My Slice of Life

So It's been almost a year...

2010-01-24T22:56:00.004-06:00

Of working, middle school, traveling out of town, and ignoring this blog. So I will try to pick up again and make it better. We started the new year with our best friends...some old, some new...but all great. The big girls watched the little girls, and Sidney just tried to stay hidden from all of them. Most of them are the equal to his sister, the rest of them are 2 or 5. We had lots of food and wine and rang in the new year happy! Here are some pics from the day after

Super Bowl Baby!

2010-01-24T22:47:00.002-06:00

My boys are going to the Super Bowl!

Menu Plan Monday

2009-02-02T05:05:00.000-06:00

Mon: Make your own pizza ~ $3.24
Tues: Free For All (leftovers from the weekend)
Wed: Tuna Casserole ~ $4.10
Thurs: Pork Chops, broccoli rice and cheese ~ $5.09
Fri: Beef Fajitas~ $5.24
Sat: Chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans ~ $4.71
Sun: Roast, rice and gravy, veggies ~ $5.89 (I got the rump roast on sale for $1.69/lb)

For more Menu Monday visit Organizing Junkie.

Shredded Chicken Burritos

2009-01-31T18:56:00.002-06:00

Sorry the only pic I got was the leftovers.

Last weekend we went over to a friends house for dinner and she made Shredded Chicken Burritos. These are very reminiscent of the burritos you might get at Chipotle's. She served them on tortillas with your choice of sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, rice, corn and salsa. Talk about filling. It is so good my very picky daughter wanted me to make it the very next day. But, I waited one week, and then made it. This recipe made enough to serve at least 8 people.

Crock Pot Shredded Chicken for Burritos or Tacos
adapted from Amy Gonzales

1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders
1 can diced tomatoes (I used rotel)
1 pack taco seasoning (I used 1/2 because of using rotel)

Put in crock pot and cook on high for 4 hours, or on low for 6-8 hours. Shred chicken in crock pot using two forks. Serve with condiments of your choice.

Cost to feed a family of 4: $4.18

Menu Plan Monday

2009-01-26T05:05:00.002-06:00

Mon: Chicken Fajitas

Tues: Shredded beef sammies (using leftover roast from Sunday) and chips

Wed: Lasagna Bake

Thurs: Frozen Pizza (hubby not home tonight so taking it easy)

Fri: Kentucky Bourbon Sirloin Steak, rice and broccoli

Sat: Chicken tacos-recipe to follow

Sun: Roast, mashed potatoes, and green beans

For more Menu Plan Monday, go to Organizing Junkie.

Stay tuned for next weeks menu plan monday. I will be trying something new...$5 dinners, I'm hoping to cut my grocery bill by at least $30 for next week. Let's see if I can do it. If you have any suggestions I am open to them all.

Menu Plan Monday

2009-01-19T18:15:00.005-06:00

Well this will be a boring menu week as Reub is out of town. Just me and the kids so we can eat cheap!

Mon: Tuna Casserole
Tues: Tasty 2 Step Chicken, salad
Wed: Hamburger helper
Thurs: Leftovers
Fri: Out to eat!
Sat: Fajitas
Sun: Roast, Rice and Gravy, green beans

For more menu monday's go here.

Menu Plan Monday

2009-01-12T07:01:00.001-06:00

Monday: Easy Bistro Chicken, rice and broccoli
Tuesday: Baked Penne with Italian Sausage
Wednesday: Shepherd's Pie
Thursday: Leftovers
Friday: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Saturday: Fajitas
Sunday: Out to Dinner

For more menu monday's go here.

I'm back...

2009-01-04T14:40:00.002-06:00

After starting a new job-full time, I needed a break from the blog world. We had a wonderful holiday with lots of traveling to see family...

and friends...

The kids go back to school tomorrow, and Reub and I go back to work. Back to the normalcy of routine. I can't wait!

What Female Icon Are You?

2008-10-26T20:20:00.002-05:00

I was surfing around and found this quiz over at MamaDB's website. It is mostly true!

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are a Doris!

You are a Doris -- "I must help others."

Dorises are warm, concerned, nurturing, and sensitive to other people's needs.

How to Get Along with Me

* Tell me that you appreciate me. Be specific.

* Share fun times with me.

* Take an interest in my problems, though I will probably try to focus on yours.

* Let me know that I am important and special to you.

* Be gentle if you decide to criticize me.

In Intimate Relationships

* Reassure me that I am interesting to you.

* Reassure me often that you love me.

* Tell me I'm attractive and that you're glad to be seen with me.

What I Like About Being a Doris

* being able to relate easily to people and to make friends

* knowing what people need and being able to make their lives better

* being generous, caring, and warm

* being sensitive to and perceptive about others' feelings

* being enthusiastic and fun-loving, and having a good sense of humor

What's Hard About Being a Doris

* not being able to say no

* having low self-esteem

* feeling drained from overdoing for others

* not doing things I really like to do for myself for fear of being selfish

* criticizing myself for not feeling as loving as I think I should

* being upset that others don't tune in to me as much as I tume in to them

* working so hard to be tactful and considerate that I suppress my real feelings

Dorises as Children Often

* are very sensitive to disapproval and criticism

* try hard to please their parents by being helpful and understanding

* are outwardly compliant

* are popular or try to be popular with other children

* act coy, precocious, or dramatic in order to get attention

* are clowns and jokers (the more extroverted Dorises), or quiet and shy (the more introverted Dorises)

Dorises as Parents

* are good listeners, love their children unconditionally, and are warm and encouraging (or suffer guilt if they aren't)

* are often playful with their children

* wonder: "Am I doing it right?" "Am I giving enough?" "Have I caused irreparable damage?"

* can become fiercely protective

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

Slacker Sunday #2

2008-09-28T17:30:00.002-05:00

We were all slackers today. We stayed in our lounge clothes all day. I even went to the grocery store in my lounge wear, no make-up, and hair pulled back. I am truly a slacker. We were such slackers today that I didn't even take pictures. So I give you pictures from Octoberfest in downtown McKinney yesterday.

My kids.

We got to see the weenie dog races.

They even had a race for wanna be weenie dogs.

What meals or food mean Fall to you?

2008-09-27T22:38:00.003-05:00

I guess I would start with apple cinnamon muffins or pumpkin bread for breakfast. For lunch maybe chili and fritos. And for dinner it would be chicken and sausage gumbo with rice and for dessert, creme brule. I will be making my first creme burle on Monday, and I can't wait. I had my first and only taste of this fabulous dessert last Fall and have been dying to try it again. I will post pics of how it went.

Slacker Sunday #1

2008-09-21T18:58:00.002-05:00

Great American Dine Out

2008-09-21T08:44:00.002-05:00

We all like eating out, so don't forget to see if you restaurant is on the list here. Each restaurant donates a percentage to Share Our Strength to End Childhood Hunger. So go out to eat this week!

The Quiet Stillness of the Morning

2008-09-20T08:14:00.002-05:00

With a dog barking in down the street, a bird chirping on a rooftop, and no other noises to be heard. This is life! Everyone at my house is still asleep. I can enjoy my cup of coffee sitting out on the patio, the warm sun at my back and a gentle breeze making it cool enough to warrant wearing sweats. I love mornings like these. Nothing is expected of me, I can just enjoy the quiet that the night has brought us.

Today, however will be fun. With no evacuees here and a pair of shoes lost this week, we will be headed to the outlet mall. We live only about 9 miles from a really nice outlet mall so don't think we are going on some adventure. The adventure will be to figure out who has the best deal on shoes. See 12 year old football playing son left his shoes at the High School football field at his last game. He wears a 10.5 in mens so the shoes are now on some other child's feet. But, maybe they need the shoes more. Or maybe I just need to get him bigger shoes. I am really bad about doing that. If you don't complain that your shoes are too small, you don't get new shoes unless I can see socks peeking through. I have been this way for ever. One summer when the kids were little I got them both some cute sandals and they wore them every day. Well after about 10 weeks both of them had toes hanging over the end. I don't mean just a little, it was more like the whole toe! Bad Mama! I think it was my father in law who told me to "get those babies some shoes!" I was horrified that I hadn't noticed. And now it takes them losing shoes to notice.

I am hoping to make it to Mom and Pop Corn Company in downtown McKinney today. Las time we went I didn't get a chance to try the new flavor popcorn...

Buffalo Wing! Also the kids love to go for the penny candy. (it cost's 3 pennies though)

Enjoy your weekend!

Waiting on Ike...

2008-09-13T12:25:00.003-05:00

After moving to a North Dallas Suburb, I thought I was done with hurricanes. When we first moved here, we had tornado sirens go off which scared me to death. I am not accustomed to tornado preparedness. However I am very familiar with hurricane preparedness. I have a hurricane box with everything I need. I thought that I was moving away from hurricane land. Now Ike is still a Cat 1 hurricane and luckily we will get the clean side of the storm. I have things prepared for a power outage or any other thing that may occur. I think.

First Football Game

2008-09-10T20:40:00.002-05:00

Today was S's first football game. Well it was the jamboree. We had so much fun watching, at least until the rain came. He plays center (the person who hikes the ball). We had a time trying to pick him out of the crowd. Reuben had been taking pictures of the kid with the #63 on and praying that it was our son. I finally zoomed in on one of the pics we had taken and I saw his name on the helmet. I am just learning about the game so here are some pictures.

Another week has come and gone...

2008-09-07T15:19:00.002-05:00

Last weekend the four of us went camping. Yes, out in the woods (OK, a state park), slept in a tent (no, not on the ground, on air mattresses with fans blowing), and cooked our own food. We had a great time relaxing. The phones still worked though. We got a call late Saturday from my family in Louisiana. They were going to be evacuating before Hurricane Gustav hit and would need a place to stay. We had left a key for just in case, and here it was. We planned on coming home Sunday afternoon, but with company on the way, we ate breakfast and hurried home. (I will post pics as soon as I get them downloaded from Hubbies camera.)

Anyway, we came home, got the house cleaned up and waited, and waited, and waited. It took them 11 hours to make about a 6.5 hour trip. Wow, that was a long time in a car with a 10 month old. During the trip one of my cousins here in Dallas called and wanted to come over to see the baby. So we made plans for a Labor Day BBQ. What started out as just a few of us turned in to 18 people. We had a great time. Very simple, and that is totally not me. I had no time to plan a big todo. So we just had burgers and visiting.

And all of this fun was had while back in Louisiana the coast was being pounded by Gustav. The weather here was perfect. We had a nice breeze outside and I think that the high was 90 that day.

My 10 month old nephew puts everything in his mouth, including the top to a water bottle. Yes we took it out as soon as we shot the photo!

Photo taken while the eye of the storm was passing over Lafayette, my home town.

We had lots of desserts. I even pulled out some homemade blueberry sour cream ice cream that I had made a few weeks before. And as you can tell my little cousin throughly enjoyed it.

On Tuesday, we went back to our jobs and to school. My evacuees enjoyed there time relaxing and playing.

On to another week. Hopefully this one will be uneventful, but I doubt that as S has his first football jamboree!

First week of school and a new job...

2008-08-28T20:41:00.003-05:00

We are almost through with the first week of middle school for the 2 kiddos. It has been a great week for them both. Here are pics of the first day...

S-first day of 7th grade

C-first day of 6th grade

The gang walking home, C is giving middle school a thumbs up.

S coming home 2 hrs after school due to football practice and it is still hot and he's all sweaty and he's so happy cause football is so cool!

And lastly after working mainly 1-2 days a week or not at all for the past 4 years, I am finally working full time. Kind of by mistake, but I'm loving it. I am a nurse for a local pediatrician, and its great to have a normal life again. The housework is suffering though. Oh well.

Fall Yarn Swap Q&A

2008-08-20T17:38:00.002-05:00

Do you knit or crochet? Knit
How long have you been at your craft? 23 years on and off
Do you spin? No
What type of spinning do you do? N/A
Are there any other crafts that you participate in? Cooking
What are your favorite yarns/fibers? Bamboo, silk, wool
What are your LEAST favorite yarns/fibers? Acrylic
Are there any types/brands of yarn that you are dying to work with but haven’t gotten a chance? Not sure
What are your favorite types of projects to knit/crochet? Gifts
What are you currently working on? Scarf and gloves for Cait
Anything you plan to start this autumn? Haven't thought about it yet, I do need some gloves though!
What is your favorite FO? (Please, post a picture if you would like.) Baby blanket

What is your oldest UFO? Blanket for SIL
Are their any knitting/crochet techniques that you would like to learn? Faire Isle and Intarsia
Are you a sock knitter? I only get one sock done!
What are your foot measurements? ? size 8?
Do you have a yarn winder and/or a swift? No
Where/how to you keep you needles/hooks? In a bag
Do you collect anything? Not really
What is your favorite type of music? pop, 80's, Sinatra
Are you MP3 ready? iPod
Do you like sweets? Oh Yes!
What are your favorites? Chocolate
What is your living situation like? Home in the burbs
Any pets? dog
Children? one boy and one girl
Are you allergic to anything? no
Do you have an online wish list (Amazon, Etsy, Loopy Ewe, etc.)? Please include links for your swap pal. yes Amazon
Are you having a birthday during this swap? no
What is your Ravelry ID? aparks

Menu Plan Monday

2008-08-11T00:30:00.002-05:00

This week I am starting a regular job and can't wait for life to be settled again. The kids will be back in school soon so routines are again a reality. Sometimes it is so hard in the summer!

Monday: Burgers (as requested by C) and chips
Tuesday: Grilled chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans
Wednesday: Tuna Casserole
Thursday: Leftovers
Friday: Crock pot Pork Loin, herbed noodles, salad
Saturday: Enchiladas, mexican rice, chips and salsa
Sunday: Hamburger Helper Lasagna and green beans

For more menu monday's go here.

Getting ready for Ravelympics!

2008-08-06T13:50:00.002-05:00

I am in the process of getting ready for the Ravelympics on Ravelry. I am gathering patterns, checking my stash for just the right yarns, and collecting the needles I will need. It starts on Aug. 8th with the opening ceremonies and ends Aug 24th. That is 17 days of getting projects done! I sure hope that I can get alot of my Christmas gift knitting done.

C's birthday party...

2008-08-05T14:27:00.002-05:00

C had her 11th birthday party a couple of weekends ago. She had 3 dear friends come from Austin and Houston. We went to the American Girl store in Dallas, had brunch at the bistro and did some shopping.

Later that evening she had more friends over for a sleep over. I made her birthday cake,

and had them all pose for a picture.

On the knitting front, the Ravelympics start on Aug 8 and continue for the duration of the olympics. I am getting my patterns and supplies ready.

It's been a while!

2008-07-30T10:54:00.003-05:00

We have had an exciting couple of weeks since my last post. Yes, we made 110 cupcakes for C to take to camp to celebrate her friend, Hayley and her 11th birthday. Boy was that an undertaking. But they came out great. Sorry no pics of them as the parents had to leave before they were aloud to eat them. They had to wait until after supper.

After this camp we headed to New Braunsfels with our friends, the Wallis' and the Roberts'. We all went to Schlitterbaun and only got a little sun burned. We applied sunscreen alot!

Then last week, both of the kids were in camps (day camps). S went to idTech Camp for web design and flash animation. He had a wonderful time and can't wait to go next year. He wants to do the overnight camp. The one he went to was held at SMU in Dallas. He learned alot and we had to fill up our computer with more programs that he needed. He will soon be building me a new website! WooHoo!

The counselors at his camp were great. They knew the kids by name and they were always goofing around with the kids.

C went to pastry camp at Sur La Table in Dallas. Here is the kitchen that they worked in daily.

They made pies, breads, pastries, baked alaska, cupcakes, cakes, cookies, etc. She loved it.

All in all, we have been busy. Will post more later.

Bears at the Beach!

2008-07-01T15:59:00.002-05:00

C will be going to church camp on her birthday this year, so I called the camp director to ask about sending some homemade cupcakes. He said no problem. I knew this would be a big undertaking as last year they had about 40 kids and the counselors. But that is doable! I asked how many kids to plan for, he chuckled and said 75 not including counselors. Oh man, I'm going to have to make at least 100 cupcakes.

We decided on the bears at the beach as it is pretty generic. And today I was going to test out a recipe I wanted to try, just to make sure C would like it. If any of you know her, you know she will only eat vanilla. (I am lucky she is over the plain white vanilla phase!) I had my ingredients and was about to get started when she told me that she wanted to make them. Fine with me, then I just have to supervise. So she proceeded to make the cupcakes from scratch. She learned how to use the KitchenAid stand mixer, got everything mixed up and in the oven in no time.

Next she started working on the bears...

She did not realize that I was taking pictures at this point. Too deep in concentration.

She got those done and it was time to make the sand and pulverize some teddy bears!

I made a buttercream frosting, then she decorated. Here she is with her final product...

and here...

Here is the recipe she used (only made 1/2 the recipe):

Vanilla Vanilla Cupcakes
by More from Magnolia

CUPCAKES:
1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line two 12-cup muffin tins with cupcake papers.
In a small bowl, combine the flours. Set aside.
In a large bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, cream the butter until smooth. Add the sugar gradually and beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk and vanilla. With each addition, beat until the ingredients are incorporated but do not overbeat. Using a rubber spatula, scrape down the batter in the bowl to make sure the ingredients are well blended. Carefully spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling them about three-quarters full. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center of the cupcake comes out clean.
Cool the cupcakes in the tins for 15 minutes. Remove from the tins and cool completely on a wire rack before icing. At the bakery we ice the cupcakes with either Vanilla Buttercream or Chocolate Buttercream.
Note: If you would like to make a layer cake instead of cupcakes, divide the batter between two 9-inch round cake pans and bake the layers for 30-40 minutes.

She shared 6 of the 12 with some neighborhood kids (and impressed the parents). Is it wrong that I will ask her to help me make them for her birthday? I mean one of her best friends will be celebrating her birthday too, so they are for Hayley too!

Wordless Wednesday: Father and Son

2008-06-25T10:05:00.002-05:00

For more Wordless Wednesday go to 5 Minutes For Mom or Wordless Wednesday Headquarters.

If I were a thief...

2008-06-22T17:27:00.002-05:00

I wouldn't give credit where credit is due. I was surfing some of my regular reads when I stumbled on over to Cheryl of Adventures of a Food Slut and found that she made an adult version of the Cherry Lime-Aid from Sonic. I had to try it, especially with the weather topping out at near 100*. So I picked up some maraschino cherries and cherry syrup on my way home today. This is what I started with

1 can sprite
2 jiggers rum
1-2 TBS lime juice
cherry syrup to taste
2-3 maraschino cherries for garnish (or because you like 'em)

Place all ingredients in a tall cup of ice and enjoy!

This is definitely a keeper. Stacy, you have to try this one!

Wordless Wednesday: Munchkins

2008-06-18T08:00:00.002-05:00

My munchkin C, and my little niece.

For more Wordless Wednesday go to 5 Minutes For Mom or Wordless Wednesday Headquarters.

The next time

2008-06-13T21:41:00.003-05:00

our friends come to town, I think I will impress all of the adults and make some

gummy bears. Oh, not just any gummy bears. Vodka Gummy Bears! It sounds so yummy and fun. Though, we will have to hide them from the children as they all love gummy bears.

The Bunny Did It...

2008-06-06T11:19:00.002-05:00

I finally have an area in my new back yard that is set up for a garden. So what does one do with a big empty plot ready for planting. Plant 2 weeks after you move in of course. I planted lots of herbs, tomatoes, peppers, shallots, cucumbers, and I can't remember what else. I have since used the herbs, they are growing like crazy. I noticed last week that one of my roma tomatoes started to grow. Woohoo! I was so excited watching this little green tomato get a little bigger each day. Then last night I went out knowing it was almost ready to pick and this is what I found...

Yes that is a half eaten tomato. I am not a happy camper. I cannot blame the dog. She doesn't like veggies. And the kids wouldn't eat it. One only eats meat and potatoes, and the other only eats what is prepared for him. No hunting and gathering for him. Man I need to teach them the joys of eating things straight from the vine. Anyway, my culprit is this bold bunny...

She lives in the bushes on the side of our house. She doesn't know that it is our house not hers. If a ball or something is thrown into her "home" area, she will run across the street and watch until you leave. She sits boldly in our front yard watching us watch her. She taunts the kids and makes them chase her. Now, I didn't realize we had such a fearless bunny until the day that I was cooking and looked out the window. I saw that brash bunny sitting there eating some leaves from a plant in my garden. She was right smack dab in the middle of the back yard. Right in front of the big window in the breakfast room. Daring anyone to make her move. AHHH! I don't like that bunny!

Wordless Wednesday: Family Time

2008-06-04T07:53:00.002-05:00

For more Wordless Wednesday go to 5 Minutes For Mom or Wordless Wednesday Headquarters.

A Memorable Memorial Day Weekend...

2008-05-29T15:29:00.003-05:00

This past weekend we celebrated Memorial Day as it should be celebrated. We had friends in, we had barbecue, and we had home made ice cream! The kids played, swam, and played some more.

The men ate, drank, and played poker.

The women shopped, cooked, and talked.

We all had fun catching up now that we are spread across Texas. I can't wait until we can all get together again.

Wordless Wednesday: Sunset

2008-05-28T16:47:00.000-05:00

One early morning!

2008-05-21T19:18:00.003-05:00

Today I went to Target at 6:30am, yes I am that nuts! Why, you ask? To get the Wii Fit. So, I woke up early because Target advertised that they would have the Wii Fit available at 8am. When the Wii came out we had trouble getting one a year later. I got there at 6:30am. It was me and the night shift crew. A few had come out for a break, so of course I asked about the Wii Fit. One of the girls had never heard of it. Can you believe that. I think she lives under a rock. One of the guys then told me that they had quite a few in the back. He did not know if they were selling them today or not. I waited and waited. Finally someone else joined me at 7:30am. Then more came. It ended up being about 12 of us. The doors opened and I grabbed up my Wii Fit. They only had 4 out. Boy there were some disappointed people. Then one of the employees then said they had more in the back. The day was saved for those people.

Now, here I sit typing whilst my children and I take turns. S loves the running. He has the best score so far. C is best at the skiing games. My best is the yoga. For now I have better balance than the kiddos. It's almost my turn so I better go...

Wordless Wednesday: Through a wine glass

2008-05-21T09:12:00.001-05:00

For more Wordless Wednesday go to 5 Minutes For Mom or Wordless Wednesday Headquarters.

Happy Belated Birthday!

2008-05-19T11:52:00.002-05:00

Sorry I didn't blog this yesterday, but Happy Birthday anyway!

The pic is a little fuzzy but we can blame that on the camera. It was New Years Eve and I think the camera focused on the bottle in the foreground. No fault of mine whatsoever! Can't wait to see you guys!

Happy 40!

2008-05-16T17:49:00.004-05:00

One of our very dear friends is celebrating the big 40! His wife just started a blog, so go on over here and wish Bryan a Happy Birthday!

Niece and Nephew

2008-05-13T17:33:00.002-05:00

The first weekend of May we went to a family reunion. I got to play around with taking pictures. So here are my two faves, my niece and nephew:

Ready for the summer!

2008-05-13T07:59:00.003-05:00

For Mother's Day I got this patio set...

So, now I am ready for the summer. I made a cornbread casserole for Mother's Day breakfast, and got some coffee, and we went outside to enjoy the morning. We all only lasted about 5 min. as it was in the low 50's. I was not discouraged because the forecast called for it to be warming up. So I could always enjoy my coffee Monday morning, right? Wrong, Monday morning it was in the low 40's. And, today it is raining. It will be nice one day, and I will get to enjoy my coffee outside.

Going green, or trying...

2008-04-29T14:06:00.003-05:00

OK in an attempt to save on gas, we are trying new things. With the gas prices rising closer and closer to $4/gallon, there has to be a way to save. Enter the gas-less transportation...

We have gone to dinner as a family on our bikes, grocery shopping, and to the coffee shop. Now that I have a basket on my bike, C is insisting that she needs one too. I really like this basket...

but the budget won't allow for it. So we will have to keep looking for one for a 10yr old.

Another thing that I have discovered in the past week, when biking to the grocery, is that you get a bag credit when you bring your own bag. It's only $.05, but if I go 2 times a week for a year, I save $5. And if I go on my bicycle 2 times a week for a year at current gas prices, I will save a whole tank of gas. Not to bad. With biking to the grocery, I can't impulse buy because I don't have room to carry extra stuff. So there's a savings too.

What are you doing to go green?

Menu Plan Monday

2008-04-28T10:36:00.005-05:00

Monday: Chili (I think today will be our last cool day for a long while)
Tuesday: Baked Potato Soup
Wednesday: Mac and Cheese for kids, Salad for adults
Thursday:Crock Pot Pulled Pork on buns, baked beans, potato salad
Friday: Left overs
Sat & Sun: Out of town!

For more menu monday's go here.

Update..

2008-04-27T19:49:00.003-05:00

I've not posted in a while. Sorry. Things are settled for now. The kids are loving the house and their new friends. They still miss their old ones though. C just got the results of her math Taks testing and has scored 100%. Woo Hoo! So I had to buy her a new webkinz. Small price for me to pay.

In an effort to conserve gas we have been using the bicycles a lot. Friday night the kids wanted to get pizza, so we all got on our bikes and rode on over to the pizza place (a little over a mile) ate there and rode back. I figured we saved about 50 cents by riding, but we did get in some exercise and family time!

Wordless Wednesday: A Steep Driveway

2008-04-02T07:01:00.001-05:00

For more Wordless Wednesday go to 5 Minutes For Mom or Wordless Wednesday Headquarters.

Tuesday Tackle

2008-04-01T12:07:00.002-05:00

Wow, my first tackle since moving. So today on my list is wait for Stanley Steamer to come and clean the carpets, and bake for my Tuesdays with Dorie group. I tell you, the baking was fun, and not intimidating in the least. We made Gooey Chocolate Cakes. (For my entire post, go on over to my food blog at Food, Family and Fun. Here is the result.

What are you Tackling today?

What was that noise?

2008-04-01T09:14:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, the kids were playing and watching tv, I heard this noise that did not have an origin. So I did what any mom would do. I started fussing with S to turn down the video game. He said he was on the computer with head phones on. C turned off the tv, I walked around the house, still could not figure it out. I finally opened the door and that was where it was coming from.

Know this, I grew up in South Louisiana, moved to the Houston area, and now in the Dallas area. I am used to hurricanes. But why the heck is this noise going off? Duh, it's a tornado siren. OMG! What am I supposed to do? Called my best friend from Kansas (she knows everything about these sirens, I mean she grew up with them), then got really panicy. We have only owned this house for 2 weeks, there are windows everywhere, and hubby is OOT. So we did what she said. Grabbed my purse, phone, kids, and the dog and went into the hall bath.

We are fine. No tornados in our immediate area, but man I don't like these drills. I am used to having about 3-5 days notice of a natural disaster. I can prepare for a hurricane alot better. But when you get a hurricane, you have to prepare for days of no electricity. With this it was only 30 minutes. Next time, I think I will be a little less nervous.

Menu Plan Monday

2008-03-31T07:41:00.002-05:00

I am going back to work this week. I have had a nice long break since the big move. But, yes, it's time to stop spending money and start making some. I will be doing more of what the kids like this week as R will be OOT in meetings. So here goes...

Monday: Spaghetti and meat sauce
Tuesday: Quick Chicken Teriyaki
Wednesday: Mac and Cheese
Thursday: Leftovers
Friday: Pizza and salad
Saturday: White Beans and Rice
Sunday: Roast, rice and gravy, green beans

We are all settled in

2008-03-28T14:25:00.002-05:00

And we are getting into the swing of things here. The kids love their new house, school, friends, etc. Here they are while the movers were moving the tons of boxes into our home...

We did have some painting to do before the movers delivered our stuff, so we had about 24 hours to paint 2 kids rooms, and a laundry room. Reuben did a great job especially with the trim work. All I did was roll and roll and roll.

My kitchen looked like this for a couple of days, but it was the first room to be completely unpacked.

It took us 3 1/2 full days of working to get everything unpacked and put away. I'm so glad We plowed through it. We woke up each morning with a list of what we wanted to tackle and did it. It was hard at the time, but I'm glad it's done.

One week after taking possession of our house, we had 13 people over (including us) for Easter dinner. It was great to have family over to see our house. We had fun talking, eating, and watching the kids run in and out playing. I think that the tables looked great...

Now if we could just make the Ashley furniture people deliver our living room furniture, we would be set. For now we are using lawn chairs in the living room. A couple of the neighborhood kids have come to play and they really don't know how to react to our choice of furniture, we just laugh and let them know that it's ok to laugh at it. (The furniture will hopefully be here in a week.)

Moving Day...

2008-03-13T10:37:00.009-05:00

I sit here watching the movers load all of our wordly possessions into a moving truck, trying to stay out of their way, and wanting at the same time to do something. So I sit here and do the only thing I can do. Blog! We are leaving the Houston area. A place we have called home for the past 4 years. It took me about a year to be able to call this place home. We have made wonderful friends who we will miss dearly. But this move has been looming over us for about 9 months. With the housing market as it is here I guess I should feel blessed that we sold our house at all.

So now I will say goodbye to this chapter of our lives. To our home of 4 years...

To my first big kitchen. Yes, before this I only had small galley style kitchens. Now I am spoiled, I absolutely need a kitchen that C and I can be in together and not bump into each other...

And the family room where the kids loved to play, dance, and have friends sleep over. They just loved sleeping in the family room watching a movie and eating popcorn.

As soon as we are moved in to our new home, I will post some pics!

Pack up day!

2008-03-12T09:48:00.002-05:00

The packers are here. My house is a wreck. The boxes are everywhere. At least I don't have to do it. I just get to sit here and type on the puter. Tomorrow they will be taking all of our things in a big truck not to be seen again until Monday in our new place. Here's where we are going. I love our new place.

Menu Plan Monday

2008-02-25T10:30:00.002-06:00

Mon: Leftovers
Tues: Ground Beef and Pasta casserole (recipe soon)
Wed: Lemon Garlic Chicken, broccoli, carrots
Thurs: Chicken Italiano (recipe soon), rice pilaf, corn
Fri: Leftovers
Sat: Pizza
Sun: Potato Soup

Wordless Wednesday: Mardi Gras Swim Meet @ LSU

2008-02-20T06:57:00.004-06:00

Picture heavy!

For more Wordless Wednesday go to 5 Minutes For Mom or Wordless Wednesday Headquarters.

Tackle it Tuesday: List

2008-02-19T06:21:00.004-06:00

For this weeks tackle I have a list. Our house is under contract so I have about 24 days to get the house in as much order as I can while still keeping life normal for the kiddos. So here goes...

1. Renew CPR.
2. Make Almost-Fudge Gateau
3. Clean and organize pantry

4. Clean out and purge kitchen cabinets.

Just a sampling of what my cabinets look like. I can't believe I can find anything. Well off to shower and get CPR done.

What are you tackling? For more Tackle It Tuesday go to 5M4M.

Some of my tackles did get done. Only did not get to the pantry :(
Here are the finished products:

Almost-Fudge Gateau:

Kitchen cabinets:

A Blanket for Me!

2008-02-18T12:21:00.003-06:00

I am working on the Burridge Lake Aran Afgan by Anna Dalvi. This is what I have so far

And if you look real close you can see a mistake in the beginning of the third repeat. But this blanket is my first big cable project so I know that I will have some mistakes. Hopefully I will finish it in the next couple of months.

Menu Plan Monday

2008-02-18T08:52:00.006-06:00

Mon: Chicken and rice casserole, green beans
Tues: Mini meatloaf, mashed potatoes, corn, Almost-Fudge Gateau
Wed: Leftovers
Thurs: 7up crock pot Roast, carrots, potatoes
Fri: Pizza, cupcakes:)
Sat: Out to dinner
Sun: TBA

For more Menu Plan Monday go visit Organizing Junkie.

Happy Valentines Day!

2008-02-14T09:17:00.005-06:00

This is what I got from my dear hubby for valentine's day. I love receiving flowers, and this year I got 2 dozen! The kiddos got some candy, itunes gift card, and S got a game, and C got this webkinz...

This afternoon I will be off to class Friendship parties. We cannot call them valentine's parties because it is considered a religious holiday.

Have a Happy Valentine's Day!

What movie is your love life like?

2008-02-13T20:59:00.001-06:00

Your Love Life is Like The Princess Bride

"Since the invention of the kiss, there have only been five kisses that were rated the most passionate, the most pure. This one left them all behind."

For you, love is like a fairy tale - albeit a fairly twisted one.
You believe romance is all about loyalty, fate, and a good big of goofy fun.

Your love style: Idealistic yet quirky

Your Hollywood Ending Will Be: Perfectly romantic

What Movie Is Your Love Life Like?

Tackle it Tuesday: Braces!

2008-02-12T07:01:00.000-06:00

Yes, it's that time again. Now we are getting the bottom braces. Poor S. He missed 3 days of school last week because of a stomach virus and now he has to get braces at 7:30 this morning, and I cannot let him miss again. I just took before pics, and he looks soo excited (sarcasm here). I will post photos after I return.

Happy Tackles. I do have some more tackles for today. Off to the orthodontist!

To vote or...

2008-02-11T14:10:00.000-06:00

Soap box up and me speaking!

We teach our children the importance of voting. That we live in a free country and every voice is heard and counts. That no matter your social status, race or religion that you have the right and the power to vote for who and what you believe in. We teach them that if you don't vote you are not allowed to complain about how the country is run, or anything else for that matter. Now my husband and I don't always vote alike. More often than not we cancel each others votes, but that does not matter. We still go to the polls and cast our votes. Since our children were born we have taken them with us to vote. As infants in carriers, as toddlers in our arms, as pre-schoolers, then school aged, they have come with us and watched as we voted. They are very excited that at 18 they can start to vote on their own. My husband and I are registered with different parties, and don't always vote our own party, and never have a problem with voting.

Now I'm saying all of this because we were in Louisiana this weekend for C to swim in a meet at LSU. We left S with my parents in Lafayette so he could have fun with Nana and Papa. They went to vote on Saturday and S went with them. My mom signed in, took S to the booth with her, and picked who she wanted, and pressed complete, nothing. She tried again and again without success. She called over one of the officials and told of the problem. The official told her that she could only vote within the party that she is registered. WHAT??? My S who is 12 knows better than that. He proceeded to give the official a small lecture on living in a free country with the right to vote for anyone. The person who was talking to him told him that he was right but this is the way it's done. He did not believe a word of it. My son can be very passionate (dramatic), and can get pretty loud. He then had everyone's attention, and wanted to know what was wrong with this place. He goes with mom and dad to vote in Texas and votes their choice. He told the official, "Isn't this America, with freedoms?" They tried and tried to calm him down, but when he gets worked up...

Needless to say, he wants to know who makes up the rules in Louisiana because they don't follow the same rules.

Laughadaisy gave away a valentine's gift!

2008-02-08T08:55:00.000-06:00

If you love to look at great blog designs, head on over to Laughadaisy. She had her blog redisgned by Summer. She has great designs. Lots of great colors for spring and summer. I missed the giveaway, but head on over to their blogs and check them out. I can't wait to see who wins and what their blog is going to look like!

What goes around...

2008-02-08T07:49:00.000-06:00

I think we are all well! Does someone have some wood to knock on? After S was on the upswing from the stomach virus, I got it. 2 hrs. later, C got it. So dear me, I was cleaning up vomit, and running to the bathroom to vomit myself. Not my finest moment.

Now everything in the house has been washed, lysoled, and otherwise degermed. All the while trying to show our house. Of course, we would have showings in the middle of all of this. And I will have someone's head if we don't get an offer soon. It was a nightmare making sure things were picked up, smelled good (I felt like my house smelled like a hospital or nursing home), and vacuumed. DH did make it home in time to help.

So now it seems we are all either well or on the up swing. It is taking C a little loner to bounce back, but she better hurry as she is swimming in a mardi gras meet in LA this weekend. We are leaving this afternoon. She feels better, but not much like eating. I can't say I feel much like eating either. hmm...maybe I'll lose some weight:)

Hope you all have a good weekend. I'll be back with pics Sunday or Monday!

Tackle it Tuesday: Coat Closet

2008-02-05T11:11:00.000-06:00

Here in the Houston area you may only wear a coat twice a year and that is why our coat closet looks like this...

and here is the floor...

Wait, where is the floor? Well after taking everything out ...

and packing it up for me to take to Goodwill, this is what we have!

And a floor!

So what are you tackling today?

For more Tackle it Tuesday go to 5m4m.

What a night...

2008-02-04T08:05:00.000-06:00

My family went to SIL house for the superbowl yesterday. I was the lucky one. I am not a big football fan, so I got to stay home by myself. I had a glass of wine, took a hot bath, read a book, etc. All of the things you want to do but can't because of the many interruptions of mommydom. I was so happy and relaxed.

They all came home early because BIL was sick. Very sick. Stuck in the bathroom for the second quarter (I had to think about that one. I almost said inning.)

Fast forward to 2am. I woke up thinking one of the kids were sick. I lay there for a minute listening to the silence when S walked in and said he threw up all over the bed. So I got up, went to his room, stripped the bed, thanked God for mattress protectors, lysoled the bed, pulled out the trundle and got him settled. I hosed down the bed linens, then set them to wash on "Whitest White" cycle. This washes in hot water for 85 minutes. I went back to check on him and noticed that I needed to wipe down a wall too! WHAT! So, I wiped down the wall and tried to quit gagging. Now I was wide awake. I then settled into bed when S came in again. Couldn't make it to the bathroom. EEEKKK! This time I cleaned carpet, picked up the blanket and got the dirty T-shirt, hosed them down and waited to put them in to wash, on "Whitest White" again. (Now you may be wondering why 12 yr old can't make it to the bathroom. He hasn't thrown up since he was a baby.) Switched laundry around, went to check on S. He told me that his "stomach feels like it is inside out and touching all of his organs." What happened to I have a stomach ache? I went back to bed finally. Next thing I knew, I was being woken again, trundle bed stripped, linens hosed down, bed made. Laundry was switched around again. Went back to check on S. He told me, "my stomach feels like it's inside out and rubbing against all my organs." What happened to I have a tummy ache? Went back to bed, fell asleep and alarm rang 30 minutes later. It was time to get up and get C up and ready for school.

So, here I am, just starting my day. 3 loads of laundry down and I haven't even touched the laundry baskets! Oh no, I hear S again...Bye.

I won!

2008-02-03T09:08:00.000-06:00

I won a giftcard to Walmart! Whoo Hoo! Jacki over at Moving at the Speed of Life held a giveaway and I won. Please pray for her and her family as she has just lost her uncle. I am sure that she would appreciate it.

And The Winner Is:

2008-02-01T10:17:00.000-06:00

Here are your random numbers:

89
Timestamp: 2008-02-01 16:16:57 UTC

Meleahthemommy is the winner. Congratulations. And thank you to all who played along with me. I have had so much fun. There are some amazing people out there.

Bloggy Giveaway Carnival Ending Soon

2008-01-31T20:47:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone. Just wanted to let you know that the Bloggy Giveaway Carnival will be ending soon. Some have ended already and some will be ending in the near future. So if you haven't signed up to win anything and want to, there is still time. So head on over to Bloggy Giveaway Carnival and get to clickin. I know everyone likes to get free stuff ;) And I want to thank Rocks In My Dryer for hosting this event. I have had so much fun! It has been exciting trolling around everyones blogs, seeing just how many crafty, smart, crazy, wonderful people are out there. I will be visiting again! Now how do I get to 800 blogs? It may take me a while!

Wordless Wednesday: Mad As Heck!

2008-01-29T20:53:00.000-06:00

Bloggy Giveaway: Photo Bag

2008-01-28T08:03:00.000-06:00

I am participating in the Bloggy Giveaway Carnival hosted by Rocks In My Dryer. For my giveaway, I am offering a Photo Bag. It is not exactly the one pictured here, but pretty close. I will post a photo of the exact one this evening. It makes a great brag bag for any mom, grandma, pet lover, etc.

If you want to win, leave me a comment. The winner will be drawn at random on Friday, Feb. 1, at 10am. The winner will be notified via email. Please note that you must have a US mailing address to win this.

Don't forget to head over to the Bloggy Giveaway Carnival to find more giveaways, and maybe join in the fun too!

Giveaway now closed! Thanks for playing:)

Our Big Saturday Night

2008-01-27T08:47:00.000-06:00

was spent babysitting our 4 month old niece, E. We had a great time. C loves to play with her and would love to teach her everything girly! See, she has 2 big brothers and needs someone to teach her the girly stuff.

I just love little baby feet. Chubby, short toes, and one day they can get you from point A to point B. It's hard to imagine that these little things can do that...

After E was fed, changed and burped, C wanted to play with her. They were all set up so I went to clean the bottle, etc. When I came back to check on them, I found C trying to introduce E to the world of computers. It was so funny because E was paying attention.

I guess next is shopping the sale racks!

A full couple of days!

2008-01-26T08:36:00.000-06:00

We, I mean C and I, have just returned from Austin, TX. What were we doing in Austin? Well I was taking lots of Advil. We went to the "Best of Both Worlds" concert with Hannah Montana, and Miley Cyrus. Ally and AJ were there too! The concert was actually better than I expected. I didn't have very high hopes! It was all of the little girls with their little girl screams. That is what got me. Did I ever act like that?

C had a great time with her best bud who now lives in Austin. I had fun too. Especially the shopping. Oh, yes. I got to go to the outlet mall and shop a little with my best bud who now lives in Austin! (yes, they are mom and daughter too!) The girls hated to leave each other, but all good things must come to an end. We'll get together again next month and they will burn up the cell phones until then.

Wordless Wednesday: 5th grade Manner's Banquet

2008-01-23T13:10:00.000-06:00

Water waste!

2008-01-14T10:24:00.001-06:00

I think every New Years I make a resolution to lose weight, eat healthy and drink more water. But with the drink more water comes the tons of water bottles thrown away each year. Well Workout Mommy is doing something about this. She is giving away a Brita faucet-mount filter and a reusable FilterForGood bottle! If you want to enter, head on over to Workout Mommy and sign up. Yes, it's that easy.

Wordless Wednesday: Doggy Luv

2008-01-02T07:30:00.000-06:00

For more Wordless Wednesday go to 5 Minutes For Mom or Wordless Wednesday Headquarters.

A Year in Pictures 2007

2007-12-31T16:11:00.000-06:00

This has been a great year at our house. We celebrated the new year with friends even those in Oregon via site speak. The kids had their first plane trip and first Disney trip. We went to swim meets, water polo games, many school events. S got braces. Christmas at home. etc, etc, etc.

Happy New Year!

One Little Secret

2007-12-28T18:56:00.000-06:00

I won this book in a book draw at Christian Women Online. It is One Little Secret by Allison Bottke. I can't wait to start reading it. This month's book draw is Shoes for the Spirit: Encouragements: by Tamra Nashman. If you want to win, head on over and sign up. Good Luck!

My C looks like who?

2007-12-21T22:53:00.000-06:00

Christmas Cards

2007-12-20T08:42:00.000-06:00

Well, I'm finally getting around to sending them. They will be in the mail today. Here is the card...

I know, I procrastinate too much. But they will be out today. So do you call it a Christmas card, or a New Year card?

Popcorn and a movie!

2007-12-19T10:16:00.000-06:00

Do you want to win a year of popcorn and movies? Well 5M4M is giving it away. What is it exactly? Good question. You could be the winner of a years worth of Orville Redenbacher's popcorn and a 12 month 2 at a time subscription to Netflix. How do you win this fantastic prize? You head on over to 5M4M, leave a comment, and link up. Oh, and you have to be a US resident as Netflix only ships in the US. Good Luck!

Help end world hunger!

2007-12-15T21:24:00.000-06:00

Please check out this site FreeRice. This website donates 20 grains of rice to charitable causes for every vocabulary word you get right. So click on over and expand your vocabulary

Jeans contest!

2007-12-12T19:47:00.000-06:00

I know everyone wants to hear about this! You could win a $200 gift certificate to True Jeans. All you have to do is go to 5M4M, leave a comment, post about it on your blog and link up. Yes, its that easy.

Wordless Wednesday: Winter Champs

2007-12-12T07:09:00.000-06:00

For more Wordless Wednesday go to 5 Minutes For Mom or Wordless Wednesday Headquarters.

My Christmas Apron!

2007-12-06T16:52:00.000-06:00

I finally made it. I wanted a Christmas apron and have been looking for several weeks for the one I wanted. They were all too kitchy and pretty pricey. So, I decided to make my own. I don't sew very much. I'd rather be knitting. But I broke out the machine and in a couple of hours I had this...

And here is the close up. You can see the Christmas toile.

I am so happy with the way it turned out. I just love the toile print. I think it is so traditional. Now I can start baking! Merry Christmas Everyone!

Wordless Wednesday: R in Dubai

2007-12-05T09:25:00.001-06:00

For more Wordless Wednesday go to 5 Minutes For Mom or Wordless Wednesday Headquarters.

Baby, It's cold outside!

2007-12-04T13:41:00.000-06:00

Yes it is cold outside. It was 34* when I woke up this morning! This is what we saw when we let the dog out this morning...

And just 3 days ago we were wearing shorts, tank tops and flip flops. I just wanted to start baking. But, I have plenty on my plate for today. Laundry, housework, parade, play,... So the baking will have to wait until Thursday or Friday. By then I may not want to bake as the temperature will again be in the 80's. I did get a chance to start on my Christmas apron. It has been cut out. I want to finish it by Thursday. This is the fabric that I choose.

Menu Monday

2007-12-03T08:25:00.000-06:00

Monday: Spaghetti, peas and cookies
Tuesday: Out-Christmas parade
Wednesday: Pork chops, noodles, broccoli
Thursday: Leftovers
Friday: Pizza
Saturday: Sloppy Joes and chips
Sunday: Roast, rice and gravy, greenbeans

For more menu monday's go here.

One of those days!

2007-12-02T18:07:00.000-06:00

Have you ever just had one of those days. You just can't get to bed soon enough. Nothing really goes wrong, you just need to get everything done, and there is so much to do. Today was it. Couldn't sleep last night. Probably got 4 hours. We had family in town, so we had a commitment with them first thing. As we were walking out the door at 8:30am, I got a call to show the house. No way! Not that, too. So I politely declined any showings today. No, I haven't finished (or started) my gift wrapping, haven't vacuumed this week, haven't dusted, haven't etc, etc. So no, I can't show the house today.

After we did the extended family thing, I had to start thinking about Girl Scouts. We were supposed to decorate the float for the Christmas parade on Tuesday, but here in south Texas, it's hot and raining. No decorating a float in the rain! So what can a brownie troop and junior troop do to get ready for the parade? Make Christmas t-shirts. So off to Michael's to get fabric paint, t-shirts, etc. Came home for a short rest and off again to Girl Scouts. The girls had a blast, and the t-shirts are great. Will post a pic after parade.

Yeah! Home again. Oh bother, now I had to clean the house, at least vacuum and dust. Done. So this day leaves me exhausted. I can't wait for tomorrow.

Oh, what a day!

2007-12-01T18:22:00.000-06:00

We woke up this morning with nothing to do. Well not nothing, we actually had plenty to do. The mall was not on my list, I have sworn off the mall until after Christmas. I do love shopping on black Friday, but after that it's either small shops, Target, or the internet. I was shopping the internet for my niece but the shipping was outrageous $8 for a child's shirt. How much can a child's shirt actually cost to ship? So we decided to go to the mall, only to one store though. We got ready to leave and when I called for C to come and grab a drink before we left, this is what she was wearing...

All of the colors she is wearing are in her skirt. But wow that's alot of color! So off to the mall we went. Quick in and out. Yeah, right! There is no quick in and out at this time of year. Especially on a Saturday. What was I thinking. Got the gift though. And this is the car we parked near...
This evening S was drawing. He does not have a light box and wanted to trace a pencil drawing he did in pen. He is a genious! Here is what he did...

Yes, that is a flashlight! He needs a lightbox dad.

Pizza Night

2007-11-30T19:56:00.000-06:00

Friday night is pizza night here at our house. So this is what we had...

This is what we watched...

We thought the movie was great. And yes, we are dog people. Have a great weekend!

R is back from hospital!

2007-11-28T13:33:00.000-06:00

Hubby was in the hospital for an over nighter. The first one of his life! (If only men could have babies) This is the story in a nutshell. He started with flu-like symptoms on Sat, low grade fever, etc. And, since he will be away for a time I told him to go to the Dr. on Monday. So he placated me and went. Dr. wanted some blood, he nearly passed out and didn't even have one stick. Big baby! He left the Dr's office without giving up any blood not even one attempt. And 10 minutes later passed out while behind the wheel of the car. He was fortunate in that he pulled off the road into a parking lot before passing out. Didn't hit anyone, but ran over a median, grass, and a tree stump and that is where he woke up, surrounded by employees of a neighboring carwash. After the tow truck got him out, I called the Dr. What would any self respecting nurse/wife/mother do? He wasn't to happy with me when the Dr. said admit, especially days before his trip. Anyway, after about a dozen tests, a couple of visits by the local dracula, and hospital food to boot, he is home. Safe and sound with no firm reason why this happened, still one more test to do. So what did we do today, baby sit!

Wordless Wednesday: Dancing Doggie!

2007-11-28T07:21:00.001-06:00

You must dance for your dinner!

For more Wordless Wednesday go to 5 Minutes For Mom or Wordless Wednesday Headquarters

It's Christmas Season!

2007-11-25T17:40:00.000-06:00

I woke up this morning knowing that at some point I would have to go to the grocery store. When I finally did, I found some cinnamon chips! I have been looking for them for the past 2 years. I got 4 bags! Next time I will buy more! This put me in the mood to do some baking. And what fun it would be to have Oatmeal Craisin Cinnamon Chip Cookies. They made the whole house smell like Christmas. I put up the tree, decorated the mantle and watched Christmas movies. What a great day! Here are the results:

Black Friday!

2007-11-23T16:28:00.000-06:00

Yes, I was one of the crazy many who braved the cold and set out to find deals! No, I did not hit the stores that opened at midnight, or even the few that opened at 4am. I did, however get out to the ones that opened at 5am. There wasn't any big ticket item that we could not live without this year, just many smaller ones. Most of the places I went, I got in and out of quickly.
Kohl's was a different story. We got there at 9am. Got the things on list. Then stood in line. And stood, and stood, and stood in line for 1.5hrs. What did I do in line for 1.5hrs you may ask. Good question. I tag team shopped with my friend, made a few friends, and picked things up as I walked by them. It's a pretty good deal for Kohl's. They strategically put impulse buys in the isles that you just can't resist and end up spending double. But that's OK. I put most of it back 10 minutes after picking it up. All in all my shopping day was a success. I even spent less then I planned.

Poopy face!

2007-11-22T18:03:00.001-06:00

Poopy face!
Originally uploaded by amymparks

My funny little niece makes this face. So everyone runs out of the room when we see it coming! The last one there gets to change her!

So, I made my first turkey!

2007-11-22T17:24:00.000-06:00

Here is the before and after shots. I read about 2 dozen recipes, found 3 I liked and made the turkey using what I liked about the 3 recipes. It turned out very moist and delicious. (At least that is what everyone said. I guess they could have been lying, but I will take any compliments I get.) We even have a little leftover for sandwiches. That would be my favorite part of Thanksgiving. The leftover turkey sandwich!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-22T08:42:00.000-06:00

As I am preparing my very first whole turkey, I am thankful for a healthy family, and a husband who is willing to help me prepare said bird.

Wordless Wednesday

2007-11-21T09:33:00.000-06:00

Tackle it Tuesday

2007-11-20T14:29:00.000-06:00

This tackle is S had to get braces. And here are the photos:

Another Giveaway

2007-11-20T07:51:00.000-06:00

I am just loving this holiday season. The sounds of Christmas are already in the air. And can you believe that over here in Texas the streets, storefronts, lamp posts, etc. were decorated the week of Halloween. I wanted to go home and start decorating that week too.

Well I was hopping around on the net and ran across a blog, The Apronista. Don't you just love that name! She hosting a giveaway of a goodie bag with 2 items from
The Farm Chicks and a vintage apron. I am so into aprons! If you want a chance to enter the giveaway you han read more about it here.

Menu Monday

2007-11-19T10:21:00.000-06:00

Monday: Chicken Caccitorie with rice and salad

Tuesday: Leftovers

Wednesday: Pepper steak

Thursday: Turkey, candied yams, greenbeans, stuffing, cranberry sauce, rolls, and pumpkin pie

Friday: Leftovers

Saturday and Sunday: out of town!!

Wordless Wednesday

2007-11-14T06:59:00.000-06:00

Mushroom Cupcakes!

2007-11-13T20:14:00.000-06:00

Weird title eh? I received this cupcake tree from a Home Interiors party that I hosted. C and I couldn't wait to start filling it up. So while she was at swim practice, I baked some cupcakes that we could frost after dinner. And do you know what happened?

The Mushroom Cupcake. Well, you can't frost these things and then put them on a cupcake tree. They just don't fit that way.
So, I had to get out the bread knife and start some serious surgery. This is what I was left with...

C loved the mushroom cupcakes and wouldn't let me trim them all down. The cupcake tree only holds 20 cakes, so the other four were left with the unremoved overflow. She thought they were the best looking cupcakes ever.
All this work was to fill the tree so here is the final result...

Menu Monday

2007-11-12T06:32:00.000-06:00

Monday: Burgers, chips and applesauce
Tuesday: Grilled chicken, green beans, and mashed potatoes
Wednesday: Mac n cheese and a salad
Thursday: Leftovers, fresh fruit
Friday: Pizza
Saturday: Pork chops, broccoli, noodles
Sunday: Roast, rice and gravy, peas