Friends

Happy August 5th!

There are about a million holidays today!  Alright...only 6 but that is fairly close to a million right? Anyways,  there are two I would like to celebrate.

Friendship Day

I'm gonna give a quick shout out to all my friends.  If you are not on here it doesn't mean I don't love you, but I do have to sleep at some point this evening.  Ha.   In no particular order...

Lexi Balling (Peterson)
My second roommate.  What a blessing!  She is hilarious and beautiful.  She made my life so much happier.  We had plenty of adventures and inside jokes.  She helped me cook every night and had so many good talks with me.  She taught me so much and was such an example of strength.  Although she is off and married now I will never forget the friendship she offered me.  Love you!

Madi Jeanfreau.
This girl is an inspiration.  She is dedicated and supportive.  She makes me so happy.  She was my roommate for my fourth semester of college and she helped me through many a bad days.  She is currently in Oregon and I miss her oh-so-much.  Seriously though,  she is hilarious, talented, and sensitive.  I love her to death.  That is not a death threat fyi.

Courtney Lyn Cook
Gorgeous.  Seriously,  this girl is a catch.  She just tried out for American Idol and I am honestly surprised that she did not make it.  She has the voice of an angel.  Truly.  It's brilliant.  I'm jealous. She is funny and super caring.  I'm so glad I met her this past semester.

Tyler Carlisle
My workout buddy until I sprained my ankle.  He is incredibly talented and he says it like it is.  He is hilarious and always up for an adventure.  Thanks for being such a good friend.

Jake Fowkes
Funny.  He and I can find things to laugh about.  He is also very honest and supportive.  He has an incredible voice and I'm so grateful we became friends this past semester.  Thanks Buddy!

Raschelle Goodman
There is no end to the good things I can say about this girl.  She is smart, kind, sensitive, spiritual, healthy, talented, BEAUTIFUL, and a wonderful friend.  She always makes me smile and laugh.  She plays piano so passionately.  She is social.  She is a brilliant cook.  She can tell when you are not ok and helps to make it better.  She has a rock solid testimony and she inspires me everyday.  Honestly, there is going to be a very lucky man out there someday.

Marisol Cisneros
We've been friends since who knows when.  She is the strongest person I have ever met.  She is constantly setting an example for me.  She is honest and adventurous.  She is so patient.  She is funny and spunky.  I love her style and confidence.  She helps me stay sane and listens to my rambling on car rides to church.  She is one of my biggest supporters and I can't wait to see her come Thanksgiving.

Jay Valle
Last but certainly not least.  This guy is the funniest person I think I have ever met.  He is incredibly talented and truly enjoys the simple things in life.  He is adventurous and caring.  He is also super respectful and obedient but loves to have a good time.  He is a wonderful example to me.  I get to see him in 2 months and I am terribly excited.  What a reunion it shall be!  Also...it's his birthday in T minus 4 days.  Happy Birthday Best Friend!

Wow.  I have been blessed with some wonderful friends.  Truly.  I can't express the gratitude for the friends that probably use every last drop of patience they have with me.  I am so blessed to be surrounded by supportive and loving friends.  Thanks.  You are all huge blessings in my life and I only hope I can live to be the same for you.

It is also Sister's Day!

Here is a shout out to my little sister Kimberly!

Kim is beautiful.  She is petite and has flaming red hair.  She has a fiery personality and she is so curious.  She makes me laugh and is so tender and kind.  She is very musical and a really good big sister to our brother Logan.  I love to watch her grow and I am eternally grateful that she came in my life and I wasn't stuck with a house full of crazy brothers.

(:

Tomorrow's Holidays are:
Wiggle Your Toes Day
National Fresh Breath Day

National Mustard Day

I'm not really sure what day National Mustard Day is...either today or yesterday.  But either way I celebrated it early.  I made a wonderful dinner that you all NEED to try.  Seriously,  before you die you need to eat this. I have made it four times: twice for friends and twice for family and both times it has been devoured.  It is incredible.  Honestly.  So we'll get right to it.

Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Mustard Sauce

mmm.  Even the name makes my mouth water!

You can find the recipe here on the famous Rachel Ray's website.
http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/food/recipes/pretzel-crusted-chicken-breasts-with-cheddar-mustard-sauce/

Seriously,  it is brilliant, amazing, spectacular, wonderful, delicious, etc.

Try it.  You won't be sorry!

F.B.D.

Well, it's been awhile.  Let's face it, I'm just not a very dedicated person when it comes to blog writing, but I'm doing my best.  I have a couple things on my mind that may or may not be of interest to anyone else, but here we go.

F is for food.  

I really do love food, a lot.  Last night I went to Applebees with the siblings and it was SO good.  I had some spinach artichoke dip and some penne past with spinach, seasoned chicken, and tomatoes.  MMM.  It was wonderful.  I also had this scrumptious cupcake last week (on Milk Chocolate Day mind you!)  I have had some delicious stir fry this week (a favorite) and some divine cantaloupe (not in the same meal).  I love me some good food.  

B is for blessed.  

I am truly blessed.  I have been somewhat subconsciously stressed (oooh! look at the alliteration!) about my financial situation this coming year.  This week my federal financial aid finally came through and it is good news!  I also have be able to find some small jobs to earn a little bit of extra cash.  I know that when I trust the Lord things work out.  I am slowly learning to eliminate stress and just put my trust in Him.  Obviously I have to do my part but He always provides for His children.  We must just trust (oh man I'm on a roll!  look at that assonance/consonance!)  His timing.  I love it.  

D is for disgusted.  

Here comes a little rant.  If you don't like those you don't have to read.  I am just extremely disgusted with this world currently. I will share some reasons to explain.  #1 My mother and I were trying to rent a movie a few weeks ago.  As we browsed the redbox selections everything was either gory, jam packed with killing, full of demons and devils, or contained raunchy scenes.  Is that really all that we find entertaining now-a-days?  What happened to roadrunners that only said "Meep" and Lizzie McGuire?   Wow.  That's all I can say.  #2 I turned on So You Think You Can Dance on Wednesday night.  I LOVE this show.  I've always wanted to be a dancer and just love to watch these talented people dance their little hearts out.  Then I saw just a part of one of the first dances.  It was a character piece claiming to show everyone's "Dream Dentist Visit."  There was a nerdy guy who had a sexy dentist who was trying to seduce him or something.  Let me tell you something...this is not my "Dream Dentist Visit."  My idea of a "dream dentist visit"  is where the Dentist comes in and says, "My Melissa!  You have beautiful teeth!  I can tell you have been brushing and flossing daily!  You have no cavities!  Now take this coupon and get yourself some Cold Stone ice cream!"  Doesn't that sound great?  I think so too, but perhaps I am just abnormal.  #3 Last but not least, I hate (and no I don't mean strongly dislike) how people are treated differently.  Don't get me wrong!  I absolutely DO NOT proclaim to be perfect at treating everyone with kindness, but no one should be looked down on just because of what they wear, what they look like, where they live, or how much money they make.  We are people, you know, living breathing human beings.  Everyone should be treated as such. 

Alright, I'm officially off the soap box.  I'm really not one to preach on those but this cause seemed worthy to me.  This life truly is so good.  I hope that each of you feel that way.  My life is not near perfect but I try to see all of the blessing that are there, because there are so very many.  

Today's Holiday is:  

National Watermelon Day

Tomorrow's Holidays are:

National Chocolate Chip Day

National Mustard Day 

(stay tuned for my good plans for tomorrow!)

(: