LBJ Land

I hope everyone found Kyle's post interesting and informative.  It was probably a nice change of pace as well seeing a completely different writing style from that of my own.  A lot of time has passed since I have given anyone an update of what going on's have been taking place for Kyle and I.  Well, let me tell you.....

All the history buffs in my life would be pleased to know that Kyle and I spent a day exploring LBJ's ranch and learning more about our 36th President of the United States.  I am sure everyone but myself was aware already of the many changes LBJ had put forth while he was president.  I did not realize he had interest in so many numerous aspects of our nation.  One thing that impressed me was that LBJ was the one who pushed for the Public Broadcasting System. Ahhhhh to think Masterpiece Mystery would not have been in my life probably if it weren't for this man.  Anyways, the jist of the story is that LBJ went a couple notches up on my "favorite Presidents list" :)

Now interesting tid bits on this beautiful ranch LBJ lived on for most of his life.  First off, all the cattle on the ranch are from the same bloodline as the original cattle LBJ raised.  Keeping it all in the family...hmmm now that I typed that it doesn't sound as awesome and has a more inbred sound to it.  One of the Air Force One's that LBJ used can be found parked right outside his house there.  This particular plane is jokingly referred to as "Air Force 1/2"  because it is small in stature; it is more or less his puddle jumper plane from Austin to his ranch.  One final interesting fact about the ranch is that the house itself is known as the Texas White House. 25% of LBJ's presidency took place at his home in Texas...hence Texas White House. 

Other highlights of the last couple weeks:

• Kyle is getting his butt kicked 3 times a week doing crossfit (some intense workout program)
• I am extremely giddy about Autumn and I cannot stop talking about it
• Kyle and I cannot stop thinking good wishes to all the couples we know getting married this fall/winter....I believe so far we know of 5 couples were close to getting married this upcoming season...We won't make all the weddings, but know each and everyone of you is constantly mentioned in some conversation every 5 minutes :) 
• We did some grocery shopping at the Austin Whole Foods a.k.a the Mother Ship (whole foods headquarters).  Kyle was as smiley as could be because we got beers to go and got to shop while drinking our delicious beverages. 
• Twice in one day we went to 2 different brewpubs....North by Northwest and Black Star Co-Op...Kyle was once again on cloud 9! 
• Coming up next week......TEXAS STATE FAIR IN DALLAS/FORT WORTH!!!!  YAYAY!  

Okay this is all I can really think of at the time.  Hopefully you can tell from this post, but our lives have drastically slowed down now that Kyle is settled.  YAY I love boring versus mass chaos and stress :)  Hope everyone is doing well!  We think of our loved ones all the time and keep you all in our thoughts and prayers!  Please, keep us posted on any updates, we LOVE hearing from you all! 

xx
Madeline

P.S. Recipe of the week! 

Chicken and Broccoli Stir-fry

Serves 4

This quick and easy stirfry is a great choice for a weeknight meal.

Nutrition

Per serving: 440 calories (100 from fat), 11g total fat, 1.5g saturated fat, 65mg cholesterol, 1090mg sodium, 51g total carbohydrate (7g dietary fiber, 4g sugar), 33g protein

Ingredients

8 ounces whole wheat linguine
3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons expeller-pressed canola oil, divided
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins, cut into strips
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons minced peeled fresh ginger
3 cups small fresh broccoli florets (from about 1 large crown)
1 carrot, peeled and cut into thin strips

Directions

Cook linguine according to package instructions, drain and keep warm. Meanwhile, combine broth, soy, vinegar, pepper and cornstarch in a bowl. Heat a wok or heavy skillet over high heat. When very hot, add 1 tablespoon oil. Add chicken and stir-fry until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Remove from wok and set aside. Add remaining oil, garlic and ginger; stir-fry 30 seconds. Add broccoli and carrot; stir-fry 2 minutes. Add soy mixture and chicken, stir well, and cover. Lower heat to medium and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 3 minutes. Toss with linguine and serve.

much ado about whatever: Strap in and Feel the B's (urnside)

much ado about whatever: Strap in and Feel the B's (urnside): Family, Friends, Texans, Illinoisans lend me your ear! I AM ALIVE!!!!!! Yes I am writing to you, this is not a hoax! Where do I begin? Let m...

The Power of the Loofah

There has been great demand for another Male Mail posting...which leads me to believe that I am a tad behind.  Thank you to everyone who has nudged me on this week to actually start typing again. 

There has been reason this past week to really celebrate life at least for Kyle and his support system. This past week he was able to get an apartment move in and get his car back in tip-top shape!  It is so insane to see life take such sharp turns from being down in the dumps to suddenly feeling whole again. 

The highlight for me this past week was that I got to spend a little time with Kyle's dad.  Mr. Burnside travelled to Austin to deliver all of Kyle's belongings.  What a wonderful father.  I was lucky enough to get dinner with the two burnside's and catch up on how things were going.  It is crazy how overwhelming it is to see loved ones from home when it has been such a long time.  Every time I get to see loved ones I get the same sensation I get on Christmas Day!  It was sad seeing Mr. Burnside leave (technically I was sleep walking when I hugged him goodbye at about 5am that day) but exciting because it marked a new chapter for Kyle at his new apartment.  sidenote: Mr. Burnside made it safely back home. 

At this point in the post you might be asking yourself what the deal is with the "Loofah" title.  When I finally had the chance to see Kyle's apartment this past weekend I noticed that his brand new Loofah he got in June was not in the bathroom.  Kyle doesn't think loofahs accomplish anything...he reluctantly agreed to use one though this past June when his friend Braden basically talked for about 12 hours straight about their magical powers (rightfully so).  Once I got home there sitting in the shower was Kyle's blue loofah. I have the feeling it will only take a matter of days maybe even minutes for Kyle to realize what he is missing. 

Other quick highlights of this past week(s):

• Lindsay and I hosted a staff dinner 2 Fridays ago....it was a big hit!  The recipe we used is below.
• Kyle got his car back!  WOOHOO!!!!
• Lindsay and I went to Schlitterbahn last week.  Schlitterbahn is one of the world's largest and coolest waterparks!  They aren't kidding, I felt like a kid in the candy store with all the fun rides.
• Kyle and I went to Independence Brewery tasting this past weekend.  Good beer, good company and a lot of fun. 
• Training has ended for my company this past week and now I feel like I can breathe again!  YAY!

xx
Madeline

P.S.  Recipe of the week(s)...Kyle actually never tried this one, he helped with the vegetarian version...but none the less it is worthy of this blog!

Recipe: The Best Lasagna Ever (from Pioneer Woman)

Prep Time: 30 Minutes | Cook Time: 30 Minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Servings: 12

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Ingredients

• 1-1/2 pound Ground Beef
• 1 pound Hot Breakfast Sausage
• 2 cloves Garlic, Minced
• 2 cans (14.5 Ounce) Whole Tomatoes
• 2 cans (6 Ounce) Tomato Paste
• 2 Tablespoons Dried Parsley
• 2 Tablespoons Dried Basil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 3 cups Lowfat Cottage Cheese
• 2 whole Beaten Eggs
• 1/2 cup Grated (not Shredded) Parmesan Cheese
• 2 Tablespoons Dried Parsley
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 pound Sliced Mozzarella Cheese
• 1 package (10 Ounce) Lasagna Noodles
• (add 1/2 Teaspoon Salt And 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil To Pasta Water)

Preparation Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet or saucepan, combine ground beef, sausage, and garlic. Cook over medium-high heat until browned. Drain half the fat; less if you’re feeling naughty. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, 2 tablespoons parsley, basil and salt. After adding the tomatoes, the sauce mixture should simmer for 45 minutes while you are working on the other steps.
In a medium bowl, mix cottage cheese, beaten eggs, grated Parmesan, 2 more tablespoons parsley, and 1 more teaspoon salt. Stir together well. Set aside. Cook lasagna until “al dente” (not overly cooked).
To assemble:
Arrange 4 cooked lasagna noodles in the bottom of a baking pan, overlapping if necessary. Spoon half the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles. Spread evenly. Cover cottage cheese with a layer of mozzarella cheese. Spoon a little less than half the meat/sauce mixture over the top.
Repeat, ending with meat/sauce mixture. Sprinkle top generously with extra Parmesan.
Either freeze, refrigerate for up to two days, or bake immediately: 350-degree oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until top is hot and bubbly.