Horses & Cooking (not to be confused with cooking horses, cause that's just wrong)

Looky looky who was out grazing yesterday…

Jasmine absolutely adores horses…has been asking for one for Christmas since she was 2 (seriously)! I know I know we have the land, believe me I’ve heard that plenty. Problem is I don’t want to clean up horse poop….and I know I would be the one doing it. So until she is older and I feel will take that responsibility seriously, we will just have to love on other people’s horses.

These guys graze next door. They are not always out so when we spotted them yesterday we made the walk to give them some loving. I told Jasmine to go grab one of the bags of apples we had in the fridge and boy did they enjoy them.

Fun tidbit--Cash isn't as fond of the horses as Jasmine. When she brought the bag of apples Cash was more worried about getting his share. So he grabbed an apple for himself and began munching away, paying no attention to the horses. Well, once they got a taste of what we had they wanted more. While Jas and I were preoccupied with one of the other horses, the brown one tried to help himself to Cash's apple. He yelled, 'Momma, he's trying to get my apple.' I told him he needed to move farther away from the fence...and so he did...he also kept his eyes on the horses from then on!

' What choo looking at'

Jasmine is so funny, she names all animals that step foot on our property...

Above we have Rocco and below is Julia and Sophia

**She also names all dogs, cats, birds, rabbits...seriously any animal she sees-she names**

I had to add this one...yesterday was very windy but still nice outside. As soon as we got home Jasmine ran in to get her 'soccer clothes' on. This is what she came out in (don't you just love the boots!).

--So last night I made four (4) lasagnas -- two for a birthday party at work today, one for a potluck we are going to Sunday and one is in the freezer for dinner another night.

--Tonight the kid's and I are making a cake for Joe for his birthday and a bunch of cookie's for a fundraiser for our Sunday School's Mission trip to Mexico (we were not able to go this year since Joe just started a new job, but next year...we are going for sure).

--Tomorrow I will be making pigs in a blanket and pb&j's for dinner at a friend's (finger foods are easier with kids...and there will be a lot of kids).

--I will also be making some banana nut breads to take to church Sunday morning for breakfast.

Good thing I don't mind hanging out in the kitchen...in fact, I really dig it!!

What Happened To Me Yesterday...

Yesterday I went home...but it wasn't like any other day...I was suppose to get the kid's because Joe had to stop after work and get a couple new tires. Well there I am zipping down the highway, gabbing on my cell phone...I take the right exit, but I don't turn like I am suppose to, instead I go straight...towards home. About halfway down the service road I realize my error and had to pull off the road and make a u-turn. Finally we get home and I start making dinner, but for some reason or another it took longer than usual, so we ate later than usual. We were barely finishing dinner before it was time to prepare the kid's for bed (the kid's go to bed early in our house 7:30p *I KNOW* early...but this is what works best for Jasmine and school so we do what is needed). The kids get PJ's on and pick out their books for the evening. Once they are tucked in I USUALLY have a list of things I do. Well last night I was pooped and sat for what I intended to be 15 minutes....next thing I know I am waking up and it is MIDNIGHT!!! I had fallen asleep on the couch and Joe had fallen asleep watching a movie in our bedroom. So I drag my weary booty to bed and set the alarm for extra early so I can do what I should have done before inadvertently passing out...

• do dinner dishes
• make lunches
• set out clothes for kids
• decide what is for dinner
• sign folder and put in backpack

I also needed to mop the floor but did not do that this morning...will have to fit that in tonight...although I'm not sure when. We have lots going on this weekend and I am starting to cook stuff tonight that I will take to various events **one of those events being Joe's birthday**!

Nursing Home Ministry and American Idol

Once a month on Sunday afternoon several musically blessed individual’s from our Sunday school class go to a local Nursing Home and play for about an hour. Joe has joined them the last couple months and this month the kid’s and I went as well. Cash had a great time putting on a little performance for all the people. And Jasmine was so precious, she insisted we needed to go by each room and give out hugs to all those who were not able to make it to hear the music. We were short on time, but I promised her next month we would make some rounds. She did make one friend, a lovely lady named Ann gave Jasmine and Cash some candy and in returned received several hugs from Jasmine. It was a good day!

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

On another note....

Vote for Jason Castro

He sings at our church on occasion and is a genuinely 'good guy'.
**I haven't personally talked to him (we go to a very large church), but Joe did for a bit one Sunday after he performed**

Tagged...

OK, I’ve been tagged and need to list 7 random things that many of you out in blogland may not know about me. The rules are to list the person who sent this to you and leave a comment on their blog so readers can visit yours. Post the rules on your blog. Share 7 facts about yourself. Tag 7 people at the end of your post, linking their blog. Let each person know they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

1. When I was 21 me and my best friend moved to St. Catherine’s, Ontario…Canada. We lived there for about four months (or until our money ran out), then moved to Niagara Falls, NY so we could get a job. –See we were both fortunate to get great jobs right out of high school at the Federal Reserve Bank in Dallas and thought finding a job would not be an ordeal. We went straight to FRB in Buffalo and quickly found out the only way to get on there is to wait for someone to retire or die…which was the case with all desirable jobs in the area-- After several days of searching we stopped for lunch at a Denny’s and ended up with a job there purely by the hand of God (seriously people, we were desperate at this point).

2. I grew up attending church, always knew I was a Christian and Jesus died on the cross and all the Bible stories that are taught when you grow up, but I never GOT it. Not until we were unexpectedly pregnant with Cash and there were circumstances with the pregnancy that could be ultimately devastating.. One day at work I was searching possible outcomes and just lost it. I started praying with a passion there at my desk and my life has not been the same since. God answered my cries to Him regarding my pregnancy and Cash was as healthy as they come when born…weighing in at almost 10lbs.

3. I am a very guarded person, don’t trust others easily—think it stems from my parent’s divorce at a young age. I have a lot of friend’s but I am very deliberate about what I share and what I don’t with certain people. Which is why I think I like blogland so much…I only share what I want to? ~~I am working on this one baby steps, right??

4. Wow…7 things…really…I’m already way out of my comfort zone so I’ll make the next few lighter….I love love love musicals…Grease is my all time favorite movie since I was 5 and saw it in the theater. But I also love Grease 2, Hairspray, Chorus Line, Fame, Annie….and now High School Musical and HSM2 (I’m so glad I had a girl so I had an excuse to buy those movies!!). Any time these movies are on, a family dance session is likely to break out in the middle of the living room….and if I don’t start it Cash does!

5. I lost 100lbs with the LapBand surgery. Was banded August 2005. Lost the weight by working out at Curves 3-4 times a week and eating smaller portions and meal replacements with protein shakes and such. I gained a little over the holidays by not sticking to my workout routine, but I’m back on track now and going 3-4 times a week.

6. I love to be in control! ~which is another thing I am working on~ In the past it was easy cause that’s how Joe liked it too, less responsibility for him. But, the last year he has made some life changing decisions –including being baptized…can I get an AMEN!!—and I am desperately trying to step aside and let him take his place as the head of the house as outlined in the Bible. But boy is it tough…

7. Gosh, I thought I was going to lighten up on these, not be so serious…ok here is another fun one…I have never had a massage! I never thought this was an odd thing, but lately when it’s come up people look at me with amazement…I do plan to have one soon though. Joe got me a gift certificate to a salon for my birthday and I have scheduled a couple times and the appointment was canceled for some reason or another…but soon, I promise.

Instead of tagging 7 people, just let me know if you did it so I can find out what makes you tick...

Blessed

My cup runneth over from the blessings the Lord God has granted me and I would like to openly profess a few things I am thankful for

......for Jesus dying for MY sins
...for a husband who LOVES me
...for my two beautiful HEALTHY children
...for a FANTASTICLY supportive and loving family
...for a host of FRIEND'S who each serve a different purpose in my life
...for a caring CHURCH family
...for allowing me to be able to openly WORSHIP YOU
...for my MUSIC
...for the prayer WARRIORS in my life
...for a stable HOME to live in
...for STEADY income
...for those willing to TEACH me
...for the church LIBRARY
...for reliable TRANSPORTATION
...for a SERVANT'S heart
...for CHOCOLATE
...for many many answered PRAYERS
...also for the UNANSWERED prayers

2008 Sweetheart Sleepover

Last year we started a tradition, a sleepover at Valentine's. We make cookies and cupcakes and have a grand ol time. This year I thought we'd change it up a bit and do if Friday night instead of Saturday so the girl's could sleep in, instead of getting up early for church on Sunday. Well much to my surprise, all but one was up at 6:30AM.....that's right 6:30 on a Saturday morning. They turned on High School Musical 2 and I told them to just lay low during the movie since people in the house were still asleep and tried myself to lie back down. No such luck, within 30 minutes they were up dancing and doing cartwheels through the living room. Then I hear our dog outside barking barking barking....as I look outside I see the problem--he has chased a cat up a tree and is just tormenting the poor thing. So, needless to say, the whole house was up at this point. At least the girl's had a good time, that's what is important.

2008

2007

80 words

Touch Typing

Happy Valentine's Day...

Hope everyone had a super-fabulous-awesome Valentine's Day...
we sure did!!

(don't you just love the red icing smile!)

Another Great Weekend

We had another weekend full of fun...

Saturday started off w/ a Chuck E. Cheese's playdate (early to beat the Saturday birthday craziness). Just before we were about to leave Chuck E. Cheese made an appearance and apparently hiding behind me wasn't working as well as Jasmine would have liked, so she found a better hiding place....

Under the slide in the kiddie area

That evening we went to a friend's house for dinner (they made a killer chicken and dumplings--definitely need to get their recipe) and stayed way too late discussing the Bible, religion & churches.... poor Jasmine was passed out in the bean bag chair and Cash (who finds it impossible to sleep unless he is snug in his bed or his car seat) finally came in and told Joe he wanted to go home and started pushing him towards the door.

Sunday after church we went to Gram's for a Birthday lunch of brisket, mashed potatoes & salad (yummy). It was a beautiful day and the kid's went crazy playing in the backyard. When told it was picture time the obvious choice was to pile on Uncle Josh....

**Josh may have been moaning and groaning the whole time, but he loved it**

And here's one where Gram grabbed Cash and made him get in the picture (and yes, we made Josh stay there for a little longer than necessary by saying 'wait, one more picture')

Back to Sunday Birthday lunches at Gram's...this is something we have done since I can remember. Once a month, after Church, we gather at my Grandmother's house and celebrate whoever's Birthday is within that month. It has always been a fun time. When I was younger we would spend our time out on the jungle gym or trampoline after lunch. In my teens (and twenties) it was a touch football game in the street. It is so great to have a 'tradition' that has lasted several decades and to see it come full circle as something your children look forward to as much as you did when you were their age.

Awww, cousinly love...

Check it Out

This is a new song from Brad Paisley and Sara Evans - It's really amazing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NaSROohLzs

Pet Peeve

You know what gets me....seeing someone in a car driving along nice and snug with their seatbelt on and then there are the children....bouncing, bopping and jumping all over the car. I had this encounter just yesterday....I was at a red light and this little girl jumping around in the car next to me caught my eye. And there wasn't just a little girl (who was approximately 3--Cash's age) there was also a little boy (about 5--Jasmine's age). They were pushing each other and pretty much doing what siblings do, but seriously, does this adult not even consider that her children need to be buckled up....not just in seat belts, but in a car seat or booster. Unfortunately they were in the left hand turn lane and were able to go before I could pass them up and shoot the driver a look of disgust while shaking my head.

Blog Design

If you would like a fancy shmancy blog design and don't have the first clue how to get one (like me), go to this website and enter a contest to receive your very own design for FREE!
http://www.doodlebugwebdesigns.com/

Catch-up

We've been pretty busy lately. We had something just about every night last week and during the weekend. Although I enjoy keeping busy, I don't much like doing stuff on evenings during the week. Just like to come home from work, cook and spend time with the kid's...this week has been like that and that is good.


A couple weeks ago we started a reward chart for the kid's for picking up toys, dishes in sink, etc. for each sticker they receive a Chuck E. Cheese's token and at the end of the month we go spend our tokens.




Well Friday was our reward night and we had lots of fun at Chuck E. Cheese's. Jasmine took this picture of one of our friend's that met us there. I thought she did a pretty good job.



Our friend came and spent the evening at our house where the fun continued. The kid's played and played....

And occasionally stopped long enough to watch a few minutes of DADDY DAY CAMP

Saturday morning I went grocery shopping. While there one of my friend's met me there and I took her daughter home to play with Jasmine and Cash. It was a beautiful day and Joe had a great idea of digging the kites out of the closet. We had lots of fun and minimal incidients...only tangled sting for the two kites once and one run in with a tree.

At this point the string was let the whole way out and the wind was blowing well enough to keep it up without movement. So the girl's just chilled while holding the kite string.

Now Saturday evening was the highlight of the weekend for me. My mom won concert tickets off the radio waayyy back in November....a 4 pack....and she offered the extra two tickets to Joe & I. So Saturday night the kid's spent the night at Gramma's and Joe and I met Mom & John for Mexican food and then to see......

It was great. Music is such a major part of our lives. Especially worship music. Love love love it.

~~Speaking of - if you are in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and want to go to see Third Day and a Ranger Baseball Game for $7.50ea, let me know, I am buying a group of tickets for April 12~~

I also failed to mention while the kid's and I went to Chuck E. Cheese's on Friday, Joe was asked to be a fill in drummer for an Irish Band. He had a great time, drums is his passion. He also met with a group last week called Drummers for Jesus, I'm hoping he will get connected with some musicians cause he is really wanting to 'jam' with some guys on a regular basis--but it's been a challenge for him to find musicians on the same page spiritually. Anywhoo....

Sunday was AWANA and Share Shop night.....each week when the kid's say their Bible verses they receive a Share (paper money). Then they have the opportunity to take their money and buy fun stuff. The first Share Shop we did Jasmine ran in and spent all of her money right away, this time she was a little more cautious with what she purchased and spent lots of time making the her selections.

We have some new things we are working on at home that I am very excited about and can't wait to take pictures and blog on.....until then

(Good Bye)

SCATTERGORIES

Man, I used to love to play this game. Try it with the first letter of your name with the following questions.

What is your name - L***
4 Letter Word - Love
Vehicle - Lexus
City - Las Vegas
Boy Name - Lance
Girl Name - Linda
Fruit - Lemon
Alcoholic Drink - Louisville Slugger
Occupation - Lounge Singer
Something you wear - Lipstick
Celebrity - Lindsey Lohan
Food - Lasagna
Something found in a bathroom - Lotion
Reason for Being Late - Lazy
Character - Lucy (Charlie Brown)
Something You Shout - Love You!
Animal - Lion
Body part - Leg
Word to describe you - Lovable