Four Foods on Friday

Here is this week's Four Foods questions.

#1. Do you prefer cooking with electric or gas? I like gas because when you adjust the heat, it's immediate! Although I have a new stove that is an electric smoothtop that I'm getting to use and find out how I like it. (I didn't pick it out so hopefully I find out over time that I will love it.)

#2. How many times a month do you order out? At least 8 -10 times.

#3. How do you like your ice - cubed or crushed? Crushed is the best because sometimes when you get a drink, you also get a little chunk of ice to chew on. Sonic has the best crushed ice!!

#4. Share a Christmas recipe. I don't have anything specific to Christmas except what I made for dinner this year so I'll share my baked beans recipe.

Baked Beans
2 can 16 oz. pork and beans
3/4 C brown sugar
1/2 C ketchup
1/4 C mustard
1 onion; chopped
1 package bacon; raw, 2 inch pieces
liquid smoke
6 shakes Worcestershire sauce

Slightly cook bacon and onions. Mix all other ingredients together. Lay bacon strips on top. Cover and cook for 1 hour @ 400-425 degrees. Uncover and cook 5 - 10 minutes until bacon is browned.

Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year!

Christmas tag

I saw this meme over at "That's Baloney" and I thought it was a great thing to post during the Christmas season.

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends. Okay, here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be a SCROOGE!!! Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Tag as many people as you want to....Tis the Season to be NICE!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? At Christmas time I usually always use wrapping paper.
2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial, it's always been artificial.
3. When do you put up the tree? Anytime during December when I have time.
4. When do you take the tree down? I know this is going to sound bad but it's gone the day after Christmas.
5. Do you like eggnog? Yes, but only in small quantities and maybe only once during the holiday.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? My favorite gift was a stereo that I received for my birthday. I was the happiest child that day.
7. Hardest person to buy for? Parents
8. Easiest person to buy for? My children
9. Do you have a nativity scene? No
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? I'm BIG on doing things on the computer, but Christmas cards need to be mailed the old fashioned way.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I've received tools in the past that I didn't want or need.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? The Santa Clause or Elf
13. When do you start shopping? Most of the time I start in November.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Not yet, but I'm not against it.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Pie
16. Color lights on tree? white
17. Favorite Christmas song? Winter Wonderland
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home. I believe kids should get to have Christmas at home.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Probably not.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Neither, it's an old fashioned style fabric Santa Claus
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? The hustle, the bustle and the finances.
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Red ornaments are beautiful.
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Mashed potatoes
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? A laser hair remover but I'm not asking for it because it's super expensive.

I'm not tagging anyone in particular, so if you want to play just copy and paste and leave a comment so that I can visit your post and read your answers. Have fun!

Back off, Lady!

I stopped at Movie Gallery the other day to pick up some things for Christmas and the woman that checked me out absolutely annoyed me to the point that I was pretty mad by the time I left. She kept saying things like, "Do you need anything else, Sweetie?", and "Can you please sign here, Sweetie", and the final blow was "Here's your receipt, Babydoll".

AAaaaaarrgh!! I bet she called me "Sweetie" at least 4 times. I don't know, maybe it's just me but there is something about a woman who is the same age or younger than me calling me these ridiculous names. Maybe if she was 90 I would have thought it was cute. I felt like it was lacking respect. She better not catch me on the wrong day; a day that my children have seen me have in the McDonald's drive-thru.

Ice Fountain

Even though the ice had melted on the streets, this fountain was still frozen solid when I drove by it on Thursday morning.

Soon.. and counting!

I'm done with my Christmas shopping except for a few really small stocking stuffers for the kids. I have a few gifts that I will need to wrap and then I can sit back and relax.

Dylan will be coming home on Sunday and will be home for 2 weeks. His old room is now being occupied by Cody, so it's going to feel different having him here as a guest. Although I hope he feels comfortable and not like a guest at all.

I'm so ready for the holidays to begin!

Coated with Ice

Our area has been covered in ice this week and the schools have been closed for the past three days. If the kids return to school tomorrow, they will be taking their final exams without any chance to review in class, as was the plan this week.

The roads have been treacherous and I've been stuck a couple of times and sliding all over the road the other times. The streets in town are in pretty good shape but once you leave the city limits.. beware!

Jacket

I've been on the hunt for a new jacket for Cody and this has not been an easy task because I've have found that the boys are very particular about the style of their jackets. I think my problem in this search is that I was looking at coats which are too heavy and thick for their taste. So... to Cody's disappointment, Ray bought Hayden a new jacket this past weekend and because Cody told Ray he already had a jacket when Ray asked him about it, Cody once again, did not get a new jacket. The jacket he was referring to was a hand-me-down that started with Dylan (who is now 19 years old) and not one of the boys have ever wanted to wear it as it was passed down to each one. I think Cody didn't feel like he could say he hated the jacket just to get a new one, so he sat quietly and very disappointed that he missed this opportunity for a new jacket.


So when I got back from my trip to Raleigh, I went on an all day search for this new item. Cody found a near perfect jacket at Old Navy. I must say, this kid was incredibly happy to have this jacket and he put it on immediately when we got home after all the tags had been removed. He then took his evening shower, redressed, and put the jacket back on to wear for the rest of the evening. I didn't know whether to feel sad that I took so long buying this item or happy that he loved it so much.

We just went a little greener

After months of making a loud screeching noise, on and off for the past few months, my washer finally bit the dust. It happened while Ray was at home and I was only aware of it when I walked in and noticed he had it pulled away from the wall and was working on it. He said it was time to buy a new washer and who am I to argue.

So this is my new front loading washer that I've been yearning for ever since I used my sister's washer while visiting her one summer. It uses less water and spins the heck out of the clothes which makes drying time faster since there is less water left in your laundry. Only time will tell how much we like it but I have a good feeling about it.

Four Foods

I'm at it again, sharing my answers to the Four Foods questions this week.

#1. Does your family usually eat meals in the kitchen or somewhere else?
We eat in the kitchen and living room. Unfortunately we are not the eat around the dining table type of family. Our schedules are way too busy for that kind of togetherness so we do our bonding at other times.

#2. Who usually does the dishes in your house?
Our Hotpoint dishwasher. We ask the kids to rinse their dishes and put them in the dishwasher and I add the soap and start it up. I'm not sure that's called "doing dishes". I am the one who scrubs dishes after cooking but I stick them in the dishwasher also.

#3. What’s your favorite small appliance or tool in the kitchen?
Probably my hand chopper for chopping and dicing vegetables. Makes meal preparation so much easier.

#4. This one’s for my son. Share a recipe for chili.

Chili
1 lb ground beef
Chili mix
1 cans tomato sauce
Optional: beans of your choice, tomatoes, stewed tomatoes and any extra spices.

Brown ground beef. Add the chili mix and cook for 1 –2 minutes more. Add tomato sauce and water and allow to cook for 20- 30 minutes. Serve.

In Raleigh, in case you were wondering

We have been in Raleigh, NC since Thursday to play a few soccer games in a College Showcase tournament. Things have been uneventful unless you count the first plane ride that we caught out of Tulsa almost dropping from the sky and killing us.

I exaggerate. But it was the scariest moment I've ever had in a plane. The jet suddenly dropped down as if it had stopped running and everyone let out a gasp and/or was awaken from thier naps. My heart was racing and I think we were all a bit uneasy until we touched down. The pilot wasn't even kind enough to let us know what had just occurred. I guess he's used to acrobatic flying and he just treated it like it was a normal part of the experience.

It's official, he's an Airman

So far, this week, we've had a great time with Dylan, catching up and hearing all about his time at basic training. He's wanted to do nothing except relax, eat and more relaxing.

Here he is at the retreat ceremony when we set eyes on him for the first time. I was surprised at his appearance but incredibly proud. He's so serious!












Here are how these recruits stood during the ceremony. I loved looking at how they did everything the same and at the same time. Lots of practice, I'm sure.














I catch myself taking a peek at him every now and then, because I'm happy that he's here with us and I'm trying to get used to that new haircut. I think he looks great!

Crime capital of Texas

We were in our hotel room on the evening of our second day in San Antonio when we heard a crash outside in the parking lot. Hayden, who is notorious for playing pranks, looked out the window and told us that my car had been hit. We were all like, "yeah right.. whatever". I looked out the window and sure enough my car had been hit by a small red car and hit hard enough that it moved my car over 6 feet from the place it previously had been parked. There were 3 boys standing outside the red car so we rushed out to the scene of the accident. When we made it out to the parking lot, they were mad about the damage to their own car. I was telling them to look at the damage done to my car and they responded again with "but our car is worse!". Stupid punks!

While we were calling the police and accessing the damage, two of the boys took off running and never returned. I think the driver would also have left the scene had his car been able to run, but it was messed up good. Fortunately for us, he had to call his mom, and we were able to collect insurance information. These boys had dropped a large flashlight in the grass and we are guessing they were using that to look into cars for valuables. Luckily my car is fine except for missing part of the bumper and we aren't able to open the back hatch door because of parts that are bent out of shape.

The last time we were in San Antonio was 15 years ago and on our first night at our hotel, we had our car stolen. "San Antonio, we hear your message loud and clear... we do not want to come back just as much as you obviously don't want us here."

Airmen's Run

I'm sharing a video of the Airmen's run that we watched this morning. What's that?? Did I see Dylan?? Sadly, no.

I cannot tell you where he is during this run because we were not able to spot them as they passed. I'm beginning to wonder that he may look so different that I can't spot him in a crowd. We are returning to the base at lunch time, where we will get to spend the afternoon and evening with him.

Pre-Trip

I'm packing for our trip and making sure I have everything that Dylan has asked me to bring. He'll be going to Biloxi, Ms after this week is over and wants to take his computer, phone and I-pod with him.

I talked to him on Sunday and it had to be the best conversation I've had with him so far because of something very touching he said to me. He was so nice.

It looks like we might be going to Sea World while we are there so it's turning out to be like a mini vacation for our family. San Antonio is just one of those places where there are so many things to do.

Premiere

This is the day that many of us have been looking forward to for months now.

The premiere of "Twilight"!!!

And like so many of you, I'll be spending the day with girlfriends, dining at a nearby restaurant and attending this romantic movie about a teenage girl and her vampire boyfriend.

I wish I had a vampire boyfriend.

Travel to and fro

I couldn't lift a finger to type a new post the last couple of days. It was a busy weekend in Houston with a late night drive back home and I had to be at work by 6am the next morning. So after working the last couple of days, I'm now re-energizing my cells.

Dylan called this past weekend and I was able to talk to him for awhile and get better idea of what was happening at basic training. Just one more week until his graduation in San Antonio. It will be a great way to spend Thanksgiving.

Two Things

Two Names you go by:
1. DeeBee
2. Mom

Two things you are wearing right now:
1. Pajamas
2. T-shirt

Two of your favorite things to do:
1. Lunch with friends
2. Computer

Two things you want very badly at the moment:
1. To have my shower over with
2. 1 million dollars

Two favorite pets you have had/have:
1. Mojo - black cat
2. Tanji - silver schnauzer when I was first married

Two things you did last night:
1. Dinner at Pappasitos
2. Mall

Two things you have eaten today last night:
1. Shrimp Brochette
2. Bit o honey

Two people you last talked to:
1. LeAnn
2. Caitlin

Two places you have been in the past year:
1. Orlando, Florida
2. Las Vegas, Nevada

Two Favorite beverages:
1. Vanilla Cappuccino
2. Margarita

Houston

Caitlin and I are in Houston this weekend for a couple of soccer games and maybe some shopping at a nearby mall. We are sharing a hotel room with another mom and two other players. Should be a fun weekend.

Twilight

Next Friday is going to be the best day. I'm going with 3 other friends and we are going out to eat and then to the movies to see Twilight!!!!!! I can't wait!!!!!! Did I use enough exclamation points because I really want you to know how I feel. Are you feeling me?

Poor guy

I feel sorry for Ray sometimes because his job at the office is so hard!

I think I'm shrinking

The last few pairs of jeans that I've purchased have been too long and dragging on the ground. It's annoying!!

Green Country Skies

Don't ever say that we don't do fun and exciting things. This past weekend, I took my kids to the Tulsa Air and Space Museum, only we weren't there to visit the museum. We were all pumped up about going to the PLANETARIUM!! I know, exciting huh?

Although the show had some very interesting facts and I left more educated about our skies than before I arrived, it was a little bit boring in parts and the kids said the same.

It can't be said that I don't do important things for my kids' education. I just hope that my kids' friends don't get jealous.

Four Foods

I think I missed the last couple of weeks, due to no reason that I can think of at the moment. But I'm back on track this week and ready to play. Visit Fun, Crafts and Recipes if you want to play this meme and share facts about yourself.

#1. Stuffing. Boxed or from scratch?
From scratch... all the way!!

#2. If you were served the perfect Thanksgiving dinner what would it be?
What's perfect for some might not be perfect for others. My idea of perfect is Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, corn, gravy, rolls and lots of pies. And this meal would need to be fixed by someone other than myself, like my mom. So there!(This is for you, Tanya)

#3. What’s your favorite Thanksgiving leftover?
Dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy!!

#4. Share a recipe using turkey.
I don't make anything using turkey so I'll have to pass on this one.

Operation Quick Call

Dylan called today to make sure that we knew about him being able to leave the base on Thanksgiving day and to give us a phone number to call to make that request. Yes...we have to make it official or he won't be able to spend the day with us. And you know how the military is always giving every event an official name like "Operation Desert Storm", well this one is no different and it has been tagged as "Operation Home Cooking".

He sounded good and he asked if there was anything that I wanted to know about basic training. I have a thousand questions and I had to grasp for the most important ones to ask quickly, so I think I asked him if he was sore from his training and how he was doing. I told him I would have to ask more when I see him next. That was about all I had time for when he said he had to get off the phone. It's always so good to hear his voice. I can't wait to see him in a couple of weeks. This is the third time I've talked to him and it's always very rushed, but just hearing him does me a world of good.

Fun with Memes

Here's a meme that I spotted at Dawn's Diversions. It looked fun, so I thought I'd play.

I give you money and send you into the grocery store to pick up 5 items. You can only pick one thing from the following departments.. what is it?
1. Produce: Bananas
2. Dairy: Milk
3. Meat: Roast
4. Frozen: Waffles
5. Dry goods: Pasta

Let’s say we’re heading out for a weekend getaway this weekend. You’re only allowed to bring 3 articles of clothing with you. So, what’s in your bag?
1. Jeans
2. Long sleeve shirts
3. Pajamas

If I was to listen in on one of your conversations throughout the day, what 3 phrases or words would I be most likely to hear?
1. What??!
2. Brush your teeth!
3. Do you have homework?

So, what 3 things do you find yourself doing every single day, and if you didn’t get to do, you probably wouldn’t be in the best mood?
1. Computer
2. Shower
3. Make my bed (Something about this affects my mood)

Sweet, you just scored a whole afternoon to yourself. We’re talking a 3 hour block with nobody around. What 3 activities might we find you doing?
1. Shopping
2. Working on a puzzle
3. Computer

We’re going to the zoo. But, it looks like it could start storming, so it’ll have to be a quick visit. What 3 exhibits do we have to get to?
1. Monkeys
2. Lions
3. Bears

You just scored tickets to the taping of any show that comes on T.V. of your choice. You can pick between 3, so what are you deciding between?
1. Oprah
2. Ellen
3. The View

You’re hungry for ice cream. I’ll give you a triple dipper ice cream cone. What 3 flavors can I pile on for ya?
1. Chocolate Chip
2. Strawberry
3. Chocolate

Somebody stole your purse/wallet…in order to get it back, you have to name 5 things you know are inside to claim it. So, what’s in there?
1. Wallet
2. Migraine medication
3. Gum
4. Chapstick
5. Receipts

You are at a job fair, and asked what areas you are interested in pursuing a career in. Let’s pretend you have every talent and ability to be whatever you wanted, so what 3 careers would be fun for you?
1. Psychologist
2. Interior Designer
3. Accountant

An upgrade

Remember this pathetic attempt to create a handle for our microwave, after the real thing had fallen off?

Now it's this.

I was worried that we didn't have a good seal around the door of the microwave and microwaves were seaping out causing us cancerous danger, so we replaced it before we all died. You can't tell here, but it makes the kitchen look different, more updated and high tech. Now we want to replace the stove and dishwasher so that all our appliances will look as spiffy as this new microwave.

How he came to live with us

Isn't he pretty? I know... it's probably just me, but I love this animal.

He's had a special place in my heart since I first saw him locked in an animal crate at the place where I took my dogs to be groomed. He stuck his paw through the little bars and batted at my fingers and then sprang off to play with a toy that dangled from the top of the crate. He's was the cutest thing, (after my children of course). He needed a home, but I left him there because I wasn't sure I needed a third cat. Since I could not get him out of my head, I ended up going back to the groomers the next day to take that little kitten home. He's been entertaining us everyday since.

Woot! Woot!

Here's the weekly update on the gas prices in this area. Can you believe that gas has fallen below $2?? I'm amazed and really had some doubts that we would ever see this price again. I realize that it won't stay at these prices but it's so great to see before it goes up again.

Our last trick-or-treater...

...was a pony. And that little cowboy behind him was the one who rode in on him. I wanted to pet that horse so badly but all I did was stood there and told the mom that they sure did have a big dog!

I love how life here sometimes imitates a country life.

Happy Halloween!!

Hope everyone has a great time tonight during the festivities!! Don't let the witches and ghouls get you and don't cross the path of any black cats!! Keep safe!

I'm not George!

"I will name him George and I will hug him and pet him and squeeze him."

And if you want to see the cartoon that this quote came from then I've put here for your viewing pleasure. (especially around minute 2:04)

Boo!!

I've been Boo'd by Dawn who is a fellow blogger that also lives in a town nearby here.

The instructions for Boo'ing fellow bloggers is this:
Go to as many friends as you want and tell them they've been "BOO'd." Have them link back to your blog to pick up their Halloween Treat (picture) and tell them to Boo their friends. Then put the picture in your side bar so everyone knows that you've already been "BOO'd" and to send the picture to someone else. What a fun Halloween thing to do for us bloggers.

Just because it's "white" again, doesn't mean it's clean!

We were a little slow at getting the pool filters cleaned for winter storage this year. We had freezing temperatures last night of 28 degrees and we still had not removed the filters out of the pool equipment and cleaned them. Actually, you are suppose to replace them every year but since they cost somewhere between $300-$500, we will be cleaning them until it's absolutely necessary to make that purchase.

Ray got home early from work and pulled out the pressure washer and started spraying them down. Then, thinking he was done after about 5 minutes of this, he came and got me to tell me he was finished and to come check them. Last year, I spent a good hour or so on them so this timely cleaning was a bit surprising. I went out to find that once I started spraying the filters, there was still murky water, lint and black particles coming out of them. It took us about 45 minutes to an hour more of this to get them as clean as they were going to get. And he thought he was done after 5 minutes!! I hope he keeps his day job because after taking out the trash, cleaning the garage and washing the cars, he's no good at house chores and I would not be very good at bringing home the bacon.

We had a nice evening last night at home. We don't have nights like that often because of our soccer schedules. Caitlin and a neighbor friend of hers from across the street went to the store and bought cookie dough. So while they made the chocoloate chip cookies, the boys and I patiently waited for our share of cookies and watched a few Family Guy episodes. That cartoon has so many things that are just so inappropriate but funny at the same time. The boys would laugh about the dumbest things. I think it was a "boy" thing, because I just didn't get it. And "no!" it wasn't the inappropriate stuff. I get that!!








It wasn't long and the smell of cookies had us headed for the kitchen where Caitlin and Kyle had started sampling them and taking crazy pictures. We each had so many cookies that I'm surprised we didn't go to bed with stomach aches. I love nights like this where we just hang out, laugh, cook and just enjoy each other.

Look at this!!

I filled my tank for less than $40. It wasn't that long ago that it was costing me $80. I'm so happy!

First contact

While I was at work today, Ray called me to let me know that I had received a letter from Dylan. It's been almost 2 weeks since he left for basic training in the Air Force. I was pretty excited and hurried right home to get my letter.

Unfortunately it wasn't a letter, it was information about his graduation that the Air Force required all recruits to send home. But I was ok with that because I now had his address and I could write to him to lend some encouragement in the off chance that he might need it.

So we went to Hayden's soccer game that afternoon and while sitting there enjoying the game, my phone rang. IT WAS DYLAN!! I only got to talk to him for about 90 seconds but it was enough time to hear that he was enjoying basic training and he was doing really well. He said they had been really busy so there wasn't much time to call home. I told him I would write him and he said he would write and tell more about what was going on with his training. I look forward to seeing him in November and hearing all about his experience in San Antonio. I have so many questions!!!

Home fresh goodness

I had a goal for myself this week and it was to try and make homemade bread. What made me want to try this, you ask? Well, I'll tell you. I'm a fan of a fellow blogger who lives a country life, and that's putting it mildly. Her blog is called Chickens in the Road and you should really check it out if you aren't already one of her readers.

I'm downright jealous of the resources that she has at her fingertips or should I say, right outside her front door. Her and her husband recently built a new house and for the past year she has added ducks, goats, chickens, a dog to watch these animals, a garden and a pond. She has decorated her home this fall with the foliage that grows near her home and around her property. She's been learning how to milk goats and make cheese from that milk, which has not been an easy task to collect. And on top of all that, she's funny, she's an author of romance novels and she bakes homemade bread frequently using a recipe that has been handed down from generation to generation.

She was my inspiration to make my first batch of homemade bread. I followed her directions and mixed the ingredients as instructed. I let the dough rise in a covered bowl for about an hour and then kneaded it.




I only have 1 loaf pan so I opted to use half the dough to make a few large rolls. This photo was before the bread was allowed the second time. It's at this point that I divided the dough to make my rolls and my 1 lone loaf.




An hour later, the dough had risen again and was ready to go into the oven to be baked. I was so proud every time that dough would rise successfully. I figured I would mess something up with the ingredients and be left with a flat lump of dough that would need to be trashed.







But look!! The bread turned out beautifully and was delicious as well. I can't wait to make my next batch and to try her other versions of this recipe.

Handy Shmandy!

I thought I would share how handy I am at fixing things. I must have inherited this cleverness from the white trash part of my family. Yes, I have white trash members in my family tree and I've learned to accept it but not to pass along "their ways" with my children. Except for this one time:

The handle on my microwave recently broke off and we were having trouble getting that door to open.
BEWARE: A rhyme to follow. So tug as we may, and tug as we might, that door wouldn't open without a fight.
The plastic frame around the bottom of the door was starting to give out and I was noticing a small crack where it would surely snap off soon. I had to do something fast. Thank goodness for duct tape. I taped it to the inside of the door and left a bit hanging out at the bottom to give the kids (and myself) a brand spanking new handle. Voila! Do you see it? Pretty snazzy, huh? Life is good again.

Four Foods

Here's this week's Four Foods. If you like to share recipes and might find it fun to share information about yourself related to food, then join in by visiting Fun, Crafts and Recipes. It's fun and it's a way to meet other Four Foods bloggers.

#1. Name something you use cream cheese in/on.
I mostly eat cream cheese with red pepper jelly and wheat thins. But since my cholesterol is a bit high, I've bought fat free cream cheese and I'm going to try it out. I doubt that I'll like it much.

#2. Do you use yogurt in any recipes?
I've never used yogurt in anything I've ever made. I think I'm afraid.

#3. Macaroni salad. What do you like/put in yours?
I like macaroni salad, but I've never made it. The only thing close is a pasta salad with the twisted pasta, broccoli, salad peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes and Kraft House Italian dressing. It's delicious.

#4. Share a recipe that you use sour cream in.
I haven't made this in quite a while because of my picky-a** children, but this dish is so good! Please try it and let me know what you think. I got it from my sister years ago.

Quick Creamed Chicken Breasts
6 bnls whole chicken breasts
½ c. chopped mushrooms
1 c. canned cream of mushroom soup
1 c. sour cream
¼ c. chopped parsley
paprika

Place chicken in shallow baking dish. Combine soup, sour cream, mushrooms and parsley and pour over chicken. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake uncovered about 1 hour at 350 degrees.

Just a little bit

It's raining in "these here parts" of the country. The lightning and thunder made an entrance today as well.

It makes things difficult when you are out grocery shopping and taking the dogs to the groomers. I've been soaked more times today than I want to remember.

Sometimes, life gets in the way

I haven't posted in a few days because we were traveling home from Mississippi on Sunday and then I worked all day on Monday and Tuesday. I plan to find something interesting to blog about but I needed to get past these last few days.

Our trip to visit Miss. State was quite an experience. The coaches will be coming to watch Caitlin play when we go to Houston for our premiere league games. It should be interesting to see what happens. I'll keep you posted. It's going to be difficult to see the coaches and not be able to go up to them and say "hi" or even wave in their direction. NCAA rules!!! They bite.

More of our road trip to Miss. State

It's all about Miss. State:

Even girls need weight training:

Indoor facility for those bad weather days:

Film room:

Rock wall in the recreation center:

Pregame warmup:

Watching the game from the grassy knoll:

To see what we could see

We drove around the campus of Mississippi State after we had dinner even though it was already dark but we just wanted to see what we could see. (The blurry pictures are a result of having the "flash" option off...I'm sure I'm not doing something right.)








The most impressive things were the Sorority and Fraternity houses. They were also the only things we could get pictures of in the dark, since they were well lit up.









They were huge!

The lights were on at the football stadium so we were able to get a glimpse at this as well.... again.... another massive structure.

Four Foods

Time for Four Foods from Val at Fun, Crafts and Recipes.

#1. Share a cupcake, muffin or cookie recipe.
I don't make cupcakes as often as cookies so I'm sharing a cookie recipe.

Thumb Cookies
½ C shortening
2 egg yolks
½ C butter
2 C flour
½ C brown sugar
½ t salt

Roll in small balls and cook 3 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove and mash the center of cookies with thumb. Bake 5-6 minutes.
Filling: 2 c. powdered sugar 2 T. milk ¼ c. melted butter food coloring 1 t. vanilla Mix together and fill in thumb prints.

#2. Cupcakes, muffins and cookies require something to drink. What do you drink with them?
Milk is the best with cupcakes and cookies. But muffins, it depends on the type of muffins. Maybe a pop would be my next preference of drink.

#3. Which do you prefer, mini muffins and cupcakes or full sized ones?
Just give me full sized ones. I want a big cupcake with a big flavor... yumm.

#4. What type of muffin or cupcake pan do you use? Silicone, disposable, etc.
I use the metal pan with the non-stick surface. I would love to try the silicone type someday.

Could the drought be over?

So our last soccer game of the weekend which was on Sunday did have a happy ending. At least for our team. We won the game and actually scored 3 goals to the other team's 1. I think we all collectively felt a sigh of relief since the last few weeks have been a bit disappointing for this group of girls and their parents. We have not won a game but only managed to tie at best in the last 4 games or so. Hopefully we are back on the road of scoring goals and winning games.

And now for some pictures from that game. Here is the team getting their halftime peptalk from the coach. That's my girl in the middle on the bottom bench looking very bored interested.

And look at her here, winning that ball and defying them any chance of scoring against us. You go get 'em girlfriend! Of course, she learned this from her momma.

Wait, here she is about to step in the way of the shot that is being taken by the opposing team. That's gonna hurt. No pain, no gain... and we did the gaining on this day. The team looked great and all the girls played well that Sunday. They should be proud.