The A Team - 2013

We've had the opportunity to tell many of our family and friends, but wanted to officially post that Aaron, Alex and I are moving to Michigan at the end of January 2013.  I have accepted a new position with ARAMARK and am looking forward to a new challenge.  We'll be moving to Hudsonville, MI, which is between Holland and Grand Rapids.  We've done a lot of research and Hudsonville has a very great school district with a strong special education program.  Can't wait to be closer to family and friends.  See you soon.

Love,
Aimee

Jingle Bells - or - Wedding Bells?!

Tis the season! Christmas is just around the corner - which typically means silver bells and jingle bells, but this year we are also hearing the faint whisper of wedding bells!

As most of you probably know by now, I proposed to Caitlin on Dec. 13 while we were on vacation at Walt Disney World. I asked her father's permission that morning just before breakfast, but only told them that I planned to ask at some point over the weekend without giving any specifics.

We were spending the evening at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party inside the Magic Kingdom. We had visited many of the rides and attractions and we were just heading back to the castle for the fireworks and castle lights display when we came across a photographer set up to take photos of families in front of the castle. I asked Caitlin if she wanted to get her picture taken with me and when she agreed we walked over and I got down on one knee and proposed.

She said yes!

And to be honest ... I was scared out of my mind. I know this picture looks like it's just the two of us, but there were hundreds of people around waiting for the show - and they were in shock just as much as Caitlin and her parents at the timing. We received congratulations from many of those that watched ... But I'm glad we at least got a picture cause I'm not sure how much either of us actually remember!

Anyway, we are working through all the details ... But as of right now we are thinking sometime around Labor Day in Albuquerque, New Mexico - which is her hometown. We will be sure to give more formal details as they come, but we can't wait to celebrate with everyone soon!

Our Home for the Holidays

Happy Holidays from North Carolina! 

Here is a quick look into our holiday season. We're so blessed to have amazing family and friends to spend the holidays with. We began the holidays by hosting Thanksgiving for most of the Barry and Shaw families and recently hosted our first ugly sweater party. 

We hope everyone is enjoying their holidays as well! (Feel free to post your own holiday pictures... hint, hint!) 

Time to Carve the Turkey!

The Barry Family

Matthew Changing Tires

Feeding the Kangaroo at Lazy Five

Sweater Party Photo Booth

The Guys Rocking Christmas Sweaters

My First Gingerbread House

The ShawBarry Home for the Holidays

Halloween 2012

Alex is sharpening his skills and practicing for his place in Marie's Kitchen.

Crash Hot Potatoes

 

Found this recipe on Pinterest... OMGosh!  These have a yummy, crispy, and flavorful surface... Delish!

Ingredients

• 12 whole New Potatoes (or other small round potatoes)
• 3 Tablespoons olive oil
• Kosher salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Rosemary (or other herbs of choice) to taste- I used Lemon Pepper Mrs. Dash- mmmm!

Preparation Instructions

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add in as many potatoes as you wish to make and cook them until they are fork-tender.
On a sheet pan, generously drizzle olive oil. Place tender potatoes on the cookie sheet leaving plenty of room between each potato.
With a potato masher, gently press down each potato until it slightly mashes, rotate the potato masher 90 degrees and mash again. Brush the tops of each crushed potato generously with more olive oil.
Sprinkle potatoes with kosher salt, fresh ground black pepper and fresh chopped rosemary (or chives or thyme or whatever herb you have available.)
Bake in a 450 degree oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Fall Photo Shoot (photos by Aaron)

Can you tell Alex is comfortable in front of a camera?  Geez.

Spiced Pumpkin Latte

Delicious and cozy served in my favorite mug (thanks Dina!). A wonderful way to start a Sunday. Just like the ones at the coffee shops, but much cheaper.

Pumpkin Spice Latte (Vegan, Gluten Free) by averie cooks

1. Make coffee   (The stronger the better)

2. Make Pumpkin Milk

1 c milk (I used almond milk but use any kind you want from half  and half to rice milk)

1/4 heaping cup pumpkin puree (more if you really love pumpkin)

2 tsp pumpkin pie spice blend, or to taste

1 tsp cinnamon, or to taste

1 tsp vanilla extract

sweetener of choice, to taste (I suggest 2 tbsp agave or 2 tbsp brown sugar or a pinch of stevia to taste; or try honey, maple syrup, etc. to taste)

Optional: pinch of ground nutmeg, ginger, garam masala, cardamom, or other warming spices to taste

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk well by hand or blender.

Optional: Warm the finished pumpkin milk mixture in the microwave or on the stovetop (I do a quick nuke of about 1 minute)

3. Pour 1 c of brewed coffee into a mug and pour half the pumpkin milk mixture over the top of the coffee and enjoy.  (Optional: Finish by garnishing with real whipped cream/whipped topping such as CoolWhip or TruWhip; and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice/cinnamon on top)

The other half of the pumpkin milk mixture is for the refill you know you will want.  If you truly don’t want a refill, refrigerate it for up to a few days and use for your next latte, in a smoothie, or drink it as is.  As long as you’re dirtying dishes, I always make a little extra for refills or for later.

Notes:

The spices will not “blend” or entirely dissolve.  This is to be expected and normal.  If this bothers you, this may not the recipe for you and you may want to experiment with other recipes or techniques.

All spices and seasonings are to taste; in this case, mine.  If you want to reduce the spices (or increase them), obviously adjust everything according to your own taste preferences.  Some people may find the amounts I used a bit strong, but I like robust flavors.

Chinese Orange Chicken in the CrockPot

I've been looking for good and healthy crock pot recipes and found this one on Pinterest.This was surprisingly good. Instead of putting it over rice, I used quinoa and chopped green onions on top. Delish! Next time I'm thinking about adding carrots or other veggies.

 
Chinese Orange Chicken in the CrockPot by Real Food, Allergy Free

 Update:  Some people feel the orange juice concentrate is too strong of an orange taste.  If you are looking for a more subtle orange taste, try regular old orange juice (pulp-free) instead of the concentrate.
Ingredients:

• 1 – 2 pounds Chicken, cut into bite size pieces
• 1/2 cup allergy-friendly Biscuit or Pancake Mix (flour will work too if it’s all you have)
• Palm Shortening
• 6 oz Frozen Pulp-Free Orange Juice Concentrate, thawed
• 4 Tbsp Sucanat or Brown Sugar
• 1 tsp Balsamic Vinegar
• 3 Tbsp Ketchup
• 2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Ginger
• 1 pinch Red Pepper Flakes (optional)

Directions:

1. Toss the chicken with the pancake mix in a large bowl or baggie.  Shake off excess flour.
2. Heat the palm shortening in  a large skillet and lightly brown the chicken on all sides.  Don’t cook the chicken through, just seal in the juices.
3. Toss the browned chicken in the crockpot.
4. Combine remaining ingredients in a small bowl.  Taste and add more sugar if you wish.
5. Pour sauce over chicken.  Cover and cook on low 6 hours or high 3-4 hours.
6. Serve over rice.

Mini Popcorn Balls

 

Marshmallow Popcorn Balls by Annie's Eats

Yield: 8-10

Ingredients

4 tbsp. (¼ cup) unsalted butter
10 oz. marshmallows
1 tsp. vanilla extract
¼ tsp. salt
12 cups buttered popcorn*
Nonpareils or sprinkles, for decoration (optional)

Directions

• Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.  Stir in the marshmallows, vanilla and salt.  Heat, stirring constantly, until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
• Place the popcorn in a large mixing bowl.  Pour the marshmallow mixture over the top.  Toss gently to combine and coat the popcorn. Allow to cool just slightly, then form into balls with well buttered hands.  Place on sheets of wax paper, sprinkle with nonpareils, and allow to set.  Once firm, insert a stick into each popcorn ball if desired.

You can also make the balls a little bigger and put colored sugar crystals on them to make a cute bouquet for gifts:

Carrot Muffins

This weekend has been rainy and dreary...putting me in the mood to cook and bake.

Carrot Muffins by http://www.two-tarts.com

3/4 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup white flour

2/3 cup dark brown sugar

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

Pinch fine salt

2 eggs

1/3 cup vegetable oil (I used apple sauce instead)

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 cups (ish) of grated carrots (3-4 medium carrots) Preheat oven to 350
Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl.  Whisk oil, eggs, and vanilla together in a medium bowl, then add to dry mixture.  Stir until just combined, then add carrots & stir until incorporated. 
Divide batter evenly into 12 muffin cups and bake at 350 for 28-30 minutes.

I used paper muffin cups and the muffins stuck to them, but they still tasted yummy! I recommend using foil cups or nothing.

Soup Season is HERE!! Bacon Cheddar Potato Soup

Made this tonight ... it's a good one!

1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
8 tablespoons of butter
5 cups diced peeled potatos
2 (14.5 oz) cans chicken broth
12 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 pint whipping cream
2 cups water
3 oz bacon bits
4 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon dried parsley
seasoned croutons, for garnish

Directions:
1. Chop onion and celery, if using a food processor don't chop too fine.
2. In a large saucepan, saute onion and celery in 4 ounces of butter until tender
3. Add potatoes and broth, bring to a boil
4. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender
5. In a small skillet, melt remaining 4 ounces of butter, add flour to make roux, cook roux over low heat until yellow and blond in color and set aside
6. To cooked potato broth mixture, add water, cream and roux stirring continuously until mixture thickens.
7. Stir in the cheese, bacon bits, parsley, white pepper and paprika.
8. Cook over low heat until the cheese is melted, stir continuously and remove from heat when cheese is melted.
9 Garnish with croutons, if desired.

New Room mate!

Hi All,

I have a new roommate.  Sunday morning walking out of church grandma fell on an uneven side walk.  She said she was fine and we came home and had breakfast.  She didn't seem to be in any pain so I went to work.  I called her mid day to see how she was feeling.  She said she felt fine but thought we may want to get her ankle x-rayed since it was the same ankle she broke in March. 

We went to Emergency and sure enough....she not only re-broke the bone she broke in March...she broke a  second bone.  She's in a cast and can't bear any weight on it until we can go to the orthopedic doctor.  She's walking with a walker so she doesn't put weight on the ankle. We can't get in to that doctor until next Wednesday 10/17. 

We were planning on going up north this weekend from Grand Rapids and Ken was going to take her home to Bloomfield.  We're still going up North but she will come back to GR with me so we can go to the Doctor.  I wanted to do the follow up in GR in case she has to be in the cast for any length of time.  I told her she can't go home until she's at least in a walking cast.  That's all we need... for her to be going up and down stairs with a walker.

Overall she is doing fine.  She's not in any pain, I'm cooking for her, and she has her Nook...she's pretty content!  LOL

I'll keep you posted on how she's doing.

Love to all!
Duane

Walk in the Park - September 29, 2012 - Alex's Friends

We were in great company for this year's event.  Thank you, for making the day so special and memorable.  We are a very lucky family.

Love, The A Team

We call it...

A friend's father wrote this on Christmas 1988. I thought it was beautiful and fitting, and wanted to share.

Sometimes the need for a look at life's reflections coincides nicely with tradition and holiday celebrations.

We pause to remember the good derived from each experience, and be thankful for the chance to look back at our leisure.

...We discover a link...a bond...a mutuality of love we've shared; A thread, woven finely among the fabric of hope, happiness, joy, hard work, and tears.

A cushion, ever there to soften a momentary stumble, never allowing more than a scraped knee on the valley floor, yet protecting reality from the whimsical grandeur of accomplishment, either sustained or fleeting as December sunshine.

A link. A bond. A thread. A cushion. A lifeline.

We call it...family.

 

I am forever grateful that I call all of you my family.

I Love You,

Danielle

Mauritius...The Highlight Reel.

For more photos, please see my Facebook page.

Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes

I wish you could smell the inside of my house right now...Just made this recipe to send with Alex to daycare for a fun Fall treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 large egg
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup apple butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/3 cup apple cider
• 1/3 cup plain yogurt (I used plain nonfat Greek yogurt)
• 2 Tbsp canola oil
• canola cooking spray
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 Tbsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and spray a mini muffin pan with cooking spray. 
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. 
3. In another large bowl, whisk together the egg, brown sugar, apple butter, vanilla extract, honey, apple cider, yogurt, and canola oil. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient mixture and whisk until just incorporated. Don't over-mix - a few lumps are okay. 
4. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, fill a 24-hole mini muffin pan with the batter; fill each hole only 3/4 of the way, or you'll end up with huge mini muffins (maxi muffins?). Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes and cool on a wire rack. 
5. While donut holes are still warm, melt butter in a microwave safe dish. Combine cinnamon and sugar in another dish. Using a pastry brush, very lightly brush a tiny bit of melted butter onto the top of each donut hole, then dip the top of the muffin in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Roll the donut hole in the cinnamon sugar to coat the sides and top. Serve warm or at room temperature.

No-Bake Energy Bites

Made these little bites of heaven today.  Very good.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (dry) oatmeal (I used old-fashioned oats)
• 2/3 cup toasted coconut flakes
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup ground flaxseed or wheat germ (I did 1/4 cup ground flaxseed and 1/4 cup wheat germ)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 tsp. vanilla

Method:

Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed.  Let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour.  Once chilled, roll into balls of whatever size you would like.  (Mine were about 1″ in diameter.)  Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Makes about 20-25 balls.

Big Night in Richmond

For the second time this year our team visited victory lane. This time it was in Richmond, Va.

It was a big night for a lot of reasons. It was the first time that one of our teams has ever won multiple races in a year. It was the first time we'd ever had a team make the Chase playoff - and we had two teams. The team executed perfectly and ended up winning by over a second.

Here is a look at some of the pictures from post race.

Out of gas, but ready to celebrate.

The team soaking it in

Lets go to Victory Lane

Walking to Victory Lane

Through the infield grass

 Here ... you might need this.

Sharing a walk with the boss

Last picture of the night - around 3 a.m. 

Uncle Den - you missed a fun night! Hope to catch you next time we are in Richmond.

Starting to Feel Like Home

It's been just a little over a month since we closed on our first home together ... and Caitlin and I have been working like crazy to get things the way we want them. We have accomplished a lot, and it's been a great learning and very humbling experience. I put some photos down below to give you a small snapshot of this last month.

Closing Day

Patching Walls

Cleaning

Late Night Painting

Removing Carpets

Removing Hard Wood Floors

Replacing Floors

Exhausted ...

The "AFTER" Shot

The Outdoor Work Begins

Organizing/Laundry

Bean Bagging It

Starting to Feel Like Home

Our First Completed/Decorated Room

Grilling

Fantasy Football Draft