Main Dish Monday - no, wait - it's Thursday

We like to post a Main Dish Monday recipe on Sundays so that you have time to go out and get the ingredients needed in order to actually make that dish on a Monday.

The BEST Velvety Cheesy Quiche

Here's the Recipe

Last post was December 10th.  That evening I took my husband to the hospital and well, it's a long story but we just finished up iv antibiotics yesterday.  We have more CT scans, blood work, oncologist appointments, and all the etc. that is a part of cancer.  Next week we will know which chemo treatment he'll begin - again.

One of the prevalent feelings is the lack of control.  This is not the direction we want to go and we can't seem to find a way to get a detour through the dark valley.  But there is One Who promises that even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, there's no need to fear any evil because He is with us.  So, even if I can't control all the terrible things I see happening to my husband, I know that God is with us.  He says He hears our prayers and He bottles all our tears.  Couldn't make it without Him.

But He's also blessed us with the best family and friends.  They are always there to help, to hug, to text words of love and encouragement.  What a huge blessing - they help carry this heavy burden.  Couldn't make it without them.

Video of my pirate husband on his boat in May

I adore him a little too much for my own good. 

The man is a former military officer - he does not allow tears.  So, that has to happen alone.  He said, "Baby, where is your faith? I will walk through this; even if no one else has, then I will be the first."  And then he played this horrible song for me....cracked me up:  Don't Cry for Louie

In Case You Didn't Know by Brett Young

It is a simple matter to make a meal and sit at the table with your family but it is one of the vital elements for a happy, loving life.  If you have the opportunity to choose between drive-thru eaten in the SUV and homemade potato soup around the table - choose that which allows you to look your loved ones in the eyes and gives you time to let them know what a treasure they are to you.  Life is short; way too short. 

And to the doctor who said twice today, "The prognosis isn't good."  What the hell does she know?  We didn't ask her opinion nor for her prognosis.  We just keep moving forward as always.

  

Main Dish Monday! Chicken and Dumplings

Today's Main Dish Monday recipe comes from our dear friend, Kristen.  We've been best friends with Kristen for many, many years now, and one of the things she is most famous for is her cooking!  The girl can make the tastiest meals and the prettiest cakes you've ever seen!  She even hunts for her own meat!  What can't she do?!  Anyway, when I was marrying Christopher, I had a bridal shower and all of the ladies brought me their favorite recipes so that I could keep my man happy once married.  Kristen gave me the recipe for her simple and delicious chicken and dumplings.  She knows what a picky eater he is, so she kept this one basic!  I added a few extra spices while I was making it this time, but trust me, it's good as is!!

I can remember the first time I ever spent time in the kitchen with Kristen.  We were in high school and decided we wanted to cook a meal for our boyfriends.  Up until this point, I specialized in grilled cheese and tomato soup, spaghetti, and occasionally pancakes and scrambled eggs.  Kristen, however, cooked fancy and delicious meals!  She put me in charge of dessert, so I set out to follow her recipe for peanut butter pie.  I got it all done and put it in the fridge so it could cool.  That was about the time that Kristen discovered that I forgot to add in the powdered sugar!  HAHAHA!  Don't worry, it was still tasty!  When it was time to sit down and eat, Kristen asked me to grab the wine opener so we could enjoy a glass of nonalcoholic wine (we were teenagers!).  I happily obliged and brought her what I thought was the corkscrew.  My parents never drank wine, so I don't think we even owned one!  She died laughing when I handed her a GARLIC PRESS to open our "wine!"  We still crack up at that story and Michelle and I love to tell it at our cooking classes!  I've come a long way in the kitchen since those days, and am happy to report that I know the difference between a corkscrew and a garlic press, and I haven't forgotten the sugar in my peanut butter pie since that day!  The three of us often say that we are so very grateful for our friendship and we thank the Lord for stories like those!  We've been friends for about 13 years and even though we live in different states now, we still talk via text message every single day!  It is a wonderful and special thing to have friends that teach you new things, make memories with you, and pray for you on a daily basis. 

Alright - Back to the dumplins'!!

I started off by boiling the chicken breasts, but you could definitely bake them if you prefer. 

                            

Once boiled, go ahead and chop them up and set aside.

Next, mix the flour and Crisco with your hands until it gets crumbly.  Add water until is a dough consistency.  Roll out and cut into strips to form the dumplings.

  

                                    

Warm up your cream of chicken soup in a pan and then add your dumplings.  Stir this up, then add your chicken chunks.  Add salt and pepper to taste. 

This is where you can add whatever spices you'd like.  I added some parsley and garlic powder (who doesn't love garlic?!), and threw in some cooked carrots as well.

Attachments area

Main Dish Monday! Holiday Diet Damage Control

It’s Main Dish Monday! 

This week’s Monday night family dinner recipe comes from Michelle.  These are three easy salads you can make to lighten up the calories after Thanksgiving!   The next month will be full of tempting sweets - remember to only have one and pull yourself away from more to keep from gaining the December Ten!  Enjoy your time around the table with your family!

Link to recipe: Chicken Club Salad

Link to video:  Easy Main Dish Salads

Shopping List:

Baby spring mix

Apple cider vinegar

Extra virgin olive oil

Mayonnaise

Sour cream

Garbanzo beans

Grilled chicken

Cilantro

Salsa

Various cheeses

Various vegetables

Various toppings

Main Dish Monday! Velvety Cheesy Quiche

It’s Main Dish Monday! 

This week’s Monday night family dinner recipe comes from both Marah and Michelle.  This is our family recipe for velvety cheese quiche and it sure is delicious!    With this as a main dish, we like to serve a light salad to complete the meal – enjoy your time around the table with your family!

Link to recipe:  Velvety Cheesy Quiche Recipe

Link to video:  Velvety Cheesy Quiche Tutorial

Shopping List:

Butter - salted

Flour

Eggs

Quart of whole milk

Pint of heavy whipping cream

Smoked Gouda cheese -  1lb

White cheddar cheese – ½ lb

Salt, pepper, dry mustard, smoked chipotle pepper

Main Dish Monday! Cream of Potato Soup

It’s Main Dish Monday!  

This week’s Monday night family dinner recipe comes from Michelle.  This is her recipe for Cream of Potato Soup that she has been making for the last thirty years.  (Still no heart attack although this is heart attack worthy!) 

The weather has turned chilly and tiny bits of snowflakes were seen yesterday when I was walking to Marah's house.  While she is in Daytona with her two favorite fellas on the planet, I am dog-sitting my grandpup, Lucy Girl.  The leaves are falling even before they've turned much color and the wind carries that first bite that says it won't be long until winter arrives.  I love it!  Fur coat weather is on the way, Baby! 

I didn't have any potatoes and Marah didn't have any I could "borrow" so I made homemade butternut squash soup....so delicious.  I will have to post that recipe.  It's made with rosemary and just a little bit of nutmeg...MMM! 

However, this soup is perfect for fall weather!  As a main dish, you may want to serve this with some French baguette, tangy cheese, and  a light salad to complete your meal – enjoy your time around the table with your family!

Link to recipe:  Cream of Potato Soup Recipe
Link to video:  The Classy Pearl - What We're All About

Shopping List:
Butter - salted
Flour
Quart of whole milk
Pint of heavy whipping cream
Smoked Gouda cheese -  1lb
White cheddar cheese – ½ lb
Salt, pepper, dry mustard, smoked chipotle pepper

Upcoming Cooking Classes!

We are so excited about our upcoming November cooking classes!  Thanksgiving is one of our favorite family holidays and we go all out on the meal preparation.  

We will offer one class in early November (the date is still not quite fixed) which will be completely focused on Thanksgiving dinner recipes.  For the last 20 years I have used Martha Stewart's Thanksgiving Day Planner.  I generally stick to the same recipes but sometimes I do mix it up.  I love to set the table the night before Thanksgiving - the tablecloth and dinner napkins are starched and ironed...yeah, I'm THAT person!  Marah and I are happy to share our favorite recipes and help you choose a menu that will be sure to impress your loved ones!  My personal challenge each year is making sure the slurry for the homemade gravy smooths out and the lumps disappear - sometimes I get there and other times we have lumpy, yet tasty, turkey gravy!  Marah has THE best pumpkin cheesecake recipe and we'll beg her to include that!

P.S.  It is time to order your fresh, free-range, gourmet turkey!  We have ordered ours from Bowman & Landes for thirty years.....you just can't settle for less once you buy the best!

Memories....last year we all played a hilarious charade-like game!  We love our family!!!  

The other class we are going to offer is a one for the kids!  Our last kids' cooking class was a ton of fun cooking the entire meal outdoors.  This class will focus on a sugar cookie that is sturdy enough for cut-outs and perfect for adding icing! 

 

We're still working on the details but we'll get the information posted as soon as we can!  

Meanwhile....

These three headed to Florida for Ivan's 7th birthday!

Main Dish Monday! Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

t’s Main Dish Monday!

This week’s Monday night family dinner recipe comes from both Marah and Michelle - the smokin’ hot, cheesy mess of Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese!    .  One of us usually makes this recipe for special events when we are going whole-hog-wild anyway!  This dish can be your main event or a hearty side dish.  There is enough cheese in this to satisfy some protein seekers but perhaps a huge salad with grilled chicken breast would help to complete your meal– enjoy your time around the table with your family!

Link to recipe:  Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese

Link to video: Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese Tutorial


Shopping List:
16 oz pasta - wagon wheel, farfalle, orzo, penne, elbow - any will work
butter
whole milk
heavy whipping cream
flour
Smoked Gouda cheese
aged cheddar cheese
dry mustard
Panko crumbs
smoked chipotle pepper
onion powder

It’s Main Dish Monday! 

This week’s Monday night family dinner recipe comes from Michelle.  This is her recipe for homemade chicken pot pie that she has been making for her family for the last thirty years.  In fact, her son, Michael, said it is so good she ought to sell it!  If you want a comfort food dish to take to new moms or any other families in need, this is a good one.  We had this Saturday for our family Sabbath dinner along with a leafy green salad and grapes.  Enjoy your time around the table with your family!

Topped with some "acorns" - perfect for October!

Link to recipe: Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

Link to video:   Not Exactly Chicken Pot Pie - Crust Tutorial

Shopping List:

Whole chicken breast

Chicken bullion

Flour

Butter

Half and half

Carrots

Frozen peas
Onion or onion powder

Main Dish Monday! Grandma's Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken

This week’s Monday night family dinner recipe comes from Marah.  This is her Grandma Riegel’s recipe for Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken that she made for Marah’s family when they were growing up.  All the family loves this dish and enjoys the sweet memories they are still making around the table at Grandma’s house!  This is great with a light salad and potatoes or rice!  Enjoy your time around the table with your family!

Everybody loves Grandma Riegel

Link to recipe:  The Classy Pearl Recipes

Link to video:  Grandma's Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Tutorial


Shopping List:

Whole chicken breast
Apple cider vinegar
Soy sauce
Ketchup
Brown sugar

Main Dish Monday! Orange Chicken

It’s Main Dish Monday!

This week’s Monday night family dinner recipe comes from Marah.  This is her husband's recipe for homemade orange chicken and he is a very picky eater!    Marah made this for Christopher's birthday last week and he insisted that she follow his recipe to the letter; he's like that.  But it turned out perfectly.....of course, he was right!  Serving this as a main dish along with some rice and broccoli and carrots would complete your meal – enjoy your time around the table with your family!

Link to recipe:  Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce

Link to video:

Photos for step by step instruction:

Shopping List:

Chicken breast

orange juice

oranges for zest

red pepper flakes

corn starch

rice vinegar

sesame oil

salt

Main Dish Monday! Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce

It’s Main Dish Monday!

This week’s Monday night family dinner recipe comes from Michelle.  This is her recipe for homemade spaghetti sauce!    Serving this with pasta as a main dish, you may want to include a Cabernet wine along with spinach or a leafy green salad with Italian dressing and homemade bread to complete your meal – enjoy your time around the table with your family!

Link to recipe:  Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce

Link to video:   Come to a Cooking Class - So Much Fun!

Shopping List:
Ground chuck
Olive oil
Beef broth
Garlic
Jarred spaghetti sauce
Pasta – your favorite
Parmesan cheese - grated

Basil and thyme

Main Dish Monday! Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Casserole

It’s Main Dish Monday!  

This week’s Monday night family dinner recipe comes from Marah.  This is her recipe for cheesy buffalo chicken casserole that is so easy and tastes just like the chicken buffalo dip everybody devours at parties!  This is an original recipe Marah created during her kitchen renovation – a mom’s gotta do what a mom’s gotta do and this turned out fantastically!   This is great with a hot vegetable like spinach or a light salad with ranch dressing!  Enjoy your time around the table with your family!

Link to recipe:  Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe

Link to video:  Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Casserole Tutorial



Shopping List:
Whole chicken breast
Potatoes
Sour cream
Cheddar cheese
Frank’s Hot Sauce
Croutons

Happy Birthday to my best friend, Marah!
Cheers, Sister!

From the Heart - You Can't Change Without a Fallout

Last weekend I (Michelle) took some time for myself and headed to Emerald Isle, North Carolina. I stayed from dawn until dusk and just walked the beach talking it all out with the LORD.  

Emerald Isle September 4, 2017

For some time God has been asking me to let go of my anger and bitterness.  You know, you think you have and then there it is again, flaring up and growing.  A person cannot be an effective prayer warrior, giver, or encourager with that kind of darkness eating away at their soul.  It has to be burned away - can't run away when you're held to the flame; you've got to go all the way with God and let Him cut and burn it away.

I walked Emerald Isle Beach and cried and prayed and decided to let go of things I can't change - and stop picking them up again.  I am letting go of the hurt and the anger and resentment and going to live my life every day.  Learned a lot of lessons just sitting there observing.

For instance, there were two Jack Russell pups; cracked me up!  Their owners took them into the ocean and they loved it.  Then they put them on leashes tied to their pavilion tent (there were a lot of those!).  One of the dogs yipped and yapped the whole time the owners were swimming.  That has been me.  The other dog was rolling around on his back having a grand time scratching himself in the sand!  That is me now!

I realized that life is like the ocean - the waves just keep coming and coming and coming - that is just how life is.  But our Heavenly Father said that even though the waters come, they shall not overtake us and when walking through the fire, the flame shall not kindle upon us.  He is with us so calm the heck down!  He never said it was going to be easy, in fact, He said, "In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world!"

Then there was Canaan.  Oh my word.  The most adorable baby boy.  A nice family sat near me, three little daughters and a boy of about 10.  Canaan must have been their foster child.  Dad was really patient and mom was organized and calm, but not sweet.  So Canaan was about 14 months old and must have just learned to run.  He came running over to me and smiled this huge smile and we became instant friends.  Dear LORD, he was adorable!  He was so adventurous, fearless.  The foster dad took him out into the edge of the water and let the waves knock him over, watched him pick himself up, and encouraged him when he did.  He let him fall down and pick himself up, getting stronger each time.  And that is what God does for us.  He lets us fall down and He is right there but He is going to let us grow in our struggles and get stronger.  Then foster mom was out in the water with Canaan.  He was standing beside her and when the waves came, as they always do, Canaan moved himself to in front of her legs and sheltered there.  In the storms of life we are to move into the shelter of our Heavenly Father!  He will shield us.

One funny story was a little four year old girl who walked past me on the walkway and just spit a mouthful of water on my arm on purpose!  Her grandmother was horrified and said, "Abbey, you will go to time out!"  I said, "Abbey, come here.  We don't spit on people; now say you're sorry."  She did!  And I told her I forgive her!  Then she gave me a hug and said, "I like you!  You have a fat, soft tummy and a pretty sparkly ring!"  Bahahahahaha!  By then her very pregnant mother had arrived and was mortified and I just laughed and told her I am a preschool teacher and hear those things all the time!  Abbey stuck by my side and wanted to be with me; finally her family had to pack up and go home!

I hope that I got my joy for life back!  I know it will be a struggle because I will have all the same battles.  It was like Day One of a diet - you have to keep walking in it daily!  And all the way there I just sang wonderful praise songs to the LORD and one of them was "Just Be Held".  Another song said, "You can't change without a fallout - it's gonna hurt but don't ya slow down; get back up 'cause it's a hard love!"  Changes that last come with a fallout - you gotta burn your old self away. Amen, it's not going to work unless you let God tear it out.  

Hard Love by NEEDTOBREATHE

This was my chair and umbrella.  It was pretty windy, not hot, but perfect...but windy - my umbrella blew down the beach and I had to run after it like a fool!  Oh my goodness!!!!  That little Abbey's grandma insisted that her cigar-chewing husband come over and help me!  Oh my word.  He tried and Abbey tried and finally they all insisted that Abbey's father, a muscle-bound US Marine, come and do it.  Oh, for heaven's sake!  He got it in and I tied it to my chair with my scarf!!  Ha ha ha ha ha ha!  And ironically, they were from Ohio!  I said, "What can't Buckeyes accomplish?!"  

I left Emerald Isle with such peace - thank the LORD for this peace!!!  If you are dealing with resentment and anger, it's just going to grow into bitterness....and no one wants to become some bitter old lady with a permanent frown!  

I have smiled all week and I have found ways to give to others, encourage others, do what Jesus said, "Feed My sheep."  Every time I feel resentment trying to creep back in, I choose to "Let it go."  I give it back to the LORD and know that He is working all things together for good.  

Hard Love by Nathaniel Rinehart / William Rinehart:
Trading punches with the heart of darkness
Going to blows with your fear incarnate
Never gone until it's stripped away
A part of you has gotta die today
In the morning you gon' need an answer
Ain't nobody gonna change the standard
It's not enough to just feel the flame
You've gotta burn your old self away
Hold on tight a little longer
What don't kill ya, makes ya stronger
Get back up, 'cause it's a hard love
You can't change without a fallout
It's gon' hurt, but don't you slow down
Get back up, 'cause it's a hard love
You know the situation can't be right
And all you ever do is fight
But there's a reason that the road is long
It takes some time to make your courage strong
Hold on tight a little longer
What don't kill ya, makes ya stronger
Get back up, 'cause it's a hard love
You can't change without a fallout
It's gon' hurt, but don't you slow down
Get back up, 'cause it's a hard love
When the wolves come and hunt me down
I will face them all and stand my ground
'Cause there's a fire burnin' in me
They will see my strength in this love I found
Oh
Hold on tight a little longer
What don't kill ya, makes ya stronger
Get back up, 'cause it's a hard love
You can't change without a fallout
It's gon' hurt, but don't you slow down
Get back up, 'cause it's a hard love
It's a hard love, it's a hard love, it's a hard love, it's a hard love
Oh, it's a hard love, it's a hard love, it's a hard love, it's a hard love
Oh, it's a hard love, it's a hard love, it's a hard love, it's a hard love
Hold on tight a little longer
What don't kill ya, makes ya stronger
Get back up, 'cause it's a hard love
You can't change without a fallout
It's gon' hurt, but don't you slow down
Get back up, 'cause it's a hard love

'Cause it's a hard love

Main Dish Monday! Chicken Pot Pie

It’s Main Dish Monday! 

This week’s Monday night family dinner recipe comes from Michelle.  This is her recipe for chicken pot pie that she has been making for more than thirty years; it is a dish that the whole family loves!  Add a fresh salad with cranberries and feta and enjoy your time around the table with your family!

Link to recipe: 

Link to video: Savory Pie Crust

Shopping List:

Whole chicken breast

Half and half

Butter

All-purpose flour

Chicken bouillon or broth

Carrots

Frozen peas

Onions or onion powder

Salt and pepper

Main Dish Monday! Chicken Parmesan Casserole

 

It’s Main Dish Monday!

This week’s Monday night family dinner recipe comes from Marah.  This is her recipe for the quick and easy, super cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole.  You may want to serve this with a light salad and some French baguette to complete your meal – enjoy your time around the table with your family!

Link to recipe:  Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Link to video: Chicken Parmesan Casserole Video Tutorial

  

Shopping List:

2 whole chicken breasts

1 jar of favorite pasta sauce

Shaved Parmesan cheese (8 oz or as much as you like)

Shredded mozzarella cheese (8 oz or as much as you like)

1 bag of favorite croutons

Red pepper flakes

 

 

Main Dish Monday! Summer Salads

It's Main Dish Monday!

This week’s Monday night family dinner recipe comes from both Marah and Michelle.  The video below demonstrates three easy salads you can build from some baby spring mix and ingredients most of us keep in stock on any given day.  If you follow the shopping list and recipes, you'll have dinner for half the work-week filled with delicious, healthy salads!  Remember, it is what you make it– enjoy your time around the table with your family!

Link to recipes:  Chicken Club Salad 
                             Taco Salad with Chicken
                             Mediterranean Salad
Link to video:  Main Dish Salads Tutorial

Shopping List:
*This list encompasses all three salads -

Baby Spring Mix
Chicken breast, grilled
Red onion
Vidalia Onion
Garbonzo beans
Artichoke hearts
Sun-dried tomatoes
Green and ripe olives
Tortilla strips
Sour cream
Mayo
Cilantro
Olive oil
Balsamic vinegar
Cherry tomatoes
Plum tomatoes
Lime juice
Avocado
Fresh salsa
Sharp cheddar cheese
Penne pasta
Feta cheese
Hickory smoked turkey bacon
Celery
Apple cider vinegar

Lemon Crumb Breakfast Cake - Cake for breakfast?! Yes, please!

This is Marah's recipe for Lemon Crumb Breakfast Cake and it is perfect!  We had it for a pre-dinner snack!  And post dinner dessert!  Enjoy!!!

Best Lemon Crumb Breakfast Cake Video Tutorial

Best Lemon Crumb Breakfast Cake Recipe

And....I think it is time for a Kitchen Remodel update from Marah - :)

Main Dish Monday! Perfect Mini Meatloaf

It’s Main Dish Monday! 

This week’s Monday night family dinner recipe comes from Marah.  This is her recipe for the delicious Perfect Meatloaf made in muffin tins for individual servings!   Both of her fellas really love this dish!  This meatloaf would be perfect along with The BEST Mashed Potatoes in the World and Cranberry Walnut & Feta Salad– enjoy your time around the table with your family!

Link to recipe: Perfect Meatloaf Recipe

Link to video:  Perfect Meatloaf Tutorial

Shopping List:

1.5 lbs ground chuck or ground beef

bread crumbs - seasoned or plain

sweet and spicy barbecue sauce 

eggs

cheddar cheese

milk

garlic salt

onion powder

salt 

pepper

brown sugar

Here is Marah's Recipe

Perfect Meatloaf

in 

Muffin Tins

Ingredients

1.5lbs ground beef

2/3 C milk

½ C breadcrumbs

1 ¼ C shredded cheddar

½ C BBQ sauce

1 egg

1 tsp salt

½ tsp pepper

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

Topping

¼ C BBQ sauce

1T brown sugar

1. 1)      Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. 2)      Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix together with a         fork (or your hands!)
3. 3)      Butter a muffin tin if you are baking as muffins, or a larger pan if         making a loaf
4. 4)      Fill muffin tins almost all the way full
5. 5)      Top with BBQ sauce and brown sugar mixture
6. 6)      Bake for 30 mins
7. 7)      Enjoy!

Good to be back!

We're Just Gonna Keep Going

Sometimes it is hard to sound like you're not complaining when you're going through the toughest days.  The disappointment is even greater when you planned that the toughest days were already behind you and smooth sailing (pun intended!) was all that awaited you.

I am so thankful for my family.  Each of them knows just what is needed from them.  Entirely blessed by their support and love.  And I have the best friends praying and sending words of constant encouragement.  Loved and blessed.  

Tuesday morning we head to the hospital so another surgeon can cut away more cancer from my pirate husband.  He had an 86% chance that the protocol he followed for the last two years would keep him cancer-free for the next five years; didn't work.  But of the 14% only 1% has the benefit of being operable and that is where we landed - thankfully in that 1%.  

So here we go.  

Make It Yourself - Strawberry Lemonade!

When life gives you lemons....make homemade strawberry lemonade!

This summer's roller coaster called life includes some pretty great blessings, too.  Our granddaughters are staying with us for several weeks and today this sweetie helped make the day even better by creating this video:

Strawberry Lemonade

We had a hilarious time with all the bloopers and she is the one I have always called, "Bubbly" - as you can see she truly has an effervescent personality!