Adventures with Venison!

How appropriate that I'm watching the Top Chef finale as I get ready to put together this post.

So, Chris likes to hunt and has gotten a deer 3 of the 4 last hunting seasons.  Needless to say we have a ridiculous amount of venison in the freezer.  In an effort to start clearing freezer space, I embarked on a mission to figure out a way to prepare the venison steaks so they'd not only be edible, but something we could do again.  

We've mastered using ground venison and usually just sub it in for ground beef in things like tacos and sloppy joes....these round steaks, however, were intimidating.

Gross lookin, huh?

So following this recipe, which was incredibly simple, I embarked on my first ever venison steak cooking experiment...and lucky for you, I took lots of pictures along the way!

Clearly my plate, Chris wouldn't touch a salad!

Thumbs up for success!

Basically, it was just a slow braise of the venison in a gravy made from flour and the pan drippings (with a little butter to help it along the way, of course!), onions, and a dash of sour cream at the end.  We served it with some mashed Yukon golds, and overall I'd say it was a hit!  Chris enjoyed it, and I think we'd both agree it was even more satisfying to prepare a meal using meat that he provided vs. paying a ton for something from a meat market.

And I got to wear my super cute apron my mom got me :) 

 

I've got a few more recipes on the radar for the coming week, so be expecting more food posts soon :) 

Happy Wednesday!

Well what do ya know....2 days in a row!


As promised, here's a quick photo tour of the new place.  Please excuse the graininess of the pictures, I was using my cell phone because I have no idea where I put my camera when I unpacked. Oh the joys of moving....

First up is our living room.  The first picture is the China Cabinet we got from our future brother-in-law when he moved into his new home.  I can't wait to fill it up with my nice things :)  Obviously, the living room is a little empty. Eventually we will move Chris' couch and recliner over and get a new entertainment center.  I plan to use the stand the TV is on right now in the kitchen since it matches the cabinets and our dining table. 

I guess that's a good segue into the dining area/kitchen!

Look closely and you'll see my FAVORITE part.  THE DISHWASHER!!!! No more pruney hands and fingers from hand washing everything, hallelujah!

Here's a shot of me in action!  Venison soft tacos, yum!

Next is our guest bedroom.  Please don't judge the tigger sitting on the bed.  There were some things I just couldn't part with.  We're debating how to decorate the walls in here.  The deer heads have to go somewhere and this room may just be the compromise...

Finally, we have the master bedroom with our newly inherited furniture from Mama and Papa Thu.  Again, a little sparse in the decor area, but we're working on it.  I LOVE the closet space.  I was smart and closed the doors on my side because, well, it's kind of overflowing.  It would appear I have a little more downsizing to do.

Please note, the bed is made.  So far, I've made it every morning after getting up, a habit I'm sure my mother would've loved for me to have picked up years ago....

No shots of the bathroom, sorry.  It's kind of plain because I've got a bed and bath themed shower coming up and we're waiting to get accessories for it til after that.

I forgot to mention in my last post that we just celebrated Mardi Gras here in St. Louis.  It was a blast, as usual.  We managed to snag some pretty sweet VIP tickets that got us into an area with catered cajun food and an open bar of beer and hurricanes, no complaints here! 

I know, I know.  We are so cute :)

OMG. I'm the worst blogger in the history of blogging....

So now that Lent is upon us and Chris has ruled that I had to choose to give up one of  my two biggest distractions, Facebook and gossip websites, I'm betting I'll have more free time on my hands to blog. (BTW, I chose to give up gossip websites, it's a bigger vice and lets be real, me give up facebook? Inconceivable!)

So where to begin...I'm trying to think of what's happened in the 3 months since I've posted (again, I'm the worst blogger EVER) 

Chris' sister is engaged.  Woooohooo!  2012 is going to quite the year, as soon as my wedding is under wraps, Jenny's planning will be kicking into high gear.  I'm so excited we get to be newlyweds so close in proximity :)  Plus, her fiance is awesome and he makes her super happy.  I'm getting really lucky in the future in laws department.

Chris came home with me for Christmas and we had a blast.  My mom knit him the most amazing stocking.  I'll dig around for a picture of it to post later.  Seriously, my initial reaction when he opened it was jealousy.  Yep, I'm a gracious host...We did manage to snap a cute picture despite my grinchiness over the stocking.

I know, we're adorable :)

Lets see...I'm trying to catch up chronologically...New Years came and went, and Chris and I both really committed ourselves to eating better and getting into shape.  We've both lost considerable weight and feel better in our own skin.  I'm in a boot camp right now that I absolutely love and we now have access to a workout facility at our new apartment.  We are going to be super svelte for our honeymoon on the beach :)

As of February 1st I have been living in our new apartment.  He's starting to move stuff in and things are really coming together.  I'll snap a few pics this weekend to give you an idea of what it all looks like. 

My new job is great, I'm loving my boss and coworkers and I feel like I'm finally moving in the right direction professionally.  Unfortunately I've been using up a lot of my sick leave here lately because of a random flu bug and a particularly nasty head cold that I'm still battling. 

We're down to 2 months to go! Wahoo!  I can't believe how quickly time is flying by.  Coming up for March,  I have a bridal shower, Chris' bachelor party is happening in Cincy, and I'm making a trip to see one of my BFFs get matched to a hospital for her residency.  It will be April before we know it!  AHHHHH!

Guess what I got today?

Chris and I now have 6 of the 8 place settings we wanted, a beautiful wood salad bowl that only I will eat from, and an awesome wine rack that I cannot wait to fill up....and then empty :)

Its all really happening isn't it?

Our Save the Dates finally went out last week and they were just adorable.  Next up is designing invitations.  EEP!

I had a wonderful shower in North Carolina over the Thanksgiving holiday and now have lots of recipes to try and kitchen gadgets to make them with!  I really have the best family in the world.  It was so nice to have a happy reason to be together after my grandaddy's passing.  And we even went dress shopping for my mom and grandma.  Mom got a super pretty dress and Grandma ended up deciding to get a dress she already owned altered.  They're going to be so pretty :)

Can you believe it's December?  I don't know where the time is going.  There is so much to do in the next 2 months, I don't know how I'll fit it all in!  Christmas, New Years, moving.  EEK!  Toss in work, working out, yoga, Chris, and trying to maintain a social life and I'm one busy lady.  So far the stress hasn't been bad, but I can feel it starting to creep up on me...I'm hoping that making lists and trying to stay organized and motivated will keep it at bay. 

Or maybe red wine will do the trick ;)

Hi there!

How appropriate is it that there is a "Say Yes to the Dress" marathon on tonight and I have my first dress fitting tomorrow?  I am soooooo excited!

I think this may be the thing that puts me over the edge into bridezilla territory.  I'll finally have my dress, which  makes it tangible that I'M GETTING MARRIED!

Okay, now for the serious/reflective portion of this post....

My grandfather passed away a little over a week ago now, so I've been a bit...emotional. That's probably putting it lightly, ask Chris and he'd probably say something worse.  I was asked by my grandmother to speak at the memorial mass, and though it may be one of the hardest things I've ever done, I'm glad I did. It's so hard saying goodbye, but there is so much beauty in reflecting on the life of someone who lived such a long, love filled life.

An overarching theme to the service and to my grandfather's life as a whole, was his love for my Grandma.  This Thanksgiving would mark their 56th wedding anniversary.  56 years.  I can't even imagine, and I'm so impressed and overwhelmed with what a love like there's conveys. My granddad would tease and tease my grandma in a way that only one who truly loves and cherishes someone could.  I can't even describe how my heart felt when I heard how he knew shortly after meeting my grandma that she was the girl he'd be with forever, because that's how I felt about Chris. My grandma is such an amazing lady and cared for and loved my grandfather with everything she had until his last day on earth, and continues to do so now that he's gone. I aspire to be like her in all that I do in life and love.

Chris and I are so lucky to have such great examples of marriages in our families.  It means so much to know we have such great legacies of love that have come before us to show us the right way.


As today is Veteran's day and my granddaddy was a WWII Veteran, I thought I'd share a picture of him, in all his sassy, handsome glory. :)

Dear Blog,

Though it may seem that I've forgotten you, I promise I haven't.  I just can't think of much to blog about these days (or you can blame my other new baby, Pinterest).

I've been under a lot of stress these past 2 months, between changing positions at work and the decline and eventual passing of my grandfather.  I'll be making a trip to North Carolina for his memorial mass this weekend, and then I promise, I'll get back into the swing of things and start more regular postings. 

Less than 6 months to go and today marks the 1 year anniversary of our engagement.  Sadness and tears have been unavoidable here lately, but life goes on, and soon there will be happy things to think of again.

Unable are the Loved to die,
For Love is Immortality.

Grandaddy, if they have the internet in heaven, I hope you can read this.  I love you.

Katie

     Gosh it's been forever.  I think I've slipped into a lull because I've gotten a giant portion of wedding stuff done and not really a whole lot is left, at least not until we get to early 2012.

     We've got a great month lined up and I'm super excited.  My parents were in town this past weekend and we had a great time catching up and I got to finally show my dad the church and the reception site.  He hasn't been to St. Louis in something like 2 years, and Chris hasn't seen him since before we got engaged.  Needless to say it was a much overdue visit.

     Somehow, Chris convinced my mom to cross over to the dark side...she borrowed one of his Reds Tshirts.  Having mom on his side must've been good luck, because the Reds won...unfortunately.

     I love this picture of me and my boo :) Our love transcends baseball affiliations.

     Next up is a visit from Chris' parents this weekend, which is always full of laughs and fun.  I have to work the weekend after that (ugh), but THEN!!! Chris and I are going to Chicago for a long weekend before my birthday.  I.cannot.wait.  I've been saving up all my vacation time so I'll have enough time off around the wedding and honeymoon,and I'm dyyying for some time off. A 3 day fall weekend in Chi Town is the perfect solution.

Happy birth month to me!

Gosh I'm getting bad about keeping up with my blog baby.  Sorry!

I have lots of excuses though!  Its been quite a busy few weeks of studying my butt off for my LMSW exam, which I took and passed on July 27.  Woohoo!  Then of, course, I have the work excuse.  Theres just something about the summer months that make people a little more wacky than usual, to say I've been stressed this past month is an understatement.

Okay, now for the fun stuff!

Three things have been checked off the Wedding to do list since my last post. 

 The always important, SHOES!  I found these 50% off at Macy's last week and just couldn't say no :)

CAKE!  We decided to go with a 4 tier, square Amaretto cake, with alternating fillings of raspberry and Bavarian Creme fillings. Deeeelicious! I could do cake tasting every day for the rest of my life and die a happy, albeit obese, Katie.


We also put down a deposit on our site for the rehearsal dinner.  This place is one of our go-to dinner places on my side of the river.  Good food, hand crafted beer and spirits, what more could you ask for?

So...if you've been keeping track, getting the cake and rehearsal dinner site booked were the last big things on my to do list. 

Which means, naturally, I now have a mental to do list of the "small things" I need to wrap up.
1. Harass my 2 bridesmaids in Arkansas to get their measurements in so the bridal salon can order all the bridesmaid dresses ;)
2. Harass the bridal salon about being 2 months later with my dress than they originally said.  (I could write a really nasty blog about how irritated this makes me, but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt before I trash their company...)
3. Coordinate with the church organist for ceremony music, pick out readings, and Chris and I will likely start meeting with our priest later this fall for some more pre-cana counseling.
4. Finalize menu with the Tap Room for the reception, and pick out the 12 beers we want on tap :)  Beer tasting anyone?
5. Finalize floral arrangements and talk with our dj about music selection.  Send any music requests our way and we'll put it on our list, if we approve of course :).
6. Oh yea, and pay for everything!  Minor detail of course.

I'm sure there are more things to add to that list, but its Saturday morning and I'd rather eat breakfast and get my day started then send my brain into overdrive (as if it isn't already) with wedding details.

Can you believe we've already been engaged for 9 months?  Whooooa, we're halfway there!

259 days to go!

I'm a horrible blog mom

I've left my little blog baby alone for too long!  I can't believe its been a month since my  last post!

I'm trying to think of what to update on, but all I can think about is how excited I am for this week to be over!  Chris and I have a cake tasting set up for Saturday with a Bakery that is owned by a family that just happens to know a lot of my friends from trivia.  I just love having connections.  I just hope their cake tastes as good as my friends have been saying!

I also just bought tickets to the upcoming New Kids on the Block/Backstreet Boys concert that will be here in St. Louis next week.  Jenny, you're gonna hate me for saying this, but I'm way more excited to see BSB than NKOTB.  I was in loooooove with BSB back in the day.  I'm going with my friends Amy and Alexcia, and I'm sure it will be a blast reliving the songs of our teeny bopper days :)

Then!  I'm going to Cincinnati next weekend with Amy to see our guy friends play in a footy tournament.  What is Footy? Just click HERE to find out!  They are conveniently playing about 10 minutes from my future in laws, which means I get to see the lovely Thumanns for a few days :)  Chris is trying to rearrange his work schedule so he can tag along too.  There's also a Cleopatra exhibit at a downtown museum that Amy and I both really want to see.  So it'll be a quick, but fun filled weekend in the Queen City.

Can't you see why I'm ready for this week to be over?  Ugh!

284 days to go!

Yay!

Chris comes home tomorrow! 

I've had quite the weekend, spending some time at Clearwater Lake with some friends was much needed and quite relaxing.  I got some sun too :) 

Cindy came in town for the weekend, so I only got to see her Thursday before I left for the lake.  Wouldn't you know it, she got me something off our registry already!  My dream mixer.  Seriously, its awesome.

Isn't it just beautiful!  I cant wait to make cakes and cookies and bread and all kinds of treats.  For now, it's living in my FSIL's basement, because, unfortunately, I have absolutely no counter space at my current apartment :( 

Thus, "lots of counter space" has now been added to the checklist of things our future home MUST have. 

All in all, I suppose the only thing I really have to say on here tonight, is that I am beyond excited to see my love tomorrow.  It has been way too long and I'm almost to the point of getting weepy whenever I think about him.  Needless to say, tomorrow can't come soon enough!

Wah.

So Chris has been gone since last Tuesday (5 days if you're counting)  and has been out of contact since Friday evening when he crossed over to Canada for his annual fishing trip.  He did call me Saturday morning for one last chat before heading off into the wilderness for a week, which was so sweet I tear up thinking about it.

I gotta tell ya, the old adage "absence makes the heart grow fonder" couldn't be more true.  I swear, it really feels like there is something missing, as cheesy as that sounds.  Whats funny is that this is not the first time he's gone off on this trip with no way to talk, text, or email, for a week. But this is the first time since we've been engaged, and I think that's what is making this especially hard. 

I've got quite a week ahead of me,  between work, yoga, Shakespeare in the park, my FMIL coming to visit, and a lake trip, I really should be so busy that he'll be back before I know it.  But its late, I'm tired, and it's Sunday. Our day.  And all I want to do is hear his voice tell me goodnight.

So for now, I'll be that girl that calls his phone even though I know its off, just to hear him awkwardly say his name for his voicemail.

I promise my next post wont be so sappy or sad.

Too much fun!

So tonight I met up with my lovely FSIL for coffee, dinner, and looking at options for DIY (do it yourself) wedding invitations and save the dates.  Too.much.fun.  Jenny is a genius/miracle worker/artist/awesome lady who found this website with all kinds of fancy paper and envelopes to use and print our own designs on, and for a fraction of the price.  I'm beyond excited to see the samples I ordered and see what ideas they spark.  We also came up with some cute ideas for Save the Dates, and I'm now in search for pictures to use for that project too.

I've been in touch with a DJ that I've heard and read great reviews of, and hopefully Chris and I can meet with him sometime this month.

That just leaves a cake for the bigger budget items and we'll be pretty well wrapped up.  I cannot believe how the time is flying and how much I've been able to get done so far.  I'm beginning to wonder what I'll have to do as the time gets closer...but I'm sure I'll find something to stress about :)

Chris and I started some registries last weekend too.  So far we're registered at Crate and Barrel and Target.  I have plans to add to both of those once we get closer to the wedding and have idea of where we'll be living.  We couldn't really pick out much besides kitchen stuff because we haven't discussed what aesthetic we'll want for our future home.  I can definitely say it won't include deer heads in the living room though, sorry Chris!  Still, it was so much fun picking out things like dishes and cookware and thinking "This is what we'll be eating meals off of in OUR place."  So fun!

I'm on my own for the next 2 or so weeks. Chris left this afternoon for his annual Canada fishing trip with his dad, Uncle, and some of their buddies.  I know he'll have a great time and hopefully the trip will leave him quite re-energized to start tackling some wedding tasks when he gets back.  Luckily, I have lots to keep me busy.  I have a friend from high school coming to visit this weekend, my FMIL will be coming to STL for a visit next week, and I have a lake trip planned with some friends that following weekend.  Then Chris will be home and all will be right with the world again.  I should also mention that I've recently acquired the first 6 Harry Potter DVDs and will be marathoning them each night (yes, I'm a nerd).  I won't even have time to miss Chris!

Okay, who am I kidding, of course I'll miss him :) 

Lookie what I got!

So our engagement pictures finally came in.  Here's a preview :)

Aren't we just adorable?  Seriously, for as awful of a time Chris had and considering how hot and muggy it was, I'm really happy with how these turned out.  One more thing off the checklist!

Chris is gearing up for his annual trip to Canada and I'm pushing hard to try to get a few more things off the list before he's gone.  I've got a few info requests in with some local dj's and I'm hoping we can set up cake tasting/consultations sometime next week before he leaves.  I know we still have a lot of time, but I'd really like to have a good idea of what the heck to budget for.  I think that is the only stressful thing of all this planning, having no idea what or how much to spend without killing my budget. 

Hopefully after he gets back from Canada, I can get Chris to go set up some registries with me.  Ideally I want to have our registries started so I can include that on our "Save the Dates" that I plan on designing within the next month :)  Lots on my plate this summer!

Oh!  and here's some big news!  Chris asked his cousins to be in the wedding as groomsmen.  Hopefully he'll find the time when he's back in Ohio in a week to ask a few more guys to round out the wedding party.  I keep telling him he can't come back until we've got all 5 (or 6 if he can't decide) groomsmen.  That boy has too many friends!

I feel like I'm rambling, but I've saved the most exciting piece for last.  Helllllo Honeymoon!  Chris and I will be spending a week in the Dominican Republic at The Wyndham Viva Dominicus Palace.  We've decided to leave the weekend after the wedding to give ourselves a full week instead of what would only by 5 days if we left the day after the wedding.  HUGE thanks to my parents for letting us use their time share to trade for this resort.  Big money saver and we're pretty much guaranteed to be treated as VIPs.  Seriously, they have a private beach for time share people there.  Yes please!

Last but not least, my little brother Douglas graduated high school last weekend.  He's the baby, so it is a little surreal that he's heading off to college in the fall.  I had such a nice, long weekend at my parents...despite some major car issues (which I'll save for another post).  Duck has become such a nice little man, I can't wait to live vicariously through his college escapades in the years to come :)

Reunited and it feels so good!

Yes, I'm quoting Peaches and Herb....

So I realize it's been two weeks and part of that is probably because Chris has been gone and I've been, well, mopey.

But he's back now!  Only for me to leave Thursday for a weekish.  Sigh.

Chris went home for some prep for his upcoming fishing trip to Canada with his dad, uncle, and some other guys.  Now I'm heading back to my parents for my baby brother's high school graduation.  When I say baby brother, I really mean baby brother.  

Needless to say, the fact that I'll be heading home to Kansas for a long weekend to see this kid graduate from high school makes me feel incredibly old.  Douglas, or Duck, as my family refers to him for a really long and silly reason, is probably the most similar to me of my siblings.

He's smart, funny, charismatic, and such a sarcastic little turd that you can't help but laugh and love him.  While our 7 year age difference can make me "uncool" at times, I think he'll agree that he and I get eachother's humor and personality better than anyone else in our family....it probably helps that we're both brilliant. :)

Where on earth has the time gone?  My little faggy (dont ask) is a 17 year old college guy now. He's already joined a fraternity at Kansas State where he'll be studying engineering, and he's promised to buy me a t-shirt and get me tickets to a football game.  What great brother :)  Let's just hope he wont be too cool to be an usher at the wedding :)


Finally, for Jenny and Cindy, who will most likely let out a great big "awwww", I decided to add this final picture of Douglas, who was hands down the most adorable of all the Beebe children.

Why can't he be like that forever?



I'll report back with lots of pictures and stories from my week home, and maybe even have a wedding progress update soon.  Hint:  We have at least 2 groomsmen!  Chris has been busy!

May Day!

Today is a special day, my baby sister turns 20.  The 5 year age difference was certainly interesting growing up, but we've become super close and she's my best friend.  I am so excited to have her as my maid of honor.  So here's to my chickybaby, seester, MOH, and bff.

Happy Birthday Claire!

You'll never believe what happened...

Chris ate broccoli!

Okay so maybe he only ate a few pieces before gently telling me he didn't like it because the texture of the stalks was too firm.  But still, he at least tried it and that, my friends, is major progress.  There's hope after all! :)  I am actually somewhat hopeful that I won't have to explain to my kids why they have to eat their veggies when their dad won't. 

I booked a consultation with a local florist for next week, Flowers To The People.  A co-worker referred me saying "She'll work with your budget and treat you like a princess!"  I'm really excited and like that she buys from local farms and her store is super close to my apartment.  I have no idea what kind of budget to go in with, so I'll be doing some research in the coming week.  I am going to check out 2 more florists in Belleville to compare to, and hope to have made my final decision by the end of May. 

I have quite the busy rest of the week.  Tomorrow, my roommate and I are throwing a party at our apartment and one of my college friends is getting married Saturday.  I'm looking forward to a relaxing Sunday, and the possibility of having Chris try another veggie.  Grean beans? Peas?  The possibilities are endless! :)

Meet our flower girls, my cousins Charlotte and Hannah.  Their mom is my super awesome aunt/Godmother and I couldn't be more excited.  Apparently they're really into Disney Princesses right now, so I hope they're as excited as I am to see them in cute little dresses for the wedding. 

Now Chris needs to ask his cousin if her boys can be the ring bearers and we will have an overload of cuteness at the wedding :)

1 year from today I get to marry my best friend. How lucky am I?

"The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds, and that's what you've given me. That's what I hope to give to you forever."

                                                                                                          ~The Notebook

 Sigh. :)

Sunday Funday

Actually, this hasn't been "Sunday Funday" because I worked this morning and spent some time cleaning up my room this afternoon.  However, I guess it could be "Sunday Fun-evening."  I'm currently snuggled up in bed, with candles lit around my room, a cup of chai tea next to me, and The Notebook going in the dvd player.  Ahhh, now this is the life!  Lets just hope my clients leave me alone tonight (I'm on call) so I can enjoy my relaxing evening.

We are 4 days away from the 1 year to go mark, which just so happens to fall on Holy Thursday this year.  I suppose Chris and I could celebrate by going to mass and having our feet washed (Its a Catholic thing). Though since it's not technically a Holy Day of Obligation, I doubt I can convince Chris to give up his Thursday night.  Not to mention he'll probably be cracking the whip and forcing me to help clean up his place since we've got some friends coming to town for the Cardinals/Reds series of Easter weekend.  Thats right, me and 4 reds fans spending the whole weekend together :)

Speaking of Reds fans, how cute is this?

 I really hope our kids are this cute, because you better believe Chris Thumann will put our kids in this very uniform.  Thanks to mama Thu for sending the picture :)

This week's plan is to find time for a date night to revel in the fact that a year from now, we'll be Mr. and Mrs., and enjoy a weekend with friends.

Happy Holy Week!  and p.s. Don't know if I mentioned this but I gave up meat for lent, and I'm 5 days away from successfully completing my 40 days as a vegetarian.  Woohoo! There's a hot dog at Busch Stadium calling my name for next Saturday :)