www.dendel.com

The Big News

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Exactly 11 years ago today, we moved into our Texas home for the first time. Now, after more than a decade, we are starting a new chapter in our journey as we prepare to move back to Michigan in August.

It’s bittersweet because we’ve loved Texas and the community we have here. This is where we grew and changed. Where we started a family and added another puppy to the mix. It is where we found great friendships and a church like no other.

It’s a beautiful full-circle moment as we continue our story – to be able to be closer to our family and friends. To raise Daniel where we were raised.

We are overwhelmed with gratitude for what has been; and we look forward with hope to what will be.

Thank you for your prayers as we make this life-changing transition.

With much love, The Dendels.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

From now on
These eyes will not be blinded by the lights
From now on
What’s waited till tomorrow starts tonight
It starts tonight
Let this promise in me start
Like an anthem in my heart
From now on
From now on

And we will come back home
And we will come back home
Home, again!
And we will come back home
And we will come back home
Home, again!

From now on
From now on
Home, again!

~ Paul, J. & Pasek, B. (2017). From Now On [Partial Lyrics]. Retrieved from https://genius.com/Hugh-jackman-from-now-on-lyrics

Simple Cheesy Corn Casserole

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This is one of our favorites around here, and a staple for the holidays. Enjoy!

Simple Cheesy Corn Casserole

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can corn, cream style
  • 1 can corn, whole kernel (including the juice)
  • 1 box cornbread mix, Jiffy
  • 1 can green chilies (optional)
  • 1 stick butter
  • 2 cups cheese, colby-jack, shredded

Method
 

  1. Combine corn, cornbread mix, and green chilies. Cut butter into pieces and lay over top. Sprinkle on cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until done.

So Long, 2015

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I try hard to live a life without regrets, but I’ve gotta be honest. 2015 was a rough year. Reflecting back, I feel overwhelmed by the things that I could have and should have done better – both personally and professionally, physically and spiritually.

And while I look forward to 2016 being a new year, fresh slate, and all that, there are consequences that will linger, unaccomplished goals that still need chasing, projects incomplete for which I’m still accountable. 

Yet though it all, I’m at peace. I’ll be honest, God has really shown Himself to be faithful this year. In spite of me, in spite of my failures, in spite of my myriad of shortcomings, He is faithful. 

I am immensely grateful for that…and for my ever-loving wife who always believes in me and for my precious little boy who looks up to me with those big, wondering eyes and always knows when I need a hug. I am tremendously blessed in so many ways and looking forward to what 2016 holds in store for all of us.

Happy new year, y’all!

Eight Years a Texan

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Eight years ago today (yep, that’s on 07/07/07) we completed the second leg of our move to Texas, arriving at our pre-selected apartment in Grand Prairie and beginning the process of unloading our truck and trailer on what had to be the hottest and most humid day of that year.  Thankfully we had some amazing friends who left their day at the lake to come help us unload (Thanks Jason & Bella!).  Still, it was so hot, we unloaded only what we considered essential and left the rest for after sunset…and for the next day. smile

What an adventure it has been!  It’s hard to believe it’s been eight years already.  We’ve had so much fun, our lives have been changed for the better, and we’re so appreciative for the friends we’ve made and experiences had.  Thanks to all who have made what seemed like an extreme risk at the time an amazing journey.  I look forward to what the years ahead hold for my family and I and am glad you’ve decided to join us on our journey via this blog.  Please do jump in with comments and snide remarks (I say that since Alicia does most of the blogging!).

Happy Summer!!

Andrew’s Cookies

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In the absence of a good recipe, sometimes you just have to make up your own – and stick to the basics!  I came up with this recipe in junior high, I think.  I pulled from various other recipes until I found just the right mixture of ingredients to suit my taste.  These are my absolute favorite go-to cookies for any occasion!

Andrew's Cookies

Chocolatey, sugary, buttery goodness. Oh, and did I mention peanut butter?
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Servings: 48 cookies
Course: Dessert
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup butter softened
  • 1/2 cup shortening butter-flavored
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup cocoa
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 cups peanut butter chips
  • 1 cup milk chocolate chips

Method
 

  1. Cream together butter, shortening, and sugars.
  2. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
  3. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Add to sugar mixture.
  4. Stir in chips.
  5. Spoon onto cookie sheet.
  6. Bake at 350 °F for 8-10 minutes.

Happy New Year!

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As 2014 draws to a close, I feel compelled to reflect on what the year held and what I’m grateful for. Unfortunately, I’m not one of those people who keep a “blessings jar” throughout the year, so I have no choice but to do this from the top of my head…

January 31 I found out my wife was pregnant. Hence the Jan 31 post. bigsmile Of course, this kind of set the stage for my year!

In April I visited Hong Kong and mainland China for the first time. What a great (if short, whirlwind) trip! Can’t wait to go back.

In May I was privileged to take my wife to Sweden and Denmark with me. We had a great time and it was a nice “last vacation” before the baby was born and we found the perfect place to take a gender reveal photo.

This has been an incredibly busy and challenging year for work as well. In addition to the teams in Sweden, Singapore, and the U.S., I also hired our first team member to be placed in the India office.

Of course, October 4 was a life altering day for Alicia and me. Daniel is an amazing blessing to us and we have thoroughly enjoyed seeing him grow up over the last three months. All the changes we’ve seen in such a short time are amazing.

Finally, I just want to say how incredibly thankful I am for my precious wife Alicia. The transformation she has undergone in becoming a mother has been nothing less than inspiring. The love and care she shows our son while continuing to take care of an impossible husband is incredible.

So, going into 2015, I thank God for my amazing wife and dashing son, along with all the challenges and blessings we’ve experienced during 2014.

Happy New Year and God bless you all!

Now The Day Is Over

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Now the day is over,
Night is drawing nigh,
Shadows of the evening
Steal across the sky.

Now the darkness gathers,
Stars begin to peep,
Birds, and beasts and flowers
Soon will be asleep.

Jesus, give the weary
Calm and sweet repose;
With Thy tenderest blessing
May mine eyelids close.

Grant to little children
Visions bright of Thee;
Guard the sailors tossing
On the deep, blue sea.

Comfort those who suffer,
Watching late in pain;
Those who plan some evil
From their sin restrain.

Through the long night watches
May Thine angels spread
Their white wings above me,
Watching round my bed.

When the morning wakens,
Then may I arise
Pure, and fresh, and sinless
In Thy holy eyes.

Glory to the Father,
Glory to the Son,
And to Thee, blest Spirit,
While all ages run.

— Sa­bine Bar­ing-Gould —

Grandma’s Peanut Butter Fudge

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My grandma Dendel’s awesome PB fudge is my absolute favorite Christmas treat.

Merry Christmas!

Grandma Dendel's Peanut Butter Fudge

Simply the best home-made peanut butter fudge you'll ever have.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Servings: 20 pieces
Course: Dessert
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 stick butter
  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Method
 

  1. Fold sugars together in saucepan and add milks.
  2. Boil until it forms a small ball in cold water, or 234-240 °F on candy thermometer.
  3. Remote from heat.
  4. Add butter, peanut butter, and vanilla.
  5. Beat until cool.
  6. Pour into buttered cake pan and cool.

Notes

If at first you don't succeed...it's still so good it's worth eating! THEN try again!

Change…

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They say it’s the only constant.  That it requires skills in conflict management, dealing with ambiguity, innovation management, and perspective.  One thing’s for sure…we all get to experience it.  What matters is how we respond.

Determine today to indentify, embrace, and even drive the change in your life. Own it fully and do not let it own you. It might be the difference between joy and heartbreak.