Thursday, July 14, 2011

Tunes for Thursday

I am loving this song from Chris Tomlin. It was from the Passion: Here for You CD! The whole CD is amazing, but I really like this song. It is SORT OF a re-done version of one of my favorite hymns I Need Thee Every Hour. It is stuck in my head on this pretty Thursday so I thought I would share it with you. No need to watch the video, its just the lyrics, you can just listen! :)


Happy Thursday!

Monday, July 4, 2011

AMERICA

I LOVE the 4th of July and this country! There's nothing better than a good patriotic song either. This is one of my favorites: It's America by Rodney Atkins. These are just a few of my favorite lines describing America and I think it's perfect for today.
It's a high school prom
It's a Springsteen song It's a ride in a Chevrolet It's a man on the moon
And fireflies in June
and kids sellin' lemonade... It's cities
and farms it's open armsOne nation under God Its America...

Now we might not always get it right,
But there's nowhere else I'd rather build my life

It's a flag blowin' in the summer wind
Over some fallen hero's grave.
It's America...."

Happy 235th Birthday, America!

Sources: (in order of pictures used) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Verse of the day: "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD..." Psalm 33:12

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Perfect Summer Potato Salad

Does anyone remember Red, Hot, And Blue? And how good their potato salad was? Unfortunately it has been closed now for a few years. If you never had it, you sure did miss out! Unless you are like my mother and just gagged at the thought of potato salad, and for that I apologize and you should probably not read the rest of my post. But if you do, get excited, because I finally found a recipe that is the "supposedly" the exact recipe. I tried it a few weeks ago and loved it. Since the 4th of July is tomorrow, I thought it would be a good time to share it if you need something to make to bring to a party! So here we go...

Here is what you need (forgot the picture, sorry!)
*4lbs (or more depending on how much you want to make) Red Bliss potatoes
*4 eggs
*1/2 cup finely chopped green onion tops
*1 1/4 cup of mayo
*1 3/4 celery seed - (You know, the stuff you keep your pantry stocked full of. HA! May have to make a special run the store for this!)
*1 1/4 teaspoons of salt
*1 1/2 teaspoons of black pepper
(says serves 12 - I'd say 10)

First of all, 1 and 3/4 teaspoon? 1 and 1/4 teaspoon? Really? Who comes up with this. Unless you are baking, it doesn't matter if its exact. Just season to taste!

Start with cutting up the Red Bliss potatoes. Using the Red Bliss potatoes does make a difference. They aren't the small red new potatoes, they are bigger. In the meantime, bring water to a boil. (enough water to cover the potatoes)

I cut mine into slices, slightly bigger than usual because if you cut too small they will turn to mush later. 4lbs is a lot of potatoes so using a regular size saucepan doesn't work. I had to use a really deep one. Bring the potatoes to a boil, and don't run off to far. You don't want to cook them to death because they will for sure be mush then. And there is nothing about mush in this recipe title now is it?

You can also boil your eggs with the potatoes or in a separate saucepan.
Only about 10-12 minutes, so be watching - as soon as you can stick a fork through one, take em out!
And let cool.
Next, chop up the green onions. Go ahead and cut off the white parts and go to town on the green part.
Then, its the eggs turn. Peel the shells and chop chop chop! As big or as small as you would like.
Now its mixing time! In a large bowl, first add the eggs
Next, green onions
Celery seeds - I know it's random, but don't try it without it. It really does make a difference!Mayo, salt and pepper to taste.
Mix GENTLY, but thoroughly!
And enjoy! Easy, huh? Serve room temperature for up to 2 hours, then refrigerate.

Recipe:
Perfect Potato Salad
Ingredients
4 lbs Red Bliss potatoes
4 eggs
1/2 cup finely chopped green onion tops
1 1/4 cup of mayo
1 3/4 celery seed
1 1/4 teaspoons of salt
1 teaspoon of black pepper

Directions:
Slice potatoes into small pieces. Boil the potatoes 10-12 minutes, or until tender. Boil 4 eggs until done. Let eggs and potatoes cool, then peel the eggs. Finely chop up green onions, and eggs. In a large bowl, gently mix eggs, onions, salt and pepper to taste, celery seed, and mayo with potatoes until thoroughly mixed. Refrigerate.
Source

Verse of the day: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Friday, July 1, 2011

Pageant Time

It is finally that time of year....


Miss Mississippi pageant time! This is another reason why I like summer. Ever since I can remember I have absolutely loved it. The best thing that ever happened was when a couple of years ago they started live streaming the prelim nights on the Internet (you used to could only see the prelims if you were actually there). That's four nights of pageant in a row!! Woo! This also brings a whole new role in watching it now because I become a judge. Also, when my cousin introduced me to a little ole forum where people talk about this pageant year round, it just took it to a whole new level (but only when people are being nice, and not bashing people - thats not necessary). I love taking notes during the prelims, and then making predictions on who the top 10 is going to be. Last year I was just 2 off I also enjoying watching, and discussing this with my best friends Laurie and Brittany. It has become a tradition over the years. We have a great time with it. So if you care NOTHING about this pageant, pageants in general, or my weird interest with it, I apologize for wasting your time reading this. BUT, if you are like me and this is your thing, here is my top 10 predictions, and I would love to hear what you think. Since we don't get to see the interview portion with the judges, this is based off just what I see in the prelims. Now, I have been known to wrong before, so don't be holding it against me if your friend, favorite, or enemy is or is not on my list. Also, EVERY year there is ALWAYS a surprise someone who sneaks in the top 10 and I love it! But here is mine for now:

Top 10
Shelby Corn –Miss Central Mississippi
Jill Duckworth – Miss University of Southern Mississippi
Chassidy Sumler – Miss Dixie
Mary Maragret Roark – Miss North Central Mississippi
Marie Wicks – Miss Pine Belt/Gulf Coast (This / title is weird. Just pick one)
Kristen Benigno – Miss Hattiesburg
Fenly Akers – Miss Heartland
Chelsea Rick – Miss Metro Jackson
Vaughan Simmons – Miss Deep South
Stephanie Stanford -Miss Delta Blues

Bubbles for top 10
Elyssa Lassiter – Miss Vicksburg
Jessica Terrill – Miss Mississippi State University
Natalie Wood – Miss Southland
Kathrine Barkett – Miss Univeristy

Top 5
Fenly Akers
Chelsea Rick
Kristen Benigno
Shelby Corn
Mary Margaret Roark

Winner – Keeping that one to myself ! :)

Since most of you probably aren’t watching until tomorrow night, I would love to hear your opinions then! Happy Pageant Day!

Verse of the day: "Make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and recieve a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:10-11