Friday, October 21, 2011

State Fair

After two years of missing the State Fair, we made a commitment to go to the fair this year. With life being so busy and the fair weekends running out we chose to go on the last Friday evening. We both have never been and just decided to go see what it was all about and prepare better next year for a full day of the fair. Because of outrageous parking prices, we decided to do something else we have never done... public transportation. 

Here we are on the Dart Train :) 

 I haven't been on a train since China :) Brought back some Asia memories.

Brett's first train experience :)

We were very pleased with our Dart experience and plan on using it again. We made it to the fair and immediately found the ferris wheel. 

Here we are at the top :) I had my little "Notebook" moment.

And what's the fair without fried foods... Now before you judge me, Brett and I split this corny dog... and some fried cake balls. I feel like I witnessed gluttony at its finest :/

I am so thankful for some quality time, fun, and adventure with my hardworking husband, and we were very pleased with our train and State Fair experience. I would rate this married date an A+! 

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Chicken Fried Steak

Look who made chicken fried steak for her hubby... this girl :) and I must say... I did good!


Chicken Fried Steak

cubed steak 
buttermilk 
flour
Crisco shortening

Dip streak in buttermilk and then flour. Heat shortening in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. The hot shortening should be one to two inches deep. Brown the steak on each side. Fry on medium heat until done, turning once. Remove from skillet. 

I also made homemade mashed potatoes and gravy with cream corn. So good. 

Sabbath and Indulge Day :)

As I mentioned in my last post, life has been a little crazy. To help things get back in order, I decided to give myself a sabbath day, or just life-giving-rest for the day. This included time with the Lord in my favorite book - Ephesians, zumba, a trip to the thrift store and World Market for inspiration, and finally.... a homemade frappe (which was totally inspired by Breanne Johnson's blog- restingonyourlove.blogspot.com - check it out). My frappe was so good I wanted to share it with the world :)... maybe not that good but it made my day.

Peanut Butter Hazelnut Frappe

1. Brew a cup of Hazelnut coffee
2. Pour coffee into blender
3. Add lots of ice
4. Add spoonful of peanut butter
5. Add spoonful of Nutella
6. Blend & Enjoy

Sometimes we all just need a little break and some caffeine ;)

Brandi

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Life: crazy/wonderful/exhausted/thankful.

Life, if you have kept up with our family the past few weeks, has been crazy. We are finally feeling like it is getting semi-back-to-normal. I am more thankful for normal than I ever have been.

A couple of weeks ago, we received news that Brett's Mawmaw was put into the hospital in Center, TX with multiple conditions but the most concerning being that her heart was 98% blocked. She was then sent to the hospital in Nacodoches, TX to a cardiologist when we got the news of her condition. We decided to take an emergency trip back to east Texas to check on her and hear the plan from her doctors. We learned that once they clear up the other more minor conditions she has, then they will tackle the heart blockage. The best way to do that is thru open-heart surgery. Though this sounds major, and is, it is the best choice for her to survive and recovery and have a new healthy life. We are unsure when the surgery will be, but we appreciate you prayers for her and our family. God is good.


This past weekend we went back to east Texas to work on Mawmaw's house. The goal was to make the house a healthy living environment for her once she gets home after the surgery. Brett and his dad got to work on the floors in the kitchen, repairing holes. I actually got the chance to learn how to lay vinyl flooring with my husband. I definitely learned what being a help meet truly meant. We also deep cleaned and disinfected the house. After that we were exhausted to say the least, but the experience and result was so worth it.

One of the things Brett and I are most thankful for is our church. Stillwater Community Church has been such a blessing over these first months of our marriage. I am thankful for community, mentorship, and a family (even when our family is a few hours away).

Here is a few pictures of the girls I have been given to work with. I am the middle school girls' small group leader and I am loving getting to know these sweet girls. The Lord has blessed me so much in spending time with them.

 Above is Samantha, me, and Savannah
 Me, Savannah, and Lydia
 me and the girls baking cupcakes
 Love em!
Confetti Cupcakes for Lydia's 13th birthday! 

I have found that one thing that helps you through stressful and hard times is having people who love Jesus surrounding you. Community has been our encouragement and strength while we have been taking care of family things. In the midst of a bit of chaos, we have experienced the love of Christ through his people and his gift of rest. Thank you to all who have kept our family in your prayers and have encouraged us along the way. 

Brandi


Monday, October 10, 2011

Sew Cute... You need one. Yes YOU do :)

I started to expand my business from not just painting, to making handmade headbands, and I must say... they are Sew Cute :)

Sweet Pink- $10

Fall Colors - $10

Purple & Grey - $10

Black 'n' White - $10 

Turquoise & Black - $10


Fall is Here Barrette - $15

Blue & Brown Cloth Headband - $15

Polka Dot Pink & Lime - $15 

I am also working on some more barrettes, clips, and other accessories. I also am taking custom orders, so if you are interested send me an email at brandi2009leigh@yahoo.com
They would be great for Christmas gifts!!