Thursday, February 24, 2011

Wishing I was there . . .

I met David Song about 3 years ago. I thought he was so weird! A Korean-American New Yorker he was nothing I was used to, but it didn't take long for me to see the amazing man of God he is and we became friends. Through lots of great conversations and leading an outreach to Uganda and Mozambique together, David became a real mentor to me [he's super old] and I can't really begin to describe the positive influence he's had on my life.

Song

He's getting married right this instant [I'm watching it live] in Capetown, South Africa to the most beautiful Nigerian woman! I can't believe I'm not there, but thankful I at least get to watch.

Congrats, David and Grace! Praying for you and wishing you both all the best!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Voodoo Doughnuts

A few months ago when Hayley and I were in Portland, we kept hearing about the amazing doughnuts at Voodoo, but the line was so long and it didn't seem worth the wait. Well on this visit, we decided that we were going to try these famous doughnuts no matter how long we had to stand in line . . .





Almost two hours later, we walked out with our 6 doughnuts. You have to remember that this shop is famous in Portland and its been featured on the Food Network channel multiple times so we expected these pastries to be like nirvana in our mouths! Some kind of near-religious experience for sure.



Voodoo Doughnuts

Unfortunately, the doughnuts tasted like normal, earth-like doughnuts no singing in our mouths or anything, but we did have an awesome time talking in line [despite being freezing!] and now we have a fun story! Plus, the shop was decorated really neat and I loved snapping photos.




Tuesday, February 22, 2011

A Photoblog: Weekend with Hayley






[Photo by Hayley]























I love you, Hayley Nicholls! Thank you for an awesome weekend!

Monday, February 14, 2011

Too Excited!

I am excited to announce that in April I officially start class at NORTHWEST NOETIC SCHOOL OF MASSAGE!!

massage
[Image found here]

So starting this Spring I have 12-14 months of night/weekend classes and clinic hours and by next year sometime I will be a licensed Massage Therapist!

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Tomato Penne Pasta

I don't cook too often, but when I do I like to go all out! I'm one of those people who can't stay true to a recipe. I always look for ways to 'improve' it. Sometimes it works, most times it doesn't, but at least I have fun experimenting!


Tomato Penne Pasta


salt and pepper

Turkey Sausage

1 lb. whole wheat penne pasta

Half of a white onion

Red and yellow bell peppers

1/4 cup olive oil

3 garlic cloves thinly sliced

2/3 pound cherry tomatoes (2 cups) halved or quartered

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

non-fat feta cheese


[The ingredients I added are the ones that don't have measurements!]


1. In a large pot of boiling salted water cook the penne according to package directions until al dente, about 13 minutes.


2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion and cook, stirring, until just golden, about 1 minute. Add the cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, oregano, crushed red pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring, until tomato juices run, about 3 minutes.


3. In a separate skillet, cook the turkey sausage.


4. Add the penne, parsley, feta, and sausage to the skillet (or bowl) and toss to combine.






Friday, February 11, 2011

Birthdays, etc.

This last week we had multiple birthdays here at the Deniston house. My brothers, Jack and Derek were both born on February 8th though six years apart. So February tends to be a rather busy month with three birthdays in all [Spencer being Feb 3rd].

So this week we had lots of great food and fun times!










[They made Derek sit on a saddle while he was serenaded. Soo embarrassing for him!]

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Saying Goodbye for Now

Spencer leaves today for boot camp and this Friday we had a party for him at his favorite restaurant.



It was also his birthday on Thursday so we had fun combining the parties. I took the picture of the balloons and then my camera battery ran out so I didn't really get many pictures, but I did manage to take this one with my phone!



This picture below is proof that Spencer has always wanted to go into the military! Cutest kid ever.