What a difference one year makes...

One year ago to the day,

my sisters and I are were in the windy city...

We met up with a group of fun people for a photography workshop.

And it was on April 23, 2011

that I officially met Jack McDonnell.

It was a fun filled day and one that 

I know I will never forget.

I enjoyed taking pictures of one of my favorite places

But, even more so I was happy to get to know Jack better...

If you would have told me on April 23, 2011 that in just one year I would be

dating and in love with this fellow photographer, I would have shook

my head in unbelief, but inside I would have been absolutely thrilled.

One year has brought changes and it completely amazes

what God can do when we are surrendered to his will.

Once in awhile in the middle of an ordinary life 

God gives us a fairy tale.

So glad to have spent the last year with someone like Jack-

looking forward to creating many  more memories with him!

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Sister time!

So what does a house full of girls do when

their parents are out for the evening?

EAT! :)

We debated which restaurant to dine at::

Mexican,

Italian,

Chinese,

American...

Since we couldn't choose we decided to have a little bit of it all!

The menu included:

Pretzels & cream cheese

Crackers & cheddar cheese

Mozzarella sticks

Taquitos

Pepsi

Tortilla chips & salsa

Mint Chocolate Chip Shakes

In early celebration of Brooke's college graduation,

my sisters and I went out for dinner and to a concert.

A sister is the kind of friend you would travel far to find,

only she's been standing right beside you all along.

Sisters are the perfect best friend.

How do people make it through life without a sister?

A woman without her sister is like

a bird without wings.

So thankful that God blessed me with two sisters!

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Happenings

My life in pictures...

Last month, Rick and Lizzy invited Jack and I to their place

where we enjoyed delicious food, great fellowship,

and some pretty intense game playing! :)

Spring break doesn't necessarily effect me, but I certainly enjoyed

getting to spend some more time with my sisters

We enjoyed getting our nails done together one Saturday...

And then the next Saturday, one of my best friends came home on

her spring break, and we hit up the Lighthouse mall for some deal shopping!

Somewhere in there I got a package in the mail with the traveling bracelet;
wearing it always makes me feel close to my besties...

My parents' evenings have been filled with countless games
of Scrabble, in which sometimes I have to referee...:)



I have also been enjoying every opportunity I get with Jack...
of course!! :)

I was able to go down twice and thoroughly enjoyed myself both times.

Spring came early to Indiana and we definitely are not complaining about that!

Watching the sunset at the Dunes is always a summer tradition,

and I was happy I could spend the first one of the season with my special someone...

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openings in the sky...

Perhaps they are not really stars,but rather openings in heaven

where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us

to let us know they are happy.

When we were younger, she would visit and sing us the little ditty,

Who stole the cookie from the cookie jar?

So, she developed the name of Grandma Cookie...

She was one the most unselfish, sweet, giving people I know.

She was on top of those birthday cards.

I could always count on a card several days in advance to my birthday.

I was always a little apprehensive in writing her thank yous though

because she would without fail, send back a thank for my thank you enclosed with money.

That was the type of person she was.

Every single letter I ever wrote her she always sent back another with money...

She was just that giving.

I did not get to spend as much time with her as I would have liked, but I feel like I know her so well.

You see, every Saturday without fail, ever since I can remember,

my Dad would call her up.

He would have her on speaker and I would listen in as he told her about his service in the nursing home, 

how the family was doing, and that we loved and were praying for her.

Her voice is one I will never forget.

Her sweet spirit is one that I hope I have inherited.

She lived a long good life, but it was time for her to go home.

God called her and she went with arms outstretched.

She was not getting around like she used to and she had to be on oxygen...

It is such a comfort to know that she is no longer in need of that tank.

She is walking on streets of gold, looking down upon us.

And when I close my eyes I can still hear her voice singing,

Who stole the cookie from the cookie jar?

Nicole stole the cookie from the cookie jar.

Who me?

Yes you.

Couldn't be.

Then Who?

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Italian Stew

I am a huge fan of crock pots...

I don't know about you all, but I just love being able to throw something in

it in the am and then  8 hours later come back to a finished product!

This particular recipe for Italian Stew comes

from a dear friend of our family

Ingredients::

• 2 1/2 lbs mild Italian sausage
• 1 medium green pepper
• 1 onion
• 2 c of carrots
• 7 c of beef broth
• 1 6oz can of tomato paste
• 4 c tomato juice or pureed stewed tomatoes
• 1 T seasoning salt
• 1 t garlic powder
• 1 t basil
• 1 t oregano
• 1 bag of frozen cheese tortellini

Chop your vegetables

Cook the sausage and then add peppers and onions

and seasoning salt

Drain grease from sausage and vegetables

Combine the rest of the ingredients into the crockpot and add the meat and vegetables

Cook on high for 2 hours and then set on low for remainder of the time

About 30 minutes prior to serving add the frozen tortellini

Top with mozzarella cheese if you desire

Bon appetit!

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