Sunday, July 29, 2012

Psalms 55:22


Week 31 - Psalms 55:22
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Last night we had a sort of Olympic Opening Ceremony party.  It wasn't a full party since we don't have TV, but we watched the festivities online...Cheryl, Jen, and I sat on the couch and starred at the laptop screen.  It was fun to spend the evening with friends.  We also had fun making (and eating) dinner together.  I am about to share with you one of my favorite meals.  Enjoy our version of Tuna Noodle Casserole...

The ingredients (I used more cheese than is pictured).
  
Mix the soup and tuna and other ingredients.
  
Meanwhile, boil the egg noodles until done (depending on your definition of "done").
  
Also meanwhile, continue mixing all the other ingredients.
  
Add the noodles to the other ingredients; mix well, then spread in 9x13 pan.
  
Sprinkle more cheese on top and more fried onions.

Cheryl is a great hand model/scooping model.  I never get a picture of the finished casserole because we always start eating before I remember to take one!

Such a yummy (and easy) dinner!

 Tuna Noodle Casserole

1 package (12 oz.) egg noodles
1/4 cup chopped onions (I use dried chopped onions because I'm usually too lazy to actually chop an onion - but either works)
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (I use any type of cheese I happen to have...usually a blend or mozzarella - I also use more than 2 cups...closer to 3)
1 cup frozen green peas (I often use a little more because I like peas)
2 cans (6 oz.) tuna, drained
2 cans (10.5 oz.) mushroom soup
1 can (4.5 oz.) mushrooms (I often omit this if I don't have any)
1 can (6 oz.) French's fried onions (the original recipe called for less, but who are we kidding?)

Directions:
-Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.  Cook pasta in boiling water for 8-10 minutes.  Drain.
-In a large bowl, thoroughly mix chopped onions, 1 cup cheese (I usually use 1 1/2 cups),  peas, tuna, soup, mushrooms, and half the can of fried onions.  Add noodles (let them cool for a couple minutes).
-Transfer mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish and top with remaining cheese (another 1 1/2 cups) and remaining fried onions.
-Bake in 425 degree oven for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.

   
Dirty dishes - not bad.  The casserole dish isn't pictured and it's usually the worst thing to wash because of all the stuck-on cheese.  But, since this meal is essentially made in one bowl, I'd say it's pretty good.  (If you chop the onions, you'd have a few more dirty dishes.)
 
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Taste: 5 out of 5
Dirty Dishes: 4 out of 5
Time/Effort: 5 out of 5
TOTAL: 14 out of 15

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Ephesians 2:10


Week 30 - Ephesians 2:10
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

July 17 - A Day In My Life

This week was my pack-out!  In six weeks I'll be leaving Panama for good so it's time for all my earthly belongings to start their slow trip north.  It took three days for four guys to pack up everything I own in this house.  It was a lot of work (mostly for them) and a lot of going up and down stairs (too much exercise!).  I don't have many pictures because it was basically packing all day long...not very exciting.  But, here's a look at what it was like.  (This is day two of packing.)

Time to wake up and get ready for the packers to return.

This is what my bedroom looked like.  I had all the stuff for them to pack loosely organized in groups.

Getting a quick bowl of cereal before they come.  They packed up my kitchen on Day 1 so I have to maneuver around boxes to get my breakfast.

And the packing continues.

Amber came over to help me write numbers on boxes.  It was nice to have the company.

Time check.  Lunch is over so it's back to work.  I forgot to take a picture of our lunch (KFC) because I was having too much fun chatting with Amber.

This is what my office looks like after two days of packing.

More packing.
  
This is what I did all day while they packed...I wrote things down on my fancy clipboard.  I like to have an idea of what is in each box.
 

They started weighing everything to make sure I'm not over my limit.

And the packers are gone for the day.  I'm left to type up my packing list while surrounded by boxes.

Starting a new book before going to bed.  (Notice all the stuff in my room is now packed.)

Good night Day 2 of packing!

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Matthew 11:28


Week 29 - Matthew 11:28
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Top 5 Beaches

OK, so I'm busy.  I'm getting ready to have all my worldly possessions packed up next week and I don't really have time to work on a blog post.  Also, I have no ideas for a list this month.  So, I'm going to cheat...I'm going to copy a Top 5 list from another website.  I don't even know if this list is accurate, but I thought it was important to pass along as everyone heads to the beach this summer.  Enjoy the water and watch out for sharks!!!

Top 5 Most Shark Infested Beaches in America 
1. Surf Beach, California
2. New Smyrna Beach, Florida
3. Topsail Island, North Carolina
4. Fripp Island, South Carolina
5. Lyman Beach, Hawaii

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Hebrews 11:6


Week 28 - Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

4th of July

Happy 4th of July!!  I made a short, patriotic video to celebrate.  This was filmed during the fireworks show at the US Embassy (in Panama) this year.  I hope everyone is having a fun Independence Day!

Again, to get a better quality version of the video, click the "HD" in the bottom, right corner an follow the link to watch it on Vimeo's website.

Monday, July 2, 2012

Half Way

So, the year is half over now.  That means I've blogged for six months with my current blog themes.  In case you've missed them, they are: Recipes, Lists, A Day In My Life, and Videos.  I've managed to post all four themes every month so far.  And, I'm curious to know what you think.  What has been your favorite theme?  What has been your favorite blog post?

I've started a poll (on the left sidebar) so I can see your anonymous votes.  And, if you have a favorite blog post, leave me a comment.  I will try to keep up with all four themes for the next 6 months...wish me luck!

Now, go vote so I can see what you like!!

UPDATE:
After two weeks of voting, the results are in:
Videos - 3
Lists - 1
A Day In My Life - 1
Recipes -  2

I'm a little sad that only 7 people voted.  Does that mean only 7 people read my vlog?  Or only 7 care enough to vote?  Oh well...I knew I wasn't a very popular blogger.  Thank you to each one of the 7 that shared your opinion.  I guess I need to work a little harder on my videos since they seem to be a favorite.  I'm glad the recipes are also popular (I think they are my favorite).  Thanks again for voting!!

Sunday, July 1, 2012

John 15:13


Week 27 - John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.