Mole Hatred

No... I'm not talking about my hatred for sexy moles like the one that Enrique Iglesias got removed.

I'm talking about the creepy-looking rodents that tear up your yard and leave it so uneven that I'm afraid even my labs will start falling into the tunnels.
How did we find out we have moles? Let's turn to our wonderful four-legged, curious children to the answer to that question. Bailey (the baby) decided to make a 'friend' out of one of the young moles early Tuesday morning. At first I thought it was a mouse, but once I realized there was no ears, it had creepy hands and that the thing didn't really have eyes.... I put two and two together. Luckily, our yard isn't that bad meaning we caught the bastards early! I'm borrowing this contraption, that almost looks like it's from medieval times, to try and capture this animal before it decides to take a 4-month winter nap!

Book Review - Something Blue

After several hours in the car this past weekend on a visit to a family wedding in Oklahoma, I finally finished the book Something Blue by Emily Giffin. Just so everyone is aware, I've never been a big 'reader'. Growing up, reading gave me headaches, therefore leading to a distaste for enjoyable reading.

Lately however, with the help of some suggestions from friends, I've picked up this 'sport' and have become quite fond of reading... as long as the book is right! My favorite book so far was PS I Love You when I realized that books could actually make me cry like a baby in public places (yes... it was embarassing!).

Back to Something Blue. Emily is a great writer with a nack for knowing exactly what late 20 to early 30 year olds are thinking. From relationships to jobs to unexpected pregnacies, this book covers it all. The story of an extremely materialistic girl and her journey to modesty and true happiness was one that I really enjoyed. I would give this book an A and recommend it to anyone in that age category!

Well.... I survived!!!

Derek and I both ran the Kansas City Half Marathon Saturday the 18th and got two good times! My goal was to come in under 2 hrs 45 min and I finished in 2 hrs 29 min! Derek's goal was 2 hrs and he finished in 1 hr 58 min! I ran for 13 MILES STRAIGHT with not a single stop or walk!! First time in my entire life! Having both families there to support us meant a lot and helped us finish strong! I feel so proud to have achieved this, especially with the number of hills in the course! I will say though.... the last 2 miles were complete "mind over body". I had to pretty much yell at myself to keep moving and to not fall over! The crowds at the end helped you forget the pain and finish strong.... as well as remembering that I gave up Starbucks this week and can't WAIT to go snuggle up with one.

Derek and I both crossed off "complete a marathon before we die" from our bucket list though! This was plenty long enough..... and the fact that our bodies were shutting down at mile 12 meant that they agreed as well.

Honey Chicken Kabobs

We had some friends over this weekend and since I'm on the cooking kick, here's the kabobs that we tried and loved. They probably could have marinated even longer, but we didn't have time!

INGREDIENTS
•1/4 cup vegetable oil
•1/3 cup honey
•1/3 cup soy sauce
•1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
•8 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1 inch cubes
•2 cloves garlic
•5 small onions, cut into 2 inch pieces
•2 red bell peppers, cut into 2 inch pieces
•skewers
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large bowl, whisk together oil, honey, soy sauce, and pepper. Before adding chicken, reserve a small amount of marinade to brush onto kabobs while cooking. Place the chicken, garlic, onions and peppers in the bowl, and marinate in the refrigerator at least 3 hours (the longer the better).
2.Preheat the grill for high heat.
3.Drain marinade from the chicken and vegetables, and discard marinade. Thread chicken and vegetables alternately onto the skewers.
4.Lightly oil the grill grate. Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, until chicken juices run clear. Turn and brush with reserved marinade frequently.

Yummy Catfish Crabcakes!

I found an awesome recipe and made it last night for Derek. We both LOVED it and it was really easy to make.

Here it is in case anyone needs a good one -

INGREDIENTS
• 1 pound catfish fillets
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning, or to taste
• 2 1/2 cups coarsely crushed buttery round crackers
• 1 tablespoon creamy salad dressing (e.g. Miracle Whip)
• 1 egg
• 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
DIRECTIONS
1. Place catfish in a saucepan with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook until fish flakes easily with a fork. Drain off water, and mash up the fish. Stir in the onion, mustard, salad dressing, Old Bay, cracker crumbs and egg. Mix until evenly blended.
2. Heat oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Form the fish mixture into patties, and fry in the hot oil for 5-6 min on each side or until golden brown.
3. Drain on paper towels, and serve hot.