tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35748040169884740632024-03-13T13:53:28.801-05:00So...what do you do all day?The life of a Stay-At-Home-MomJoannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02839881396449114046noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574804016988474063.post-47306799587259760472011-06-14T11:24:00.007-05:002011-06-14T11:48:51.189-05:00Viva la Mexico!<div>In 2 days, we'll be here:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618117164124443346" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k7Ppq_fBok4/TfePy3IpktI/AAAAAAAAAxY/SVrHiHQkBsY/s320/Pictures%2B044.jpg" /> <br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div>Soaking up these:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618115425356679682" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aTmW19Ms5c8/TfeONpuHCgI/AAAAAAAAAxA/Na_rj8zhEW8/s320/The-Sun.jpg" /></div><br /><br /><div>While sipping on these:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618115435084893714" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6iLuoQro8Io/TfeOON9fzhI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/KYci5kSzzGQ/s320/IMG_0635.jpg" /></div><br /><br /><div>With these people:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618115434498225730" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mMrwqwTnzP4/TfeOOLxn9kI/AAAAAAAAAxI/0bFplFWKBes/s320/Pictures%2B119.jpg" /></div><br /><br /><div>And missing these people:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618117437200386946" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ajezvo3T7LU/TfeQCwbBy4I/AAAAAAAAAxw/A3SQHvfdt0I/s320/IMG_1622.JPG" /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618117174475150034" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vxiy8ltmi3w/TfePzdsc0tI/AAAAAAAAAxo/L4S4Ctla34Y/s320/IMG_1587.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618117170327974322" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-40nM5X8e8Sw/TfePzOPr8bI/AAAAAAAAAxg/5JMqb_I6BeE/s320/247835_2070516370442_1470858256_32359978_6479604_n.jpg" /><br /><br /><div>Life is rough.</div></div></div></div></div></div>Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02839881396449114046noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574804016988474063.post-34094864083071662192011-05-29T14:31:00.002-05:002011-05-29T14:51:25.544-05:00February 14, 2001 - May 27, 2011We've had a sad few days in our household. Our sweet dog, Spencer, had to be put to sleep on Friday.<br /><br />We noticed that he hadn't been eating for the past few days, and that his stomach was kind of swollen looking. When Kevin tried to get him to play fetch with his favorite little rag toy and he wouldn't, we knew that something was really wrong.<br /><br />After an emergency trip to the vet, x-rays showed a huge mass in his abdomen - almost taking up every inch of his little body. He was anemic and likely had internal bleeding. Surgery wasn't really an option.<br /><br />We had friends coming from out-of-town for the holiday weekend, and wanted to know if we could bring him home, make our decision and let them know on Tuesday, but they advised against it, saying that Spencer was likely in a lot of pain and it wouldn't be good for him. We loaded up the kids (and us) in the car, and went back to the vet to say our final, tearful goodbyes.<br /><br />I'll miss him! Shortly after Kevin and I got married, I told him that I either wanted a baby or a puppy. Kevin jumped on the puppy bandwagon, and Spencer joined our family. He has been a super sweet addition - the kids adored him, and he loved them, too! Rest in peace, sweet boy.<br /><br />Newborn Spencer with his brothers and sisters:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n7sYdWel4gA/TeKgy9XKL6I/AAAAAAAAAws/mMZhmsWaKJE/s1600/Spencer%2Bpuppy.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 279px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612224882982662050" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n7sYdWel4gA/TeKgy9XKL6I/AAAAAAAAAws/mMZhmsWaKJE/s320/Spencer%2Bpuppy.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jLa-AnZHdFU/TeKgypCif-I/AAAAAAAAAwk/iMvdiTtyW4w/s1600/4%2Bweek%2Bold%2BSpencer.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 279px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612224877527465954" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jLa-AnZHdFU/TeKgypCif-I/AAAAAAAAAwk/iMvdiTtyW4w/s320/4%2Bweek%2Bold%2BSpencer.jpg" /></a> Sweet, playful puppy:</div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612223836912671570" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lw9In06fkoo/TeKf2Eco21I/AAAAAAAAAvs/pOFVG5CkzUA/s320/Parents%2BWeekend%2B%252701%2B004.jpg" /></div><br /><div>At 1-year-old, right before Megan was born:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612223842856968802" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JjgCPt_4SPA/TeKf2al3omI/AAAAAAAAAv0/pfcd710nhCE/s320/IM000084.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612223847051410098" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eG-2JUsMNyg/TeKf2qN5urI/AAAAAAAAAv8/wvDtFzEHQAY/s320/IM000088.jpg" />Spencer with 1-week-old Megan. He LOVED to be close to her!</div><br /><div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 242px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612223848203457826" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4bv07X0LwdE/TeKf2ugklSI/AAAAAAAAAwE/De3yjTmsJRg/s320/IM000138.jpg" /></div><br /><div>Spence and 5-week old Meg:</div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612224874517178706" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zVnpXDzRehI/TeKgyd01KVI/AAAAAAAAAwc/gHfhkpwWv8c/s320/picture%2B017.jpg" /></div><br /><div>Christmas 2008 - the sweater was because Iowa gets damn cold!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612223849267504162" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3B8Gjc9PeVg/TeKf2yeQpCI/AAAAAAAAAwM/rpeU9QHgDM4/s320/pics%2B055.jpg" />Our sweet boy, last Easter:<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WQ6CwfvhD1o/TeKgyZ4-wiI/AAAAAAAAAwU/LD8OSmxV3OM/s1600/David%2B069.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612224873460843042" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WQ6CwfvhD1o/TeKgyZ4-wiI/AAAAAAAAAwU/LD8OSmxV3OM/s320/David%2B069.jpg" /></a></div></div></div>Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02839881396449114046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574804016988474063.post-67316862846500781112011-05-08T09:51:00.003-05:002011-05-08T09:54:12.576-05:00Happy Mother's Day!Happy Mother's Day to all my fellow moms! ;-)<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 318px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604358645215057922" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0LJWtRoKhvc/TcaufqHu2AI/AAAAAAAAAvk/3wdwh5PqmiA/s320/WOW-Posters.jpg" />Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02839881396449114046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574804016988474063.post-28961866892077882332011-05-04T16:51:00.003-05:002011-05-04T16:58:42.512-05:00My new favorite blogWhen I find new blogs, I tend to compulsively read the whole thing, so that I haven't missed anything, and then wait and wait and wait for each new entry. Not with this one.<br /><br />I followed the link from my friend, Michelle's, blog, and I can't get enough! It's called <a href="http://salsainchina.blogspot.com/">Do They Have Salsa in China?</a> It follows a California family that has twin girls adopted from China. I started out reading it because adoption is near and dear to my heart (2 of my nephews are adopted from Russia and 2 of my cousins have adopted from China). I thought it would be a typical "adoption story" blog, which would make me cry with each entry and be ready to fly overseas to adopt a child, but this one is different! It's partly about their lives, partly about food, and partly shows off the amazing crafts that they do together. <br /><br />With all this cool stuff, do you know what excites me the most? The amazing photographs! Wow! I wonder if the mom is a photographer or something! The colors and composition are amazing! It makes me want to dress the kids up in colorful, crazy outfits, find something green outside and park them in front of it while I click away! Just gorgeous! Because I'm so in awe of the pictures, I'm taking my time with this blog, reading leasurily when I have the time.Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02839881396449114046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574804016988474063.post-20568098973471886232011-05-03T18:02:00.002-05:002011-05-03T18:08:56.504-05:00What do you do all day?<em><span style="font-size:85%;">You may have heard this one before, I certainly have, but I feel like it is worth putting in here for when I forget...</span></em><br /><br />A man came home from work and found his three children outside, still in their pajamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn all around the front yard. <br /><br />The <a id="FALINK_3_0_2" class="FAAdLink" href="http://giselles2.blogspot.com/#">door</a> of his wife's car was open, as was the front door to the house and there was no sign of the dog. Proceeding into the entry, he found an even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked over, and the throw rug was wadded against one wall. <br /><br />In the front room the TV was loudly blaring a cartoon channel, and the family room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing. <br /><br />In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, the fridge door was open wide, <a id="FALINK_1_0_0" class="FAAdLink" href="http://giselles2.blogspot.com/#">dog food</a> was spilled on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand was spread by the back door. <br /><br />He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles of clothes, looking for his wife. He was worried she might be ill, or that something serious had happened. <br /><br />He was met with a small trickle of water as it made its way out the bathroom door. As he peered inside he found wet towels, scummy soap, and more toys strewn over the floor. Miles of <a id="FALINK_2_0_1" class="FAAdLink" href="http://giselles2.blogspot.com/#">toilet paper</a> lay in a heap and toothpaste had been smeared over the mirror and walls. <br /><br />As he rushed into the bedroom, he found his wife still curled up in the bed in her pajamas, reading a novel. She looked up at him, smiled, and asked how his day went. <br /><br />He looked at her bewildered and asked, "What happened here today?" <br /><br />She again smiled and answered, "You know how yesterday you came home from work and asked me what in the world do I do all day?" <br /><br />"Yes," was his incredulous reply. <br /><br />She answered, "Well...today I didn't do it."<br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">* Many thanks to my dear friend, <a href="http://giselles2.blogspot.com/">Giselle</a>, who posted it on her blog and had it stolen by me. Love you, girl!</span></em>Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02839881396449114046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574804016988474063.post-8876724176327823402011-04-27T17:53:00.000-05:002011-04-27T17:54:23.667-05:00*sniff* *sniff*Look what just came home from school:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 225px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600400454173880962" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2XwMHYlOJoY/Tbieinb4coI/AAAAAAAAAvU/tCIdb9mKhEI/s320/Pictures%2B001.jpg" /><br />I'm a blubbering mess.Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02839881396449114046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574804016988474063.post-67628198457975140562011-04-27T13:49:00.009-05:002011-04-27T14:36:16.790-05:00Easter 2011<div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div>Easter this year was very low-key. For the last 6 weeks, we haven't had an entire weekend at home together (I was gone for my half-marathon, we were at my parents for Spring Break, we visited Kevin's family twice, Kevin had a work trip, I went home for my uncle's funeral, etc.). Because of all this, we decided to just stay at home alone. Of course, this meant that I had to miss out of my mom's Easter cookies (BOO!) and the kids having an egg hunt at my in-laws (double BOO!) but we didn't have to travel anywhere!<br /></div><br /><br /><div>My sweet, "save the Earth" girls decided that we needed to recycle our old Easter eggs. When we got their baskets out of the attic, we found a huge bag full of empty plastic eggs. Meg then wrote the Easter Bunny a note, asking him to just fill up however many of them he wanted, rather than give us "new" eggs. So sweet! Of course, the Bunny Man had no problem doing that, and the kids felt like they did something great for the planet!</div><br /><br /><div>The kids got way too much stuff (but blessedly, not much candy), including books, a movie each (<em>Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure</em>, <em>The Princess Diaries</em> and <em>Gulliver's Travels</em>) and summer t-shirts.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600340775574425250" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xh3PzE2mTUw/TbhoQ3U_zqI/AAAAAAAAAuM/TsZtRfnTcl8/s320/IMG_1237.JPG" /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600343890399303026" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xaB_j4iA130/TbhrGK9HlXI/AAAAAAAAAvM/mHFdj7_jFAs/s320/IMG_1227.JPG" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 324px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600340778440705346" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r21CxCqjnpI/TbhoRCAXxUI/AAAAAAAAAuU/ZxTRPIQOKmw/s320/IMG_1242.JPG" />After going through all their loot, it was time to get all gussied up for church.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600340813417131266" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SUZ67PLyHHY/TbhoTETZrQI/AAAAAAAAAuc/s9xpQiLQ3vA/s320/IMG_1250.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600341365558534290" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m3mRAgEq0qI/TbhozNMK4JI/AAAAAAAAAus/RZiQm6MGO5o/s320/IMG_1292.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600341370578347810" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mat499RvHV0/Tbhozf4_JyI/AAAAAAAAAu0/vnxz4WkFYug/s320/IMG_1298.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600340821509657426" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8jolVGQmhNc/TbhoTicz01I/AAAAAAAAAuk/jY4H7wDKYYE/s320/IMG_1283.JPG" />Megan decided that even Mom and Dad needed a picture in the sunshine (truthfully, I think she just likes playing with my fancy camera)!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600341371611671698" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gc6GxFG80_U/TbhozjvWbJI/AAAAAAAAAu8/vzPolfXVdLk/s320/IMG_1307.JPG" />I hope everyone had a great weekend! </div></div></div></div></div>Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02839881396449114046noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574804016988474063.post-71326096207096191892011-04-18T10:34:00.000-05:002011-04-18T10:35:29.088-05:00New LookAfter seeing my friend Michelle's blog, I decided it was time for some "spring cleaning" on mine. I'm not 100% sure if I'm in love with the new layout, but I'm going to leave it up for a bit and see if it grows on me. If not, it's easy to change!Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02839881396449114046noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574804016988474063.post-91334499125254324782011-04-15T13:19:00.003-05:002011-04-15T13:21:38.691-05:00Pray for RainI'm willing to give anything a try! Please, Lord, give us a good, soaking rain! <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vml1F10_T48/TaiMfpMPZOI/AAAAAAAAAtc/wQZoSakphYs/s1600/rain%2Bdance%2B2"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595877012268868834" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vml1F10_T48/TaiMfpMPZOI/AAAAAAAAAtc/wQZoSakphYs/s320/rain%2Bdance%2B2" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8-NoRKd1FAA/TaiMfbwAiKI/AAAAAAAAAtU/kSTpceuG3qA/s1600/rain%2Bdance.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 279px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595877008660793506" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8-NoRKd1FAA/TaiMfbwAiKI/AAAAAAAAAtU/kSTpceuG3qA/s320/rain%2Bdance.jpg" /></a>Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02839881396449114046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574804016988474063.post-72574269978548632462011-04-11T16:49:00.013-05:002011-05-04T10:02:59.442-05:00Meal Plan MondayHaven't done one of these in a while! In fact, it seems like we've had nothing but convenience foods lately! Not sure why that's been the case, but I'm ready to get back to semi-healthy eating and cooking again! Because of that, here's this week's menu:<br /><br /><strong>Monday</strong>: Beer Can Barbecue Chicken, Roasted Broccoli, Corn<br /><br /><strong>T</strong><strong>uesday</strong>: Homemade Pizza, Salad<br /><br /><strong>Wednesday</strong>: Mighty Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Corn (probably leftover from tonight's meal) <strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Thursday</strong>: Orange-Teriyaki Pork Chops, Sesame Noodles with Edamame<br /><br /><strong>Friday</strong>: Maryland Crab Cakes, Homemade Fries<br /><br />ETA: What's wrong with the spacing? Sorry if this is hard to read - I'm having some blogger issues. Okay...all kinds of issues! The time is wrong, too! I posted this while Owen was napping - about 1:30 or so! Argh!Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02839881396449114046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574804016988474063.post-61081792341925533492011-04-11T16:45:00.002-05:002011-04-11T16:48:56.422-05:00M.I.A.I'd like to say that I've been doing something productive with my time, like writing the Great American Novel, volunteering with the homeless or training for a marathon (hey...wait! I DID run a half-marathon!), but really, it's been pretty quiet around here. Normal life stuff, and with my Lenten internet break (I'm only allowing myself to be on when the kids are in bed or on my phone when I'm waiting in the pick-up line at school), I haven't been around much. I did, however, feel like visiting here today, and hopefully I'll get back at it soon!Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02839881396449114046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574804016988474063.post-78530296345912624122011-03-04T14:13:00.003-06:002011-03-04T14:18:04.531-06:00Keep on Keepin' OnWow! I didn't realize it had been so long since I've updated. I guess there really hasn't been much excitment in our house lately! Busy with school, work and life in general, but nothing truly noteworthy has been going on!<br /><br />On February 25, Megan turned NINE! I'm still not quite sure how that happened! I keep asking her to stop growing up, but you know how obstinate kids can be! ;-)<br /><br />Hopefully I'll get back in the habit of posting here. Facebook has sucked a lot of my time lately, and for Lent, I'm giving up the internet during daylight hours (I'll only be on early in the morning and late at night, when the kids are in bed). My one exception will be checking Facebook and my email on my phone when I'm waiting in the car for school pick-up! Wish me luck!Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02839881396449114046noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574804016988474063.post-42223686568007798262010-11-30T12:54:00.002-06:002010-11-30T13:00:17.637-06:00Meal Plan MondayAfter all of our travels last week, I'm ready to get back to normal! However, with Christmas fast approaching, I feel like I'm already in survival mode! Time to slow it back down and at least eat normally!<br /><br /><strong>Monday</strong>: Ramen noodles. Don't judge me. Kevin was sick. Owen was sick. The girls love it. I had somewhere to be at 7:00. To make it super healthy, they also had apple slices.<br /><br /><strong>Tuesday</strong>: <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/garlic-mustard-grilled-beef-skewers-recipe/index.html">Garlic-Mustard Grilled Beef Skewers</a>, Corn, Roasted Potatoes - This was on my last menu, but we didn't get around to making it. Tonight it is!<br /><br /><strong>Wednesday</strong>: Chicken Stir-Fry, Rice<br /><br /><strong>Thursday</strong>: Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Sauteed Zuchini & Carots<br /><br /><strong>Friday</strong>: Homemade Pizza, SaladJoannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02839881396449114046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574804016988474063.post-56691477208529773952010-11-17T12:20:00.007-06:002010-11-17T12:49:52.953-06:00Six Years. Gone.How did that happen? One minute, I had a tiny little girl, and the next, a budding tween! My Hannah-belle is 6 years old today! I think I'm in a state of shock.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div> </div><div>Here's a look through the past six years...</div><br /><div>She was an adorable newborn, with a big sister who wasn't quite sure about her.</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540586495689356050" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TOQeEALj8xI/AAAAAAAAArI/XM1fQzeHPKA/s320/IMG_0171.JPG" />She had attitude from the day she was born!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540586500829140370" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TOQeETU-1ZI/AAAAAAAAArQ/u5a5xoQVRNE/s320/pics%2B046.jpg" />She got bigger, and into lots of things.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540586504724674514" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TOQeEh1v99I/AAAAAAAAArY/dOid8lgva1s/s320/8.jpg" /></div><br /><div>She took pictures in the bluebonnets with Megan, like all Texas kids do at some point.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540589677480883458" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TOQg9NRxtQI/AAAAAAAAAs4/-gr66R8H6B4/s320/IMG_0734.JPG" /></div><div>She hung out with a purple monkey.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 182px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540586518828695042" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TOQeFWYaPgI/AAAAAAAAAro/yU4Wieg10KU/s320/IMG_0536%2Bcropped.JPG" />She played ballerina with Megan.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 223px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540587161426900674" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TOQeqwPwtsI/AAAAAAAAArw/qn2dgI_ZjCg/s320/Picture%2B049%2Bcropped.JPG" />She looked beautiful in the Iowa sunshine!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540587168692017202" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TOQerLT5mDI/AAAAAAAAAr4/BOe0Me1hByM/s320/pics%2B017.jpg" />She had Pantene commercial-worthy hair (and loved on Owen).<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540587171184611314" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TOQerUmLj_I/AAAAAAAAAsA/0WGlCfylwRI/s320/pics%2B155.jpg" /></div><div>She was all smiles when she turned 4.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540587182418094178" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TOQer-cc6GI/AAAAAAAAAsI/JgGDknXlywc/s320/pics%2B185.jpg" /></div><div>She indulged mom in an in-house "photo shoot".<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540587199579734082" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TOQes-YGwEI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/Kk30V-EMRnw/s320/Picture%2B122.jpg" />She was a sassy 5-year-old.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540588626275582994" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TOQgABO5xBI/AAAAAAAAAsY/xeKRP4-Hkgo/s320/Picture%2B126.jpg" />She modeled some accessories from India.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540588647162265826" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TOQgBPCrQOI/AAAAAAAAAsw/1UQJxrVZ-xo/s320/IMG_0394.jpg" /></div><div>She rang in the new year in style!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540588631413903826" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TOQgAUX-UdI/AAAAAAAAAsg/vh1Y_qA63d8/s320/IMG_0443.jpg" /></div><div>...and she became even sweeter and more beautiful that before!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540588640875187970" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TOQgA3nuDwI/AAAAAAAAAso/k1WDIwHy6PQ/s320/Pictures%2B025.jpg" /></div><div>WE LOVE YOU, HANNAH JOY! We are so proud of the sweet young lady that you're turning out to be!</div></div></div></div></div></div>Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02839881396449114046noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574804016988474063.post-60059737774104896772010-11-15T17:17:00.003-06:002010-11-15T17:35:03.168-06:00Meal Plan MondayI'm not feeling very inspired this week, and my boring menu reflects that!<br /><br /><strong>Monday</strong>: <a href="http://www.laurieskitchen.com/index.cfm/product/790_44/tortilla-soup.cfm">Chicken Tortilla Soup</a> - Several years ago, my cousin Monica had an arts and crafts store. She also sold little packets of dip and soup mixes. This is from a mix, but is the most flavorful tortilla soup ever! I add chicken and frozen corn to it, and top my bowl with crushed tortilla chips and shredded cheese. Yum!<br /><br /><strong>Tuesday</strong>: Hamburgers, Baked Beans, Chips<br /><br /><strong>Wednesday</strong>: Happy birthday to Hannah! We'll be going out to the restaurant of her choice. Most likely, it will be O'Hana Steakhouse and that is A-OK with me! Yummy!<br /><br /><strong>Thursday</strong>: <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/garlic-mustard-grilled-beef-skewers-recipe/index.html">Garlic-Mustard Grilled Beef Skewers</a>, Rice, Green Beans<br /><br /><strong>Friday</strong>: Homemade Pizza, Salad<br /><br />Sometime this weekend, I'm planning to make <a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000000257929">Game Day Chili</a> (I leave out the beans, but otherwise make it pretty close to the recipe) . Kevin just asked me about chili this weekend. I guess he's hungry for it, too! Corn bread and fritos on the side!Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02839881396449114046noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574804016988474063.post-37998650801045604622010-11-15T15:53:00.003-06:002010-11-15T16:05:09.000-06:00Conversations with OwenI did a similar "survey" with the girls a year or so ago. My friend, Kara, just re-posted this on her blog and thought it would be funny to ask Owen these questions. Here's his survey, at 3 1/2 years old!<br /><br />1. What is something mom always says to you? <span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>Keep out! - not sure I've said that exactly, but I have told him to leave my room before...</strong></span><br />2. What makes mom happy?<strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"> kisses</span></strong><br />3. What makes mom sad? <strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">crying</span></strong><br />4. How does your mom make you laugh? <strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">when she tickles me</span></strong><br />5. What was your mom like as a child? <strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">8-years-old (not sure he understood)</span></strong><br />6. How old is your mom? <strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">7 - 8 - 9</span></strong><br />7. How tall is your mom? <strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">3 inches long</span></strong><br />8. What is her favorite thing to do? <strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">read a book</span></strong><br />9. What does your mom do when you're not around? <strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">draws (?)</span></strong><br />10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for? <strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Hannah (hmmm...maybe I'll be a stage mom?)</span></strong><br />11. What is your mom really good at? <strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">playing soccer (?)</span></strong><br />12. What is your mom not very good at? <strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">playing other sports</span></strong><br />13. What does your mom do for a job? <strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">work at home</span></strong><br />14.What is your mom's favorite food? <strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">chicken salad (it's one of them!)</span></strong><br />15. What makes you proud of your mom? <strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">when you're happy</span></strong><br />16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be? <strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Princess Peach (this kid has Mario Kart on his brain 24/7!)</span></strong><br />17. What do you and your mom do together? <strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">go to the grocery store and you push the biggest cart of all and I push the tiny cart</span></strong><br />18. How are you and your mom the same? <strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">We both like Phineas and Ferb.</span></strong><br />19. How are you and your mom different? <strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Yo</span><span style="color:#3333ff;">ur shirt is black and mine is white, Mama. And your hair is white and mine is short. Yours is long.</span></strong><br />20. How do you know your mom loves you? <strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">hugs</span></strong><br />21. What does your mom like most about your dad? <strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">to dance with him</span></strong><br />22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go? <strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">home</span></strong>Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02839881396449114046noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574804016988474063.post-14407199422895714202010-11-01T13:48:00.003-05:002010-11-01T14:25:52.340-05:00Meal Plan Monday<strong>Monday</strong>: <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/10/beef-with-snow-peas/">Beef with Snow Peas</a>, Rice - Another Pioneer Woman recipe (what did I do before her?). The picture alone has my mouth watering!<br /><br /><strong>Tuesday</strong>: <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Garlic-Chicken/Detail.aspx">Garlic Chicken</a>, Roasted Asparagus, Pan Fried Potatoes<br /><br /><strong>Wednesday</strong>: Chicken Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Corn<br /><br /><strong>Thursday</strong>: Broccoli Cheese Soup - I have a recipe from a friend, and can't wait to try it! I've heard great things about her soup!<br /><br /><strong>Friday</strong>: ??? - My in-laws are coming, so I'm not sure if we'll go out, or if I'll have to plan on something. I'm thinking, I'm thinking...Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02839881396449114046noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574804016988474063.post-66090057515107288012010-10-27T08:51:00.002-05:002010-10-27T08:58:18.073-05:00Wordless Wednesday<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TMgvg13b9oI/AAAAAAAAArA/K-UcbB4VNSw/s1600/IMG_0844%5B1%5D"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532724383486572162" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TMgvg13b9oI/AAAAAAAAArA/K-UcbB4VNSw/s320/IMG_0844%5B1%5D" /></a><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532724376826690338" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TMgvgdDmOyI/AAAAAAAAAq4/qz9ZXgk9GaI/s320/IMG_0850%5B1%5D" /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TMgvf59bUoI/AAAAAAAAAqw/0fgstz36Gzk/s1600/IMG_0853%5B1%5D"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532724367405568642" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TMgvf59bUoI/AAAAAAAAAqw/0fgstz36Gzk/s320/IMG_0853%5B1%5D" /></a></div></div>Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02839881396449114046noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574804016988474063.post-22810404827131848432010-10-25T12:17:00.003-05:002010-10-25T12:23:49.870-05:00Meal Plan MondayHello, all! The past few weeks have been strange. Way too much fast food/take-out and running around. This week should finally slow back down to normal, and I'm happy to be back to a regular meal plan!<br /><br /><strong>Monday:</strong> Homemade Chicken Strips, Creamed Corn, Fries<br /><br /><strong>Tuesday:</strong> Spaghetti, Roasted Broccoli, Cheesy Garlic Bread<br /><br /><strong>Wednesday:</strong> <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/11/braised-short-ribs-heaven-on-a-plate/">Pioneer Woman's Braised Short Ribs</a>, Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Asparagus - I saw this on her site a couple of weeks ago, and had it in my mind ever since! I can't wait to try this one!<br /><br /><strong>Thursday:</strong> Breakfast Burritos - Kevin will be gone overnight on Thursday, so, as usual, we're having breakfast!<br /><br /><strong>Friday:</strong> Baked Ham and Cheese Sandwiches, Fresh Fruit, ChipsJoannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02839881396449114046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574804016988474063.post-62061191335698060272010-10-13T19:35:00.003-05:002010-10-13T20:09:44.809-05:00Pizza PartyTonight was pizza night here! I made the dough early in the day, so putting it all together in the evening was quick and easy. My dough recipe follows. It is super simple, but very tasty! I like to stretch it out thin and pile the toppings on! <div><div><div><div><br /> </div><div>For the kids, I normally make small, mini pizzas, so they can all have their favorite kind. Hannah likes everything, Owen likes nothing, and Megan doesn't like sauce, so it's an easy way to let them each have their way.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527700748133610866" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TLZWix0qNXI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/JQmKx6cxhmU/s320/Pictures+136.jpg" /></div><div>As for me, I like my pizza with prosciutto and spinach. When we lived in West Des Moines, there was an AWESOME little pizza place that specialized in wood-fired pizzas (<a href="http://www.redrossa.com/">Red Rossa</a>). It was divine! Kevin, the kids and I all loved it and ate there frequently. Sadly, there isn't anything nearly as good here. Through trial and error, this is pretty darn close!</div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Pizza Dough (originally from my friend <a href="http://karneifamily.blogspot.com/">Angela</a>)</strong></div><div>2 Tbls. olive oil (separated)</div><div>1 tsp. honey</div><div>1 cup warm water</div><div>1 pkg. yeast</div><div>3 cups flour (divided)</div><div>1 tsp. salt</div><div><br /></div><div>Put 1 Tbls. olive oil and honey in a bowl; add in 1 cup of very warm water and stir. Add in 1 pkg. of yeast. Stir to combine and let sit for 5 minutes. Add in 1 1/2 cups flour and salt. Stir to form a soft dough. Add in an additional 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup at a time. Turn onto a clean surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes. Put 1 Tbls. olive oil in a large clean bowl. Place the dough ball in the bowl and roll it gently in the oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and then a dish towel and place in a warm place for 2-3 hours.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527700740468892914" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TLZWiVRP5PI/AAAAAAAAAqA/xUwNo4iYSUg/s320/Pictures+130.jpg" /></div><div><strong>My Sauce</strong></div><div>(I've never written it down before, so bear with me). I like pizza sauce to be unfussy. Only a handful of ingredients. Pour a Tbls of olive oil in a nonstick skillet. Add 4 or 5 cloves of minced garlic and cook until just browned (you can obviously use less, but I'm a garlic addict). Add a jar/can of strained tomatoes (any brand) and cook on low, until bubbly. Add kosher salt and pepper to taste (about a Tbls. of salt). Chop a small handful of fresh basil. Wilt into the sauce and continue cooking for 5-10 more minutes.</div><div><br /></div><div>That's it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Preheat your oven to 425. Lightly grease your pizza pan. Stretch/press your dough into a thin layer. Top with lots of sauce (don't be skimpy)! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527700757536261090" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TLZWjU2bQ-I/AAAAAAAAAqg/lOYmtFmQHxA/s320/Pictures+135.jpg" /></div><div>Course chop a few slices of proscuitto (I use about 3) and layer over the pizza. Top with fresh, soft mozzarella and then pile high with fresh spinach (it wilts a lot in the oven). It is so, so good! You'll most definitely be ruined for Pizza Hut and the rest of the greasy pizza chains for life!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527700754206527794" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TLZWjIcjkTI/AAAAAAAAAqY/81au20_O5qU/s320/Pictures+137.jpg" /></div></div></div></div>Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02839881396449114046noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574804016988474063.post-2445233317146546462010-10-12T17:54:00.003-05:002010-10-12T17:59:34.260-05:00Meal Plan Monday (on Tuesday)Columbus Day put me a day behind! The girls were off from school yesterday, and we were all tired from the weekend. Slowly, I'm getting into the groove of the week!<br /><br /><strong>Monday</strong>: Corn dogs, Grapes, Cheese (don't you wish you were invited over for this one?) ;-)<br /><br /><strong>Tuesday</strong>: Chicken Stir-Fry, Rice - We didn't have this last week, and I had prepared for it!<br /><br /><strong>Wednesday</strong>: Homemade Pizza, Salad - When I was young, and "should" have loved pizza, it was never my favorite. Now that I make it myself, I find that I could eat it all of the time! When you use good ingredients, pizza can be fabulous!<br /><br /><strong>Thursday</strong>: Waffles, Bacon, Fresh Fruit - Kevin will be out-of-town, so we normally have breakfast for dinner at least once!<br /><br /><strong>Friday</strong>: Chicken Enchiladas, Spanish Rice, Chips & Queso<br /><br />Hope everyone is having a great week!Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02839881396449114046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574804016988474063.post-48864804751875313712010-10-11T19:07:00.006-05:002010-10-11T19:28:55.536-05:0015 Years!<div><div>Wow. This weekend was my 15th high school reunion. A bunch of us class of '95ers met up and had a great time! On one hand, it seems like I hadn't seen many of them in ages. On the other, I can remember our time in high school like yesterday (aside from the "fight" that Lori swears her brother got into with Quintin our sophomore year)! Stories were swapped, kids were introduced and a lot of new memories were made!<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div>My BFF Cathy, and Kevin:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526945691856953506" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TLOn0uACYKI/AAAAAAAAAo4/2LfgH7X7MpI/s320/Pictures+078.jpg" />All of my former classmates who made it for dinner (a few more showed up later in the evening):<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526945694359942258" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TLOn03Uy9HI/AAAAAAAAApA/L5X0jfpJgA0/s320/Pictures+085.jpg" />Lori and I:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526945700890599298" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TLOn1Pp034I/AAAAAAAAApI/VyjB8BpUycM/s320/Pictures+099.jpg" />We were lucky that my cousin, Sara, and her daughter Elizabeth were able to come home for the weekend, too! I can't remember when we saw them last (Christmas maybe?)! Both of my sisters came out to my mom and dad's, too, and we had a fun day of hanging out and eating yummy food (Sara made a pecan pie, and Lisa brought a s'mores maker). The kids thought that was awesome (and I'll admit to eating a roasted marshmallow or two myself). A sticky, sweet mess, but so much fun!</div><div> </div><div>My nephew Tyler, Megan and my sister, Lisa:</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526948251766017618" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TLOqJuZ6zlI/AAAAAAAAApQ/zsgl1tSLils/s320/Pictures+060.jpg" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br />All of the s'more makers:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526948252750222386" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TLOqJyEklDI/AAAAAAAAApY/uQX8AqPilhs/s320/Pictures+065.jpg" />Hannah with a sticky bite:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526948267989471362" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TLOqKq15EII/AAAAAAAAApg/B0DKGVStX4g/s320/Pictures+066.jpg" />Tyler helps Owen roast a marshmallow:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526948279914048226" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TLOqLXQ7quI/AAAAAAAAApo/pxnoQEd6jIE/s320/Pictures+068.jpg" />Elizabeth (2 1/2) and Owen (3 1/2):<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526948282915170690" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TLOqLicdKYI/AAAAAAAAApw/_pH0YGBubIE/s320/Pictures+071.jpg" />She was wearing the perfect shirt for the occasion, "Napkins are for babies!" So true!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526948474095158914" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TLOqWqpURoI/AAAAAAAAAp4/7wpj3-KGbIg/s320/Pictures+072.jpg" />Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02839881396449114046noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574804016988474063.post-21130112452532226742010-10-04T10:08:00.002-05:002010-10-04T10:15:17.110-05:00Meal Plan MondayWith the cooler weather, I thought I'd start the week with a soup. I'm most definitely a warm-weather gal myself, but I do like when I can start making soups, stews and chili again!<br /><br /><strong>Monday</strong>: My mom's vegetable beef soup. So, so yummy! Someday, I'll put the recipe up, but it's so "mom" like (a handful of rice, enough water to cover - no real measurements). Crackers alongside, but no other veggies or anything. It's all in there!<br /><br /><strong>Tuesday</strong>: Chicken stir-fry, rice<br /><br /><strong>Wednesday</strong>: <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/03/bbq-meatballs-comfort-food-to-the-max/">Comfort meatballs</a> (the link says BBQ meatballs, but the cookbook has a different name), mashed potatoes, roasted broccoli<br /><br /><strong>Thursday</strong>: Leftover soup. We'll eat it all up, and won't have more leftovers since we'll be gone for the weekend!<br /><br /><strong>Friday</strong>: Eating on the road! We're heading to my parents' house for the weekend. It's my (<strong>YIKES!</strong>) 15th high school reunion!Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02839881396449114046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574804016988474063.post-86096705934543562852010-09-30T16:29:00.004-05:002010-09-30T16:31:46.243-05:00So true!Ha ha! I saw this on my friend, Jayme's, blog and had to steal it for my own! You think it was embarrassing for your mom to tell stories about you around your friends? To pull out baby pictures with a new boy/girlfriend? That's nothing compared to what our kids will go through!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TKUBZGymp1I/AAAAAAAAAow/ww7zU0_id5E/s1600/haha-dork-i-bet-your-dogs-name-is-ipod.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 377px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522822048870999890" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TKUBZGymp1I/AAAAAAAAAow/ww7zU0_id5E/s320/haha-dork-i-bet-your-dogs-name-is-ipod.jpg" /></a>Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02839881396449114046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574804016988474063.post-33992889767956907712010-09-28T21:18:00.007-05:002010-09-28T21:33:03.598-05:00When I grow up...Do you remember what you wanted to "be" when you grew up? I remember desperately wanting to be a Dallas Cowboy's Cheerleader. My sister, Karen, and I had these awesome blue satin jackets with the big star on the front. I thought I was hot stuff. Sadly, that dream went away, but was replaced by an even bigger, better dream: to be a mom.<br /><br />I love, love, love to hear my kiddos talk about what they want to be when they grow up. They have all decided to go to Texas A&M (although Meg is sad that they don't have cheerleaders - taking after her Mama)! After that, who knows?<br /><br />This is college/career week at Megan & Hannah's school. Today, the kids all got to dress up as what they want to be. Megan has (for quite some time) debated between being a chef and a teacher. Casually, I told her that maybe she could go to culinary school and then be an instuctor there. She latched onto that for a while, but recently changed her mind. Instead of teaching other chefs at school, she's decided that she wants "to be a TV chef, just like Paula Deen, and teach everyone"! I knew she was a smart one!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522155538586289474" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TKKjNGfkRUI/AAAAAAAAAog/iM9f7L9JP8w/s320/Pictures+062.jpg" />Hannah is constantly changing her mind, which, at 5, is totally expected and encouraged! She's always asking me things like "can you be a mommy and a ballerina?" or "can you be a mommy and a vet?" With her sweet nature and love for babies, it's no wonder that she always makes sure that moms can do anything! For career day, she decided that she wanted to be a doctor. Not just any doctor, but a doctor who takes care of babies and kids (notice a pattern here?). As we were getting her outfit together from our dress-up closet, she said, "I wanted to be either a doctor, or a pop star. We just don't have a pop star suit, so I guess I'll go with doctor!" Cute little stinker!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522155542930986770" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kJtHyG4G9lI/TKKjNWrbFxI/AAAAAAAAAoo/bKAkUPz95N4/s320/Pictures+064.jpg" />With the girls' sweetness and big hearts, I know that they'll excel at anything that they decide to do - even if it is being a pop star! ;-) Love, love, love them!Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02839881396449114046noreply@blogger.com4