My 2012 Resolutions

Hey friends! I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! I really cannot even believe how fast this year is flying by. 2011 has been one of the best years yet! Although its ending on a super rocky note with the news that I'm in a relapse with my kidney disease, I know the Lord will take care of me and heal my body in plenty of time for our WEDDING! So, next up: New Year's Resolutions!

What's the New Year without resolutions!? They are a little nontraditional, but none the less, resolutions! Here are my goals to achieve in 2012.

1. Spend more quiet time with the Lord daily. I have a new daily devotional book for 365 days that I can't wait to start come January 1. After-all, our lives are nothing without Him, so why not spend as much time as possible in His word?

2. Clay and I to be debt free, aside from the house and my car (and maybe a new car for Clay!) This goal is for the BEGINNING of the year, more like a "First Quarter Resolution" that we can't wait to knock out!

3. Although there are many home renovations we would like to tackle, realistically not all will be completed in the first year of us being married. So, the kitchen to be redone and the carpet upstairs replaced would be HUGE accomplishments and we certainly hope to have them completed this year! The sooner the better ;)

4. Less texting, Facebook-ing, and Tweeting and more real conversations. The keyboard of my phone needs to go part-time instead of overtime!

5. This one may sound weird, but being more positive at all times and not allow the small, unimportant things to bother me. I more times than not, allow peoples negative words, or lazy actions effect me when honestly- who cares? Wish me luck on this one folks- I have a soft heart and I will need some extra prayers to get this one accomplished.

6. Become healthier. What a challenge this is. Although with relapsing again, this is a must. My 3 days a week work outs will need to be pushed to 4 or 5 and much more fruits and veggies! We'll see! Check back for updates on my progress....

So what are your 2012 resolutions? See you in 2012 folks!

Just in case!

Just some motivational words because I was needing them and maybe you are too!

Happy Wednesday friends!

Feature: Casserole Queen Recipe

Anyone needing a DELICIOUS breakfast casserole recipe that's different than your traditional eggs, biscuits, sausage, and cheese? Well look no further my sweet friends! I have the most delicious recipe to share with you today!

Amanda is one of my sisters' friends that I met last summer when she invited us over for brunch at her house. She had the most delicious spread ready for us, but her famous spicy breakfast casserole was TO DIE FOR!! Im talking, better than you can even imagine, yummy! She has a blog with recipes she posts regularly. You must check it out!

She graciously agreed to let me share the recipe with you all. So here it is! Be sure to sign up for her blog to get her new recipe posts.

....and trust me, you won't be disappointed!

Ingredients:

(2) Bags of 26oz Shredded Hash Browns
(1) Tablespoon of Butter
½ Yellow Onion
(1) Teaspoon of Salt
(2) lbs. of Spicy Ground Sausage (I use Jimmy Dean Hot.)
(1) Red Bell Pepper
(1) Green Bell Pepper
(1) Cup of Mayonnaise
(1) Cup of Sour Cream
(8) Cups of Shredded Cheddar Cheese
(1) Tablespoon of Black Pepper
Directions:

STEP 1: Preheat oven to 350. Place both bags of frozen Hash Browns into a large roasting pan and spread them out evenly. Put in the oven for 30-45 minutes, stirring every 5-10 minutes, until thawed. The texture of the hash browns should be slightly sticky to the touch.

STEP 2: While you are waiting for the hash browns to thaw, start on your onion. Place 1 Tablespoon of Butter in a pan on medium heat. Take ½ a Yellow Onion, dice it, and add it into the pan with 1 Teaspoon of Salt. Cook the onion until it is translucent in color.

STEP 3: When your onions are cooked, add your 2 lbs of Ground Sausage to the same pan and turn heat on medium high heat.

STEP 4: While you are waiting for your meat to brown, get started on chopping your Red and Green Bell Peppers. Remember to remove the stem and seeds, and dice them into small pieces.

STEP 5: When the Hash Browns are thawed and the Sausage is browned, it’s time to combine all the elements. Add the Sausage and Onion mixture, diced Red and Green Bell Peppers, 1 cup of Mayonnaise, 1 cup of Sour Cream, 5 cups of shredded Cheddar Cheese, and 1 tablespoon of Black Pepper to the Hash Browns and mix together well.

STEP 6: Transfer the mixture into a 9x13x2 casserole dish. Top with remaining 3 cups of Cheddar Cheese and sprinkle with a pinch of Black Pepper.

STEP 7: Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, then switch to broil or 500 degrees for around 5-10 minutes to crisp and brown the cheese. Remove from oven and let set for 5 minutes. Serve, enjoy, and eat like ROYALTY!

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!!! xoxo