Decanter Cooking Class!

A few days ago, Ray informed me about a surprise date night that he had planned for our Tuesday evening. It was a trip to Lewisville to Decanter Wine Bar and Lounge for a  cooking class. I was so excited about a night out and for a fun new adventure in cooking. This was our first cooking class together and definitely not our last. We had such an amazing time making new creations, taste testing, sampling delicious signature drinks, and making new friends.

 taste testing a new signature drink 

 My favorite chef and I ready to work

For dinner we would be cooking a shrimp ceviche and a main course of chicken with a side of sweet potato hash. While I am typically not a fan of fish or anything that swims in the ocean, it was suprisingly refreshing and actually pretty good. I don't think I'll be running out to order it any time soon; however, it was interesting and a good first sample.

Now on to cooking. Our materials were set before us, plastic gloves, apron, and spices on the table.

To be honest, I was oblivious to many of the spices and found it rather interesting to guess what was laid before us. It was nice to share our first cooking experience with two foodies, one who loved to cook and the other more like me ready to serve and enjoy.

Edwin and Kenna, our table partners

Let the cooking fun begin. Our challenge consisted of sampling each plate at our table to determine the winner.

My chef and husband was hands down the winner of the ceviche challenge

 The Zellners and the Chef

 Now on to the main course, chicken.

 Edwin and Ray sampling the chef's chicken

 The sampling of dinner lead to a delicious and amazing tie. Sweet meets spicey. Kenna and Ray were labeled our winners! 

It was definitely an amazing night filled with fun adventures! I look forward to many more in the future! I'll definitely be sure to kiss the chef:)

Double Date Dinner with Daniela

This past Monday, Ray and I met up with Daniela and her husband, Robert, for a double date dinner at Blue Goose in Plano. It was a great time to catch up with sweet friends and my old roommate. We wish them luck on the closing of their first house as well as the upcoming move. I am excited that this move is bringing them closer to our side of the town and look forward to many more double dinner dates.

My Baptism Weekend: The Details

This weekend has been an absolute blessing.
It is amazing what God has been doing in our lives and I truly feel so humbled by the experience. This Sunday, I had an opportunity to share my faith in front of my family and friends and share that God is Lord. We have been given His grace and it is through faith that we come to Him.

This Thursday, my parents made the drive from Sugar Land to join us for this very special ocassion. We have enjoyed relaxing days watching movies, playing with the pups, afternoon adventures around the neighborhood, grilling on the patio, and my baptismal service at the Heights. Here are some amazing pictures from our weekend.

 My husband and father grilling up dinner.

 My parents and I relaxing outside on the deck.

 Delicious Homemade Saturday Dinner

 My mom and dad relaxing with the pups 

 Aggie laying with Opa

Afternoon adventure around the neighborhood

Aggie (my parent's dog) on our little walk

The morning of my baptism, I was to arrive at the church by 10AM. I was so excited and anxious. My bags were packed and I was ready to go, but not without a few family photos.

My husband, Ray, and I

 My parents and I before my baptism service at the Heights
...

Upon our arrival, I sent some love to my family, so incredibly thankful for their presence on this very special day, and made my way to the baptismal dressing area. 19 individuals including myself were proclaiming their faith through Baptism this morning and I felt truly honored to be apart of it.

Pictures taken by the Heights Baptist Church

Surrendering my life and control to the Lord

...Is Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior of your life?
Yes

You are burried with Christ in Baptism

...and we are raised to walk in the newness of life
...

...

I am beyond words with the outpouring of love that I have received from family, friends, and our Adult Bibe Fellowship. Words that come to mind include blessed, thankful, and honored. This was a very special moment in my life and I am so thankful for those that were able to share it with me. Here are a few pictures of my fabulous supporters, minus my working straightener and a broken necklace:)

 My amazing family after my baptismal service

Kathi (my 2012 Kinder Team Leader) and her son, Brandon

 The beautiful Bragg girls

Jenn, Steph, Kristin, Michael, Bryson, and the Zellners
Our amazing friends that are family!

I am so thankful to have shared this special moment with my family. I am so glad that they were able to make the drive up as this was truly a blessing to have them by my side. I also want to thank our best friends, Kristin and Michael. Not only have they both been a huge part of this process and an important part of our lives, but they also traveled hours upon end with Bryson to finish their vacation to Sea World a day early so that they could join us at the church Sunday morning. I hope they know how truly special that was to me:)

And the service was absolutely beautiful. It was a patriotic baptismal service and not a dry eye in the worship center. What a blessing my baptism weekend was!

ABF Game Night!

Each Wednesday, the husband and I meet in Richardson with several amazing couples from our ABF to share and continue our growth of God's word. This summer, we've taken a break from our usual bible study lessons and have decided to schedule group outings. This last Wednesday, three couples joined us for a game night. We enjoyed great food, great fun, and great friendships. From Catch Phrase, Gestures, and even a game of Sorry, we had a blast! Here are a few pictures of our ABF Bible Study Game Night together.

Food Options including Chips and Queso and Popcorn

Entrance Decor

 The Zellners and Zoutendams (The Other Z's)

 The Hanks, Goodings, and Zoutendams

 Chase and Denise or better known as De-Chase:)

 The Ladies

 The Gents

 Get Your Game Face On!

I am continually thankful and humbled by those that God continues to put in our path. We truly are thankful for an amazing church family and those we call friends!