tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40795450001821666302024-02-07T13:06:51.489+00:00Robin's NestTaylor and Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14045920702988964331noreply@blogger.comBlogger171125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4079545000182166630.post-40163356436613450262022-05-05T20:20:00.000+01:002022-05-05T20:20:02.456+01:00Cinco de Mayo Menu<p>It's Cinco de Mayo today and that means enjoying yummy Tex Mex food at our house! Here are some of my favorites:</p><p><b>Appetizer:</b></p><p><b>Marinated Black Beans and Tortilla Chips</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgSeJK3zMIXX6EZ-3Kidc8rl7dN4_o4UUb2YZT1zXSjduaH5ojBpaSQ28NfCAZtpIwtGM0cGHkusBZbUeOKPaJzZ9l-fTZDVrY3iHcK1TrRKCeeKf3wN0S2RSwkSKZFGemu98or1nze_zYYwBx0u8FYGLMNc3gcYPtPwCS4pWF8r-9gnyYS8DXPc/s1654/IMG_0077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1654" data-original-width="1242" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgSeJK3zMIXX6EZ-3Kidc8rl7dN4_o4UUb2YZT1zXSjduaH5ojBpaSQ28NfCAZtpIwtGM0cGHkusBZbUeOKPaJzZ9l-fTZDVrY3iHcK1TrRKCeeKf3wN0S2RSwkSKZFGemu98or1nze_zYYwBx0u8FYGLMNc3gcYPtPwCS4pWF8r-9gnyYS8DXPc/s320/IMG_0077.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>What you need:</p><p>2 cans 29 oz black beans, drained</p><p>1 c green onions sliced</p><p>2 jalapenos, seeded and diced (leave in some seeds for heat)</p><p>1/4 c cilantro, roughly chopped</p><p>1 c lemon juice (6 lemons)</p><p>1 c olive oil</p><p>Avocado diced</p><p><br /></p><p>What you do:</p><p>Mix all ingredients together except avocado. Store in a shallow dish with a lid in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving. When you're ready to serve, add in the avocado and give a big stir. Serve with tortilla chips.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Main:</b></p><p><a href="https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/jessica-albas-chicken-enchiladas-232349">Jessica Alba's Chicken Enchiladas</a>...the secret's in the sauce! This is easy to make gluten free if you read your labels!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJe2yjwOIFBMaTR5yUMzHk4oNMhSPh8g13Dvc4h2Zlpa9aaApcWRP9g_Af5d_o-v3xRZGMqoq0ueRsffjhTWyD-00WPvtC-Q-T8Uf1MfWsGqx3BvNIHuW_cegPyLMSnx9sMkIf7_NEXEJH9I7wvXshB8c_A3YLu6mwgRbSU7mr0DIl5XQI3ERlQw/s2400/IMG_4325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1601" data-original-width="2400" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJe2yjwOIFBMaTR5yUMzHk4oNMhSPh8g13Dvc4h2Zlpa9aaApcWRP9g_Af5d_o-v3xRZGMqoq0ueRsffjhTWyD-00WPvtC-Q-T8Uf1MfWsGqx3BvNIHuW_cegPyLMSnx9sMkIf7_NEXEJH9I7wvXshB8c_A3YLu6mwgRbSU7mr0DIl5XQI3ERlQw/s320/IMG_4325.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><b>Festive Drink:</b></p><p><b>Spicy Paloma</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwNPm1if1n9TDUReAPZ_HT-sR6TPO6VaZlNWpSTmQotKgxYe0Vgh_bC2NeFmCH1V0dQXjKUKA-1OAE7L1i6UrGnaqNUNNGSiX_ysiWPaslApwuR6ei_l-yIPrGCKscvAUklPwlRj20B0Njaibeq3PUGvHW-sZSPLFO_BLlcu44GuXx1PcSjpTJiM/s4032/IMG_2125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwNPm1if1n9TDUReAPZ_HT-sR6TPO6VaZlNWpSTmQotKgxYe0Vgh_bC2NeFmCH1V0dQXjKUKA-1OAE7L1i6UrGnaqNUNNGSiX_ysiWPaslApwuR6ei_l-yIPrGCKscvAUklPwlRj20B0Njaibeq3PUGvHW-sZSPLFO_BLlcu44GuXx1PcSjpTJiM/s320/IMG_2125.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>What you need:</p><p>8 oz Central Market's Italian Grapefruit Soda</p><p>2 oz Tequila</p><p>Tajin Chili Lime rim mix</p><p>Ice</p><p>Grapefruit slices and rosemary for garnish</p><p><br /></p><p>What you do:</p><p>Wet the rim of your glass with a slice of grapefruit and dip into Tajin seasoning. Add ice, the soda, and the tequila to the glass and garnish.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Dessert</b></p><p><b>Tres Leches Bundt Cake</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_CY-z6G9-v3RZJf5XbjxCS3X90AYVmkvL3iDp-ErK_jLaQgnHGv5vUWFIysuS85IIXZFqBTzxw95fvy8wYAu22bCX257PvyAFQtfNjfkThNvlYu7GsFSFVRQY00z9yH8DnLN5tap-49VqwnsbXFRhh1pehtG0XIlr_ArDL8d9aYdOp5OzCspRwk/s4032/IMG_8868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_CY-z6G9-v3RZJf5XbjxCS3X90AYVmkvL3iDp-ErK_jLaQgnHGv5vUWFIysuS85IIXZFqBTzxw95fvy8wYAu22bCX257PvyAFQtfNjfkThNvlYu7GsFSFVRQY00z9yH8DnLN5tap-49VqwnsbXFRhh1pehtG0XIlr_ArDL8d9aYdOp5OzCspRwk/s320/IMG_8868.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p>What you need:</p><p>Cake:</p><p>1 box white cake mix</p><p>1 large (or 2 small )box instant coconut pudding</p><p>1/2 cup vegetable oil</p><p>1 c water</p><p>1/4 c milk</p><p>4 eggs</p><p>Icing:</p><p>Sweetened Condensed milk (about 1/2 cup)</p><p>4 c powdered sugar</p><p>1/2 c butter, softened</p><p>French Vanilla coffee creamer (we us SO Delicious) to taste</p><p>Caramel topping</p><p><br /></p><p>What you do:</p><p>Cake:</p><p>Preheat your oven to 350. Combine all cake ingredients and pour into a prepared bundt pan (I use Baker's Joy). Bake for about 45 minutes of until knife inserted comes out clean. Let it sit until it's cool enough for you to turn it out on a plate and immediately poke all over with a fork and drizzle the sweetened condensed milk.</p><p>Icing:</p><p>Cream butter and sugar adding enough coffee creamer to make it the right consistency. Smooth over cake and drizzle caramel. Enjoy!</p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>What are some of your Cinco de Mayo traditions?</p>Taylor and Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14045920702988964331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4079545000182166630.post-15238209745818504892022-02-04T19:23:00.007+00:002022-02-04T19:23:42.077+00:00Turkey Chili<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgh-FWNKzqeqv6z7Z2R4J2pJq1N6kT5DeDrzoUH0xFiWntgjqV5k06afYDI8NvwhWZl4ahhL-5h403VNU041-82midsTuVqpgZIu2W1yDCAGgIiV_bE8e8gk9PcSTehwWKqnaZZ1iVeiGDXSYXG8xUWjfQGWxci_opNXafv8RkElIcJgNgfOHyoP8zt=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgh-FWNKzqeqv6z7Z2R4J2pJq1N6kT5DeDrzoUH0xFiWntgjqV5k06afYDI8NvwhWZl4ahhL-5h403VNU041-82midsTuVqpgZIu2W1yDCAGgIiV_bE8e8gk9PcSTehwWKqnaZZ1iVeiGDXSYXG8xUWjfQGWxci_opNXafv8RkElIcJgNgfOHyoP8zt=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>It's February so apparently winter has decided to arrive and stick around here in Houston. After being out of town for my birthday trip, I've been out of the groove of meal planning and grocery shopping which made dinner this week look like:</p><p>Monday - pizza</p><p>Tuesday - rotisserie chicken, steam in the bag broccoli, and baked sweet potatoes</p><p>Wednesday - salmon, rice, and steam in the bag green beans</p><p>So Thursday I actually did a real grocery haul incase we got iced in and I made White Chicken Chili and bought ingredients for classic chili (recipes in my newest newsletter; <a href="https://mailchi.mp/6fa9c696734d/fasterwaywithrobin">subscribe here</a>.)</p><p>So I thought I'd share our favorite turkey chili. It's adapted from the Mom-a-licious cookbook and my kids prefer this to classic chili hands down; plus it's leaner.</p><p>What you need:</p><p>1 lb turkey</p><p>1/4 c onion, diced</p><p>2 T cumin</p><p>2 cloves garlic minced</p><p>1 T tamari</p><p>1 can fire roasted tomatoes</p><p>1 can black beans</p><p>1 can kidney beans</p><p>1 can chopped green chilis</p><p>chicken broth</p><p>2 t chili powder (or more or less to taste)</p><p>1 t onion powder (or more or less to taste)</p><p>garlic salt to taste</p><p><br /></p><p>What you do:</p><p>1. In a saute pan, saute onion in olive oil until translucent ~4 minutes (add garlic for the last minute of cooking time so you don't burn it).</p><p>2. Add in cumin and combine.</p><p>3. In a big pot, brown turkey and tamari browning turkey until no pink remains. Drain fat and then add the onion mixture to it.</p><p>4. Add in beans, tomatoes, chiles and broth (eyeball this until desired consistency.</p><p>5. Add in the rest of your spices adjusting to taste.</p><p><br /></p><p>We like ours over rice and served with fritos.</p>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17549178640956804044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4079545000182166630.post-15679016538285596862022-01-07T23:32:00.001+00:002022-01-07T23:32:02.911+00:00Company Green Beans<p> Y'all. I was missing a key ingredient for my green beans and improvised and came up with an even better version - I love happy accidents! These are so good we're calling them Company green beans because they are easy to make and a crowd pleaser. Having company over for dinner can be daunting, so keep it simple and stress free!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGzc0Hv6Xr_vGR2XTYKFi52Gi8r9y7hEzSRtEMMbXxFZHPvFTBWIJsX_0YBDf2U-Sms0sKdiOre0i25mLguDIfFyG432XGcNwt02oiP2sU7ewwnCXjrO0mavwlNWSWbtNBwTzioC4Xri38J6N9eoUYKLCnnddmcqBAWwBYF6_Mu4gruCyvwE4JKNQ=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGzc0Hv6Xr_vGR2XTYKFi52Gi8r9y7hEzSRtEMMbXxFZHPvFTBWIJsX_0YBDf2U-Sms0sKdiOre0i25mLguDIfFyG432XGcNwt02oiP2sU7ewwnCXjrO0mavwlNWSWbtNBwTzioC4Xri38J6N9eoUYKLCnnddmcqBAWwBYF6_Mu4gruCyvwE4JKNQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>What you need:</p><p>Steam in the bag green beans</p><p>2 T minced garlic</p><p>"Onion Salt" from Trader Joe's</p><p>Lemon</p><p><br /></p><p>What you do:</p><p>1. Steam your green beans in the bag in the microwave for half the time (my HEB brand says 3-4 minutes but I think they're too mushy, so I do it for 2 minutes). </p><p>2. Meanwhile heat some olive oil in a skillet and then put the steamed green beans in and season with the onion salt to taste (I probably used 2 ish teaspoons).</p><p>3. When the green beans are almost done cooking, add in the garlic and cook one more minute. </p><p>4. Squeeze a lemon over it and serve immediately!</p><p><br /></p><p>They went great with grilled New York Strip and a baked sweet potato. Eating clean can be easy and delish!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpuP88QHoyId3ZCxn7SF-EjHsZyHJ9Hi9l9N0kXGC3LChYVFtZluN7iNP8FLbg7H6r9kIsQxKlsNlv_y9mYHRCmLXjz8ec9rR_Z81YhtEFp9YQhwIIiZ3Qp6IA5NxbEfJUHqYZ1V2DWrRSNtvq3rLTXKU5K-5kB_66KrCI7lt9w8vj6gTv0eH5cQw=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpuP88QHoyId3ZCxn7SF-EjHsZyHJ9Hi9l9N0kXGC3LChYVFtZluN7iNP8FLbg7H6r9kIsQxKlsNlv_y9mYHRCmLXjz8ec9rR_Z81YhtEFp9YQhwIIiZ3Qp6IA5NxbEfJUHqYZ1V2DWrRSNtvq3rLTXKU5K-5kB_66KrCI7lt9w8vj6gTv0eH5cQw=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Let me know if you try it!</p>Taylor and Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14045920702988964331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4079545000182166630.post-20358219602797297662022-01-02T20:37:00.001+00:002022-01-02T20:37:19.410+00:00Clean Spice Mixes<p>It's January so many of you are embarking on Whole 30 (bless your hearts), so it's time to read some labels or make your own spice mixes. It's super easy to make your own and keep gross chemicals out of your family's dinner.</p><p>Here are three of my favorites:</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.wickedspatula.com/homemade-ranch-seasoning/">Wicked Spatula's Clean Ranch </a></p><p><br /></p><p>I use this on Mississippi Pot Roast which we repurpose a second night for pulled beef tacos - yum!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVO6ttOmU8hbbAxcKKaWWF4Bt_4jOOP8VOA1tNTImhfgW_VkSJ-JCAVozNGzmp2g-L06LrlLdQBigaaD82SS_rG4DUjFQtAkYn7btqwKybt61iWIwqTMfGihvY119sVuzgGkTksCvnoA/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVO6ttOmU8hbbAxcKKaWWF4Bt_4jOOP8VOA1tNTImhfgW_VkSJ-JCAVozNGzmp2g-L06LrlLdQBigaaD82SS_rG4DUjFQtAkYn7btqwKybt61iWIwqTMfGihvY119sVuzgGkTksCvnoA/" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBdsQ5s6o_XORbzCKevVaBhtH_z8YJowXnypvT1jffJMQy0MQEXLB3mDUURlRsiL6xPwKjqgfy9dFQHYJtQWR2GkjGv5XM7s1WpguCd1hpAll7IDhI4xG86x-Xa51T6YWAjXnkhyphenhyphentMpU/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1651" data-original-width="1242" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBdsQ5s6o_XORbzCKevVaBhtH_z8YJowXnypvT1jffJMQy0MQEXLB3mDUURlRsiL6xPwKjqgfy9dFQHYJtQWR2GkjGv5XM7s1WpguCd1hpAll7IDhI4xG86x-Xa51T6YWAjXnkhyphenhyphentMpU/" width="181" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Homemade Taco Seasoning:</p><p>2 T chili powder</p><p>1 T cumin</p><p>1 T sea salt</p><p>1/2 T black pepper</p><p>1/2 T paprika</p><p>2 t garlic powder</p><p>1 t onion powder</p><p>1 t dried oregano</p><p>1/8 t cayenne (optional)</p><p>Keep in an airtight container and use 2 T per pound of meat for recipes. We love this for ground turkey tacos, stuffed bell peppers, or slow cooker chicken tacos.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2o2QDbL3rRvyyMLmI33kpz6edNE0nNisVK4FcY1EQlYqjg3OOv9T3hm7fTvGBTPdjOqUnvnqxN7Alqka682CP4cbGacwzhiquyk036b3dy_usKlZMXTRmzc2WbQg_jflySZQe7QaJqY/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2o2QDbL3rRvyyMLmI33kpz6edNE0nNisVK4FcY1EQlYqjg3OOv9T3hm7fTvGBTPdjOqUnvnqxN7Alqka682CP4cbGacwzhiquyk036b3dy_usKlZMXTRmzc2WbQg_jflySZQe7QaJqY/" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4lMVUBkJ6vBRRg9aJru_770m_92-VJDMhhKlvNi4Cec7xTLGB9YBXpq57oFY9SbTC_kGEfxnS2vB3P5lIcpV76Obfrj0LjLtDafSzXzWls0fr2HdTl4-aHQTcsk5qun6AQIDvyayfOk/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4lMVUBkJ6vBRRg9aJru_770m_92-VJDMhhKlvNi4Cec7xTLGB9YBXpq57oFY9SbTC_kGEfxnS2vB3P5lIcpV76Obfrj0LjLtDafSzXzWls0fr2HdTl4-aHQTcsk5qun6AQIDvyayfOk/" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDOOgEST7i_EbzPPks7DgNEyNA05KcJuLdBr1qys8NaInlwYotzZuoMHEbMzUGAgV17MvNwfJeCqIveNSdDbjtptGHfCDcIxgEotIQuKPzkcTxuUmKs3HBxDU5yq-VlD2MJcFyLlmF4o/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDOOgEST7i_EbzPPks7DgNEyNA05KcJuLdBr1qys8NaInlwYotzZuoMHEbMzUGAgV17MvNwfJeCqIveNSdDbjtptGHfCDcIxgEotIQuKPzkcTxuUmKs3HBxDU5yq-VlD2MJcFyLlmF4o/" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-cc2cd046-7fff-8a2b-af19-5a1b62e655de">Clean Chili Seasoning:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-cc2cd046-7fff-8a2b-af19-5a1b62e655de">12 T chili powder</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-cc2cd046-7fff-8a2b-af19-5a1b62e655de">3 T garlic powder</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-cc2cd046-7fff-8a2b-af19-5a1b62e655de">3 T cumin</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-cc2cd046-7fff-8a2b-af19-5a1b62e655de">2 T onion powder</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-cc2cd046-7fff-8a2b-af19-5a1b62e655de">1 ½ T sea salt</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-cc2cd046-7fff-8a2b-af19-5a1b62e655de">2 t paprika</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-cc2cd046-7fff-8a2b-af19-5a1b62e655de">2 t dried minced onion</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-cc2cd046-7fff-8a2b-af19-5a1b62e655de">1 t pepper</span><br /><br />Pour into a Mason jar and shake til combined. Use 3-4 T per 2 lbs of ground beef for chili.</p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekiUtPItCCx7OqeoBIK0vbuU-Ui-XbWbfAyYaH3GVKb7WVBSN7MBBzFo1LeT0ax-VlwO_9OrOw3Voxq2GgVX6WrmuKWfY-_z2g_i3h2wqM8FyvoL0seOAj_GbnJgzrfiRDWJQFzYPh34/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1226" data-original-width="1242" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekiUtPItCCx7OqeoBIK0vbuU-Ui-XbWbfAyYaH3GVKb7WVBSN7MBBzFo1LeT0ax-VlwO_9OrOw3Voxq2GgVX6WrmuKWfY-_z2g_i3h2wqM8FyvoL0seOAj_GbnJgzrfiRDWJQFzYPh34/" width="243" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now, reconsider Whole 30 and jump into my FASTer Way group starting TOMORROW. We will eat rice and beans and peanuts (plus lots of other stuff) because I don't want to live in a world without any of that. Check it out here:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #464646; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span><a href="https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/#robinince" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #86d0cb; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;">https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/#robinince</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My email subscribers will be receiving my leftover guide in their inboxes today for easy, clean meal prep for the new year. Subscribe here:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://mailchi.mp/6fa9c696734d/fasterwaywithrobin">https://mailchi.mp/6fa9c696734d/fasterwaywithrobin</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy 2022!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">XO,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Robin</div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p>Taylor and Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14045920702988964331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4079545000182166630.post-22176940262450203992021-12-16T15:51:00.003+00:002021-12-16T15:51:18.131+00:00Cooking Seasonally: December<p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWz0iNLpLak0ZGzXOJN6O1AIZOfKVzzcVewqB4oJTLnYUFLzfTifbgvEPKuK-QVenUxOrMdU4YawZL6TtWvbOwep4UoYQT3RlFszdNAedVYxJbRepFUl9BXAfQmTfZFaOq_Jbh47xf6Hg/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWz0iNLpLak0ZGzXOJN6O1AIZOfKVzzcVewqB4oJTLnYUFLzfTifbgvEPKuK-QVenUxOrMdU4YawZL6TtWvbOwep4UoYQT3RlFszdNAedVYxJbRepFUl9BXAfQmTfZFaOq_Jbh47xf6Hg/" width="135" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Lots of produce goodness in season this December and Brussels Sprouts are at the top of my list. They are my favorite vegetable hands down.</p><p> Fun fact: Brussels sprouts are the only craving I had during any of my pregnancies. </p><p>For the whole December guide join my email list: <a href="https://mailchi.mp/6fa9c696734d/fasterwaywithrobin">https://mailchi.mp/6fa9c696734d/fasterwaywithrobin</a> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1j08HhH2UvRWyXcXyoAJ3Mq-1jbPJ4A3cRN15fpEhZABSCHaM9pJyMcXVVyZILoujlUDPBECTX3t4MRiITOQDAzyLF3Ba5no5EpKJrjN9gXovQ8plq0O_sEZ4R9LYzeQk-1SKIVFxArY/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1j08HhH2UvRWyXcXyoAJ3Mq-1jbPJ4A3cRN15fpEhZABSCHaM9pJyMcXVVyZILoujlUDPBECTX3t4MRiITOQDAzyLF3Ba5no5EpKJrjN9gXovQ8plq0O_sEZ4R9LYzeQk-1SKIVFxArY/" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Here are 3 of my favorite ways to serve them:</p><p><br /></p><p>Easy: Carrabbas Style</p><p><br /></p><p>What you need:</p><p>4 pieces of sugar free bacon</p><p>Brussels sprouts</p><p>Lemon</p><p><br /></p><p>What you do:</p><p>1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees</p><p>2. Cook your bacon in a dutch oven and reserve</p><p>3. Wash and halve your Brussels sprouts</p><p>4. Crank up the heat and stir fry your Brussels Sprouts in the bacon grease until they get a little char </p><p>5. Put the lid on and pop in the oven for 5-10 minutes or until they are as soft as you prefer.</p><p>6. In a separate bowl, toss Brussels sprouts and crunched up the bacon; squeeze a lemon over them, stir and serve immediately.</p><p><br /></p><p>Easier: Stir Fried</p><p><br /></p><p>What you need:</p><p>Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)</p><p>Brussels Sprouts</p><p>Minced garlic</p><p>Garlic salt</p><p><br /></p><p>What you do:</p><p>1. Heat the pan on high heat, add the EVOO and let it get shimmery.</p><p>2. Wash and halve your Brussels sprouts</p><p>3. Add your Brussels sprouts being careful of splattering oil and sprinkle with garlic salt. Adjust the temp as necessary to get a good char but not burn. Cook until desired softness stirring constantly. Add in the garlic for the last minute being careful not to burn it.</p><p><br /></p><p>Easiest: Roasted and tossed with balsamic reduction</p><p><br /></p><p>What you need:</p><p>Brussels Sprouts</p><p>Balsamic Vinegar</p><p><br /></p><p>What you do:</p><p>1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.</p><p>2. Wash and halve your Brussels sprouts</p><p>3. Roast until desired doneness and make reduction while roasting ( bring 1 cup of balsamic vinegar to a gentle boil, reduce heat to simmer. Stir frequently - it's done when it's reduced and coats your spoon.)</p><p>4. Toss roasted Brussels sprouts in sauce and serve</p><p><br /></p><p>What's your favorite Brussels sprouts recipe? I'm looking for a good one with pomegranate seeds!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17549178640956804044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4079545000182166630.post-18161463315494495072021-11-15T15:38:00.000+00:002021-11-15T15:38:10.647+00:00{Cooking Seasonally} Kale Edition<p>I'm starting a new series to post our favorite recipes by season called Cooking Seasonally!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-IsQB5ttQT0O9Pxsnf-1wqM-OycQD2MSqZ5S64t25Crknkwqzm1lf4pKbghm2zTxlTsDJOkD4YZmcrFCjw5RMshWwPMfUjDg4tqISPTw05c8lg1Pt03dAPHS-OFbf7RXzf1J48WJ2Ng/s1080/Cooking+Seasonally+Fall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-IsQB5ttQT0O9Pxsnf-1wqM-OycQD2MSqZ5S64t25Crknkwqzm1lf4pKbghm2zTxlTsDJOkD4YZmcrFCjw5RMshWwPMfUjDg4tqISPTw05c8lg1Pt03dAPHS-OFbf7RXzf1J48WJ2Ng/s320/Cooking+Seasonally+Fall.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>We're fighting for our best health by being proactive about our diets. Gut health is a huge way to boost immunity, and to make eating our fruit and veg more fun, we focus on eating seasonally. This gives our kids a wide variety of produce to try and makes it special since we look forward to what's in season. I love sharing this tradition around the table as we learn to try a wider variety of fresh produce.</p><p>November has some of our favorites (apples, broccoli, pears, cabbage, and kale to name a few) - want the whole list? Sign up for my Newsletter: <a href="https://mailchi.mp/6fa9c696734d/fasterwaywithrobin">https://mailchi.mp/6fa9c696734d/fasterwaywithrobin</a></p><p><br /></p><p>Here are two of our favorite kale recipes:</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.urbanorganicgardener.com/2011/06/simple-kale-salad/">Kale Salad from Urban Organic Gardener</a> - we also add in other seasonal veg (here we have shredded carrots and broccoli)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtnfSKZ7XpWeOOrKx8MSMdCovxK7u8uSzpAY8lPLFHPui27INyAPDH0xNebtevmLvd7zqS4YgbvZMEZB6N9UnEIrGUocRhVM71mjWEef4kAKTbBilDvsT6r3Q8pwsB1vdU9f7JoS9Qhfo/s2048/IMG_5276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtnfSKZ7XpWeOOrKx8MSMdCovxK7u8uSzpAY8lPLFHPui27INyAPDH0xNebtevmLvd7zqS4YgbvZMEZB6N9UnEIrGUocRhVM71mjWEef4kAKTbBilDvsT6r3Q8pwsB1vdU9f7JoS9Qhfo/s320/IMG_5276.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Tuscan Bean Soup:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIDCCsTYt0-YAim8faKOkO7STVlkFG9om_24Ccvxzzmejm7-ExPKU5HfVFRKx7bcAl9WA06MQS1ahfNSG8b2U7y_fnaK6-Y7CuGNcaUMP085_P0sTYdDbxXmSMnOiucUn7mAeTZucEAw/s2048/IMG_6127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIDCCsTYt0-YAim8faKOkO7STVlkFG9om_24Ccvxzzmejm7-ExPKU5HfVFRKx7bcAl9WA06MQS1ahfNSG8b2U7y_fnaK6-Y7CuGNcaUMP085_P0sTYdDbxXmSMnOiucUn7mAeTZucEAw/s320/IMG_6127.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>What you need:</p><p>2 lbs lean turkey breakfast sausage (mild Jennie-O)</p><p>1 c shredded carrots</p><p>6 stalks celery, chopped</p><p>1/2 c onion, diced</p><p>4 cloves garlic, minced</p><p>2 cans of cannellini beans with liquid </p><p>6 c chicken broth</p><p>2 c kale</p><p>Brown Rice Pasta Spirals (Tinkyada)</p><p><br /></p><p>What you do:</p><p>1. Simultaneously brown meat in large pot (reserve on a plate) and in a separate pot, cook pasta according to directions.</p><p>2. Add veg to meat pot at med-hi heat, stir to saute and then lower heat and cover with lid for ~5 minutes or until veg starts to soften. Add in garlic and cook 1 minute more.</p><p>3. Add in meat, beans, stock and bring to a boil then simmer. Add in pasta and kale a few minutes before you are ready to serve.</p><p><br /></p><p>This is such a clean and cozy crowd pleaser and tastes amazing as leftovers. You could sub leftover turkey for the sausage after Thanksgiving!</p><p><br /></p><p>Want my whole seasonal produce list with more recipes? Don't forget to sign up for my <a href="https://mailchi.mp/6fa9c696734d/fasterwaywithrobin">newsletter</a>!</p>Taylor and Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14045920702988964331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4079545000182166630.post-65054293177804998312021-10-20T16:50:00.005+01:002021-10-20T16:50:56.494+01:00Savory Pumpkin Chili<p>I've been working on developing a yummy pumpkin chili, and this one is a winner! I don't prefer sweet chili and this recipe, despite its sweet ingredients, comes out rich and savory. It's got a little kick but can be easily adjusted by decreasing the cayenne so that it's not too hot for the kiddos.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYaIIpXtPklSnA4dJKQ-feYE_fFu2BaPDwwQFvUnVvpXGX7L_jOIox6uJMP9UqHwg6XCBEUMJBZCBnvnlRW3aB-c-F-7JcnQvXvvmwQsknV2tfOiHhrz9H6-LuohOjUP225FQPysTfx_0/s2048/IMG_6688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYaIIpXtPklSnA4dJKQ-feYE_fFu2BaPDwwQFvUnVvpXGX7L_jOIox6uJMP9UqHwg6XCBEUMJBZCBnvnlRW3aB-c-F-7JcnQvXvvmwQsknV2tfOiHhrz9H6-LuohOjUP225FQPysTfx_0/s320/IMG_6688.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>What you need:</p><p>1 lb grass fed ground beef</p><p>1/2 c onion, diced</p><p>4 large cloves of garlic, minced</p><p>1 - 15 oz can pumpkin </p><p>1 - 15 oz can red kidney beans</p><p>1 - 29 oz can petite diced tomatoes</p><p>1 c chicken broth (I use Central Market's brand because it's gluten free)</p><p>2 T chili powder</p><p>1 T Cocoa + Espresso powder (I used CocoaX brand)</p><p>1 1/2 t cinnamon</p><p>3 t ground cumin</p><p>2 t kosher salt</p><p>1/2 t black pepper</p><p>1/2 or 1/4 t cayenne depending on preference</p><p>Garnish: diced red onion, avocado and cilantro</p><p><br /></p><p>What to do:</p><p>1. In a large pot, add 1-2 T olive oil and saute your onions for about 4 minutes and then add minced garlic for the last minute. </p><p>2. Add beef to the pot and brown, breaking it up as you cook. Drain the fat once no pink remains in the beef.</p><p>3. Add all other ingredients and stir until smooth. Simmer for 30 minutes (stir occasionally).</p><p>4. Garnish and enjoy!</p>Taylor and Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14045920702988964331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4079545000182166630.post-29561412062471474572021-07-14T13:05:00.004+01:002021-07-14T13:06:53.779+01:00Building a Summer Buddha Bowl + Summer Dip Guide<p> I don't know about y'all but I'm happiest in the summer, when I can pull ready made sides out of the refrigerator and leave Taylor to man the grill. Check out our favorite dips that are perfect accompaniments for building a summer buddha bowl. I make up some quinoa and our favorite dips ahead of time ahead of time and everyone can build their bowls how they like. </p><p>Add protein, quinoa, massaged kale (Mix 1 cup of kale with 1/4 <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">T olive oil and a dash of sea salt and massage it down), and your favorite dip from my Summer Dip guide. Top with salsa.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM73edvGbYi2Pz5G_JJKQnDLShoHt8snRz72j1efRHRVmi_80rZxXZfa7d6IPPmkcVyldGlrCuOuXSXhRs6dPBgXNqudVGtABsHwf8tBZz79IjJuuR9N7biORhNHXUhY3hByJDYSNZuBo/s2048/IMG_0495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM73edvGbYi2Pz5G_JJKQnDLShoHt8snRz72j1efRHRVmi_80rZxXZfa7d6IPPmkcVyldGlrCuOuXSXhRs6dPBgXNqudVGtABsHwf8tBZz79IjJuuR9N7biORhNHXUhY3hByJDYSNZuBo/s320/IMG_0495.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Here is our favorite salsa recipe:</p><p>2 roma tomatoes</p><p>1 can diced tomatoes, drained</p><p>1/2 of a small purple onion</p><p>1 jalapeno, seeded to desired hotness </p><p>1/2 bunch of cilantro (pull off from the long stems but no need to pull off every leaf since it's going in the blender)</p><p>1 t cumin</p><p>1 t sea salt</p><p>1 dash garlic salt</p><p>1 or 2 shakes of Tabasco</p><p>Throw in the blender until combined but not soupy. Eat with good tortilla chips or top your taco salad or Mexican buddha bowl.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPEV1_Tkfp9fAWBuUC43M3DB-X6IeEDCjDC6cs-nk1hREHoP1Re5J-SdZ5xdvl-l0JRBXVpXPpD7mtSsFL7UBBw8RGmFs6q759ZxRuV-_hcokKhrqoc56GT7FA-52068qA2hH_ARk0Zc/s1223/IMG_2654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1223" data-original-width="993" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPEV1_Tkfp9fAWBuUC43M3DB-X6IeEDCjDC6cs-nk1hREHoP1Re5J-SdZ5xdvl-l0JRBXVpXPpD7mtSsFL7UBBw8RGmFs6q759ZxRuV-_hcokKhrqoc56GT7FA-52068qA2hH_ARk0Zc/s320/IMG_2654.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>And click here to sign up for my FASTer Way Newsletter. I'll be sending out My Summer Dip Guide later this week!</p><p><a href="https://mailchi.mp/6fa9c696734d/fasterwaywithrobin">https://mailchi.mp/6fa9c696734d/fasterwaywithrobin</a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Taylor and Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14045920702988964331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4079545000182166630.post-65801711710663539202021-07-05T19:55:00.004+01:002021-07-05T19:55:50.300+01:00Monday Meal Planning : Mississippi Pot Roast 2 Ways<p> Y'all know I am alllllll about making my leftovers work for me. Here is a killer combination that will keep you out of the kitchen and in the pool!</p><p><br /></p><p>Night #1:</p><p><b>Slow Cooker {Clean} Mississippi Pot Roast with Roasted Red Potatoes</b></p><p style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6hVbsD-cXEW78sYh3C4vP6tNxm72qR6jJPA0ipqe4m18rrd8f9aterxudVwhZh2Q3V8YngrO70pLH-9fgOvMqZgdoup-P7NqWJy2zLVsMlQgjidOLoLoF9MVyjUYwWiWgQCaICOgqwU/s2048/IMG_4480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6hVbsD-cXEW78sYh3C4vP6tNxm72qR6jJPA0ipqe4m18rrd8f9aterxudVwhZh2Q3V8YngrO70pLH-9fgOvMqZgdoup-P7NqWJy2zLVsMlQgjidOLoLoF9MVyjUYwWiWgQCaICOgqwU/s320/IMG_4480.JPG" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Throw your chuck roast in your slow cooker, add 2 1/2 T of Wicked Spatula's <a href="https://www.wickedspatula.com/homemade-ranch-seasoning/">Clean Ranch Packet</a> to keep it dairy free, a jar of pepperoncinis, a cup or 2 of water so that the bottom is covered in liquid and there is enough moisture so that the meat doesn't burn. Cook on low for 6-8 hours (until beef is cooked through and easy to shred with two forks.</p><p><br /></p><p>While this is cooking, marinate your red onion for tomorrow's tacos by cutting up red onion, covering with red wine vinegar and a sprinkle of oregano. Cover and store in fridge for tomorrow.</p><p><br /></p><p>Serve pot roast with a side of red potatoes and a salad.</p><p><br /></p><p>Baked red potatoes:</p><p>Preheat oven to 400 degrees F</p><p>Prep rimmed cookie sheet by covering with foil.</p><p>In a large ziplock place quartered potatoes, a drizzle of olive oil, a T of the ranch seasoning, zip bag and mix ingredients together.</p><p>Pour bag contents in an even layer on the cookie sheet and bake for ~40 minutes or until fork tender.</p><p><br /></p><p>Night #2:</p><p><b>Pulled Beef Tacos with Marinated Red Onion</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3SRHbpdj2D62DXvpjbAemOQ_tKZeKdFlpf28gCzEs-p_aAcFzGykWAbRmonkQdryMOdRCqc8wHX-OCgHQlZwrJ70T3Et2QEv3GiSm4sEuL7ONQ5RKGTgNuuUaspbNWaear0_B8bVLBD0/s4032/IMG_9229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3SRHbpdj2D62DXvpjbAemOQ_tKZeKdFlpf28gCzEs-p_aAcFzGykWAbRmonkQdryMOdRCqc8wHX-OCgHQlZwrJ70T3Et2QEv3GiSm4sEuL7ONQ5RKGTgNuuUaspbNWaear0_B8bVLBD0/s320/IMG_9229.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p>Reheat leftover beef, top tortillas with beef, marinated red onions, and drizzle with sriracha aioli</p><p>Sriracha Aioli:</p><p>1/4 c clean mayo (we use Primal Kitchen)</p><p>1 T sriracha</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBdTvGjdQpEA-c73DXgV5g9BXIrdL96VG0Daqe_mVIeAFB54XRUEDGi88jhsLBQsCA-8JTGqJNxRc3_2UnYrer1APUbr0_-O6HPGYZNXIQUsGzB_JyU0X80TUkHIRCkCJakoCGZa0QMmU/s1168/IMG_9406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1168" data-original-width="1155" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBdTvGjdQpEA-c73DXgV5g9BXIrdL96VG0Daqe_mVIeAFB54XRUEDGi88jhsLBQsCA-8JTGqJNxRc3_2UnYrer1APUbr0_-O6HPGYZNXIQUsGzB_JyU0X80TUkHIRCkCJakoCGZa0QMmU/s320/IMG_9406.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17549178640956804044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4079545000182166630.post-55229587651370060302021-06-28T21:42:00.001+01:002021-06-28T21:42:28.362+01:00Come Out of Hiding<p>Excuses.</p><div><br /></div><div>I'm the queen of them. And I'm not the only one. I come from a long line of excuse makers (and you do too). This is the pattern we were born into, but we have the power to break out of this because God is in the business of dealing with excuse makers. He steps into our brokenness. And when we hide and make leaf clothes, he draws us out, </div><div><br /></div><div>He says, "where are you?" </div><div><br /></div><div>Did you hear that? </div><div><br /></div><div>When we deliberately disobey him, he moves toward us NOT away from us. </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>God is NOT in the business of canceling. He is in the business of restoration.</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Y'all. He's omniscient. </div><div><br /></div><div>He knows where they are so why does He ask them that? </div><div><br /></div><div>Because in their broken mess, in their insufficient leaf clothes, He's extending an invitation to walk with Him. </div><div><br /></div><div>We don't clean ourselves up before we come to Him because we can't. </div><div><br /></div><div>He asks us to show up - insufficient leaf clothes and all - to receive the sufficient covering only He can provide.</div><div><br /></div><div>The leaf clothes aren't going to cut it, the excuses are insufficient, the blame shifting doesn't work on Him. HE is the only One who can provide acceptable covering, but first we have to own up to what's really going on. </div><div><br /></div><div>Where are you?</div><div><br /></div><div><div>When you own up to falling short, you're accepting the invitation that calls you out of hiding and sufficiently clothes you. Costly, expensive clothes paid for by Another. </div><div><br /></div><div>No more excuses. </div><div><br /></div><div>Come out of hiding, own up to where you are, and receive what was purchased on your behalf. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div>This is the way of repentance, marked out for us from the Beginning. Admit the lie {where are you?} and receive the covering purchased by Jesus. Repentance isn't just, "I'm sorry for doing the thing. Help me not to do the thing again." It's uncovering the lie and replacing it with the Truth.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>What excuses do you need to let go of and what truth do you need to admit?</div><div><br /></div><div>Subscribe <a href="https://mailchi.mp/970e51907aa0/reflection-guide">here</a> to get my free Reflection Guide.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWD8RtgMZ8mY6lVE-PoVKimN9M7tqloDcH4sDlciLzL2AbqIfKS31QdLfDNwDHlvn-wx-DS6w3fU0kejNLuLplnaw2zq4t9NxKrsUP6ktEe_wHx0mVqPiYqK1InEGalO5Vw9B1h2lU8dQ/s1080/succulents.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWD8RtgMZ8mY6lVE-PoVKimN9M7tqloDcH4sDlciLzL2AbqIfKS31QdLfDNwDHlvn-wx-DS6w3fU0kejNLuLplnaw2zq4t9NxKrsUP6ktEe_wHx0mVqPiYqK1InEGalO5Vw9B1h2lU8dQ/s320/succulents.png" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>XO,</div><div>Robin</div>Taylor and Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14045920702988964331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4079545000182166630.post-47419565214132386512021-02-11T19:50:00.002+00:002021-02-11T19:50:49.171+00:00What's On My Table: Beef Bourguignon<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6rIexlskxtczfsEMiAFwaK_e0KyUdABp7bWX09SDab0W8uv8nqjCQP91Kn4dWutPn9BF5FHsUdeSJkZHIWhDBdlT6t51ytJ-ZOhmKUPnTHRBX8DlIi3ZEQhzLCVMEnG4ANPdbZSUc7s/s2048/IMG_5755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6rIexlskxtczfsEMiAFwaK_e0KyUdABp7bWX09SDab0W8uv8nqjCQP91Kn4dWutPn9BF5FHsUdeSJkZHIWhDBdlT6t51ytJ-ZOhmKUPnTHRBX8DlIi3ZEQhzLCVMEnG4ANPdbZSUc7s/w300-h400/IMG_5755.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>One of my passions is to show that healthy, whole food eating doesn't mean boring and flavorless food! That's not a way to live. You shouldn't have to choose between healthy and delicious! On Thursdays, I'm doing a series here called "What's On My Table" like I do on my IG account: @fasterwaywithrobin . I will be using past recipes until my kitchen is back in order. I hope you'll follow along! Please give me recipes you would like to see cleaned up, and I'll add those to the rotation when I'm able.</p><p><br /></p><p>Houston is about to have a huge cold snap, so if I had a working kitchen, Beef Bourguignon would be on my menu for Saturday. It takes a little longer to make, so buy precut stew meat to cut down on prep time. I love eating this for treat day on a thick slice of garlic rubbed toasted French bread, and then eating the leftovers (without the bread) on low carb day. It's one of those recipes that makes your house smell incredible, and it tastes even better leftover. I love making this for company or large gatherings.</p><p><br /></p><p>Clean Beef Bourguignon</p><p><br /></p><p>This base recipe comes from Ina Garten with tweaks I've made to keep it clean.</p><p>8 oz SUGAR FREE bacon (I use Pederson's)</p><p>2 1/2 lbs stew meat (1 inch cubes)</p><p>Kosher salt </p><p>Pepper</p><p>1 pound petite baby carrots </p><p>2 yellow onions, sliced</p><p>1 T garlic, minced</p><p>1 bottle dry red wine (I use 2 buck chuck Merlot from Trader Joe's)</p><p>2-4 c beef broth</p><p>1 T tomato paste</p><p>1/2 t dried thyme</p><p>4 T vegan butter</p><p>1 1/2 T arrow root starch</p><p>1 lb fresh mushrooms (I like baby bellas), washed, stems removed and sliced</p><p><br /></p><p>Method:</p><p>*Preheat oven to 250 degreed F</p><p>1. Cook your bacon in a Dutch oven. Reserve on a paper towel lined plate.</p><p>2. Salt and pepper stew meat and then brown in bacon fat. Reserve with bacon.</p><p>3. Toss carrots and onions and 1 T salt into the Dutch oven and cook 10-15 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.</p><p>4. Add meat into pot and then crumble the bacon into the pot.</p><p>5. Add wine (yes, the ENTIRE bottle ;) ), and beef broth until meat is covered. Then add thyme and tomato paste and bring to a simmer.</p><p>6. Place lid on Dutch oven and put stew in the oven for 1 1/4 hour.</p><p>7. Melt 2 T of vegan butter and combine with the arrowroot starch. Stir into Dutch oven. (You can skip this step but it won't be thick the first day).</p><p>8. Saute mushrooms in last 2 T of butter and add them to the pot. Stir to combine.</p><p>Serve over toasted French bread that has been rubbed with fresh garlic, with egg noodles, or by itself. My kids prefer it over the noodles, and Taylor and I eat it with bread for treat day and as a stew on low carb days.</p><p><br /></p><p>This is my longest recipe, but don't be intimidated by it's length. Each step is super easy, and I promise it's worth it!</p>Taylor and Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14045920702988964331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4079545000182166630.post-40427331842858399142021-02-05T02:59:00.000+00:002021-02-05T02:59:02.737+00:00Mourning the Small Things<p><br /></p><div class="gmail_quote"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzgygD9IqM7zprmz_Gl63FC2oJzm9wyOFJkpUu0j_zVrQxY4gkoFmghQVmJmhnze7oapEFWnVLAJAt_Nd1DsldAEWOauHJin6Mxy-_04U-z_07SZfHd-QsfpJSAOZBPj2djjlz3cJn2k/s2048/Shave+Ice+2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzgygD9IqM7zprmz_Gl63FC2oJzm9wyOFJkpUu0j_zVrQxY4gkoFmghQVmJmhnze7oapEFWnVLAJAt_Nd1DsldAEWOauHJin6Mxy-_04U-z_07SZfHd-QsfpJSAOZBPj2djjlz3cJn2k/s320/Shave+Ice+2019.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDQY8K7QeaeAwq1cEDx1rJiYh3vx6PZW8-JzSXgHZWz1093mYBen2q2zs4T0MRMIvzcMyEp1iBJD2t7uGejiYrTIyuDnR-XTTUMnT74D5G7xeEnDmVsR2zDaNdMCP0AmASWbDz_cJrHA/s4032/Maui+Water+stack+2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDQY8K7QeaeAwq1cEDx1rJiYh3vx6PZW8-JzSXgHZWz1093mYBen2q2zs4T0MRMIvzcMyEp1iBJD2t7uGejiYrTIyuDnR-XTTUMnT74D5G7xeEnDmVsR2zDaNdMCP0AmASWbDz_cJrHA/s320/Maui+Water+stack+2019.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjP8atmmrvYOIPLlFWaC216dnJaKZHgmr9JGkMfhET9A4QE_Osofs3RoUW4vVguD5DNW46mRfGv3zd7vTU6a3pVNZfn41chcy_3qCs6afn7A4xqeM3p60n0eL1g3bjybhiaHrDGwM_8ho/s4032/Front+Street+Lanai+icecream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjP8atmmrvYOIPLlFWaC216dnJaKZHgmr9JGkMfhET9A4QE_Osofs3RoUW4vVguD5DNW46mRfGv3zd7vTU6a3pVNZfn41chcy_3qCs6afn7A4xqeM3p60n0eL1g3bjybhiaHrDGwM_8ho/s320/Front+Street+Lanai+icecream.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;">#tbt to the place I miss the most, to a time when I didn’t even consider the possibility of owning a mask or giving someone a wide berth when walking down Front Street. A time when you could smile at strangers and they could actually see your whole face and smile back.<br /><br />Most days we wear our masks and get on with life as normal as best as we can, but yesterday, one of my kids broke down. He had had enough. He needed to mourn. Mourn the fact that Covid has changed our world and given us a new normal that means if someone has a sniffle, things are canceled. And he’s tired of things being canceled. We both are.<br /><br />I told him I could relate. Yesterday I walked into a restaurant without a mask. This was completely unintentional. My scattered self has done this a couple times before (ALWAYS on accident), but this time was different. <br /><br />I was confronted immediately by an employee demanding that I put on my mask. I was embarrassed and then I was angry. I wanted to shout at her, “this is NOT normal!” <br /><br />Don’t worry, I didn’t. #enneagram9</blockquote><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;"><br />I walked back out and got my mask and processed my reaction. Usually I'm a happy little rule follower, but it hit me afresh that wearing a mask is NOT normal. And while I understand why we wear them, I hadn’t really allowed myself to grieve the, yes small, but in many ways profound loss of freedom that cute fabric from Athleta represents. It is a daily, sometimes, hourly reminder every time we leave the house that something is not right in the world. And when we don't take the time to mourn, to allow ourselves to feel sad, the grief turns into anger or bitterness and the bigger loss is that we miss out on the comfort of the Lord (Matthew 5:4).</blockquote><p> </p><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;">I reminded my child (and myself), that we mourn but not without hope and not without comfort. And as believers we look at our suffering through a different lens than the world. Instead of asking, “God, why are you doing this to me?” We ask Him, “God, what are you doing?” Asking Him to open our eyes, hearts, and minds to the good we see Him bringing about in these bizarre times we are living in instead of just waiting for everything to go back to a normal that might not come.<br /></blockquote><p><br /></p><p>God what are you doing? </p><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;">This question takes trusting Him that the path He has us on is right. He is not surprised that there is a worldwide pandemic. He has not stopped being able to use what was meant for evil for good (Genesis 50:20). We trust Him with the big picture - that He has the end planned, and we can only see the piece of the path we need to see in this moment. And He is with us (Psalm 23:5).<br /><br />We can trust Him because what looked like the biggest train wreck in the history of the world, the Cross, was the very thing He used to save us.<br /><br />So we mourn our losses big and small. Process them through prayer and conversations with empathetic friends. We have a God who leads us in paths of righteousness, comforts us through the valley of the shadow of death, and walks with us on every part of the journey.<br /><br />If you’re struggling with this too, I highly recommend Psalm 23, Genesis 37-50, Romans 8 for meditation.<br /></blockquote><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtSqgPnUkblgBu6RoeE1PZCgM0MpeRdDfFmtNvnRXN58gHs6J4RUNKk0pTNo7go2Zk4UWYJNqbnLBqMK075Bo2wmx8ESkeW0hySEuryVIn_8GvJAnpaX1ZdcqyHklLXeKWQPyMu_tW38/s2048/Launiupoko+Sunset+2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtSqgPnUkblgBu6RoeE1PZCgM0MpeRdDfFmtNvnRXN58gHs6J4RUNKk0pTNo7go2Zk4UWYJNqbnLBqMK075Bo2wmx8ESkeW0hySEuryVIn_8GvJAnpaX1ZdcqyHklLXeKWQPyMu_tW38/s320/Launiupoko+Sunset+2019.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p> </p></div>Taylor and Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14045920702988964331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4079545000182166630.post-76851711489998820832021-01-02T03:34:00.006+00:002021-01-02T03:34:52.824+00:002020 Books!<p><br /></p><div><br /></div><div>I met my Good Reads 2020 goal with 6 to spare thanks to quarantine. Check out my Instagram @fasterwaywithrobin to see all 46 of my 2020 reads! </div><div><br /></div><div>Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin was probably my most important read of 2020. If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend it.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNGeqJAidHNc5Wxk_ukhnYyalY8SA0eARDIOC9pENQTk0AzJ0mTbQWrZpg1Puu6c4isuPihhHvvp54lx5_ce8avWTAahFaqW3ygrpy1aHnbyQKGmrSgmYJNTZ3JQp8b3QFEQvmH07kHQ/s625/View+recent+photos.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="415" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNGeqJAidHNc5Wxk_ukhnYyalY8SA0eARDIOC9pENQTk0AzJ0mTbQWrZpg1Puu6c4isuPihhHvvp54lx5_ce8avWTAahFaqW3ygrpy1aHnbyQKGmrSgmYJNTZ3JQp8b3QFEQvmH07kHQ/s320/View+recent+photos.png" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>I had the HARDEST time narrowing down my top 3 fiction for 2020, but here they are along with some honorable mentions:</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Honorable Mentions:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXQxsFmTGjacSGn5uAIFt2Kof-WKb3YphlcypNV8lN2WymwiOkPQTu42zDZtcuVneZlXjU58epRvCcwdnyiiUkM5VOKC4HZ6OkfGGnJd-8fFWPAyvMQJ83EVbcsJ8hF0roobqqd9QKH4/s909/summer+of+69+-+Google+Search.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="909" data-original-width="579" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXQxsFmTGjacSGn5uAIFt2Kof-WKb3YphlcypNV8lN2WymwiOkPQTu42zDZtcuVneZlXjU58epRvCcwdnyiiUkM5VOKC4HZ6OkfGGnJd-8fFWPAyvMQJ83EVbcsJ8hF0roobqqd9QKH4/s320/summer+of+69+-+Google+Search.png" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Summer of 69 - This was in my #1 spot for most of the year but my fall/winter reading edged it out. If you like Elin Hilderbrand, add this to your list! The cultural references are super fun, and I enjoyed the characterization and story line. I wish Summer of '79 was an entire novel!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Rhc9sSK0mLLpqk019P5WWN7WI-tQyCRA2HEXNRREzv-Rw1IdlDNUECSw_qkpMxHAZ72WsmeQIsb5LY3mCc_bO_9tVmQ54AzEt-GAsmvGpsdxFAZsy05BJiJX6NJee-NFQzawXGYPLv4/s875/the+hate+u+give+-+Google+Search.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="558" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Rhc9sSK0mLLpqk019P5WWN7WI-tQyCRA2HEXNRREzv-Rw1IdlDNUECSw_qkpMxHAZ72WsmeQIsb5LY3mCc_bO_9tVmQ54AzEt-GAsmvGpsdxFAZsy05BJiJX6NJee-NFQzawXGYPLv4/s320/the+hate+u+give+-+Google+Search.png" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The Hate U Give - Excellent read; the perspective was helpful and the main character, Starr, was so endearing. Seeing the circumstances through her eyes was very eye opening.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuTvQPOnZvGCtaMWu3-HDYKOsNxO3ID1g4Md28riDIsUA1oaGOoQgaFnv0kzbNnH0N3Qc9ubbfKlogKkeKVs1Nvd4C2Lt-ZzRKsMZpufYPlFiAq-MC3t5chKfk3BEHDMCOIvH0FXT1JI/s889/a+woman+is+no+man+by+etaf+rum+-+Google+Search.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="574" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuTvQPOnZvGCtaMWu3-HDYKOsNxO3ID1g4Md28riDIsUA1oaGOoQgaFnv0kzbNnH0N3Qc9ubbfKlogKkeKVs1Nvd4C2Lt-ZzRKsMZpufYPlFiAq-MC3t5chKfk3BEHDMCOIvH0FXT1JI/s320/a+woman+is+no+man+by+etaf+rum+-+Google+Search.png" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>A Woman is No Man - This was my first read of 2020 and it stayed with me all year. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Z9_rWD17eGbKS-eU8RKt6unIktXUbAxkqnBho5W3sgizXopxcRnN7jEpQpatUyXccxrItlI36qJMxwp6RCcmY5xFWQpOCvORUPe9qFexRebnt1lbNsuwH3SCYcr3rb2GwMC_FYYyLe8/s879/all+your+perfects+-+Google+Search.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="590" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Z9_rWD17eGbKS-eU8RKt6unIktXUbAxkqnBho5W3sgizXopxcRnN7jEpQpatUyXccxrItlI36qJMxwp6RCcmY5xFWQpOCvORUPe9qFexRebnt1lbNsuwH3SCYcr3rb2GwMC_FYYyLe8/s320/all+your+perfects+-+Google+Search.png" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>All Your Perfects - Her struggle in this story was similar to ours, and I thought Colleen Hoover handled it so well. I loved the main characters and watching them navigate this particular hardship in their marriage.</div><div><br /></div><div>Top 3 Fiction:</div><div><br /></div><div>3. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRjYI3HnQ4sMsRoqZwELEpQtQ10oRjUPVp9MCHcljLhyC3Aaxu0EpvMCoFK6nwyQhCGGcbFEp6Ag1RXDVR1icaYAezZm3zcdBHFXRVVVSut1uRA9nNT7_XIYclFPVXU9fhMcVS_4W8Mk/s845/winter+in+paradise+-+Google+Search.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="572" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRjYI3HnQ4sMsRoqZwELEpQtQ10oRjUPVp9MCHcljLhyC3Aaxu0EpvMCoFK6nwyQhCGGcbFEp6Ag1RXDVR1icaYAezZm3zcdBHFXRVVVSut1uRA9nNT7_XIYclFPVXU9fhMcVS_4W8Mk/s320/winter+in+paradise+-+Google+Search.png" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Winter in Paradise by ElinHilderbrand</div><div>I devoured all 3 books in this series in about a 3 week period between Thanksgiving and Christmas - it was perfection. As usual, Elin's characterization is just perfect, and I enjoyed the departure from Nantucket to St. John. It starts out with the unraveling of a husband's secret and the novel unfolds as his wife begins to uncover the truth behind the facade of what she thought was a solid marriage. Her sons are also primary characters giving the book depth and perspective. I loved each personality and the partial setting in Houston. The 3 books read in a row like one long novel. I wish there was a 4th!</div><div><br /></div><div>2. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEH-RsDbUNkjKAD4beH7rJcy0ZREFR2GfaB9A_QBpbpUoGMOLj9cgfQP3eGRkB1ovs2uAn8jic6kISUQrgTEFpXKKBAT7u6r2nJOWZrCqTtyj-2ertmvQwUdq4VG_pJgqqTY8V7Bw6GuA/s879/happiness+for+beginners+movie+-+Google+Search.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="580" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEH-RsDbUNkjKAD4beH7rJcy0ZREFR2GfaB9A_QBpbpUoGMOLj9cgfQP3eGRkB1ovs2uAn8jic6kISUQrgTEFpXKKBAT7u6r2nJOWZrCqTtyj-2ertmvQwUdq4VG_pJgqqTY8V7Bw6GuA/s320/happiness+for+beginners+movie+-+Google+Search.png" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Happiness For Beginners by Katherine Center</div><div>I thought for sure this would be in the #1 spot once it edged out Summer of '69; I even voted for it as my favorite before I finished my number one pick which was my last read of 2020. I love a couple other Katherine Center books but kept skipping over this one because of the premise, but I fell in love with the characters and enjoyed the psychology behind it, and the transformation of the main character. Helen Carpenter is starting over. She knows she needs to do something extreme to help get her life out of the rut it's in, so she goes on a specific journey with some unexpected and unwanted companions. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>1. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivnT8FjT88gsFRVShwG2kmQ2YyHjlhTy2tyjR5Fa-FT-no2KsNHyKXSu_pnIAUYgPwen3gKAwJi81C0nCbGxfqOOL-AfmOn5TH8ozVex7CND8B1js3nTFRTryxwqpZrN0lFcwpSUySi94/s911/the+simple+wild+-+Google+Search.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="911" data-original-width="590" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivnT8FjT88gsFRVShwG2kmQ2YyHjlhTy2tyjR5Fa-FT-no2KsNHyKXSu_pnIAUYgPwen3gKAwJi81C0nCbGxfqOOL-AfmOn5TH8ozVex7CND8B1js3nTFRTryxwqpZrN0lFcwpSUySi94/s320/the+simple+wild+-+Google+Search.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizaAo6YiwScErRqpOUa7oeORb8LIdVfJjwdzb7_cd26LDo9hTfOYdbfQwPaUtTo9nkpUuJ6-gxkmf1xlpqwc7IMKtWD6L7_zdM-IzLyWnc5hGxtLNygUaTy6iBHBVaHWSj5dASK8ZkR5I/s707/wild+at+heart+ka+tucker+-+Google+Search.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="437" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizaAo6YiwScErRqpOUa7oeORb8LIdVfJjwdzb7_cd26LDo9hTfOYdbfQwPaUtTo9nkpUuJ6-gxkmf1xlpqwc7IMKtWD6L7_zdM-IzLyWnc5hGxtLNygUaTy6iBHBVaHWSj5dASK8ZkR5I/s320/wild+at+heart+ka+tucker+-+Google+Search.png" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The Simple Wild and Wild at Heart by K.A. Tucker</div><div>The first novel in this series, The Simple Wild, kept popping up everywhere, and I'm so glad I gave it a shot. I preferred the second book in the series, but you need the first for the second! I'm currently reading the last one, but I'm reading it slowly because I don't want to say goodbye! Calla Fletcher apprehensively visits her estranged father in Alaska after some things of importance come to light. I was not a Calla fan at first, and was a little afraid it was going to be too predictable, but her transformation over the course of the novels is captivating, and I appreciated the twist the author throws in there. These are probably technically romance which is not a genre I ever choose on purpose, and I definitely skipped over parts so be warned.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Year end book reviews are my favorites - give me ALL the recs for 2021!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Taylor and Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14045920702988964331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4079545000182166630.post-74357906811668068152020-12-20T00:06:00.002+00:002021-12-23T22:15:44.211+00:00Christmas Cookies: Thumbprints<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QNUYK_JombZKi2N7WyBmucX8mcX_OpXAncIu9RVKsjfSWpAryq5gsPWMzyj4apepSs-wsLLOUtV-z1JQPunILl2sU6oeq3RMr_SC8H4PMgr7whvTz17VXqWYJVCbDPI_y-OVicaYSEg/s2048/IMG-6696.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QNUYK_JombZKi2N7WyBmucX8mcX_OpXAncIu9RVKsjfSWpAryq5gsPWMzyj4apepSs-wsLLOUtV-z1JQPunILl2sU6oeq3RMr_SC8H4PMgr7whvTz17VXqWYJVCbDPI_y-OVicaYSEg/s320/IMG-6696.JPG" /></a></div><p>Ingredients: <br /></p><p>1/2 cup butter, room temp</p><p>1/3 c sugar</p><p>1 egg, separated</p><p>1/4 t vanilla</p><p>1/4 t almond</p><p>1 c sifted flour</p><p>1/2 t salt</p><p>4/4 c chopped walnuts</p><p>1/2 c apricot jam</p><p>Method:</p><p>1.Preheat oven to 300 degrees F<br /></p><p>2. Cream butter</p><p>3. Beat in egg yolk and flavorings</p><p>4. Add in flour sifted with salt</p><p>5. Form into 36 small balls (I never can make it to 36...)</p><p>6. Dip in egg white and roll in walnuts</p><p>7. Place on parchment covered cookie sheet and press your thumb in the middle of each ball.</p><p>8. Bake for 25 minutes</p><p>9. Add a dollop of jam while cookies are still warm</p><p><br /></p><p>Since I don't have the fancy "jump to recipe" button so I thought I'd put my description after in case you don't care - hah!</p><p>This is my maternal grandmother's recipe and it's just the BEST. I don't have a sweet tooth, but these cookie are my weakness. I'm thankful for the FASTer Way where I can plan to eat a bunch on treat day without guilt!<br /></p><p>It's super easy to make them gluten free - just swap the regular flour with gluten free 1:1 flour. They taste exactly the same!</p><br />Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17549178640956804044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4079545000182166630.post-83598402751505455692020-12-18T23:28:00.000+00:002020-12-18T23:28:02.449+00:00Friday Favorites: Christmas Dinner Menu<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1ywudo0EabAqR3itRR5ObT0HPbjCXd7LX-RVJefemPRDBxQ5q47MdJu58Esc2PY2lx_q-qobYGz_56Xv8_UInU7gDHY2HWR-sIQK-TME36_PTEkbB95bxr7bkHW1R-k_y_Udto0rJ6c/s1080/Christmas+Dinner+Menu+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1ywudo0EabAqR3itRR5ObT0HPbjCXd7LX-RVJefemPRDBxQ5q47MdJu58Esc2PY2lx_q-qobYGz_56Xv8_UInU7gDHY2HWR-sIQK-TME36_PTEkbB95bxr7bkHW1R-k_y_Udto0rJ6c/s320/Christmas+Dinner+Menu+2.png" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>One year when we lived in Edinburgh, I hosted Christmas at our flat, and it was EXHAUSTING. So much respect for my mom and mother-in-law for hosting all these years with grace and cheer all the while making it look effortless! So if you're hosting, you want to make sure your Christmas Dinner Menu is delicious but LOW MAINTENANCE so you can enter into the festivities without being too preoccupied.</p><p><br /></p><p>When I got married, I was shocked to find out that it was traditional to basically serve Thanksgiving for Christmas dinner. Not to knock Thanksgiving because I do like it, but it's more special to have it once a year, and it's too much work to make this for Christmas in my opinion. In case you fall in this camp, I'm giving you permission to adopt my family's Christmas menu this year. My mom (actually her mom) is a genius for going against the grain on it because it is better than Thanksgiving! It's clean (if you skip the dessert and cocktail), and it's simple to throw together, but it looks fancy! My goal on Christmas Day is to be present with my family NOT a slave to my kitchen.</p><p><br /></p><p>Kellam Christmas Dinner Menu:</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">1. Standing Rib Roast</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSSwb506x2d8_2W8Lh871CQxcRL_Taf9-G2MChar6z-pZy4iWE1YlVOliVlNVad1CgGSh0aDX95ACe4bzwdGKMDlrnZHozJ1rkBIWUsgltqABeoJ3GI63QdXg64slfmK3-vwBQnOz1dY/s1080/2F6E05E5-AA4D-438B-8450-BE505D0615C1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSSwb506x2d8_2W8Lh871CQxcRL_Taf9-G2MChar6z-pZy4iWE1YlVOliVlNVad1CgGSh0aDX95ACe4bzwdGKMDlrnZHozJ1rkBIWUsgltqABeoJ3GI63QdXg64slfmK3-vwBQnOz1dY/s320/2F6E05E5-AA4D-438B-8450-BE505D0615C1.PNG" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Disclaimer: make sure the bottom of your oven is clean so you don't set your house on fire. Preheat oven to 500 degrees (you read that right). Rub roast with olive oil and salt and pepper or butter instead of olive oil if you're not dairy free. Place roast in 500 degree oven for 5 minutes per pound (keep close watch and make sure you have a fire extinguisher handy...kidding, kind of), then turn the oven off and leave roast in there for 2 hours and DON'T OPEN THE DOOR for the entire time it's in the oven (this is a very important step because if you open it early, you could cause your entire apartment complex to have to evacuate on Christmas Day because you set off the smoke alarm...not that I know this from personal experience, ahem). In all seriousness, pay attention to it while the oven just in case ;) (we've never started a fire, but if the bottom of your oven is dirty, all bets are off at that temp). The high heat for the first part will give you a delicious crust on the outside and then leaving it after you turn it off makes it perfect on the inside.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">2. </span><a href="https://www.foodiecrush.com/rosemary-garlic-butter-smashed-potatoes/" style="text-align: left;">Rosemary Garlic Smashed Potatoes</a>*</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi689_26Mh2v0vENexJLNC6NXKi-mSBh04YWiAAhz7vpI_m3qFDVViF2xxuitW6ny1E78U7T3TVz3WBeAt__6KmDZwIGQ_2cxPStQxgcvaP65GKSbK0ksHMbipkb0f9nsqfo7zz2Ezfoe0/s1639/IMG_6639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1639" data-original-width="1089" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi689_26Mh2v0vENexJLNC6NXKi-mSBh04YWiAAhz7vpI_m3qFDVViF2xxuitW6ny1E78U7T3TVz3WBeAt__6KmDZwIGQ_2cxPStQxgcvaP65GKSbK0ksHMbipkb0f9nsqfo7zz2Ezfoe0/w213-h320/IMG_6639.jpg" title="Photo from foodiecrush.com" width="213" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">(photo from foodiecrush.com)</p><p>Click above link for recipe. *I sub olive oil to keep them dairy free!</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">3. The BEST Green Beans</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7LKDokFXkOHggdN6ikI2eaCcgC69ajZv5K1Ny8mrGMcpMFLlama6BMb_t08CqA1_5JSr957YL9wu8GfDhrpIjoc5akY_ZwT_fmN4PDT0tzxWqFjkL81kBmtmT1AnOQWvemodeAC40JGs/s1649/IMG_6638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1649" data-original-width="1226" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7LKDokFXkOHggdN6ikI2eaCcgC69ajZv5K1Ny8mrGMcpMFLlama6BMb_t08CqA1_5JSr957YL9wu8GfDhrpIjoc5akY_ZwT_fmN4PDT0tzxWqFjkL81kBmtmT1AnOQWvemodeAC40JGs/s320/IMG_6638.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Buy the prewashed, steam in the bag green beans (don't buy a huge bag if cooking for a crowd because cooking time can be tricky and they don't steam as well. Buy multiple normal sized bags and steam in batches. I under cook them a tad so they are al dente (~2 minutes) and throw in an ice bath to preserve their bright green color. Then saute minced garlic in olive oil or butter for 30 seconds, drain green beans and add to pan sauteing on med high heat. Sprinkle with salt and stir often. Add in a heavy pour of dry white wine like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, turn up heat and reduce by half. Squeeze a lemon over it and serve immediately.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">4. Cherry Pie </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPS6ki8M0wq5iv9INd8acOV9PaQP50z0_TgNAzxKt94PkJG-WTEd69pEL0YSKDT9QafU5hvEORWH6poid0kBLDQSurBshr37GznObq1wkRgbk599MoeIv1Q4yhlLqrmL89dpYuDlh0jE/s1080/473A6240-345C-4FE5-AE86-51B1FC485F5B.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPS6ki8M0wq5iv9INd8acOV9PaQP50z0_TgNAzxKt94PkJG-WTEd69pEL0YSKDT9QafU5hvEORWH6poid0kBLDQSurBshr37GznObq1wkRgbk599MoeIv1Q4yhlLqrmL89dpYuDlh0jE/s320/473A6240-345C-4FE5-AE86-51B1FC485F5B.PNG" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>This is the easiest pie ever but for some reason is my kids' favorite. We literally follow the cherry pie filling can directions and use a <a href="https://www.randalls.com/shop/product-details.960142376.html?cmpid=ps_ran_sou_ecom_goo_20200924_71700000073186117_58700006366326794_92700057547093788&gclid=Cj0KCQiAw_H-BRD-ARIsALQE_2MIYYzjKgFUIxUOHWH_KGZoIUFhx9WQzNRytJhBRyHksH3noGYEuasaAhGBEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds">frozen Pillsbury Pets Ritz Pie Crust</a> and make a latticed top with Pillsbury rolled dough (refrigerated section by the biscuits). Pillsbury is the best so don't sub for a different store bought version! To make lattice, slice rolled dough into ~1 inch strips. Line top quarter of your pie with strips pressed into the crust but folded outward on the counter. Do this on left side quarter as well. Weave strips together. Cover edges in foil for first part of baking time to keep it from burning and then uncover so it turns golden.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Bonus: Festive Cranberry Champagne Cocktail</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnsMdQX8Y9U1FdD6gd6jr6EWb72Zw3jNPIrfVpVGE5vQ6BqzT0KmwLDd0uNyPrhcDs6QJpHyK7s0GBYsHQEhyepv2k5KHxuR00zQGddvOC65OTsdDjUfml0QUsVef-WZ8K9zLU1C4w60/s2048/IMG_6643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnsMdQX8Y9U1FdD6gd6jr6EWb72Zw3jNPIrfVpVGE5vQ6BqzT0KmwLDd0uNyPrhcDs6QJpHyK7s0GBYsHQEhyepv2k5KHxuR00zQGddvOC65OTsdDjUfml0QUsVef-WZ8K9zLU1C4w60/s320/IMG_6643.JPG" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Line rim with raw sugar, add 1/2 a shot of chilled rum to the glass and fill the rest with champagne and add a cranberry juice floater on top. Add fresh cranberry and mint for garnish.</p><p>Tag me on instagram if you make any of this! @fasterwaywithrobin</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Taylor and Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14045920702988964331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4079545000182166630.post-91582465116521143952020-12-18T04:34:00.004+00:002020-12-18T04:34:40.046+00:00Cozy Stovetop Beef Stew<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqr5VFFj2SO_zWRS9SCDgQhc1GWPhej5DTGr6gxd3VBimw2fqxMGQ-rgKI7D3wuCFTqrwCQHJZJvaa4MKtDD4TjFzLfjBqmUGTkSUXKbD2F7Q8DvXREkJ4zEygz4dRTZk7ZOXG2hPzzE/s1211/Screenshot+2020-12-17+at+1.34.54+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1211" data-original-width="998" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqr5VFFj2SO_zWRS9SCDgQhc1GWPhej5DTGr6gxd3VBimw2fqxMGQ-rgKI7D3wuCFTqrwCQHJZJvaa4MKtDD4TjFzLfjBqmUGTkSUXKbD2F7Q8DvXREkJ4zEygz4dRTZk7ZOXG2hPzzE/w330-h400/Screenshot+2020-12-17+at+1.34.54+PM.png" width="330" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: center;"><b>What's On My Table:</b></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: center;"><b>Cozy Stovetop Beef Stew</b></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: left;"> I adapted this recipe from <a href="https://mixandmatchmama.com/">Mix and Match Mama</a> and swapped out some ingredients to make it cleaner. I love this type of meal on a cold winter's night. Enjoy!</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: center;"><b>Ingredients:</b></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: left;">Olive oil for coating your pan (~ 2 T)</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: left;">1 lb stew meat (should already be cut into cubes for you</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: left;">1 qt beef broth</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: left;">2 tablespoons honey</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: left;">1 tablespoon lemon juice</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: left;">1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: left;">1 chopped onion, chopped</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: left;">2 minced garlic cloves</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: left;">2 bay leaves </div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: left;">1 cup baby carrots (or 2 large carrots chopped)</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: left;">2 Yukon gold potatoes (though any will work), cubed</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: left;">1 1/2 tablespoon arrowroot starch</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: left;">1 1/2 tablespoon water</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: center;"></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: center;"><b>Method:</b></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: left;">1. In a Dutch oven, heat up oil and then brown meat (doesn't have to be cooked through just brown each side). </div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: left;">3. Stir in the next 7 ingredients and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook covered for about 2 hours. For the last 1/2 hour of cooking, add in your carrots and potatoes and cover.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: left;">4. 10 min before serving, combine your arrowroot starch with water and add to pot. Cook uncovered on the stovetop at medium high heat for about 10 minutes being sure to stir occasionally.</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: left;">5. Serve in bowls with a side salad and dinner is done!</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: left;">XO,</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: left;">Robin</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Muli, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.75px; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Taylor and Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14045920702988964331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4079545000182166630.post-15316536785540315932020-12-15T18:27:00.000+00:002020-12-15T18:27:46.133+00:00Clean Crispy Bacon<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbI0eB0SdYp8h2aNn9Qt4O1WgKPckac-ZGpGpVOhYPRMvhWVt7SUkFxlhy91Kfgzg9NQxB2n4yOwbDHV2sgDNpysAzehajn7FisdWfFcjOPxHAja1YgfzGFPDnShv6RLn8K-6F3xFEbE4/s2048/7C7E0F57-036D-4B2A-B694-720FEE7643C3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbI0eB0SdYp8h2aNn9Qt4O1WgKPckac-ZGpGpVOhYPRMvhWVt7SUkFxlhy91Kfgzg9NQxB2n4yOwbDHV2sgDNpysAzehajn7FisdWfFcjOPxHAja1YgfzGFPDnShv6RLn8K-6F3xFEbE4/s320/7C7E0F57-036D-4B2A-B694-720FEE7643C3.JPG" /> </a> We carb cycle in the FASTer Way to keep our body from adaptation. We want our metabolism revved, and we want our bodies fueled properly for our workouts which paired with our food cycle promotes fat burning. You don't have to cut carbs completely to get into fat burning mode - this isn't sustainable long term, doesn't support building lean calorie burning muscles, and means missing out on joining in around the table with loved ones.</p><p>So on low carbs days, I look forward to avocado, low carb fruit, and especially bacon because it is high in fat, but mostly because it's bacon and therefore delicious. I detest the greasy mess and babysitting required for making it on the stove and haven't mastered the microwave, so I make it in the oven. It's doesn't require much oversight and cleaning is a breeze.</p><p><br /></p><p>The deets:</p><p>Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Lay bacon out on cookie sheet (make sure you get sugar free bacon - I like the Pederson's brand). Bake until it smells ready! Check at 15 minutes, but will probably be ready closer to 20 depending on preferred crispiness.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfx4nDOCNnUNYLoaGkyc6mzhSUcL5IpeveuMk9jFrWZjIWcZHrUHWxSKSG0gk3Ve28hxXefT9_1I4EtwhobkknuFsc3OvVYFBfli3uWuK6bAhcW5ewjK5L0FpIsV9rEUV59erzBXozdk/s2048/IMG_5323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfx4nDOCNnUNYLoaGkyc6mzhSUcL5IpeveuMk9jFrWZjIWcZHrUHWxSKSG0gk3Ve28hxXefT9_1I4EtwhobkknuFsc3OvVYFBfli3uWuK6bAhcW5ewjK5L0FpIsV9rEUV59erzBXozdk/w300-h400/IMG_5323.JPG" width="300" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dJy6LjEHpDJHDb9OcnvJaCSxdmKGhuaYIO_fZp-eY4n_L7aGOCHRPqB-Dq3JNJ7tYK5-pjQ2SvFqjTHtn4VCxaO5RJs63Ya8x3cZi7EHQn0yfxCvkarbBEYMs2ozS9c40XCcBgZ80fc/s2048/IMG_4361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dJy6LjEHpDJHDb9OcnvJaCSxdmKGhuaYIO_fZp-eY4n_L7aGOCHRPqB-Dq3JNJ7tYK5-pjQ2SvFqjTHtn4VCxaO5RJs63Ya8x3cZi7EHQn0yfxCvkarbBEYMs2ozS9c40XCcBgZ80fc/s320/IMG_4361.JPG" /></a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Enjoy!<br /><br /><p><br /></p>Taylor and Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14045920702988964331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4079545000182166630.post-91644654080798731192020-12-12T21:53:00.000+00:002020-12-12T21:53:44.267+00:00Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate - adults only!<p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5eEYJ6OW_IytRJTXowPoo1ySQxTd-ZyGbQjZrNLSzJcoNXxncumWKz7i6QOlq4CinqEEsyQUmxW1RKU2NN9wQCOJLwRFEDv5OEwHQnoCshH8v1YfcKdSHmU8MxYmu0K6YZ2KitRzm0Y/s2048/IMG_5903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5eEYJ6OW_IytRJTXowPoo1ySQxTd-ZyGbQjZrNLSzJcoNXxncumWKz7i6QOlq4CinqEEsyQUmxW1RKU2NN9wQCOJLwRFEDv5OEwHQnoCshH8v1YfcKdSHmU8MxYmu0K6YZ2KitRzm0Y/w480-h640/IMG_5903.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Need a fun drink for a festive night in or a crowd pleaser for your Christmas party? If you Christmas party isn't cancelled it's likely being held outside, and this recipe will warm you right up!</p><p>Instant hot chocolate is NOT my jam, but when I saw this slow cooker hot cocoa recipe on <a href="xandmatchmama.com" target="_blank">Mix and Match Mama's Blog</a> made from actual melted chocolate I knew I had to try it! I made it my own by adding a festive floater. Leave out the alcohol and it's great for kids too!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKqecdUDnSj8OY-bxU7nxWNJ7StH9bUgmGCzlKthY1J4GbDWdoNKtRXyHv5zYKgB2XZUE5rvnqrUuFwdMlfw-8QrpyuPHKUH4h_sm1Z8rfHRbxyrhveqRMaGaHww7emIoz7jcnTZKoF0/s4032/IMG_5914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKqecdUDnSj8OY-bxU7nxWNJ7StH9bUgmGCzlKthY1J4GbDWdoNKtRXyHv5zYKgB2XZUE5rvnqrUuFwdMlfw-8QrpyuPHKUH4h_sm1Z8rfHRbxyrhveqRMaGaHww7emIoz7jcnTZKoF0/w247-h329/IMG_5914.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Method:</p><p>Toss in a 12 oz bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips and a 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk into your slow cooker on high until chocolate is melted (for about 30 minutes). Stir every 10 minutes or so to make sure the edges don't burn. Once it's melted, whisk in 1/2 t vanilla and 1/2 gal of milk - I've made it with almond milk and with whole milk - my kids preferred the almond milk! Leave it in the slow cooker for about 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally. Double the recipe if making for a large crowd. To make if for the 21 and up crowd, add a peppermint schnapps floater! </p><p>Once it's ready, change setting to warm and then give yourself enough time to let it cool off completely, and then I just put my whole slow cooker bowl in the fridge once the chocolate is close to room temperature (read your slow cooker manual to make sure your bowl can handle this!). Then the next day, I make sure the bowl doesn't have any condensation on it and then put it back in my slow cooker to reheat and serve again.</p><p>Tag me on IG if you try it! @fasterwaywithrobin</p><p> </p>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17549178640956804044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4079545000182166630.post-16548879811688637772017-09-12T13:05:00.000+01:002017-09-12T13:05:38.634+01:00Show and Tell Tuesday {9.12.17} What's in My BagLinking up with <a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/" target="_blank">Andrea</a> for blogging regularity purposes as "what's in my bag" isn't a topic that I would normally write about because the answer can basically be summed up in one uninteresting and probably repelling word:<br />
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trash.<br />
<br />
Hi my name is Robin and trash is in my bag.<br />
<br />
I would like to blame this on my children, and don't get me wrong, they are major contributors to this problem (ahem, Lego directions), but I'm pretty sure it wasn't much better before I had kids. Maybe just without the half eaten Z bars.<br />
<br />
Last spring, I was at a Bible study and my friend, Maggie, asked me for gum or something, and I laughed and said, "if I can find it! I'm super disorganized!" which she was hilariously surprised at until I opened my bag and showed her, and we had a good laugh. Apparently I am good at hiding my messiness. (Lord, please don't let this be true of my spiritual life!)<br />
<br />
So today when I grabbed my purse that I tend to use in fall and winter, to my dismay, I found a half eaten bar that had been in there for months. Gross. Along with about a billion receipts, a fuzz covered paci, gum, lego directions, expired gap cash etc. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_g6ogfDjAj9-9hg3f3HZtz4fZl5brME2PCXeZFjvNGclnfPnGbMmUT7gur6dKGSceOjh5G4qq6USQ8U7ViallL5sjEvI_iKv3b_9X5flZWePllFNZyIGJ9yImBhcfiR_dqS4Ft8YgYc/s1600/IMG_0810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_g6ogfDjAj9-9hg3f3HZtz4fZl5brME2PCXeZFjvNGclnfPnGbMmUT7gur6dKGSceOjh5G4qq6USQ8U7ViallL5sjEvI_iKv3b_9X5flZWePllFNZyIGJ9yImBhcfiR_dqS4Ft8YgYc/s640/IMG_0810.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#keepinitreal</td></tr>
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<br />
Aren't you glad you were curious about my bag?<br />
<br />
<br />
If I was an organized person, this is what my bag would look like:<br />
<br />
1. phone<br />
2. wallet<br />
3. keys<br />
4. my planner<br />
5. kid snack (still in wrapper)<br />
6. gum<br />
7. extra clothes for the newly potty trained child<br />
THE END<br />
<br />
(I would take a picture of this above scenario, but that would require me to clean out my bag and mama ain't got time for that today.) #goalsTaylor and Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14045920702988964331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4079545000182166630.post-54477350914812138152017-09-09T03:23:00.000+01:002017-09-09T03:23:14.913+01:00Friday Favorites {9.8.17}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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1. Harvey Relief!</div>
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My Texas necklace from Jenn's shop:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRzzqjEjQC4q0AWz-n8YZkE-5jP5hKLAvNDm_2ZqGIFVNNMQLJG6_tWoaUgWRPtN2O1bjtUWCP_DNbU_vucHEMQDN_XRwK5wqMtl0DRJrwz1r2ogkQBxrTCzAjSd88IqMzFu6L_RjoyI/s1600/IMG_0762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRzzqjEjQC4q0AWz-n8YZkE-5jP5hKLAvNDm_2ZqGIFVNNMQLJG6_tWoaUgWRPtN2O1bjtUWCP_DNbU_vucHEMQDN_XRwK5wqMtl0DRJrwz1r2ogkQBxrTCzAjSd88IqMzFu6L_RjoyI/s640/IMG_0762.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="https://goldenthreadshop.com/collections/hurricane-harvey-relief" target="_blank">via</a>}</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvZkWK5lfWM-9T-EUAn93vwlVvpT1usI-LfKE5RTvs6HcqOP-LSU8CaLeDtm3ruwSAbFJZZq_VV9lZM9IDceHNdP_RT74glAheg2gQ5PDRj_zcNib-_mJ3s3Ub26JOxpEjWKA5O088T0/s1600/texas+forever.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvZkWK5lfWM-9T-EUAn93vwlVvpT1usI-LfKE5RTvs6HcqOP-LSU8CaLeDtm3ruwSAbFJZZq_VV9lZM9IDceHNdP_RT74glAheg2gQ5PDRj_zcNib-_mJ3s3Ub26JOxpEjWKA5O088T0/s320/texas+forever.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">{<a href="https://goldenthreadshop.com/collections/hurricane-harvey-relief" target="_blank">via</a>}<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5Eiz1a0pS2WxeXxa3LwnmKLJVUt9g1TXfFTIIi_9wB0rzjv1E5B8qWcnWvZqwugW3_VyKJvYjlc5Wh5tyd6Y86FGYNToQBA_FtTa_gGJvtVwxot-nX1ivN2sHVqkCQ1Y2uc7fCEtck8/s1600/Nat%2527s+shirt.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="514" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5Eiz1a0pS2WxeXxa3LwnmKLJVUt9g1TXfFTIIi_9wB0rzjv1E5B8qWcnWvZqwugW3_VyKJvYjlc5Wh5tyd6Y86FGYNToQBA_FtTa_gGJvtVwxot-nX1ivN2sHVqkCQ1Y2uc7fCEtck8/s320/Nat%2527s+shirt.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="https://www.customink.com/fundraising/love-is-greater-than-hate?share=2571503952419705&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=desktop-campaign-supporter-modal-v1&utm_content=love-is-greater-than-hate&ref=facebook_social_desktop-campaign-supporter-modal-v1&side=front&type=1&zoom=false" target="_blank">via</a>}</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEaqfWUlB9N2M9K2p87c4ic9XI80ryk-aqQ4kAqWzp7pgDK7cYeVbJa9PQjTz6NE9i9SJz1To-KOg_yZ7E0MmnvDc2f-0sb0YnEkGwtr3Gfr8XOrxn2bzSlQvQDo7tz71vHJa3WdZ-mXA/s1600/Ruthie+shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEaqfWUlB9N2M9K2p87c4ic9XI80ryk-aqQ4kAqWzp7pgDK7cYeVbJa9PQjTz6NE9i9SJz1To-KOg_yZ7E0MmnvDc2f-0sb0YnEkGwtr3Gfr8XOrxn2bzSlQvQDo7tz71vHJa3WdZ-mXA/s320/Ruthie+shirt.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="https://www.bonfire.com/forhouston/" target="_blank">via</a>}</td></tr>
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2. Date Night thanks to:</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1A4TUF2LwRslN0cZQiJoHjNUslh7dzzr5jtBcwev5AtoTJtf5xkytHhI0mAK1sPruwszKCsL8FnSPSNxjkiC8ukiyt1HrPyEqMEAgD_xLFSFZf46I1539x_DsTfp8nv3whX2pDoHk6r4/s1600/pastor-serve-logo2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="32" data-original-width="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1A4TUF2LwRslN0cZQiJoHjNUslh7dzzr5jtBcwev5AtoTJtf5xkytHhI0mAK1sPruwszKCsL8FnSPSNxjkiC8ukiyt1HrPyEqMEAgD_xLFSFZf46I1539x_DsTfp8nv3whX2pDoHk6r4/s1600/pastor-serve-logo2.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://pastorserve.net/" target="_blank">via</a>}</td></tr>
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Last night we were invited to a dinner hosted by <a href="http://pastorserve./">Pastorserve.</a> Upon hearing of the chaos that Harvey wreaked on Houston, Pastorserve immediately mobilized their team from all over the US to be here for the Houston pastors. We didn't really have any idea what it was about except that they wanted to come in as a support to the pastors in the city many of which have been on the front lines caring for people who have lost everything and in many cases having been personally affected by the flood themselves. It was heartbreaking to see the exhaustion on each pastor's face as many were low on sleep due to shot nerves, physical labor, emotional heaviness for their congregations, and personal concern as many churches buildings are in need of repair and don't have the finances to continue to miss meeting on Sundays. The joy and hope during our worship time brought me to tears as did the spiritual and physical care of the Pastorserve team as they encouraged us with the Word, provided us with a delicious meal, prayed for us, and even met some specific financial needs. <br />
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In situations like this, pastors are often the first to offer help and the last to accept it, and in the marathon that is Harvey recovery, we need our leaders to stay healthy and encouraged. Pastorserve is an organization that comes alongside of pastors to do just this. If you are looking for a ministry to give to for Harvey relief, <a href="http://pastorserve.net/give/" target="_blank">this is a great option.</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivy0vyfLQ44cg56tvERGhLYsTlEe-GHOEdcaA5zLonvjW4VW6tSZ92twzSVqQ7MoeKYQMqkl35-CLxvRf4ZcbkCfm6ZB_-Wh8HpLvV8KGtihOFP-ThB3Rva5iCHDMU9pYltvxmcw_Iy3g/s1600/IMG_0765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivy0vyfLQ44cg56tvERGhLYsTlEe-GHOEdcaA5zLonvjW4VW6tSZ92twzSVqQ7MoeKYQMqkl35-CLxvRf4ZcbkCfm6ZB_-Wh8HpLvV8KGtihOFP-ThB3Rva5iCHDMU9pYltvxmcw_Iy3g/s400/IMG_0765.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We forgot to take a picture at the Pastorserve dinner so here we are after we got back! Love this guy!!!</td></tr>
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3. Little People Shenanigans</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQfUcRg3hrkzvC4XSsrBArjaRnwAblpkjLPxYhEPNN2SjWsSfyk4PptIxq8kABszc8P6xEVx9Pd7epDOj2ihPYivWLKQ_lBNA8AN7oatPQvHwpAESqPLGdLfBEIQtvnuWxdD8nW79LCw/s1600/IMG_0757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQfUcRg3hrkzvC4XSsrBArjaRnwAblpkjLPxYhEPNN2SjWsSfyk4PptIxq8kABszc8P6xEVx9Pd7epDOj2ihPYivWLKQ_lBNA8AN7oatPQvHwpAESqPLGdLfBEIQtvnuWxdD8nW79LCw/s640/IMG_0757.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Mom! We made an immunity idol!"<br />#survivorfansinthemaking #ionlyletthemwatchthechallenges</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GW16YG1NmBqbBv_KCZ6bdaJdbuHU3xweDNL5XtQTrV34XxhB916otB1Eay1pGGBLgJPHerDys0q6n0qG31fE7fMHv8p7LH3Y28z8qadNn78gyVkrJzhHa7s07bFrFwGEg-ywKtxUGwE/s1600/IMG_0772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GW16YG1NmBqbBv_KCZ6bdaJdbuHU3xweDNL5XtQTrV34XxhB916otB1Eay1pGGBLgJPHerDys0q6n0qG31fE7fMHv8p7LH3Y28z8qadNn78gyVkrJzhHa7s07bFrFwGEg-ywKtxUGwE/s640/IMG_0772.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meanwhile, Susu was making her own fun.<br />She has an obsession with soap...could be worse, right?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVeX_DPHzV0qvN4CYBUqnd5CiMx3EIPkWyB-ToYNWVrqmIffTBLBbyA-aZb5KFm4d9hLxqw47Bo71ivWU1kcpoVKb8CDqZForwfGVJRH6_eg86IveahX50ypsAb8w3Wz01GlBFXX8KUM/s1600/IMG_0626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVeX_DPHzV0qvN4CYBUqnd5CiMx3EIPkWyB-ToYNWVrqmIffTBLBbyA-aZb5KFm4d9hLxqw47Bo71ivWU1kcpoVKb8CDqZForwfGVJRH6_eg86IveahX50ypsAb8w3Wz01GlBFXX8KUM/s640/IMG_0626.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not even sure what is happening here</td></tr>
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<br />4. The many articles written about and for Houston:</div>
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<a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/women/2017/august/beth-moore-theres-no-place-like-houston-flood.html" target="_blank">Beth Moore's beautiful portrait of Houston</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2017/09/07/what-did-jesus-say-about-natural-disasters.html" target="_blank">Joshua Roger's Op Ed titled "What Did Jesus Say About Natural Disasters"</a></div>
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5. This.</div>
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Happy Friday to you!</div>
Taylor and Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14045920702988964331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4079545000182166630.post-77201547364147321732017-09-07T21:39:00.000+01:002017-09-07T21:39:39.889+01:00What's Up Wednesday {9.6.17} Edition: What Day Is It?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This What's Up Wednesday post is most likely posted on the wrong day, but this is how most of us in Houston are feeling...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaojZr4ytd7A_SKEmaZBEDm6NH481_5R1gM6phuvly_DaMVIvmCNto1I2_6epEomgylSKqmbQIGMndtHZJE13JLAlcH6LsGb8PFdeok02qmfy0kbyeAldWPdLsMSSQmsts8i4xiWE0HQo/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4bf.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaojZr4ytd7A_SKEmaZBEDm6NH481_5R1gM6phuvly_DaMVIvmCNto1I2_6epEomgylSKqmbQIGMndtHZJE13JLAlcH6LsGb8PFdeok02qmfy0kbyeAldWPdLsMSSQmsts8i4xiWE0HQo/s640/fullsizeoutput_4bf.jpeg" width="358" /></a></div>
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<b>What We're Eating This Week:</b><br />
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Well, after helping our Chick-Fil-A owner friend not waste all of her defrosted chicken during Harvey...<br />
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not chicken! <br />
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Y'all, Taylor coordinated my dad and neighbors to cook at least 500 pieces of chicken! We handed it out to shelters, first responders, and tried to eat the rest at a block party for our street, and we still had to freeze about 300 pieces. It was so yummy, but the #Harvey15 is real folks.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDB82dqdHyBvP7xBnX3m8sqlrnFJJ5rwb9uzYrLECvJ56mMneoXqfMDCtX2pbUHNFe45DxCuUVmUzRyUywS9is15mSNvI9Ad2cirUAtCiNTkmFqyk3WAv-dJH-bza_FD_RkkbxKs50W8/s1600/IMG_0644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDB82dqdHyBvP7xBnX3m8sqlrnFJJ5rwb9uzYrLECvJ56mMneoXqfMDCtX2pbUHNFe45DxCuUVmUzRyUywS9is15mSNvI9Ad2cirUAtCiNTkmFqyk3WAv-dJH-bza_FD_RkkbxKs50W8/s640/IMG_0644.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a tiny portion of the sandwiches we handed out to first responders</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfhjbvxx0HgGj_iaIDwpDZm1sXXBZdJPosgVmJaBtCZyjXUanzX3XqzkJjMvYZ4vGlzbLHGsXtEMnp9sASkZCJ45QvOI4X8nQKWmcJ-wXUJr67PeLscutR-6uzcZvtMViYZT7MRG7eow/s1600/IMG_0659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfhjbvxx0HgGj_iaIDwpDZm1sXXBZdJPosgVmJaBtCZyjXUanzX3XqzkJjMvYZ4vGlzbLHGsXtEMnp9sASkZCJ45QvOI4X8nQKWmcJ-wXUJr67PeLscutR-6uzcZvtMViYZT7MRG7eow/s400/IMG_0659.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/chicken_spaghet/" target="_blank">Chicken Spaghetti</a> made with Chick-fil-a chicken</td></tr>
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So this week, because we've been so cooped up the past 10 days, we're letting the little people decide because two weeks into the school year with no school, Mama is choosing her battles. Traditional spaghetti it is.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2n9-031foNT6APwmWo8tVHr931gf1ffGl7xbNB12pLNB0oSXPWyW9oOR-D0wp3i91RoaD-9YxW5c0UbxdZ5lR8W_AQp98Kpgi1UDJ4g9d9wHCtcp3KDoKe9Sa54pnzal5JxLIHkdPCO8/s1600/raspberryfingers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2n9-031foNT6APwmWo8tVHr931gf1ffGl7xbNB12pLNB0oSXPWyW9oOR-D0wp3i91RoaD-9YxW5c0UbxdZ5lR8W_AQp98Kpgi1UDJ4g9d9wHCtcp3KDoKe9Sa54pnzal5JxLIHkdPCO8/s400/raspberryfingers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>What I'm reminiscing about:</b><br />
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Last Fall. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMYixxE-w7wKSKxpKa0Tgzlmap9x8dt76DcmD5yFYQJ-h_tKwuJoMFEPBfXuTDZnY8F5bo4Ts2S6vz4lHIDPn0ea4XlL3MNopKc2MrREdpxWqW7YojyqaHeSEof3EFekpztZvg3AteEg/s1600/IMG_1424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="443" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMYixxE-w7wKSKxpKa0Tgzlmap9x8dt76DcmD5yFYQJ-h_tKwuJoMFEPBfXuTDZnY8F5bo4Ts2S6vz4lHIDPn0ea4XlL3MNopKc2MrREdpxWqW7YojyqaHeSEof3EFekpztZvg3AteEg/s400/IMG_1424.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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Fall is my favorite season though it's debatable that Houston has seasons.<br />
Read:<br />
1. summer and<br />
2. warm and muggy (not sure what to call this season). <br />
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But the beginning of the school year is a new beginning for me, a clean slate, a get back on a normal bedtime schedule, eat healthier, eat all of the fall food (apples!!!), and have a break from each other (school!!!). <br />
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This September, fall doesn't exist. Normal doesn't exist in Houston right now. We had a week of school and then Harvey hit. Harvey has devastated my city. For those of you not living here; the news has moved on, but we are still dealing with after effects of epic proportions. It has extended summer and made real life go on hold while major street arteries stay flooded - it took me an hour and a half to get from my parents house to my house yesterday; this is usually a 15-20 minute drive. The last mile took 45 minutes. The grocery stores have no eggs and very little bread. Schools are still closed till next week and some even the week after that. Many homes still have 3-4 feet of water in them. News has moved from home rescues to relief workers coming down with nasty bacteria from the filthy standing water.<br />
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Mercifully, we were not affected physically by the floodwaters, but for most Houstonians that were not affected physically, we are still affected emotionally. It was hard for me to let my mother-in-law watch my children across town yesterday, I was woken up by thunder two nights ago and couldn't get back to sleep, and I wake up exhausted even though I'm getting the same amount of sleep I usually get. My friend, Hillary, shared this on Facebook the other day, and it gave words to this feeling many of us have here:<br />
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<b>What I'm Loving</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "robotoregular" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
All of the relief efforts for Houston! My favorite is what <a href="https://goldenthreadshop.com/blogs/daily-thread" target="_blank">Jenn's company</a> is doing:<br />
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Click <a href="https://goldenthreadshop.com/collections/hurricane-harvey-relief" target="_blank">here </a>to see her Harvey Relief necklace line. 100% of the proceeds will go to Harvey Relief (these photos are some of the supplies they have purchased so far for the GRB shelter).</div>
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<b>What We've Been Up to</b><br />
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Harvey Relief. As a mom with little kids this mostly looks like making lots of food for various people though here is a funny break in all of that - I found myself alone in my house (thank you Mia for taking my kids for the day) after running around all day getting errands done and finally taking a break at 3 to eat lunch, and my friend Kara texted Jenn and me to see what we were up to:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnCHq_qZFiy3q622kcN00ANO6Oyub2TQPVOqcvAbb5BKoVT3CDl7cbe5IwBnKrEAa6nfeYddYvv-akHPwm8LjlkOYlaUZltQtJIXAhk-_y8NIv2fkUJRdiXt8b4VSYEZuqa0ZhwxZgIc/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4d2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnCHq_qZFiy3q622kcN00ANO6Oyub2TQPVOqcvAbb5BKoVT3CDl7cbe5IwBnKrEAa6nfeYddYvv-akHPwm8LjlkOYlaUZltQtJIXAhk-_y8NIv2fkUJRdiXt8b4VSYEZuqa0ZhwxZgIc/s640/fullsizeoutput_4d2.jpeg" width="358" /></a></div>
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Busted! Sometimes you just have to laugh. That is Survivor Season 3 FYI.<br />
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<b>What I'm dreading</b><br />
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The possibility of school being postponed another week.<br />
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<b>What I'm working on</b><br />
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Letting go of any part of my "normal" that I should leave behind. (<a href="http://www.chron.com/opinion/outlook/article/In-our-gloriously-diverse-city-all-tears-are-one-12169592.php" target="_blank">Credit</a>)<br />
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<b>What I'm excited about</b><br />
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Our upcoming anniversary trip to Colorado<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLl1OSftc-tOlPqXIC4fjmEnb_CAm9mUxXv8tNR604BwpB8SV9VqKmF-AV4dodcwLyttAASNeRtOBalN6tKC9EIhzuHS35SjcJ_WxBA3hctqA0qJaHGjcc1h-ViE2F-wSjUGLgQBBNY0/s1600/IMG_2206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLl1OSftc-tOlPqXIC4fjmEnb_CAm9mUxXv8tNR604BwpB8SV9VqKmF-AV4dodcwLyttAASNeRtOBalN6tKC9EIhzuHS35SjcJ_WxBA3hctqA0qJaHGjcc1h-ViE2F-wSjUGLgQBBNY0/s640/IMG_2206.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4QaVuRPPc3s9jxFlYc7jYc2vy-tx_BSH_JU4bZONIIyMnLmbTHIXahPo0jxVPqZcMjQpITpwEhv_M1Rnln1dlDvo57Wwv5Zjoyy9ru2fsQRd5FTd2J3JXx5CDGGlV__SJl3aVxI2ARLA/s1600/IMG_2215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4QaVuRPPc3s9jxFlYc7jYc2vy-tx_BSH_JU4bZONIIyMnLmbTHIXahPo0jxVPqZcMjQpITpwEhv_M1Rnln1dlDvo57Wwv5Zjoyy9ru2fsQRd5FTd2J3JXx5CDGGlV__SJl3aVxI2ARLA/s640/IMG_2215.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>What I'm watching/reading</b><br />
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Duh.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubTlcuq3JS8fW3_jq-i_YAbuvxQznklECUcxuea37CWlrgtUKV3mXefq33ThHEg7iZal5O1hkfs-2T9EBJStnBWfdcb2A7jsusuBT0X4Xa7zizMnF5Zk6mlsaiIahKNKsXQBZnF0sIFQ/s1600/Survivor.africa.logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="253" data-original-width="393" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubTlcuq3JS8fW3_jq-i_YAbuvxQznklECUcxuea37CWlrgtUKV3mXefq33ThHEg7iZal5O1hkfs-2T9EBJStnBWfdcb2A7jsusuBT0X4Xa7zizMnF5Zk6mlsaiIahKNKsXQBZnF0sIFQ/s400/Survivor.africa.logo.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS719US720&biw=1277&bih=594&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=survivor+season+3&oq=survivor+season+3&gs_l=psy-ab.3..0l4.2078.3706.0.3826.9.9.0.0.0.0.177.918.0j6.6.0....0...1.1.64.psy-ab..3.6.916.JcxOP2FDQLY#imgrc=2Swz_aQ3JDdr0M:" target="_blank">via</a>}</td></tr>
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<b><br /></b>I just finished <u>The Little Paris Bookshop</u> by Nina George, and it was an interesting read though not what I expected. It paints a good picture of what idolizing a person does to you.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuECfD0p4vHT1sBjOGOlr3bqtgUI3DKe5Z2H_j0gNN45V0Xakzp_QVpuump5q_eqlAImlcDTx1hbErZ-BgibRsDOXsrhKrQpsg7p78rJ8zACuMIU7Hdo7InixIU1AGM2TZcFrh-w6O_k/s1600/TLPB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="230" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuECfD0p4vHT1sBjOGOlr3bqtgUI3DKe5Z2H_j0gNN45V0Xakzp_QVpuump5q_eqlAImlcDTx1hbErZ-BgibRsDOXsrhKrQpsg7p78rJ8zACuMIU7Hdo7InixIU1AGM2TZcFrh-w6O_k/s640/TLPB.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23278537-the-little-paris-bookshop?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank">via</a>}</td></tr>
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<b>What I'm listening to</b><br />
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During the day I stream Mozart Piano Quartet on Pandora because in a house full of children, give me all the peaceful music. In the evenings, I've been foregoing my typical Pandora station, "Italian Cooking Music" (think Dean Martin) for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ov1EJRbd-bo" target="_blank">this youtube station</a>, French Cafe music.<br />
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<b>What I'm wearing</b><br />
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My summer uniform: denim shorts and a solid color t-shirt<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoYq9hMPeF1EnjvPxBXd_9M4s4K6cBSLy12N5EfUuS0bHevwCXYjRCtfn1OeUUCW7jQq1FMGFb3U26j0e4bhEngjB_xukAhehg_Nr7IiDKBUX7jntKwQ9JiS2CY_GwJm6QqaPx_YwWcc/s1600/IMG_0751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoYq9hMPeF1EnjvPxBXd_9M4s4K6cBSLy12N5EfUuS0bHevwCXYjRCtfn1OeUUCW7jQq1FMGFb3U26j0e4bhEngjB_xukAhehg_Nr7IiDKBUX7jntKwQ9JiS2CY_GwJm6QqaPx_YwWcc/s400/IMG_0751.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Worst lighting ever!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTRjnMq_-UR4Rl5v9N8doH0gFoZbd52cWGaTCfvbdruwU-qcbMEbpaa8UKmn2M_M8MNm3mVHNRYAvtPVmq0yqgwPi38B743fhJ6g3iiQrj7nT36VRIdG1JVXOsUJefmCUQWWR5mKwNiPU/s1600/gap+camo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="520" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTRjnMq_-UR4Rl5v9N8doH0gFoZbd52cWGaTCfvbdruwU-qcbMEbpaa8UKmn2M_M8MNm3mVHNRYAvtPVmq0yqgwPi38B743fhJ6g3iiQrj7nT36VRIdG1JVXOsUJefmCUQWWR5mKwNiPU/s400/gap+camo.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=17082&pcid=17076&vid=1&pid=905476012" target="_blank">via</a>}</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TuH8nI9VWtnfFpB1lx0PtkmGDIpzWEOOz_-zllLAo6myMOaqsMTG0pM0B71OnjmvDqTexBH9AWQkUC8Png_I8KbceX9fraOkwbsrT3ZZ_UxcfUfjmxhqwBKbeBB-XhfE6BxT3867Mns/s1600/denim+shorts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="391" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TuH8nI9VWtnfFpB1lx0PtkmGDIpzWEOOz_-zllLAo6myMOaqsMTG0pM0B71OnjmvDqTexBH9AWQkUC8Png_I8KbceX9fraOkwbsrT3ZZ_UxcfUfjmxhqwBKbeBB-XhfE6BxT3867Mns/s400/denim+shorts.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/7-for-all-mankind-relaxed-high-rise-denim-shorts/4288284?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=BARRIER%20REEF%20BROKEN%20TWILL" target="_blank">via</a>} I got mine from a clothing swap, but these are similar</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xZ32U7F6TGXX1wO1Hbw0NFU33agqUHddBm6DE2sB_SG25D0CoFQMJ124GdsrB_e9qJF_CiBJzcU7cvl5JI08B021Nl56Qepvfz4YxNfaOyhPdQvo0Q85F-P1mVWaMZBtBSXHtxPi4Vs/s1600/toms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="838" data-original-width="780" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xZ32U7F6TGXX1wO1Hbw0NFU33agqUHddBm6DE2sB_SG25D0CoFQMJ124GdsrB_e9qJF_CiBJzcU7cvl5JI08B021Nl56Qepvfz4YxNfaOyhPdQvo0Q85F-P1mVWaMZBtBSXHtxPi4Vs/s320/toms.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/toms-polka-dot-alpargata-slip-on-women/4504378?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=NATURAL" target="_blank">via</a>}</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORCqKra6vwUJwbBDbFg7Z7B0PMC1KeA-lSCgVyeRs9JAkeb4iI-OrQOopjdE0qRWppvtiFNtAVKbh5h3D45hsdhGh77IKzI9a4j1LFc8_cfP1KCG-4NUMg_jSy5khxzuJOk5KaVYzNqk/s1600/texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORCqKra6vwUJwbBDbFg7Z7B0PMC1KeA-lSCgVyeRs9JAkeb4iI-OrQOopjdE0qRWppvtiFNtAVKbh5h3D45hsdhGh77IKzI9a4j1LFc8_cfP1KCG-4NUMg_jSy5khxzuJOk5KaVYzNqk/s320/texas.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="https://goldenthreadshop.com/collections/hurricane-harvey-relief" target="_blank">via</a>}</td></tr>
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<b>What I'm doing this weekend</b><br />
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I'm kind of creeped out to put this on the internet...tell you about it next week, mkay? I'm excited about it though!<br />
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<b>What I'm looking forward to next month</b><br />
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Pumpkins and hopefully cool weather! #eternalHoustonweatheroptimist<br />
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About to start a minor remodel in our kitchen because our oven died, and our new one doesn't fit in the old space. #badtiming #contractorsinhighdemandinHoustonrightnow #goodthingmydadisacontractorTaylor and Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14045920702988964331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4079545000182166630.post-32099084920344712282017-08-25T19:50:00.000+01:002017-09-01T04:50:51.941+01:00Friday Favorites {8.25.17}: Hurricane EditionI'm going to nonchalantly come back here and pretend that it hasn't been 18 months since I've blogged...<br />
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This post is brought to you compliments of Hurricane Harvey and "Frozen"</div>
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#1 My <a href="https://goldenthreadshop.com/blogs/daily-thread">bestie</a> who has a generator built into her house</div>
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#hurricaneharvey #potentialfamilysleepover #acisessentialinaugust</div>
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I'll let you know if we go swimming...<br />
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#2 Daddy making breakfast</div>
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Yesterday I asked Taylor to head to the grocery store on his way home from work to grab us bread before the impending storm. There was no bread left in the store, so he got these cinnamon rolls instead...we'll just go with that being close to what I asked him to get. Some little people in our house were really happy about them this morning though! #thehurricanemademedoit</div>
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#3 Blue corn chips from Trader Joe's</div>
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I won't pretend to be the healthiest eater (give me all the carbs), so usually I think blue corn chips taste like cardboard, but after having some with the best hummus ever the other day at my friend's house, I decided to give these a try and I am glad I did! #hurricanefood </div>
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Next I went to HEB to get the hummus, but there was a LINE to get inside, so we decided hummus wasn't an essential during the storm. #priorities</div>
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#4 Self-taught gainer!</div>
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Seth was like, "Hey mom! Is this a back flip?!" I couldn't believe it. #hegetsthisfrommysideofthefamily</div>
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#5 Second Annual Cousin Camp!</div>
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#6 Family Discipleship</div>
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I found them like this this morning - he was reading to her from this children's Bible and she was asking questions. Melt my heart! #familydiscipleship</div>
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<br />Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17549178640956804044noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4079545000182166630.post-12848233082717382272016-02-29T12:27:00.001+00:002016-02-29T12:27:27.808+00:00What's Your Number?Started writing this last Tuesday, but a crazy week got in the way and I never posted it...<br />
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<a href="http://shullfamily.blogspot.com/2016/02/whats-your-number.html" target="_blank">Shay</a> wrote on the topic: "what's your hardest number when having kids?" this week (last week!) and I thought it was fun, so I decided to write my own post on the subject.<br />
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This post was meant for Tuesday (last Tuesday!). <br />
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My master blog plan was to do What's Up Wednesday for Wednesday, and Friday Favorites for today, but suffice it to say it's been a hard week. Yay for goals - the incompletion of them has a lot to do with this post and "what my number" is!<br />
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I always wanted to be a mom. I loved playing dolls and started naming my children in elementary school (obviously my taste changed by the time I actually had kids since my daughters aren't named Tiffani (aka Kelly Kapowski and Stephanie (as in Tanner) and Joe (as in McIntire) - those of you who get this, you are my people.). Actually having children was a lot different than I could have imagined.<br />
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First of all, it didn't just happen like we thought it would. You can read about each of my second trimester miscarriages <a href="http://taylorandrobin.blogspot.com/2009/04/musics-in-my-soulthank-you-jonas-bros.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://taylorandrobin.blogspot.com/2013/11/our-boy.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Children truly are a blessing from the Lord - we learned this through suffering and loss. The other morning, I came across this in my Bible - I read a psalm a day each morning at the beginning of my time with the Lord. <br />
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On July 27, 2009, the due date of my first baby, I "just happened" to be on Psalm 127. What an encouragement from the Lord, but it took faith to believe this was true. So on that day back in 2009, I noted it with Tristan's due date forcing myself in ink to memorialize this promise even though the "what ifs" still hung in the air. Then as I came across it during the first year of each of my kids' lives, I got to write out God's faithfulness and his promise fulfilled to us in Seth, Avery, and Susannah. I love seeing each birth date written in my Bible every time I read that passage. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTLfQ05Otk0" target="_blank">He's Always Been Faithful</a>.<br />
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I know that no matter if you have children or not that this verse is true, and I'm aware that not all have the same ending to this part of their story as I do, but I've learned through the suffering of these two losses that the reward is in the wait, the reward is Him whom we're waiting with. The children are a blessing absolutely, but the ultimate blessing is God Himself who draws us in and binds us to Himself when we need Him the most.<br />
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So when I found out that I was pregnant with Seth, we were elated. After losing Tristan, I was more aware of what a gift he was than I probably would've been and hoped that the Lord would use that to help us through the sleepless nights. Thankfully he was a very peaceful baby, but we had some issues with nursing, and I struggled with some post-partum baby blues (and we were in the final planning stages of moving to Scotland), so as you may have guessed, I was slightly overwhelmed. <br />
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Emotionally going from 0 to 1 was the hardest. Seth rocked our world, and redefined our family. There were growing pains to be sure, but the Lord used his birth and our move overseas to shape our family.<br />
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Avery was born 21 months later and she was the easiest baby known to man. Always happy, LOVED her bed, nursed like a champ. She is still my best sleeper. Everything about going from 1 to 2 was incredibly easier than 0 to 1. I felt prepared, I was able to sleep when she slept instead of hovering over her making sure she was still breathing. :) Transitioning from 1-2? Piece of cake (until she turned 2, but that's a post for another time ;)).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXC1hDT2mYlp9ud_SpvTCvq8NiF8t8xPYeODVH4bIXJNE0OnAvUSrCBeSDKSoFbFj6-Moaxntz9qZPqbA7XSUgA4TJWruK4g8aFhhdoyrZlDk4RVvqUAmDLYTPtuxKP8-c2KzlKvhyphenhyphenR8A/s1600/1404716_10151701829897540_1741459100_o.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXC1hDT2mYlp9ud_SpvTCvq8NiF8t8xPYeODVH4bIXJNE0OnAvUSrCBeSDKSoFbFj6-Moaxntz9qZPqbA7XSUgA4TJWruK4g8aFhhdoyrZlDk4RVvqUAmDLYTPtuxKP8-c2KzlKvhyphenhyphenR8A/s640/1404716_10151701829897540_1741459100_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We struggled about when to have baby 3. We went back and forth on the timing (should we wait till after we're done in Scotland? But we want them close in age... etc etc). Finally one of our friends who has 8 kids told us, "it's never the right time." And that sealed the deal. William was on the way - due exactly 2 days before Avery's second birthday. Soon into my pregnancy, we heard <a href="http://taylorandrobin.blogspot.com/2013/09/fearfully-and-wonderfully-made.html" target="_blank">the news</a> that he wouldn't make it to term. Again the Lord was faithful to hold and to heal.<br />
<br />
After hearing from the doctor that William's short life wasn't due to any genetic concerns, we were given the go ahead for more children, and Susannah Mackenzie was soon on the way.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWd4NVKtWl8YEENTBbzdoifqE9wgTmmCW7atoMu8mxILdQmdOpJ48a1NMLDz82-prjC8L8QbPEyq3zNF6uzE9VC8DtPiy36ojflo2Oh0AzWT2MqXAv6phP-1zGUHYDCMAPnmZta3UT_s/s1600/2016-02-22+14.50.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWd4NVKtWl8YEENTBbzdoifqE9wgTmmCW7atoMu8mxILdQmdOpJ48a1NMLDz82-prjC8L8QbPEyq3zNF6uzE9VC8DtPiy36ojflo2Oh0AzWT2MqXAv6phP-1zGUHYDCMAPnmZta3UT_s/s640/2016-02-22+14.50.32.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Who stole the cookie from the cookie jar?"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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I'll let you guess what our hardest number is by looking at that picture...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
3!</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKX3IUxupgTiQL7MBg7D1dw7lq40RDf83LRMI8nNfZRubR9o7HcfDNLiL5_CAnomFcn5NKW2GUnwKCbG555aRnisTU6Y3VBuIPRCxbuyAze2bWxJ3Fr9sYzSVB-wU1vTy51pXFwHwjkAI/s1600/1899885_10152311668247540_8582851140437090061_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKX3IUxupgTiQL7MBg7D1dw7lq40RDf83LRMI8nNfZRubR9o7HcfDNLiL5_CAnomFcn5NKW2GUnwKCbG555aRnisTU6Y3VBuIPRCxbuyAze2bWxJ3Fr9sYzSVB-wU1vTy51pXFwHwjkAI/s640/1899885_10152311668247540_8582851140437090061_n.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69SKR4SEzHBA2SxxNAgTFSjFaJQQOwCZZCV5PwYW5IpAdj7bkuunRoxTfw7OehDXfi8b7woGQTUPmL_gnWphoB-JKoZv9DrPZQgoyTRAoN8d3ozMWB1zf4tE1nwQ9LU-q32OHgGyySAk/s1600/10484490_10152331748627540_3974403677259958169_o.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69SKR4SEzHBA2SxxNAgTFSjFaJQQOwCZZCV5PwYW5IpAdj7bkuunRoxTfw7OehDXfi8b7woGQTUPmL_gnWphoB-JKoZv9DrPZQgoyTRAoN8d3ozMWB1zf4tE1nwQ9LU-q32OHgGyySAk/s400/10484490_10152331748627540_3974403677259958169_o.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
While going from 0-1 was hardest emotionally, going from 2-3 has been hardest life adjustment. Emotionally not so hard, but physically and logistically running a household with 3 kiddos born in the span of 4 years = Crazytown a lot of the time.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7AOSqXDlKo1CEHWlLfuuVH6XpRJSNb_RPVgwnQIsbgv6S918fvrCmFiArC4dq13IyqJYv4wx2BpVjrp06tNRsr6mlRvMuPuGkauvRiirFF0FoSVdLq3TSYoCenpS9gfzUQKR5pGyaA0/s1600/1551551_10152281517012540_1598057577967452649_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7AOSqXDlKo1CEHWlLfuuVH6XpRJSNb_RPVgwnQIsbgv6S918fvrCmFiArC4dq13IyqJYv4wx2BpVjrp06tNRsr6mlRvMuPuGkauvRiirFF0FoSVdLq3TSYoCenpS9gfzUQKR5pGyaA0/s640/1551551_10152281517012540_1598057577967452649_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijl7w-56n4dg_RYgc6YkP3p3f1eAtX3Zkaj_QiQxIl5XpdV7_nFpLsZJJJdnzCBsUAowekhUR1-NvrWjFYfQfJEZXIdk_tun4lnT0aximM0SXbWsSR1D-oEL8EGO8tgAyUxs6VuSXUs6U/s1600/2016-02-26+08.36.26.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijl7w-56n4dg_RYgc6YkP3p3f1eAtX3Zkaj_QiQxIl5XpdV7_nFpLsZJJJdnzCBsUAowekhUR1-NvrWjFYfQfJEZXIdk_tun4lnT0aximM0SXbWsSR1D-oEL8EGO8tgAyUxs6VuSXUs6U/s640/2016-02-26+08.36.26.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br />
This little girl has rocked our little world. She is the cutest little toot, but man is she busy! Turn your back for 2 seconds and she's stealing big brother's valentine chocolate, climbing up the bunk bed ladder, jumping off the coffee table, I could go on and on. Her namesake warned me that once we had 3, there would be no time to myself. I didn't believe her then, but I have learned. 3=NO time. I feel like a sherpa and a cat herder, but I wouldn't have it any other way!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMu-1ZpTBSO6ez5s02tICtCbruFHwO6EVO-Q9qhmFt79So2HkPMfuwKbOuVbEklXH4oLfXU032K-wiF9qyv56Dch6SqaW28xnkqrSKL_8w7xe5xcRyPw6T90ATSrn-Zg4nwaHUKfHQHQ/s1600/2016-02-21+09.39.34.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMu-1ZpTBSO6ez5s02tICtCbruFHwO6EVO-Q9qhmFt79So2HkPMfuwKbOuVbEklXH4oLfXU032K-wiF9qyv56Dch6SqaW28xnkqrSKL_8w7xe5xcRyPw6T90ATSrn-Zg4nwaHUKfHQHQ/s640/2016-02-21+09.39.34.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
(Susannah's behind me in her cute smocked dress lying on the floor post tantrum refusing to get in the picture...)</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And since it's already nuts over here...should we add one more to the party? Jury's still out :)</div>
Taylor and Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14045920702988964331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4079545000182166630.post-30265636976071140262016-02-05T19:57:00.000+00:002016-02-05T19:57:11.919+00:00Friday Favorites<div style="text-align: center;">
Linking up with <a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/2016/02/friday-favorites-sew-chill-edition.html" target="_blank">Andrea</a>, <a href="http://www.tabanderika.blogspot.com/2016/02/friday-favorites.html" target="_blank">Erika</a>, and <a href="http://graceandloveblog.com/2016/02/05/friday-favorites-35/" target="_blank">Narci</a> for Friday favorites</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVXaANElEd-CaPdOyrvr1TmTSgOB2rf2w94DjlQ87Ut2zZKJEs9SNGLbHQF4dGM2rdUKvxb5jXs1-Z1r8-2QnTNBXE4xSzsWPAf-l_UmW7cuRs2yqHgkomSO-1VMsKGkmPsIEIGu106E/s1600/Friday+Favorites+01.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVXaANElEd-CaPdOyrvr1TmTSgOB2rf2w94DjlQ87Ut2zZKJEs9SNGLbHQF4dGM2rdUKvxb5jXs1-Z1r8-2QnTNBXE4xSzsWPAf-l_UmW7cuRs2yqHgkomSO-1VMsKGkmPsIEIGu106E/s320/Friday+Favorites+01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>#1 My BFF</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">First off, it's my best friend's birthday today - she is definitely one of my favorites! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Happy Birthday, Erin!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhPz91lzq4b_85awAe8apkcn1BJbl5bWvtbrgc3DH3p5-5UBv1A-Lvmk0RqUsqRLKH5gUoi72-Xlx0NfAIuQNaJFxx9LE8_GHLcjRiPdkxTDoxgupiYN1Z5EbR-ofB-9f7HyhW8dY1-I/s1600/IMG_1651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhPz91lzq4b_85awAe8apkcn1BJbl5bWvtbrgc3DH3p5-5UBv1A-Lvmk0RqUsqRLKH5gUoi72-Xlx0NfAIuQNaJFxx9LE8_GHLcjRiPdkxTDoxgupiYN1Z5EbR-ofB-9f7HyhW8dY1-I/s320/IMG_1651.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: medium;">We have no recent photos together - boo! Here is one from freshman year of college (taken 16 years ago!) - Erin is top row, maroon shirt! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOj7X5i7ScgcyccNcfHluxOFECw_ElnWZ59tgDdsPRtXL4AcJglRQK9TPBbjXjQT_I720PffYr8qQwQOWg63lFxQIOlIGua711N4ymp1vAHT1X78NVMzut_ZtMXFNPJ_R4MSt9cGFkEcY/s1600/IMG_1654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOj7X5i7ScgcyccNcfHluxOFECw_ElnWZ59tgDdsPRtXL4AcJglRQK9TPBbjXjQT_I720PffYr8qQwQOWg63lFxQIOlIGua711N4ymp1vAHT1X78NVMzut_ZtMXFNPJ_R4MSt9cGFkEcY/s320/IMG_1654.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">And here's one from my wedding where she was my matron of honor (this one is only 9 years old ;))</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>#2 Flowers</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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I love have fresh flowers around the house. In Edinburgh, fresh flowers seemed to be so inexpensive (probably because of the conversion rate and my stellar math skills). I especially loved when the daffodils were in bloom and, I could walk to Tesco and buy a bunch for a mere 1 GBP.</div>
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My dad works for a wholesale floral company, so we're never lacking flowers. I love flowers as long as they aren't high maintenance (read: I will enjoy them until they die, but I will not tend to them so that they last longer - it kills the enjoyment of them because that is work).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4p1fOxkP49fYPemhRt48curoomfTQufLJ6rhldSsLduvjb7KvJtiRW1-azeaJmMAhzkqwqElMtHb1epiLdZe7Ew6nBok7R-sfsLh3MAWRCnEddeBSJ4Qac8tPVOpZBU-LuwCySKZWTNI/s1600/IMG_1640+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4p1fOxkP49fYPemhRt48curoomfTQufLJ6rhldSsLduvjb7KvJtiRW1-azeaJmMAhzkqwqElMtHb1epiLdZe7Ew6nBok7R-sfsLh3MAWRCnEddeBSJ4Qac8tPVOpZBU-LuwCySKZWTNI/s400/IMG_1640+%25281%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTAoFjChogESDyeg4uEbjdtKHA0kZ3gofIfZl9uykIdupalEQAJbfVm4MtBqEvy13QSsjaUyCAe7IRLYMzk3Es5bAPUAqpk7O1lruthOOG3JXm0nXL6nEUq8VMDfKcrwOxBYtvOQ48sQ/s1600/IMG_1641.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTAoFjChogESDyeg4uEbjdtKHA0kZ3gofIfZl9uykIdupalEQAJbfVm4MtBqEvy13QSsjaUyCAe7IRLYMzk3Es5bAPUAqpk7O1lruthOOG3JXm0nXL6nEUq8VMDfKcrwOxBYtvOQ48sQ/s400/IMG_1641.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>#3 My Slow Cooker</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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Since we moved from Edinburgh in 2014, I've been out of a cooking rhythm and my slow cooker has been majorly underused. The last two weeks I've made:</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Slow Cooker Pot Roast</b></div>
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<u>What you'll need:</u></div>
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red wine to taste (maybe a 1/2 cup)</div>
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1 can beef broth</div>
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1 can of smooth cranberry sauce</div>
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onion soup mix</div>
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Pot Roast meat</div>
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3 potatoes diced (I used Idaho because that's what I had)</div>
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1 medium yellow onion</div>
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small bag of baby carrots</div>
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<u>Method:</u></div>
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1. Pour broth, cranberry sauce, and wine into slow cooker and which till fairly combined </div>
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2. Add 1/3 of the onion to broth</div>
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3. Put in roast and sprinkle soup mix over it</div>
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4. Add the rest of the vegetables</div>
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5. Add more liquid (water, broth, wine etc) if it looks like it needs it</div>
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6. Cook on high for 4 -6 hours or low for 8-10 hours</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Delicious one dish meal!</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Cilantro Lime Chicken</b></div>
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adapted from <a href="http://octobersmorning.blogspot.com/2012/10/freezer-meal-exchange.html" target="_blank">October Morning Blog</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>What you'll need:</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
4 chicken breasts</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
4 limes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a bunch of cilantro, chopped</div>
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1 can black beans, drained and rinsed</div>
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1 small bag of frozen corn</div>
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1/2 red onion, chopped</div>
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4 garlic cloves minced</div>
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2 tsp cumin</div>
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garlic salt</div>
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<u>Method:</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. Place chicken in slow cooker and sprinkle a little garlic salt and cumin. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2. Squeeze two limes over chicken</div>
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3. Add minced garlic, beans, cilantro, corn, onion. </div>
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4. Stir slightly without disturbing the chicken and squeeze third lime over the mixture</div>
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5. I added water so that it was covering the bottom of my slow cooker</div>
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6. Cook on high for 4 -6 hours or low for 8-10 hours</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After it was done cooking, I shredded the chicken inside the slow cooker and served it in a tortilla with an extra lime on the side. Taylor added hot sauce to his and <a href="http://taylorandrobin.blogspot.com/2011/02/salsa-food-not-dance.html" target="_blank">my salsa</a> would also go well on it. You could also serve it over rice.<br />
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Now that Taylor is teaching a class once a week during dinnertime, I will definitely be using my slow cooker more often! Which leads to my next favorite...</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">#4 My favorite professor</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDYrKh5aZWP1mDHpFhGR9z5xAQaj6dTlMle18um6vu-8KdCM_SIwqhJ71bgibWLF5EUUreg19z03WE5v6-CFCOOagXGCVL4s9srTqVRi19aGNOiMwP3Acks3NU-fxg4SOI9cgVAP-YZU/s1600/IMG_1638.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDYrKh5aZWP1mDHpFhGR9z5xAQaj6dTlMle18um6vu-8KdCM_SIwqhJ71bgibWLF5EUUreg19z03WE5v6-CFCOOagXGCVL4s9srTqVRi19aGNOiMwP3Acks3NU-fxg4SOI9cgVAP-YZU/s400/IMG_1638.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></b></div>
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So proud of this guy - his students are going to love him!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">#5 My little ballerina</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiult8cWliF706autEv1rC4roJZP90Iq8T65C1Nl-H3ebKa80raWUTkq4-IgHolWZ_Hl7-NtgpTL3aQ5CLKz5UYmmYcL9Lvb4rmSWpJf_0s4g_PDIZvVuzRq-czD06JZ6Wl5BJCmf5FxWM/s1600/IMG_1644.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiult8cWliF706autEv1rC4roJZP90Iq8T65C1Nl-H3ebKa80raWUTkq4-IgHolWZ_Hl7-NtgpTL3aQ5CLKz5UYmmYcL9Lvb4rmSWpJf_0s4g_PDIZvVuzRq-czD06JZ6Wl5BJCmf5FxWM/s400/IMG_1644.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></b></div>
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All this little girl wanted for Christmas was ballet clothes! She started her very first ballet class this semester, and she is loving it. How cute is she?! Love this sweet girl!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">#6 My Kindle Paperwhite</span></b><br />
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I had a Kindle Fire that died recently and got a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Paperwhite-High-Resolution-Display-Built-/dp/B00OQVZDJM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454620084&sr=8-1&keywords=kindle+paperwhite" target="_blank">Paperwhite</a> for my birthday last month and I LOVE it. I used my Fire some, but I'm using my Paperwhite all of the time. I'm not sure if it's the size or the fact that I don't feel like I'm looking at a screen, but did I mention I love it? I've always been a book girl - definitely prefer to hold a book in my hand and be able to flip back and forth easily, but my Kindle is so convenient. The Amazon monthly book deals are fun too though the last book I got through this was a FLOP. I'll review it for my February Goals post at the beginning of next month.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">#7 Lush "Perfect Roll Tab Sleeve Tunic</span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1l0ofNeF2rzcecU-vGzEakZ_E_K2o6iQDxLNRXFfDjjvKqL0ybQW0xu5wJ_zVShM1NbvLIT4lgZQ28DgcprUCzQNhrVtWjsbHj7Xai5crMVU02FNg9r84twu-JxYYBmLOWCJcEDLc7cs/s1600/_11029747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1l0ofNeF2rzcecU-vGzEakZ_E_K2o6iQDxLNRXFfDjjvKqL0ybQW0xu5wJ_zVShM1NbvLIT4lgZQ28DgcprUCzQNhrVtWjsbHj7Xai5crMVU02FNg9r84twu-JxYYBmLOWCJcEDLc7cs/s320/_11029747.jpg" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lush-perfect-roll-tab-sleeve-tunic/4014220?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Ivory&resultback=345" target="_blank">{via}</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://pinteresttoldmeto.blogspot.com/2016/02/the-bachelor-episode-5-recap-one-of.html" target="_blank">Sheaffer</a> got me onto this shirt a month ago when she named it a must have, and I love it. I'm always looking for long tunic shirts to wear with jeans or leggings and at this sale price, it was a no brainer. I got it in tawny port and ivory - the ivory is pretty sheer but looks fine with a tank under it - not sure that I'm going to keep it though. Nordstrom is so easy to shop online with their shipping and free returns!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>#8 HCPN</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Last but certainly not least is the <a href="http://www.hcpn.org/about/" target="_blank">Houston Church Planting Network</a>. This is a movement to unite churches to saturate the city, to collaborate with one another not compete for "our" turf, and to multiply so that there are Gospel centered churches in every community. Houston is growing at an incredible rate and although we have a large number of healthy evangelical churches already present in the city, planting churches is necessary to keep up with our current population growth! Pastor, Tim Keller, says this about church planting:</span></div>
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"The vigorous, continual planting of new congregations is the single most crucial strategy for<br />
1) the numerical growth of the Body of Christ in any city, and 2) the continual corporate renewal<br />
and revival of the existing churches in a city. Nothing else--not crusades, outreach programs,<br />
para-church ministries, growing mega-churches, congregational consulting, nor church<br />
renewal processes--will have the consistent impact of dynamic, extensive church planting. This<br />
is an eyebrow raising statement. But to those who have done any study at all, it is not even<br />
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controversial. "<br />
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We recently were invited to <a href="http://www.neartownchurch.org/" target="_blank">Neartown Church's</a> vision and birthday dinner. Russell Cravens, Neartown's lead pastor invited us along with Roswell Smith, the pastor of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/churchatUH/" target="_blank">The Church at UH</a>, and Sergio Garcia from <a href="http://kerussograce.org/" target="_blank">Kerusso Grace Church</a>. It has been such a blessing to make connections, share resources, and be a part of each other's ministries thanks in large part to HCPN.</div>
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Happy Friday!</div>
Taylor and Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14045920702988964331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4079545000182166630.post-75292029735589929662016-02-03T21:11:00.000+00:002016-02-05T20:25:40.402+00:00{Show and Tell Tuesdays} Winning Your HeartLinking up with <a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/2016/02/show-and-tell-tuesday-winning-your-heart.html" target="_blank">Andrea</a> today for Show and Tell Tuesday: Winning Your Heart<br />
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Andrea wanted to pick a love-y theme for February, but I have to say this topic makes me cringe a little :) - I am just not sappy. Maybe even to a fault. I can remembering exiting the movie theater after seeing "Ever After" with my high school best friend, Kathryn. She looked dreamily at me and said, "I can't wait for my knight in shining armor to come sweep me away on his white horse!" And I was like, "What? Ewww - if my boyfriend tries to propose with any sort of horse, I'll say no!" <br />
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Don't get me wrong, I loved the movie, wanted to fall in love and all of that, but felt silly about being rescued on a horse, or won over in a dramatic way. I wasn't an outward romantic to say the least. Since I missed last year's Show and Tell Tuesday about how Taylor and I ended up together, here's that story instead...<br />
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If I could tell my fourteen year old self that ten years later I would marry Taylor Ince, I'd have died right there on the spot. We attended the same school, but he was big man on campus: senior, Student Body President, star of the musical, State Championship basketball team starter. I mean the 8th grade girls at our school had a Taylor Ince fan club for goodness sake, and his little brother, who was in the 6th grade at the time, capitalized on this by selling his hunky big brother's school picture around the middle school (our school was K-12). <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6JhAxT3No5Nh3vYm_ulAzSRoRPlDu9OaqEuuezy9RiboyyObtIeMV9StMK34pIko1i1ZcPI2Z_L-_DofHY4KbtmW-TJaXbvHQ0pzOhhIZFPTJ4rYeFvIAa7axR6VJrIPXVekrPmVBABo/s1600/IMG_1629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6JhAxT3No5Nh3vYm_ulAzSRoRPlDu9OaqEuuezy9RiboyyObtIeMV9StMK34pIko1i1ZcPI2Z_L-_DofHY4KbtmW-TJaXbvHQ0pzOhhIZFPTJ4rYeFvIAa7axR6VJrIPXVekrPmVBABo/s320/IMG_1629.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">State Championship Basketball Team (Taylor's standing on the far left)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6HJDZkyVErv8m9uoHcv33DMpNREl5qD45gEZhBDSNaR6WnWLFxx8hm6JTu9eBlhkiLhgklsrfgTCgk59OBCvts19cRJ1wLuEhPUShNp9TA57TxYD6EgI4KGo9s2A3Vke07kVQtbqt40/s1600/IMG_1633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6HJDZkyVErv8m9uoHcv33DMpNREl5qD45gEZhBDSNaR6WnWLFxx8hm6JTu9eBlhkiLhgklsrfgTCgk59OBCvts19cRJ1wLuEhPUShNp9TA57TxYD6EgI4KGo9s2A3Vke07kVQtbqt40/s320/IMG_1633.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taylor's senior picture<br />
photo credit: Cindy Crofford</td></tr>
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I on the other hand was a lowly freshman. I knew who Taylor was (everyone did), but he had no idea I existed. And to be honest, I was perfectly ok with that. I wasn't the kind of girl who chased boys or who was even interested as a freshman to date a senior (not to mention my parents wouldn't have let me anyway!). I had the best freshman year: I was a cheerleader, played basketball, had great friends, and was perfectly content admiring Taylor from afar when I watched the school musical, and when I got pulled up to varsity during basketball playoffs and ate in the same restaurant as the boy's team. That was about the extent of our time together in high school.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCKTYLAhDPu3FVxsfRW-uuxUijQxSLF0a-q49rYjUtRY2tRtnPrmHecILWY7RMpkuwGv4IcGhZyzS_Q3PRfxGu7e7EbrOi7T6rLVSy7J3YPAuuCUpaaiUy6Hku4mhSPvIDN2z4XHBzcI/s1600/IMG_1627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCKTYLAhDPu3FVxsfRW-uuxUijQxSLF0a-q49rYjUtRY2tRtnPrmHecILWY7RMpkuwGv4IcGhZyzS_Q3PRfxGu7e7EbrOi7T6rLVSy7J3YPAuuCUpaaiUy6Hku4mhSPvIDN2z4XHBzcI/s320/IMG_1627.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am in the crease (left base of the right stunt) - lame picture, I know, but most of my old photos are in our attic!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kQVcfvIbJirv9Qt4BtE5B6wbv9NNk0kEDYmWFj9yv0IcPghMHv6HrMJHCFGc7EDrFfDNhHqgw3XITs5Tdx9RzSskze60CEIXgM5XImHtXZi8KsPSR8xgf_oGTKdQ_QaQI2bL1CrZXXw/s1600/IMG_1650+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kQVcfvIbJirv9Qt4BtE5B6wbv9NNk0kEDYmWFj9yv0IcPghMHv6HrMJHCFGc7EDrFfDNhHqgw3XITs5Tdx9RzSskze60CEIXgM5XImHtXZi8KsPSR8xgf_oGTKdQ_QaQI2bL1CrZXXw/s320/IMG_1650+%25281%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnTWcgQQJvw16TyK049ZOpen268wzslJUmznOFlvbjvRnxgLXopTdSxg-tJ2zBVn-fQIjwCZ2dKyDwIr47uV6p99Opiv4C-JTgq4Dhqr3dg3VADuImTJBL6xUW5ISysUEYA6xgrrOQn0/s1600/IMG_1632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnTWcgQQJvw16TyK049ZOpen268wzslJUmznOFlvbjvRnxgLXopTdSxg-tJ2zBVn-fQIjwCZ2dKyDwIr47uV6p99Opiv4C-JTgq4Dhqr3dg3VADuImTJBL6xUW5ISysUEYA6xgrrOQn0/s320/IMG_1632.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Me and Kathryn circa 1999</td></tr>
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The funny thing is our moms were in a prayer group together, our brothers being one school year apart knew each other, and our future brother-in-law was my Sunday school teacher.<br />
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Taylor went off to Wake Forest, and I eventually went to Texas A&M, and the weirdest thing was people were always filling me in on what Taylor Ince was up to. This was completely unsolicited, and I remember thinking, <i>Why are you telling me about Taylor Ince? I don't even know him!</i> We were from a small community where everyone knew everyone else's business, and apparently I needed to know Taylor's - haha! After I graduated from A&M, I embarked on my first year of <strike>teaching</strike> babysitting in a rough school, unexpectedly lost a cousin I was close with, broke up with my long-term college boyfriend, and pretty much lamented life after college. I needed a change. My high school Bible teacher, Hurley, had just been given the position over the youth ministry at the church I grew up in and interned for during college summers, and Richmond, a friend who interned with me, had just been hired as the high school pastor, so I called them up and asked for a job. They hired me immediately, and I was set to start the day after school got out in May.<br />
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Simultaneously, Taylor was going through some big life changes too: he started his first year of law school, proposed to his long-term girlfriend, broke it off a month later, quit law school after finally surrendering to the call to ministry, applied to seminaries all over the country, and called up his former Bible teacher, Hurley, and good friend, Richmond, from his graduating class of high school (like I said, small community) for a job. He was also hired immediately. Taylor's best friend from high school, Brandon, also got a job there, and once word got out, everyone was asking me if I was excited to be working with them. And I was like, <i>how shallow do you think I am? I don't even know them!</i> :)<br />
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But secretly, I might have been a little excited. <br />
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I can remember the first time Taylor and I officially met and thankfully unlike high school, he remembered me. I interrupted a meeting the youth staff was having. I had come straight from school to finish up some new hire paperwork, and Hurley called me into his office to meet everyone. It was brief, but according to Taylor after I left he was thinking, <i>so that's the Robin I've been hearing about</i>. Our next encounter cracks me up. Our staff was meeting on the playground for some youth event. Taylor was wearing a polo shirt, khaki shorts, and loafers with no socks (he probably would have had a sweater tied around his neck too had it not been May in Houston and 100 degrees outside). I was wearing a graphic t that said, "I like green eggs and ham, " khaki boys cargo shorts, and rainbows (I was angst-y from my slam dunk into the real world - haha). At this point, we were both thinking, <i>who is this guy/girl?</i><br />
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Soon after that he, he began his pursuit. He was asking his brother-in-law about me, buying me end of the school year presents, watching Star Wars episodes 1,2 and 4-6 to prepare for Episode 3 (which was about to come out in theaters) with our staff at Richmond's condo, playing a lot of ultimate frisbee, floating the Guadalupe River, bowling weekly - pretty much whatever you would typically do all summer with a youth group. It was the best way to get to know someone well without the pressure of dating. He left presents on my doorstep with poems he'd written for me, asked me on an official date to a friend's wedding (his mom totally tried to talk him out of this, <i>you're moving to Charlotte for seminary for the next 3 years - what are you thinking?!, </i>and at the end of the summer, he skipped his Summer Greek course so he could stay in Houston for 3 more weeks. We dated long distance that school year, in April he proposed, and in September we were married. It was a whirlwind, but when you know, you know. <br />
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These are pictures of our staff from that summer - don't miss the awkward photo of Taylor and me together - I'm pretty sure this was the first picture taken of just the two of us. It always makes us roll with laughter! We're on Lake Travis about to cliff jump. Our friends down in the boat were trying to embarrass us by asking for a picture...<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQCSujzS1JxXXSKb-KaWxIy9grlMTDawWYM4xbTWGuQ2ivvH8n0T3JHx3ulTnudmswb5hiuH4KE_yagwG0jCgPDGK3CPl6BJeGvVWOXq5o7gDuxO9xjdY_vCSV7AOvZ8X59NgICj2G14/s1600/IMG_1619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQCSujzS1JxXXSKb-KaWxIy9grlMTDawWYM4xbTWGuQ2ivvH8n0T3JHx3ulTnudmswb5hiuH4KE_yagwG0jCgPDGK3CPl6BJeGvVWOXq5o7gDuxO9xjdY_vCSV7AOvZ8X59NgICj2G14/s320/IMG_1619.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAq0RQ8u6vFSAJXPziT8O_3KDhHOSHR8p-JFxA9M5R13BwMjycsd-1iAlo5F_1WYtnanSe3vaDTk6w5pqDfu3ZKc_PfypVm9bkNpnL6NMxFnUN1csHy1TXY_ugYOaJgYSl1Nfbq2NvkbY/s1600/IMG_1617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAq0RQ8u6vFSAJXPziT8O_3KDhHOSHR8p-JFxA9M5R13BwMjycsd-1iAlo5F_1WYtnanSe3vaDTk6w5pqDfu3ZKc_PfypVm9bkNpnL6NMxFnUN1csHy1TXY_ugYOaJgYSl1Nfbq2NvkbY/s320/IMG_1617.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzvIdgduKS9OYwJl6wdVpkpTMJZKaVwGBQQ1JLltYN8O96uCgUITL5EkB_rtwhldmAxT_O4PhJ-v-p6KIzuChus_CZv2_o1HyTxvOeQF9DbXL9lPmDU5EdZgK6-Scc7SVLE4i1NrirRo/s1600/IMG_1616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzvIdgduKS9OYwJl6wdVpkpTMJZKaVwGBQQ1JLltYN8O96uCgUITL5EkB_rtwhldmAxT_O4PhJ-v-p6KIzuChus_CZv2_o1HyTxvOeQF9DbXL9lPmDU5EdZgK6-Scc7SVLE4i1NrirRo/s320/IMG_1616.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgzQOjpSNky8esycE4dWiIuOyzMAaeDcqpAOO7VTMv1DBJ29bn7mm8UAy_qn3kYQ2IAfQxrFXNucODX7uBH_8Ds7mAQv8liIDY9EChT_9fY2UyyIv5hgCG1_diiy_d0hyu3By4yRPTUg/s1600/IMG_1614.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgzQOjpSNky8esycE4dWiIuOyzMAaeDcqpAOO7VTMv1DBJ29bn7mm8UAy_qn3kYQ2IAfQxrFXNucODX7uBH_8Ds7mAQv8liIDY9EChT_9fY2UyyIv5hgCG1_diiy_d0hyu3By4yRPTUg/s320/IMG_1614.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
At our engagement breakfast, my dad, who met Taylor before I did, revealed to us that the day they met, he told my mom, "I met the guy Robin is going to marry."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5T88Xn8MVfQn_CMYHp9JIdarNrrd3qc5NgcS08LQgRgB7RlKm6Og1ngfReeitYIbRfGWCudukgFq55RmGEEEvyZINx7AOg5dAyANBuouZR2WiVyqqSs_xbfXlDRkMj5kz5SsdK6BHlUo/s1600/IMG_1624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5T88Xn8MVfQn_CMYHp9JIdarNrrd3qc5NgcS08LQgRgB7RlKm6Og1ngfReeitYIbRfGWCudukgFq55RmGEEEvyZINx7AOg5dAyANBuouZR2WiVyqqSs_xbfXlDRkMj5kz5SsdK6BHlUo/s320/IMG_1624.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back at Lake Travis - this time getting engaged!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Lord used many things about our courtship to shape our future. The fact that Taylor skipped Summer Greek for me meant that he started with Hebrew unlike most freshman seminarians who begin with Greek; this gave Taylor the ability to take more Hebrew electives, be the TA for the Hebrew professor on campus, and ultimately get his PhD in Hebrew and Old Testament. Life has been an adventure!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtqp5DKIOt-Q58ItC5hxeZB57yn6xGEksqaORP1uH79dxGy_jo6M0iINwKXAhxvKOOgW15Fv9X7U0p0YyfcBd9evVJb0EkYkBbEA2PqPj-WkdBT80WDki2FL64mhe6WmeuSs53hbIDxY/s320/P1040808.JPG" width="320" /><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObJB6jzmClop3-BQM1OK9kUfvGlDvQ11x9jlX6NrA2uREUn3yKJY3cSHi6_DdRQoA5iMYFJvQ4M3zWpbDln9MsVukOTue1LHoQGDPOS3yG5di9bP9tzpLlnpeybY6bokk_S3uAJRC3sU/s320/P1040752.JPG" width="320" /><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMXlvwHQDsRsWGJXI63KJ32_OoUg0XQeXSXxoS4hvlipY38DJrSRWODjACphlrn2PuOU1NANzkn_8mktt9V8TeBL2kM8L2aM6UpgBaWX0AddQaKJ-nmng3MgilVjGmiJLig9IDaMDmIuU/s320/IMG_0110.JPG" width="320" /><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxQ16kkjf_ti8JklpoNScUPv8QAwsrmFZigq9isur_S_i4fxuz0H8-MrxZ8Xc5epMFmYtoofmRf-E91M0FQP1GWa3UO2oq2qHXEWXkrzBpU_jr59D7tPLBX9_Rz6d0K6hWSrlJjHErEo/s320/Ince_Family_Edinburgh-34.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Taylor continues to win my heart daily by:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. Waking me up after my coffee is ready each morning</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2. Being ready for adventure at all times</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3. Loving our God and our family well</div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnicDx9bIX4k0sMjDn6jMJbpt8XF4JxO5yn15GJo-HMXuSEzCZ7bP-rULcZHV744EKIYMttswiQ5rb0-7nbgGIr3j3P9S7GYFf632F61vi4aPbvCNYOd_KhpI9KG3TzaCz47pTSWU37o/s1600/IMG_1650+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnicDx9bIX4k0sMjDn6jMJbpt8XF4JxO5yn15GJo-HMXuSEzCZ7bP-rULcZHV744EKIYMttswiQ5rb0-7nbgGIr3j3P9S7GYFf632F61vi4aPbvCNYOd_KhpI9KG3TzaCz47pTSWU37o/s320/IMG_1650+%25281%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIUB4jyriqIByCtdRVykevfyAq4ZO123qHnsLBMhx0F04BRkPBK7XIJ_FbczICqfYZpxQLooPwP_usPTMVJ7rSQ26ljGXdpLlgS1Cnry7_iyyDiJoAnTHiaNCBovCvWzXUpXoIzZPpDls/s1600/IMG_1650+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIUB4jyriqIByCtdRVykevfyAq4ZO123qHnsLBMhx0F04BRkPBK7XIJ_FbczICqfYZpxQLooPwP_usPTMVJ7rSQ26ljGXdpLlgS1Cnry7_iyyDiJoAnTHiaNCBovCvWzXUpXoIzZPpDls/s320/IMG_1650+%25281%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a>Taylor and Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14045920702988964331noreply@blogger.com0