Our Friend is Moving

August 16, 2015 by Debra 2 Comments

Hi, I’m going to cry. I just know it. The tears are swelling in my eyes as I am typing. Today Katie is on her way to the airport. She’s flying to North Carolina to be with her mom, sister, her brother and her family. Katie is very happy. I truly am happy for her as well. However, it’s bittersweet.

What can I tell you about Katie? I consider her one of my kids. She’s fun, care-free and you are left to wonder what color her hair will be the next time you see her. Heck, she might even shave it off! Katie makes my son happy. And that makes me happy! She loves cats and anything furry.

Keeping in touch with today’s technology will be very heart warming. I have already been looking into the Skype for computer and the app for my Android. And of course text and phone calls. Vacations are always possible.

Kate’s leaving is bittersweet. Saying good-bye is never easy. God brought Katie into our lives. I will treasure our friendship and remember her always.

The collage above features images from a casual photo shoot last year. I was preparing a photography order to send to the lab. The lab was having an 8×10 half price sale so I wanted to take advantage of the special. I was going through all of my images and ran across these. The above collage was designed (with Fotofusion) as an 8×10 and I had 5 of them printed. One for each of the kids plus me, my mom and Erika.

Did you ever have a good friend move away? How did you cope with them leaving?

[bloglovin_button color=”#984f9e”]

Best Wishes,

Best Grilled Dinner

August 10, 2015 by Debra 4 Comments

stuffed jalapenos pork chops! — Stuffed Jalapenos & Pork Chops!

Hi, my husband grilled the best dinner last evening- seasoned pork chops, corn and stuff jalapenos. I am one lucky gal who enjoys his delicious cooking! Kevin starts with a recipe and tweaks it to his liking. He adapts most recipes for the grill and I get to enjoy the taste of it all.

Ingredients:

12 fresh jalapeño peppers
8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 clove garlic, chopped
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 slices bacon, cut in half
24 toothpicks

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400F degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper (best for clean-up) or a silicone baking mat. Place a baking rack on top of the baking sheet. Set aside.

Cut the jalapeño peppers in half lengthwise; remove seeds and center membrane. Set aside.

Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic, and paprika together until combined. You could also do this by hand using a rubber spatula. Salt to taste – I add just a pinch. Spoon filling equally among all 24 jalapeño halves.

Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a half slice of bacon and stick a toothpick through the center to assure the bacon stays in place. Place each on the baking rack and bake for 25-28 minutes or until the bacon is crisp to your liking. I like to turn the oven to broil for the last minute or two to get things extra crispy. Serve immediately. Cover leftovers and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Make ahead tip: jalapeño peppers can be stuffed and wrapped 1 day in advance. Refrigerate until ready to bake. You can also assemble and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Best Wishes,

Family | Engelken Reunion 2015

July 18, 2015 by Debra 1 Comment

Hi, I certainly hope you have the opportunity to enjoy a family reunion. Facebook and Instagram are wonderful to keep in touch with family and friends near and far. But being able to visit with each other in person is even that much better. Last Saturday was fun.

The Engelken Family Reunion was held in Holton. Christine did a lovely job planning the gathering. It was an afternoon filled with family, delicious food and board games.

The main event was Bingo. All age groups were able to play simultaneously. There was even a prize table set up! Other games included cards, dominoes and Seek A Word featuring the names of the Engelken siblings and spouses.

The images were added to the online galleries- one for viewing and the second for downloading. To download the images, simply click the download link below. Enter the access code. You will then be able to view the images. To download, sign into the photobook with your own email and password you create.

I am so looking forward to seeing this group again in 2017!

Best Wishes,

View Gallery
View and download images.