Too many cooks in the kitchen?

So yesterday it was our turn to host “breakfast” for our Home Group. Our group (consisting of 8 couples at the moment) has breakfast together twice a month, and this weekend it was our turn to have it at our house. Or should I say at our 1 bedroom apartment with seating for 7 if you use the metal folding chair.

Anyhow, it’s always so much fun to plan out and prepare family recipes to share with friends! Kelly would call this “hosting a party.” Any time we have someone over, to him, it’s considered “hosting a party.” He thinks it’s funny that I plan out what I’m going to serve, where I’m going to put the platters of food, and when I should set out the juice. I told him he shouldn't find this interesting as I've been hosting tea parties since I was a little girl. However, our hosting skills were put to the test yesterday as we turned up the heat in the kitchen.

As our favorite recipe of sausage rolls was cooking in the oven, I had French toast duty. Mind you, I've never made French toast before, but how hard can it be to watch it bake? Kelly was making eggs on the stove and I figured he’d check on the Sausage Rolls when the timer went off. I guess I shouldn't assume, because before I knew it I was rushing to save the Sausage Rolls from burning completely! In my absence from the griddle, the French toast began to burn too! I felt like a fire fighter rushing to the scene. Fortunately, there wasn't a lot of damage to clean up. Needless to say, I think I've mastered the social aspect of “hosting a party,” but I think my food timing skills could use a little work. No harm, no foul, right?

I've included the recipe for our Sausage Rolls below! Enjoy!

Sausage Rolls

2 Cans of Crescent Rolls
1 lb. Jimmy Dean Hot Sausage (the hot adds a little flavor, but isn't overbearing)

Roll out and spread one can of the crescent rolls on a foil covered cookie sheet. Make the dough into a rectangular shape, with all sides touching one another. Spread the second can of crescent rolls directly on top of the first layer. Then, evenly spread and mash the sausage into the crescent rolls. Once all the sausage has been used, roll up the end of the rolls to make a "log." If you've had the crescent rolls and sausage out of the fridge for awhile, you can put it into the freezer for about 20 minutes to make it easier to work with.

Slice the roll into pinwheels with a serrated kitchen knife. Bake at 375 degrees for 13 minutes. Flip the pinwheels over and bake for another 10 minutes. (Check the crescent roll's cooking time to be certain, but the pinwheels should be cooked evenly on both sides.) When ready, crescent rolls should be golden brown and bubbly. Cool and serve with syrup and/or honey.

Isn't it ironic?

You know as you read that you started humming the Alanis Morissette song, “Ironic.”

Anyways, I think “Good Morning” is an ironic phrase. At least today it is.

When you think of a good morning, what do you picture? Waking up on time? A peaceful breakfast before you head out the door? Making it to work on time? Well today, all of that flew right out the window as I sprung out of bed 20 minutes late…

…I rushed to get ready, kissed Kelly good-bye as he headed out the door (on time might I add), and then the morning fell apart. I couldn't find anything. I couldn't find anything to wear. I couldn't find my lunch box. I couldn't find my jewelry. I couldn't find the remote. But what I finally found were my keys and then I quickly rushed out the door.

Rushed being the key word there. In an attempt to make up the time I’d lost by waking up late, I hurried to the office. As I made my way down the highway I didn't even look at the speedometer. Bad move. Next thing I know I see those lovely blue and red lights behind me, signaling me to pull over. Well, the rest is pretty much history. You know the story – I handed over my driver’s license and insurance card, and in no time I was signing my name on the dotted like of a 4-part carbon copy ticket. I mean 55 mph in 35 mph zone, does that really warrant a ticket?? All I can say is at least I didn't pass a stopped school bus like I did once in college. Now that was SOME ticket!

So, as you can see, this morning is not a “good” morning. In fact it’s a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad, morning.

P.S. My yogurt just exploded all over my shirt.

Happy Easter...and a new family tradition!

As Kelly and I were "celebrating" Easter this year we decided that in addition to sharing a traditional holiday meal with our family that we would watch the movie The Passion of The Christ every year at Easter. I know, it sounds a little weird to commit to watching a movie in order to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, but the film gives such an unforgettable image of what Jesus went through in order to save us all from sin. It is a great reminder of how much God loves us, that he sent his one and only Son to die for us, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life!

Yeah it worked!

Ok...so not only is the blog a great way to communicate with everyone but it's a GREAT way to learn technology, too!

I've added a section to our blog where you can subscribe to receive emails when we update it. Look in the top right hand corner. Whenever we post a new blog, Feedblitz will send you an email! Cool huh?!

A House Full of FUN

For our spring break this year we did something a little different. Kelly took a few days vacation and we had his nephews, Aaron (14) and RJ (12) and his niece Megan (10) come to stay with us for a long weekend. We hit up The Shops of Legacy for dinner, made a stop at Six Flags for some gut-wrenching FUN, watched movies, played in the park, did girlie things and had a wonderful weekend overall. We were so thankful they were able to make it...but we were a little nervous at first. Their flight out of Midland was sold out; therefore, Kelly had to drive to Abilene late Thursday night to pick them all up. But he didn't mind...it was well worth the drive!

March Madness

March 2008 was a crazy month for the O'Donnells! After we returned from San Francisco, Jen and I headed down to Houston to visit Em. Our roomie reunion was long overdue! It was fun to get to see Matt and Emily (and Missy, too) in their cozy newlywed home. We had a wonderful weekend! Too bad she lives so far away...we sure miss having her in Dallas!