My Best Buds

These are my best buds, with the exception of a few people that are not pictured. I could not imagine doing life without these people. Whether it be a text message, email, letter, note on my car, or a silent prayer my life is enriched by their presence in it. I am going through a rough spot right now and though every weakness in me tells me that I am alone in this battle, all I have to do is look at this picture and I know I've got battle buddies. It is their constant love, support, and encouragement that inspires me, motivates me, and challenges me. I am truly honored and blessed to have these individuals in my life. They are more than just friends, they are family and I love them. So, I write this to remind me - they've got my back, that I'm not alone and that I truly am blessed by them. I wouldn't want to "do life" with anyone one else but these guys. Though some now live far away, I know they are still close in spirit and just a phone call away. So, to these best buds I say, "Thank you for filling my life with love, support and encouragement. I love you all, and you mean more to me than you'll ever know. Thank you for being my family."

Pictured besties: Brian Foster, Connor Beech, Matthew Kirby, Zach Binns, Melanie Binns, Beth Foster, Matt Stone, Tara Stone.
Not Pictured besties: Meredith Maines, Laura Beech, Elizabeth Turpin, Stephen Turpin, Emily and Jason Howell, Anne Lord.

Penne Spinach Pasta

To all seven of my faithful followers: I apologize for the delay in posting something new. I have been slightly overwhelmed with life at the moment, but I wanted to add something to my pile of posts. So, I give you a recipe. I found this recipe online and modified to my liking. It is a bit on the spicy side - but what New Orleans girl doesn't like spice?

Penne Spinach Pasta

Ingredients :
1 pkg. penne pasta (or orza pasta)
2 tbsp. olive oil
bacon bits (real ones)
I can diced tomatoes (I used the diced tomatoes and green chilies combo- just gives it a kick)
I bunch of baby spinach, rinsed and torn into bite size pieces
2 tbsp minced garlic
pinch of basil
pinch of cayenne pepper
chopped onion ( I just used a little bit because I don't like a lot of onions in my meals)
grilled chicken (I marinated chicken strips in Italian seasonings ahead of time)

Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of water of lightly salted water to a boil, add pasta - cook 8-10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile sautee onion and minced garlic. Add bacon bits after about 2 minutes. Then add the basil, and cayenne.
3. Add can of tomatoes to sauteed onions and seasonings, cook until heated through.
4. Place torn spinach in a colander and drain pasta over it. Transfer pasta and spinach to a large serving bowl, then add heated tomato mixture. Toss together. Serve hot and enjoy!

I made this one night and it was very tasty! It was easy and I had everything in the kitchen already. Hope you like it.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

I'd like to dedicate this post to my mom, Julie Catherine Delaune Trauth.
My mom is by far the best mom. I know that some might argue you that, but it is true. Words cannot describe the amount of love, gratitude, and admiration I have for this woman. She is the kind of woman who, along with my father, raised three children to not only love the Lord, but follow Him with all their heart. She is beautiful both inside and out and taught us to find the beautiful part of horrible situations. My mom is generous, caring, self-sacrificing and the most encouraging person I know. No matter if it was a little note on my lunch bag when I was in school, or a care package when I was in college, or a card in the mail as an adult, I knew I was always on her heart. She always says to me, " love you to bits and pieces" and I think it makes me cry every time I hear those words. She is the person I want to lay my head on when I am sick so she can play with my hair, she is the person I want to tell all my secrets, and she is the person I want to talk to on the phone everyday. She is not only a mother, but a friend who I don't know what I would do without. In short, she is amazing.
I've always hoped to be a mom like her, one day. I still dream of that day, and if I'm lucky I will have a little girl I could name after my mom. But, for now I'm eternally grateful that she is my mom, my friend, and my confident. To you mom - this is your Day and I'm sad none of us kids could be with you. But know we love you with our whole heart.