We had a nice visit there.  I am thankful that I was able to spend one more Christmas with both of my grandparents.
Tuesday night my hubby took me out for a little Mexican date night.  It was fun being out on a date during the week! 

Wednesday we picked up my little brother at his office and whisked him away for a lunch date to La Dama in Liberty Park.  I went shopping with my mom after. 

Wednesday night we stayed on the couch with the boyz and dined on sushi.  YUM!

Thursday night we had a dinner date at Cafe Lazio...ahh, they're pizza is delish! 

Friday night my mother in law and youngest sister in law came over for (even more!) pizza and conversation.  Our days were spent relaxing, running errands, walking Dale, working out and CJ was able to play a lot of playstation!
We celebrated New Years Eve by going to On Tap for the Auburn bowl game with our great friends, Meredith and Adam, Katie and Joseph, and Holly and Mark.  Hubster and I got home before the ball dropped in New York so we were able to watch that, count down, and dance together:)  We talked about our dreams for the new year and what we hope to accomplish.  This year is OUR year and I am eager to see what God has in store for us!  I fell asleep before midnight here in Birmingham.  Oh well.  I wouldn't have had it any other way!

Today, we are being very lazy.  We are bunkered down on the couch with the boyz.  Tonight I'm cooking spaghetti with my mom's special sauce, garlic bread, a salad and homemade croutons.  For dessert, lemon meringue pie.  Mmm!  We're hoping my mom will make an appearance with our wedding dvd later and stay for dinner.

Tomorrow will be much of the same...which is completely fine with me.  I really like our "same." 

Happy New Year! 
xo