Changes for Good

I haven't posted in quite a while. Recently we had some major changes come our way. My brother was accepted to do full time work at Bethel. Our family has been overjoyed by this... and of course saddened beyond belief. Matt has been an example to our family. Since baptism, he has done his upmost to bring praise to our grand Creator. Not having him around would be different and change is not easy for anyone. I'm glad to say we communicate everyday. We also plan to visit him soon in NYC.

Our Kingdom hall had a going away barbecue for him before he left. It was so nice of everyone to gather and exchange encouraging words. I know it was much needed and he was able to leave feeling content.

The day we dropped him off at the airport was sad. I cried practically the whole afternoon. He is like a son to me and so the feelings of him leaving seemed overwhelming. At the same time, I knew that my feelings were selfish and temporary because I'm so proud of him and the sadness only comes from not being able to see him regularly. I'm happy that he is now in NYC and he has a wonderful congregation that he has been assigned to. He tells us many encouraging stories keeping our family updated.

Recipe

Marinade mix:
Mix all three ingredients together. marinade onto chicken, pork, or beef for an hour or longer. I prefer baking cause it's winter time.. but would be Delicious over the grill in the summer!!-yummy
 so, cooking instructions depend on meat type.
1/4 cup barbecue sauce 
  1/4 cup teriyaki sauce 
  1/4 cup brown sugar



adapted from The Neely’s, Food Network:  BBQ SAUCE

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup water
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard

Combine all ingredients in a small pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently, for 1 hour.

Pictures

                                                 HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO US!!

                                                         Winter Party 2012!

                                            Alina and I at Sky city Bounce house!

WINter Break!

Winter Break! I don't know what to do with myself these days... I have so much time to do nothing! Before, I had so much on my mind... mainly school! Keeping my grades at par for the nursing program.. It has been a challenge.-Mainly because my MAIN priority is to dedicate my time to the ministry and  keeping my family together and spiritually up built. The Twins and Jacob keep me busy with their school schedules as well. Having them home is so wonderful! :) I don't want them to go back to school!! It's so good to be HOME! It's been nice being able to  clean the house and having plenty of time to cook dinner.  Everyone enjoys watching me in the kitchen!-hahaha ...cooking dinners that I haven't had time to cook during my schools semester. My husband is especially happy to have me home all the time. :)

Since we do not celebrate Holiday's (because of their Pagan origin). We started off our winter break by inviting some family over for a party. I made southern food (that warmed the soul) and had the theme winter..fitting for the season! I even made a special drink that I saw on a television show. It was an instant hit!! :) I loved it! The children had fun making smores in our fire pit and enjoyed playing musical chairs. My nephews, that had moved away, came and stayed the weekend with us. I also went and picked up my little sister from out of town. I really enjoyed having everyone over. I know they all appreciated it as well. I love having gatherings and I know it's hard on the family not having the "life of the party" (all 100 of us) at their parties!!- haha

Miss Monique has been nannying for a friend of mine for a while now. We took her three toddlers plus my three big kids to sky city bounce house. I guess on Fridays they have it open for families to come and enjoy, without having to pay the huge group party prices, only having to pay five bucks a person!! Even grown ups like myself were allowed on the bounce slides!! We had such a fun time. Monique has two whole weeks off!! We've been enjoying our time together! ...love my little sister.

Mal is dating!! It's been a huge change for us to have a brother from a different congregation coming over regularly to visit with our Mally. She seems to really like this guy. He loves Jehovah and Is a great brother. ...It's still weird though.. haha.

Matt has been working with Andres. Both seem to enjoy the idea! I'm so proud of Matthew. He will be graduating early!! Putting him on home school has been the best decision for his education. He has been able to serve in the ministry full time. He is a regular Pioneer!! all the brothers and sisters at the hall have given me so much praise for how zealous Matt is and his good persona. Smiles!

I'm an Auxiliary Pioneer for the month of January!! Yay for me :)

My Andres and I celebrated our Anniversary this Past November! It was absolutely magnificent!! :) I'm so grateful for the years we have had together and the wonderful memories we have made together. When I look back at when we met.... it feel's like just yesterday! We both have talked about that time and laugh at the craziness of how fast time passes us by! I can still hear him eating over the phone and asking me questions about myself. One thing that I will never forget about our first phone call, is our instant feelings toward one another!! -over the phone!!- never had seen a picture of each other!! -We had told each other that we loved each other!!!! -haha  :) Thank God for that forced phone call and a good sense of judgement!! I'm so grateful for him and his love for Me, our children, our extended family, and most importantly our father in the heavens -Jehovah!! --happy..happy :)

FUN SUMMER DAYS.. :)

Our Baptism ~public declaration as JW's on June 16th

Malerie, Monique, Myself, and Matthew on our baptism

The biggest step I've ever made in my life was getting Baptized. This dedication to Jehovah God was an important decision that I took very seriously. Im so happppppy! :) What a lovely day it was!!  I was especially glad that my siblings and I made this dedication together.

 Mal and Matt

 Moe and I

 myself

My beautiful Family at the Safeguard your heart Convention of JW's.

Last day of 3rd grade...fourth grade here they cooome!

Mrs. Abramsom 3rd grade class of 2011-12 school year ~last day!

THE LAST DAY OF 3RD GRADE....WOOOHOOO! The girls had a fun field day with their class on the last day. They wore the t-shirts that one of the moms made for them...pink, light pink, and baby blue. haha.

 Mrs. Abramson with her twins