Influence

I have something embarrasing to admit.

I have been reading this book



And have been loving it!

 I have always been a fan of their television show because they strive to live biblically (even if they are a little cheesy!) I am often sucked into poor quality reality shows (some of my favorites: Newlyweds, Kardashians and The Bachelor) and this is finally a show that I can watch and feel challenged, and walk away feeling positive.

Included in their book are lots of their favorite recipes, here is one I tried out a couple of nights ago. (I cut the recipe in half)

DUGGAR's TATER TOT CASSEROLE

2 lb ground turkey cooked, seasoned, drained
3 2lb bags tater tots
2 cans cream of mushroom
2 cans evaporated milk
2 cans cream of chicken
Brown meat & place in large cass. dish.
Cover with tater tots. Mix soup & milk together.
Pour over top. Bake at 350 for 1 Hour.
Makes 2- 9”X13” pans

Jerusalem, Day 8

Day 8

We awoke on Day 8 (we stayed at The Olive Tree Hotel which was amazing!) and had a buffet breakfast. Most breakfasts offered foods similar to those here, but better... eggs, fresh fruits, pastries, and the list goes on. I was so happy to be sitting next to my sister!

We drove to the gate of the Old City...

Headed through security

And finally we saw the famous golden nugget as we emerged...

It's hard to explain the feeling of being there... It was like a living movie as cheesy as that may sound. Similar to looking out at the Grand Canyon, I just couldn't believe where I was standing!

 Just bein'silly

We walked around the Dome of The Rock for some time. We had a good view of the hills.

 Then we walked to the Western Wall. Dillon had to put on a Yamakuh in order to approach the mens side to pray. Katie and I walked up to the womens side and I tucked a small paper prayer into the ancient cracks.

 

As we left the Wall (headed to the Armenian Quarter) we heard music, drums and chanting. We saw crowds walking down the street in celebration. It was apparently the customary ritual for the Jewish boys turning 13.

After lunch, we went to the steps up to the Temple (see Luke 2, where Simeon and Anna worshipped)

Our day still wasnt over even though we were exhausted. We walked a bit more, over to see Warrens Shaft/Hezekiah's water tunnel (a waterway that was later used to invade Jerusalem). We saw a brief video, and then half of our group braved the freezing waters and pitch black tunnel. Me and Katie just watched, and then walked to the exit, stopping along the way to take pictures of the city.

We finally went back to hotel for a wonderful buffet meal, and met up with one of Katie's friends after dinner. We walked around looking for a place that served Kanafa (a famous cheese dessert) and finally found a place. (Ignore my dead look... we were so tired!)

Our first day in Jerusalem was packed full.

Spring In My Step

The change from Winter to Spring always makes me happy. I feel inspired by the evolving surroundings. I am reminded of things I love.

*Walking my dogs- down past the busy corner where 4 neighborhoods intersect, onto the quiet street with tulips that leads to my secret park. This 45 minute walk always refreshes me, even on days I force myself out the door.

*Getting up before I have to start getting ready, to drink tea and begin my day with quiet moments. I don't do this as often as I should.

*Sitting on my patio, watching and listening to the wildlife, and feeling the sun on my legs, maybe with a good book.

*Cooking supper. Not just throwing together a last-minute meal, but taking time to plan a favorite dish, with sides and dessert. I love it.

~Just a few things that give purpose to ordinary days~

Spring Break

The past 3 Spring Breaks I have spent in the Hill Country- it has unintentionally become a new Mathis/Ferguson tradition, one that I love!

We enjoyed 4 nights in a cabin outside of Fredricksburg.

 Sisters on St. Patti's Day. I told Mollie I was sad that this might be our last Spring Break together for many years since she will be off at college (hopefully Tech!) next year.

Family pic
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Dillon and my dad had fun making a fire the last night.
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Right after I snapped this picture, the elk tried to trample me and would have, but for the wee fence betwixt us
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One day we went to Austin, and Mollie got feather extensions "Like Kei$ha"
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My dad took these beautiful pictures of a peacock right as the moon was rising
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And lastly, here is my new Artichoke centerpiece.

All in all, feeling
"Refreshed, Replinished, and Raaarrring to Go"
-Fronk, Father of the Bride

Austin

Last weekend was great! After work on Friday we drove to Austin, where we met up with The Griffins for dinner. We ate at Hopdoddy's (burgers) and then hung out at their home for a while. Meredith has been my best friend since 4th grade... we know about all there is to know about each other, and have walked through so much of life as friends. Dillon and Jeremiah saw what we are like when we are around each other...no words! (except for maybe DARSH)

(we are all looking a little sleepy...this pic was taken around midnight but I had to take advantage of a photo op)

We stayed at a hotel with a room joined to Justin and Tasha and the kids, so on Saturday we woke up, got ready then went to their room to help get the kids ready for the day. After a quick breakfast at Panera with Tom and Brenda, we all headed to the Ferguson Family Reunion, off Lake Austin (which I learned is actually a river). It was SO fun! Dillons family is all so nice and normal! There were about 45 of us, we ate lunch, played on the lawn, and listened to the "elders" tell stories about the Feguson heritage, and life growing up.

 

 

~The End~