I have been craving my mom's cowboy beans for two weeks. I haven't made them until tonight because I thought it would be too much for just the two of us. Although, I couldn't help but think about how sweet & delicious they are, usually accompanied by some cheeseburgers or hot dogs during the summer months. So tonight, I made cowboy beans & tortilla soup for this week. Weird pair but both pretty tasty!
My mom is famous for many things, & these cowboy beans are one of them:
1 Medium Onion (chopped)
1/2 lb. Bacon (cut in small pieces)
3/4 cup Brown sugar
3/4 cup Ketchup
1/4 cup Molasses
1 can Pork-n-beans
1 can Lima beans (drained)
1 can Kidney beans (drained)
Brown onion & bacon together. Drain grease & mix all ingredients together. (I used 16 oz. cans for my beans.) Use 13x9 dish & cover with cooking spray, for easy clean up! Bake at 325 for 1 1/2 hours. Cover for 45 minutes & then uncover for 45 minutes.
Seriously, they are the best, just like my mom.
Happy bean eating!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Laugh lines.
As I was driving home today I was thinking about laugh lines. I remember being little and my mom putting on fancy cream as she told me about wrinkles. I didn't understand, because I thought she looked beautiful. Why would she & other women try to cover up something so amazing? We all seem to struggle with loving every inch of our body. Yes, there are parts I'm sure we would like to change but why can't we just be happy with what we have? It seems so silly to cover up, or try to change, especially those laugh lines. For now, I love that they are plentiful, big & make me recognizable.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Posting pictures!
I have never been quick to upload pictures, especially now that we have two cameras. I know everyone wants to see them, & I have tried to promise them within a month. The memories we make taking them, is the most important thing! I love that they capture our true happiness, & the little moments in our life. I hope in 2012 I will improve on uploading them, within a week. I just got all of last week's up - Christmas, Dad's birthday celebration, New Years! http://mckeepictureshare.shutterfly.com/
Yesterday was Steph's birthday. I love that we got a chance to talk on our way home from work. It is so funny how life changes & talking to friends usually happens to or from work each day. Sometimes I have too much to think about so I may just listen to my thoughts but most of the time, I love to chit chat.
Today is Winston's 5th birthday! I can hardly believe my little man is 5! I remember him being born & driving to the hospital with snow on the ground, passing through Felmington, NJ. I never knew how much I could love being an aunt until Winston, & my two nieces were born! They bring such light to my life. One of my most favorite memories of Winston is when I went to spend time with Rob, Jackie & him before going back to ESU (since Christmas break was over). Jackie wanted to get showered so I decided to hold Winston and sway back & forth in front of their front windows while he slept in my arms. I told him how much I loved him & how he was going to change our lives, & he didn't even know it. Now, he is becoming so funny, smart & determined - even with Angry Birds!
Yesterday was Steph's birthday. I love that we got a chance to talk on our way home from work. It is so funny how life changes & talking to friends usually happens to or from work each day. Sometimes I have too much to think about so I may just listen to my thoughts but most of the time, I love to chit chat.
Today is Winston's 5th birthday! I can hardly believe my little man is 5! I remember him being born & driving to the hospital with snow on the ground, passing through Felmington, NJ. I never knew how much I could love being an aunt until Winston, & my two nieces were born! They bring such light to my life. One of my most favorite memories of Winston is when I went to spend time with Rob, Jackie & him before going back to ESU (since Christmas break was over). Jackie wanted to get showered so I decided to hold Winston and sway back & forth in front of their front windows while he slept in my arms. I told him how much I loved him & how he was going to change our lives, & he didn't even know it. Now, he is becoming so funny, smart & determined - even with Angry Birds!
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Monday, January 2, 2012
2012!
Happy New Year!
I am looking forward to having balance in 2012. I feel like my life is always filled with much happiness, good health, splendid people to make my life merry. In 2011, I put much emphasis to have this perfect life & do everything to make myself & everyone happy. Although, I realize this sometimes creates stress for myself & loved ones. I couldn't possibly want anything else right now, as I am so blessed in my life. I want to feel confident and positive each day, about something. My hopes for my blog is to capture one thing each day that makes me smile. For instance, I'm happy I'm not at work today but enjoying time with Mark, Maya & some friends this afternoon. Tomorrow brings back my work routine. This is bittersweet because I thrive on routine, but have truly enjoyed spending time at home with Mark, Maya & spending the holidays with best friends & our families.
May your new year bring whatever wishes you dream & all the love your heart can hold...
Wedding do's.
Mark & I celebrated our first wedding anniversary (almost a month ago) and we absolutely loved reminiscing about our special day. There are 10 things I would suggest to anyone planning a wedding:
1. See each other before the ceremony. We were totally against it because it seemed non-traditional until we realized we wouldn't be able to enjoy a cocktail hour due to pictures, & wouldn't be able to tell each other everything we wanted to during our ceremony. We took most of our pictures before the ceremony, which was helpful due to the limited daylight in December & everyone looked their best!
2. Wear a veil. Not only because your mom wants you to but you will feel like a bride!
3. Instead of a guest book, we had a poster for people to sign which is now displayed in our dining room. It is lovely to see who attended & it is a constant reminder of all our loved ones.
4. Get a band. It is absolutely worth it. We met with them a few times prior to our big day, to tell them exactly what we wanted & it is something everyone seems to remember.
5. We really enjoyed our pre-martial classes. We met a few times, for a few hours each, to talk about finances, chores, & how we want to be loved. It gave us a chance to discuss things which may not have came up so easily on our own.
6. Say your vows. I absolutely loved our vows we made to each other. I know it isn't for everyone (can be very nerve racking) but takes the 'big day' more important & helped realize we were celebrating our marriage rather than just this one-time event.
7. Have a breakfast the morning after for guests who stay over. This was so nice to spend extra time with our close friends & family, without the loud music & talk about what happened at the after party.
8. Go on your honeymoon, two days after your party! We went to Mexico for our honeymoon, so we had an early morning flight. Therefore, my parents took us to the an airport hotel after breakfast & a nap. This way we were able to relax the next night & then, get up so early Monday morning to catch our flight.
9. Dance between courses. Due to our band, they got everyone up & dancing between courses. This gave everyone time to interact & have fun before it was too late. This also helped people not feel bloated, or full.
10. Have a sleepover with your girlfriends after the rehearsal dinner. It was so nice to relax & have some innocent fun before the big day.
We loved watching our wedding video on our anniversary to see every one's dance moves & see things you may not have witnessed during your busy day. I am looking forward to spending many more with the man of my dreams. Thank you to everyone who made our special day so memorable.
1. See each other before the ceremony. We were totally against it because it seemed non-traditional until we realized we wouldn't be able to enjoy a cocktail hour due to pictures, & wouldn't be able to tell each other everything we wanted to during our ceremony. We took most of our pictures before the ceremony, which was helpful due to the limited daylight in December & everyone looked their best!
2. Wear a veil. Not only because your mom wants you to but you will feel like a bride!
3. Instead of a guest book, we had a poster for people to sign which is now displayed in our dining room. It is lovely to see who attended & it is a constant reminder of all our loved ones.
4. Get a band. It is absolutely worth it. We met with them a few times prior to our big day, to tell them exactly what we wanted & it is something everyone seems to remember.
5. We really enjoyed our pre-martial classes. We met a few times, for a few hours each, to talk about finances, chores, & how we want to be loved. It gave us a chance to discuss things which may not have came up so easily on our own.
6. Say your vows. I absolutely loved our vows we made to each other. I know it isn't for everyone (can be very nerve racking) but takes the 'big day' more important & helped realize we were celebrating our marriage rather than just this one-time event.
7. Have a breakfast the morning after for guests who stay over. This was so nice to spend extra time with our close friends & family, without the loud music & talk about what happened at the after party.
8. Go on your honeymoon, two days after your party! We went to Mexico for our honeymoon, so we had an early morning flight. Therefore, my parents took us to the an airport hotel after breakfast & a nap. This way we were able to relax the next night & then, get up so early Monday morning to catch our flight.
9. Dance between courses. Due to our band, they got everyone up & dancing between courses. This gave everyone time to interact & have fun before it was too late. This also helped people not feel bloated, or full.
10. Have a sleepover with your girlfriends after the rehearsal dinner. It was so nice to relax & have some innocent fun before the big day.
We loved watching our wedding video on our anniversary to see every one's dance moves & see things you may not have witnessed during your busy day. I am looking forward to spending many more with the man of my dreams. Thank you to everyone who made our special day so memorable.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Pre-30 Bucket List
Due to my lack of writing lately, I asked on facebook yesterday what should I blog about & someone mentioned my bucket list! So within the last 24 hours I've thought about what I would like to accomplish before turning 30, which I'm less than 3 years away. Ekk!
There are three cities I really want to see:
I wish you & your family the happiest Thanksgiving.
Much Love. KM
There are three cities I really want to see:
- San Diego. I heard it was absolutely beautiful, clean, & fun! Mark & I absolutely loved going to California in August, so I would love to go back. I'm slightly scared I'll fall in love with the city, I may not return!
- New Orleans. I have always wanted to go there, & Mark isn't contesting it either. It has always looked fun, adventurous & a little bit crazy. I have a feeling my once cooler, younger self wants to see it & once I get there it may not be that cool to me, now. But why not see it to find out! Obviously, this one would have to be before a McKee baby!
- Niagara Falls. This one could wait until we have kids, but I can imagine how cool this will be in person. I will most likely get tingle toes (my expression for my fear of heights).
- Sit behind the dugout of a Phillies game
- Drive around a race track, or be a passenger
- A shortened triathlon
- Go to the Preakness
- Have a baby!
I wish you & your family the happiest Thanksgiving.
Much Love. KM
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Playlist of the week
Hey there, I bet you thought I wasn't coming back!
I've been driving to the city a lot lately, especially between last week & this past weekend for the Temple Game & my half marathon. It has been wonderful but I'm ready for a little break, & to dominate turkey, spend time with family & shop until I drop on Black Friday!
This morning it took me about an hour & 45 minutes to get to work all because it was raining outside!
Therefore, I put on my four happiest songs to get my pumped for work! You may not have heard of these, but seriously I can't stop myself from dancing when they come on! Download must-haves!
1. Cecilia by Simon & Garfunkel
2. Little bitty pretty one by Thurston Harris & The Sharps
3. Right back where we started from by Maxine Nightingale
4. Rivers of Babylon by Boney M.
For anyone needing a workout pick me up, you have to listen to 'My Body' by Young the Giant! This came on around mile 12 & was a great to get me going! The chorus says:
My body tells me no
But I won't quit
Cause I want more
Also, while running mile this past weekend, I saw some amazing signs to encourage runners!
Enjoy the day. KM
I've been driving to the city a lot lately, especially between last week & this past weekend for the Temple Game & my half marathon. It has been wonderful but I'm ready for a little break, & to dominate turkey, spend time with family & shop until I drop on Black Friday!
This morning it took me about an hour & 45 minutes to get to work all because it was raining outside!
Therefore, I put on my four happiest songs to get my pumped for work! You may not have heard of these, but seriously I can't stop myself from dancing when they come on! Download must-haves!
1. Cecilia by Simon & Garfunkel
2. Little bitty pretty one by Thurston Harris & The Sharps
3. Right back where we started from by Maxine Nightingale
4. Rivers of Babylon by Boney M.
For anyone needing a workout pick me up, you have to listen to 'My Body' by Young the Giant! This came on around mile 12 & was a great to get me going! The chorus says:
My body tells me no
But I won't quit
Cause I want more
Also, while running mile this past weekend, I saw some amazing signs to encourage runners!
- 1 out of 10, you're a 13.1
- you've trained for this longer than Kim Kardashian was married!
- Mark's sign for me! He said people were taking pictures of his sign near the finish line & telling him they needed to find themselves a 'Kate'. I love my biggest fan.
Enjoy the day. KM
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