Summer Evening With The Ellis'

There's something magical in a summer evening. Makes you all happy inside, the sun is setting and the temperature is cooling down. What better way to compliment this awesome creation than pulling hot, flaky biscuits out of the oven, smothering them in honey, pulling the curtains back to let the last rays of sunshine in, and sitting at the table with your honey.

Even though it was warm inside, I decided to kick on the ole' oven (like I used to in the winter time, haha) and make something! I've got to give my props, this meal was nearly entirely furnished by my mom and grandparents (biscuit mix, flour, milk, utensils, bowls, cutting board.). Furthermore, there's no more beautiful way to serve warm biscuits than on crystal...a wedding gift from Kelly. Thanks you guys, you're the best.

Our kitchen light went out last night, and maintenance didn't make it in today, so I cooked to the light of the sun setting, which gave the kitchen an entirely different, nice feel. It was cozy.

We had biscuits, gravy, sausage, and bacon....a good old fashioned breakfast-for-supper tonight! The sausage and bacon were left over from a couple of nights ago when Eric made us pancakes. I always think of one thing everytime I have pancakes: Grandpa. One of my most favortite childhood memories is going to my grandparent's house when we were little and Grandpa making us pancakes...in different shapes. He would make J's for Jess and me, and B's for Beau. And always smiley faces, of course. We loved it.

I must admit, I am always a bit intimidated by the thought of making biscuits. In a generation where we pop open a can of already made, already cut out, ready-to-go biscuits, throw them in the oven, and boom you're done....actually making them is a little tricky. I've done it once before, and it was a disaster (more dough on my hands than in the biscuits, haha). But I decided to step up to the plate and give it another go. Tonight was actually quite delightful. Since I had learned from my previous biscuit-making mistakes, it was kind of a breeze. I mixed it up, floured the board, kneaded the dough, cut 'em out..and all in about 15 minutes (which is about how long it's supposed to take given that I used biscuit mix :) ).

As I finished up, we made our plates. I did a few more things in the kitchen, and as I turned from the oven.... Eric has stood up from the table and is doing the jig in the dining room while he's chewing. I just laughed and said, "I guess that means it's good?" I got a grin and a yes.

The apartment was filled with the smell of bread baking, and I was happy. I felt like a wife tonight, and I liked it. haha.

After dinner Eric wanted to go shoot some hoops, so we ventured to campus and he shot around.

This is Eric not wanting to have his photo taken.

I wrapped up some biscuits and honey, and a white china saucer (from our wedding reception), and took with me to do a little shooting myself. The sun was setting and it seemed like a good opportunity to do some food photography. The evening was lovely and we both got to shoot.

Also, on a wonderful note, I spoke with my adviser today, and confirmed that I will indeed be graduating in 5 months. I'm in love with the idea of being done with school, and beginning another season of life. We can't wait to see where the road will take us next.

The smell of ripening bananas is starting to sneak back in beneath the biscuits, reminding me that I need to make banana nut bread (also mom's recipe) tomorrow night or Saturday morning. My sweet sister is coming in this weekend to stay a couple of days with us, and I'm anxiously trying to hold out until then to bake it, as Eric won't touch the stuff. I'll be using my bunt pan (which is my favorite pan)...and I can't wait! Two of my favorite things..my sister and my bunt pan! haha...that's just for you Jess.

I'm feeling particularly blessed tonight by family. Taking a few moments to notice all the little things, like a red rubber spatula or a bamboo banana hanger, that our families have given us and all the things they have helped us with, makes life so special. I love that our home is filled with small reminders of our loved ones. I'm also excited to have three toothbrushes in the toothbrush holder again this weekend. We are kind of loners in the everyday world, but the presence of family puts a big smile on both of our faces.

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." 
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

All Our Love,
JenEric