proud to be danelle the dane

i learned a lot about my danish (petersen) roots today in elk horn, ia...one of the danish capitals of the world- evidently.
i was once there when the danish immigrant museum opened in the 90s, with the whole petersen clan, but didnt remember much.
it was really cool to get to go and see my great grandpa ulrik's name on the wall of honor. i only wish my grandpa wasnt in pittsburg and could have been there with me.
the windmill was also pretty awesome.
and joel and i must have been destined to be together.
danes made legos and joel loves them. :)

britbrit

upon being offered free tickets to see britney in desmonies kathy, linsey, ashley and i were:
1. embarrassed to admit we were going to see her
2. not knowing what to expect besides a hot mess disaster
3. excited to see what the circus tour had in store for us

after leaving the show we were:
1. entertained beyond belief
2. some what shocked at just how good it was
3. thirsty from dancing
3.5. sad mandy wasn't there to see her idol.

britney put on one heck of a show people. it was literally like a circus, freak show, magic show, dance party, ninja attach, bollywood, cirque soleil and so much more.

it was more like a vegas show than a concert. a multi-sensory experience really. lights, fire, confetti, people flying out of the ceilings, music...

insanity is all i can say.

and that girl can still dance.

can. not. wait.

snap snap

i had the pleasure of taking photos of the awesome algers yesterday in kc.
below are a few of my favs.
(ps- im now booking fall family portraits...get em while they are hot)

eat mor chickin

We all got our free chicken sandwiches. Thanks chickfila
ps- my new mav hoodie is all ready coming in handy!

it begins again

the season of girl boredom (or football season) has begun again.
have fun boys...see you in the spring.

living united

today i woke up bright and early at 550am to head down to the united way of the midlands campaign and day of caring kickoff event down at the bob kerrey pedestrian bridge.

it was really cool to see everyone show up to live united...even if we all got drenched.

click here to see my pics from the day.

alma mater rainy reunion

today i visited my good ol alma mater, uno, to speak to one of my old favorite professors (hugh reilly's) pr class.
i went to talk to his students about volunteering to be on my public affairs team...to help me with media and all that jazz at disasters, fires, etc.
it was great to be on campus again.
just walking in the door of arts and sciences i am reminded of the thousands of hours spent in that old building.
as the scent of the old building mixed with cheap coffee from the quarter machines hit me i instantly reminded of how much i missed the place.
rainy days on campus always remind me of jimbo and i walking by the epply building.
i would always say, 'i hate this weather'
he would always say, 'i love this weather'
we would chuckle and continue on our way to class through puddles.
today i visited with some old advisers, who are now friends, checked out their new digs and caught up on everything that has changed on campus.
i also bought a new mavs hoodie for this fall and cant wait to wear it.
a lot has changed, and its amazing how the students look younger to me, but one thing will never change: uno will always hold a special place in my heart.
go mavs!

hey whaaa happened?

this puppy is huge.
hey whaaa happened?

jell-o for heid-i

(sorry for the horrible cell phone pics, im being lazy tonight.)

this one goes out for my home girl.
forgot i had this until you said you were molding gelatin today.
think your mom actually gave this one to me before my wedding and its a gem.
I will bring down to show you theses salads/desserts.
My fav are the ones with tuna, cauliflower, cheese bbq or shrimp!
yumo!

here is one for you to start on:

ring around the tuna (real name...i kid not)

'a beautiful jewel-like entree salad for your luncheon or buffet table'

1 package jello lime or lemon-lime gelatin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 c boiling water
3/4 c cold water
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 teaspoons grated onion
1/2 c diced cucumbers
1/2 c diced celery
2 tablespoons chopped pimiento
2 tablespoons sliced stuffed olives
1 can tuna, drained and flaked

dissolve jello gelatin and salt in boiling water. add cold water, vinegar, and onion. chill until very thick. stir in remaining ingredients. pour into individual ring molds or a 1 quart ring mold. chill until firm. unmold on crisp salad greens. if desired, serve with additional tuna and top salads with mayonnaise. makes 3 2/3 cups or about 4 entree servings.

enjoy.