Hearts and Prayers

I graduated Optometry school with about 120 students, which sounds like a lot, but after being with the SAME people for 4 years, you learn to know a great deal about each other and have formed very close bonds that will last for a lifetime. So when something happens to one of us, everyone knows and everyone tries to help out.

During our 4th year at SCO my classmate Jared learned that his 3 year old daughter Emma was suffering from a childhood tumor called neuroblastma.

Here are some articles about Emma.

5th birthday party

St. Jude patient of the month

Today I found out that Emma lost her battle with this cancer. I can not even fathom losing a child. My hearts and prayers are with Jared and his family. I hope they know that their angel Emma is in heaven watching over them. If you would please take time out of your busy day to say a prayer for them as well, pray that they get through this rough time and can find comfort in Our Lord.

Grace under pressure blog post

Cucumber Salad

I had the day off and I actually stayed at home... Which is not typical, normally I travel somewhere but since I have MY new house, I am becoming more of a home body. The intense heat could have had something to do with my staying inside too. Well I was watching The Food Network and saw this great recipe. I altered it a bit for my tasting.

Fresh Cucumber Salad

Ingredients:
- 2 Cucumbers, peeled and diced
- Kosher salt
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons dill, or more if desired
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely minced

Directions:
Put the cucumbers in a colander and set over a bowl or the sink. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and allow it to sit for 5 minutes. Press out as much liquid as possible. Toss the cucumbers, yogurt, onion, dill and pepper in a serving bowl. Cover and chill in the refrigerator at least 1 hour or until ready to enjoy.

Weekend Warriors

This weekend I was fortunate to have my family come and visit me... On Father's Day. And the best part is my parents helped me a TON around my house. One of the big projects was installing a ceiling fan in my living room that did not have any electrical wiring to it... So that meant that my Dad had to climb up into my hot attic and do some major work. It took about an hour and a half from start to finish, he is a master craftsman for sure!

The other major project was my flower garden in the front of my house. May parents got to my house before I did, so I didn't get a picture of all the weeds but this is how it looked like after my my weeded.
And AFTER!! What a difference. I can't wait for the flowers in front of my trellis to climb up it :)
My mom insisted on us being in the picture :)

Happy 60th Birthday Dad!

This weekend I headed to my hometown to celebrate my Dad's 60th birthday! Seems hard to believe that my dad is 60... It is funny how my idea of old has changed the older I get. We celebrated Saturday night with a bbq with friends. I made homemade salsa & German Chocolate cake. Yummo!

The cake... I think this could be my new favorite... Or a close second to Red Velvet with Cream cheese frosting.
This birthday boy and his cake

I didn't think it was a good idea to have 60 candles on the cake. And a slight fire hazard :)

My birthday present... 60 Bud Lights :)

More lake time

This past weekend I was invited by my good friend Dina to come hang out with her at her lake house... duh, I jumped at the chance of course. I spent Saturday night, Sunday, Monday night and Tuesday soaking up some sun and having some quality girl time. So lucky to have such a wonderful friend, not to mention one with a wonderful 2nd home. It was a perfect little get away. I was able to visit with my Grandma who is in the hospital in the same town, did some light reading, caught up with some other friends, did some hiking and really got to work on my tan.

Here are some pictures of the shoreline & boat house.

Jack and his raw hide... Got really gross when this was wet!
Shot of Dina's great flowers, boat house & the cabin at the top of the hill.

SUNSET!!

Dina earned her fire badge that night :) I love the smell of campfire

The important things in life... Wine, music (iPod), sunsets and a friend to share it all with :)

Thank you Dina for a great time. I can't wait to spend more time with your and your amazing family. You guys have been so great to me through the years.

Graduation pictures

Here are the rest of the pictures from Jeff's graduation weekend. It was a great weekend.

The cake my mom made
Friends at the house

All ready to get his diploma

With the proud parents :)

Ashley, my mom, Jeff, my dad & me

This is not normal...

THIS is normal :)

Walking to his seat

Found it!

All smiles!

Got it!

A few of the graduates

Hannah & Jeff

BFFs - Jeff & Ethan

Golf guys