Hummus Date

They are kind of our thing, hummus dates.  I'm not sure when or how that began, but they've been around since our early dating days.  The perfect thing about hummus dates is that it can happen anywhere!  Whether you make your own or buy it at the store, the food is easy to pack up and even easier to clean up.  Sometimes the convenience of store-bought is just what we need, but since discovering these recipes, I try to make it a homemade date as often as possible.  Seriously, these pitas are ah-maz-ing!  So perfectly soft and fluffy, with a hint of crunch in the thin areas.  Even if you buy the hummus, I would encourage you to make your own pitas.  So worth it.

The hummus recipe is really good as well.  Basic, but a perfect blend.  And of course you can add whatever you want to doctor it up.  Make it hot and spicy with some cayenne.  Add some roasted garlic (my favorite!).  Got any sundried tomatoes?  So delicious.

 My new favorite kitchen toy (I love the red!) makes the whole process easier, and my (majorly teething) little helper makes the whole process much, much sweeter. 

  I usually double the hummus recipe, and then eat on the rest for lunches.  This recipe is not full of oil like some I've tried, but it still has a perfect creamy texture.  I'd like to try freezing the pita dough in little balls so I can pull out a few at a time, but I'm not sure if that will work.

 Of course, sometimes our hummus dates become family dates because I just can't keep the girls away from those yummy pitas!  Caroline had her first hummus date with us last night, and I'm guessing from the number of "mores" she signed that she she'll be participating in many more in the future!

Five Years

Last week, Daniel and I had the pleasure of sharing breakfast with a newly engaged couple.  They were absolutely adorable - never once breaking contact; lots of sweet, flirty exchanged glances; and more than a few times getting lost in their love for each other.  We couldn't stop smiling as we saw our dear friend so happily engaged, and as we reflected on our own love and engagement.  In some ways, it seems like yesterday that we planned and prepared and prayed for our wedding and marriage.  As I watched our wedding video last week, I could vividly remember my thoughts and emotions.  On the other hand, marriage has brought about so much growth and change in our hearts and minds, that I almost don't recognize either of us.  We really had no idea what we were getting into.

Five years ago, I walked down the aisle and said "I do" to my best friend and love of my life.  Since that precious day, we have learned so much about who we are individually (the good, the bad, and the ugly) and how challenging and rewarding it is to mesh two into one.  The road has been bumpy at times, but as we mark this milestone of five years, there is one absolutely overwhelming sentiment: thankfulness.  God is so gracious, so loving and faithful.  If there is anything good in our marriage, it is only by the power of His transforming grace!

(In celebration, I want to share some of my favorite wedding memories.  I am so thankful for our photographer, Becca Spears, because her pictures are not only beautiful photographs, but they tell the story so well.)

 Because we had an evening wedding, the whole day was full of anticipation and excitement.

 We took pictures before the ceremony, so Daniel and I shared a moment together when he first saw me.  I can still see his face when he turned around. 

Being prayed over by my mom and bridesmaids before the ceremony began.

Waiting... I'm sure my dad remembers the near meltdown that occurred moments after this photo was taken.  No cold feet, just the price of all that anticipation!

Being surrounded by so many wonderful friends and family was a profound blessing for both of us.

The first thing Daniel did when we exited the nave as Mr. and Mrs. was dip me back for a sweet kiss.  So much joy in this moment!

 The club.  These three women have shared almost every event of my growing up years and are still today my best friends.  They know me inside and out.  Friendships like these are so rare.

We had some great toasts at our wedding, but perhaps the most memorable was my brother, Michael's. He had us all in stitches.  

First dance. This was so special because we fell in love while taking a dance class together.

When it came to bouquet tossing, I was always the girl who stood in the back and didn't really want to catch the bouquet at weddings.  So embarrassing, I thought.  For that reason, I surprised the girls at my wedding by throwing a bouquet of several small bouquets so that most of them got one!

And Daniel had me attach a rubber band to my garter so that he could really make it fly.  I love the cousins on shoulders.

I'm probably a little biased (you think?), but our wedding reception was the bomb.  

Daniel and I loved every minute of it!

I have found the one whom my soul loves.
Song of Solomon 3:4

 

Three Wonderful Years!

Three years, four cities, six moves, eight jobs, one daughter, and one degree later, I can honestly say that the last three years have been the best of my life. I am still amazed that Daniel chose to spend his life with me, still can't believe I get wake up next to him every morning, fall asleep in his arms every night, raise our family together, laugh and enjoy life together, seek the Lord together! I am so thankful for my kind-hearted, hard-working, honest-to-the-core husband!

I love you sweetheart!