Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all the dads and future dads out there! We were so lucky to be able to see all of our parents on this special day. After a morning at my mom and sister's new church (which rocked by the way... I love me some gospel truth that is open to diversity and loving all sinners), we had a family cook-out with my side of the family. Uncles, aunt, kids, and even some cousins showed up at the end!

Brother-in-law Richard with the family's newest addition: Bella.

Don't let us fool you... this is how we are normally.

This is just how we manage to photograph.

My mom's dog, Bella. She is so ugly, she is cute!

We ended Father's Day by spending time with Josh's parents. They have an amazing house tucked way up in the woods on a mountain. We felt rejuvenated by being surrounded by the sounds of the woods. It was a perfect, stress-free Father's Day.

 Thank you to my Mom (who was both mother and father), my grandfather (who is still intensely missed every day), and Josh's dad Joe. You done good. 

Home Sweet Knoxville

Well, we have finally made it to home sweet Knoxville. The town we were born and raised. We love this place so much - our memories, the mountains, knowing where everything is, our families and friends. It is wonderful to be home! 

Since we are home, we jumped right back into a normal routine as if it hadn't been 7 months since we'd last been here. Team Preston actually split into 2 camps - I spent the day and evening with my mom and sister, and Josh set up camp at Casa de Preston. It was much needed nuclear family time.

My mom and I ran errands - we needed to find anti-anxiety meds for Mr. McGee and Father's Day cards for all the dads in our lives. But we got side-tracked with a new antique boutique in South Knoxville. We had a blast and even tried on old hats:

Later that night, the "three Bailey women" all went out for dinner. It was so delicious to be able to sit on a patio and eat a meal without sweat dripping off of me! We enjoyed it so much and I definitely over-ate. I told the girls that I was going to photo-document this trip, so they were more than happy to pose for some photos.

Jessie Lynn (sister)

Momma taking pictures for her cell phone contacts.

We ended the night with some White Sangria. It is by far the BEST sangria I've ever had. I won't even touch a red sangria! Here's the recipe:

White Sangria

Frozen peaches

Peach Schnapps

Riesling

Ginger Ale

Soak the peaches in the peach schnapps. Mix riesling, schnapps, and peaches together (doesn't really matter the amounts - play with the kind of taste you like). Then add a splash or more of ginger ale (depending on how fizzy you like your drinks). We think it's the perfect summer time, girls' night drink. Enjoy!

Team Preston's Adventure

Well, Day One of the Summer 2012 Team Preston Adventure to California is over. We have officially left Florida and our wonderful unit of the Coast Guard. It was a hectic week of vet visits for the cat, packing suitcases, meeting the movers, having our house packed up, and traveling to Tennessee. We had a few hiccups along the way; the packers did a great job, but the movers bailed. So, after several phone calls with a fabulous lady in Texas, we got new movers... who just happened to be our packers! Since we already trusted them and had a great rapport, our nerves were soothed knowing our belongings were in capable hands.

Friday we began our trek cross country. We drove 8 hours to Atlanta to stay with family on the Preston side. Mr. McGee did not prove himself to be a good traveling companion. We had a few mishaps involving my favorite pillow, but then he settled in for the ride.

Josh did all of the driving... despite only getting about 1 hour of sleep. Sunflower seeds are his roadtrip companion!

We finally made it across the state line to Georgia! We never were more thankful to be out of Florida so this adventure would become REAL.

Our first night on the road was spent with family - Aunt Phylis opened her beautiful home to us and fed us exceptionally well. We also got to meet our cousin Mary Jo who just happens to be from California!

We enjoyed great conversations, laughter, good wine, and lots of family history. Thank you Phylis and Mary Jo!!!

Semi-Homemade Peach Cobbler

I made this recipe just a few days ago for my sweet friend Jenny, her husband, and their brand-new-to-the-world-son, Brayden.

As we were enjoying dessert, I tried to explain to these Montana natives the compulsion of a southern woman to bring food in times of a birth or a funeral. If you are southern, you know exactly what I mean. Needless to say, this peach cobbler recipe was a huge hit to the new mom and dad.

I originally got this recipe from my aunt, Ruthie-Jo. Visit her website at Boogertown Gap. Instead of making the crust from scratch, the secret ingredient is boxed cake mix. It's now our favorite, go-to, easy summer time dessert.

So, here's what you'll need for the Semi-Homemade Peach Cobbler:

Fresh peaches (as many as you like! I used 6 peaches for an 8x8 pan)
Yellow cake mix
Butter
Nutmeg
Cinnamon

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350.

Peel and slice your peaches. Layer them in the bottom of a greased baking dish. I used an 8x8 glass pan  (you can go as big or a small as you like).

Mix your yellow cake mix with a few sprinkles each of cinnamon and nutmeg. This is really a cook-by-feel recipe, so add as much or as little as you like. Sprinkle the mixture on top of the pieces.

(I used about half of the dry ingredients for an 8x8 pan because I was being frugal so I could make 2 cobblers. Use the whole box if you like a really thick crust. Yum!)

Melt a couple of tablespoons of butter. Drizzle on top of the cake mixture and peaches. You want to use enough butter to get most of the dry ingredients moist, but not soaked.

Finally, bake at 350 for about 30 minutes. Let cool and dig in!!! 

This recipe is wonderful when paired with Breyers Natural Vanilla ice cream. Happy Summer!

One Ending to the Beginning

So, I am officially unemployed. Gosh, I despise that word. And yet, there's no other word for what I am at this moment in my career. Even though I knew the moment was swiftly approaching, it felt a little surreal. Being a social worker is such a huge part of my identity. I'm not sure what to do with myself until the next job appears! I apologize in advance to all my friends, family, strangers, and my Coastie if I try to "social work" you because I feel the need to help, comfort, encourage, engage, or interview someone.

But, in a strange way, I feel peaceful about leaving this job here in Florida. If you and I talk regularly, you know of my struggles with the administration, the gossip, the politics and ethics. But I fear I never talked enough of my wonderful, quirky, wise, hilarious, sweet, scared, and sick residents. I've said it a million times: I never, ever thought I would work in a nursing home. Never. My grief and pain over my grandparents' deaths are still too real and fresh in my heart (although its been almost 1.5 years). I didn't think I would be able to separate my grief and love for my grandparents from my residents. Thankfully, I was able to make that separation. There are moments I will never forget, however. Telling a wife that her husband lying next to her on the bed was dead and having her cry in my arms... praying and singing 5 residents to their heavenly rest... holding a woman's hand as she cries for her mother... The list can go on and on.

So, for now, I will be grateful for the hard lessons learned, the sweet and funny moments, and the knowledge that I am in the right career field.

Here's to one ending to Team Preston's new beginning in California!

Friday's Favorites

This week, I'm going to let you in on The Secret. No, not the book that everyone read after Oprah recommended it. I'm going to tell you The Secret about The Lazy Girl's Guide to Looking Fabulous... aka how to style your hair when you haven't washed it in a couple of days/cover up a disastrous haircut/just don't feel like doing nuthin' with your hair.

Introducing... Spin Pins!

These nifty, twirled bobby pins are A-mazing. They twist into your messy bun and make it look like it's effortless. Depending on your hair type (mine is naturally curly and thick), these will work to varying degrees. But for a few bucks, it's worth a try. I use these on days I just don't feel like styling my curly hair, it's too hot and/or humid to try to style it, or I want to catch the Coastie's eye, I just put my hair into a bun, and twist these bad boys in. A cute headband never hurts, either.

They are my new best friends when it comes to styling my hair! Shhh... don't tell my very expensive Chi hair straightener I said that. 

Happy Styling!

Thankful Thursday (after a long hiatus)

Ah. It's good to be back here. I choose not to use this blog as my personal diary, so I haven't been using this at all for several weeks now. If you know me, you can guess some of the reasons. Suffice it to say, that I've been following my own instinct and choosing how to spend my time wisely. And that did not include blogging. However, I've missed it! I've found new recipes (some were an epic fail, even though the Coastie bravely cleaned his plate) and gone on new adventures.

But what I've really missed is putting positive vibes out on the internet. So, for all 3 people who read this (ahem best friend Liz), welcome back to Thankful Thursday!!

This week, I am most grateful for hearing the Coastie's voice. As he says, it is the best part of my week. Hands down. So, with that to buoy me on until the next time I hear his voice, I am also thankful for:

Only a few more days of my current job. It has been a daily struggle - emotionally, professionally, and spiritually. I will miss my residents and pray for them constantly. If it crosses your mind, pray for all nursing home residents everywhere... they are a forgotten, scared, lonely group who deserve more compassion, support, and respect than they currently get in our healthcare system and society.

A visit coming up from my best friend Kara and then my dear, sweet friend Heather.

An afternoon at the pool.

An unexpected beach day.

Afternoon rain storms.

Our new-to-us, reliable vehicle.

Bible verses that reassure me of God's love and plan for my life.

Vitamins.

The sale shelves at the Commissary.

Be thankful today, and every day, and try to spread some positive energy and love to your friends, family, and the online community.