eat: cilantro lime shrimp

So I've been trying lots of new recipes. Some are great and some are not so great. I thought I'd share the really great ones. This cilantro lime shrimp is quick, easy and light...perfect for summer! Ingredients 1/2 c olive oil 3 cloves garlic, pressed 1 tsp dried thyme 1/4 c chopped fresh cilantro 1/2 jalapeno, seeded and minced 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp coarse salt 1 tsp brown sugar 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper juice of 2 limes 1 1/2 to 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 c rice (I use brown rice), cooked according to package directions Directions Whisk together all the ingredients except the shrimp and rice in a medium bowl. Add the Shrimp to the mixture and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour. Place the shrimp and marinade in a skillet, and cook over medium-high heat until the shrimp turn pink, about 5 minutes. Serve over rice. {Recipe comes from "Peace Meals:" A Cookbook by The Junior League of Houston, Inc. } ENJOY!

The Pups' New Pool

HAPPY GIRL

Karlie loves the water more than any dog I've ever seen. Her favorite thing in the world was to fetch her tennis ball in my parents pool. I mean, we're talking, blistered feet from running on the hot pavement for HOURS. Since it's been so stinking hot, we've really been missing the pool. (Why did they have to move again?) I figured I'd go out and just buy a baby pool for the pups. They had a big time, but I have to say the pool was a tad too small for two big babies. We may have to upgrade soon. I thought I'd post some pics and videos I took from our Saturday evening with Karlie and Coop. These are truly my favorite moments...spending time with our little family.

OUR BABIES

HANDSOME BOY

TAKING A CAT NAP

SHOWING OFF

PLAYING IN THE POOL

Precious Hubby

So I kind of have to brag on Derek for a minute. I truly have the most precious husband in the world. He is one of the hardest working men I know and I so very much admire him. His day begins much earlier than mine (around 4:00). He takes care of the pups and then goes for his morning workout...as I'm still snoozing away. He is the one who has to drive 45+ minutes into work...where it takes me only 15. He often has to stay later at work so he can finish up school "stuff." AND he only stays late, so that he can spend time with me when he gets home. He offered to cook all of the meals this week. When I say he offered, he basically just TOLD me he was taking care of the meals. (I really did try to convince him otherwise). I honestly do not know how I got so lucky with this one. He puts up with me (which is a lot to put up with) and takes such good care of me. He truly has the biggest most honest heart and I am so blessed to be married to him.

Weekend Shenanigans

So my sweet husband surprised me with tickets to see TRAIN! It had been a little while since we had a date night. Derek has been extra busy selling tickets for the upcoming football season. Then you throw in the whole grad school thing...and well, let's just say he is a busy busy guy. The good news is, Derek will graduate from Seton Hall in September. We're just counting down the days now. It was so nice to take a break from all of the real life stuff, so we could enjoy each other. He really is the most thoughtful man and I am so blessed to able to call him my husband. Saturday evening, we went to a "send off" party for our friends Audrey and Zach, who are getting married in Belize next weekend. I cannot tell you how much fun we had! It was so nice catching up with all of the Katy people, as well as some very fun Tech friends. We ended up going to Pete's Piano Bar after the party. Nuff said! All in all, we had a great weekend and are EXHAUSTED! The good news is Audrey and Zach will be moving to Houston from Dallas once they get hitched. You know what that means, Houston is about to get a whole lot funnier with AGW moving back. I am so looking forward to it!

First Blog EVER

So I have been wanting to try this blogging thing for a while now. I thought it was a really great way to keep my extended family "in the know" with what's been going on in our busy lives. (Especially since my precious husband doesn't always give his family all the detailed scoop.) :) Anyway, my lovely friend Caroline started a blog for her little family, so I thought I'd be a copy cat and try it out. Please bear with me as I try to figure it all out. 2010 has been quite a year for us. We got married last February and moved out to Katy (aka the "burbs") in June. We've had more fun turning this house into our "home sweet home." We've done quite a bit already, but still have a ways to go. Derek is most excited about our brand new patio! We are so pleased with it, and have been taking full advantage of it since the weather has been so nice. Once we've found the perfect patio furniture, I'll post pics. We FINALLY had a reason to have all of our friends and family come over to the house to enjoy our new patio...Derek's big 3-O! Poor guy, he was really dreading the whole "getting older" thing. However, he got over that real quick when his brother, Greg, surprised him by coming in for the big party... all the way from Michigan! Believe it or not, I didn't even ruin the surprise! It really was the best birthday present. Many of our family and friends were able to come for D's special day. I put together a book of "special memories" for Derek. Without him knowing, I had contacted all of our family and friends, asking them to write a special memory or funny/embarassing story they have of Derek. I put them together in an album and presented it to the birthday boy at the party. I know it meant the world to him...so a special thank you to each and every one of you for making this birthday the "best one ever" (according to D!) Here are a few pics from the partay!

Made with love by Alf, Keller and Me

Derek and Greg

Papa, Sarah & Kels came in town

Megan & I

My wonderful grandparents

Adam and D...in matching polos

Late night!

So again, bear with me as I try to figure this all out. I will try to keep the posts and pictures up to date. Love you all!