Happy Valentine's Day

"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:16-21

Mediterranean Eggplant & Barley Salad

You must make this recipe. Simply delicious.

While the recipe looks daunting, I promise it's not.

Ah, so good.

Recipe here.

Note: I substituted Farro for Barley and it was delicious, and I added some Feta cheese to my bowl. And I omitted the olives, because I don't like them. But I wish I did. :)

Organized Simplicity

A must-read for all!

Desert Island

Yep, I'd take these with me on a desert island.

Since I am an avid reader, and I'm constantly asked what this or that person should read next, I thought I'd post some of my favorite books of all time.


(and I'm not just putting it on here because it's the "thing" to do; this truly is the greatest book since the Beginning of Time)


a cutesy little read that makes me happy


an international bestseller


amazing book that Lewis Agnew, the best man in our wedding, gave to me and Andy at our engagement party. a classic love story


a must-read for all women


a must-read for all mankind, and a true story about WWII


anything Jane Austen is fantastic


anything by Elisabeth Elliot is amazing and a must-read; this one I just happen to be reading now as my devotional in the mornings


a true classic


fabulous book for those who haven't read it


anything by David McCullough. he's truly a brilliant, inspiring writer of non-fiction


Ann Patchett is a brilliant writer. excellent book for book club


THE "modern-day" C. S. Lewis. any and all of his books are great


aah, a book by Alexander Dumas is so refreshing

Well, my suitcase is now full. Hope you enjoy these books!

Favorite Books

I know, I know, I love to read! Everyone comments on it, but what can I say, it's what I've always loved to do! Andy watches TV to quiet down at night, while I have to read before going to sleep.

Here are some of my favorite books I've read this past year, and also current ones I'm reading now:















Read this only if you like Tina Fey humor (and let me tell you, it's funny)




I'm currently reading:


and I'm loving it!

and


The history of the Civil War is fascinating, and what a mighty challenge President Lincoln faced to re-unite our war-torn country

Black-Eyed Pea Dip

picture courtesy of The Pioneer Woman

I love trying out new recipes, and a sweet friend of mine emailed this to me a month or so ago. This recipe came to mind today as I was perusing my pantry, and I realized I had all the ingredients to make this yummy dip. (and it's much healthier than my other black-eyed pea dip)

Katie Dugger is the one who submitted this Pioneer Woman recipe to me, and I've had the privilege to mentor her and to also become close friends with her over the years. I truly consider her like a little sister to me, and now a babysitter! (as she does her preceptorship for nursing in Birmingham) Her fiancee, Mark, is going to be one of the best-fed husbands this side of the Mason-Dixon line, as Katie is a fabulous cook. So keep the recipes coming!!

Black-Eyed Pea Dip
from The Pioneer Woman's blog; submitted to me by Katie Dugger :)

1 can (14-ounce) Can Black-eyed Peas
1/4 whole Onion, Chopped Fine
1/4 cup Sour Cream
8 slices Jarred Jalapenos
1 cup Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese
3 Tablespoons Salsa
Hot Sauce, to taste
Salt And Black Pepper To Taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Drain black-eyed peas and partially mash, leaving some whole.

Add all other ingredients, stirring to combine.

Spread into a 1 1/2 quart baking dish and bake for 20 to 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Serve with tortilla chips!

*Note: if you have them available, you can use the canned black-eyed peas and jalapenos (they're canned together.) If you do this, you can omit the extra jalapenos.

**Another note: I omitted the jalapenos from mine, partly because I'm not a huge fan of spicy foods; and maybe I couldn't open the jar that my strong husband closed the other day. :) You can tell I'm NOT the jalapeno fan in the family.

One Year Stats

We just got back from the pediatrician, and Jackson weighs 20 lbs, 8 oz and is 28.5 inches long.

Here's a picture I took of him on his actual first birthday :)