Billy Graham

Before this past weekend I didn't know much about Billy Graham. Now I know that he was a pretty amazing person. He devoted his life to something he believed so strongly about, spreading the word of God. Now if you're religious or not, I think his passion is impressive.

The Billy Graham Library (which was more like a museum with a book store) was very well done and very worth it. The grounds included the museum, his childhood home, a prayer garden and the grave of his wife, Ruth Bell Graham. It was so well kept, but it probably helped that it was a beautiful day too.

The tour walked you through Billy's life. When he realized what God was calling him to do with his life to how he spread the word of God all over the world. What amazed me the most were the people Bill worked with over the years. From presidents (he served as a spiritual advisor to almost every one since Harry Truman) to world leaders (he spoke at multiple crusades with a translator for the crowd to understand his teachings).

At the end of the tour there was a huge Thomas Kinkade mural. It took up a whole wall and was so colorful. It was beautiful. This picture doesn't show the whole mural and the color is a bit off, but you can get the idea of it.

Elvis

We had a great week with Joe's parents. Our first visitors in North Carolina. I think we value family time a lot more now that we live so far from home. Although, Skype has been a great way to speak face to face with family. It might not be San Francisco, but we stayed busy and did some neat things. To name a few... we spent a day at the US Whitewater Center, we spent a day (and a half really) looking at houses with our realtor, but also driving around different communities.

We also took a carriage ride through the historic 4th ward of Charlotte on Sunday. Historic meaning first hospital, first doctor's office, first cemetery, etc. The detail on the houses was pretty amazing and the stained glass was amazingly pretty. Yes, I meant that.

Elvis was our chauffeur. He didn't accept tips.

Maybe this picture makes him seem more authentic. The brick drive adds to the picture.

They provided blankets, but the idea of using the same blanket that multiple other people use kind of creeped me out. Luckily we were dressed warm enough for the ride.

Triple D: Cabo Fish Tacos

I have been a bad blogger lately. Sorry, life took over. Joe's parents are visiting and we're enjoying showing them around Charlotte. Last night we ate at Cabo Fish Tacos. Once Joe and I (well, mainly me) got hooked on the Triple D restaurants in San Francisco and found we were moving to Charlotte it was only natural that we watched all the videos from the show located in Charlotte. I think there are maybe six restaurants here.

Cabo Fish Taco is located in the NoDa neighborhood in Charlotte. it's short for North Davidson (meaning Davidson Street) and is known as the eclectic and artsy part of town. But of course you probably already know that from watching the video. I enjoyed the blackened mahi mahi tacos with baja rice. Evidence of a clean plate, I thought it was delicious

It was dark so I didn't take any pictures outside, but the NoDa area is pretty neat. I want to return when it's light out and check out some of the cute stores and murals on the buildings.

Today is my Friday... whoo hoo! Joe and I are taking tomorrow off to spend the day with his parents. We have some big plans so hopefully I'll buck up and take some pictures!

Represent

This idea was sparked by my brother shortly after we told him we were moving to North Carolina. Eventually we'd have to get new a new drivers license and license plates. Why not get some plates that are more fun than the standard three numbers and three letters (although that's Iowa, I'm not sure what the combination is in North Carolina. Shows how much I pay attention).

We applied (or is it registered?) for these license plates a while ago. We were surpised it took them so long in the mail. The wait was well worth it. Joe wanted to show them off while wearing an Iowa t-shirt. Now we need to actually get them on the car!

Photo Friday #19

This picture was on facebook this past week and it intrigued me. I clicked on it and studied it for a good couple minutes. Some people won't agree with this map (UNI isn't on there), but it shows how powerful sports and their fans really are. Who else is missing? Do you agree with the "college terrirories?"

Fun With iPhone Apps

This picture is a bit overdue. I ran across it the other day and had to share. I can't remember what this app is called, but my brother downloaded it and had Joe and I laughing so hard. Unfortunately I can't find the picture of Joe. I did have one of my brother, but out of the kindness in my heart. decided not to share it.

I hope you can all have a good laugh today!

It May Be Valentine's Day...

But I've always known February 14th as Scott's birthday.

Growing up I never had a sister to play dolls with or a sister to steal clothes from. I didn't have a sister to teach me how to wear makeup or a sister to talk about boys with.

I did, however have a brother to play catch with, play Matchbox cars with and run football plays in the backyard with.

A brother who made me want to be a better sister.

Happy Birthday to a great brother!!

Photo Friday #18

Sigh. I don't know about you, but I am getting sick of dreary winter days. We haven't seen any snow in North Carolina, but it has rained it's fair share. Otherwise the days seem to be cloudy and dull. Look at these trees, I can't wait until they're in full bloom. Of course like every year I'll probably be longing for winter once it's hot in the summer. Oh well, such is life.

Apple Crisp Pie

Does calling this a crisp and a pie mean two different things? I think now. Just think of an apple crisp in a pie shape.

 Joe and I both usually gravitate towards chocolate for dessert or a treat. We often forget how delicious baked apples can be. I adapted a recipe for apple crisp that my grandma gave me. This recipe is great because it calls for items I always have on hand. It was easy to whip up this past weekend. Plus I got a new pie plate for Christmas that I wanted to finally use.

Apple Crisp Pie

Ingredients
3 large apples, peeled and sliced
1-2 tablespoon cinnamon
6 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup old fashion oats

Directions
Pre heat oven to 350 degrees.

Toss cinnamon with apples in pie plate. Cut butter into dry ingredients in medium bowl. If you don't have a pastry cutter (great gadget to use I must say) just use a fork and make sure the butter is evenly distributed among the dry ingredients. Sprinkle on top of apples. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

The best way to serve is warm with vanilla ice cream!

HGTV House Hunters

We enjoyed a low key Super Bowl Sunday. Joe and I stayed in just the two of us and indulged in some great food. We had another Sunday full of cooking and baking. Notice how I saw we? That's because Joe whipped up another batch of granola bars while I cooked up some apple crips pie (recipe up tomorrow), spicy chex mix, Frank's buffalo chicken dip, pizza bites (with homemade dough, thank-you-very-much). We also had some lil' smokies for our small Super Bowl part, but I won't include those in the cooking list because really you just heat them through. Easy!

We were both rooting for the Giants to win Sunday, but mainly because we didn't care for the Patriots to win (sorry Amy!) Although I will say I definitely wanted Eli to get another championship. I'm tired of him always being the underdog and the little brother. Boys got two rings now!

And back to the reason of this post. We're not going to be on the HGTV House Hunters show, but we are hunting for a house. Although I do really like watching that show. Sunday afternoon is usually a great time to watch HGTV. After living in apartments in Iowa, California and North Carolina, we are starting to look for a house and a more permanent place of residence.

We spent last Saturday touring the suburbs with a realtor and learned so much about the market and the whole home buying process. The Charlotte area has so many different neighborhoods. From older bungalows to newly constructed developements. We have a good idea of what we're looking for. Now the challenge is to find the one!

Interesting face: due to the clay-like soil in North Carolina, basements are not common. This came as a surprise for Joe and I. Something we never thought would be different than what we were used to. We both remembered back to our childhoods. The basement was made for storage, but also served as a TV room and hang out area (the place where you could rough-house and not get in trouble).

And because I refuse to post without a picture, here is a picture from when we first started dating.

Leopard Print Leggins

Believe it or not, leopard print leggins were cool back in the day. See what I mean?

We got a Christmas card in the mail from my parents last week. My parents wait until after Christmas to send cards out. That way they can send a picture of our family from Christmas. This year my mom printed some additional pictures from their trip to San Francisco and included them in the card. But it was the pictures of my brother and I (circa 1992-1994) that I loved the best.

They were so fun to look at, I had to share.

Photo Friday #17

Our measuring cup bit the dust. With all the cooking and baking we've been doing lately, the measuring cup couldn't handle the dishwasher. This is how I found it. At least only one of them went down. In Joe's words "the 1/4 cup is pretty unreplaceable" and I agree.

Happy Friday!

Homemade Granola Bars

More food this week. What can I say, we're working out and we're eating well!

I got this recipe in the mail from my mother-in-law (thanks Julie!) Such a nice surprise to get the letter and recipe in the mail. Plus Joe has been asking for granola bars for a while now so he finally got his wish. I actually didn't make this... Joe took charge and made it himself. I will say he did a great job because these were delicious.

Make sure to pack it down in the pan or else it doesn't stick together in bars. Our was more like granola, but there's nothing wrong with that because it was still delicious! I highly recommend eating these with milk like granola cereal.

Homemade Granola Bars
adapted from Barefoot Contessa

Ingredients:

• 2 cups old-fashion oatmeal
• 1 cup sliced almonds
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup chopped dried apricots
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter an 9x13 inch dish.

Toss the oatmeal, almonds and coconut together on a sheet pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occansionally until lightly brown. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and stir in the wheat germ.

Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees.

Place the butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook and stir for a minute, then pour over the toasted oatmeal mixture. Add the fruit and stir well.

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Lightly press on the mixture evently. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until light golden brown. Cool for at least 2 to 3 hours before cutter into squares.