Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Blogging Break

For the rest of the month, I'll be taking a blogging break. We are heading out of town Friday and won't return until June 2nd. After that, I have some fun posts planned and of course, I'll update all about our trip. 
Have a great rest of May! 


Monday, May 20, 2013

Bloglovin

I've been a fan of Google Reader but now that I've started using Bloglovin, I'm really enjoy it.
You can follow our blog there via the link below. :)


Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Friday, May 17, 2013

My First Book Review---Perfecting Kate



Recently, I decided to check into some book review companies and options. I was glad to see so many options of Christian book reviews. I received the book Perfecting Kate written by Tamara Leigh from WaterBrook Multnomah for Blogging for Books.

I cannot tell you how excited I was to receive this first book. First off, I read Tamara's bio (website)which said that she was once a speech language pathologist (which is what I do) before becoming a full time author. That intrigued me from the start!

Here's a link to the book's website.

This book is about an average girl, Kate, who is an artist and a Christian. Kate has had struggles in her life with love and through a relationship ending, she returned to the Lord and her relationship with Jesus was growing. As the book starts, Kate encounters two men who are "good guys" but neither are intently seeking the Lord at the time they met. One guy wants her to complete a huge art project at a local hospital. The other guy is interested in her but he is consumed with wanting her to change basically everything about her physical appearance. The book leads the reader through the journey of Kate's encounters with each of these men and ends happily. I want to tell you more and more and more but I want you to  read the book for yourself too!

I highly recommend this book and I am looking forward to meeting many more of Tamara's books!

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. (website)


Thursday, May 16, 2013

Miscellaneous Thoughts and Musings of Mrs. Morgan

Lately, I've had lots of random things to write, none of which deserve a full post. Today, I decided to share them.

--Last Tuesday, Matt and I were at a restaurant in town and they have a meat and three special menu which comes with tea or coffee. I love their tea but if I drink it at night, it will keep me up at night. I drank one glass and then asked for a glass of water. The waitress looking surprised so I said "I love the tea but the caffeine will keep me up tonight". She said "We have unsweetened tea, too if you don't want to caffeine" Uh, thanks, sweetie :)

--I am a full time speech language pathologist for one company but sometimes, if my caseload is low and therefore, my hours are low, I will do some PRN work. This means that when another full time therapist (for another company) needs help for whatever reason, they may call me to fill in. I generally love this because it is fun, less stressful and they pay more, which is a plus. :). One of the companies, I do PRN work for is always on top of their game, the other company? not so much. Today, I went to do PRN work and all of the patients on my schedule had paperwork due that was almost a month late. If you work with Medicare, you understand the issue with this. If not, it is basically a HUGE no-no for medicare not to mention for my licensure. I was heated and frustrated because I'm trying to help this therapist out and she's placing me in between a rock and a hard place.

--We are counting down to our trip to Louisiana and Alabama. We are at 9 days until our trip. I cannot wait and I can tell I'm ready for a work break as it's become a little stressful lately!

--This morning, Matt left a note on the iPad that said "A kiss for you" when a turned on the iPad, there was a picture of him blowing me a kiss. I love that guy!

--I am going to have lunch with a fellow blogger this weekend and I'm excited about it!

--Matt and I have been on a baked potato kick. It's funny because in our whole marriage, I've probably made them twice but in the last month, we have had them 4 or 5 times.  Funny how food preferences change as time goes on.

--I have been receiving some books for reviews recently. My first review should be up this week!




Friday, May 10, 2013

My current Jams :)

I am only in the car about 20 minutes each day. Other than that time, I don't listen to the radio or much music although I love music. Recently, I have been in the car a little more and heard some new songs. Here are my current faves. And my faves, I mean that when I hear them, I jam out. :)

Shake Heaven by Montell Jordan 


Montell is also known for this song which was a fave back in the day. 


Back to business with You are I am by MercyMe


And one more, 10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman; It's been out for a while but it's just so good! 

Do you like these songs too? What are your faves right now? 


Thursday, May 9, 2013

April in Pictures

We had an adventurous April. Here are a crazy amount of pics to show for it. 

One night for dinner, we had pancakes. These are the best we've ever had! 

Here we are just looking cute. Can't remember what we were doing this day. Love this guy though. 

Love notes on the bedside table. He's a keeper. 

On the weekend of April 20th, we got up early to head to Chimney Rock to watch the sunrise. Here are a few pictures from that. Matt took a ton with his camera. I need to get those from him! 




My photographer. 

I had to document how cool the bathroom is at Chimney Rock. 






After we left Chimney Rock, we headed to Raleigh for the Flyers game. 





Matt's Game face

Pumped that they scored a goal and eventually won the game. 

I was freezing so I spent much of the game looking like this. :)

The next morning, we went to Benelux Cafe for coffee and waffles. The waffles were AWESOME!!


Right before we left for Raleigh, Matt's toolbox had arrived. He was anxious to put it in and show it off! 

April 2013 should also be known as the month I made the best pulled pork ever! 

We also have been looking for a duvet for the spare bedroom and this month, we found one! I LOVE IT! 

And lastly, my guy, who never requests anything, requested peach cobbler. I happened to have some canned peaches and this recipe turned out great! HE WAS HAPPY! 



Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Spring Green Fried Rice

Two Sundays ago, I was browsing through the latest edition of Better Homes and Gardens (May 2013) and I found this recipe for "Spring Green Fried Rice". I was really intrigued by it because it looked so fresh and easy to make. We love friend rice and Matt is great at making it.

I showed him the recipe and he was game to try it so we did.

Here is the recipe as well as the modifications we made.

Spring Green Fried Rice


Ingredients: 
2 eggs
1 tsp soy sauce (we used both soy and teriyaki sauce)
1 tsp toasted sesame oil (we omitted because we didn't have and it's costly)
1 tbsp. vegetable oil (we use Canola to sub for Vegetable oil)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp minced fresh ginger (omitted because we didn't have)
2 cups shredded green cabbage (we used a cole slaw mix that was pre-shredded)
3/4 cups shelled frozen edamame, thawed (we omitted but think it would be good!)
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed (we used a cup) 
2 cups cooked brown rice, chilled
2 tbsp soy sauce (again we used Soy and teriyaki) 
1/4 cup sliced green onion (we used fresh chives from our herb garden; same flavor) 
crushed red pepper, optional (Matt used this but I didn't)

1. In a small bowl beat eggs and 1 tsp soy sauce; set aside. In a wok or large skillet heat toasted sesame oil over medium heat. (This is where we used canola oil). Add egg mixture; stir gently until set. Remove egg; cool slightly. Using your hands, roll the cooked egg into a log. Using a sharp knife, slice the egg into strips; set aside. (I did this part while Matt continued with the recipe)
2. In the same skillet heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger; cook for 30 seconds. Add cabbage; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Add edamame and peas; cook for 2 minutes. Add rice and 2 tbsp. of soy sauce; cook and stir 2-4 minutes or until heated through. Add egg mixture and green onion; cook and stir about 1 minute or until heated through. Top with crushed red pepper, if desired. 

We loved this recipe and can't wait to make it again. 






Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Weekend Recap

Well, let's just say that this weekend did not go as planned.

On Friday afternoon about 1 hour before we were set to leave to go to Tennessee, I got sick. I was nauseous, felt like I might vomit, was dizzy, lightheaded etc etc etc. We tried to go ahead and make the trip but about 10 miles down the road, we had to turn around.

It was sad because we hated to miss meeting our niece, Emelia, but I didn't want to travel with a stomach bug nor did I want to give it to anyone else, especially kids.

Since we were stuck at home in Spartanburg, we tried to make the most of the weekend.

On Friday evening, Matt tucked me in and went out to get himself some Chinese food and get me some soup. He makes the best canned soup ever! That night, we went to bed at 7:00 and slept all night.

Saturday morning, I felt a tad better by 10:00 or so but not much better. Matt wanted kettle corn from the Spring Fling so we rode to go get some and came back home with Kettle corn and movies. Matt watched his movie and ate Kettle corn while I slept and then we watched a chick flick for me. :)

My stomach issues were come and go most of the day. Saturday evening, we went to get some soup at Panera, because, let's face it, I didn't want anymore canned soup. By Saturday night, I was feeling much better.

Sunday, we got up and went to church online. By then, I was feeling much better so we decided we would make some Mexican food for Cinco de Mayo. We kept it mild (for me) and my stomach did well so I considered myself cured! :)

Sunday evening, we read, played LIFE and worked on a puzzle.

It wasn't the the weekend we had planned but Matt took great care of me and we made the best of it!


Monday, May 6, 2013

Lysol Soap Review--BzzAgent


I recently had the opportunity through BzzAgent to receive a free bottle of Lysol Touch of Foam Soap and review it. 
We have been using this soap for about a month and we both really like it. 

First, I really like the shape of the bottle and the ease of getting soap out of it. 
Second, isn't the color pretty?!?


Third, the smell is nice but not too strong which is a plus for my husband. 


Fourth, the soap is very light and cleans your hands well but rinses off easily. 
My husband says this is his favorite part. I might agree!


The Morgans really like Lysol Touch of Foam soap and plan to use it as often as we are able. If you are looking for a new hand soap, check it out! 


P.S.  I received this bottle for free from BzzAgent but as always, these are my own opinions. 
Be looking for a review of Amdro PowerFlex Pest and Weed System. Husband is SUPER excited about this one! 



Friday, May 3, 2013

Open Letters

Hello There, Friday! 
This week you got here very quickly. Last week? Not so much! 

Dear Blog Post, 
Sorry you're just words today. No time for pictures! 

Dear Emelia, 
Your Aunt Leslie and Uncle Matt are coming to meet you this weekend! Get excited!

Dear Gallery Wall, 
I really like how you look on our bedroom wall. 

Dear Veg-All Casserole, 
You are super unhealthy but so delicious and you remind me so much of my Granny. Thanks for gracing our dinner table all week long. 

Dear May 24th, 
You are just 3 weeks away which means we are 3 weeks away from meeting Charlie and seeing family and friends in Louisiana. 

Dear Cold Weather in May, 
I don't mind you but, honestly, all of my winter clothes are packed up! 

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

April 2013--101 in 1001 Update

April 2013--101 in 1001 Update


Our Goals

1. Add a member to our family. 

2. Pay off all student loans. 

3. Visit NYC.

4. Take a long road trip. 
5. Sell something on Etsy  
6. Have Dad's Crawfish in Louisiana.  

7. Take a trip to Louisiana at least once a year. (1/3) 

8. Host a holiday in our home. 

9. Go camping.

10. Build a real fire.   
11. Rent or buy a house. 
12. Decorate the outside of a house for Christmas.   
13. Stay at or Visit the Biltmore.  

14. Serve in a soup kitchen. 

15. Grow our own tomatoes. 

16. ******* ;)

17. Give an item away each time we buy something new (clothing, housewares, etc).  

18. Go on dates at least every other week.  

19. Complete a blog series together.
20. For one month, don't buy anything extra. 

21. Contact our family members at least once a week.

22. Go to a shooting range. 

23. Go sailing.

24. Get involved in a community service group.

25. Go on a mission trip.

26. Read at least one book a month for a year. (12/12)
27. Start a small business. 

29. Buy a new Christmas ornament each year. (2/3) 

30. Get a massage.  
31. Send a card to a friend or family member just for fun. 
32. Begin a photography business (big or small).  
33. Eat at a local/non-chain restaurant every time we travel

34. Visit a new place together once a year. (2/3)       (So far this year...Charleston, Raleigh)

35. Ride in a hot air balloon.  

36. Attend at least one festival a year in the state where we live. (1/3)

37. Stay at a B&B. 

38. Floss more- at least once a week. 

39. Give a 100% tip. 
40. Go see a musical. 
41. Eat a new type of food. (Korean, African, etc)
42. Repurpose a piece of furniture. 
43. Watch a sunrise and photograph it. 

44. Explore secret paths.

45. Do something nice for someone anonymously. 

46. Pick fruit at an orchard.  
47. Get a library card. 
48. Go to a garage sale together. 

49. Celebrate our Golden Birthdays in style! (1/2)

50. Make homemade ice cream. 

51. Learn a new hobby together.

Leslie's Goals

52. Lose my desired amount of weight. 

53. Continue to utilize this blog to document our lives especially once we start having children.

54. Get a Skype account and use it. 
55. Paint something worth looking at (not just a wall)  
56. Add at least one cross to my cross collection. 
57. Learn to make the best sweet tea my husband has ever tasted. 
58. Make homemade marshmallows.  

59. Sell/Give away at least one cake or cupcakes that I've decorated for a party/gathering/birthday/etc.

60. Plan a scavenger hunt for Matt. 

61. Bake and decorate each of Matt's birthday cakes. (2/3)

62. Rake someone's leaves.

63. Meet up with at least one other blogger whose blog I read. 
64. Complete a blog series or post about our wedding, including the planning. Just for my own sake :) 
65. Continue mailing out birthday and anniversary cards to our friends and family. 

66. Invite someone to stay with us for a weekend or longer at least once a year. (1/3)

67. Complete a vlog.

68. Go fishing.

69. Make a point to call my closest friends as often as possible, not just texting.

70. Take a continuing education class related to Autism or other childhood disorders.

71. Find a yummy Low Country Boil recipe and cook it. 

72. Take at least one picture of Matt and I every time we travel.

73. When we take a long trip (5+ hours one way), drive so that Matt doesn't have to. 
74. Take a trip to visit a few special friends (we know who they are).   

75. Take a cake decorating class.

76. Read a book, write a blog post about it, and link up with a book club blog. 

Matt's Goals

77. Run a 5k. 

78. Take a photography class. 
79. Take Leslie to an air show
80. Make a picture frame out of an old or hand-made window frame.  

81. Go to a college football game.  

82. Get a dog.  
83. Get a new camera lens.  
84. Make my wife cry in a good/romantic/sweet/you get the idea way. 
85. Give Leslie a love letter at least once a month for a year.  
86. Visit Chimney Rock, N.C. 
87. Wear a suit, and look good doing it. ;) 
88. Visit a new, to me, zoo. 
89. Watch the Flyers destroy the Hurricanes in Raleigh (hopefully with Leslie).   DONE 4/20/13
90. Fix something for someone.  
91. Cook something new and exciting. 

92. Swim in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

93. Make something from scratch. 
94. Do something with Granddad. 

95. Journal more often. 

96. Learn all the words to OR learn how to play one of Leslie's "high school days" favorite rap songs.

97. Teach something to someone.

98. Ride a horse.

99. Surprise Leslie with surprises.  
100. Spend an entire day, literally the entire day, in bed. Hopefully not while sick. 

101. Figure out how we will finish all 101 things on this list. 

Ours: 26/51
Leslie: 13/25
Matt: 17/25
Total: 56/101