News Flash!

Didya know that gas prices are like totally high? I paid $3.45/gallon last week. YIKES!

This is going to sound so prima-donna-ish but I don't pay attention to that kind of stuff. If I need gas, I get it. I never worry about the cost because it goes on the credit card, which Randy pays, so I don't really 'see' the money that is spent on gas (or groceries, etc.)

Make sense? No?

I know what you are thinking and it's true. Oh, yes... I'm that wife that knows nothing about the bills. Or, the amount of money that we have in our account. And, Lord, I know nothing about the stocks. Yes, I know. I'm a kept woman. (And don't worry, I've heard it all... you can't offend me.)

So, anyway, I was at the gas pump, pumping out $60+ dollars of gasoline into my mini-van and I was astonished at the gas prices. I immediately thought back to my college days when $5.00 could give you a 1/2 tank and 3-4 days of joy riding. I can't imagine being a college student right now just trying to put gas in my car. The equivalent today, would be nearly $25 for that same 1/2 tank!

So, once school is out and my 50 mile/day commute is over for a few months, I'm going to make a concerted effort to only fill up my van every two weeks, rather than every one week.

So, what are you paying at the pump in your town and have you considered reducing your fuel intake and driving? If so, how?

For the sake of dignity

Wow, do I have a great blog post. I mean, it is one for the record books... but for the sake of my eldest daughter's dignity (and the fact that she can read now...) I will refrain from re-telling the story of how we were all grossed out on the way home from church yesterday.

I will say this... I think my worst fear is coming to pass... my child may very well be the grossest kid I know. But, I say this with love... A love only a mom could endure.

Okay, so I was IM'ing my friend today and here's snippet of our conversation:

her:what do u give a couple renewing vows for 10 anniversary?

me: nothing;a card

her: no gift?

me: I mean, give me a break. Ten years? That's nothing, as you know... Besides, have they hit a rough patch and are renewing for a purpose, or just an excuse to have a party?

her: party

on house boat on the lake , heavy party-ers

me: and nothing else? no housewarming, no new kids, no new job?

her: a co-worker, no children

me: I personally WOULD NOT bring a gift. I'd bring a card. I'm sorry... but they don't need gifts. What would you give them? A toaster? Because the one they have is 10 years old?

Okay, so I am totally out of line here? I mean, c'mon... a gift for a 10 year vow renewal? They don't even have kids. It's not like they have "endured" raisin' children.

Is that nonsense? How about unnecessary? Am I just being a tightwad? That's ridiculous, right?

Comments, thoughts?

Gotta love those spring storms

It's no secret that Central Texas produces some turbulent weather. Here's proof:


While we did not see a tornado from this storm, it was reported that tornadic rotations were spotted about 10 miles east of us.

Never a dull moment...

What am I feeding that child?

I'm always talking 'bout what I'm eating, but this Friday, I thought I'd show you what Kyla eats for lunch. She makes it herself. I'm telling you... I've got my kids trained!



She loves eggs, or let me say, she loves to peel hard boiled eggs and use the egg slicer. She discards the yolks (because of the cholesterol, right?) and gobbles up the whites.

She also eats a slice of white cheese. It cannot be yellow. (No yolks and no yellow cheese... maybe she doesn't like yellow food?!) Well, no, that can't be because there is a pile of yellow banana pepper rings on her plate (or, is that color fluorescent green?)

Finally, she'll eat a few slices of smoked ham lunch meat and a few bites of my baked chicken breast. And, she eats it all!

What you don't see is a big 'ol pile of Cheetos (on a separate plate) that I've managed to crop out of the photo. She's gotta have her Cheetos!

My foiled attempt at being bad

Okay, so Sunday I had a huge craving for hot wings from Wing-Stop. If you've been around my blog for any length of time, you know I love hot wings. It is my favorite food. Oh, even now, at 6:55 a.m., they sound yummy!

Oh, yes... back to the story...

So, I had this huge craving and I could not talk Randy into going out and getting some. He had just had a 2 hour bike ride and hot wings did not appeal to him. (Can't say I blame him.)

Well, needless to say, I got a little belligerent. I know, this speaks volumes of my personality, but ladies, you know how it is... when you want something, you want it NOW. So, I made everyone dinner - Elisan a grilled cheese sandwich, Kyla Mae had mac n' cheese and Randy had a salad with sliced chicken breast and for me? I called in an order of hot wings.

I left the house giddy with excitement. I timed my dinner so that I could sit at the table alone and read my latest magazine in complete silence... (Remember, I was belligerent.)

So, I arrive at the Wing-Stop, a mere 3.5 miles from my house, walk in, tell them I'm there to pick up my order and the girl at the register looks at me like I've lost my mind. And apparently, I had, because there wasn't an order waiting for me. She told me they didn't have my order in their system. WHAT?! How could this be? I told her, "Look, I talked to a guy, he took my order, told me it would be ready in 15 mins and here I am." She, without sympathy, said, "Well, we don't have it."

Well, rather than wait another 15 minutes for my order to be ready, I walked out.

And then it dawned on me. I had called the wrong Wing-Stop. I had called the neighboring town's Wing-Stop, not the Wing-Stop 3.5 miles from my house. The Wing-Stop in the neighboring town was 15 miles away. ACK!! I couldn't imagine driving a 30 mile round trip for wings... I mean, I was desperate and belligerent, but I wasn't that desperate and belligerent.

So, I called the other Wing-Stop, cancelled the order and went home.

I walked in the house, wingless and Randy laughed at me. It serves me right.

Oh, and for dinner? I ate condensed chicken and stars soup. Mmmmm, soup is good food.

Got Questions? I've got answers!

Wow, y'all came up with some good questions! I had fun answering them and I think I answered them as thoroughly as possible. Because of that, this post is INCREDIBLY long and if you anyone reads all of it, well, then you my friend, are incredibly bored!

So, here goes... ENJOY! Oh, and if you asked a question, consider yourself tagged! I'll be checking around to see if you do my challenge!

Stormi asks:
“If you had to vote for a democrat, whom would you rather vote for?
Hillary or Obama?”
The answer to that my friends would be Hillary. While, Hillary is a socialist leftist, I believe Obama is extreme socialist FAR leftist.

Now, my question to Stormi is… what makes you think I haven’t already voted for Hillary? I “Rushed the Vote: Operation Chaos” back in March and voted for Hillary in the Texas primary.

Anna asks:
“What is your favorite junk food that you are secretly eating and not blogging about?”

Aha! Anna must think I am not as well behaved in my eating as I boast about on my blog! And… she’s right. While I do have a tendency to stick to my diet more so than not, I do take a bite here and a nibble there of forbidden foods.

• Cheetos – They are always in the house and I will eat 1 or 2 (seriously!) when the girls eat them for lunch. I literally eat one or two, then close the bag and put them away. If not, I’d sit there and eat the whole bag.
• Cookies – IKEA sells some yummy imported crispy thin coffee flavored cookies and when I go to IKEA I buy a pack. I eat 1 (or 2) a day (sometimes not). They are soooo good.
• Coffee with hazelnut cream – I always drink coffee in the morning, but lately, I’ve been enjoying a cuppa in the afternoon. It seems to curb my afternoon hunger. But, is it junk food? Probably not… but, the hazelnut creamer I use, is. Randy calls it “synthetic lubricant,” since it is non-dairy. But, it has 30 calories per tablespoon and I use at least 3 tablespoons – so that makes 100 calories per cup – give or take! YIKES!
• Popcorn – I love, love, love popcorn. So, at least once a week, I’ll air-pop a ton of popcorn and then I add 1-2 tablespoons of REAL melted butter. I then add butter-flavored salt (no calories) and shake it up. Mmmmmm!

Heidi asks:
What is your favorite dessert, and why?
This is so easy… it’s Crème Brule’. I have a fabulous no fail recipe for crème brulee if anyone is interested. I could eat my weight in that stuff.

What is your biggest vice?
Vice? I don’t have any! Ha… well, at least not the traditional vices like smokin’, gamblin’, and drinkin’ etc., at least, not any more!

My present-day vice would have to be Internet usage. It’s terrible. I spend many a fruitless hours on this stupid computer.

What denomination of church do you attend, and why?
My family and I attend a non-denominational church. Randy and I were both brought up in an Assembly of God church, which is a full-gospel charismatic Holy-Spirit filled church. We found that in the current church we attend. We love our church, our pastor, the praise and worship, the children’s ministry, the adult ministries, everything about it… we love.

Heidi, when we lived in Minnesota, we attended River Valley Church in Apple Valley with Pastor Rob Ketterling. We loved that church and in the event that we move back to MN, we’ll definitely be heading back there.

Leigh Ann (LA) asks:
What is your biggest regret in life?

I’ve thought long and hard about this one… (Thanks, LA) and while I have a lot of mini-regrets, I have to say my biggest regret in life is not getting a college degree that gave me a skill. Having a criminal justice degree gives me no real marketable skill and looking back on that now, it is a huge regret. I am not sure what I would do, if I could do it all over again, but I do know that I would graduate with a skill – Computer Scientist (shout out to Angie), Engineer (shout out to Randy), Teacher (shout out to Kristi and Amanda), Nurse (shout out to my mama), Architect (shout out to Heidi), Accountant (shout out to Cyndi and Sheryle).

Erica asks:
What's your middle name?
Ouch… I hate that question… it is Larenda. Not sure where that name came from. However, I’ve since met a Lorinda and she actually likes her name. Imagine that?

Have you ever felt like "Erica" was really a boys' name with an "a" tacked on the end? And how much does it annoy you when it's spelled with a "k"?
That thought has never occurred to me. I will say I have never liked my name. I don’t consider myself to be an Erica. Not sure what I would name myself if I could, though. And, yes… I don’t like ‘Erika’ at all and it seems as if most people spell my name like that. It is annoying.

Cyndi asks:
Knowing what you know now would you do something different?
Yes, of course.

• Would have never moved to Minnesota (sorry, Heidi!)
• Would have enjoyed Denmark more.
• Would have convinced Randy in our High School years that we would be getting married and it would have saved us 7+ years of miserable relationships.
• Would have gotten a worthwhile college degree. (See above)
• Would have only had 1-2 years of young adult rebellion, instead of 3-4.
• Would have gone away to college, rather than stayed at home and attended the local university.
• Oh, the list is long… but I think those are the highlights…

Would you make the same choices and or decisions?
Yeah, I guess I would.

• As much as I did not like moving to Minnesota, we would have never had the opportunity to live in Europe.
• And as much as I missed living in the U.S., I would have never have met my dear friend Charlotte, nor would I have had the opportunity to live in another country.
• Had I married Randy right out of college, we’d now be married nearly 14 years and that totally boggles my mind. I’m glad we had miserable relationships before we re-connected because it taught us how to truly love one another.
• Since I’m not currently working, I guess it doesn’t matter that I have a college degree in Criminal Justice. Besides, I know for a fact that my friend Cyndi has no plans of going back to work anytime soon and she has a skill, so even if I had an actual ‘skill’ I likely would not be using it.
• The young adult rebellion helped me to “get it out of my system” so to speak. I’ve heard of countless times when a couple marries too early and then they divorce because they felt like they ‘missed out’ on their youth.
• I miss having the real college experience, but my folks paid for it in a time when money was tight, so I’m lucky to have gone to college at all.

So, wasn’t that fun? Now, in effort carry out the fun, I tag Stormi, Anna, Erica, Heidi and Leigh Ann.

I'm going out on a limb here...

Okay, bloggity-ville... I'm going out on a limb here. I realize my audience is not far reaching and it mostly comprises of my local friends, but I'm opening my blog up to questions from the peanut gallery. You don't need to know me personally to participate.

So, hit me with your best burning question about me, my life, my blog, my kids, my husband, my political beliefs, my religious beliefs... no holds barred!

My hope is to field at least 5 (or more!) questions from you, the reader. I'll answer as honestly as I can (or as I see fit...snicker, snicker!) Please keep it "PG" since this is a family blog! Please post your burning question(s) in the comment section of this entry.

I'll answer in depth on Monday! Then, I'll "tag" 5 of you to do the same! Oh, the suspense!

More with chicken. . .

Tell me when you are tired of seeing what I eat for lunch!

I'm on a wrap kick! I found these yummy whole wheat low carb/low fat tortillas by LaTortilla Factory and they are fabulously large for a stuffed to the max wrap. Here's the recipe and some optional ingredients to spice it up!



Roasted Chicken Wrap

• 1 Fully Cooked Roasted (Frozen) Chicken Breast (thawed/seasoned) - 160 cal; 29 g protein
• 1 LaTortilla Factory whole wheat low carb/low fat tortilla - 80 cal; 8 g protein
• 2 tsp shredded Asiago cheese - 20 cal; 1 g protein
• 2-3 leafs of green leaf lettuce
• 1 slice red onion
• 1 handful of spicy alfalfa sprouts

Slice thawed chicken breast into strips. Sprinkle cheese on top and melt in the oven. Place lettuce leaves, bean sprouts and onions on wrap. Once chicken is heated through and cheese is melted, place on top of veggies. Roll up wrap and place toothpicks at each end to secure.

260 calories; 38 grams protein

(Nutritional Information from The Daily Plate)

Spice it up with optional ingredients:

• Pico de gallo
• Guacamole (approximately 60 calories per 1 oz)
• Fresh sliced mushrooms
• Substitute spinach for lettuce (for added nutrients)

Warning: Rant Ahead

I've been stewing on this rant for a while, but have resisted writing about it because I didn't want it to be a PMS induced rant that would have spewed venom and of course, ultimate regret once it was all said and done.

This rant is about people. But not just any old "people"... it's about those people who are just not organized, prepared or just don't care.

I'll begin with organized. The room mom for Elisan's class contacted all of the families about helping out with various upcoming stuff. I signed up to bring snacks for her class after a jog-a-thon fund raiser. I heard back from the room mom, verifying that I was indeed signed up for the snack, so the next trip to the store, I purchased all that I needed for the event which was more than a week away. (I'm just efficient, what can I say?) Room mom emailed me (5 days later) and told me what kind of snack to buy. I already purchased the snacks. Couldn't this had been addressed in the first (or second) email to me? Why now? I emailed her and told her I had already purchased the snack, which was "Special K Cereal Bars" which, by the way, my kids LOVE, and she emailed me back saying that I should probably buy something all the kids will enjoy. So, now, I'm stuck with an overabundance of "Special K Cereal Bars" and will now have to go back to the store to buy something more appealing for all of the kids!

Next up preparedness and just not caring... Two weeks ago, Kyla's team soccer pictures were set for 8:30 a.m. We arrived at 8:30 a.m. We were the only ones there (aside from the photographer.) I double checked the schedule and yes, I had the right date. About 10 minutes later, the coach and his family showed up. They wandered around doing the ol', "Well, I wonder where everyone is? I phoned everyone last night to remind them, so everyone knows." (At this moment, I discreetly check my phone because I didn't recall receiving a phone call from the coach, and sure enough, I had not missed a call either. Thus, I have to question whether or not they phoned anyone at all.) About 8:45, another family arrives and luckily they have another team member in tow. So, we now have 4 kids for pictures. This is a team of 10 players. We wait and wait and wait until 9:15 for any remaining stragglers and of course, no one else showed up and we ended up taking the pictures with 4 kids. Wow... that's awesome. 45 mins down the toilet. (Oh, and meanwhile, I was missing Elisan's 8:30 a.m. game.)

I am not saying I am the end all-be all of organization and preparedness...no sir'ee bob, all I'm saying is that if most people could attempt to be more efficient and prepared, the world would be a much better place AND they might actually begin to CARE.

Stuff heard 'round the house!

Today while heading home from the gym, Kyla was opening up a mini-box of lemonade coated "Nerds" and she exclaimed,

"Wow, Mommy! Look! It's corn!"

(I know, I'm a horrible mom. Not only am I feeding my kid candy, but I'm feeding my kid candy on the way home from the gym. And, in the van. What kind of mother am I?)

A love affair with Johnny

My girls have a love affair with Johnny. That is, “Johnny-on-the-Spot”… a.k.a. Port-a-Potty.

I’m not sure why, but they can both use the toilet prior to us leaving for the soccer fields and lo and behold, one of them will inevitably need to use the Port-a-Potty before the end of the game.

I understand the need to go pee. I’m a woman with a bladder the size of a grape. But, I will chance a bladder infection before I use the porta on the prospect that I may possibly have to go to the restroom in the next 30 minutes. I’d rather wait, if you don’t mind.

And trust me, I’ve used them before. I’m not THAT uppity about using them, but truly it is under dire circumstances. Like… we’ve been at the soccer fields for 2.5 hours and it is only half time and I drank 2 cups of coffee that morning. Sure. I’ll go.

But, this post is not about me. It’s about Elisan and Kyla and their apparent love for Johnny. I’m not sure what it is. Perhaps it is the freedom of Johnny that they love so much. They can slurp down tons of sport drinks without any repercussions. There are times when I am taking them to Johnny and they are skipping along side me that I wonder if they truly love Johnny -- the closeness that only Johnny can give. Not sure.

And Elisan… that poor child will stare at the contents of Johnny like a deer in headlights. Truly. It’s like a rubber-necker at a car collision. You don’t want to look, but you can’t seem to take your eyes away from the mess. Yesterday, I had to snap her out of her trance to say, “Elisan! Stop looking, start peeing!”

I’ve finally come to my senses and bring not only anti-bacterial soap with me, but disinfectant wipes as well. No sense in not being prepared for the inevitable, eh?

Weekend Fun

68 wordsThis is my best time... after my 5th try...

It's working! It's working!

After two months of taking Calcium Supplements (shown here), I am proud to say that I've noticed a REMARKABLE difference in my mood swings and overall general self. For good measure, I've also been taking B Complex with Vitamin C ("a nutritional support for stress") every day, as well.

Randy has noticed a difference, too. He said he would have never guessed I was in my PMS 10 day countdown.

The sad thing is, that I've known about the Calcium/PMS related studies for over a year now, but resisted taking the supplements because I have a hard time sticking to a medication regimen. (Thus, the whole birth control concept is lost on me... well, that and the fact that I freak out over synthetic [or natural] hormones.)

But, I've stuck to the Calcium and it has worked. I could not be more thrilled.

Sidenote: I used to drink a lot of milk. Like two gallons a week. But, when we moved to Denmark, I could not drink the milk. It tasted funny to me. Perhaps the lack of hormones? Hehe...

Anyway, once we moved back, I was grossed out by milk and now, very rarely drink it. I wonder if there is a possible link there? My body was craving calcium. I was depriving it.

Okay, I'm done talking about PMS for a while, I think. Thanks for bearing with me!

Anchors Aweigh

Thank so everyone who commented on my "I need a Vacation!" post.

Randy and I agreed on taking a cruise in July. While, it may not be my ultimate vacation... by a long shot... it is economical, it is something I don't have to toil over Trip Advisor to plan, and it departs from Galveston, with will not require us to purchase plane tickets. So, there it is... in a nutshell. Cheap and Easy!

Actually, I'm pretty excited about the lack of planning that will be entailed with this trip. Because I am a planner by nature, I tend to over-analyze which basically sucks the fun out of everything and by the time vacation rolls around I would know everything there is to know about said destination, thus taking the element of surprise along with it.

So, I plan to go with the flow and roll with the tide on this trip. So unlike me, but so freeing as well.

Diet Tips

Okay, here's a chance to flex your dieting muscles! So, take this opportunity to comment on a tried and true diet tip that you love to share.

These tips have helped me along the way...

1. Keep fat free yogurt stockpiled in the fridge and eat a container (or drink a smoothie) when you are hungry. For a little pizazz add a teaspoon or two of granola. I usually eat two containers of yogurt a day. A smoothie after the gym, then a fat free vanilla flavored yogurt in the afternoon.

2. Don't just give up the 3 of the four (diet, too!) sodas you drink a day... give them up completely. I can honestly say, that once I gave up soda I felt better. Sure, I crave them every once in a while, and I do allow myself to have it, but only in emergency situations!

3. Log what you eat everyday, and I mean everything! I know... B-O-R-I-N-G! But, you'd be amazed how quickly it all adds up. It's all about accountability. If you can't be accountable to yourself, who can you be accountable to? (I use Daily Plate to track my foods. It's free and user friendly... just sign up.)

4. Eat a snack after dinner. But, try to make sure it is 100 calories or less. Don't go overboard on this one, but definitely reward yourself for a hard day's work of exercise and dieting. I love the Dole Frozen Strawberry Bars. They have 90 calories and are totally yum! Or, a 100 calorie mini-bag of popcorn, with a dash of popcorn salt.

5. Tis the season for fresh yummy fruits and veggies. Eat up! One strawberry has about 7 calories. A medium tomato has about 25 calories.

6. The thrill of the grill! Cook on the grill as much as you can - chicken fajitas, kabobs, turkey burgers, fish, lean cuts of beef. YUM!

It's your turn now... gimme some tips that have worked for you!

I'm bored... take a quiz

The unintentional A+ kid

First up, Anna wins! I have NO desire to move back to my hometown. I'm surprised some of my fellow SETX friends did not chime in and answer! Because, if you are from SETX, you know that you never want to move back! Tisk, tisk!

On to today's lightbulb moment...

Elisan has a rival at school. This 'rival' is a smart kid. How do I know this? Because Elisan talks about how no one in the class is as smart as "Suzie". Suzie memorizes her memory verse by Tuesday. Suzie answers all the questions. Suzie is in the highest reading group. Suzie makes 100's on her spelling tests. Suzie makes straight A's. Suzie this and Suzie that...

Well, the funny thing about it is, that Elisan is also an A+ student. This weekend, while sitting at the dinner table, Suzie entered the conversation again.

Randy said, "Elisan, how do you know that Suzie is smarter than you?"

She answered, "Because she is!"

And I said, "Well, do you know that you are a straight A student also? And that you make mostly A+'s?"

She looked at both of us and said, "I do?!"

"YES!" we both tell her.

My sweet little girl didn't even realize she had braggin' rights about her grades! Of course, she does now. And hopefully her self-esteem will blossom a bit. We're so proud of her and we tell her all of the time, but I guess, like most people, you don't believe it when it comes from the people closest to you.

Elisan, you go, girl! You make us proud!

The Unimportance of Meme

Minnesota Mom tagged me for a Six Unimportant Things About Me!

But there’s a twist! I love a twist! One of them is completely and utterly false. Y'all remember playing games like this before right? "Four Truths and a Lie?" Well, this is "five truths and a lie..."

Minnesota Mom is having a giveaway for whoever guesses the correct wrong. I am not. So, if you want a shot at winning a prize, go visit her! Otherwise, guess my wrong, and leave it in the comments!

I also tag: Charlie, Leigh Ann, Kristi, Anna, Angie

1. I have been wearing glasses since 1st grade. I can't see a thing without them.
2. My personality is not as compulsive as it was... say, 2 years ago. I've learned to "let go."
3. I love to cook new recipes, but rarely find the time.
4. Exercising has become my new hobby, whereas before, I prided myself on NOT exercising.
5. I'd move back to my hometown in a heartbeat.
6. My college degree is in Criminal Justice.

There ya go!

Hmmm, thoughts?

I recently heard on the radio that Google now offers a service called "street view" via Google Maps. Basically what it does, is you put your address in the 'search the map' box, click 'search maps' and IF available, a photo of that residence, business, etc. will pop up in a small box, along with links for directions, etc. This service is found in more populated/metro areas.

While I can see that this service could be valuable, it also feels intrusive. How hard would it be for someone to do a criss-cross search of YOUR NAME, find you address, plug it into Maps, then lo and behold, there's a picture of not only your house, but the automobiles you drive (if those vehicles are parked outside!) and a 360 degree scan of the houses around yours?

Hmmm... try if for yourself. I've already looked up a close friend's address and there it was, plain as day... her house, her cars, etc.

And also, my final thought... who is taking these photos? Is there some Google group of guys going around in grid fashion with a digital camera snaping photos of people's houses?

Weird stuff.

Please pick up your feet!

Please, for the love of all that is honest and good, pick up your feet when you wear flip-flops. There is nothing more annoying than the sound of dragging feet in flip flops making that "flup-phluh, flup-phluh, flup-phluh" noise. I'd blame it on kids, but I notice adults are the worst offenders.

If you pick up your feet while you walk, the proper "flip-flop" noise will be made. Please! I'm beggin' ya... pick up your feet!

What to wear?

It's that time again... time for me to gripe and complain that I don't have any clothes to wear. Oh, sure... I have t-shirts and jeans. But, if you've lived anywhere in Texas, you know that jeans are banned after May and are not reinstated until mid-October. So, that leaves me with only one more month of my beloved jeans.

I recently bought a new crop of t-shirts from Ann Taylor online. I got a smokin' deal where the t-shirts ended up being $10.00/each WITH free shipping. I love the colors too. I think I bought 3 of the same color, just varying shades and hues. But, I couldn't decide on one, so I got them all in that turquoise-y aqua color.

I'm excited to be able to wear more flattering stuff this season. So, I've been on the hunt for really cute styles. The only trouble is, there isn't any.

Have you seen the amount of madras bermuda shorts and skirts out there? There was a time in my life... say, um... highschool, that I would have loved these shorts... but not so much now, in my 35 years.

Don't get me wrong, I consider myself to be preppy... I mean, if I had to describe my clothing style, but madras aren't for me.

Next up, are the shirts. Frankly, I'm getting a little tired of this style. Now, don't get me wrong, I have a few of these type shirts, but I'm tired of them. They aren't really flattering and do I really want to look pregnant? Not so much. Plus, since I've lost 30 pounds, um, pregnant is not the look I'm going for!

Maybe I'll just stick to fitness attire. I mean, I'll be at the gym everyday, especially in the summer months. It's comfy and it at least looks good on. Hmmm, I may have to re-consider the fitness approach to clothing. And let me just state for the record, fitness apparel is expensive. Whoa. A pair of yoga pants go anywhere from $20.00 to $80.00. Who wears $80.00 yoga pants?

So, I need to find a few dresses to wear to church, a few decent pairs of shorts, I already have the t-shirts and some work-out clothes. Oh, and a bathing suit (or two.) That should do it.

I love summer dressing.

Another lunch idea

In my quest to eat more chicken, I started making chicken salad pita sandwiches for lunch. Can you say yum?!

I've been using pre-packaged chicken in the single serve 3 ounce pouch. FYI, the chicken has 20 grams of protein per pouch! That's one gram more than a single serve 3 ounce pouch of tuna fish. Another great source of protein to help fuel your body.

Here's how I make it:

• 1 Premium Chicken Breast 3 oz Single Serve Pouch
• 1 tablespoon Kraft fat free mayonnaise
• 5 almonds (crushed)
• 1 apple slice (cubed)
• 10 grapes (quartered)
• 2 green onions (chopped fine)

Mix it up, set aside.

Tuck a lettuce leaf inside your 100% Whole Wheat Salad Pita Pocket (80 calories), then add the chicken salad mixture. (I buy Kangaroo brand.)

The total nutritional count breakdown is:

• Chicken Salad: 197 calories; 5 fat grams; 22 grams protein; (4 weight watcher points)
• Salad Pita Pocket: 80 calories; 0 fat grams; 0 grams protein; (1 weight watcher points)

TOTAL: 277 calories

Crocs + Dryer = Shrinkage

After a particularly muddy soccer game on Saturday, I instructed the girls to throw everything they had on into the washing machine. We washed cleats, soccer uniforms, shin-guards and Elisan's croc's which were muddy from wearing around the field before her game.

The cycle finished and I fished out the cleats and shin-guards but totally missed the crocs. They must have been hidden within the soccer uniforms. I tossed everything into the dryer and forgot out it. Hours later, I am clearing out the dryer and I see Elisan's crocs. They were um... how shall I say... about 2 sizes too small? YIKES!

Sidenote: For those who do not personally know Elisan, let me explain something to you... she is a freak out child when it comes to her stuff. Like super bad freak out child!

So, I called her over and showed her the damage. I told her I was sorry and that it was an accident. She asked if we could get the "jibbitz" out (the little decorations that stick in the holes of the crocs) and I could not get them out! Why? Because the holes shrunk too. Mayhem ensued...

Fortunately, the shoes now fit Kyla. So, Elisan will have to live vicariously through Kyla's new shoes.

Blooms

Spring, is springing!

Airplane Funk

Randy went on a business day trip to Phoenix yesterday. When he got home last night he REEKED! It was the tell-tale airplane funk smell that was all over him. What is it about airplanes that make people stink?

Is it the recycled air? The stuffy quarters? The "public transportation" aspect of it? The millions of butts that have sat on those very seats?

Whatever it is, it's bad.

I need a vacation!

In the 9 1/2 years of my marriage to Randy, we have only been on 3 vacations.

The first one, was our honeymoon to Las Vegas. It was really great.

The second vacation was a road trip through New Orleans, Atlanta to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee - yes... home of Dollywood. We met up with Randy's folks in Pigeon Forge and stayed in a cabin in the Smokey Mountains. I'll be honest here... this wasn't a vacation to go down in the history books.

The third vacation was a church ski trip. I was 12 weeks pregnant and did not ski. The only thing I did was hang out with a bunch of people I really didn't know. Randy had fun. I did not. Oh, and did I mention it was a bus trip? Yes, a Greyhound bus trip. 20 something hours on a bus, while pregnant = NO FUN!

(Randy would interject here and say that our 7 month stay in Denmark constituted a 7 month long vacation. And while that may be true, in some regards, I don't really consider it a true vacation...)

So, as you can see, our vacations have been less than lackluster, aside from our honeymoon (and living in Denmark!)

Over the weekend, we made plans to take a vacation in July. Randy's folks have agreed to keep both girls for the week and we're going to have a week long vacation! Yippee!

So, I need help. First up, I need a destination... gimme some ideas! I need ideas! No car trips, please. I'm open to anything, under $4K. (Preferably less, but we understand that vacations are costly!)

THOUGHTS?

Can you spare a square?

While traveling to visit my folks (which BTW is a 5 hour trip by car) we made a pit stop about mid-way on our journey.

I ushered the girls into the (clean!) restroom at the gas station/fast food combo stop. Elisan went into the first stall, KM went into the middle stall, and I in the last.

Immediately (but too late... if you know what I mean) I notice that my stall doesn't have toilet paper. So, I reach my hand underneath the stall divider and asked KM to "hand mama some toilet paper." She is more than happy to comply. She then places in my hand a 1/2 of a toilet paper square. A HALF! Um, hello!

So, I tell her, "Baby, mama needs more than that. Please give me A LOT more, okay?" She then hands me three squares.

That, and the previous 1/2 square got the job done. Whew!

Crawfish, Crawdads, Crayfish... it's all the same!

One of the truly great things about living in Southeast Texas are the yummy crawfish! If you just aren't sure what a crawfish is, then click here and educate yourself!

Every Spring, crawfish season is underway. Most people order up about 20-30 lbs of crawfish (for a family of 4) and boil 'em up in a big ol' pot of seasoned water. Add some new potatoes, corn and onions and you have a true Cajun feast. Yum! (Don't forget to shake on some Cajun seasonings too!)


Here's what they look like close up! Like a miniature lobster!

Crawfish are usually bred/harvested out of crawfish farms (a.k.a. man-made swamps), but did you know that crawfish also burrow underground? Here's a picture of Elisan standing next to a crawfish hole (or more appropriately called a crawfish chimney). See how tall it is? That is for ONE crawfish. Crawfish dirt clods are a nuisance, especially when mowing the grass.

We didn't have crawfish when we visited our folks over the Easter weekend, but we've been invited to a crawfish boil next weekend! I'm sooo looking forward to it. Again... YUM!

Happy Easter

The girls and their cousin at the park during Spring Break.

I'm signing off for the weekend! Have a wonderful Easter holiday celebrating the resurrection of Christ Jesus!



Free Digi Kit "the PROMISE collection" from Shabby Princess

405 and counting . . .

Wow! This post will be my 405th blog entry since I began my blog back in June 2005.

Here are some highlights and some of my favorite entries:

My first post "Splinter"

A lesson in "Offering"

A potty training excerpt "Business Order"

My love story "Love You Long Time, Baby"

Teenage rebellion and my mom "A Mother's Love"

My favorite POOP TALK excerpt "Big Spender"

Favorite photo "If I've told you once..."

A huge milestone for me "20"

Mothering, even when it is tough "One of life's toughest lessons"

My favorite rant "Bite Me" in case you missed it!

My biggest shopping "Score"

My guy "-gasp-"


So, that's it. Those are my favorites of 405 blog entries. Enjoy!

My child, the worrier

My sweet precious little six year old girl is a perpetual worrier. A little girl should not have a care in the world, but Elisan is in a constant state of panic over something. Randy says that it is totally a characteristic that I've passed onto her. If that is true, then Elisan, I truly am sorry for the burden I have placed on you.

The other day, Randy and I were discussing politics and Elisan overheard part of the conversation. The deluge of questioning began. "Who's the president?" "Do you want her to be the president?" "What is taxes?" "Why does the president want to take our money?" So, now, at each prayer, be it dinner blessing or bedtime prayer, Elisan prays "That the person that we want to win will become president." I am not making this stuff up. She came up with this by herself.

Another example of how intense this little person is... Last night, we were expecting some significant thunderstorms and a slight possibility of tornadoes in our area. Elisan launched into the whole, "What if a tornado hits our house?" "What about the thunder, Daddy... I'm scared of thunder." "Daddy, is there going to be a tornado?" And, on and on... and again, this morning... The poor child was awake at 5:30 a.m. worried about the wind outside. How do I know? Because I heard her milling around upstairs and when she came downstairs to find me, the first thing she said to me was, "Mommy, it sure is windy outside. Was there a tornado last night?"

I worry... that my child is a worrier. It breaks my heart to see her so full of worry. Randy and I remind her that she needs to stop worrying and let Mommy and Daddy worry about stuff. That she is six and she only needs to be concerned with... well, nothing, really.

But, how do I do that, if I too, am a worrier? I need to focus more on what the Bible tells us about worrying and convey that message to Elisan everyday. If she sees me in a less worried state, perhaps it will rub off on her.

Paul reminds us in Philippians (4:6) "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

I think those are words to live by, don't ya think?

Weekend Wrap!

We had a nice weekend! The weather was gorgeous on Saturday and we spent the morning at the soccer fields. Elisan and Kyla are getting to be really good at soccer, if I do say so myself!

I finished up painting my gameroom. I still have some touching up to do, but I am pleased with the final result. I'm going to be on the hunt for some curtains now.

I met my friend Leigh Ann for dinner on Sunday night. It was so great! It was nice to sit and chat, face to face and have a sans-kids adult conversation. We're having our girl shopping day on Tuesday! Should be fun!

Girlfriends!

I'm very excited because one of my dearest friends is coming for a visit!

I haven't seen Leigh Ann since she moved to New York in September 2005. They have since wised up and she and her family have moved to Kansas... a wee bit closer to Texas! And, because of that, her whole family is taking a road-trip to Texas for Spring Break week. They are making a pit-stop in Austin to reminisce about the good ol' Texas days.

On Sunday, LA and I are planning a girls' night out at her favorite Mexican food joint. Monday and Tuesday will be spent with the kids, running around doing gobs of eating at her local favs, shopping and catching up.

I can't wait! It's been too long!

P.S. - On a personal note... WOW, I looked young in that picture. {sigh}

Things that go "OINK" in the night

What is it about sleep that allow us to incorporate sounds into our dreams? I know from my experience that I can be sound asleep and the phone will ring and immediately, I'm dreaming of a phone ringing in my subconscious.

Last night, I was in deep sleep when I heard a tinny tinkling noise. I rolled over and resumed sleep. I then heard it again. This time I subconsciously incorporated that it was some mystery noise downstairs. Well, that's enough to wake anyone up. A noise downstairs? As we're sound asleep upstairs?

I popped up out of bed and asked Randy if he heard the noise (which he did not) and I headed downstairs. Nothing. I even checked my cell phone, thinking that it was tinkling culprit. Nothing.

I crawled back into bed and we lay there for a second or two and the noise happened again, only this time I was not hearing from the depths of my unconsciousness. I was hearing it loud and clear... "Old MacDonald" from the Little People Farm set.

Now, the strange thing is, that I have no idea how that thing was engaging itself to play music. You clearly have to turn the knob to make it play... and yet, there it was... playing for the third time that night. And it wasn't a strained depleted battery sounding song either. It was loud and clear.

I turned the toy off and for the second time that night, crawled back into bed. Wide. Awake. As was Randy. I don't know what time it was that we both finally fell back asleep... 4:00 a.m. or so? So, as you can imagine. I'm tired. Confused. And likely going to rip the batteries out of that toy today.

One down, three more to go

It only took me 3 hours to complete the first wall of painting. But, it's done! Whew! Only three more walls to go in my massive gameroom. I think the longest wall will take me two days.

By the way, did I mention I'm painting it with a brush - not a roller? Um... yeah.

Last night, Randy joined me at the Y for the "Body Pump" class. He really liked it and was surprised it worked him over like it did. We're going to go again on Wednesday evening, too. The bad thing is that I've never done a class at night before and while my body was exhausted, I couldn't shut my brain off. Must of been too wound up.

Today, we're going to have our picnic in the park. The weather is supposed to get up to 70 today. That calls for an outdoor celebration!

It's Spring Break

It's Spring break. And, it's raining. And cold.

This week will entail entertaining not two, but THREE girls for the week. I'm also keeping my 6 year old niece too. And, although it will be fun for Elisan and Kyla, it will be sheer mayhem for me.

Since we'll be homebound most of the week, I plan to tackle painting my gameroom. I have decided to play it safe and purchased a nice deep tan for that room. I just can't get wild in a room that size. I'm boring, I know.

So, while the girls are playing, squealing, screaming and having fun, I'll have the iPod plugged in my ears (blaring) and painting. Think of me this week, as I am also PMS'ing! Oh, the timing.

Luckily the weather will turn out some nice warm (and dry) days mid-week, so I plan to take them on a picnic at the park and ice cream at least one of those days. Should be fun!

That's all for now. I'll post some painting progress pictures later on today or tomorrow.

One Big Happy Family

"My Family"
by Elisan
1st Grade - 2008

The Machine

In my younger days, I once considered myself a political know-it-all. I loved politics! Yet, I'm not sure if my old age has softened me and taken the 'edge' off, but I'm not as enthralled with it as I once was.

I used to get so aggravated at people who didn't share my vigor and knowledge for politics. I would think, "How can you be so uninterested? Politics is a awesome!" I'd truly walk away from heated discussions scratching my head wondering how someone could be so uninformed, or better yet... how can they not support my issues? I've since come to realize that it is virtually impossible to change a person's mind to your political beliefs and that getting all worked up over it is fruitless and a waste of time.

So I've eased up... A LOT. I still enjoy hearing about the political machine, but I enjoy staying on the fringes. It doesn't mean I am uninformed... on the contrary. It means that you will not get me riled up about issues any more. Oh, sure... I've got 'my' issues that I whole-heartedly will defend, but I've learned that they are MY issues and I cannot expect others to embrace them, thus the 'vigor' in my defense is subdued.

My final thought on the matter is this: Just because your issue doesn't jive with my issue, doesn't make you right and me wrong. It makes us different. I wish more people could take the time to understand that concept. It took me a long time to get there.

Maybe I've matured?
Surely not.

Haphazard Food

In my quest to try using more low calorie and protein rich chicken, I found another recipe that really ROCKS!

It is a Vietnamese soup, named "Cheat n' Eat Vietnamese Chicken Soup" and I found it off of Recipezaar.com. I've made it three times and we really love it. Plus, it is so super easy to make and it is low calorie!

Just be warned... it is spicy! But, don't be afraid of this one... just use the red pepper to your own tastes.

Ingredients

1 ounce cellophane noodles

8 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 tablespoon peanut oil

2 teaspoons minced garlic

2 teaspoons minced ginger

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

28 ounces chicken broth

2 tablespoons fish sauce

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

2 tablespoons chopped green onions

1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

1. Cook noodles according to package.
   
2. Cut chicken into thin julienne strips.
3. Heat oil in deep skillet over medium-high heat; add chicken; garlic, ginger, and pepper flakes.
4. Cook, stirring for 1 minute; then add broth and fish sauce and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until chicken is done, about 8 minutes.
6. Drain noodles and cut into short pieces, about 1-1 1/2 inches long.
7. Arrange noodles in bottom of bowls; ladle soup over the top and sprinkle with cilantro, onion, and basil.
8. Serve with"Tuong Ot Sriracha" (Viet hot sauce), or chile paste, if desired.

** I add a cup of sliced shiitake mushrooms for a little extra "oomph!" at step #5.

What's your name again?

I am a face and name girl. I always remember a face and I always remember a name... with the exception of brief encounters with people... and then I may not remember their name, but I at least remember their face.

Unfortunately, I have one of those faces that does not spark recognition... EVER! It's really weird, almost as if I'm invisible.

So, how weird is it for me to recall someone by name only to have them look at me as if I'm from bizarre-o world. Well, let me just say... it is very uncomfortable.

Take for instance Elisan's class-mom. It has taken 2 class parties, a field trip and numerous encounters at the YMCA for her to finally remember my name. Why is that? Are they that forgetful? Or, do they have so much going on in their brain that they can't possibly stuff another insignificant detail in there?

I have a sneaking suspicion this type of person is also the 'chronically late' person as well... but, I'm making generalizations here, since we all know that I am not a chronically late person and I tend to lump people into two catergories... those who are on-time (type-A's) and those who are not on time (type-B's).

I guess there are only so many type-A personalities to go around. Which is okay, I s'pose... I mean, if there weren't any type-B people in the world, then there wouldn't be any reason for me to blog.

Not lovin' the library right now!

I was on the library's website yesterday to renew a book that I had checked out and I noticed that I had two items overdue.

Anyone who knows me personally knows this is not possible. So, I immediately got on the phone and called the library.

I spoke to a lovely lady named Ethel and told her of my plight. I told her that I had indeed returned said books and if she could kindly check into that for me, I'd appreciate it.

Five minutes later, Ethel called back and said that she was able to locate one of the items, but not the other... a children's book.

Ahem.

So, the library failed to "recieve" two of my returned books, but "found" one of them... so where is the other one? Well, according to Ethel, if it is not found at the library then after 60 days I will be charged the entire cost of the book.

WHAT?! Um... you (library) "lost" both books. You (library) "found" one book. You (library) will charge me for the cost of an entire book for your (library's) mistake in failing to properly receive a book?

What part of this makes sense to you?

Just in time!

Look what our dear friend, Charlotte (from Denmark), made for Elisan and Kyla! Their very own tooth fairy pillow! It's it adorable? And, it's just in time for a loose front tooth.


Thank you again, Charlotte!

Childlike Faith

Mark 10:15
15 "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." 16 And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

If only I operated in the mind-set of a child.

In the Book of Mark, chapter 10, verse 15, Jesus said that anyone who does not regard the kingdom of God like a child will not enter heaven. What does that mean? It means, that we should operate with childlike faith even when things look to be hopeless and childlike beliefs that God is ever present in our times of need.

Today I learned a powerful lesson from Elisan. This morning on the way to church, I wondered aloud if my husband's brother's family would be at church today. Elisan said, "Mommy, I prayed last night that Trinity would be at church today." I said that praying for Trinity to come to church was a great idea. And then Elisan said, "And tonight, I'll pray that she comes again next week."

I praised her for her faith and really didn't think much about it... until... I saw Trinity rush up to Elisan as we were dropping her off to her class. Tears filled my eyes. Not only for Elisan's answered prayer, but for the lesson in FAITH that my child taught me.

She did not second guess that God would fail her. She simply believed that it would "be", and it was.

On the way home from church, we talked about how exciting it was that God answered her prayers. She just kind of shrugged and said, "Yeah" as if it was no big deal that God answered her prayers... probably because he ALWAYS answers her prayers.

That girl has got the faith!

Damaged Goods

Yep, that's right. Today, I had a minor 'fender bender', or better yet, a quarter panel bender (and sliding door).

I was backing out of my space in the parking lot and was about to shift into drive, when I noticed this big ol' truck backing into the side of my van. ACK! There was no amount of screaming I could do to get her to stop. In fact, the only thing that my screaming "STOP!!!!" did was scare the pee out of Kyla Mae.

Anyway, the lady totally accepted responsibility for the damage and hopefully she will convey as much to the insurance company next week. Unfortunately, being the cynic that I am (at times) and a former insurance claims adjuster, I know far too well how people's stories tend to change up when it comes down to admitting fault in an accident. And unfortunately, it is my word against hers... Hopefully, the damage will speak for itself.

I'll keep ya posted.