Dinner/ Travel

Let’s Celebrate

There were lasers, probes, baskets and string involved but…..he lives!

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I love my life so, so much.

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Sometimes I just feel overwhelmed with the gratitude I feel that I get to eat delicious meals with wonderful friends that are full with laughs, love and music.

   
I am so thankful.

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We picked up Rudy’s tonight and Morgan grilled fish, chicken sausages and veggies to go with it. Rudy’s was fabulous (turkey! turkey! beans! corn!) but Morgan’s grilled brussels sprouts, onions and bell pepper were fabulous.

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It was goooooooood to eat some veggies, I’ll tell ya what.

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With our meals, we sipped some delicious Cabernet…. and by we, I mean Morgan, Stephen and myself.
Almanzo got water. Promise.

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Loving these, too!

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Currently watching another three hours of Mad Men. I’m going to go into withdrawals back in California, that’s for sure.

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  • Susan
    September 9, 2010 at 6:00 pm

    Fall Risk…I am so curious. The spread looks awesome. Veggies done right…

  • Jackie
    September 9, 2010 at 6:02 pm

    It looks a LOT like wine in Almanzo’s hand in that last picture of him….:)

  • Caitlin
    September 9, 2010 at 6:05 pm

    I love your headband–it’s so bright and cheery! And yay for the boyfriend’s recovery.

  • Megan
    September 9, 2010 at 6:14 pm

    What a wonderful feeling to have! So happy for you!

  • Shannon, Tropical Eats
    September 9, 2010 at 6:15 pm

    yippee glad he is all better! sorry you have to go back 🙁

  • Jen (Running With Cake)
    September 9, 2010 at 6:16 pm

    Oooh, Avalon Cab from Napa! I’m headed to Napa in late October – looking forward to trying some! BTW, you guys are too cute! Glad he’s better, kidney stones are no fun for men or women.

  • Stephanie
    September 9, 2010 at 6:16 pm

    2 Things: I just started watching Mad Men and I love it sooo much too! I can’t wait to finish up the first season on blu-ray this weekend. Also, my fiance had kidney stones twice and I know how terrible they are! He had his for so long so he had to get surgery to get them out also. So glad Almanzo is feeling better!

  • Maissa
    September 9, 2010 at 6:17 pm

    Yay! He’s better! The food looks awesome. All your Texas posts are making me think I might need to visit at some point. I’ve always avoided the state as a general rule (we San Francisco natives are a snobby crew 🙂 ), but it looks like Texas may actually be a lot of fun.

    (I don’t mean to insult anyone from Texas, at all, the above is meant jokingly, except for the part about really wanting to schedule a Texas trip at some point soon now. The food looks awesome)

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite
    September 9, 2010 at 6:18 pm

    So glad you’re enjoying yourself and having a great time 🙂

  • LindseyAnn
    September 9, 2010 at 6:20 pm

    I’m glad “Almanzo” is up and around and feeling better! 🙂

  • katherine
    September 9, 2010 at 6:20 pm

    YYYum. Looks like an awesome celebration. Cant go wrong with vino and veggies!

  • allison
    September 9, 2010 at 6:29 pm

    I’m so happy for you – what an amazing feeling 🙂 Glad the boy feels better 🙂

  • Paige @Running Around Normal
    September 9, 2010 at 6:29 pm

    Yay! Glad Almanzo is ok:) What a fun night!

  • katyrenee
    September 9, 2010 at 6:30 pm

    LOVE Rudy’s and as a now California girl I miss it desperately. Topo Chico is sublime too! So glad he is better. Once I took my hubby (then friend) to the hospital for kidney stones, our relationship got way more serious. Hoping yours continues to grow!!

  • Gillian
    September 9, 2010 at 6:30 pm

    What an incredible picnic feast! It’s already too cold here to eat outside!

  • Jillian @ Reshape Your Life
    September 9, 2010 at 6:31 pm

    He’s alive!!! That is so good to hear. And he looks like he’s back to normal! Keep taking good care of him!

    The dinner looks amazing, love all the veggies!

  • Raewyn
    September 9, 2010 at 6:34 pm

    Glad Almanzo’s feeling better – Rudy’s definitely makes everything better too! 😉 That is one scrumptious spread…now you’re making me homesick for Texas!

    P.S. Yes, go to College Station! Wander the campus, eat at Jason’s Deli, and enjoy the college atmosphere!

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
    September 9, 2010 at 6:34 pm

    So glad that he is okay! That is great news. Enjoy the rest of your time there – it looks magical!

  • theemptynutjar
    September 9, 2010 at 6:36 pm

    Good to see all is well.
    I like your pants and headband.
    Hope you’re not swiped by the hurricane.

  • Maria @ a healthier Maria
    September 9, 2010 at 6:36 pm

    So glad to hear he’s doing well!

    & love your happy post! Reminds me to think the same 🙂

  • Marci
    September 9, 2010 at 6:36 pm

    Rudy’s is the best bbq in Texas! Good old fashioned white bread, baked beans. You got the right stuff. What city are you in now?

  • Sarah
    September 9, 2010 at 6:37 pm

    Um, one of those shots looks like a Save the Date. Just sayin’.

  • Staceyhttp://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/
    September 9, 2010 at 6:38 pm

    Almanzo is looking pretty spunky for what he’s been through.

    You are looking so healthy and happy lately. Where you are at in you life totally agrees with you. 🙂

  • stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com
    September 9, 2010 at 6:38 pm

    The dinner looks so good.

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman
    September 9, 2010 at 6:39 pm

    Glad to hear Almanzo is doing well. (And is well enough to steal a sip of wine!) Those mineral water bottles are so cool!

  • Caitlin
    September 9, 2010 at 6:43 pm

    Please tell me that is a “I Have Clean Hands” sticker from Mighty Fine.

  • maria @ Chasing the Now
    September 9, 2010 at 6:46 pm

    Glad the boy is okay. All surgeries are scary, no matter how minor or serious, so I am really glad it went okay!

  • dragonfly180
    September 9, 2010 at 6:47 pm

    glad to hear your guy is feeling better!

  • eatmovelove
    September 9, 2010 at 6:50 pm

    Okay…so I’ve never watched Mad Men…! But can you not watch it in California? Is that why you’d miss it? …get it on DVD maybe? :)…now I want to get it out LOL – but I don’t get the channel…and can’t afford the DVD’s….hmm, will wait for a sale muahahhaha!

    I LOVE what you said…” I love my life so, so much “…

    God Jenna, I think that almost broke my heart a little.

    Blessed. One day I will say that. For now grateful for what I have.

    Life Sucks. Life is Beautiful.

  • Dorry
    September 9, 2010 at 6:54 pm

    I’m so glad Texas has treated you well. 🙂

  • Brooke (Baking with Basil)
    September 9, 2010 at 6:54 pm

    So glad to hear he is back on his feet and doing better!! I often feel blessed that I recognize moments that I am blessed…if that makes sense. Sometimes we are so wrapped up in what’s going on, I want to cherish the moments that my mind slows down and I really take in all the blessings I have. Enjoy the rest of your trip!!

  • Caroline
    September 9, 2010 at 6:59 pm

    I am glad that
    1. Almanzo is doing well.
    2. You have had such a blessed, wonderful time.
    3. You had turkey from Rudy’s (is it not the best?!!).

  • Tiffany (Stuffed With Fluff)
    September 9, 2010 at 6:59 pm

    I’m so glad that the BF is doing better!

    Looks like you threw him a proper celebration =)

    Mad Men is one of my favorite shows….you absolutely have to find a way to catch up when you get back to Nor Cal…i’ll even mail you the DVDs if I have to, hehe.

  • Scargosun
    September 9, 2010 at 7:01 pm

    So glad he is feeling better! Aren’t those the best kind of celebrations?

  • Camille
    September 9, 2010 at 7:03 pm

    I’m so glad he’s doing well!
    You do, indeed, have a beautiful life 🙂

  • Pure2raw twins
    September 9, 2010 at 7:03 pm

    What a perfect way to celebrate…good food, great company, and amazing wine ; )

  • Michelle @ Turning Over a New Leaf
    September 9, 2010 at 7:12 pm

    You are indeed very blessed. 🙂 Glad you’re having such a great time!

    And the picture of you two are wonderful. 🙂

  • Rebekah @Rebeltarian
    September 9, 2010 at 7:16 pm

    Gig em!

  • M
    September 9, 2010 at 7:23 pm

    I love that picture of Adam with his arms wrapped around you.

    It genuinely makes me smile to see a gal who has had to deal with some huge sadness not so long ago find love along the way. Wishing you much joy together now
    and always!!

  • Kristin
    September 9, 2010 at 7:34 pm

    I have an insane love affair with Mad Men. It really is an amazingly well made show.
    You and Almanzo make such a cute couple, love that photo! 🙂

  • Heather (Heather's Dish)
    September 9, 2010 at 7:41 pm

    hurray for almanzo getting through surgery! i love that you’re so open with your thanksgiving…definitely something we should all do more often!

  • Audrey
    September 9, 2010 at 7:48 pm

    mad men is one of my favorite shows! i started watching season one on dvd and went through all of them in 2 weeks!! i got totally caught up so i could watch this season as it’s on tv. LOVE IT!

  • Lindsay
    September 9, 2010 at 7:53 pm

    So glad everything worked out…have a safe trip home!

  • alison
    September 9, 2010 at 7:59 pm

    I’m glad Almanzo is on the mend. He looks really good for just having surgery.
    I hope you enjoy the rest of your time in Texas.

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog)
    September 9, 2010 at 8:02 pm

    LOVE LOVE LOVE the outdoor feast !

  • Hannah
    September 9, 2010 at 8:03 pm

    Awesome post! You look beautiful, as do your nails. Do you get them done often? Are they acrylic?

  • Heather
    September 9, 2010 at 8:17 pm

    Good times, glad to hear your boy is ok!

  • Erinn
    September 9, 2010 at 8:17 pm

    Mad Men is the greatest show! Hope you enjoy the rest of your time in TX 🙂

  • Angharad
    September 9, 2010 at 8:23 pm

    Love that he is a fall risk – that is kind of hysterical (and I mean that in an “aww bless” kind of way, not that I’m actually laughing at him!).
    Rudy’s is the first BBQ I ever had in my life. True story. Glad to see he’s on the mend – you look so very happy together 🙂

  • Sana
    September 9, 2010 at 8:36 pm

    You live a fabulous life. Thanks for living and sharing :)!

  • Alyson @ Nourished Fitness
    September 9, 2010 at 8:37 pm

    I watched the first two season of Mad Men while snowed in over Christmas break in Seattle a couple years ago (use to be free on amc.com). Now it’s one of the only shows I buy each week on iTunes (I’m too cheap/broke to get cable these days). So glad you’re loving Texas!

  • Krystina
    September 9, 2010 at 8:57 pm

    That picture of you and Almanzo is so cute!

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit
    September 9, 2010 at 9:01 pm

    Love Mad Men. Glad you’re havin fun 🙂

  • Cindy Nichols
    September 9, 2010 at 9:08 pm

    Enjoy your blog….Those veggies look divine!!
    How were they prepared? Would love to have that recipe!
    Aloha, Cindy

  • Amanda
    September 9, 2010 at 9:09 pm

    Aww I love that picture of you two! I’m glad he’s getting better….. and that they ID’d him as a fall risk. lol Don’t let him wander too far from his walker….

  • Suzanne de Cornelia
    September 9, 2010 at 9:56 pm

    Aww, that pix of you and Almanzo is just SOOOOOO adorable. I wish, wish, WISH that I still had my husband (#1 in every sense of the meaning) who died young. Not a day passes despite many, MANY ‘glamorous’ times that he is not on my mind as unsurpassable. Almanzo impresses me as that same type of ‘real deal’. They, like you Jenna, are rare. I speak from much experience.

  • Amber K
    September 9, 2010 at 10:04 pm

    I’m so glad to see that he is okay! 🙂

  • Paula
    September 9, 2010 at 10:27 pm

    Glad you two survived! I’ve heard firsthand from a co-worker who has gone through labor and a bout with kidney stones. She said kidney stones were hands-down worse on the pain-o-meter. Yikes! 🙁

  • Amy @ForDGRedial
    September 10, 2010 at 12:00 am

    I love the picture of you and Almanzo – you look so relaxed and content together. Beautiful! x

  • Emmanuelle
    September 10, 2010 at 1:43 am

    Glad Almanzo’s getting better!

  • Christie - Honoring Health
    September 10, 2010 at 4:19 am

    Glad to hear he is doing well.

    LOVE that picture of the two of you. You guys were meant to be.

  • Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen
    September 10, 2010 at 4:27 am

    I just did the happy dance around my room at the thought of eating Rudy’s smoked turkey. Unfortunately I don’t think I’ve ever had it in such a lovely location, dining al fresco and the like. 🙂

  • Maura
    September 10, 2010 at 4:39 am

    Love those photos! That one of you & Almanzo is definitely a keeper!

  • Lauren at KeepItSweet
    September 10, 2010 at 4:59 am

    I watched a few episodes of Mad Men but couldn’t really get into it.

  • Kristin (Cook, Bake and Nibble)
    September 10, 2010 at 5:03 am

    So glad Almanzo is better. Delicious dinner, too!

    xo
    Kris

  • Mariah
    September 10, 2010 at 5:16 am

    Too Cute! Glad to hear everything went well!

  • Mrs.CJ
    September 10, 2010 at 5:23 am

    So glad all is well! You and Almanzo are too cute! 🙂

  • Jenny
    September 10, 2010 at 5:27 am

    I need to move!:)

  • grocery goddess jen
    September 10, 2010 at 5:40 am

    You just look and sound so damn happy! I’m so excited for you.

  • Lizzie
    September 10, 2010 at 5:41 am

    I was reading something about gratitude in my book on the train this morning. Can’t remember it off hand, but you pretty much personify the gist of it! 🙂

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin
    September 10, 2010 at 6:04 am

    I’m so glad he’s doing ok after the surgery. You two are adorable together in that picture. 🙂

  • Coley
    September 10, 2010 at 6:17 am

    You have a very blessed life, and it’s great that you appreciate it and are thankful for it! You are great at living each day to the fullest!

  • RhodeyGirl
    September 10, 2010 at 6:33 am

    I can’t believe he just had surgery and he looks like that- quick recovery man!!!!

  • Seglare
    September 10, 2010 at 6:34 am

    Glad to hear he is getting better. 🙂

    The last one is such a beautiful picture of the two of you!

  • R @ Learning As I Chop
    September 10, 2010 at 6:44 am

    Glad he’s doing better!

  • Angie
    September 10, 2010 at 7:08 am

    Hi! I am new to your blog so I had to read a few posts back to understand all that is going on and I am glad everything is well. Looking forward to reading more in the future.

  • Natalia @asideofsimple
    September 10, 2010 at 7:39 am

    You’re so sincere. It’s really a refresher to see, so happy for you =) When do you (if ever? haha) plan to head back to California?

  • Amara@GirlinaWhirl
    September 10, 2010 at 8:05 am

    Hey Jenna, I just made chocolate chip cookies yesterday –the first time in years I’ve attempted it, and they came out FABULOUS!!! Thanks so much for the no over-mixing tip! I’ve heard people tell me to chill the dough, tell me the recipe’s bad, but the no over-mixing thing was the key .Thank you thank you thank you!!!

  • Jen
    September 10, 2010 at 8:17 am

    Is that an Aggie Ring I see on Almanzo’s hand? If so, he’s definitely a keeper!! I am class of ’04 🙂

  • Megan (Braise The Roof)
    September 10, 2010 at 8:28 am

    Mad Men is very addictive! Good luck with the withdrawal symptoms 🙂

  • Bonnie
    September 10, 2010 at 9:03 am

    I am glad you are enjoying Texas. As a born and raised girl from College Station and Aggie graduate HAVE FUN IN C.S. You must go to The Chicken and at least have a beer and some Tijuana Fries. Ill be at the Aggie game, HAVE FUN WITH YOUR FIRST AGGIE FOOTBALL EXPERIENCE!!

  • Cristin
    September 10, 2010 at 9:10 am

    So glad he is doing better!

    I’m going to Austin next week-maybe our trips will overlap?!

  • Amanda
    September 10, 2010 at 9:46 am

    Jenna, you are so pretty and you look so happy! I am loving your headband!!

  • Sarah (OC2Seattle)
    September 10, 2010 at 10:06 am

    Looks like a great time and wonderful food. Good to hear Almonzo is doing better 😉

  • sarah k. @ the pajama chef
    September 10, 2010 at 11:08 am

    you guys are so cute! 🙂 great pics!

  • Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga)
    September 10, 2010 at 11:11 am

    So glad that he’s out and on the mend!!!

    The pictures of you are fabulous!

    My husband out of no where about 2 years ago was admitted to the hospital with a really gnarly infection and it’s a stretch to say he almost died, but he was really, really, really sick and spent 5 days in intensive care. It put life in perspective. I had a 6 month old baby at the time.

    Hug your hubby, thank God you have life and each other, & have a super weekend!

    🙂

  • Jessica@tastyandtrim
    September 10, 2010 at 11:28 am

    The food looks great! You and Almanzo are freakin’ adorable together!

  • Stacey
    September 10, 2010 at 11:41 am

    We love your life too, lol 😀 I’ve never seen Mad Men, but it’s on my Netflix list right after we finish watcing Season 6 of LOST! Have a great day!

  • Shannon, Tropical Eats
    September 10, 2010 at 11:48 am

    glad he is better! Mad Men is very addicting. Peggy Olson FTW

  • BakeMe
    September 10, 2010 at 12:37 pm

    Absolutely adore YOU and ALMANZO 🙂

  • Caitlin @ Right Foot Forward
    September 10, 2010 at 12:52 pm

    Glad to hear he’s doing well! You look so happy in those pictures 🙂

  • Haley
    September 10, 2010 at 1:09 pm

    Just thought I’d write you a quick comment to let you know that I am making your chicken n biscuits AND your chocolate chip cookies tonight!

    When I went to get the recipes on your site, I realized I’ve already made 5 or 6 of the main dishes. Your recipes always turn out wonderfully. So, thank you and I hope to see more in the future when you return safely to Cali!

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down)
    September 10, 2010 at 1:26 pm

    The spread of food = amazing! So much deliciousness. 😀

    And you look positively over-the-top happy, girl! I’m so happy for you. 😀

  • Mary (What's Cookin' with Mary
    September 10, 2010 at 1:40 pm

    Glad Alamanzo is feeling better! YAY!! 😀

  • kate
    September 10, 2010 at 2:26 pm

    You guys look so happy! Im glad your trip is picking up.

  • Rachael
    September 10, 2010 at 3:06 pm

    Yay to health – hope y’all can enjoy the rest of your trip……the food you pictured makes it look like you’re off to a good second start!

  • MoniMeals
    September 10, 2010 at 3:08 pm

    Great Pics! Great life indeed, glad Almanzo is back in action. 🙂

  • kirsten
    September 10, 2010 at 5:05 pm

    glad almanzo is feeling better!! you two are really cute 😀

  • Lindsay @ Pinch of Yum
    September 10, 2010 at 6:23 pm

    I totally had the same thing for dinner – grilled sausages and veggies! Yum!

  • amanda
    September 10, 2010 at 7:10 pm

    OMG I LOVE RUDY’S!!!!!! Last time I was in Austin, back in June, I picked up two bottles of Rudy’s BBQ with me and also eat there like twice. I actually used some of the sauce tonight for dipping my kale chips in. Delicious!

  • Lacey @ Lake Life
    September 16, 2010 at 7:24 pm

    Jenna I LOVE seeing posts from you as I scroll down my Google reader. Your posts are so real and really make you think. Sometimes it takes someone else’s gratitude to make you appreciate the great things in your own life.

    So happy that Almanzo made it through surgery and hopefully he’ll never have to deal with the pain of kidney stones again! 🙂