The Rockin' L's

{Southwestern Eggrolls}

2012-01-25T14:11:00.001-08:00

In cleaning out my email (YAY for January and wanting to clean, clean, clean) I stumbled across this recipe that I made for a friends wedding shower that we hosted at our house in 2008. It was my first time making Southwestern Eggrolls but we were having a FIESTA so I thought they would be perfect - they did not disappoint. I had several people ask for the recipe when the shower was over. Try them – I think you will be pleased, like a little Fiesta in your tummy! I couldn’t make up my mind on what sauce to make so I made them both – they were both great but anything with avocado in it can’t go wrong in my book!

Southwestern Eggrolls

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 can of chicken

2 tablespoons minced green onion

2 tablespoons minced red bell pepper

1/3 cup frozen corn kernels

1/4 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

2 tablespoons frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained

2 tablespoons diced jalapeno peppers

1/2 tablespoon minced fresh parsley

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/3 teaspoon salt

1 pinch ground cayenne pepper

3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

5 (6 inch) raw flour tortillas

DIRECTIONS

Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in green onion and red pepper. Cook and stir 5 minutes, until tender.
Add chicken and mix into the pan with onion and red pepper. Mix in corn, black beans, spinach, jalapeno peppers, parsley, cumin, chili powder, salt and cayenne pepper. Cook and stir 5 minutes, until well blended and tender. Remove from heat and stir in Monterey Jack cheese so that it melts.
Wet the raw tortillas and then spoon even amounts of the mixture into each tortilla. Fold ends of tortillas, then roll tightly around mixture. Place seam side down. Arrange in a medium dish. Brush the tortillas with olive oil (or spray with baking spray) and bake in the oven at 425 for 20 minutes or until the tops are a golden brown.
Allow to cool for about 5 minutes before cutting them in half and serving.

Cilantro Cream Sauce

INGREDIENTS

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1 tablespoon sour cream

1 (7 ounce) can tomatillo salsa

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon celery salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

DIRECTIONS

Combine cream cheese, sour cream, salsa, pepper, celery salt, cumin, garlic powder, cilantro and lime juice in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Place in a serving bowl.

Avocado-Ranch Dipping Sauce

1/4 cup smashed, fresh avocado (about half of an avocado)

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon buttermilk

1/2 teaspoons white vinegar

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon dried parsley

1/8 teaspoon onion powder

dash dried dill weed

dash garlic powder

dash pepper

DIRECTIONS

Combine all of the ingredients - you can either blend until smooth and creamy or smash up the avocados with a fork and leave it chunkier. Place in a serving bowl.

{Project 52:2}

2012-01-13T08:53:00.001-08:00

I do want to raise an independent thinking woman who can stand up for herself, take care of herself and mostly love herself but I find myself having the internal struggle, too often than I care to admit, on the right way to do that. She is most certainly capable of making a bunch of different decisions. What she eats? Not.so.much. This child would turn into a cookie, sucker, cupcake or piece of gum – we do have to set boundaries there but what about other parenting “issues”?

It never fails that she walks out of her room dressed for church is ratty shorts, a “strap shirt” (her phrase for a tank top) and flip flops – 20 degrees outside, doesn’t matter. Her choice of clothing to go spend the day at my mom’s house? A 2 year old Christmas dress and patent shoes. I’m trying to get better about the “control” that I feel I need to have on the way she dresses. Purple dress with tulle, turquoise leggings with big white daisies all over and black shoes? Great – let’s roll, we are going to be late for Church! Hiding what I had picked out the night before and then walking out in 57 7 shades of pepto? Ok, you have a coat on – those are “kind of” leggings and at least they are all from the same color family – Perfect, now go get in the car – we are going to be late. (see a pattern here? we move slower than a pack of worms) I do want her to know that she does need to obey and follow the rules but I don’t know if staring up World War 3 at 7:00 in the morning over what SHE wants to wear is the way to do it. I want her to be dressed for the temperature (we are wearing a LOT of leggings under skirts right now) and I want her to be comfortable, but is it me who is uncomfortable - What are other going to think about her, about me as a mom, etc. ?

I think in the end it was me who learned the biggest lesson Tuesday morning. You are beautiful, you are independent and you are just FABULOUS – even in 7 different shades of pink! I do have my hands full with you but so is my heart.

{Wordless Wednesday}

2012-01-11T09:11:00.000-08:00

MMMMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

{Project 52:1}

2012-01-06T12:41:00.001-08:00

Styleberry is once again doing Project 52. The challenge is to take a photo every week for the entire year and the photos should revolve around a theme. It’s a new year and a great time to start a project so I’m joining in on Project 52 (because Project 365 sounds WAY scarier!) and my theme will be Motherhood. One of my goals this year is to work on my photography – little saved snapshots where time stood still. It’s going to be an exciting journey that I hope to put it into a book at the end of the year – a record of my 2012. Let’s get this party started…

{Happy NEW Year}

2012-01-03T12:34:00.001-08:00

{Our Stinker Binker}

2011-11-16T12:57:00.001-08:00

I love taking pictures and capturing the everyday and the personalities of my children. I have two different pictures of Ella Grace that I do love that shows exactly who she is as a young child. I hope to be able to look back at them one day and remember again.

I haven’t really captured a picture like that of Blake yet until recently – this sums him up to a T! The smile, the wrinkled nose the eyes that just light up – that’s my precious boy…The Stinker Binker (lovingly named by his big sister)!

I love this little man!

{Halloween 2011}

2011-10-31T14:44:00.000-07:00

Can you guess what they were ?

Get your GUNS UP!

His best attempt at getting his Guns Up!

{The Masked Rider}

2011-10-17T14:01:00.001-07:00

We had a party at our house on Saturday evening for my MOPS group. Ella walked in my bathroom while I was finishing getting ready and said, “Mommy – Get your GUNS UP!” She was ready for the Tech game that was about to come on T.V.

Needless to say she decided to change her Halloween costume Saturday night too – guess what I’ll be doing tonight! She told me that she needs a black horse (don’t tell her Daddy she just might get one) – but after I disagreed she said that she would just ask Andrew if she could borrow his! ;)

There is no telling what this girls future holds – Get you GUNS UP!

{Miss Tellz ALL}

2011-09-28T13:12:00.001-07:00

Crazy Sock Day at KDO – September, 2011

Message from my mom (who watches my children everyday):

Your daughter is so ratting out your husband today.

She wanted to know why I changed placemats. I told her I just like a change sometimes, don't you?

She said No, my daddy and I don't like change but my momma does.

I asked her later if she wanted milk and she said Yes, please.

She says my daddy taught me that, he said you don't make the rules, he does.

I said that's right, I just follow momma and daddy's rules!

Out of the mouths of babes.

{Sisterly LOVE}

2011-09-27T09:47:00.001-07:00

I have really always loved the fact that I was an only child. Because, after all did I really ever know any different? I was really close with both of my parents (still am) and we did everything together. It’s kind of a running joke in our family that all three of us grew up together…we did everything together – went everywhere together. I know that it’s a special relationship that we have and one that I wish everyone shared with their parents (they both walked me down the aisle). I have never felt like I missed out on anything until last night.

The kids and I have gotten into the habit of getting ready for bed earlier and then trying to be in Ella’s bed around 7:45 for story time. I love piling up in there and reading bedtime stories together. Tuesdays is Library day at pre-school and so we usually read that book all week and then depending on how well we did about getting ready for bed in a timely fashion we can add a couple of more books as time allows. This week she had chosen A Bug Collection by Max Lucado with 4 short stories inside - we had just finished up the final ~~lesson~~ story about Buzby, the misbehaving Bee.

I closed the book and told Blake to give sister hugs and kisses. He rolls over on his side and leans into her and she bends down and starts rubbing his hair. She says in a soft voice, “Do you know what my favorite thing to do is? Spend time with you.” and leans down and kisses his forehead. That BIG act of love in her little 4 year old body made this Mamma’s heart burst! (a few tears let loose too) What a precious little relationship that they have and I know that they are still young but I hope that it stays this strong and this full of love always. I do not always get along and they still scream and hit each other but when it’s bedtime and time for hugs and kisses they give it all they’ve got. When Blake gets upset after he’s been comforted by Mommy or Daddy it’s WeWah he’s looking for to comfort him next. It’s a blessing to be the mother of these two precious children and I’m pretty sure that I learn more from them some days than they do from me…such is parenting.

{Dear Sweet Baby Boy}

2011-09-04T14:59:00.000-07:00

happy birthday!

oh how you melt my heart, and crack me up!
today when i said tomorrow’s your birthday, you said, “no!”
you are a silly boy with such a sense of humor (a future class clown I’m sure).

people told me a boy would be different from girls.
they were right.
you have my heart in a different way than your sister does.
you melt me.
the way you wrap your arm tight around my neck every night after bathtime and give me a BIG kiss.
the way you walk up to me throughout the day and kiss my leg, just because.
the way you say, “nnnnnnoooooooo” to me. yes, even then.

and you are becoming such a big boy!
you are getting so good at using your words, and telling us what you want. (although, sometimes your sister does has to decipher for us)
i love that you don’t get frustrated very often.
and when you do i love the way you stomp that right leg and say – MAH! (mad)

but you are still my baby.
i love when you say, “take.you.” when you want me to hold you and “lap” when you want to sit with me. thank you for not growing too big too fast.

and you are such a lover!
not only to daddy and i, but to your sister.
i love that you walk up to ella and give her unexpected hugs and kisses.
that you demand hugs and kisses (“huuu, kiii”) every night at bedtime over and over.
i love that you go to Wel-wah (ella) for comfort when you are sad.
i love that you even let her pick you up sometimes, even though you’re nearly the same size!

bubs, you are one amazing boy.
i know our great big God put you in our family for a very special reason.
you fit. you changed us. you made us different. you make us better.

thank you, Lord, for entrusting us with this little boy.
train us in the ways we should guide him to be a man after Your own heart.
help us to steer his passion for life into a passion for Your word, for You.
amen.

{Happy Birthday Monkey}

2011-08-27T14:53:00.000-07:00

1462 days.

That’s how many days you have been my baby girl.

You fell asleep in my bed last night and when your daddy asked me if I was going to take you to bed I said, “Not yet, listening to her breath in and out relaxes me.”

Are you going to remember turning 4? Are you going to have great memories from your childhood?

Will you remember the year you were in love with all things Hello Kitty?

Will you remember the funny things that you say:

Hair Conversation = Hair Salon

Minnie the Moo = Winnie the Poo

Will you remember the way you INSISTED on dressing yourself in dresses for pre-school and play clothes for church?

Will you remember the way that you squeeled and danced around in the rain after praying consistently to God for it?

Will you remember when you looked over at me and said – Best.Day.Ever.

Will you have fantastic memories of your birthdays and make just as big of a deal of them as I did?

Four.Years.

Happy Birthday, Baby Girl!

Here’s hoping you are filled with happy memories always!

{Ssssshhhhhh}

2011-08-16T11:17:00.001-07:00

{Smile}

2011-08-15T14:45:00.001-07:00

Ella Grace really does crack me up and she’s got some of the best one liners around. Saturday morning about 9:30 she rolls out of bed (can you say crazy hair) and finds us all on the back patio, sitting and watching the rain. She steps over to the edge, stares out into the backyard for a bit and says, “Huh, Guess my rain dance worked.” Turned around and walked right back inside. I loved it – she makes me smile. And on Saturday morning when God blessed us with rain it made me smile too! He ALWAYS provides! God.Is.Good.

{Signs}

2011-07-19T14:27:00.001-07:00

We are having VBS (vacation bible school) at our church this week, it runs from 6:00pm – 8:30pm so as you can imagine it makes for a really long day for the kids (and mommy too). Ella got a little “testy” last night on our way home and it was evident that it was time for bed – that wasn’t in her plans and so here came the flood works, stomping of feet and pouty face (told you it was time for bed). I got Blake ready for bed and put him down all while The Fit of 2011 was occurring. I finally had enough – I was hot, tired and tired of the whining, crying, fit throwing, yelling, etc. I couldn’t do ANYTHING right in Ella’s eyes and I finally just said our bedtime prayers and walked out of her room. I. Was. Done. I got ready for bed and took a quick peek at my Pinterest account and saw this…

I do believe in disciplining your children and I also believe that we should apologize to them when we do something that we are not proud of whether they are 3 or 33. So I walked back into Ella’s room and bent down in her ear and told her that I was sorry for the way that I reacted to her tantrum and that I will work on the way that I react/respond to things. She rolled over looked me right in the eye and said, “I’m sorry Mommy for throwing a fit and for not listening and I will work on it too.” This all from a child that you practically have to pull an apology out of (wonder where she gets that). That moment was good for me, to hear her sweet little voice apologize and then tell me that she forgave me – the cuddles were great too.

I do believe in signs and subtle reminders and I was actually aware enough last night to take notice and act on it…something that I wish I did more. I learned a lot last night in a dark bedroom with glow in the dark stars on the ceiling and two little arms wrapped around my neck. We are in this together.

“There’s no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one.” -Jill Churchill

{You Are My Sunshine}

2011-07-14T13:34:00.001-07:00

{Fancy Nancy – Er, Ella}

2011-07-13T09:00:00.001-07:00

There is never a dull moment at Casa Locker - we have our very own Fancy ~~Nancy~~ Ella!

We live story book adventures around here…

{Honoring a Fallen Hero}

2011-07-12T11:09:00.001-07:00

Yesterday the Brownwood Community came out in full force to show support for a local firefighter who passed away after falling trying to catch a ball at a Texas Rangers game this past week. The funeral service was private for family, friends and fellow firefighters but we were encouraged to line the streets for the 8 mile funeral procession from the church to his final resting place.

A firefighter from California that flew out to help man Station 2 for the service and burial - passing out stickers to the kids

In this town of 20,000 people where it is not small enough that you know everyone’s name it is still small enough that many are willing to support this family and honor this man. Over 50 fire stations from all over Texas were there to show support for their “brother” and his wife and son.

Chad was in a truck in the procession and I was so proud of him (and all of the other men) and I was humbled and honored to share the event with my children. It’s just another reminder of how precious our lives are and how short our time on this earth can be. Kiss your Husbands. Hug your children tightly. Remember how fragile life is.

Please lift up the Stone family in your prayers during this difficult time – the power of prayer is Amazing!

Town honors fan who died at ballpark: kxan.com

{He is ALL Boy}

2011-07-12T08:35:00.001-07:00

Mischevious…

Class Clown…

LOVES trucks…

Makes MESSES…

Wants to be just like Daddy…

Silly…

And I wouldn’t have it any other way!

{Going By Way Too Fast}

2011-07-06T14:39:00.001-07:00

{Hey Ho Sister}

2011-07-06T14:05:00.001-07:00

Ella Grace is quite the entertainer – and the girl can hear a song once and the next time it comes on the radio she is singing along. The lyrics might not all be right but it sounds good to her! My favorite song (Ella’s version) is Hey Soul Sister by Train…

(Chorus)

Hey Soul Sister

Ain’t that Mister, Mister

On the radio, stereo

The way you move ain’t fair, you know

(Ella’s Version)

Hey Ho Sister

Hey Mister, Mister

On the radio, stereo

The way you are mic-ferio

I don’t know if Train is looking for any back-up singers but this girl has got it down..Mic-ferio!

{T.C. Pittman}

2011-06-27T12:50:00.001-07:00

T.C. Pittman

November 25, 1917 – June 24, 2011

T.C. was born on November 25, 1917 in Albany, Texas to parents Thomas Clifton Pittman and Agnes Jordan Pittman. He graduated from Albany High School in 1935 and then from Ranger Jr. College. He was a longtime Cowboy having started his career at the age of 9 following his father into the ranching world. He cowboyed at the RO Ranch in Arizona for a short time before WWII where he worked cattle in the mountains above the clouds. He served his country in the Army Air Corps during WWII and spent the rest of his life ranching and cowboying in Shackelford County. He married LaVerrel Dennis on February 29, 1968 in Albany. Mr. Pittman was a member of the First Baptist Church of Albany. T.C. was one of the early members of the Fort Griffin Fandangle which he began performing in 1936, and also he was a member of the Breckenridge Elks Lodge #1480. Survivors include his wife, LaVerrel Pittman of Albany; son, Del Pittman and wife, Patty of Whitney and granddaughters, Donna and Amanda; step daughters, Ginger Locker and husband, Brad of Brownwood and Karren Crenwelge and husband, Dan of Fredericksburg; grandchildren, Amy Ellis and husband, Jorge, Katrina Crenwelge, Tim Locker and wife, Julie, Chad Locker and wife, Meredith,Ty Locker, Susanna Williams and husband, Richard, and and nine great-grandchildren; nieces, Tracy Pitman Sullivan and son, Brayden, Elizabeth Dyer and husband, James, Sue Santone and husband, Roger and family, Beth Polk and husband, Brian and family; nephews, Victor Adoue DVM and family, Vance Pittman, and Keith Adoue, and numerous great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Randolph and Frank Pittman; three sisters, Emabeth Thompson, Robbie Adoue, and Dorothy Pittman; son, John Pittman, and his son's mother, Lynn Stewart.

A wonderful grandfather to Chad and a great Paw-Paw to Ella and Blake – He will truly be missed!

{Make a Difference}

2011-06-27T12:43:00.001-07:00

I’ve read Kristen over at We are THAT Family for awhile now and I always enjoy the things that she has to say. Today I enjoyed a list that she made up of 100 Ways for your Family to Make a Difference. What a great thing to do as a family, what a wonderful way to teach the kids how to make a difference (big or small) – Thanks Kristen for the inspiration!

Babysit for a single mom

Teach compassion with a Family Giving Box

Write a Family Mission Statement

Bake cookies for your local fire dept.

Pick up trash at local park as a family field trip

Create snack packs for Ronald McDonald residents

Welcome a new family to the neighborhood with a dessert and introduction

Pray for the poor of the world

Color a Smile-print coloring page to be given to lift someone in need up

Make a baby care kit for a baby in need

Take time each week to unplug as a family

Donate your time or treasure to the Make a Wish Foundation

Appreciate your church staff in some small, tangible way

Do yard work for an elderly neighbor

Make a Life Book for a child in Foster Care

Read You Were Made to Make A Difference as a family

Volunteer to cuddle babies at the hospital (older kids/teens are often allowed also)

Read Christmas Jars as family

Save loose change in a jar and give to a needy family at Christmas

Take a family volunteering vacation

Stop and say thank you to grocery clerks, waitresses. Ask them how they are doing.

Become a monthly sponsor to help pregnant girls in Kenya

Make a birthday cake for an underpriviledged child

Serve at home: make each other’s beds, clean up someone else’s mess

Write thank you notes to people who serve you: postman, yard guy, doctor, etc

Sponsor a child monthly (cannot recommend enough)

Make relief kits for disaster relief victims

Sew a sleeping bag for someone in need (easy pattern)

Volunteer at a non-profit

Make up some Hygiene Bags to pass out to local homeless people

Take your family on a tour of Red Cross

Put a monthly date on the calendar for a Family Service Night

Take a meal to a new family

Create a card for Habitat for Humanity new home owner

Encourage your older children to be a Mother’s Helper to a mom with young kids

Fill a backpack to help give a homeless person a lift up

Make birthday cards and deliver them to a local nursing home monthly

Donate books to Africa

Take your kids to a local Food Pantry with canned goods to donate

Deliver food for Meals on Wheels

Pray as a family on a regular basis for the people in your life.

Donate your hair to Locks of Love.

Give blood. (Take your kids with you and explain the importance).

Donate nice toys to cancer ward at a Children’s Hospital

Buy a mosquito net and help prevent malaria

Randomly celebrate each other with a special treat, meal, time

Donate school supplies to a classroom in need

Compliment and thank the teachers in your life

Buy a soccer ball for a child in poverty

Give a used bike to a homeless person

Donate coloring books/crayons to hospital emergency rooms

Host a 40 hour famine in your home (fast something!)

Give clothes to a family in need (call your church/school to find one)

Read to a special needs child

Only drink water for 2 weeks, give proceeds for clean water

Buy a goat for a family in extreme poverty

Give a donation in someone’s name to an organization you believe in

Send your used shoes to Reuse-a-Shoe

Become Certified Respite Caregivers to give Foster Family’s a babysitting

Decorate a Christmas tree at an elderly person’s house

Hold a collection drive: makeup, lotions, etc for women at a shelter

Find a Food Bank near you to volunteer

Deliver popcicles to children at a homeless shelter

Offer your pet for therapy to the elderly

Decorate nursing home rooms of residents with homemade art

Have regular “family nights” with games, ice cream, time together

Visit the NICU with treats for the doctors and anxious parents

Write to unsponsored children

Read to patients at a local hospital

Plan a family missions trip

Bake cookies, host a bake sale and donate money to the poor or a cause

Volunteer at a local animal shelter

Plant a garden and share the produce

Hold a drive for lightly-used stuffed animals for police stations SAFE program

Write letters to servicemen

Give a micro loan and change a family in a third world country

Smile. At everyone.

Make care packages for children in the hospital

Instead of a birthday gifts, ask for donations for a charity or food for a food pantry

Shop fair trade

Offer to decorate hospital hallways during the holidays

Ask your city about volunteering to remove graffiti

Host a Lemon-AID stand and donate proceeds Blood Water

Make no-sew fleece blankets for Hospice

Collect pencils for African children

Send a care package to our military

Read the Bible together as a family every day

Collect shoes for Shoes for Kids (started by an 11 year old girl)

Let kids choose a charity to donate to for one of their Christmas gifts

Become a foster family

Pay for someone’s drink in Starbuck’s drive-thru. Make sure your kids enjoy the act of kindness.

Help your kids starts a neighborhood or school Bible Study with their peers

Volunteer to plant flowers for your school/church flowerbeds

Make a Care Bag for a child in need

Adopt a child

Welcome home a hero at the airport

Complain less

Start a Kindness Club with your family

Let your light shine!

Look for opportunities to be the difference in someone’s life

Host a virtual food drive

Start a KidzRap on your street!

Purchase gifts through families fundraising for adoption.

Make a quilt for NICU familes

Pay the toll for the car behind you.

How else can we make a difference?

{Mommy Moments}

2011-06-27T12:35:00.001-07:00

This is a first in what hopefully turns into somewhat of a series titled: Mommy Moments. Where I share things that I want my kids to remember. Wonderful memories about them as children. A small glimpse in to what life was like when they were kids. Mommy Moments is where I share things that I want to remember - things that I am thankful for, things that I don’t want to forget. Reminders of what is good.

Last Tuesday about 6:45pm we got a much needed (and appreciated) rain. It started out in BIG drops and then started coming down for about 2 hours. As ranchers we are always thankful for the rain and we have been very diligent lately in praying for the rain. Right when it started raining Ella Grace asked if she could play in the rain…she seemed surprised when I told her yes and then quickly ran inside to put on her swimsuit. She ran back out into the backyard and was running around laughing, screaming and playing when she just stopped and shouted “Momma, MOMMA – he heard me! GOD heard ME!” (praying for rain) And it just doesn’t get much better than that… a Mommy Moment that I don’t ever want to forget.

{Our Tiny Dancer}

2011-06-21T14:46:00.001-07:00

June 1st started off with a whirlwind of Dance Showcase rehearsals. We had pre-rehearsal, rehearsal – then we had awards night and dress rehearsal and then we had the Dance Showcase on Friday night and Saturday night…WHEW! What a way to end Ella’s first year of Ballet and Jazz.

I will admit that I thought the pre-rehearsal rehearsal was a bit much but the teacher knows what she is doing…that rehearsal is made for little girls like mine who all of a sudden decide that dancing on that big stage is not for them and it’s time to go home! Yep, she was ready to turn down all forms of bribery and head to the car. She sat on the side of the stage the whole time that they practiced their ballet performance and after a quick pep-talk she marched up there with the other girls in her class to practice her jazz dance – they moved onto the 3 year old group dance and everything was flowing smoother.

At the awards ceremony on the next night she was not having any part of that big stage again and in stepped my good friend Jessica and her daughter Hannah to talk to Ella about how exciting and nervous her first recital can be and how she will do so good and there is nothing to worry about. Tears flowed down my cheeks as I watched these 2 precious people talk so sweet and calmly to Ella and reassure her (something that was NOT happening with me at that moment).

She did receive an Excellence certificate for her class and she received the Tiny New award for the 3 year old classes too – which she was SUPER excited about because the trophy was pink!

Friday and Saturday were performance nights and it did wear us out but it was a fun time! The only thing is she wants to take ALL the classes next year…so much for slowing down!

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A Bubble Guppie…

2011-06-20T13:44:00.001-07:00

Blake has now finished his second summer of swim lessons and he didn’t sink! He is still in the class that focuses on mostly getting them comfortable in the water and not getting in until a parent is in – but he did start sticking his face in the water to blow bubbles and during the second week he would go under and open his eyes and grab a ball out of Yaya’s hand (or hand her one)…I’d say that is quite the accomplishment. They had an all boys class this year and it was fun to watch them all in the water – he is not a great floater but that will give us something to look forward to next year ;)

Blake, Hutton & Cason – Bubble Guppies 2011

Sum, Sum, Summertime

2011-06-20T13:34:00.001-07:00

Well, Ella Grace just finished up her THIRD year of swimming lessons and she has turned into quite the little mermaid! This year she taught herself how to do a front flip (which she calls a Back Foot ;) ) and she is swimming to the bottom of the pool and touching with her hands – quite exciting…We are super proud of her and all that she has learned!

Ella’s Class this Year

*Bobbing for her final*

{Home Sweet Home}

2011-02-03T14:25:00.001-08:00

Leave it to The Nester to come up with another great idea – to post goals for your home this year. It has gotten me to thinking and there are several ways to look at this, the first being things that I need to DO to finish my home (we all know a home is never really “finished” – or is this just me?) the second being a list for your home that is more than just DIY projects and an endless list of things to do. It’s.A.Place. I need to remember that.

“It is the expression of well-lived lives that creates beautiful spirit and charm in a house, not the beautiful furnishings.”

My home is where I’m with people that I love and with people that need love. So although I do have a to-do list a mile long here are the “main” goals for my home, our home this year.

That when people are in my home, they would see a comfortable,friendly place to be –

a place to settle in and relax.

That they would see it doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.

And I hope when people leave our home, that they leave with a feeling of family,

a warmth of love and a heart full of joy.

I want to our little corner of second street to “radiate a beautiful spirit and charm reflective of well-lived lives.”

Now, I’m off to cross some of those to-do’s off of my list!

{Smiley Happy People}

2010-08-02T14:29:00.001-07:00

Who says that you can’t smile when it’s 105 outside?

{Potty Break}

2010-08-02T13:46:00.001-07:00

When you gotta go…you gotta go

*Somewhere between Tulia and Sweetwater – in the middle of nowhere*

{Summer Fun}

2010-07-16T12:23:00.001-07:00

1st popsicle…I think he liked it!

{Swim Lessons}

2010-07-12T14:31:00.001-07:00

50 little toes…

10 paddlin’ arms…

5 sets of kickin’ legs…

4 boys…

1 girl…

and 1 little one that wanted back in the water…

{The First of Many…}

2010-07-06T06:29:00.000-07:00

{Sprinkler FUN}

2010-07-05T02:27:00.000-07:00

{Happy 4th}

2010-07-04T14:35:00.000-07:00

Hope your Fourth of July was full of Red, White & Blue!

{Is it Just Me}

2010-07-02T14:21:00.001-07:00

…or do you see the resemblance too?

{I’ve Got a Feelin’}

2010-07-02T14:17:00.001-07:00

that there is a lot of this going on today while I’m at work…it’s been dark and rainy around here

{Happy Hour}

2010-06-30T15:05:00.001-07:00

{1st Day of Summer}

2010-06-30T14:49:00.001-07:00

I decided that it was the perfect time to take the day off of work and take Ella Grace to the waterpark in Eastland. We left brother at home with YaYa and enjoyed a Girl’s Day Out! Full of sun, splashing, slides, picnics and a milkshake for the ride home! I couldn’t think of a better way to spend the first day of the summer than with my favorite girl…I love you Ella Grace!

{Blake & Emerson}

2010-06-30T13:52:00.001-07:00

*3 Weeks – 1 Week*

*5 months – 4.5 months*

*8.5 months – 9 months*

They are growing up WAY too fast!!!

{Chillaxin’}

2010-06-30T13:41:00.001-07:00

{Daddy’s Girl}

2010-06-30T13:40:00.001-07:00

{Mamma’s Boy}

2010-06-30T13:38:00.001-07:00

{Plenty of Room}

2010-06-30T13:36:00.001-07:00

One morning Ella decided that there was plenty of room in Blake’s bed for the both of them…

she just climbed right on in – let’s hope they always will be close!

{Just One of Those Days}

2010-06-30T13:30:00.001-07:00

{May 2010}

2010-06-30T12:10:00.001-07:00

Birthday Parties for Friends

Swim Day at Pre-School

End of Year Field Day

{Happy Birthday Razzi}

2010-06-23T10:01:00.000-07:00

I hope you like the cake as much as I liked liking the bowl…

- Ella Grace

{Bluebonnets}

2010-05-17T12:51:00.001-07:00

Check out other Faces and Flowers at I Heart Faces.

{Easter 2010}

2010-05-13T13:40:00.001-07:00

*The terrorizing of the Big Sister has already began*

How many eggs did Ella Grace end up with in her Easter basket you ask? 2…Because the kid gets candy so frequently that when she got to the first egg she shook it and realized something was in it – she opened it up and saw that it was candy and stopped everything and started eating. There was one egg left right by her by the time that she was finished snacking and that made lucky egg no.2 – the rest of the eggs were g-o-n-e!

*We did not go home with 2 eggs though…her Aunties took pity on her and started filling up her basket *

{Swagger Wagon}

2010-05-13T08:03:00.001-07:00

This just really is TOO funny!

I think the Rover just got a new name!

{My Baby}

2010-04-07T14:40:00.001-07:00

He turned 7 months on Easter Sunday.

He is the so happy that I believe he has sunshine in his soul.

He is rolling all over the place.

He is a ladies man.

He thinks his sister is HILARIOUS and laughs at her constantly.

He is my snuggler.

He is rockin’ his first two teeth.

He makes everything better when I look at that face.

He is my baby.

He always will be.

{Eat, Pray, Love}

2010-03-19T08:43:00.001-07:00

I’m reading the most amazing book at the moment. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I’ve heard lots of buzz about this book for awhile and had no idea what it was about – thankfully my mom got it for me to read while I was on maternity leave with Blake because I doubt I would have gotten it myself. I realize that it has taken me 6 months to finish a book (which is odd for me) but I read this book at night when it’s perfectly quiet and when the babies are in bed. This is not a book to read here and there where you are only dissolving about half of it. This is a book that I want to remember and I want to learn from and that I really look forward to my few moments alone with every now and then. If you like to read (even if you don’t) I suggest you read this one and falling into the rest of the Hollywood themes right now the book has been made into a movie, coming out this summer. The leading lady is Julia Roberts and I have a feeling that she is going to make this book to movie a winner, but do yourself a favor and read the book first…this is one of those that the Cliffs Notes are just not gonna cut it.

{I Heart Faces – Bundled Up}

2010-03-16T07:50:00.001-07:00

This week on i heart faces the theme is bundled up. I took this picture of Ella Grace in Colorado during Christmas 2008. I love the look on her face and her beautiful eyes. One of my favorite photos! Don't forget to go over and check out the rest of the entries, just click here!

{Mister Smiley}

2010-03-05T14:54:00.001-08:00

{First Haircut}

2010-03-05T14:52:00.001-08:00

Before:

After:

(Daddy supervising making sure they didn’t cut it ALL off)

Thank You Auntie Mandy for the Beautiful New Do!

Thank you to Auntie Hayli too for keeping me still!

{Enchiladas Con Huevo}

2010-03-05T07:36:00.001-08:00

Not one to pass up a good party, I’ve decided to participate in Simply Modern Mom’s Challenge.

Does it get any better than trying to come up with 365 recipes from all over the globe, our family favorites, our go-to’s when we just can NOT come up with anything else for dinner?

I’m in…with Enchiladas Con Huevo or Stacked Enchiladas.

What is a stacked enchilada you say? Instead of the regular stuffed and rolled traditional enchiladas their stacked counter-parts (commonly found in New Mexico) have the sauce and filling layered in between flat tortillas and topped with a fried egg! SO easy to make and I can’t even begin to describe the little dance that your mouth will make when the yolk mixes with the enchilada sauce and cheese. OLE!

Enchiladas Con Huevo

SERVES 4

Ingredients

1 can red enchilada sauce
1-2 cans tomato sauce
1 can chopped green chilis
2 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
12 corn tortillas
3/4 cup onion, finely chopped
1 tsp. minced garlic
2 1/2 cups mild yellow cheese, white cheese or goat cheese, divided use
4-8 eggs

Directions

Heat oil in skillet on stovetop. Add onion and garlic and saute until onion is soft.
Add enchilada sauce, tomato sauce, green chilis, chili powder and cumin to the onion and garlic mixture and heat thru.
In another skillet add enough oil to cover the bottom and heat. After oil has heated take a corn tortilla and dip into the oil, to make pliable.
Take and dip the soft corn tortilla into the sauce mixture and cover well. Place onto plate (I usually add a little bit more sauce on the top) and then sprinkle with cheese.
Repeat layers 2 more times, ending with cheese.
Place your stacked enchilada in the oven on warm while you make the other plates.
When all of the enchiladas are stacked take your eggs and fry them in the remaining hot oil on the stove.
Place 1-2 eggs on top of the stack of enchiladas. ( I eat 1 on my stack; I put 2 on hubbies)’

Simply Modern Mom is trying to reach her goal of 365 recipes by this Sunday (3/7).

So…go over and link up your family favorite’s! Happy Friday!

{Snow Day}

2010-02-23T14:59:00.001-08:00

Baby, it’s Cold Outside!

{Valentine’s Day}

2010-02-23T14:55:00.001-08:00

We wore LOTS of Red…

Got LOTS of kisses…

Had LOTS of FUN!

{Someday}

2010-02-23T14:51:00.001-08:00

{Hands On Fun}

2010-02-22T08:49:00.001-08:00

I’ve been following iheartfaces for awhile now and I’ve finally decided to participate this week. The theme? Hands. When I got the email this is the first picture that I thought about…

Chad protecting our un-born son. Go check out the rest of the entries at

{So Far So Good}

2010-02-17T07:37:00.001-08:00

I’m pretty sure that Ella Grace would do the exact same thing…

{Karma?}

2010-02-16T09:25:00.001-08:00

WA-HOO!

My week has been pretty stressful and look

what was just in my inbox…THIS!

Look what I won:

Isn’t she beautiful! ?!

I can’t wait to get her in the mail and try her out on my beautiful camera!

Thanks Char, I love all the Crap You’ve Made!

It’s the name of her blog people…I’m not that mean!

LOOK – the sunshine is out . Today is looking up!

…………………………….

I also got a special Valentine in the mail on Saturday.

I found the blog Sew Blessed a while back and became a follower she was doing a giveaway for the first 20 people that commented she would make them a necklace from her new business Sodderbug, I sent her an email to see if I was too late and she responded not at all.

2nd row last picture; 3rd row 1st picture

Do you love it as much as I do? I knew you would!

I think I’ve worn it every day since Saturday…and I feel Sew Blessed that I got a wonderful necklace handmade by Janelle.

Now go to Sodderbug and order your very own! Great gifts for any woman in your life!

………………………

Now I need to come up with something that I can give to someone to spread the happiness and keep paying it forward!

{Valentine’s Wish List}

2010-02-09T14:46:00.001-08:00

This is Zorro…the masked bandit!

Is it just me or can you read it in his eyes

that he wants to come live with me too?

That’s what I thought…I knew it wasn’t just me!

He says he already LOVES Ella & Blake

and would take such GOOD care of them.

{Generations}

2010-02-09T09:54:00.001-08:00

{Pajama Mamma}

2010-02-09T09:43:00.001-08:00

{Rock Star}

2010-01-14T14:29:00.001-08:00

Blake has decided to lead the life of a rock star.

He has tendencies to stay up way too late (New Year’s Eve), has multiple wardrobe changes (oh the drool), and a few dozen people who can't get enough of him.

Oh, and he drinks a lot.

{A New Year…A First}

2010-01-07T14:40:00.001-08:00

{Happy Birthday Daddy}

2010-01-06T02:37:00.000-08:00

Showing you that her daddy is 33 – you get the idea…

SO happy that it’s Daddy’s Birthday

A little help with the candles

Happy Birthday Daddy!

{Happy New Year}

2010-01-01T14:42:00.000-08:00

{Little Things to Treasure at Christmas}

2009-12-16T06:33:00.000-08:00

(in no particular order!)

Finding special little gifts for the people on my list.
Trying to find that special little Christmas dress for Ella.
Cookie Swaps with good friends.
Reading Christmas stories.
Wishing for snow.
The effort to get a traditional family Christmas photo.
The smell of hot cider in the air.
Listening to Christmas music the whole month of December.
Watching a Christmas movie all piled up in bed together.
Candlelight Christmas eve services and all the beautiful music.
Christmas lights shining at night on neighborhood houses.
Getting out the decorations and all the special memories.
Thinking about the first Christmas and how Mary felt carrying baby Jesus.
The days after Christmas when the rush is over and family can all relax together.
All the ornaments that my grandmother made hanging on my tree.
Baking cookies with the kids and eating them. The cookies, I mean.
Getting Christmas photos from friends.
Christmas morning and opening stockings.
Realizing how very blessed we are and helping others to have a merrier Christmas.
The few days before the holiday when I am overcome with emotion for what happened that first Christmas.

{Wordless Wednesday}

2009-12-16T06:17:00.000-08:00

2007

2008 – WHAT? I can’t find her picture with Santa…

2009

{The Nicktivity}

2009-12-15T14:25:00.001-08:00

On Sunday night we went out to Aldersgate Enrichment Center and drove thru the live Nativity. It was the final night and I wanted to take Ella to see it. I told her before I laid her down for her nap on Sunday afternoon that when she woke up that we would go and see the Live Nativity, Nicktivity she asked?

Well 2 hours passed and when she woke up from her nap she came and found me and asked if it was time to go and see the Nicktivity. Almost time I told her. She asked if she was going to see Mary, Baby Jesus and Josey.

We waited until dark and then drove out to Aldersgate. I was very impressed with all of the “scenes” that they had set up and the book pages declaring the scriptures of Jesus Birth. There were angels, Mary and “Josey” travelling, the Town of Bethlehem with a village full of people, the 3 wisemen, shepherds tending their flock (although I think a shepherd was missing) and finally there was Baby Jesus lying in the manger with Mary and Josey looking on and Josey sweetly rubbing Mary’s arm. That simple little gesture brought tears to my eyes – if we could all always love so sweetly.

I think Ella really enjoyed it and I can’t wait to go back next year. I thought she still might be a little young to understand it all but she still keeps asking about baby Jesus lying in the manger and says - “He’s with Mary and Josey?”

One of these days she will be old enough to realize that he is with US all the time and THAT will bring tears to my eyes.

Matthew 1:21
And she will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins.

{How Do I Love Thee…}

2009-12-15T13:37:00.001-08:00

{O’ Christmas Tree}

2009-12-15T12:23:00.001-08:00

To Make Your Own Christmas Tree You’ll Need:

1 Sugar Cone

Green Icing (We used white icing with green food coloring added)

Asst. Candies – Sprinkles, M&M’s, Skittles, Gumdrops, etc.

Paper Plate

Hot Glue Gun

1. Put a bead of hot glue around the edge of the cone and flip over and hold onto the paper plate. Let stand for several minutes until the cone is attached good.

2. Now it’s the fun part: Get your green icing and using the back of a plastic spoon spread it all over the ice cream cone.

3. Once the “tree” is covered start adding the “ornaments” of your choosing. (Gumdrops make a great star)

4. Try and keep the little fingers from eating ALL of the decorations before they make it to the tree.

5. Enjoy your Christmas Tree!

{Oldies But Goodies}

2009-12-15T11:20:00.001-08:00

Some pictures that were lost in the “archives” on my computer – sure they might be from a few months ago but they are still REALLY cute!

{The Littlest Mister}

2009-12-15T10:59:00.001-08:00

Blake has started smiling. If you catch him in the right mood, the smiles come easily. He thinks his sister is pretty funny and he always greets you first thing in the morning with a big grin- he smiles with his whole body, it's precious. When the camera comes out, however, it takes a small circus act to capture a grin. Julie, my sister-in-law and I sat around one Thursday afternoon with the camera making absolutely ridiculous faces and noises and this is all that we could come up with. I’ll get a big grin captured one of these days…your gonna love it!Trust.Me.

{Waiting on the Big Man}

2009-12-11T14:09:00.001-08:00

{You Better Not Cry}

2009-12-11T13:39:00.001-08:00

Today Santa came to school – I was curious to see how Ella was going to re-act to the jolly ole’ man in a red suit this year.

*Checking the Big Guy out VERY carefully – what was she going to do?*

*UH-OH*

*Getting a little more warmed up – she wouldn’t talk though.NOT.NORMAL*

*I’ve got my eye on you, Mister!*

*Still not sure about all of this*

*Sorry Santa, We can explain…*

Santa Claus is comin’ to Town!

{One of a Kind}

2009-12-10T07:19:00.001-08:00

I’m VERY lucky to have my mother living here now and she has been such a blessing to us this past year. Ella & Blake are at mom’s today. They were in the music room playing musical instrument’s and singing Christmas carols after they finished singing Jingle Bells mom asked her what she wanted to sing next.

Her answer? Poker Face

(WHAT? Your 2 year old doesn’t sing Lady Gaga?)

Typical Ella Grace…I just love that kid and I can’t wait to see the fine person that she is going to grow into. Poker face and all.

{You Just Never Know…}

2009-12-03T13:40:00.001-08:00

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my
first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately
wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a
stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind
to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little
things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a
prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always
talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a
meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I
learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care
of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have
to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you
handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't
feel good, and I learned that I would have to be
responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come
from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things
hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you
cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of
life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and
productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and
wanted to say,'Thanks for all the things I saw when
you thought I wasn't looking'

*This puts a little bit of perspective on it for those of us with little children.*

It’s amazing the things that I’m seeing Ella “mimick” that Chad and I do…when she runs in and kisses her brother on the head and tells him how much she loves him it makes me proud. When she yells at the dog – not.so.much. If I want to raise a good, kind, loving person she must see a good, kind and loving mother.

They never said that raising kids was easy.

{How Many Kings}

2009-12-03T08:39:00.001-08:00

My favorite Christmas song…

although perfect for ANY time of the year. Enjoy!

How Many Kings by Downhere

Follow the star to a place unexpected
Would you believe after all we’ve projected
A child in a manger
Lowly and small, the weakest of all
Unlikeliness hero, wrapped in his mothers shawl
Just a child
Is this who we’ve waited for?
Cause how many kings, stepped down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
How many Gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that has torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?
Bringing our gifts for the newborn savior
All that we have whether costly or meek
Because we believe
Gold for his honor and frankincense for his pleasure
And myrrh for the cross he’ll suffer
Do you believe, is this who we’ve waited for?
It’s who we’ve waited for
How many kings, stepped down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
How many Gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that has torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?
Only one did that for me
All for me
All for you
All for me

{You’re NEVER too Old…}

2009-12-03T07:30:00.001-08:00

to wear a tiara! Keep on Shining!

{Wordless Wednesday}

2009-12-03T06:36:00.000-08:00

{Christmas Under The Stars}

2009-12-01T11:09:00.001-08:00

Miniature Christmas Village Displays

Decorated Christmas Tree Contest

Fire Pit with S’mores and Story Telling

Choirs & Christmas Karaoke

"Road to Bethlehem" Live Nativity

Character Cut-outs for pictures

Photos with Santa on the Caboose

Cookie Decorating

Ornament Decorating

Picture Frame Ornaments

Reindeer Food

Pet Bowl Decorating

Silent Stocking Auction

Inflatable Obstacle Course

Giant Gingerbread House

Live Trees for Sale

Letters to Santa

Polar Express Movie

Guitar Hero

Cake Walk

Choo Choo Christmas

Paintball Tree Decorating

Pony Rides

Star-lit Trail of Lights

Holiday Treats & Drinks

This is going to be SO much fun! ~~Mommy~~ Ella is going to love it, I

can hardly stand it !

{Little Turkey’s}

2009-11-30T12:31:00.001-08:00

* They may kill me for these one day*

{A Great Idea}

2009-11-30T11:58:00.001-08:00

{Wordless Wednesday}

2009-11-25T09:34:00.000-08:00

{I’m Thankful}

2009-11-25T01:16:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful for my family. It might be small, but they made me who I am today. In particular, I really do have great parents. They uprooted their previous lives to move to Brownwood and be closer to me and my family. I am a very lucky girl.

I'm thankful for my husband who loves me and makes me laugh on a daily basis. I don't think I could love anyone more!

I’m thankful for my children. That God would entrust His beautiful created life to me is an honor of which I am not worthy

I am thankful to have a good job in today's economy. I'm glad that I can live comfortably and afford all my bills and still have a little extra for a (reasonably priced) article of clothing here and there.

I am so thankful that I have friends with the most amazing senses of humor. And I'm thankful that I have friends that are so compassionate. I know that if I ever went through a troubling time, they'd be here for me – put all of us together and we are a force to be hold.

I'm thankful for my lovely home, and hopefully I will keep it clean after this weekend!

I am thankful for my memories of past holidays. I couldn't have asked for better memories!

I am thankful to be living a fulfilled, happy, fun, healthy life. I know that there are many people in the world that are struggling, and I am so grateful for everything I have, from clean drinking water to a roof over my head. And I hope that throughout the rest of my life I can try to do something to help out those people that aren't as lucky as I am.

I am thankful for the divine among the mundane and strive to cherish the moments that come with everyday living.

Happy Thanksgiving!

What are you thankful for?

{Gobble, Gobble}

2009-11-24T13:16:00.001-08:00

Ella is out of school for the rest of the week for Thanksgiving break. On Sunday night I realized that she didn’t have school on Wednesday and the shirt that I had envisioned making her in my head needed to be done right then. I had seen several different versions of these around blogland and thought that it was a really cute idea.

I traced around her little hand on a piece of scrap paper with a crayon that was nearby. I cut out that little hand and traced it on the reverse side of the material. When the hand was outlined I got the sewing machine out and followed the lines around the hand with the shirt turned inside out and the right side of the material facing down. After I machine stitched all the way around the hand I turned the shirt right side out and did a reverse applique technique (good tutorial here). I got some really small scissors and cut out the t-shirt inside the stitches so that the brown material would show thru. Went thru Chad’s container of buttons and picked the perfect one for Mr. Turkey’s eye, stitched on a beak and legs with embrodiery floss and tacked on a gobbler made out of orange ribbon and WA-LAH!

I think all in all it took about an hour, probably less. When I had finished it all I stitched an ‘09 on the turkey. In case I keep it we will know what year this ~~hand~~ turkey was from…I need to come up with an idea to save them and use them every Thanksgiving – I think it would be fun to see the little hands in different sizes over the years.

Don’t worry Blake isn’t getting left out – he will be sporting his

on Turkey Day too!

Happy Thanksgiving!

{Sunday Funday}

2009-11-24T11:36:00.001-08:00

Since Mommy was gone ALL day on Saturday shopping I stayed in my pj’s ALL day Sunday. I did add a few accessories to spruce them up a bit. A B-I-G flower headband and a princess skirt doesn’t hurt anything.

You should have seen my angel wings, you know I’m an Angel, don’t you?

Well, O.K. – most of the time!

{Shopped ‘til We Dropped}

2009-11-24T09:45:00.001-08:00

Last Saturday 5 of us girls and Blake loaded up and drove to Abilene to do our Christmas Shopping.

Ads were browsed and 5 lists were made after getting side-tracked and stopping at 3 garage sales on the way we were shopping and checking things off of our list as fast as we could. 12 stops and 10 hours later we were packed to the gills and everyone had only 1 thing left on their lists.

Pretty good if I do say so myself. I have NEVER had all my Christmas shopping done before Thanksgiving. I always thought that those people were crazy – but now I’m starting to understand.

I’m taking December OFF!

I’m coming home after work every night to enjoy the lights on the tree, the music on satellite radio and a good ole’ Christmas movie. I have a feeling lots of hot chocolate and cuddles in pajamas will be involved and I couldn’t be happier.

Thanks girls for a great day – even if you did wear me out! The chips and hot sauce at dinner did revive me for a ~~second~~ bit.

{An Attitude of Gratitude}

2009-11-24T08:52:00.001-08:00

I found this post over here…I love it. What a great way to remind us to have grateful attitudes. I need to come up with a great way to display this in our home…hhhmmmm I’m feeling a project coming on!

20 Little Attitudes of Gratitude

Mind your manners. Say please, thank you and excuse me.
Smile when you see your family. Turn your frown upside down.
Pick up after yourself and for someone else too. Be happy you have someone to pick up after!
Notice when others do kind things for you, show gratitude by action or words.
Say I love you before you leave in the morning and before bed at night.
Give hugs daily.
Don't worry about tomorrow. Focus on what you are happy about today.
Create gratitude journals to keep track of daily blessings.
Show thankfulness for even the little things others do for you.
Leave love notes in unexpected places like lunch boxes and under pillows.
Encourage someone with a compliment.
Verbalize what you are grateful for when you feel like complaining about life.
Keep a basket of small slips of paper on the table. Write notes of thankfulness during the week and read them to each other during a family meal.
Remember to thank God for blessings each day.
Surprise your family (or friends) with little gifts or treats to show you thought of them.
No grumbling about minor annoyances around the house.
Do special things to cherish time with your family. You never know what tomorrow will bring.
Reflect on happy memories regularly. Make inspiration boards or photo walls of special times.
Help someone out without them having to ask you. Watch for someone in need.
When you are doing household chores, be grateful you have a home to clean.
Say I Love You before you leave in the morning and before bed at night.
Don’t Worry about tomorrow.
Focus on what you are happy about today.
Laugh together often.

What would you add to your list?

{An RSVP Declined…}

2009-11-23T07:21:00.000-08:00

For those of you who are coming to our place for Thanksgiving dinner- Martha Stewart ain't gonna be here! I'm telling you in advance, so don't act surprised. Since Ms. Stewart won't be coming, I've made a few small changes: Our sidewalk will not be lined with homemade, paper bag luminaries. After a trial run, it was decided that no matter how cleverly done, rows of flaming lunch sacks do not have the desired welcoming effect.

Once inside, our guests will note that the entry hall is not decorated with the swags of Indian corn and fall foliage I had planned to make. Instead, I've gotten the kids involved in the decorating by having them track in colorful autumn leaves from the front yard. The mud was their idea. The dining table will not be covered with expensive linens, fancy china, or crystal goblets. If possible, we will use dishes that match and everyone will get a fork. Since this IS Thanksgiving, we will refrain from using the plastic Peter Rabbit plate and the Santa napkins from last Christmas.

Our centerpiece will not be the tower of fresh fruit and flowers that I promised. Instead we will be displaying a hedgehog-like decoration hand-crafted from the finest construction paper. The artist assures me it is a turkey. We will be dining fashionably late. The children will entertain you while you wait. I'm sure they will be happy to share every choice comment I have made regarding Thanksgiving, pilgrims and the turkey hot line. Please remember that most of these comments were made at 5:00 a. m. upon discovering that the turkey was still hard enough to cut diamonds.

As accompaniment to the children's recital, I will play a recording of tribal drumming. If the children should mention that I don't own a recording of tribal drumming, or that tribal drumming sounds suspiciously like a frozen Turkey in a clothes dryer, ignore them. They are lying. We toyed with the idea of ringing a dainty silver bell to announce the start of our feast. In the end, we chose to keep our traditional method. We've also decided against a formal seating arrangement. When the smoke alarm sounds, please gather around the table and sit where you like. In the spirit of harmony, we will ask the children to sit at a separate table. In a separate room. Next door.

Now, I know you have all seen pictures of one person carving a turkey in front of a crowd of appreciative onlookers. This will not be happening at our dinner. For safety reasons, the turkey will be carved in a private ceremony. I stress "private" meaning: Do not, under any circumstances enter the kitchen to laugh at me. Do not send small, unsuspecting children to check on my progress. I have an electric knife. The turkey is unarmed. It stands to reason that I will eventually win. When I do, we will eat.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind my young diners that "passing the rolls" is not a football play. Nor is it a request to bean your sister in the head with warm tasty bread. Oh, and one reminder for the adults: For the duration of the meal, and especially while in the presence of young diners, we will refer to the giblet gravy by its lesser-known name: Cheese Sauce. If a young diner questions you regarding the origins or type of Cheese Sauce, plead ignorance. Cheese Sauce stains.

Before I forget, there is one last change. Instead of offering a choice between 12 different scrumptious desserts, we will be serving the traditional pumpkin pie, garnished with whipped cream and small fingerprints. You will still have a choice; take it or leave it. Martha Stewart will not be dining with us this year. She probably won't come next year either.

I am thankful. Now ~~toss me~~ pass a roll.

{Wordless Wednesday}

2009-11-18T09:24:00.001-08:00

Happy Fall Y’all !

{A Warning}

2009-11-16T13:52:00.000-08:00

If Ella Grace comes to visit you at your house and you have pets, she likes to play in the food. For some reason it is extremly entertaining to dump out the bowls of food on the ground and pick it all back up and put it in the bowl just to do it over and over. If the said child keeps playing in the food don't suggest that she eat the food like the doggies do - because in a few minutes you will look over and see a 2 year old on her hands and knees with her face buried in the bowl. I'm just warning you.

*She did spit the food out - I guess she didn't like the taste of it after all*

{Christmas Goodies}

2009-11-16T11:04:00.001-08:00

Do you want to try and guess what this will be when it is finished?

Let’s just hope that it’s done before Christmas Eve…I’m on track marking more things off of my to-do list so that I can enjoy our holidays and the month (or most of it) of December.

I’ll post the final project when it’s finished up. Wish me luck.

{Yahoo}

2009-11-13T14:56:00.001-08:00

Got a double jogging stroller this morning…Can’t wait to try it out this weekend. When you are 30-ish and have 2 kiddos it’s the little things that make you happy. Happy Birthday to Me!

Wanna Race?

{Lessons Learned}

2009-11-13T06:24:00.000-08:00

Before I had children I had heard numerous times that being a parent is the hardest job that I would ever have. It’s one of those things like “Enjoy your College years you’ll never get them back” that you hear and understand but don’t really “get” until you’ve done it. It’s hard to understand what some things look like until you are right smack in the middle of them.

I have learned so much about myself and grown up in so many different ways by being responsible for two other human beings. I am reminded and challenged daily to look at myself and study the areas where I still have lots of room for improvement. Sometimes I can smile and other times it can be painful, but I’m a work in progress and I still have some growing up to do right along with my children. One day at a time.

· I’ve learned that being a parent means you can no longer eat junk food at any point during the day because you’ll have to explain why you can and they can’t.

· I’ve learned that after you have children, there is no such thing as being bored anymore.

· I’ve learned that if I want my child to remain calm, I have to do the same and that much of how my child responds is a lesson learned from me.

· I’ve learned that disciplining my child because of my own agendas doesn’t go over very well and it isn’t the point.

· I’ve learned that sleep is a distant memory once children come into your life but that I CAN actually survive on much less than I thought.

· I’ve learned that no matter how much I want to keep my child from being hurt in any way, I can’t, and my babies will be heartbroken at times in their lives. OUCH.

· I’ve learned that if I give my children an inch, they’ll take a mile, so I have to mean what I say.

· I’ve learned that being consistent is not as easy as it sounds.

· I’ve learned that I must be disciplined in order to discipline my children.

· I’ve learned that seeing a smile on my child’s face makes for some of the happiest moments of my life.

· I’ve learned that success and possessions really don’t mean anything and that true love is the biggest blessing of all.

· I’ve learned that sometimes letting go is the best way to love someone.

· I’ve learned that I’m stronger than I thought I was and that children are too.

· I’ve learned that being a parent means laughing and crying all in the same moments.

· I’ve learned that being a parent means witnessing God’s masterpiece unfold before my eyes and that there is no greater gift on earth.

· I’ve learned that a kisses and hugs can fix lots of boo-boos.

· I’ve learned that routines make for happier children and happier mommies.

· I’ve learned that seeing the wonder on a child’s face makes the gloomiest days bright.

· I’ve learned that my family and friends are amazing because it really does take a village.

{The Hormone Guide}

2009-11-12T12:05:00.001-08:00

* Here, have some wine.*

{A New Tradition}

2009-11-11T14:43:00.001-08:00

I’m always trying to think of ways to teach my children ~~and remind myself~~ to be Thankful. It is always important to remember that we have so much and that we can do so much for others. I think the best way to teach thankfulness and gratitude is to display it for our children.

I found a link to this blog the other day for a Thanksgiving craft idea. It is cute, it’s simple and great way for the family to countdown to Thanksgiving. Kind of like an advent calendar.

Amie was kind enough to email me the daily activites that she used so that I could just print and cut for my own project. I think they are all going to work except 1, surely I can come up with 1 thankfulness activity on my own.

I think it’s going to be fun and something to look forward to for years to come on November 1st. I’ll let you know how it turns out.

What are you thankful for?

The Rockin' L's

{Southwestern Eggrolls}

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

DIRECTIONS

{Project 52:2}

{Wordless Wednesday}

{Project 52:1}

{Happy NEW Year}

{Our Stinker Binker}

{Halloween 2011}

{The Masked Rider}

{Miss Tellz ALL}

{Sisterly LOVE}

{Dear Sweet Baby Boy}

{Happy Birthday Monkey}

{Ssssshhhhhh}

{Smile}

{Signs}

{You Are My Sunshine}

{Fancy Nancy – Er, Ella}

{Honoring a Fallen Hero}

{He is ALL Boy}

{Going By Way Too Fast}

{Hey Ho Sister}

{T.C. Pittman}

{Make a Difference}

{Mommy Moments}

{Our Tiny Dancer}

A Bubble Guppie…

Sum, Sum, Summertime

{Home Sweet Home}

{Smiley Happy People}

{Potty Break}

{Summer Fun}

{Swim Lessons}

{The First of Many…}

{Sprinkler FUN}

{Happy 4th}

{Is it Just Me}

{I’ve Got a Feelin’}

{Happy Hour}

{1st Day of Summer}

{Blake & Emerson}

{Chillaxin’}

{Daddy’s Girl}

{Mamma’s Boy}

{Plenty of Room}

{Just One of Those Days}

{May 2010}

{Happy Birthday Razzi}

{Bluebonnets}

{Easter 2010}

{Swagger Wagon}

{My Baby}

{Eat, Pray, Love}

{I Heart Faces – Bundled Up}

{Mister Smiley}

{First Haircut}

{Enchiladas Con Huevo}

Heat oil in skillet on stovetop. Add onion and garlic and saute until onion is soft.

Add enchilada sauce, tomato sauce, green chilis, chili powder and cumin to the onion and garlic mixture and heat thru.

In another skillet add enough oil to cover the bottom and heat. After oil has heated take a corn tortilla and dip into the oil, to make pliable.

Take and dip the soft corn tortilla into the sauce mixture and cover well. Place onto plate (I usually add a little bit more sauce on the top) and then sprinkle with cheese.

Repeat layers 2 more times, ending with cheese.

Place your stacked enchilada in the oven on warm while you make the other plates.

When all of the enchiladas are stacked take your eggs and fry them in the remaining hot oil on the stove.

Place 1-2 eggs on top of the stack of enchiladas. ( I eat 1 on my stack; I put 2 on hubbies)’

{Snow Day}

{Valentine’s Day}

{Someday}

{Hands On Fun}

{So Far So Good}

{Karma?}

{Valentine’s Wish List}

{Generations}

{Pajama Mamma}

{Rock Star}