the nolls come to visit

My good friend from college days came to visit tonight. Karissa and I met at Hope International University back in 2000 and became close friends. We've stayed connected since graduation in '03, but it's been nearly 5 years since I've seen her. Since that time, she's gotten married and had 3 kiddos. Elijah turned 3 yesterday and the twin girls, Hannah and Alysah, are 10 months old. Her hubby, Chris, is in the military, and they spent several years in England and in the Azores (off the coast of Portugal). They are now back in the U.S., living in NorCal. It was SOOO fun to see her, reconnect, and let the kiddos play together (Elijah and Maggie were fast friends), and the hubbies connect. Although the house was quite chaotic at times, we had a really good night. Thanks for taking the time to come see us, Chris and Karissa! Hopefully, it won't be 5 more years until our next get together.

little mama

I had a goal this summer to do weekly cooking with Maggie. We've only done it once, though. :) We made yummy, healthy homemade granola bars and had much fun doing it!

My good friend Lindsey made Maggie and I matching aprons! I LOVE them.

wordless wednesdays are back!

Here are snapshots of our first ferris wheel ride at the Spectrum:

first food @ 6 months

mckay kiddos

the kiddos

A few pics for your viewing pleasure:

stuffed burgers for summer grillin'--MAKE THESE!

Over the last few years, I've developed an increased interest/love for cooking. It's very much something I enjoy and I have several friends to thank for their continued inspiration--Kathryn, Laurie, Tina, Shelley, Molly, Bethany. If your name isn't listed, don't be offended. It doesn't mean you aren't a good cook, just that we don't talk too often about it. :)

Thanks to Molly and Clayton, friends from seminary in Dallas, I have gained a newfound reading pleasure, Cooks Illustrated. It's an amazingly simple magazine that is published by America's Test Kitchen experts. Chefs takes recipes and perfect them, and then publish their findings. Also, kitchen equipment is rated and tested and tricks of the trade are discussed.

Tonight, we cooked "Stuffed Burgers" out of the summer entertaining issue (I can't find a picture online) and you must make these! Basically, most of the fixins' are put into the meat and grilled. The result is a flavorful and juicy burger. This recipe is so easy and so tasty.

Charcoal-Grilled Stuffed Burgers (serves 4)

1 1/2 pounds 85 percent lean ground chuck (*Do not deviate from this!*)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
8 slices cooked bacon, chopped fine
4 tsp. yellow mustard
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp. table salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
4 hamburger buns, toasted (they recommend Pepperidge Farm Premium Bakery Rolls)

Prepare your outdoors grill. Mix all above ingredients together, than form 4 equal portioned patties, about 1-inch thick. Grill burgers on hot side of grill, uncovered, until well seared on first side, 2-4 minutes. Flip burgers and grill about 4 minutes on other side. Serve on toasted buns with lettuce and tomato.

There are a couple other variations--Ranch Burgers, Tex-Mex Burgers, and Italian Burgers--if you are interested email me.

The art of listening

haitus ending

I dedicate this post to my good friend, Allison, who scolded me with the following Facebook wall post a few weeks ago: "Your blog has cobwebs, tumbleweeds, dustbunnies, and smells like your grandma's attic...just sayin'."

I think this has officially been the longest length of time I've gone without blogging. Obviously, we've been busy, moving, settling in. And as many of you know, when you get out of the habit of doing something, it's sometimes difficult to get back into it.

Let's see, where to begin? We officially arrived in California on Wednesday, May 27. And, now, a month later, we have mostly settled in, though there are still quite a few boxes left to unpack, the computer desk to be set up, and some general organization (some of it drives me nuts most of the time!). But, other things have fallen into place: I'm cooking for everyone 5-6 nights a week and loving it. Aron and I are taking a date night weekly on Wednesdays. Our rooms are set up, overall. I've spent some time with a few friends. Of course, there have been very blaise days, very quiet and lonely days where I lament the loss of friendships so far away. I get discouraged with starting over...again. I know God will provide what we long for: a church home, good friends, and routine to name a few.

For my loves of lists, here are some general highlights from the past month:

*We've visited my sister-in-law, Cari, in Hollister, CA for a weekend
*Last week, I spent the week with my sister in Bishop, CA. We enjoyed time together and a time of reconnecting.
*We officially began potty training over a week ago and Maggie has done spectacular! Only 2 pee accidents. However, we have yet to go poop in the potty, but my friend Dawnielle has given me some sure-fire tips on how do encourage this. Hopefully, this week will be it!
*Curren turned 5 months old on June 13th. He began to roll around at about 4 1/2 months and now, at 5 1/2 months he is a pre-crawler! He started this week to pull his knees up under him and rock slowly. He can even propel himself forward some. He is also sitting up pretty good by himself. Big boy! Woo-hoo!
*I experienced my first-ever flat tire on the road, in the middle of nowhere, with 2 kiddos. But, God was faithful and I'm thankful for good friends and family who prayed and supported me!

I'm back!
M and C waiting for the tow-truck!

You guessed it...a big fat suck!

Swinging at the park with cousin Jacob...and Gabrielle and Jillian's heads in the background look like Mickey Mouse ears on Maggie. Funny!
The beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains in Bishop!
A pic on our road trip out to CA...first taste of In 'N Out in over a year.
First pee-pee!
Maggie at 2 1/2 years old!

Curren at 5 1/2 months old