Just Because

Friday night Ryan and I headed up to Atlanta to attend a Christmas party hosted by our friends Charity and Derek Carter. We had so much fun! There is nothing like the company of good friends, especially during the holiday season. A couple of days before, Ryan decided to book us a night at the Westin downtown just because we had the opportunity. If you haven't been there, I highly recommend checking out the Sundial restaurant. The restaurant slowing turns, giving you a complete 360 degree view of Atlanta. The restaurant is on the 73rd floor of the hotel, and the only way to get there is to ride a glass elevator to the top. Unfortunately, the elevator's windows were blacked out because a tornado took out a lot of the windows, windows that are still been repaired. All in all, it was great! So romantic! I'm so grateful for my marriage and all the things I've learned and have yet to learn about loving someone to the fullest. I love you, honey!

Best Mashed Potato Recipe

I tried this recipe for Thanksgiving, and it was such a hit! Thank you Paula Dean and Liz!

Ingredients:
5 cups water
4 cups frozen hashbrown potatoes (shredded)
7.6 oz pkg butter & herb instant mashed potato mix
1/2 c butter
4 oz cream cheese
1 c monterey jack cheese
1/2 c sour cream
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 c canned french fried onion rings

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Boil the water and add hashbrowns. Cook for 5-10 minutes. Drain.
Prepare mashed potatoes according to the package directions. Mix in the hashbrowns in a large bowl.
Soften the butter and cream cheese in the microwave. Add to the potato mixture in bowl.
Mix in jack cheese, sour cream, and seasonings.
Place in a greased 3 quart casserole dish.
bake 25-35 mins, or until golden on top.
Sprinkle the onion rings on top and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes.

Makes 8-10 servings

Tis the season, but not just because it's the season

I find myself so humbled today with my life. In these trying economic times, I have a great job, a wonderful husband, a lovely home, and a knowledge of the true gospel in my life. I'm very aware that circumstances change and are changing all over the country for millions of people who thought their life was set and job secure. My heart aches for all the people out there who are struggling because I know, at any moment, that could be me. As I learn and grow and appreciate things so much more, I grow in my love of the Thanksgiving holiday.
I found this quote today, and it has struck a chord inside me:

"The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving."

Amen to that.

Relief might be in sight

Went to an urgent care clinic yesterday since I couldn't get into see my doctor. Tonight I will have been on steroids and a new and stronger round of antibiotics for 24 hours. Hopefully, my husband will be able to sleep in the same bed as me (my humidifier and coughing are not good sleeping aids). Columbus definitely has allergy issues, so if this is going to be a reoccuring theme, I'm going to really think about my future plans here.

Clarise, the red-nosed wife

Ugh. Talk about no fun for the last 3 weeks. The weather keeps changing from warm to cold to warm again so flowers are blooming, dying, and then blooming again. Columbus seems to be allergy capital of the world, which I am not too happy about. I have gone through countless tissues, hot tea, hot chocolate, hot apple cider, cough drops, airborne, and claritin. I've even invested in a humidifier and the best air filters money can buy. I've tried every home remedy, had a round of antibiotics, and lost my voice completely. I really hope this clears up soon. There's a great possibility my sanity could be on the line.

Whoa!

Before Saturday, I had never ever ridden a horse. I really wanted to on our honeymoon, but we never got the chance. Well, Ryan (being the thoughtful husband he is) arranged for us to go for a trail ride out in this gorgeous country town about an hour from our home. Ryan's horse was named Chase, and they took to each other immediately. My horse was named Mississippi and he always wanted to be in lead (my kinda horse). He scared me a couple times when he trotted ahead, but all in all, we had a great time. It was so relaxing for us to ride along all the trees that were changing colors. Now, I'm working the Icyhot on my sore muscles!



Even the drive there and back was gorgeous!









Ryan and Chase



Me and Mississippi (and the trail guide)

Who knew?

I can cook! There is a lady in our ward who used to be a gourmet cook, and she offers cooking lessons. I was lucky enough to be able to attend one of her classes. I took notes and made Ryan this spaghetti sauce from stratch with whole wheat pasta and fresh herbs. Our home smelled like heaven for hours! Ryan has always been the main cook in our household, but I think I'm going to give him a run for his money!