Wordless Wednesday: Mary and King David (AWANA Bible character night)

* * Jasmine's outfit was made out of a bedskirt I bought at Goodwill for $1 * *

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Crazy week guys...

Monday - Cash's birthday - Denny's (family tradition)

Tuesday - Chick-Fil-A night as Jas's school

Wednesday - Leader meeting at church, dinner provided

Thursday - Fall carnival in town so something fast and easy - I'm
thinkin beans and cornbread. That way the beans can cook all day and be
ready when we get home from work.

Friday - Halloween - meeting a group at Cici's before going to
Trunk-or-treat sponsored by my grandmother's church.

This is out of the ordinary for us. I really believe in sitting down at
the table and giving thanks and communicating with everyone about how
their day went. Just another challenge for me this week. I will make
sure and have a time before bed each night to spend with the kid's w/out
TV and other distractions.

I'm Confused...

Why are all of the women's halloween costumes mini and low cut?  I would say a majority of us women would rather not wear mini OR low cut.  Just throwing that out there. 

***those question marks reminded me of The Joker from Batman, which reminded me of Cash, which made me happy.  Speaking of Cash and happy...he hit the motherload last night in the costume department.  Aunt Linda is in town and she gave him Peter Pan, Buzz Lightyear, Red Power Ranger and Prince Charming costumes.  And YES, he is absolutely beside himself with excitement.

Another Taylor Weekend

OK, here it is Thursday again and I am just now getting to what we did over the weekend.  Oh how the weeks are flying – and getting cold, it was 35 degrees according to my van temperature gage this morning.  I do like the cooler weather, but that is going a little overboard for me.  I live in Texas for a reason, cause I like it warm. An overnight in the 50s and day's in the 80's is ideal according to me.  But I can handle it hotter better than colder.  Anywho…back to our weekend

 

As I posted earlier, Friday was all about ME.  Dinner w/ friends and coffee w/ the girls.

 

Saturday was my Company picnic and this is always a favorite.  They have it at a local ranch and there is so much for the kid's to do…hayride, 'train', petting zoo, pony rides, playground, paddle boats and a big barbecue lunch.  Of course, we had a great time, but I must say this year was better for me than past years.  Now that the kids are older and able to go and do on their own, it is a much more pleasant experience for me.  Not that I let them have the run of the place w/out knowing where they are.  They just knew before going to a new place to let me know where, so if I looked in that general direction I could see them.

 

Then Sunday after church we had lunch at my Grandmother's to celebrate me and my cousin's birthdays.  A fantastic Mexican meal with lots of desserts to choose from.  Sunday evening was Fall Fun Night at AWANA's, so I helped with the younger one's.  My duty was at the pumpkin patch and boy was I disappointed I didn't bring my camera in.  Those kid's were sooo cute.  That's all she wrote -- another weekend behind us. 

 

Can you believe 5 weeks until Thanksgiving.  A couple more weeks and I'll start getting giddy with excitement about what to cook and making an after Thanksgiving shopping list.

 

Weekend pictures below…

...

See this guy, they were moving him from the petting zoo pen to the stables and he decided to cut through the playground area.  The kids got a big kick out of following him around.

Wordless Wednesday: Love Them

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Blessed!

See all the awesome goodies I received from friends and family this weekend.

• Purple leather bound Women of Faith study Bible w/ my name engraved
• MP3 w/ FM radio
• Breaking Free Day by Day devotional Beth Moore (love her)
• Flower arrangement
• Cross necklace
• Pretty lanyard to wear my work badge
• And cash for shopping!  You know I'm going to my favorite Thrift Store first. 

I have to say, this year was the best birthday I've had in a very long time. 

Friday night lots of friends from our church small group met us at a restaurant in our a small town.  We had a party of 20 (9 adults and 11 children ranging from ages 2 - 12).  I really love this group of people.  This particular group has only been together since about June and we have all really come together and really enjoy hanging out with each other. 

Once everyone was done eating a couple of the ladies suggested we go to the coffee house.  So...all the men took the kiddos home and us girls went to a brand new coffee shop in town.  Due to it being Homecoming, the place was dead, we were the only ones there.  Which was awesome.  We staked claim to the couches and comfy chairs in the back and just talked and drank coffee (or in my case hot chocolate, cause coffee ain't my thang -- which is another blog entry all in itself).  All in all a great day! 

**Only downside -- Last year Jasmine had it engraved in her brain my age and would randomly throw it out there to strangers for no particular reason.  Well, now that she is in 1st grade she can add all by herself, and still feels the need to tell everyone how old I am.  Oh well, good thing I'm not bothered by my age.  Just another number as far as I'm concerned.**

 

I had a fantastic birthday weekend...I'll share the details tomorrow. 

Until then here's our menu for the week.

Monday - Fettuccine Alfredo w/ salad and garlic bread

Tuesday - Meatloaf muffins, mashed potatoes, broccoli and biscuits

Wednesday - I'll be at Bible Study so I'm guessing chicken nuggets and french fries

Thursday - Busy busy busy - Parent-teacher conference then Aunt Linda gets into town so we will be meeting her at Traci's to have our hair done.  Probably order pizza at Traci's.

Friday - Chicken stir-fry w/ noodles and egg rolls (and probably a peanut butter and jelly for Cash)

Saturday - Zoo!!  Yeehaw!

Our Weekend

I know it's Thursday, but I am just now getting to post about our weekend.  I have been in an MS Access training class for the last two days and that's all I gotta say about that, so here goes...

Friday Jasmine was out of school so she ran around with me all day.  Shopping at Goodwill was the highlight for both of us.  That is where she got the dress in the picture $3 thank you very much!

On our way back into town we used the last of the FREE Chick-Fil-A kid's meal vouchers from the summer reading program and stopped at a park.  They ran like crazy from one thing to another, but Jasmine's absolute fave it the swings and boy can she go high.

The kid's helped me make banana pudding for Saturday night and did a very good job pouring, stirring and layering.

At our small group Saturday the kid's decorated cupcakes.  Lots of cute one...and lots of mystery designs.  They sure had fun though...

This weekend will be a super busy one for us.  We have so many options I still haven't decided which ones we will make and which ones we will have to pass on...did I mention this is my favorite time of year (and not just because it is my birthday!).

Monday - Crockpot chicken and veggies

Tuesday - Stir fry chicken and veggies w/ noodles and egg rolls

Wednesday - Chicken nuggetts and french fries

Thursday - Tacos, rice and beans

Friday - Out to eat - My Birthday!! 

I am also trying a new tortilla soup recipe this week, I'll let you know how it turns out.  If it's a keeper I'll post the recipe.

Wordless Wednesday: Look Mom, I Cut Cash's Hair (with the clippers)

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Thank You!

Thank you all for your prayers.  Little Luke is doing much better and was able to leave the hospital yesterday evening.

Our Weekend

Since I am now posting via email, please bare with me regarding adding pictures.

Our weekend, in one word, was FULL.  Saturday we were up and at Wal*Mart picking out a birthday present first thing.  The party was fun for the kids - bounce house, nachos, cupcakes and a pinata full of candy = good time!

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From the birthday party we headed to a Halloween Party at Dad's and had a fabulous time complete with a haunted hallway, a costume fashion show, pass the pumpkin, face painting, a scavenger hunt, lots of goodies to eat and a visit from the wicked witch.  The kids were going 90mph till the end and were asleep before we hit the main road headed home.  First thing Cash said Sunday morning 'When can we go back to Grandpa's?'

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Monday – Joe offered to make tacos so tacos it is.

Tuesday – Meatloaf muffins and mashed potatoes

Wednesday – I have Bible Study so something easy like Hamburger Macaroni (or in our case turkey macaroni – I only buy ground turkey)

Thursday – Crockpot chicken, veggies and potatoes

Friday – Beef fajitas baby! Yum-O!

* * PRAYER REQUEST * *

My nephew Luke (4 years) had a major asthma attack Sunday and is at Children’s Medical Center. Please pray for a speedy recovery.

I Like it Spicy

Oh how I love me some tortilla soup, could eat it everyday for lunch. My absolute favorite is from Jason’s Deli.

I am on the hunt for the perfect tortilla soup recipe – unless someone has the recipe Jason’s uses, that would be fantastic. I have tried several, but just haven’t found ‘the one’. So, if you have a tortilla soup recipe that you would like to share, please send it my way.

Thank you for your time…

Hello Hello Hello

Hard to believe it has been so long since my last post. So I am just
going to do bullets (cause they're easy).

*Jasmine is now in 1st Grade. We had a fantastic 3 week
progress report and have had lots of problems since. Please Pray!
*Cash is soo cute these days, definitely an entertainer.
His favorite thing (aside from Superheroes) is to make people laugh.
Love him.
*I have started going to a Wednesday Bible Study at
church. Now I've known for some time I like to be in control, most
especially in the home, and I thought this was something I was doing
well with as far as submitting to Joe more. But the first couple weeks
I was a little anxious about leaving. I mean would everyone get fed and
bathed and homework done and the house still be standing when I return.
Of course, everything was fine when I returned home a few hours later.
Guess I still need to work on ME.
*AWANA's is back in session and this year Cash is a happy
participant as well. I am not teaching this year, just a general
helper. Which is actually what I thought I was signing up for last
year. Here is a picture from Western Night.

*We have a friend who is going through some major health
issues at the moment. Would appreciate your prayers for Brian - healing
and future decisions.
*I am reading THE SHACK, heard of it? Several people I
know have said good things about it and I am excited to read it.

I guess that is all going on for us. Hope I still have some people
checking in...

She's Back

Jasmine got home last night. She had such a great trip. They were going non-stop the whole time there. Disneyland, Dodger game, beach, Hollywood Bowl, Museum of Natural History, etc. Like I said, she had a great time, but we were all ready for her to be home.

Her birthday is Friday and we have parties scheduled for Saturday and Sunday for her.

I really hate not being able to check in on everyone and post with pictures daily... :(


BTW - Jasmine's favorite things in Cali were boogie boarding in the ocean and the yellow submarine at Disneyland.

Quickie

OK, I'm here for half a minutes. We had a very good weekend, especially the Thrifting...I feel rejuvenated. I bought 20 items for just at $50, that was my spending limit. And I am very pleased with all of my purchases. We went to small group Saturday and as soon as I walked in a girl said 'I want some pants like that' that's right $3 at the Thrift store....love it.

Jasmine is still in Cali and on her way home tomorrow. It is like a huge void in our house without her, she is definitely the life of the party.

Gotta go, will blog later. Ciao

Bad News....

....I am no longer able to view or update my blog from work. And considering once I leave work, I have no desire to look at a computer my blogging will be very scarce. I'll try to update at least once a week, but that may be pushing it.

I'll miss ya'll.

Time Out....Please

I think I need a time out. Our summer has been so busy (which is how I like it) but occasionally I just want to stay home and chill. Stay in my PJs all day...clean a bit if I feel like it...watch some TV, which is something I usually don't take time to do. Well last Saturday was that day for me. On my planner I marked through it to ensure I didn't make plans. I was able to sleep until I woke up -- no alarm clock or kids dragging me out of bed. I made a yummy breakfast and after as were -- all four -- laying in our king size bed Joe says 'hey, let's go to a movie'. I'm thinking no, I wanna stay home ALL DAY and do nothing. Well, of course, the kids went into a frenzy and started getting dressed immediately. And since I like doing things with my family I eventually came around. So we went to the $1 movie (actually $1.25 now). After the movie we went back home after a quick Chick-Fil-A drive thru to use more FREE meal vouchers the kids earned through the reading program at the Library. And now I can feel the tension, I didn't get my free day at home full of nothing and I am irritable and tired and blah. Oh how I hate to feel blah! So I told Joe last night Saturday was all about me. Jasmine will be in California and him and Cash need to make plans. I'm going to my favorite Thrift, Goodwill and Resale Stores....and I can't wait. I know it's not a day of nothing at home, but thrifting brings me just as much joy!! I'm so excited.

And take a look at what Jasmine talked Cash into Saturday afternoon....

...Joe was not happy at this sight, not at all! I believe he waited less than 5 minutes before saying, 'Son, aren't you ready to take that dress off?'.

Menu Plan Monday

Well, I took a good long look in the freezer this morning and when I went back to the kitchen to make my list....I had nothing. Don't get me wrong, there is plenty in there. I just don't know what I want to make with all of it. I think my problem is I am a tad distracted because Jasmine is leaving Wednesday for a week in California. She is traveling with my Grandmother and will be visiting her very best friend (and cousin) Kaja...my aunt and cousin will also be in the mix but Kaja is the main focus for Jasmine. So, please be in prayer this week for safe travel and for me not to worry too much.

l

OK, here goes...although don't hold me to anything this week.

l

Monday - Breaded chicken breasts and veggies

'

Tuesday - Tacos and beans -- Jasmine's favorite and her last meal w/ us for a week :(

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Wednesday - Hot dogs and mac&cheese -- Cash's favorite

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Thursday - Possibly going to the pool for family night luau -- $10 admission for family and that included a meal. Not sure if Joe will be up for a pool night during the week, but I'll try my darndest. If not - Meatloaf and potatoes

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Friday - Taco Bueno --if I have anything to say about it--

'

Saturday - I'm going Thrifting - Yeehaw! And Saturday evening we have small group so I'll have to make something for that. Maybe these:

;

PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
Ingredients:

1 cup PB

1 cup sugar

1 egg

Directions:Preheat oven 350 degrees. Mix the above ingredients. Roll the mixture into small balls. Roll the PB balls in a bowl of sugar. Bake 10-12 minutes. They will be soft when done. Do not overcook!

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and these:

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CHOCOLATE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Ingredients:

1 chocolate cake mix

1 package chocolate chips

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 egg

Directions: Mix cake mix, oil and egg together. Add in chocolate chips. Place in refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Again, soft when done - just take them out after 10 minutes.

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Sunday - Breakfast: We are responsible for taking a snack to Church for our class. I plan to make blueberry muffins and these:

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CINNAMON RAISIN BISCUITS

Ingredients:

2 cups bisquick
½ cup milk
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup raisins
1 tsp cinnamon
Directions: Combine ingredients and cook @ 425 for 10-12 minutes

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Lunch: Chicken Salad. Although I don't have and exact recipe this is what I put in mine:

Canned chicken (unless there is leftover chicken in fridge)

Onion

Sweet relish

Miracle Whip

Red grapes

--and I like it on toast or a toasted croissant. YUM!

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Dinner: YO-YO (your on your own - leftovers - whatever you can find)

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OK, now I'm feeling a little better with a preliminary plan.

Friday Funny

This video made me laugh out loud (a few times), hope it does the same for you....have a great weekend!!

What Would You Do?

I don't know about you, but several of the 'Blogs I Enjoy' are some that I have just happened upon during my blog adventures these last two years. I leave messages on some of their sites, but others I just enjoy reading. Well what do you do when you see one of those families out and about? It is a bit odd. After church last week our small group went to lunch together and I see this little boy at the restaurant that looks very familiar. I just figured it is one I had watched while volunteering at church over the last few years. Then his sister walked up and said something to him and they went on their way. It was then that I realized I knew the family from a blog I visit on occasion. So weird, I'm not a very forward person and don't feel comfortable walking up to people who have no idea who I am and saying, 'Hey, I read your blog. Good to see you!'

My questions is this....what would you do? Say something or make a mental note and move on

* * Insert Jeopardy theme music here * *

Wordless Wednesday: Work Attire...Seriously??? (the dress ends where the polka dots end)