I learn something new every day.

One of my students wrote her essay on the tragedy that is pit bull prejudice. A whole page, single spaced. It was captivating.

Almost married!

Right? So here are the details on the big date. Because let's face it, any date these days is big.
So Caitie and I talked about doing this double date thing back in the springtime and it never happened. We had been talking about it again lately and decided to just do it. I had wanted to set her up with Tom for a long time, he is a science teacher at my school. He's a super nice guy. Dan is in Caitie's ward and has been to our house a few times. It was nice to have the advantage, already knowing both guys.
I bought a crockpot. I also bought a giant slab of meat. Who knew that a pot roast was so expensive? Not this girl. Totally worth it though, because the french dip sandwiches were so amazing. I also made steak fries with homemade fry sauce. It was delicious. I had put the roast in the crockpot in the morning and the house smelled super aromatic when I got home. I cleaned up, played on the computer, forgot that I didn't get the bread yet, went to Jimmy John's for the best bread ever, made the fries and watched America's Next Top Model while I waited for everyone to get there. Caitie had parent teacher conferences so they all got home around 7:30.

Is it weird that I put the salad on the plates? Or even more weird that I took a picture of it? I especially like the detail of the folded paper napkins. It was truly a class act.
There were never any awkward moments while we ate, it was all very fun and natural. After we ate dinner (did I tell you I bought ramekins for the au jus?) which, have I mentioned how yummy it was? We broke out the scrabble board. It was a pretty slow-moving game and Caitie was pretty restless because she'd been with kindergartners and their parents all day. . .and it was only the second time she'd played because she has lived such a sad life. We finished our game and then sat in the living room and talked for a while. PS during the game we ate key lime pie-lets (they were itty bitty) that C-dawg had made. Yum.
I told them that I needed to be at Grandma's to watch Perry Mason so we broke up the fun around 10:45. Caitie and I had a de-brief and I headed over to stay with my Grandma (I'm there for the week.) Side note: Grandma was already in bed when I got there so I went in and snuggled with her for a minute and it might be one of my new favorite memories with her. We watched a few minutes of Perry and then I went down to bed. I love my Grandma.
So, peeps, it was a fun date. It was enjoyable. I might have made a few flirty comments to Dan about our wedding and how many sisters he had relating to how many bridesmaids I would have. . .and then when Tom mentioned he had some Danish in him, I asked if Dan did and when he replied in the negative, I told him I might have to switch sides. You can get away with ridiculous jokes like this when you're 31.
Just so you don't have to ask:
Yes, I'll probably go on a date again. I don't know if it will be with one of those boys. Maybe it will be with Caitie because we have a lot of fun together.
Yes, I'll post the recipes.
And yes, here is a picture of the boys:
Me, Tommy, Dan. I am holding the beautiful ear of Indian corn that Caitie had provided to enrich the ambiance of the evening.

French Dip Sandwiches:
1 Lean beef roast
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 beef boullion cube
1 bay leaf
1 tsp crushed dried rosemary
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp garlic powder
3 whole peppercorns

Place beef in slow cooker. Combine soy sauce, boullion, and spices. Pour over the roast and add enough water to almost cover the meat [I put extra water in to make it not so salty]. Cook over low heat 10-12 hours or until the meat is really tender. Remove meat and reserve broth. Shred meat and serve with hard rolls. (from Emily)

(From "Our Best Bites" Click on titles for the websites)

Oven Steak Fries

4 medium Russet potatoes, washed

2 Tbsp. olive oil

1/2 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp. Kosher salt

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 400. Mix desired spices in a medium bowl. Add olive oil and combine well.
Cut potatoes into 8 wedges each.
Add potato wedges to seasonings and toss to coat.
Lightly crumple some aluminum foil and place on a baking sheet. Spray with cooking spray and then arrange potato wedges on foil. This makes cleanup easy because your potatoes won’t stick and it will also ensures they’re cooked evenly. Bake at 400 for about 40 minutes.
Fry Sauce:

Fry Sauce

1/4 c. ketchup
1/4 c. mayonnaise (NOT Miracle Whip! Tried it once in a pinch and it was beyond horrible!)
2-3 tsp. chopped dill pickle

Combine and serve with homemade fries or onion rings.

PS

My mom asked for a picture of the flower I made on Breast Cancer Awareness day. Here it is.

My mom asked for a picture of the flower I made on Breast Cancer Awareness day. Here it is.