Last week, my Bible study group got together for a wonderful night of fellowship at The Mad Potter, a local paint-your-own pottery place. (Which incidentally, is owned by one of the Bible study girls.) I had never done this before, but have always been meaning to. I just was never sure it would be worth the trouble. It turned out to be a blast!

We hung out, ordered some yummy pizza, painted pottery, and just got to know each other better. I think I was a little intent on my piece, however, since I don't think I looked up except to eat! Each piece is unglazed ceramic, and there are so many great ones to choose from. I was surprised at how pastel the colors looked after they were painted on, then the glaze brought them to life. (Too bad I don't have a before picture :-(.)

Here's my finished piece:

I picked this as it was the perfect size to display on top of my cabinets, and, it will make a wonderful serving tray. One can never have too many serving trays!

If anyone wants to come visit me in Houston, we can head over there and have some fun!

...Especially to a guest who has just finished eating a meal in your house:

"I volunteer to lick the spoon! Then I don't have to wash it."

Poor Susan. I think she's a little worried now to eat here again! I tried to explain what I meant (that I wouldn't have to RINSE the spoon... that I could stick it in the dishwasher as is... I swear I wash my utensils!) but I am not sure she trusts me. I think she will offer to do all the dishes before dinner next time. :-)

But, the meal was lovely - almost as much as the company! We had a delightful time talking about weddings and other such stuff. The dinner turned out wonderfully, and at the request of Hannah I am including the recipe here! It was really easy, and I am just now beginning to use the crock pot even though I've had one for several years! (By the way, I highly recommend this easy crock pot recipe!)

(This really is unusual for me to post two recipes in a row! Beth is the cook of this blog... I am just a cook-by-gender-default.)

Mexican Corn Bread
Prep: 15 minutes
Ideal slow-cooker size: 4 quart
Bake: 1 hr high & 3 1/2-4 low or 6 hrs low
Makes: 4-6 servings

Ingredients:
1 lb. extra lean ground chuck
16 oz. can cream-style corn
1 cup cornmeal
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1/4 cup oil
1 cup fat-free milk
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup low-sodium taco sauce
1 cups shredded fat-free cheddar cheese
1 medium sized onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
4 oz. can diced green chilies

Directions:
1. Brown ground chuck in nonstick skillet.
2. While meat is browning, combine corn, cornmeal, baking soda, salt, oil, milk, eggs, and taco sauce. Pour half of mixture into slow cooker.
3. Layer cheese, onion, garlic, green chilies, and ground beef on top of cornmeal mixture. Cover with remaining cornmeal mixture.
4. Cover. Cook on high 1 hour and on low 3 1/2 -4 hours, or only on low 6 hours.

Per serving: 360 calories (90 calories from fat), 10g total fat (3g saturated, 0g trans), 60mg cholesterol, 1300mg sodium, 39g total carbohydrate (4g fiber, 6g sugar), 29g protein
Daily Values: 10% vit. A, 0% vit. C, 40% calcium, 15% iron

One thing I was very thankful for this year was the opportunity to spend time with my dear friend Beth, her husband, and her parents & sister! I enjoyed the Thanksgiving meal with them, and also shopping with Beth on Saturday. She came over to see our new townhouse, then we hit the mall. Fun times! I hope to make a visit to Texas to see her sometime in the next year or so. Having friends so far away is sad, but I'm thankful that I have gotten to see her so much!

I of course forgot my camera on Thanksgiving Day but we took a few pictures on Saturday!

My cats, Lewis and Ebony, weren't as thrilled as we were about the pictures! (Beth made that quilt that's behind us for my wedding - isn't it pretty?)

Best friends!

Hooray for shoe shopping! :-) We have similar tastes when it comes to shoes :-) (The khaki pants in the background are not us)