MAVS

Pregame:
We're off to watch the MAVS play tonight...and honor Collin Madison, an SCS student who Joey nominated as a MAVS/Apple Orthodontix Livewire...and he was chosen (YAY Collin!) and will be honored at tonight's game.

Postgame Report:
Collin got to meet several of the Mavs star players (Dirk, Kidd, Terry, Howard) and was a captain at mid court before tip-off. He even got to take part in their pregame huddle and give each of the starters high-fives as they were introduced onto the floor. He was the man of the hour and was so appreciative. We had a wonderful time and Case was an angel! How cool are some of these pics? He will never forget the moment, it was so neat to see him honored for being an awesome young man.

impromptu bluebonnet pics

Well, we did not set out to take pictures in the bluebonnets today, but we were struck by the beauty of a nicely slopped hill that was covered with Bluebonnets and dotted with a few Indian Paintbrush and Coreopsis. Of course, we did have the camera, but then again....we usually do. We decided the BBQ we were after could wait a few more minutes. Afterall, it was that special time of day that photographers love, there was a prime spot that every Texan would be proud of and we just happened to have a kiddo with us that we thought looked pretty cute...even if he wasn't dressed in his "bluebonnet outfit". Before you ask, yes, he does have an outfit that was purchased with this ritual in mind. I know, I know, I know...BUT, I recognize the fact that here in a few years he won't allow something as ridiculous as taking pictures in a patch of flowers to take place..."pictures in flowers? c'mon mom, how g**!" I can hear it now! So, YES while I still has a say HE has an outfit just for this silly thing that happens every spring in Texas! Here are our first bluebonnet pics!

On a side note, we don't make a habit of picking wildflowers, but the damage was done before we could stop it!

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/director_staff/public_information/pr032602.htm

pandora

I cannot imagine a world without music!
I could give up tv, no problem! But, music? No way!
Check out this website! Our friends Shane & Erin told us about it several months ago...I can't believe we haven't mentioned it on the blog before now.
www.pandora.com

morning coffee

http://www.renaebrumbaugh.com/
I stumbled across this website and thought it worth sharing with the those who check out our blog (all 3 of you) :) Heather, I think you were in the market for a new devotional. This isn't book form, but looks good to spite that! The entries appear to be short & easy to digest...great for mommies! I love the name "morning coffee" if I only I would get up craving some quiet/devotional time the way I crave my morning coffee...maybe that will be my prayer...

old iron bridge

After a photo session in Granbury (precious Madi Moore...check the blog) we stopped to play for a minute!




Spring?

Easter

We spent this Easter in Abilene with Allison's family ("KK" & "Papa Doc") Although this was Case's third Easter...this was his first true Easter experience...egg hunting and all...He had a BIG time! Here are a few pics. I hope to add a few more tomorrow.

I was deprived as a child...

Well, not really, but when it comes to eating casseroles I was. My Dad is not a fan of casseroles....or even their distant relatives. So the only time I had the pleasure was at holidays or at friends' houses. At some point along the way I tasted casserole style chicken spaghetti. I didn't realize until years later while trying to replicate the taste of that one particular CS that not all Chicken Spaghetti(s) are created equally!
I have found a recipe, for what just might be the closest to "the one" I've been searching for. :)
It is actaully my friend Janie Wright's recipe. However, I always feel the need to tweek recipes, so I've made a change or two.
I am actually taking this dish over to some friends who recently had their second baby. I hope they find it yummy on this dreary, rainy day! What is your favorite casserole recipe? Please share!...like I said, I was deprived!

Janie Wright’s Chicken Spaghetti

1 whole chicken or a couple of chicken breasts
1 green bell pepper - diced
1 onion – diced
1 small pkg Velveeta
1 pkg spaghetti (or any pasta you enjoy)
1 can Rotel
1 can Cream of Chicken soup
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp chili powder
black pepper and salt to taste (I always use more seasoning than called for)
a pat of butter

Sautee onion and bell pepper in one skillet, begin boiling spaghetti in another pot (I use bouillion in the water). Begin cooking the chicken...the recipe calls for boiling, but I like to season it and cook it in an electric skillet. Once chicken is cooked dice it and add to sautee skillet. Then add Rotel, Velveeta C of C soup, cumin, g powder, & c powder to the sautéed mix.
I like to then stir everything together and put in casserole dish. Bake at 325 for 20-30 minutes.

Spring Break Fun!

We spent most of our Spring Break at Lake Tawakoni with Joey's parents and extended family. A lot of fun was had, as usual, Case played on tractors, slides, swings, and boats - just to name a few. Nanny and PawPaw really enjoyed seeing him, I have a feeling Case enjoyed the time equally as much. Enjoy the pics.

oh happy day!

Saturday wore us all out! Dad and Case began with a bang, running the bases at the baseball field, watching airplanes take-off and land at the airport, playing on a local playground and devouring a couple of burgers. After Case was done with a hardcore nap and Mommy was back from her haircut, we set out again. This time we went out and saw our friends Momma Kay and Don Fenn. We flew a kite, talked to cows, calves, horses, a colt, a donkey, and several dogs; walked down to the river, threw some rocks, and got wet, played a 50-gallon drum, and slept hard on the trip back home. Perfect day. Enjoy the pics.


it's cold out here, daddy!

pics continued...

"new" breakfast idea

Well, new to us anyway...
Okay, so I have failed at my attempt to post a recipe regularly. Thanks for the reminder!(lol)
Not too long ago we stayed with Joey’s great Aunt Betty in Dallas. Betty and Nanny kept Case while J&I and another couple went to see U23D (awesome show by the way). The next morning Aunt Betty made steel cut oats, which I had heard of but assumed was just a marketing ploy to charge twice the price for run of the mill oatmeal....Turns out it is really good and NOT your mama’s oatmeal!
I ended up buying them at our neighborhood health food store after checking WM, Kroger and Albertson’s, they were still reasonably priced @ $4 for 1.5 lbs. I followed the stovetop instructions and just before they were finished I added a bit of Brummel & Brown, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries. Case gobbled up his serving and then took over my bowl. I think he liked it!?
6 g protein
8 g fiber
3 g fat
and really yummy!

trip to the piney woods

While Joey was touring the country (ha! ha!) Case and I went to East Texas to visit Heather and Brooks. Their family recently moved back to Texas after a few year stint in Washington. (Seattle area - fun!) We are so glad they are back. Heather and I met @ TTU while pledging Tri Delt and have been special friends ever since. She married a West Texas boy who went to the same high school I did and although I didn't know him then (we were a few grades apart) I think he's a great guy! Anyway...Brooks and Case are only 2 months apart and they had a SWELL time together!

After looking at the calendar and realizing that Joey was going to be out of town for almost 2 solid weeks in early February we decided to take a little family vacation just prior. (Thank goodness he'll be home this evening we miss him!)



...having fun on South Congress


...playing with Daddy!

invisiblechildren.com

invisiblechildren.com

{family of three}

turkey chili verde

So...I've noticed that a few of you, whose blogs I read, post recipes and pics of your delectable dishes...I make no promises...this may not be a regular occurance...you may not find this recipe to be worth trying, but we really enjoyed it on this 33 degree TX night, so here it is.

Turkey Chili Verde (from "Weight Watchers Simply Delicious")
27 g of protein...way too many carbs if you're a carb counter

2 tsp canola oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 garlic clove, minced (I used 2 tsp of minced garlic from a jar)
1 lb. ground, skinless turkey breast
3 T chili powder
1/2 lb tomatillas, husks removed and halved (I used 5 good sized tomatillas)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 4oz can chopped green chiles, drained
1/2 cup cilantro leaves
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 15oz cans cannelini (white kidney) beans, drain and rinse
1 tsp sugar

Heat oil in large saucepan/stockpot. Add onion, bell pepper and garlic and sautee for about 8 minutes or until softened. Add turkey, chili powder, & cumin. Cook over med heat until turkey browns, break up the turkey as it cooks.
Meanwhile puree the tomatillas, chiles, and cilantro in a food processor, then add to the turkey mixture. Stir in the broth, beans, & sugar; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered about 45 minutes until mix is thickened and flavors are blended.

TAG!

I've been "tagged" by 2 friends and fellow bloggers...so here goes...

4 jobs I've had:
1. Chili's (high school) Abuelo's (high school early college)
2. Express (Lubbock, while at TTU....this was short lived...I quickly learned that I am NOT cut out for retail!)
3. Teacher (1st grade and 6th grade)
4. The best job - mommy to Case

4 places I've lived - all in TX
1. Abilene
2. Brownwood
3. Lubbock
4. Cleburne

4 movies I've watched over and over
1. Top Gun
2. Girls Just Want To Have Fun (sjp and i go WAYYYY back!)
3. Dazed and Confused
4. The Object of My Affection
5. Sweet Home Alabama
oh....I'm only suppose to have 4!

4 Shows I regularly watch
1. Greys Anatomy
2. Law&Order SVU
3. Sex and the City (on dvd...I'm slowly making my way thru all 6 seasons while I do the elliptical)
4. How I Met Your Mother & Big Bang Theory (we just started watching these...theraputic humor)

4 Places I've been
1. Akumal, Mexico
2. NYC
3. Cayman Islands
4. All over Colorado (over the course of several summers...well, winters too!)

4 favorite things to eat
1. Anything mexican
2. Asian...anything from Pei-Wei...i love california rolls, and pad thai
3. Schlotskys - original and jalepeno ships
4. dips with veggies or chips...or REAL popcorn cooked on the stove

4 places I'd rather be
1. living in FW...I am quite ready for our house to sell
2. I really want to vist the Carolinas
3. Italy
4. somewhere warm....it is 36 outside this morning, or somewhere with really fun shopping

4 things I look forward to this year
1. watching Case grow and change
2. relocating (not the actual move, but being closer to school, Joey not having to commute, etc)
3. a new house, church, etc. ( a change and opportunity to meet new people)
4. the opportunity to possibly begin a new career when Case starts Montessori or at SCS

all is calm

Rejoice!

We sincerely hope that your holidays were resftul, and spent in the company of those you love the most!

Farkel On!

Case stayed with KK on Saturday as Mommy and Daddy enjoyed the anual farkel party!
We had a great time! Thanks John, Julie, Mike & Mandy for hosting!!!

For those of you who haven't had the pleasure....Wikipedia says, "Farkle or Farkel is a dice game that has also been called Zonk, Zilch, 5000, 10000, Wimp Out, Hot Dice, Buzzball, and Greed[1]. Its origins as a folk game are unknown, but it has been marketed since 1996 under the brand name Pocket Farkel[2]. While the basic rules are well-established, there is a wide range of variation in both scoring and play."