Good evening everyone! I hope you guys have experienced beautiful weather today. For me, not so much! Currently our temperature gauge tells me its 41 degrees out and I don't think it peaked 50 today. It was a chilly one here in Philip!

However, I have something to share with you that warmed me up today and hope to warm your hearts up too. Dustin and I have been together for four years today! It's amazing how the years go by and the laughter, smiles, tears, joys, and arguments we have shared will keep on continuing. Not many realize that we just met out of the blue at a rodeo dance. Now, how fitting is that?

I know it's lame to say that we are having our anniversary but its a date for now that we can share together until we are united in marriage. And I know we have been engaged for a while, but we wouldn't have any other way. I think I would be a basket case if we didn't wait so long. We are still learning to adapt to one another and we'll just keep learning. I think waiting has helped us grow into a unit and sort things how before we convert to being one.

So anyways, Dustin and I very excited to being tying the knot in June after two long years of being in engaged. We have been blessed with such wonderful families who have supported us through these past four years. Let's just say I'm happy to become Mrs. Koepke. I just need to work on my new signature because nothing like Thissen!

To remember the past four years, here is a photo collage of Dustin and I and the many memories we have shared!

Well I hope we have warmed your hearts tonight! I would like to mention that I have had wonderful role models to show me what a true loving relationship is, and that's my parents! I have been fortunate enough to have been brought up in a wonderful family and know the true meaning of love!

It's the seventh day of November and we've all got to experience the weather change. Early in the week, Dustin and I have faced much cooler temperatures and fortunately, here in Philip, this weekend has been amazing! I pondered after having 70 degree weather this weekend, why did we winterize our house so early? We could had our windows open and turned off the heat. To tell you, this house isn't the most efficient place to heat. We have been keeping our eye open for a new rental house and have found a few, so there might be a possible move in the next couple months for us.

This brings me to my next pondering question. Why is there such a thing called Daylight Savings Time? It really cramps my style! I appreciate a little light until 7 p.m. and currently it's 6:50 p.m. and pitch dark. Let me back up, it was dark at 5:00 p.m! That's just wrong! I've always battle with this subject because it really throws off your sleeping schedule and hello, what woman doesn't like her sleep?!?! Thank goodness I like watching the news every morning because my favorite news station (The Early Show) told me tips to ward of Daylight Savings Time!

Okay, it's Sunday and I'm not going to let you down. I baked today! Yay! I accomplished my S'more bars today and let's just say they are spectacular! I've had 7 already...well not really but I'm okay with making it my primary diet for the week!

So my third and final pondering question is, why is it unhealthy to eat raw baking dough? I relived my childhood and licked off the beaters from the mixer. It's just such a sham letting something so good go to waste. I know the health risk but I want to reassure you, I haven't eaten a whole log of cookie dough from Wal-Mart in years! I think my immune system can handle a little raw egg.

Here's the delicious recipe that I conquered today:
S'more Bars from the Pioneer Women's Tasty Kitchen
Ingredients:
1 cup Butter
¾ cups White Sugar
¾ cups Brown Sugar, Packed
2 whole Eggs
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
2-½ cups All-purpose Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
½ teaspoons Salt
2-½ cups Mini Marshmallows, Divided
1-½ cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips
6 whole Graham Cracker Sheets
4 Tablespoons Butter, Melted
1 whole Milk Chocolate Bar (1.55oz)

Directions:
1. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla.
2. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Stir in 2 cups marshmallows and chocolate chips. Spread into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan.
3. Combine crumbled graham crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle on top of the cookie dough. Sprinkle on candy bar and remaining 1/2 cup marshmallows. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into bars.
Note: these do not require refrigeration, but they are easier to cut if chilled.

So now since you know my pondering questions, I'm still thinking about the Thanksgiving meal that my family is going to feast on. I think it will be based off all Food Network recipes since that's how Dustin and I like to roll! I don't have any new recipes in the work so this coming week might come as a surprise for both you and I! Don't fear, I won't let you down!

Well I hope you have a wonderful transition with this nasty time change too! On a positive note, enjoy this weather as long as you can. I checked the forecast today and they have chances for snow showers next Monday here. I'm always in the mood to build a snowman in November since I've had Christmas fever for awhile now!

I have asked myself this question several times in the past couple days, hours, and even minutes, "Where did October go?" It's not possible that November is already here. It's only November 3rd and I feel a lot has happened but there really hasn't been much going on. Yesterday (Nov. 2), I voted for the first time in my life! It was truly a great experience exercising my freedom.

Our Halloween update: 12 kids vs. 150 pieces of mini candies for me!

Now I know I told you that I would have recipes up of my cheesecakes yesterday, but I have been busy and my body hasn't caught up to me. Oh dear, I wonder what I'm going to feel and look like when Daylight Savings Time occurs!

So I'm going to keep this short. Here is a recipe that I tested out on Monday, my Oreo Cheesecakes!

Ingredients:
12 oreos
2-8oz. pkg of cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs

Directions:
1. Line muffin tin with foil liners. Preheat oven at 325 degrees.
2. Place one oreo in each liner. Mix cream cheese, vanilla and sugar on medium speed until well blended. Add eggs. Mix well. Pour over oreos, filling 3/4 full.
3. Bake for 25 minutes.
4. Remove from pan when cool. Chill!

I encourage you to try with different kind of oreos. I tried mint and they are sure minty! These are a fun and easy dessert to make. I like to make these just for the fun and veg out on them for a week or so! I do hope to make my Smore Bars this weekend so that recipe will be next. Hope everything is going well in your area! Yay for baking!

Happy Halloween family and friends! Are you ready for some adorable kids to arrive at your doorstep with the cutest outfits on just like Dustin and I are? We have to note, it's been a year since Dustin and I moved out here. Last year on Halloween day, my parents and Dustin's whole family piled into vehicles to make our way West for us to start a new adventure.

This new adventure for Dustin and I have been filled with joy. It feels like we are already married, however we aren't yet, in June we will mark that date ours when we become a unit and I no longer carry the Thissen name, but that's ways away! We have learned to rely on one another, and I have definitely learned not to get angry when Dustin just wants to relax and the house could be cleaned!

We have made a few adjustments while living here. Dustin moved to Philip as an auto mechanic but in August started a new job being a chef at the local hospital. It has been a wonderful transition for him, if I do say so myself because I come home from work with him in the kitchen cooking. I make up for it by baking him goodies on Sundays. We have joked that if things don't work out here in Philip and we move closer to family, we will open our own bistro. He cooks and I bake!

Dustin and I have been truly blessed with the support from our families while making this transition together. Through our jobs, we have formed many friendships. So we are happy to tell you that we are not complete homebodies! As we look ahead, I'm super excited to say that my family is coming out for Thanksgiving. I've always wanted to prepare a turkey and this is my year!

So I know its Sunday and I just told you that I bake on Sunday, let's just say I have no eggs! Key ingredients in my Oreo Cheesecakes and S'more Bars. I will post pictures and recipes on Tuesday! I better get ready for those trick-o-treaters! I hope we get some because we have 250 pieces of candy to hand out and it would be unfortunate if I had to eat all those!

Hello to all staying indoors today! Here in Philip, it's a chilly one with strong winds. This morning when I walked out the door to head to work, half ways I thought to myself I should of wore a stocking cap and gloves. It's that season again!

Upon arriving to work, my boss Codi mentioned how she's refraining from playing Christmas tunes and I said to her, I have had the same thought! And, it's not even Halloween yet! I've noticed over the years that stores display Christmas decorations more earlier than years in past and it tends to become depressing!

To boost my spirits over the holidays, I hosting Thanksgiving regardless if my family shows up. I think I've mentioned that before but after several phone calls with my mom there's discussion going on about the family coming out depends with my papa's work schedule. Now, I have to cook a 14 lb. turkey!

My highlight from last week: Chili cookoff! Last week, my coworkers talked me into entering chili for CBW in the cookoff. Let's just say, I lost a lot of sleep last week. This was my first time making chili and boy, oh boy! It was a fun experience and being out in the community. CBW walked away with the Best Tasting trophy, tied with the bank. But I still think we had the best tasting! I'm looking forward to it next year. Dustin and I already began thinking of recipes! Below are photos from the night.

Since the chilly weather has kicked in, I'm going to post two recipes that I have tried in the past week or so. They are so simple and tasty! I should mention most of the recipes I find come from the Pioneer Women Tasty Kitchen site. It is a fun site with a whole lot of variety!

Recipe 1: Parmesan-Garlic Tilapia Sticks
These are so easy to make and probably more nutritional than those out of the bag and taste better!
Ingredients:
1 pound Tilapia Fillets Or Any Other Firm White Fish Such As Cod
1 whole Egg
¼ cups Buttermilk
3 cloves Garlic, Pressed Or Minced Finely
1-½ cup Panko Bread Crumbs
⅓ cups Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 dash Salt And Pepper, to taste
1 cup Warm Marinara Sauce, For Dipping

Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Cut fish into 1/2-inch strips and sprinkle a little salt on both sides.

In a small shallow bowl whisk together the egg, buttermilk and pressed garlic. In another shallow bowl combine the bread crumbs, cheese, and a big pinch of salt and pepper.

Dip the fish sticks into the wet mixture, letting excess liquid drip off, then coat in bread crumb mixture. Lay on a baking sheet and repeat with remaining fish sticks. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork. If you want them golden brown, broil them for the last minute of baking time.

Serve with warm marinara sauce.

Makes 3-4 servings.

Recipe 2: Crock Pot Pulled Pork and Cole Slaw Sandwiches
Dustin says these are "Good Eats"!
Ingredients:
FOR THE PULLED PORK:
½ cups Ketchup
⅓ cups Cider Vinegar
⅓ cups Packed Brown Sugar
6 ounces, weight Tomato Paste
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
2 Tablespoons Yellow Mustard
1-½ teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Onion Powder
3 pounds Pork Sirloin Roast, Cut Into 3 Pieces
1 package Sandwich Rolls/hamburger Buns
FOR THE COLE SLAW:
1 bag (14 Oz. Bag) Cole Slaw Mix
½ cups Mayonnaise
3 Tablespoons Canola Oil¼ cups Sugar
1 Tablespoon Cider Vinegar
¼ teaspoons Salt
½ teaspoons Celery Seed
1 teaspoon Onion Powder

Directions:
For the pulled pork: mix together ketchup, cider vinegar, brown sugar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, salt, and onion powder in a crock pot. Add pork and turn pieces to coat with sauce. Cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Once done, shred pork and stir to completely incorporate in the sauce.

For the cole slaw: mix coleslaw mix, mayo, canola oil, sugar, cider vinegar, salt, celery seed, and onion powder well in a large bowl. Cover and let chill for 1-2 hours.

Once pork is done and cole slaw is chilled, make sandwiches! Put some pork on your bun and top with cole slaw. Enjoy!

I hope these two recipes warm your heart! I'll be back soon with a few more recipes that I've tried. Maybe I just might mix it up and feature a "sweet" treat recipe! Well I hope you stay warm in the next couple of days. They are forecasting SNOW, it's just not right because a year ago, Dustin and I moved out here and it was beautiful! Have a wonderful day!

What a beautiful Saturday morning it is here in Philip, SD! I woke up around 7:30 a.m Mountain Time to remind you and now enjoying some quite time on the couch watching That's So Raven, Hannah Montana, and the Suite Life of Zack & Cody while drinking some coffee with creamer of course! Now, don't mock...there is nothing wrong being a kid!

After my run a couple weeks a go, I was sore for a couple days. I felt like I was 80-years-old! I planted my be-hind in the couch every day I got home from work. Over the past week, Dustin and I have been keeping busy. We've been to Rapid City, Dustin has been watching movies, and I have been testing out my baking skills. I had a dilemma this time trying to make some cookies. I used my future mother-in-law's amazing monster cookie recipe. Let's just say they didn't turn out like hers!

This past week was pretty exhausting. On Wednesday, the office was closed because the electric company had to turn off our electricity to put in our new furnace. So on my day off, I cleaned, did laundry, and baked whoppie pies. The reason why this week has been exhausting, I worked 10 hour days to make up for the office being closed. I thought it was bad enough sitting in front of a computer for 8 hours until this week!

I ponder what I'm going to blog about during the fall and winter months since we don't have a garden. I came up with a conclusion and you might like the idea. I'm going to blog about the recipes that I've tested out. Trust me, if they don't meet Dustin's standards, I won't blog them!
So bare with me, this post might be a long one.

First recipe: Cheeseburger Chowder Soup
We thought this was a tasty recipe and it was easy to make for a beautiful fall day. It took about 30 minutes to make. I'll be making this again throughout the fall season!
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1/4 cup chopped onion
1-1/2 cups water
3 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups cubed red potatoes
1 celery rib, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2-1/2 cups milk, divided
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:
1. In a large saucepan, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the water, bouillon and salt. Add potatoes and celery. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
2. Combine flour and 1/2 cup milk until smooth; gradually stir into beef mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Stir in the remaining milk; heat through. Stir in cheese until melted. Yield: 7 servings.

Options you might want to consider: Adding more cheese and bacon chunks!

Second recipe: Crescent Roll Hot Dogs
This recipe is a fun idea for kids and any ages! It was so simple and Dustin loved the idea.
Ingredients:
1 pkg of crescent rolls
1 pkg of hot dogs
American Cheese slices

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 375°F. Slit hot dogs to within 1/2 inch of ends; insert 3 strips of cheese into each slit.
2. Separate dough into triangles. Wrap dough triangle around each hot dog. Place on ungreased cookie sheet, cheese side up.
3. Bake at 375°F. for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve with: beans and chips. Like chili dogs? Pour some chili over the wrapped hot dog.

I hope you can find time to create my masterpieces. I will post more down the road when I create some more tasty recipes. I feel the Julia Child in me! Speaking of that book, its been sitting unread for about a year, maybe I start on that today along with doing some weed killing and brush destroying around our home. This could be dangerous!

Well I hope you have a wonderful Saturday as well! I won't judge if you spend your day being a vegetable. I will be back to inform you with something new in life soon and recipes! See you soon fellow readers!

Hello my fellow readers! I know it’s been a few weeks since I've updated you but it was go time before I conquered the marathon relay on Sunday. And by my surprise, I ran my leg of the race, 4.2 miles in an hour, which I had set before I sprinted across the exchange line.

I'll give you a rundown what was going through my mind as I took on this 4.2 mile leg...
1. Oh lordy, here comes Codi! Here's go time as I was read to puke!

2. Okay, I'm doing well. I can vaguely see my future mother in law in front of me!

3. Oh crap, my mouth is getting dry and I'm exhausted!

4. You can do it Sara, as I told myself every step I took!

5. Are you serious? My future mother in law is already heading back! I really got to pick up my pace!

6. I saw Vegas Man as he was running his 135 marathons mumble something to me as I had my music blaring in my ears!

7. I’m almost there! I’m almost there as I repeat that phase frequently to myself.

8. FYI, don’t drink water while trying to run. There are some repercussions!

9. Okay, old man! Make up your mind..stay behind me or pick up your pace so I don’t have keep passing you nor you have to keep passing me!

10. ½ a mile to go…I can see my destiny!

It was an amazing feeling to accomplish something like that. I would of never thought in my wildest dreams that I would to running 4.2 miles. It was awesome! Also, what made this experience amazing was to have some family participating too. My future mother in law and sisters in law also ran. I loved every minute being with them and my co-workers!

Probably the biggest joy of this whole weekend was having my ma and pa out visiting. It was the first time that my ma and pa were out since we moved to Philip on Oct. 30 so it was fun to show them the West River country.

I know that this is short but I’m exhausted just thinking about what I accomplished yesterday! Have a wonderful day my fellow readers!

Here I'ma comin'!