Baby Bryan Gets Hitched

Last weekend, my cousin Bryan got married! Bryan has always been like a little brother to my sister and I. So the fact that he's all grown up really kind of wigs me out. I just can't believe he's married! I still think Alli and I should be dressing him up in our clothes, pretending like he's the little girl who lives next door to our grandparents. (Bry has always been such a good sport.) I am so proud of him and am blessed to have such a special relationship with him. So congratulations Baby Bryan and Kelly!

eat: the best bread pudding

If you like bread pudding, this is the absolute BEST recipe I've found. This is my daddy's all time favorite. Ingredients 2 c granulated sugar 5 large eggs 2 cups milk 2 tsp pure vanilla extract 3 c cubed Italian bread 1 c packed light brown sugar 1/4 c (1/2 stick) butter, softened 1 c chopped pecans For the sauce 1 c granulated sugar 1/2 c butter, melted 1 egg, beaten 2 tsp pure vanilla extract 1/4 c brandy (I used Grand Marnier) Directions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 13x9 inch pan. Mix granulated sugar, eggs, and milk in a bowl; add vanilla. Pour over cubed bread and let sit for 10 minutes. In another bowl, mix and crumble together brown sugar, butter, and pecans. Pour bread mixture into prepared pan. Sprinkle brown sugar mixture over the top and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until set. For the sauce Mix together the granulated sugar, butter, egg, and vanilla in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir together until the sugar is melted. Add the brandy, stirring well. Pour over bread pudding. Serve warm or cold. ENJOY! {Recipe comes from Paula Deen, 2007}

Father's Day

So, wow, have I been the slacker! I thought things would slow down a bit now that it's summer, and I guess that just quite isn't the case. I am teaching pre-k summer school (with my sister), and only had a week off between the last day of school and the first day of summer school. The good news...we only have two weeks left!

I thought I'd post a few pictures from our Father's Day cook out. That day was all about celebrating my sweet daddy. Alli and I made our very delicious bread pudding (Pip's favorite). Derek made some fabulous steaks on the grill...with some salad and baked potatoes on the side. The best part??? Daddy brought his pride and joy, his precious pup Girlfriend. She was our father's day gift for Daddy last year. I've never seen him so crazy about a dog. She, along with Karlie and Coop, enjoyed the baby pool. Kimmie, on the other hand, steered clear of the craziness.

GRILLING OUT

D JUST DOIN' HIS THANG

LIFE IS GOOD

I am beyond blessed to have such a hardworking, selfless, loving man to call my daddy. I love him more than words can say.

MY AMAZING DADDY

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!