is my best friend really getting married

so the other night after i got home from her couple's shower, i think i had a moment, haha. i was like, wait, is she really getting married. you see, we've prayed about this, cried about boys, dreamed about our future husbands, and have done a lot of crazy things over the years. i am so unbelievably happy for my best friend that sometimes i don't even know what to do. when crystal started dating dusty, i knew he was going to be the one. he immediately started breaking down her walls. you see, crystal was always the one that said, "i may not get married. it scares me." but with dusty it was always different. she trusted him and had totally let her guard down.

when i returned home, i thought we've come a long way from those late night love dedications to our lame high school boyfriends on kiss 95.1 or throwing random food or articles in people's yard that we were irritated at for whatever they may have done or not done (they will remain nameless).... not going to lie though, it provided a fun time (nicole always joined in on those adventures).

i am so glad that God has provided crystal with her future husband and blessed the two of them. crystal was diligent in praying for dusty in the beginning of their relationship (we all did) and he was saved two Easter's ago. how awesome that she was the catalyst that brought him to Christ. i know that their life together is going to be wonderful, as he has a heart of gold and she loves unconditionally. i know that they will face difficult times ahead; however, i know that they will rely on their faith and seek Godly counsel. i can't wait to see how the story unfolds. wishing them a lifetime of happiness, as they deserve it. one thing is for sure, lots of laughter will be going on as they are two of the most fun people i know. i laugh constantly when i am around them.

i absolutely CANNOT wait to be a bridesmaid on June 11, 2011. crystal is going to be one of the most beautiful brides i have ever seen.

but first take a look at the pics from their couple's shower this past weekend:: we enjoyed some wings (cooked by nicole), corn on the cob (grilled by nicole), chicken nuggets (baked and fried), tator tots (fried by aaron and dusty), cupcakes (made by me and lindsey), we played cornhole, played some wedding games, they opened all of gifts, mostly gift cards, and we played all the cute babies that were in attendance:)

let the cooking continue:)

so, i've been a little slack on updating my blog with what all new foods i've been learning to cook, but in february, crystal and lindsey came up and we cooked a delicious quesadilla casserole with some guacamole. according to my friend jillian, i am cheating, because my friends are helping me, but regardless, i am learning to cook new things, haha. in march, we cooked a roast in the crockpot, sweet potatoes, and a broccoli side dish, it was yummy. dusty, crystal's fiance, called the roast "juicy butt." i am pretty sure i won't call it that, but regardless, it was really good. a few days after linds, crys, and i cooked, i was out of town with my friend casey and we both learned to cook veggie lasagna. i was a little nervous about all the items mixed together (because we all know that i have issues with mixing foods); however, it was seriously absolutely delicious.

check out the pics below:

seriously, if you like mexican dishes, let me know, because this casserole is absolutely one that i even ate leftovers (it has black beans, corn, rotel, and lots of cheese and tortilla shells)

this roast was very tender and had orange peels in the crokpot with it, i'd have to get the full recipe from crystal, but it is worth it too)

oh my, such a treat this one: full of zucchini, onions, broccoli, four cheese spaghetii sauce, heavy cream, and a little cream of mushroom:) oh and mozzerella cheese, loved it, and you must make this.