SUYL: Autism Speaks & USO

As a Speech Pathology student, I have become more aware of the affects that autism has on individuals as well as families. Autism is, "a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them." With that being said, one of my favorite charities has become "Autism Speaks". Here is a little information about the charity: 

Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright, grandparents of a child with autism. Their longtime friend Bernie Marcus donated $25 million to help financially launch the organization. Since then, Autism Speaks has grown into the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We are proud of what we've been able to accomplish and look forward to continued successes in the years ahead.

Also, I am a huge fan of the USO - for more than one reason. The main reason being that they are wonderful at giving back to those who give US so much, but another reason is they seem to truly appreciate the people that give to their charity. They send personalized stamps, calendars, notebooks every couple of months, and they always keep you up to date about what's going on within their charity and where your money is being spent. Here is some information about them: 

Our Mission: The USO lifts the spirits of America’s troops and their families. 

Millions of times each year at hundreds of locations around the world, the USO lifts the spirits of America’s troops and their families.  A nonprofit, congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support its activities. The USO is not part of the U.S. government, but is recognized by the Department of Defense, Congress and President of the United States, who serves as Honorary Chairman of the USO.

SUYL: Mrs. Angela's 'Sketti Casserole

Alright ya'll.
Brace yourselves! I was at David's a few weeks ago, and his mom had made this dish that was DE-LISH! She shared it with me, and I'm going to share it with you! 

I don't have an actual photo because the first time I tried it was as a leftover, and coming from someone who isn't a fan at ALL of leftovers, I LOVED IT!

Here is what it looks like, though:

However, don't rush off to your grocery and buy a box of 'sketti noodles just yet!
This isn't your typical 'sketti.!

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ingredients:

1 bag Penne noodles

2 lbs ground chuck beef 

1 jar spaghetti sauce (I use Prego Healthy Mushroom) 

1 block cream cheese

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instructions:

1. cook noodles, and while they are cooking, brown your meat (I add a dash of salt and a little pepper to mine).
2. drain meat, and add - keep on low. 

3. once your noodles are ready, place them in the bottom of a 2 quart cookware (I used one from Paula Deen's "collection") or you can put it into something smaller/disposable if you want to freeze immediately.

4. layer noodles, meat sauce, and half cream cheese (I broke it up into small squares, and it will melt over the hot meat sauce). 

5. Repeat until you're done with ingredient. If meat is your last layer, place some mozzerella on top!
6. Place in an oven heated to 350 for 15 min (or until the edges are bubbling/cheese is melted)

Voila! Enjoy!


*sidenote: I have made this before in the Paula Deen dish and placed it in the fridge for awhile before cooking it, and I would recommend putting it into a COLD oven. So, when you pre-heat, just go ahead and place the dish in the oven, and once your "preheat timer" goes off, start counting the 15 minutes. 

Meet Matt from Mississippi!

Meet Matt!

 Matt is my brother, and he is 27 years old! 

He lives in Macon, Mississippi, where he was raised.

 He attends Independent Methodist Church here in Macon. 

 (top middle)

(on my left)

Matt will go out of his way in order to help a friend out. 

He always puts people above himself, and he has such a kind heart.

 He never meets a stranger, either! 

Even though he is my brother, he is also one of my best friends. 

He is a true gentleman! 

He will open the car door for you, do unexpected things out of the blue, and he knows how to treat a lady the way she should be treated.

I may be bragging, but he's just an all-around great guy!

He graduated from Mississippi State with a degree in Forestry, and he currently works for Weyerhauser. He is a devout MSU fan, and he loves to watch their baseball games as well.

He is a member of our local chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation where he hosts annual bow shoots, skeet shoots, and a banquet each year. 

Matt is also an avid outdoorsman! 

He loves to hunt (especially turkeys). I wish there was a more extravagant word besides "love" because that really doesn't cover it. He is very passionate about the outdoors! Being from the South, you could have probably guessed that, but he breathes hunting. It runs through his veins, but he gets it honest. The rest of my family loves to hunt as well, and he has been doing it since he was small! 

 He is hilarious, genuine, loyal to his word, and there will never be a dull moment when he is around.
He loves to make people laugh, and he is probably one of the most laid back people you will ever meet!

If you're looking for a simple Southern gentleman, here's your guy!

 you can email me at 

jpersons23@gmail.com

His links are at the top where his name is, but they are: 

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