Friends and Food: Marlene and Page Protectors

Phew. I have been away awhile. It has been a whirlwind this last month in mostly all the best ways. We are on the eve of the season. I still have to go shopping for the weekend. I am toying around with the idea of singing Christmas carols with the boys to keep the cranky shoppers at bay.

Thanksgiving seems to be a time of reflection. Many are asking on Facebook and Twitter..."what are you thankful for?" There are many things, but when it comes right down to it, I am most thankful for meaningful relationships.

Marlene and I met as helpers for the North High boy's tennis team. I love tennis, she was wanting to learn. The more time we spent together, the more we realized we had similar adoration for...get this...page protectors, 3 ring binders and all things organization. This is how our friendship started. Little did I know 7 years later that her friendship would be one that would be so much deeper than...well...page protectors.

As I reflect on our friendship over the last 7 years, it amazes me at how much life we have done together...

teaching at North

Washington D.C. for 9 days...9 days people!

her being one my biggest cheerleaders RIGHT.OUTSIDE.MY.ROOM during Brevin's birth

building of a house

being our encourager(s) as we committed to a debt free life standing in their kitchen

leading us to Jesus

trekking to Chicago

our early morning second pregnancy chats

And so much more...

Through these 7 years there have been seasons we were connected so tightly and other seasons there was distance. Here is what I know is guaranteed when I spend time with Marlene:

She is strongly rooted in her faith in Jesus Christ and this seeps into every conversation and time spent together

SHE.WILL.MAKE.ME.LAUGH...I am finding this to be something I value more and more about her

We will continue to grow together as daughters of God, wives and mommies. We have big plans for turning 50 together...let me tell you!

Another thing is she is a fantastic hostess, party thrower and cook!

The recipe I am going to highlight from Marlene is her Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe. I know it would be important to her for me to credit her friend Rebecca for the actual recipe, but you made it Marlene and it was AWESOME!

I encourage you to put this scrumptious staple recipe in your box, you won't regret it!

1 1/2 lbs Ground Beef

3/4 C Crushed bread crumbs

1/4 C Parsley Flakes

Salt and pepper

1 t. sweet basil

1t garlic powder

3 eggs beaten

2 T Parmesan cheese

Cook for 20-30 minutes at 400 degrees

Makes 24 meatballs depending on the size you want them

1 can (Med-Large) tomato puree

1-2 cans (Med) tomato sauce

Garlic, minced

Parsley Flakes

1 Bay Leaf

1 1/2 T sugar

salt and pepper

2 T Grated Parmesan cheese

1 t oregano

1 t basil

2 pinches Italian red peppers

1 t Italian seasoning

Simmer 3-4 hours