While we wait..

So every wednesday I will be cooking dinner for my family. It's my way of learning how to cook so that once Brandon and I are married, we aren't stuck with cereal and scrambled eggs every night. [Yes, I just said married.] Even though he's perfectly content with both of those.. I don't want him to get sick of it... and I love cooking- so it's the perfect chance :)

Tonight- Cinna-Bon pancakes. Yes... AMAZING! They look and taste just like the actual Cinnamon Buns. Only better because you can eat bacon or eggs with them. But- why would you want to do that?? My brother ate 5... I ate three. My mom was only going to eat 1 but I think she had three too. THEY ARE SO GOOD! I made them tonight to test them out for Friday. I'm going over to Brandon's house early morning to make them for him as a part of his birthday. I really think he'll love them :)

the website I used for the recipe:
www.bigredkitchen.com/2010/06/cinnamon-roll-pancakes.html

I used Fat free cream cheese and skim milk to reduce some of the calories and fat. That way you can eat MORE! Because, you'll want to... yum-o!

The great thing about cooking, it's your chance to show someone how much you mean to them. If I were to hand Brandon a bowl of cereal every night for dinner- what would that tell him? No, not just "hey, I bought lucky charms instead of fruit loops this week." I feel like me MAKING something, slaving over the hot stove, and researching something special is my way of showing him, and anyone else I might be cooking for, how much they mean to me. I really love cooking...

well, I'm hanging out my apron and throwing in the towel for tonight- after I clean up that is!

my deepest apologies.

It's been ages, too long.
So much has happened!! My dinner party, a new friendship, a better friendship, a realization, a relationship, an anniversary, a trip, and a death.
My dinner party went amazing! I was supposed to have a co-host but that kinda fell through. So, I did the majority of it myself. And I don't want to boast but I think I pulled it off pretty well. For having 9 people, 4 courses, activities, and impeccable decor... I did a really great job. I would have been up a creek without a paddle if it weren't for my mom and Aunt Marilee though. they were in the kitchen the whole night and served everything BEAUTIFULLY. I will totally do that again. Maybe a smaller crowd and with different help or no help at all. :)
A girl from work, Amber, has become a really good friend. Because we work together and hang out outside of work- I feel like she knows me pretty well. For only being friends for a few months- she's become a really great friend. We recently just took a trip down to New Jersey together for her birthday to go to Carlo's Bakery from the show Cake Boss. It was a lot of fun!! We had some amazing food, did some shopping, and got pedicures... lots of fun :)
My friend Jamie and I had a really rough time awhile ago when some shady things happened. But, we both grew up and moved on from it. I'm always one to rebuild bridges and this friendship was one that NOW I can benefit from. Of course now, we live 16 hours away from each other. But, it's nice to have her back in my life.
After sitting back, reevaluating, and noticing how things really happen... I've learned that some people, even if their in my life without my choice, they don't have to be involved in my life. It's been pretty easy. I've been enjoying being appreciated, trusted, and not taken advantage of. I wish people the best in their life, that's all I have to say about that.
My sister and I threw an anniversary party for our parents. It was beautiful. And a complete surprise! They deserved every bit of that party and every dollar that was spent on it. There was nothing greater than seeing their faces after every surprise we had in store for them.
My ex-boyfriend's wife had a baby. Alanna Marlee John. She was born sleeping with a full head of red hair. She was beautiful. The most perfect baby I've ever seen. Ben and Beth are the strongest people I've ever known. They have such strength that only God can grant, as well as peace. It's hard to understand, especially since she had nothing wrong with her. But there is a reason for everything...

So, here's the news we've all been waiting for. I have a boyfriend :) He's perfect. There's not a thing wrong with him. I love him so much. He IS my other half. He's who I've been waiting for. He's the one :) He's currently gone until sunday and it's rough not seeing him. But, he'll come home soon :) I've prayed and prayed for YEARS for the man I am to marry... Brandon is everything I've prayed for and more. He's my prayers answered. Words can't describe how blessed I feel to have found him. He's an encouragement to my life :) I just..... I just love him so much :)

well, THERE'S an update for you!