If it's not one thing...

You ever heard that quote, "If it's not one thing it's another?" I've heard that quote alot in the last couple of days. My uncle had an emergency unexpected brain surgery yesterday morning. I was at my sisters house and we got the call saying he was taken to the hospital. Once we got there and found out the severity of the situation I must admit, I was not in a good place. I remember thinking, "I don't understand. Not again God."

I've only known one other person that survived his condition. We've lost about three relatives/family friends to the same thing and I just didn't want to think about the possibilities of losing him. And the fact that he's in his 30s just made it even more unexpected. I'm grateful to say that his surgery went well. But a lot of things were going through my head.

Life is not a guarantee. I know that and have always known that but it can be easy at times to forget. It's a blessing to have such a large family. But along with that comes the possibility of taking one another for granted. During the holidays everyone tries to go the extra mile to get together but even if that doesn't happen, "There's always Christmas or next year." Or because my family is so large, everyone usually can't get together at one place so holidays usually consist of a few different places we all can choose from. When really, who knows what will happen next Christmas. Why not NOW?

As I was driving home last night, it finally hit me what really happened and how that short time frame could have changed each of our lives for good. But I am so glad that his surgery went well and we don't have to say "what if" or "I wish I would have." God has graced each of us with more TIME with each other.

Alot of times we push things off or procrastinate. But that's a scheme of the enemy who tries to make us believe that we have an endless amount of time. But it only takes a second for our lives to change. When I finally saw him after his surgery and he was awake and knew who I was (which I wasn't expecting after having brain surgery), I wanted to climb in his lap and just hold on to him. Of course I probably would've been carried out lol But I was so grateful that God graced him with more time and that brain surgery is not too complicated for our Heavenly Father.

Thanking God for His healing Power. If' its not one thing it's another. But we have the ability to speak to that giant and it will come down. When we are in situations that are out of our control, it's a reminder that we serve the One who has it ALL in control. I ask that you keep my uncle in your prayers. That he will have a healthy and smooth recovery and that all is well for his wife and children.

Cherish those you love and make sure they know it.

Thanksgiving 2011

As stated previously, I had an awesome Thanksgiving. It was just a perfect chill and peaceful day.

I intended to make both of those desserts listed below, but I was missing an ingredient for the banana pudding recipe. So I just fixed those carrots (that I've been raving about) and the cookie dough cheesecake bars. I still can't decide if I like the bars or not. One of my cousins had a bite of one when he first came over, and he was quick to say that they were a bit dry lol...but he said they were still good. So, I'm not sure if I'll make that again or not. Even though cookie dough and cheesecake are two of my favorite sweets....we'll have to see.

I had family from my dad's and mom's side come over to the house. I was really excited about those from my dad's side coming over. We rarely ever get together for family functions. We had a family reunion a few years ago, and people from the local area didn't really come; however, there were folks from out of state travelling to attend. Something's wrong with that picture. A lot of my dad's family lives within 5-15 min away, and years will go by without seeing them. Smh. My dad even has a twin sister, and I don't think I've seen her since my grandpa's funeral last December. It's so sad.

Since my grandpa passed, I've been praying earnestly that my family would grow closer. And I think we have. Numerous events including graduation celebrations, birthdays, Christmas brunch last year, getting my hair braided (by my cousin), and just visiting each other more often have taken place this year. And I'm so thankful. I've always wanted a big close-knit family, extended and immediate. I want to be able to hang out with my cousins more, and not just because we're brought together for the next holiday on the calendar.

This year was great. Good eats and great convo over dinner. I don't like those awkward moments where it's a silent dinner. Ugh! I know the food is good, but...it's better (in my opinion) if there's laughter and a good conversation going along with it.

I don't know why, but I always seem to get nervous when entertaining folks at my house. I don't want them to get bored easily. I want them to enjoy themselves, and not think my event was a waste of time. So, I was wondering how everything would flow after dinner. Those "eat and run" dinners are kinda awkward too, so I was hoping no one would do that. The guys, of course, made their way to the basement to engage in that good ol' football. **I'm gonna get into football one day. I'm gonna be rockin' a Redskins (my household's team) snapback, yelling at the TV with the guys, and giving a detailed response when someone asks me, "How 'bout that game last night?" Being that I'm a girl not associated with football, they probably won't ask. I guess I'll have to start that convo or somethin...I'll know the ropes one day. :) **


Fortunately, it wasn't awkward after dinner. We played Jenga and Pit, so that was fun. I'm just thankful for how the day played out. Just perfect.

Here's the recipes I used for the carrots (courtesy of Essence mag November 2011 edition) and the cookie dough cheesecake bars (mybakingaddiction.com).


Orange-Glazed Carrots


Makes 10 servings.
Prep time: 10 min
Cooking time: 25 min

2 pounds baby carrots
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter
2 pinches salt

Boil the carrots in a shallow saucepan until tender. Drain and return carrots to pan. Simmer in orange juice over medium heat for 5 min. Stir in the brown sugar, butter and salt. Heat until butter and sugar melt.

Per serving: 100 calories, 14g carbohydrate, 12mg cholesterol, 5g fat, 1g protein, 102mg sodium

The recipe for the cookie dough cheesecake bars is kinda long. You actually make the graham cracker crust, the cheesecake filling, and the chocolate chip cookie dough. Feel free to click the link above, where you'll find the complete recipe. Here's a few of my own pictures, regarding this dessert.

Crushing graham crackers for the crust

 Before placing the dish in the oven to cook

Out the oven and ready to eat! Disregard the missing left corner. Had to taste test! lol

Day 22: My Thankful

Hey beautiful people! I'm gonna make this short and sweet, since I have to be at work in a few hours.

I'm thankful that today was a perfect Thanksgiving, just what I was hoping for. I thoroughly enjoyed all the time spent with family members I rarely see. The food was great, and there were no awkward moments. That's always a plus in my book.

I'm thankful that my dad's side of the family is coming together more and more. I just wish we would've been doing more prior to my grandpa's passing last December. Everything happens for a reason though.

I have so much to be thankful for! I'm filled with so much joy, and I love it!

Thanks for reading! What did you enjoy most this Thanksgiving?

Day 20: My Thankful

I'm thankful that I get to kinda take a break from school. I still have online assignments due by Sunday, but still...now's the time to wind down and relax.

I'm thankful that Thanksgiving is at my house this year. Although I get nervous when put in a position to entertain family and friends, I'm thankful for the opportunity. I pray that all the food will be tasty, and that the day will just flow like it's meant to be. No awkward moments, memories made, new bonds formed, and current bonds bridged closer.

I'm thankful that God truly helped me to encourage myself today. He's so so sweet, and I'm discovering that fact more and more each day. He loves us all and He wants to be involved in every aspect of our lives, if we just allow Him to do so.

I'm thankful for all the cleaning I have waiting for me later on today, in preparation for the Thanksgiving guests. I'm thankful I actually have places of my own to clean (my own bedroom and bathroom), as well as other places in the house.

I'm thankful that my family and I eat dinner together at the kitchen table most days out of the week. Classic old school traditions are the best.

Day 11: My Thankful

I'm thankful for a pretty good weekend!

I'm thankful that my orange glazed carrots I made last week were apparently a hit, since my mom bought more carrots for me to simmer up. And no, I haven't forgotten that I'm supposed to be sharing last week's cooking adventure with y'all. I'll get to it sometime this week hopefully. =)

I'm thankful for family, friends, and good laughs. Truly irreplaceable moments.

I'm thankful for the random gift I got in the mail from Target, just for being an Essence subscriber. It was like a colorful make-up bag  filled with samples of natural/unnatural hair products and some coupons to Target. Whoop Whoop! I love Target!

I'm thankful that it's almost holiday time!!

As we inch closer to the holidays, we inch closer to 2011 winding down. But I'm thankful that there is still much to be completed before we make our debut into 2012.

Day 4: My Thankful

I'm thankful that all the assignments due before midnight tonight (that I procrastinated on) were completed!

I'm thankful for a GREAT family dinner (prepared by yours truly), minus my brother who is away at college. We had great conversation and good laughs. And me and my dad cleaned the kitchen together! Awww, that almost never happens.

I'm thankful for dreams, visions, and goals.

I'm thankful for today's message at church on marriage. I'm not married yet, but I plan to be. So, all wisdom is beneficial at this point.

I'm thankful for all the people I had conversations with today at church. I remember my painfully shy days, and I'm always so grateful when I realize that I've come so much farther than I'd ever thought I would. Thank you God!


SN: I forgot to take pictures of the finished product of the Shrimp Alfredo. Go figure. lol...but Chelsea and I made this earlier in the year, and it's on one of the earlier postings. It was delicious though! =)

Shrimp Alfredo Prep