How Great Are My Friends? UH- Wait for it.... MAZING!

I'm sitting here in my bed, Reagan sleeping in her crib next to me, and contemplating what in the world I should blog about. Isn't blogging supposed to be easy? You're not supposed to think. You just write about what you are feeling, right? 

It's not uncommon for me to makes things harder than they are supposed to be. It's an issue. I over think things...I'm working on it. 

Anyways, I've been sitting here thinking, and the one thing I keep thinking about, is how incredible my friends are. 

Seriously. You guys are amazing. 

So here is a toast to the ones I'm missing all the way over here in South Carolina. 

I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!

That's something else I'm working on. I want to be a better friend to my friends. Does that make sense? I don't want to say, "YEAH! Let's get together some time, we totally should" and then never follow through. I want to be a friend to my friends. 

So how great are my friends? Well, let me tell you. Here are some of my favorite things, about some of my favorite friends:

 Brandy Jackson:

   1. I love that we have been friends for over 15 years. WOW. That's a long time. I hope we are friends for 15 more. Or 50 more. 

   2. I love how positive you are about life. You always has a different perspective. 

   3. I love your closet. Yes. Your closet. When I open it up, I feel happy, and warm and fuzzy. Not because of the literal closet, but because of what's inside. You know your fashion.

   4.  I love your laugh. When you laugh, I laugh. 

   5. I love that you have seen me through the thick and thin. We fight, we make up, we love each other. I don't think there is much we can't handle together. Thanks for understanding me, B.  I love you dearly. You really are like a sister to me. 

Taylor Watkins:

  1. Taylor actually is my sister, and I couldn't ask for a better one. Taylor I love you for being wonderful. 

   2. I love how solid you are. You know what you believe, and you are stickin' to it. That is admirable. Don't ever lose that quality. 

   3. I love that you are so laid back. You are easy to joke around with. 

   4. I love your heart. You are so compassionate, and have such a heart for others. God is going to use that quality for good. I just know it. 

   5. I love that you let me peel your sunburn. You know how happy that makes me. :) 

Ashley King:

  1. You are definitely someone I look up to. Your relationship and devotion to the Lord really inspires me. You can see Him shining through you. I am so blessed to know you.

   2. You are kind. Oh my word you are quite possibly the kindest person I have ever met, and I love that about you. 

   3. You are so positive. So many people now days have such a negative attitude, but not you. And that's infectious. 

   4. I love that you introduced me to the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond (and the dutch oven). I'm a better cook because of her. Kyle thanks you too. :) When her movie comes out, we will have front row seats.

   5. I love our memories of Sandridge. Weird, yes. But that's where so many of our funny stories come from. 

Aubrey Grove:

  1. I love, love, love your devotion as a mother to Rylie. He is amazing. He is lucky to have such a loving, brave, and strong mommy. 

   2. I love how on fire you are for Jesus. It's inspiring. Moving. 

   3. I love that you are a die hard duck fan! OOOOOOOOOOOO

   4. I love those red velvet cake ball thingies you made for the staff meeting one time. Oh my word,  I could have ate them all. 

   5. I love your humor. You crack me up!

Katie Holeman:

  1. You are an incredible wife and mother. You cook, you sew, you garden, you hunt with your husband. You are super wife/mom....super "Wom," or "Mife" which ever you prefer. 

   2. I love your homemade apple sauce. That was delicious. My taste buds thank you. 

   3. I love that you sew your own clothes. You must teach me. Then I can try to be super "wom," too.

   4. As my other friends, I love your faithfulness to God. I'm grateful to know you. :)

   5. I love how you write out your grocery list according to the pre planned meals you are going to make. I must learn to do this. Too often I end up with a gazillion ingredients and nothing to cook. 

Bottom (Autumn) Short:

  1. My dear sister-in-law. Oh how I love you. You are so motivating. You keep me off my muffins and go-go-going. Or at least try to. :)

   2. I love how great of an Aunt you are to my daughter. She is so lucky to have you. And so am I.

   3. I love watching movies with you, and marathons of Grey's Anatomy. You are the best movie buddy. 

   4. You are such a hard worker. Consistent and driven. In a lazy world, that is a dying quality. Don't ever lose it. 

   5. You have over come so much. You're so strong. Keep it up. :)

Kyrie Morales:

  1. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Today is your birthday! I wish I was there with you! I'm so happy to have known you for almost 5 years!

   2. You fire cracker, you. I love how fired up you get about things. You are so passionate. 

   3. I love your photos. I truly think you are gifted. Even if you don't make it a career, NEVER stop taking pictures. 

   4. You are one tough cookie. The past 2 years have been super hard, but I'm so proud of how strong you are. You can conquer anything. 

   5. You are quirky. I love that. You are so unique and wonderful. I'm so blessed that we are friends. Plus, that's a really fun word to say. Quirky. Quirky, quirky, quirky. 

Aisha Williams:

  1. Aisha, you are so genuinely sweet. Seriously. You could be a sugar substitute. Your kindness is so inviting and comforting. 

   2. You are brave. Oh, so brave, and oh, so strong. 

   3. Not to sound repetitive, but I love your devotion to Christ. I'm so blessed to have you and so many other friends who also serve the Lord. 

   4. You make me smile. That might have something to do with how sweet you are. :)

   5. Despite how grody it sounds, I love your mayo mac 'n' cheese. My taste buds thank you. 

Meagan Hollingsworth: 

  1. You are so up beat! You keep me positive and know just how to cheer me up. 

   2. I love to watch you dance. You, my dear, are talented. You definitely need to try out for SYTYCD. I would vote for you! :)

   3. You are the only person that I really trust to cut my hair. Every time I get it done somewhere else, I always end up going to you to have it fixed. When will I learn my lesson?

   4. I love how close you are with your family. It's nice to see how tight knit you are. So many families are falling apart these days. I'm glad to see you together. 

   5. I miss you, and I love you dearly. Thank you for being my friend for the past 8 + years. Wow. We are getting old....

Last, but definitely not least...

Saidy Tajak:

  1. Oh Saidy, thank you, thank you, thank you for getting me through undergrad. Your flash cards saved my life. 

   2. You are a wonderful listener, and so wise. Thank you for being patient with me, and offering your wisdom. 

   3. I've mentioned this so many times, but your love for Jesus is astounding. Continue to seek the path He has laid out for you. I'm so happy He put you in my life. 

   4. Pico De Gallo will never be the same thanks to you. My taste buds thank you. 

Man, my taste buds have thanked many of my friends in this post. Ya'll are great cooks!

   5. I love your smile. Your smile makes me smile. Please keep smiling. 

   

   

It's Been A While!

Well hey there!

Sorry about the enormous delay in writing (I had a feeling that would happen, I can never keep up on these things, no matter how much I enjoy it!)

In case you're wondering, we are in the upper left corner-ish, "Greenville"

Where to begin....Well, as most of you know; Kyle, Reagan and I have relocated to South Carolina. Other than the sticky, wet and suffocating humidity, the state is undeniably beautiful. And I can guarantee you, the next time you hear me speak, you will hear a little "twang" in my speech. I can't help it. It's in my blood. I was born in Kentucky, and no matter where I've lived, I've always been a southern girl at heart.

The day after Kyle and his dad arrived, he was hired full time at a tree removal/trimming place! The work is hard, sweaty ;), and dangerous. It's definitely only something he is going to do until he starts working at BMW, of which by the way, he has his forklift test next Wednesday (18th) and prayers are appreciated. BMW is definitely going to be a great job, but I know it's not where Kyle's heart is. He would be so happy if he could get into a trade like electrical or plumbing, both of which he has experience in while he was a pump tech. back in Oregon. Here in SC, it's MUCH easier to become licensed in elec./plumb than it is in Oregon. So if ya'll can be praying that he finds his place in a trade, that would mean a lot. :) I have an interview at a private Speech Therapy Clinic on the 18th as well! I am terrified, but very excited!

I love that the people, kids, teens and adults alike, still call you "Ma'am and Sir." There is so much respect! Not to mention, SC is a part of something called "The Bible Belt," which is basically a widely known socially conservative part of the country, where Creation and God is still openly spoken about in schools, and there is a very high attendance of church goers. And though we love the rolling green hills and gorgeous mountains of Oregon, we think an escape from the Liberal politics will be good for Reagan.

Downtown

It was a hard move, leaving our family and friends. Despite the smiles we had on our faces, we don't want anyone to think it was an easy decision. Tears were shed on the plane, and in the private space of our home. We truly do LOVE you guys, our family, friends, and our home church in Lebanon. We pray everyday that we can find a church like the one we had back in OR.

I know it's a long trip, but once we buy our home, we would love to have visitors!!

We miss you, and love you guys!

Baby Girl Is Growing Up!

O
I laid Reagan on the floor while I worked on a paper on my computer. After a couple of minutes I heard her start to fuss, and as I looked down at the floor to see what the problem was, she was on her tummy!! I couldn't believe it. She rolled over and I didn't even see it! I rushed to her and rolled her back onto her back and SHE DID IT AGAIN!! I was so excited!








Not even 15 minutes later, she started playing with her feet!! So many firsts in one day! I was so overwhelmed! I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful little girl.

Remember that family picture I told you I would get? Well we didn't get any professional ones because the family got sick, and the weather was no good, so here is one from the mac computer camera.

Isn't this just precious?

We Caught the Bug....

It's been a few days since I've been on here. The whole family caught the bug that's been going around. My poor baby girl got sick again when she was barley over her RSV/Bronchiolitis. Then I got sick, and now my poor Kyle is sick. Pray for a quick recovery for all of us. Reagan has her 4 month appointment on Friday (and shots...), I have 2 weeks of school left, and Kyle is still going to work sick as a dog.  

Stay healthy everybody!!!

Sour Cream Pancakes...Yummm

So, this morning I was supposed make the Dutch Babies for breakfast...Buuut, I didn't wake up in time, and it wouldn't really do very well with  my diet (that darn baby weight just wont go away). So today I bring you Sour Cream Pancakes! I got this recipe from Ree Drummond. You should look her up, she is incredible! These pancakes are moist and fluffy and full of flavor!! Don't be afraid of the sour cream like I was. They really are the perfect pancakes. 

Ingredients:

1 Cup of Sour Cream

7 Tablespoons of Flour

1 Tablespoon Sugar

1 Teaspoon Baking Soda

1/2 Teaspoon Salt

2 Large Eggs

1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Butter

Syrup

1. Put an iron skillet or griddle on medium heat. 

2. Place the sour cream in a medium bowl, and add the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir together very gently with a fork. Stop just before it is completely combine. It doesn't need to be smooth. This adds  texture to the pancakes!

3. Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl and add the vanilla to the eggs. Mix together. 

4. Pour the eggs into the sour cream mixture. Stir together gently, and don't worry about it being totally combine, some white and yellow variation is OK. 

Oh so moist!

5. Melt about a tablespoon of butter on the griddle and pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet at a time. Cook about 1 1/2 minutes on one side and flip. Cook for another minute or so. (I like to squish it a little with the pancake flipper to make sure the inside is done). 

6. Top with butter and syrup and ENJOY! Yuuuuummmmmm....

Feel free to add bananas, strawberries, or whatever your little heart desires! 

I just have to say, it has been snowing outside for about a half hour, and it is so beautiful! We have at least 2 inches!! I don't remember the last time it snowed like this. It's days like this when I wonder how anyone could deny the truth of how this world was created. 

Dutch Babies

A couple of weeks ago, Kyle and I took Reagan up to Washington to meet her Great Grandma "Goose", and her Great Aunt Stella. While we were there, Stella introduced us to "Dutch Babies." Let's just say, breakfast will never be the same again! The second morning we were there, she offered something else for breakfast...I don't even remember what it was. But we voted for Dutch Babies again! And they were just as delicious as they were before! So if you are looking to change your breakfast experience, this is it! That is, however, if you don't mind a breakfast that is a little less on the healthy side, and a little more on the DELICIOUS side. :) 


Ingredients:
4 Eggs
1 Cup Milk
1 Cup Flour
1/2 Stick Butter


(That's right, just 4 simple ingredients away from heaven on a plate, but to make it even more delicious there are a few optional toppings). 


Toppings:
1 Lemon
Powdered Sugar and/or Syrup


1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Put the WHOLE stick of butter in a large, round baking dish and put it in the oven while it is preheating (to melt the butter and heat the pan).


2. Blend all 4 eggs on high in a blender for 1 minute (and I mean a full minute! It's the secret to making these things.) 


3. Add the milk and continue to blend for 30 more seconds. 


4. Add the flour and continue to blend for 30 more seconds. 


5. Remove the baking dish from the oven and pour the mixture into the dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes. When it's done it will be a yummy golden brown color and big and puffy! After it shrinks go ahead and dish up!

Yummm!

6. Squeeze some lemon all over your Dutch Baby (the lemon really is the key! It adds the zest and flavor!) and sprinkle some powdered sugar. If you are like Kyle, he likes to add some syrup too.  
















You can also add different fruits too! It is limitless! Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries! Whatever your taste buds desire! I hope you love them!


Next to come: Sour Cream Pancakes....Sound gross? Yes. Taste gross? No way!

New Blogger on the Block...

Well, I guess this is officially my first blog post. Before this, I never understood the point of blogging, and didn't know what I would write if I had one, and I still don't. But one day I thought to myself, " I think I'll start a blog." So here it is. "Short Family Snippets."You get it? It's because our last name is Short, and it's snippets about our family.  You can thank my aunt Stella (Lisa) for that one. She is pretty clever. 

See, I told you she is the cutest!

As most of you know, I am married to my magnificent husband Kyle, and we have THE cutest 4 month old daughter in the world, Reagan (yes, like the President). Hopefully more babies to come soon! I was just thinking. We don't have any family pictures, except for the one right after Reagan was born, and Kyle looked like he was gonna pass out, and I looked...well like I had just had a baby. That makes me sad. Thats the new goal this week. At least 2 nice family photos. I'll post them as they come!

Happiest moment of my life!

Welp, I did it! First blog post. It's a short one, but I guess that's fitting. More to come!