Reading Rainbow...

I've found a new obsession...Reading! I started reading The Help last October, and it was great! I loved the characters in the book, and I really found myself developing a love for reading. When I was younger, I read because I was forced to...not because I wanted to. Now, I can't wait to finish one book and start on the next. I really enjoy easy reads, like: biographies, romance novels, etc. I am constantly adding to my aresenal of novels. Here's what I've read so far:

Here's what I'm currently reading:

Here's what I'd like to read eventually:

I think I need to join a book club...because I absolutely love reading!

Birthdays and St. Patrick's Day

Last weekend, we celebrated Jon's 31st Birthday, and our great friend Kellie's birthday in Tulsa. Coincidentally, we ended up celebrating on St. Patrick's Day. The festivities started with a sushi and hibachi grill dinner at Osaka. Jon loved his California roll! All of the food was amazing, and I will definitely be back to that place in the future...

We also ventured to Downtown Tulsa for the big St. Patrick's Day Festival...but we left once it started to rain. Next, we headed to good old Fox and Hound for a nightcap, topping off the fun birthday weekend.

A big thanks to my mom and Leslie for babysitting Riley...and another big thanks to The Stone's for letting us crash at their place for the weekend! It was, as always, a fabulously fun weekend in Tulsa!

Vegas Vacation 2012

In February, Jon and I took a trip to Las Vegas with our good friends Kellie & Kenny. We happened to be there during Superbowl weekend, which was so much fun! We stayed at the gorgeous Aria (where Jon and I stayed on our honeymoon) and the weekend was full of gambling, partying, eating and relaxing.

 The first night, we went to see Tim Allen do stand-up at The Venetian, and had dinner at Domenico's Steakhouse. Jon had a steak that was to-die-for, and I had a scrumptious tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich

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Kellie and I split an amazing pecan pie for dessert.

We all watched the Superbowl at Todd English Pub, located in our hotel, and it was glorious to be able to sit outside in 70 degree weather in February! We had a lot of fun....even though we were rooting for different teams.

Our last night there, Jon spoiled me, buying me some sweet Ray-Ban Aviators...

As is true majority of the time, Vegas won, and unfortunately, Jon and I did not come home with any big winnings. The only machine I won on was the 'Hangover' slot machine....and I won 30 bucks. Oh well...maybe next time!

We had such a fun time, and hope to visit our favorite vacation spot again next year!

Cooking...My New Obsession

Lately, I've been on a food kick, cooking every chance I get! I've come across some delicious recipes, and thought I'd share them here, our the blog. By the way, if you haven't heard of Ree Drummond, "The Pioneer Woman", do yourself a favor and try out one of her recipes! They are delicious! To get the recipes, click on the link (recipe name)...

Lasagna Soup
I found this recipe via FoodGawker.com. It is an easy to prepare, one-pot dish that is sooooo good and just warms your insides! Serve with french bread and plenty of Parmesan cheese. :)

Cosi Tomato-Basil Soup
Next, a delicious, creamy tomato soup. Recently, my friend Kellie took me to a great little cafe in Tulsa called "Cosi", and they had the BEST tomato soup I'd ever eaten. This recipe is a re-creation of that, and I recommend eating it with grilled Gouda cheese sandwiches.

Spicy Pulled Pork 
This recipe was too good! I served it with mashed potatoes, baked beans and bread. It also makes great pulled pork sandwiches.

Apple Brown Betty 
Imagine....a sweet, cinamonny (is that a word?) dessert, that is pretty much heaven on a plate.

 Broccoli Cheese Soup
On a cold and rainy day, this soup will warm your soul. I very highly recommend it! It pairs well with any kind of crusty bread.

Williams-Sonoma Oven Fried Chicken
This recipe is a healthier alternative to fried chicken. It is delicious and super easy to make. I typically pair it with asparagus and mashed potatoes.

Guinness Chocolate Cupcakes 
I recently made these for a happy-hour at work, and they were a big hit! They are super chocolaty, and great for an adult party.

Fried Mushrooms
These are so delicious, and go perfectly with Cane's Sauce. These would be perfect as a game-day party food.

December 2011

What a busy month this was! We started the month out with the lovely Caroline's Second Birthday party. Riley loved getting to play in the YMCA gym, eat cupcakes, and attempt to roller skate.

A few weeks later, it was Christmas, and as usual, Riley was blessed to receive some awesome gifts. His big gift was a train set from his Grandpa Jeff.

I cooked a ham and sides for our Christmas Eve Dinner, and the next day we went to my dad's house for some delicious prime rib. It was a day of presents, food, and relaxation. On a side note...this was my first time using my fine china...and it makes any meal look gorgeous!

We also made red-velevet, and mint chocolate chip cookies for Santa Clause...

We had a wonderful holiday, and feel so blessed to have such a wonderful life.