An Informal Gathering of Friends Tonight

Hello Hope Group!

This is kinda last-minute (what else did you expect? ;) ), but we have decided to meet tonight just to hang out.

I'm thinking finger/party foods and our gathering will have a party-like feel to it. Let's celebrate the end of finals and relax!

Marshall just bought RockBand, so we may get that out, or the Wii Fit. We can also play board games, or just visit.

Food: I'm thinking finger/party foods. I'll put some ideas up there and you guys let me know what you are bringing!

• finger sandwiches
• sausage balls
• chips and queso
• fruit and dip
• chips and dip
• chicken nuggets
• pizza rolls
• pizza
• cheese and crackers
• cookies
• brownies
• drinks

Hope this helps!! Have a good day and we will see you tonight!!

Mindi

Potluck!!

So . . . I could NOT remember what I had decided to do for a theme this week!
After thinking about it for three days, I decided it was time to just pick something! (and since it is now Wednesday)
So tonight, we are having Potluck!!! Which means . . . bring whatever you want to bring. Hopefully we will have most of our food groups present.

I am making beans and cornbread, I haven't made that in a while and it sounds good for tonight.

What are you bringing? Email me and let me know, or post here on the blog (I promise I will actually keep checking it this time!) :)

Have a great day, and we'll see everyone at 6:15 p.m. tonight!!

Mindi

COMFORT WEEK: Breakfast for Dinner!

Hi Hope Groupers!

This week combines two of my favorite themes: Comfort Week, and Breakfast for Dinner!

For Comfort Week . . . . you must be dressed comfortably!! (I personally encourage pj's.)

For Breakfast . . . . here's what you are bringing!

• Mindi: Scrambled eggs/breakfast tacos



• Chris: Tortillas (3 dozen)



• Veytia: Breakfast Casserole



• Steve: Pigs in a Blanket



• Matt: Pancakes maybe?



• Alex: Fruit



• Monica H: Blueberry muffins



• Andy: Plates



• Brad: Cups



• Vinny: Juice

We still need ice, dessert(s), and anything else breakfast-y!! If someone wants to get the fully cooked bacon, we can put them in the microwave here, it's pretty good and that way will still be hot when we eat it. Just a thought . . .

OK, see everyone on Wednesday! Sorry for the late post!

SOUP NIGHT!

I know, soup night was supposed to be NEXT week, to correspond with comfort week . . . but with all this rain (and a lack of any new ideas) . . . soups sounds good!

Please accept my apologies for the late LATE notice! It's been a crazy week/weekend.

So - I am making Taco Soup.

We need another soup or two, or maybe a chili. Veytia? Anyone else? I will be calling looking for soup-providers.

Everyone else, we need:

• styrofoam bowls


• more paper plates


• forks


• bread (I'm thinking maybe french bread or maybe even breadsticks from Fazoli's - yum!)


• salad maybe? What goes with soup?


• tortilla chips might be good with taco soup


• sodas


• tea (Vinny!)


• dessert


• another dessert


• fruit maybe, or veggies?

Everyone PLEASE comment here or let me know by email what you are bringing! Or even text me: 739-6548.

Thanks!

Mindi

Turkey Dinner, Already?!? What????

Yep! It's time for the Hope Group Turkey Dinner!

I KNOW, I KNOW!, today is only Halloween and Thanksgiving is nearly a month away.

But seriously, who wants to have two Thanksgiving dinners really close together?

I like to spread my turkey dinners out a little. Veterans from our hope group can testify to the time that I had a great idea to have Thanksgiving in July for hope group, and volunteered to make the turkey. There was a big problems - I went early that morning to buy a fresh turkey, and they don't sell fresh turkeys in July! Only frozen, and they take 2-3 days to thaw.

But I digress . . . sorry . . . it's an annoying habit of mine.

Blogspot.com should give me a word-limit.

OK, soooo . . . . we are having turkey dinner this week!!

Most of you came to Ministry Night at the Trunk-or-Treat last week and verbally "signed up" to bring something later at Fuddrucker's. I, of course, didn't write it down, so here it is, from the top of my head:

Mindi: Turkey

Matt: Sweet potato casserole (I'll make it for you, Matt)

Steve: several dozen brown-and-serve rolls (I'm not buying them for you, Steve).

Alex: stuffing

Lauren: mashed potatoes, I think?

Vinny: cranberry sauce, you pick what kind (Ocean Spray, in a can, the kind that keeps its shape).

Andy: Thanksgiving sodas (think pumpkin!)

Monica: pumpkin pie

Sorry if I forgot anyone!

Email me and tell me what you can add to the festivities! Maybe something green? (green bean casserole again, broccoli cheese casserole, a veggie tray?) Another dessert perhaps? Deviled eggs? Iced tea? And you know we always need paper plates (might need the strong stuff for this meal), little dessert plates, cups, etc.

OK, see everyone this Wednesday!

Oh, and if you haven't already voted . . . . make SURE you vote on Tuesday! (though tempted, I will refrain from telling you WHO to vote for . . . . )

Have a great weekend!

Mindi

Ministry Nights: Letting Our Lights Shine Through!

Hello Hope Groupers!

I have an exciting ministry-night-activity for us!

Miranda and Myla go to Mother's Day Out on Mondays and Wednesdays at Central Church of Christ in Bryan. This Wednesday evening, the church (Central) is having their annual "Trunk or Treat" carnival.

So when I went to pick up Miranda and Myla this afternoon, I asked if the church would need any help on Wednesday night. They sounded THRILLED!

So, I volunteered our Hope Group to go help. There will be food, booths, a kiddie train, bounce houses, etc. They said that lots of the booths are manned by moms and dads, so it would be great if we could take over running the booths, or take their kids around the activities for them. Here are the details:

• MEET at Central Church of Christ (off of 29th, directions at the bottom of the post) at 6:00 p.m. if possible.


• WEAR a Living Hope t-shirt if you have one. If not, maybe someone has an extra. Email me and let me know.


• BRING a bag of candy (you normally would be bringing food, so hopefully this is not a big deal). The lady said sometimes there isn't enough candy/prizes.


• FOOD: they will be serving hot dogs (I think for free) at 6:00. I'm not sure if we should eat with them (since we are serving them) or not. We are tentatively planning on going to Dickie's Barbecue (next to Academy) after the carnival (kids eat free on Wednesdays) if anyone would like to join us.

OK, I think that is it!! Please let me know by commenting on the post, or emailing me directly, if you can make it!

Directions:

FROM Hwy 6: Go north on Hwy 6. Exit Briarcrest and turn L. Turn R on 29th street. Go past Villa Maria a few blocks, and look for a little side street called "Luza." Turn R onto Luza and it will take you right up to the church. Also, next to 29th and Luza is a big sign that says Central Church of Christ.

FROM campus: Go north on Texas toward Bryan. Turn R onto Villa Maria. Go straight (the street turns into Briarcrest). Turn L onto 29th street (right after the Walgreens). Go past Villa Maria and look for a sign on the R that says Centra Church of Christ. Turn R onto a tiny side street (Luza) to get to the church parking lot.

See you all Wednesday at 6:00 p.m.!

Mindi

Board Games and Finger Foods!

IT'S RELATIONSHIP WEEK!

Which means, we get together to hang out and get to know one another.

This week we are going to be playing board games and eating finger/party foods!

Here's the food list:

• Monica H - chicken strips/nuggets



• Mindi - tortilla roll-ups



• Steve - sausage balls



• Veytia - tortilla chips (2 bags) and queso



• Megan - potato chips



• Tracey - dip for potato chips



• Chris - veggie tray



• Alex - cookies



• Tiffany - brownies



• Andy - 2-liters



• Nic - ice



• Vinny - tea

If you missed last week - bring pigs in a blanket, a fruit tray, or any other "party foods" that you can think of! Also, we can always use plastic silverware, napkins, plates, bowls, cups, etc.

If you have a favorite board game, bring it along with you!

See you Wednesday!

Mindi

Prayer Requests Oct 16-22

Hi Hope Groupers! sorry about the delayed post!

Here are the prayer requests from last week:

• Lauren - having a check up on her leg - broken ankle - hope she gets cleared for activity, also she has a biochem test this Wednesday!


• Vinny - a family member (great-aunt?) passed away


• Megan B - drama at work, pray for peace at the workplace and at school


• Tiffany - dentists' grandbaby was born prematurely, and is not doing well


• Andy - for his dad, who is an accountant, as he gets through this difficult time of the year for accts. Also for his roommate, whose father has been diagnosed w/cancer and is undergoing chemo.


• Tracey - decisions to make about the future (grad school, studying abroad, etc.), also she has 3 tests this week!


• Vinny - similar decisions, interviews with various companies, etc.


• Steve - reminds us to thank God for what he HAS brought us through already


• Matt/Mindi - going through some rocky family/relationship issues, need prayer, wisdom, peace


• Veytia - wants to pray for her friend Kelly (former HG member) - her baby is sick with strep throat


• Nic - sister took/taking a test for her masters' degree


• Monica H - needs continued prayer for her student-teaching situation.

Home Cooking!

This week we are going to enjoy some home cooking!!! We are starting at 6:15 p.m. as usual. Here's what everyone signed up to bring:

Mindi: Home Cooking entree (probably meat loaf)

Veytia: Home Cooking entree - I signed you up! call me!

Alex: Mashed potatoes

Lauren: Salad (don't worry about dressings, I have plenty)

Monica: Fried okra

Chris: Rolls or biscuits

Tracey: Dessert

Megan: Another dessert!

Vinny: Tea (surprise!)

Brad: Ice

Steve: Plates

Tiffany: Cups/Spoons (note: I changed this one since we had plenty of forks)

Andy: Other drink

If you can't come, or missed last week and don't know what to bring, call me, email me, or comment on this post!

Have a great day, and I'll see everyone tomorrow night!

Prayer Requests Oct 10-15

Sorry this post is a little late!

Here are the prayer requests from last week's hope group:

• Chris: a 25 - year old friend of his from high school passed away last Friday. His name was Ben Beagle, Texas A&M class of -05. Pray for his family and friends in this time of loss.


• Megan S: her sister-in-law is due to have her baby in 2 months and she is getting uncomfortable. Pray for patience and strength and health of both mom and baby!


• Monica H: student teaching has been a little more difficult than she would have hoped! Pray for strength and endurance to push through, and that she may find joy and worth in helping these kids.


• Estes family: (our missionary family that we pray for): they have decided to come home from Tunisia a little early and explore enrolling in full-time seminary.


• Brad: praise! His new little niece was finally born last weekend!!

Thanks, hope group friends, and we will see you on Wednesday!

It's Build-Your-Own-Sub Week!

Hi Hope Groupers! I sure enjoyed getting to see everyone again last night!

This week's theme is "build your own subs." Here's what everyone has signed up to bring!

• Alex: bread/buns/sandwich rolls (2 dozen or so)
• Monica: bread/buns/sandwich rolls (2 dozen)
• Abby: ham
• Danielle: turkey
• Chris: roast beef
• Lauren: cheddar slices
• Monica: swiss slices
• Veytia: sandwich veggies (lettuce/tomato/onion)
• Brad: "special" mustard or mayo, or meat/cheese, whatever you want, Brad!
• Blake: vinaigrette
• Megan S: chips
• Tiffany: more chips
• Tracey: cookies
• Mindi: banana pudding
• Vinny: tea (we signed up for you!)
• Steve: pickles
• Andy: cups

If you missed Hope Group, we can also use another deli meat or cheese, or some dip for our chips, or some fruit!

Thanks, and we'll see you on Wednesday!

Prayer requests week of Oct 1-8th

OK, here are the prayer requests:

• Alex: dad is having health issues and undergoing tests
• Vinny: tests and interviews coming up, also recommend praying for our nation's leaders as we face financial crisis with the bailout issue
• Danielle: health/allergies
• Chris: brother in law got a new job! Also, pray for the gulf coast area, including Kemah and bay areas who have been ravaged by Hurricane Ike. Also wisdom for city/state officials of these areas as they try to figure out the logistics of getting things running again.
• Jon and Sally Estes, our missionaries as they witness in Tunisia with their two baby boys
• Huckabee/United for Life and Hope Pregnancy Centers as they have requests prayer and support
• Brad's sister, who is due to have her baby on Friday (Brad would like to request today at 7 p.m.)
• Monica - student teaching with full responsibility with her class of kindergarteners!
• Todd and Michelle - our cousins - who are relocating to Texas this fall
• Veytia: prayers for Kelly - former member of our hope group - her family has been sick with a bad stomach virus
• Megan S.: boyfriend has mono
• Matt and I: travelling to Las Vegas for optometry conference

Thanks, prayer warriors!! Please feel free to add to this post under "comments" and I can add to the main post, or just email if you have anything else you would like us to pray for!

Fajita Fiesta!!

Hello Hope group!

It's Fajita Fiesta Night this week at Hope Group! Here's what everyone is bringing:

Chicken/Beef Fajita Meat: Matt and Mindi

Tortillas (4 doz or so): Monica

Sour Cream: Veytia

Shredded Cheese: Tiffany

Queso: Brad

Spanish Rice: Andy

Beans (your choice of type): Veytia

Tortilla Chips: Tracey

Iced Tea: Vinny

Dessert: Alex

Ice: Steve

Cups/Plates: Chris

Salsa: Lauren

If you were not here last week for Comfort Week and aren't sure what to bring, it looks like we might could use an extra dessert, some guacamole, a salad, or maybe some 2 liters of soda, or just bring paper goods!

See you all on Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 6:15 p.m.!

Prayer Requests!

Hi Hope Group! I realize that this is late . . . . but at least I can say that I got it done this time around!

Here are the prayer requests from last week's hope group:

Megan S.: needs peace about her Japan trip. Also roommate issues - they are arguing a lot over little things.
Estes family: in Tunisia, pray for their work there expanding the Kingdom
Monica H.: started student teaching with full responsibility of her class this week.
Steve: cloudy future with work (gkg.net), financial issues
Vinny: reminded us to pray for US economy and potential financial crises, and for our nation's leaders to make good decisions
Brad: sister's baby is due Oct 3 and he is concerned about the timing. Also decisions about school.
Megan B.: met a lady at Cato who is pregnant, husband is in the Army, and is moving to Greece and could use our prayers
Chris - wants to pray for Jess, his fiancee, who is under stress with taxes due, her job, planning a wedding. Pray for peace and calmness as they work through this time apart.
Hurricane Ike evacuees - some still have no power, clean water, and some have no homes to return to.
Veytia - her husband has been off w/o pay from the railroad because of the hurricane, pray for financial issues

Thanks everyone and I will try and be more prompt this coming week!
Mindi

Comfort Night at Hope Group!

This week, September 24th, is Comfort Night!!

What is comfort night, you ask? Well, on the last Wednesday of the month, we take a night to comfort ourselves with comfy clothes (pajamas!), eat comfort food, and get comfort for our souls from God's word.

Since we didn't get to have Breakfast-for-Dinner last week, we will be doing that menu this week. Here's what everyone is bringing:

Breakfast Casserole: Mindi

Egg Tacos: Monica/Andy

Pigs in a Blanket: Veytia

Muffins or Sweet Bread: Lacey

Doughnuts/Pastries: Megan

Fruit or Fruit Tray: Chris

More Fruit: Danielle/Abby

Other breakfast food: Lauren

Chocolate Milk: Nic

Cups and Napkins: Veytia

Juice: Alex

More Juice: Blake

Bag of Ice: Vinny

If you aren't on the list, you can always bring paper goods or anything that you think fits with the theme! I notice we don't have any chocolate on the list . . . hint hint!!

Thanks to everyone who came out last week and helped out at the church getting it cleaned up from the shelter-ing. I know it was really appreciated and very necessary.

See everyone on Wednesday!

Change in Plans Again!

Sorry about all the confusion . . . . but with natural disasters sometimes some flexibility is needed, right???
As most of you probably know, the hurricane shelter at Living Hope is closing today. The youth group is going to meet at their usual time to clean the church tonight. Matt talked to Allen (the youth leader), who said that they could use as many hands as possible tonight to help clean up after the shelter residents leave.
So . . . . we are going to meet at our normal time and place (6:15, our house). Matt is going to pick up pizzas on the way home from work so that they will be there and ready. We will eat quickly and then head to the church to volunteer for an hour or so.
So . . . we do NOT need you to bring y our breakfast-for-dinner items . . . we will save that for next week.
Please reply either to this blog-page or email me and let me know if you plan on coming so we can get some idea of how much pizza to order.
Thanks, and have a great day!!
Mindi

p.s. Anyone want to bring some cookies or brownies for a dessert, or some drinks??? :)

Hope Group Cancelled to Free Up Volunteer Time

Hello Hope Groupers!

As most of you know, Living Hope is still sheltering over 150 people left with nothing after Hurricane Ike. Many volunteers are needed at the church to help with various aspects of running the shelter.

I spoke with Mark Henry last night when at the shelter and asked him what the hope groups were doing this week. He responded by saying that they are recommending that all hope groups not officially meet, but rather that the individuals in each group try and take a shift at the shelter.

Therefore, this Wednesday, September 17th, we will not be meeting as a Hope Group.

So, if you would like to volunteer, and are a member of LH, please contact allen@lhbc.net and see where you might be needed.

Please feel free to contact me or Matt (mgreeneod@verizon.net) if you have any specific needs or prayer requests.

Thanks, and have a great week!

Italian Night!!

Hello, Hope Groupers!

I am SO excited about our group starting back up! I was thrilled to see all the new faces, and to reunite with the faces from last year! I am excited to grow together in Christ as we meet every Wednesday evening to dine together, fellowship together, study God's word together, and pray together.

Tomorrow night is Italian Night, and most of you have already signed up for something to bring. Here is what everyone is bringing:

Italian entree/lasagna: Veytia

Spaghetti/Pasta: Nic

Yummy Italian entree: Monica/Andy

Salad: Mindi

Bread: Chris

Drinks (sodas): Brad

Desserts: Lacey and Megan

Iced Tea: Vinny

Paper Goods: Steve

We are going to have a great time! See you Wednesday at 6:15!

Lasagn-onica by Monica!

Now, isn't that a creative title?

Tonight we will be enjoying Italian Night featuring Monica's yummy lasagna. Meghan is bringing bread and salad. I am making brownies or maybe cheesecake, and maybe another pasta dish. Veytia, what are you bringing? I will make a big pot of iced tea too.

See you tonight at 6:30!!!

Mindi

Fajita Fiesta Again!

So . . . . I have some chicken fajita meat. How 'bout fajitas this week?

Also, I think we are meeting at Andy and Monica's for Hope Group this week! They live in Castlegate (off of Greens Forest exit).

Andy/Monica, can you post directions?

OK: Matt and Minda are bringing chicken fajita meat. We might could bring some beef too. I will also make some salsa.

We need: tortillas, shredded cheese, onions/bell peppers, sour cream, chips, guac?, rice/beans?.

Let's just meet at 6:30 p.m. and make it easier.

We will have some guests - my mentee, Katy and her fiancee Myles are coming. We could also possibly have my mother-in-law-in-law as she is bringing Miranda back to our house. Her name is Karen and she's from Virginia.

So, Andy/Monica, Veytia, Meghan, what will you bring? Let me know please!

Thanks - see you soon and we will FIESTA!!

Mindi

TACO SALAD!

Yummmm . . . . one of my favorites . . . . it's taco salad!!

Um - I'll make the taco salad. A LOT of taco salad.

We need drinks (or I can make a big pitcher of iced tea, no problemo), dessert maybe? (though I am cutting on sugars), and paper goods. Specifically, styrofoam bowls and forks!

If someone wants to bring something other than taco salad, that is fine too! Hey, it's summer break . . . I'm not going to be picky.

Post or call or email and let me know A) if you are coming, and B) what you are bringing!!

See you guys soon - I miss you!!

Mindi

Summer Scheduling!

So . . . . we're officially on summer break!!

But . . . . we can't stand not to have Hope Group.

So we decided to meet every other week officially. Starting next week.

So today, May 7th, there will be no Hope Group.

Starting next week, May 14th, Hope Group!

We are having taco salad. I will make a bucketful.

Anyone who wants to join us is welcome!

I will post again before then what we will need. Since Vinny is abdicating (temporarily I hope) his throne of Beverage King, someone else will need to step up.

So . . . . here's the schedule for now:

May 14 . . . . Taco Salad

May 21 . . . . No HG - let's go bowling or something that week!

May 28 . . . . Matt is Grilling Something Yummy

June 4 (?) . . . No Hope Group - let's do something fun!

June 11 . . . . Meet at Park for hot dogs and then swim at Woodcreek Park?

June 18 . . . No HG - what fun thing can we do?

June 25 . . . . Theme TBA - Mindi wants to go to C&J's

July 2 . . . . No HG - Greenes are leaving town that day for Michigan

I think that's enough advance planning for now - I'm not used to mapping things out early and I might get overloaded!

See you guys soon - let's stay in touch!

Mindi

Steak Night at the Park!

Hi friends!

This week is relationship week and the last week of official hope group! We were not able to find another group to meet with us so it's just us! If you have someone you want to invite, they are welcome to join us - just let us know so we have enough steaks!

We are meeting at Woodcreek Park. When you turn in onto Woodcreek Drive off of the service road, you're going to turn left on Shadowcrest and go down until it dead ends at the park.

We are providing the steaks, we need steak fixin's and sides:

Some kind of potatoes?

Salad maybe?

Bread?

Fruit or veggies?

Dessert?

For this one, let's do BYOD (bring your own drinks) - bring a bottled water or soda or whatever.

If you have a football or frisbee to throw around, that might be fun - we can bring our volleyball.

See you Wednesday night!

Mindi

Feeding the Firehouse!

Tonight, as you know, is Ministry Week.

No, Andy, we are NOT setting fire to anything.

But if anyone else sets fire to anything, we know it will be taken care of by our friendly neighborhood Spiderman, er, I mean Fireman.

So in appreciation of our good firefighters we will be making them dinner tonight. A spaghetti dinner.

I am making the noodles

Veytia is making the sauce.

Vinny is bringing the tea/2-liters.

We need bread, salad, dessert, and maybe paper goods of some type.

Let me know what you are bringing - just email me or call me at home.

We are meeting at 6-6:15 at our house but must leave our house at 6:30 sharp to get the dinner to the firehouse by 6:45.

We will be eating with them - there are 9 of them and our regular crew - so about 15 adults plus a few rugrats.

See you tonight! Feel free to call w/questions!

Mindi

Texas Cowboy Food!

Not sure what to call this week . . . . Western Feast? Ranch Dinner? Texas Food? Barbeque Meal? Cowboy Chuck?

Anyway, think of food that the cowboys ate out on the trail, back at the ranch . . . . or maybe what you ate at County Line restaurant.

I know, I know, it's a weird theme . . . but go with me on this one.

Matt and I will have the meat - not sure if it will be brisket, sausage, maybe some kind of chicken.

And I'm going to attempt a Texas sheetcake, just for Meghan.

Vinny will bring us some tea. (right, Vinny?)

Someone said they were bringing baked beans. Someone else mentioned potatoes.

Veytia emailed and said they might be coming this week!

We could always use some kind of bread - though in a pinch I could just put a loaf of white bread out, C&J's-style.

OK, get your creative Texas brains going and let's have some grub!!

See you Wednesday . . . don't forget it's the last "regular" Hope Group of the year!!

(and maybe be th inking of ideas for ministry week and relationship week) -

Mindi

Breakfast for Dinner Time!

It's time to get ready for Hope Group!

This week's theme: Breakfast for Dinner!!!

I am making a breakfast casserole (eggs, sausage, cheese, bread). I have some fresh strawberries to slice and will make some biscuits.

We could use something sweet and breakfast-y (pastries, doughnuts, cinnamon rolls, coffee cakes, etc.)

Or an angel food cake to complement our strawberries perhaps?

Some bacon, ham, or sausage might be tasty. Or pancakes/waffles.

More fruit or a fruit salad would probably be a good idea.

Vinny the Beverage Man will likely bring juice. (right, Vinny?)

Let me know what you are bringing!!

I'm ready to see you, fellow Hope Groupers!!

Hope Group Cookout!

This week we are going to take advantage of the be-you-tiful spring weather and mild temperatures with a COOKOUT!

We are making burgers and dogs, of course!

We will provide the meat and buns.

Vinny will provide the beverages. (we still have half-bottles of Dr. P, Sprite, and Diet Coke from last week.)

Meghan will provide some chips/dip and maybe a dessert!

Monica and Andy, what will you provide?

I think I have ketchup, mustard, etc. so I will provide that too.

My cell phone died so I lost all of the numbers that were in there, so I probably won't be calling you!

See you Wednesday night!

Mindi

Comfort Night AGAIN at Hope Group

Yep, it's the last Wednesday of the month! To commemorate making it through another month of life, we have comfort night! At hope group this week we will comfort our bodies, tummies, minds, and souls with fellow hope-groupers. We wear our comfiest (yes that is too a word!) pajamas and eat comfort food!

Soooo . . . . what are you guys bringing to eat? Let me know! I'm making chicken 'n' dumplings, I think. So we could use some comforting side dishes, another entree maybe, bread, drinks, and dessert!

Post if you are coming, and what you are bringing please!

Mindi

It's a Fajita Fiesta!

I know, I know, I need to start posting MUCH earlier in the week! I'm going to do better, I promise! I am SO pumped about seeing everyone again tonight and hearing all about their spring break!

Are you ready to FIESTA?

With FAJITAS . . . yummmm!

I bought a couple of pounds of both chicken and beef fajita meat, and I will also make Mexican rice, salsa, and queso, and I bought a bag of chips.

We could use some more fiesta dishes! Maybe some enchiladas? Refried or charro beans? Some guacamole? A mexican dip of some sort?

Vinny, your tea will be welcome!!

Of course a dessert would be great!

So . . . . let me know what you are bringing!!

And tonight - we will FIESTA!

See you at six o'clock!

Food and Games for Relationship Week!

Yep, you guessed it!

It's relationship week at Hope Group!

And I'm a little late posting this!

We may have some new friends and non-HG members joining us for the don't-miss-hope-group of the year!

Our theme is : Party Food and Guitar Hero and Board Games!!

I'm making sausage balls and queso and chips/salsa.

What are you bringing?

And tonight we're gonna party like it's 1999 . . .

oops, sorry, that 80s music night last night on American Idol has me singing today! (Vinny, I know you're too young to remember that song!)

See you tonight!

Mindi

Who Is In Need of Comfort?

I had to use this cute picture of bunny slippers again. They were just too cute!

It is comfort night again! Yes, wear your pjs. No, Vinny, you don't have to wear Matt's valentine boxers from 1995. You can wear your own valentine boxers!

Here's what we're going to try this week:

Mindi, Kelly, and Veytia - bring your favorite comforting entree.
Jeff/Audra - side dish and/or bread
Meghan - your amazing cookies please
Monica/Andy - a side dish or bread
Vinny - drinks

If anyone wants to bring paper goods, they are always welcome! Also, we can always use another dessert!

OK, see you tomorrow!

Mindi

Breakfast For Dinner!

It's one of my favorites . . . it's . . . BREAKFAST FOR DINNER!

I'm making my world-famous sausage, egg, and cheese scramble.
I forgot what other people were bringing!

Some options:
Fruit
Bagels, pastries, or donuts
Biscuits and Gravy
Bacon, ham, sausage
Orange Juice

I'm so excited! I can't wait!
See you all Wednesday!

Mindi

Pasta Romantico!

Hi Hope Group Friends!

This week, in honor of St. Valentine, we will be enjoying a Pasta Romantico Dinner!

I am making . . . um, pasta, and strawberry cupcakes. I also bought stuff for a green salad. I'm not sure what kind - depends on what you guys are bringing. Probably linguini with either shrimp or chicken.

We need:
Another entree or two (Italian or whatever goes with italian).
A loaf or two of French bread or Garlic bread.
Drinks
Plastic tableware and napkins, I think.
Another dessert - maybe something chocolate or some cheesecake?

I might make meatballs instead of pasta if we get enough pasta dishes.

ALSO - don't forget your "warm fuzzies" - write something NICE and HEARTFELT to everyone in the group!! I will have bags to put the nice things in! Here are the names:
Matt
Mindi
Andy
Monica
Meghan
Vinny
Kelly
David?
Veytia
Kevin?
Megan
Audra?
Jeff?

I don't think we should do the kids . . . they will have their own parties, etc., and school and other activities -

OK, I think that's it - have a great day and I will see you tomorrow night at 6!!

A Cajun Feast!

Hi!

I just want to let everyone know that I sure missed seeing y'all last night!!

So I'm already looking ahead to next Wednesday!! We are going to have a Cajun FEAST!!

Kelly the G.Q. is making her gumbo since we missed out on having it yesterday.

Monica is still making lots of white rice.

Vinny, are you bringing iced tea?

Veytia, are you bringing a dessert?

We might make a lot of smoked sausage - unless anyone has any other ideas?? Or maybe I'll get creative with shrimp or crawfish??

Meghan, do you want to make cornbread again or would you rather do something different this time??

OK, let me know you guys! I know we have a lot of cups but we always need plates, and I know we are out of styrofoam bowls to put Kelly's gumbo in.

If anyone has any prayer requests, post a comment to this blog and list any areas where prayer is needed.

Don't forget to be reading and studying your Bible EVERY DAY! God has been really convicting me when I neglect to spend time with Him (Melodi and Heather are helping Him) -

See ya next week!

Update on Tonight!

Hi friends! Just wanted to let everyone know that Myla was sick last night (Tuesday night) with a stomach virus and throwing up. The last time she threw up was at 8:30 this morning (Wed). We are still having hope group since she seems much better and is keeping food down now.

Kelly the Gumbo Princess is not coming tonight since her two baby girls Michaela and McKenzie are also sick. So she is going to bring her World Famous Gumbo next week, for Cajun Night!

Also, Vinny is not going to make it tonight.

So . . . I am going to make some kind of pasta (fettucine alfredo, maybe w/chicken if I have time). We will also have our cheese fondue and maybe still our dessert fondue. Veytia is bringing dessert. Meghan is bringing her yummy cornbread. I'm not sure about Monica and Andy, though I think Monica said she was bringing rice last week. I also have cupcakes that I made this morning.

Jeff and Audra . . . where are you?

OK . . . hope to see the rest of you tonight!

Mindi

Gumbo and Fondue???

Yep, you read that right.

We are combining the high brow art of fondue dining along with some yummy gumbo from the back woods of Louisiana! A strange combination you may say - but come ready to have your tummies filled!!

I don't remember who is bringing what - but Matt and I are is making cheese fondue. Kelly is making gumbo. Monica, are you going to be the Rice Queen (which is an actual title in Katy, Texas)??

Vinny, I think you are in charge of plenty of iced tea.

Anyone want to bring paper goods? Email me for what we need and I will inventory. I think we need bowls and plates and napkins.

I think we are also making a dessert fondue. We have white almond bark (white chocolate) that we can melt. Anyone want to bring things to dip into the dessert fondue? Mini marshmallows, berries, angel food cake, maraschino cherries, other chunked fruit . . . are all yummy!!!

We will have fresh veggies and french bread for dipping into the cheese fondue.

OK friends - post to this blog please and let me know what you are bringing for sure!

Mindi

Oops . . . !

The next blog entry was not supposed to go on the Hope Group Blog. It was supposed to go on my All Those Greenes blog. I accidentally posted it here.

So . . . . scroll down, past the cute kid in the hat right down to the bunny slippers where you will learn all about Comfort Night!!!

Bring your warm and comforting food tonight and don't forget your pjs or you will be forced to wear pajamas that belong to a member of the Greene Family (we'll try to match your size as close as possible but there is no guarantee so you should probably bring your own!)

Mindi

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr . . .

I am trying not to be a grump. I am trying not to complain about the wet, windy, cold weather.

I am a summertime gal. I like camping, swimming, and sitting outside on warm evenings when it doesn't get dark until 9:00.

So I'm trying to think good things about wintertime. Here are a few. This might be a short list despite me trying to be creative . . . so I might need some help!

GOOD THINGS ABOUT COLD WEATHER:

1. My kids look really cute in hats.

2. I like fuzzy socks and my new slippers.

3. I like lighting fires and then sitting by the fire for hours.

4. I like cooking cold weather things like beans and cornbread, and chili.

Ummmmm - okay I think I'm done. I guess I'll just focus on hats, socks, slippers, fires, and chili.

Brrrrr . . . did you notice that it's COLD outside?

Maybe if I had a new coat to wear that would help . . . .

Oh, and NO, the cute but unhappy cold child pictured above is not mine . . . but a cute little tyke, no?

It's Comfort Night Again!!

Hey!!! I am SO pumped that Hope Groups start again this week!!! Are you ready to jump into the Spring semester!!

I am sending out an email and possibly calling all of you . . . but thought I'd get the blog thing going again!

So . . . in case you didn't know . . . . THIS Wednesday is our first night back (Jan 23).

I was going to do Souper Soupy Soup Night again, but how 'bout Comfort Night? That means we will bring Comfort Food, we will wear Comfy pjs, and we will comfort our souls with good fellowship and some food for the spirit.

Here's what to do:

1. Wear your pjs!

2. Bring your favorite comfort food!

3. Bring your Bible!

Monica is making Chicken 'n' Dumplings and maybe a dessert.

I am making a big pot of chili.

I kind of like the big pots of things.

We will need some bread - maybe a loaf or two of French Bread.

Vinny, we will need drinks!

We may need another dessert.

We have forks and spoons but need some cups for sure, and maybe some styrofoam bowls.

OK . . . post or email me and tell me what you are bringing!!

See you Wednesday night!!

Mindi