Last day in Texas!

It's been such a relaxing and restful trip, we've gotten to enjoy seeing family again, laughing and reminiscing, sitting around the table talking about good times, but we also have gotten to enjoy some of the most stunning scenery you could ever come across.

It's true, Texas has never been one of my favorite States but I think this last visit is kinda sorta maybe swaying me in the "I could learn to like Texas" way.

So we're spending the last night here, tomorrow morning we begin our road trip back home to Arizona and though we will miss the family, we are also eager to return to our own home. I'm sure you remember my post about being such a homebody, there's something about that wonderful feeling of returning to your own home, seeing the familiar surroundings and being in your own bed.

We'll be taking our time getting back, there is no rush and we do hope to enjoy some of the beautiful scenery of New Mexico and stop here and there, of course there will be tons of photos to share.

So I leave you with the last few visual memories of Texas and the promise that by Friday morning I will be back to blogging full time and telling you all about our vacation, or whatever I didn't get to share the past two weeks. Please remind me to tell you about how much I hate Chiggers. UGH....UGH....UGH! I'm sure if you're from Texas you know exactly what I'm talking about.

By the way, there will be no Slow Cooking Thursday this week, I'll be on the road and not sure if I'll get another chance to log in until we arrive in Arizona, even if I do get some Wifi at the hotel, I doubt I'll have the time to compile a post for you all. Slow Cooking Thursday will be back next week though :)

Have a blessed day and keep us in your thoughts as we make our way home.

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

If you look closely in the middle of this photo you can see two fireflies. There's one in the middle and one right by the tree.
It's been one of the kids favorite things to do at night, chase fireflies.

Living in Arizona means that everything I'm used to seeing is brown and dry so I can't get enough of the luscious greenery I'm finding here in Texas.

This next set of pictures I think pretty much depicts what we've been doing a lot of here, watching, admiring, observing.

These photos have become one of my favorites and I'm planning to have them enlarged and framed.

Have you ever heard of Bodark Apples or Hedge Apples? I hadn't until I got here, my in laws have quite a few trees of these around their land. I find them absolutely stunning to look at and apparently, according to them, the local horses around here love eating these apples.

My kids are fascinated by these frogs at the neighbor's pond. We spend many hours just watching them.

Happy Homemaker Monday - June 29

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The weather in my neck of the woods:
Still pretty hot here, nothing compared to Arizona though but enough to make you enjoy being inside instead of outdoors.


One of my simple pleasures:
Reading a book on vacation, knowing that I don't have to stop for anything, I can read as long as I like without interruptions and enjoying beautiful scenery around me.


On my bedside table:
Nothing back home but here I have my cellphone and a book


On my TV:
Been watching some great Christian movies like The Climb and Facing the Giants.


On the menu for tonight:
Whatever my mother in law fixes? LOL


On my To Do List:
Begin packing to head back home on Wednesday
Another load of laundry, I can't just leave the dirty clothes until we get back home LOL
Plan our trip back, we want to take our time and stop at interesting sights etc.


New Recipe I tried last week:
No recipes while on vacation


In the craft basket:
I have my crochet bag with me and work on it when I get a chance


Looking forward to:
Returning back home to see my pugs, I miss them SO much.


Homemaking Tip for this week:
Take your camera everywhere, you never know what you will see and you may just miss the perfect pictures


Favorite Blog Post of the week (mine or other):
Will have to leave this one blank, I haven't even opened my Google Reader since being here, but I'm sure you all understand :)


Favorite photo from last week:

Crocheting on the front porch with nothing but the birds chirping around me.

Lesson learned the past few days:
That I need to find a church like the one my in laws go to. It's a small town church, everyone knows each other and there is a real sense of family. Wish we could find one like this back home, because if there is one thing I've learned while being here, is that I need that time every Sunday, I need that time with the Lord.


On my Prayer List:
Our road trip back home this week
Family


Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.

Revelation 3:8

The beauty of nature!

Every single day I am reminded of what a beautiful world we live in, all it takes is for you to step outside and enjoy it.

I'm blessed that my in laws live in a country home surrounded by vast land, ponds and all sorts of amazing sights to see, so I thought I would take you on a virtual tour of what I'm surrounded by daily.

I'm fascinated by the huge spiderwebs I'm finding all over the land, it's almost like a white blanket spread out over the banks of the pond.

I am not fond of weeds but even I have to admit that this Creeping Thistle is beautiful.

Wooded area behind the house....ok well it's not exactly a forest, but just a bunch of trees at the end of the yard.

I love dragonflies and I've been enjoying my share of these beauties around here. I didn't even know there were so many different colors.

Yet another spiderweb

Right behind the house is this white rock, it seems that it used to be a river or some sort of creek or something. But we even found fossils in that rock, of course the kids were ecstatic.

When we first arrived there were tons of tadpoles in the pond, the other afternoon we went for a walk and had to literally watch every step we took, these little ones had turned into the cutest frogs.

I'm off to enjoy the sunset, hope you all like the photos :)

Slow Cooking Thursday

Mr Linky's usual linkies are not working, so we have to use Image Linkies, all you do is click on the green "Mr Linky" and it will open up the list for you to add your name to.

Don't forget to add your name to Mr Linky and a link back to your SCT post so others can come by and see your recipe too.

As always, share your slow cooking recipes but if you REALLY REALLY don't have one and still want to participate, then you can share any kind of recipe.

Slow Cooker Potatoes With Country Ham

Cook Time: 5 hours
Ingredients:

* 2 1/2 to 3 pounds potatoes, red skinned, peeled or left unpeeled
* 4 to 6 small sprigs fresh rosemary
* 6 to 8 ounces country ham, rinsed, or diced smoked ham
* 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon pepper
* 1 bay leaf
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 3 cups chicken broth

Cut potatoes into 2-inch chunks. Dice ham.

Layer potatoes with ham, rosemary leaves, and sliced garlic, sprinkling each layer with a little salt and pepper. Tuck a bay leaf among the potatoes, then pour chicken broth over all. Dot with butter and cook on HIGH for 5 to 6 hours, until potatoes are tender.

Discard bay leaf and spoon into a serving bowl.
Serves 6.

Grayson County Frontier Village

Guess what I got to do today? Well maybe don't guess because I'm sure by the pic above you can see.

Let's just say that I was totally in my environment this afternoon. It's not the first and I'm sure it won't be the last time that I talk about my love for Pioneer days so when I found out that just a few minutes from where we are stood the Grayson County Frontier Village, there was no way I was going to let this vacation end without visiting.

Take a walk back in time to the days when pioneer Grayson County residents used hand tools to shape logs notched together at the corners to form one-room cabins, some with lofts for added space to house families of six or more.

I have a lot of photos on my flickr album, so I won't post them all here but I still wanted to share some on the blog and also tell you a little about each house we visited.

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Thompson House

Judge James George Thompson came to Grayson County in 1830 and was the first county judge. He built this home at the tip of Preston Penninsula and it was moved to the Frontier Village in 1990.

Hendricks House

Jessie Elvis Hendricks migrated to Texas in 1845 and built the log cabin section of this house on land northeast of Sherman near the old Shannon Church.

Bradley/Bodkin Cabin

Thomas Bradley built this cabin around 1842 after coming to Sherman with his parents in 1838. He married twice and reared 14 children in this one-room cabin.

Evans Carpenter Cabin

Built around 1857 by R.J. Evans in the Cherry Mound Community. J.C. Carpenter bought the cabin about 1900 and added three additional rooms.

Country Store

A replica of a typical pioneer Texas business, it contains original equipment and other artifacts of the late 1800s.

Weaver Wagon

In 1934 two young Sherman women and their mother traveled to Colorado in this tin-covered wageon, enduring hardships similar to that of pioneers who came to Grayson County. Winnie their cow made all three trips for a total of about 4000 miles.

Fitzgerald House

Constructed by George S. Fitzgerald in 1866 on his 800 acre farm on Red River. All of the framing is hand-hewn logs fastened together with wooden pegs in the absence of nails.

Bullock/Bass House

Randolph Bullock built this house in 1850 and is said to have the first glass windows in Grayson County. It was later sold to Col. T.C. Bass. His daughter, Miss Nettie Bass, was born in the house, lived there 97 years and died in the house.

Cold Springs School

The Holder family emigrated to Texas in the mid 1840s and built this school house. Miss Maud Mangum, the first teacher, slept in the loft and ate with the families of the pupils.

Sophia's Cabin

When Sophia Augenbaugh Coffee Butt Porter came to Grayson County in the late 1830s with her second husband Holland Coffee, they lived in a one-room clapboard cabin.

Barber Shop/Dentist Office

An early day barber shop and dentist office with a display of furniture and instruments used in their profession in the late 1800s.

Newspaper Office and Saddle Shop

A replica of a newspaper office on one side and tack room on the other.

Lankford Home

William T. Lankford, one of the first five Commissioners of Grayson County, built this house in 1847 on his 1800 acre land grant east of Denison. He hauled the lumber by ox-freight from Jefferson, TX.
The ceiling was removed to make coffins during the cholera epidemic in the 1870s. The home was in the Lankford family for 124 years.

Country Church

This replica of an early Texas church is fully equipped with pews, organs, kneeling bench and pulpit.

Price/Shaw Cabin

This Texas Dogtrot cabin was built about 1860 by Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Price.

Davis/Ansley Cabin

This cabin was built about 1838 by Micajah C. Davis, one of the original founders of Grayson County. Rev. Sumner Bacon formed the Pilot Knob Presbyterian Church in the cabin in 1842, Davis served as the first elder.

Smokehouse

Early day tools and other equipment are stored in this replica of an early Texas smokehouse where meat, usually pork, was smoked or packed in salt for preservation.

I had such a blast and I can't wait to sit down and learn a bit more about the families that lived in these homes and what their lives were like in the 1800s. Hope you enjoyed it too.

I'll have more fun stuff for you, I'm so glad I'm able to take you on this trip with me.

Happy Homemaker Monday!

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The weather in my neck of the woods:
Hot and clammy....this humidity is so uncomfortable, it drives me insane.


One of my simple pleasures:
Having no schedule when on vacation, waking up late and not worrying about what there is to do.


On my bedside table:
My cellphone, charger and laptop computer.


On my TV:
Haven't watched anything since we're on vacation, but I do plan on catching up on Robin Hood and True Blood tonight.


On the menu for tonight:
No idea, we just eat whenever we get hungry, either at home or we run out for a quick bite, another perk from being on vacation.


On my To Do List:
Again I wish I had something to tell you, but I don't LOL
We'll just do whatever we feel like.


New Recipe I tried last week:
No recipes while on vacation


In the craft basket:
I have my crochet bag with me and work on it when I get a chance


Looking forward to:
Right now, just enjoying the vacation but I do look forward to returning home to my pugs


Homemaking Tip for this week:
When out on a road trip, don't rush. It's far to easy to want to hurry up and get to the destination but you end up missing so many neat things to see. On the way back to Arizona, we are taking our time and stopping at as many attractions as we can.


Favorite Blog Post of the week (mine or other):
Will have to leave this one blank, I haven't even opened my Google Reader since being here, but I'm sure you all understand :)


Favorite photo from last week:

The Lavender Farm was so neat, I love Lavender as you all know and to be right there in the middle of hundreds of lavender plants was just amazing.

Lesson learned the past few days:
That no matter how much you think you know what to expect, you're always pleasantly surprised. We knew being in Texas and revisiting all the family would be fun, but it always amazes us at just how much more fun it was than we first thought.


On my Prayer List:
Family
Troops


Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

Joshua 14:15

As for Me and My House, We Will Serve the Lord

Lavender Ridge Farms!

Well I'll be.....I had NO idea there were Lavender Farms and when my mother in law asked if we would like to visit one, I pretty much had to keep myself from jumping up and down.

We headed out there yesterday afternoon and it was just so wonderful, the scent as you start approaching the lavender fields is something out of this world.

First thing we did was head into their little Cafe, they serve all their food using Lavender, there was Lavender Lemonade and Lavender Tea, Chicken Salad and Cheesecake and Brownies with Vanilla Lavender Ice Cream.

I tried the Lavender Lemonade and it was pretty good but I have to say, it takes a little getting used to, the Brownie with the ice cream on the other side was unbelievable...SO SO good.
I wanted a cookbook but they were completely sold out.

We got to pick some fresh Lavender, it was really cheap, we got a nice bouquet for $2.40 and of course, I won't even mention the scent, amazing.

My children were excited to see a Strawberry field too and the owners told them to go right on out there and just start picking and eating. They were the reddest, plumpest and juiciest strawberries ever. YUM!

I am hoping that on the way out of town they will be open because we would love to return there and pick up some Lavender products.

I've uploaded all the photos to the Vacation Album, there you will find more from the Lavender Farm.

I do hope I can find a few minutes this week to come by and see you all, I miss reading the blogs and seeing what everyone is up to.

Time to go and mingle with the family, have a great Sunday everyone.

Six Flags over Texas

I had honestly thought that I had outgrown my days of getting ecstatic over rides, but I guess I was wrong because once we hit the park, we were all 5 years old again.

What a great time we had, well, apart from going on the big water ride and getting completely soaked AND I was wearing a white shirt because I'm dumb like that and forgot about the water rides but didn't want to miss out on them so I ended up walking around with a soaked white shirt and thanking the good Lord that I didn't have a WHITE BRA underneath LOL

My children loved every.single.second and if it were up to them, they would have rode the biggest roller coaster in the park.

Here are some pictures and as always, I have most of them posted to the Flickr Album where you can go and browse through them all.

The Teacups, I think they're MY kind of speed LOL Though we did make it more fun by spinning them as fast as we could, problem is, once the ride stopped we were still just a blur and very dizzy LOL

The kids with Grandma, and she even got to ride on one of the horses too.....they all had such a great time.

I love this photo, their expressions just tell the story don't they?

By this time of the day, I was feeling rather poorly, those teacups which I had such a great time on, ended up making me sick.....really sick LOL

So I had to sit this one out, but it's ok, because I don't think I could handle another hour of walking around soaking wet wearing a white shirt LOL

Curt, Jasmine, Nicholas and Chris (my brother in law) all went on the big water ride and then like all the others before them, as they exit, they stop on the bridge and wait for the next car to come and splash them.

This is right before the big wave hits them, you can see it clearly.

And here's another view the second time around, I want you to play close attention to Nicholas' face LOL

I couldn't stop laughing, he was all happy right until that water got close, then his expression just cracked me up

It was a blast and we plan on going back another time.

Today we're heading to a Lavender Farm, now tell me something, how perfect is that for me?

My mother in law just asked if we would enjoy going to a Lavender Farm and I think my jaw hit the floor. Well YEAH....I love Lavender!

I'll have more pictures for you all either later today or tomorrow morning. I better skidaddle on out of here, there's people waiting on me *snicker*

Good Morning from Texas!

Before I start, I have to thank each and every one of you for your prayers, they were answered when I checked early this morning and saw my husband's name on the Tech Sergeant Promotion List. I literally jumped up and ran into his arms.

I'm SO proud of him and he worked so hard to get this promotion. Thank you so much everyone and Congratulations to my wonderful hubby, Curt.

It's an absolutely beautiful day here in Northern Texas and I have to say, it's been great enjoying the fresh air and seeing nothing but trees and greenery around.

We've been catching up with family and laughing and joking and playing games and having a great time.

I can't stay long, but I wanted to drop in with a few pictures and show you kinda what we're doing here, then we're heading to Six Flags. I'm not quite sure how to feel about that, I mean I want to so badly to go on the rides but I also get dizzy quite fast LOL

Oh well, there will be tons of pictures to share later, I'm certain.

I hope you are all having a wonderful summer, I miss blogging but I'll be back to it once I get home, until then you'll see random posts pop in here and there :)

Well, I'm out of here, see ya soon.

Slow Cooking Thursday

Mr Linky's usual linkies are not working, so we have to use Image Linkies, all you do is click on the green "Mr Linky" and it will open up the list for you to add your name to.

Don't forget to add your name to Mr Linky and a link back to your SCT post so others can come by and see your recipe too.

As always, share your slow cooking recipes but if you REALLY REALLY don't have one and still want to participate, then you can share any kind of recipe.

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 cans undrained 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp parsley flakes
1 tsp basil
4 cloves minced garlic
1 tbsp minced onion
¾ cup white wine
1 8 ounce can tomato sauce
1 16 ounce package firm noodles
2 cups shredded parmesan cheese

Spray crockpot with cooking spray. Place chicken in crockpot. Pour 2 cans of diced tomatoes over chicken. Spread mushrooms evenly over all. In a small bowl, combine remaining ingredients, pour over chicken and mushrooms. Cover and cook on low 8 hours or high 4 hours. Cook noodles as directed. Shred chicken, stir noodles into crockpot, serve sprinkled with parmesan cheese.

After the sun sets......

It's dark and cool outside, a little breeze runs through the trees and you can see a couple of cars coming in and out.

It's also late, almost 11pm and here I am, sitting in New Mexico in a motel room, feeling exhausted beyond belief and like my body has been through the ringer.

Have I ever told you how Nicholas and I are just NOT good car travelers at all?

He started off by up chucking his breakfast and then spent pretty much the whole 10 hours laying down in the backseat looking as pale as Casper the friendly ghost.

Me? I was in and out of a nausea state, very annoying to say the least.


But aside from that let me tell you about the trip so far, we set off from Glendale, AZ early morning and up towards Flagstaff.

It's amazing how just in just an hour outside of the big city, the scenery completely changes and it's like you're traveling through a magical forest, surrounded by the biggest and most beautiful Evergreens.

It's always amazing to me how the earth changes drastically from one mile to the other, from desert landscape to red rock near Sedona, to green mountains and evergreens by Flagstaff and then littered with the most exquisite rock formations as you enter New Mexico.

I'll admit, this is my first time traveling through this state and I was under the impression that it would be all desert with nothing in site, was I surprised, not only is there such beauty around but so many things to do and see.

We've already decided that on the way back, we are taking our time and stopping in at as many of these exhibitions and sites as we can. Don't be surprised when I show up with all these Moccasins and painted art and blankets etc.

But for now, we're enjoying the road trip, there's lots of this

and even this

we've seen our share of trains, coming and going, big and small, cargo and passenger. The kids are continually amazed at the enormous machines, you should see their faces of excitement when they hear the chugga chugga coming by

and did I tell you already that we're getting our kicks on Route 66? No? Well we are and it's so much fun *snicker*

Of course no trip is complete without stops at Travel Centers where you end up buying tons of snacks and drinks and then have to stop every hour to use the restroom, or is that just me? LOL

And there's also the quick lunches at along the way, we're not much of Fast Food people, it gets boring and nauseating pretty fast, so we always stop at Denny's or any other Diner we see along the way.

I'll be updating the photo album as often as I can, so you're more than welcome to check in there anytime you wish.

For now, I'm going to say goodnight and I'm going to get into this comfy bed and close my pretty little eyes to get some sleep. There's more sight seeing tomorrow as we finish the car ride part of the trip and arrive in Texas, then, oh then, the rest of the vacation takes over....there's family and Six Flags Over Texas and eating and laughing.

I think these two weeks are going to fly by, but you won't even notice me gone, you'll be along for the ride, hope you're packed and ready to go, there's no time to waste.

Happy Homemaker Monday!

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The weather in my neck of the woods:
It's a little cloudy this morning and I'm actually happy about that because here in a few minutes we are packing up the car and getting on the road to Texas. I don't like driving in really hot weather.


One of my simple pleasures:
Crocheting, there is something very calming and relaxing about feeling the yarn in my hand and seeing the little hook move back and forth creating something beautiful for my home.


On my bedside table:
Absolutely nothing, I had to return the book to the library and haven't received my copy from paperbackswap yet. Since we're away for two weeks I'm just going to leave it like this for now.


On my TV:
I guess I should say "on my laptop", since we're going to be on the road, I'm bringing along the new Robin Hood, True Blood and Tudors episodes to watch.


On the menu for tonight:
Who knows? Maybe we'll stop in at a cute diner for something or it may just be fast food.


On my To Do List:
Relax
Enjoy the drive
Relax some more


New Recipe I tried last week:
No new recipes, I'm waiting until we return from vacation to experiment and try out a few new things.


In the craft basket:
I'm taking a tote bag on the trip, I like to crochet in the car especially if I'm going to be sitting for endless hours.
I started a crochet bag last night and am halfway through it, it looks absolutely adorable and I can't wait to show you. I'll probably grab a pic at the hotel tonight and post it for you.


Looking forward to:
Our vacation and the road trip. I love keeping the camera at hand and snapping pictures as we drive, watching how each state changes, how the scenery goes from desert to rock to green to mountains and plains.


Homemaking Tip for this week:
When spending a night at a motel, I always give each family member a ziploc bag to put in their outfit for the next day, including clean underwear and socks etc.
When we get to the motel, instead of going through all the packed clothes, we pull out the ziplocs and remove the clean clothes and pack in there the dirty ones. That way they're also separated from the clean ones in the luggage. Works for us.


Favorite Blog Post of the week (mine or other):
Honestly didn't read many blogs last week, but I bet any of the ones in my google reader have great posts up.


Favorite photo from last week:
This one just screams Simple Home to me, it makes me smile.

Lesson learned the past few days:
That I can not leave my house to go on vacation, without doing a huge cleaning. Is anyone else like that? I mean Good Golly Miss Molly, it is ridiculous, I literally stopped myself from scrubbing the showers and bathtubs, it's not like some random person is going to come wash themselves in my house. Honestly.....but I did do all the laundry and mopped the floors and did the dishes and made the beds and all that stuff. HOUSE.IS.SPOTLESS!


On my Prayer List:
Our soldiers and their families
Us as we head out on the road trip
All of my family and friends
All of YOU, my bloggy friends, for whatever you may need it right now


Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

Jesus said . . . , “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” —John 14:6

I believe I watch too much TV!

Well maybe just a little bit too much during the summer?

I think it's due to the fact that when the kids are in school our lives are so busy with so much day and day out and by the time my head hits the pillow, I'm pooped, I don't have the energy to keep my eyes open to watch anything.

Summer is like my catch up time, time to sit back and get caught up on all my shows so here's what I've been indulging in.



*Little House on the Prairie Season 1*

I'm sure I don't have to tell you about the wonderful Ingalls family and the sweetest TV show ever.

It's been years and I mean years since I've seen the series and actually I don't even remember them anymore, so watching them again from Netflix has been a mixture of surprise and excitement.

You can't help but smile big when you're watching it but it also makes me yearn for the simpler times and how they made do with everything they had and yet were always smiling and happy. I love that






* Harper's Island*

Do any of you watch this series on CBS? I know that Jen does and likes it as much as I do.

I have said before I'm all into paranormal and ghost shows but one genre I also enjoy is horror and thriller and I think this show has a little of both.

Imagine a wedding party on an island and right from the first show the guests begin getting killed off.

I tell you, usually you can get an idea of who the killer is but this show is so well written that you just don't know. Every single episode leaves you shocked and confused as to who it could be, there have been a few that I thought were it, only to have them get killed or ruled out.


*Earth 2100*

If you missed this special on ABC, I suggest you go back and watch it, but be forewarned because it was one of the most shocking and terrifying shows I've seen in a long time.

I watched it with Curt and we both sat in silence not quite sure what to say, all we could do was steal quick glances at each other and shake our heads.

It brings home the fact that we have been so careless with our planet and just what those actions are going to do to the planet and our life in the future. Please watch if you get a chance.


*Star Trek Movie*

Ok was I the only one left wanting more and wondering why it seemed like the movie was just way too short?

No? Oh good because I watched it and then sat there thinking "there has to be more to this".

What an absolutely AMAZING movie. We're pretty big Trekkies here at home I mean, anytime Star Trek The Next Generation is on the TV we have to watch it, no matter how many times we've seen the episodes.

I really enjoyed this movie, I thought it was well done and the young Capt. Kirk and Spock are really cute too LOL

Special effects and stunning sets and great actors, I loved it and I am hoping they turn it into a series or at least make a few more. Anyone else?

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

So that's just a little peek at the kind of things I've been watching, but now I'm going to have to take a two week break as we get ready for our vacation to Texas.

We're happy to be taking a break and a nice road trip but this means I need to dive into list making and packing.

That's where you'll find me.

Oh but don't worry, I'm taking my laptop with me and that means YOU all along, I'll take photos, I'll check in and post as much as I can and share our vacation every step of the way.

For now, I'm going to go and start on those lists and lay down for a bit, I'll just say, women stuff if you catch my drift *wink wink*

Have a blessed day!

Applebee's Realburgers for Real Heroes contest

I just got an email today about this wonderful contest that Applebee's just launched this week.

Here is what it said:

To recognize the men and women who have played instrumental roles in our lives, Applebee’s just launched the Applebee’s Realburgers for Real Heroes contest and sweepstakes. A real hero might be a soldier, parent, coach, volunteer, teacher, or best friend – people who are making a difference in your life and at the base every day. Who are your heroes?

You can go online (www.applebees.com/realheroes) to nominate your real heroes (the last day to nominate is July 5). So what’s the prize?? In addition to some much-deserved recognition, the Grand Prize Winner will receive $5,000 and a year’s worth of free Applebee’s Realburgers Just for nominating, you're automatically entered into a weekly sweepstakes drawing for a $50 Applebee's Gift Card. Don’t forget to come back to the website to meet the Real Heroes and vote for your favorite between July 15 and July 23, 2009.

I'm going to go online and I'm nominating my husband Curt, you all know that he is a soldier in the Air Force and to me and the kids, he is our hero. No questions asked and no doubt about it.

But I think that you all most likely, or actually surely, have a hero of your own and I also think that it's a great opportunity to bring them some recognition don't you think?

Applebee's has been kind enough to offer a little giveaway to my readers. So here is what is up for grabs:

Applebee’s Prize Pack with a few fun things — an aromatherapy ball, lip balm, cookie cutter, pen, photo holder, calculator, stress apple, etc.
Just something fun!

If you're interested, all you have to do is leave me a comment and I'm only running this contest until tomorrow at midnight. I will draw a winner on Saturday!

The contest is open to the US only. Good luck and don't forget to leave me an email so that I can contact you. I want to be able to get your information as soon as possible so that arrangements can be made for your prize BEFORE I leave on vacation next week.

Slow Cooking Thursday

Mr Linky's usual linkies are not working, so we have to use Image Linkies, all you do is click on the green "Mr Linky" and it will open up the list for you to add your name to.

Don't forget to add your name to Mr Linky and a link back to your SCT post so others can come by and see your recipe too.

As always, share your slow cooking recipes but if you REALLY REALLY don't have one and still want to participate, then you can share any kind of recipe.

Habanero Pork Sandwiches

3lb pork shoulder roast
2 cans enchilada sauce
1/2 packet cheap-ass taco seasoning
2 habanero peppers, seeded and diced

Trim fat from roast, and put all ingredients in crock pot. Cook for 11-12 hours on low, or 6-7 hours on high; after that time, remove pork, if cooking on low turn heat to high, shred pork, and put back in pot for 20 mins. Serve on sandwich rolls with shredded cheese.

Tag you're it!

It's been a while since I've done a meme, for the most part I do appreciate all the awards but then I don't get to pass them on, I feel horrible having to pick just 5 or 3 or whatever.

BUT, this one looks like too much fun to pass up.


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Yesterday Mari who knows how much I love living in My Little Corner of the World came over to tell me about tagging me, I had to smile because sometimes we really do feel like 2 Peas in a Pod.

I'm surprised she even tagged me because we all know that at times I'm 3 Sides of Crazy if I haven't had A Good Cup of Coffee.

But I accepted the challenge, I mean it's just Another Bend in the Road for this Frugal Domestic Goddess who at times lives Life in the Z Lane and somehow ends up Living to Tell the Story but I'm having so much fun doing this tag that I may as well be living Michelle's Family Life even though My Heart is Always Home and I'm always taking it One Day at a Time only sitting back and sometimes watching my Reflections in the Window and thinking about how one day I will be sitting in my porch watching those reflections change to Rocking Chair Reflections.

See it's all in the Simple Beauty of things that make up The Joy of my Heart, so please come on over to this Raggedy Girl's Place and chat with this Frugally Old Fashioned Homemaker.


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This is a new way of tagging people. If you see yourself in the story, consider yourself tagged, but only if you want to participate. If you decide to join, you need to write a story that includes as many blog names as possible. Thank you again Mari for tagging me :)
This was so much fun.

I Love Home!

Image credit: Google

The closer we get to leaving on vacation, the more I realize that even though I enjoy a change of scenery and some time away with the family, there's nothing I hold dearer to my heart, than my home.

I'm such a homebody, no really, I am, I don't think I could be away from home for too long and I'm not one to go out all the time. Actually, come to think of it, given the choice between going somewhere and staying at home, I'll always pick Home.

Home is definitely where the heart is, my heart, my soul. It's where I feel centered and relaxed, safe and comfortable.

I've slowly grown to realize that over the years, I vividly remember before being married, I was constantly out either with friends or working or partying or going to clubs. I remember coming home some nights and laying in bed not even bothering to remove my eye make up, and as I lay there my ears were still zinging with the sounds of the night club and at the time I thought "oh this is just wonderful, I feel content."

My my, how times change. Nowadays I feel content when I have a covered bowl of rising dough to make bread or I walk outside to grab the clothes from the clothesline. Such a different kind of contentment too, I feel so much more rewarded than in my younger nutty days.

Image credit: Google

I think what's also been making me really appreciate what I have is that I'm watching Little House on the Prairie. I'm loving it, not that I never watched it before but it was such a long time ago and I just started receiving the first discs from Netflix. I've watched the first 4 episodes and it struck me how much I long for simpler times.

It's no secret to you all, I've talked about it so many times before.

Watching the Ingalls make a home, their simple decorations and furniture, the way they take such pride of every single belonging they have and how hard they work. Makes me think that sometimes in this technologically advanced period in which we life, we just take things for granted and even worse, we don't even realize just how good we have it.

Unfortunately I also think that having all these things at our disposal only makes us lazier. Now don't go getting all huffy puffy about what I just said, I'm talking about me personally, my feelings and my views. Everyone feels differently.

But yes, home.....Home Sweet Home. The heart of our family, the place we come to when we're sick, when we're sad, when we want to shut out the world and enjoy every second of being with the family.

I don't know, I just love being a homebody, knowing that all the work I do daily is contributing to a happy healthy family.

Isn't that the best feeling in the world?

Happy Homemaker Mondays!

NOTE: Again Mr Linky seems to be having issues. I am sorry everyone, I'll go in and add your names manually and just hope that either Mr Linky finally gets fixed or I can find another script like it.


Good Morning everyone :)

I was writing this post and decided that it was time for a little updated look, as you can see, I made a new banner to use. All you have to do is save the banner to your computer and add it to your posts.

Also if you notice, I added two new entries.....The weather in my neck of the woods and One of my simple pleasures. Hope you like those :)

<a href="http://familycorner.blogspot.com" title="hhm by jasnicmommy, on Flickr"><img width="150" alt="hhm" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3362/3608789834_4d1bac04e0.jpg" height="150" /></a>

The weather in my neck of the woods:
We have actually had a lot of clouds around here lately but no rain. Looks like it's going to be another hot one today, maybe a few scattered clouds to cool things off a little.


One of my simple pleasures:
Making homemade bread, kneading the dough, watching the white flour all over my hands.....makes me think of simpler times.


On my bedside table:
Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind. It's taking me forever with this one, it's quite a thick book and I also haven't been reading it as much, been too busy watching tv LOL


On my TV:
The Tudors Season 3
Robin Hood Season 3
North and South from BBC - ok now it's getting ridiculous, I notice most of the things on this list are being brought over from last week. Pathetic!


On the menu for tonight:
Chicken Fried Steak with Mashed Potatoes, Gravy and Green beans.


On my To Do List:
Post office
Laundry
Write up a list of what I need to pack for the Texas trip


New Recipe I tried last week:
Zippy Dogs....YUM!


In the craft basket:
Dish cloths
Summer tops and dresses


Looking forward to:
A little vacation away from Arizona. I'm sorry, but I really need to get out of here before I burst, there's only so much heat I can take....though Texas is hot too...but I don't know, maybe it's the thrill of a change of scenery plus visiting family AND going to Six Flags?


Homemaking Tip for this week:
When making fried chicken or steak or anything that requires dipping in egg/milk and flour, I always use ziploc bags. I used to do the whole bowl thing but it was such an unnecessary mess, now I just put the liquid in one bag and the flour/breadcrumbs in the other, toss in the food, zip it up and shake it around. Makes cleaning so much easier.


Favorite Blog Post of the week (mine or other):
Again, I didn't get around much at all. I feel the like the worst blogger in the world, but I'm hoping to correct that soon.


Favorite photo from last week:
The beautiful full moon outside in my backyard. It felt wonderful just sitting there, looking up and listening to the crickets.

Lesson learned the past few days:
That apparently summer time is making me lazy. I mean really lazy, I find myself prodding along the housework while wishing I could be lazying around. So sad...I need to shape up and realize that there's time for everything.


On my Prayer List:
Family
Curt, while we wait to hear whether he made Tech Sergeant


Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

Psalm 33:4-9,18-22

4 For the word of the LORD is upright; and all his work is done in faithfulness.
5 He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD.
6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and all their host by the breath of his mouth.
7 He gathered the waters of the sea as in a bottle; he put the deeps in storehouses.
8 Let all the earth fear the LORD, let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!
9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood forth.
18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love,
19 that he may deliver their soul from death, and keep them alive in famine.
20 Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and shield.
21 Yea, our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.
22 Let thy steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in thee.


1 - Conny
2 - Tamy
3 - Jen
4 - Sandy
5 - They call me mommy
6 - mindingmomma
7 - Linda
8 - Evening Shade Morning Latte
9 - Sandra
10 - Allie
11 - Brook
12 - Sarah
13 - Sherry
14 - Annie
15 - Sarah B.
16 - Kathleen

A day of Books!

I've been reading and organizing my books. You know what I love? Going to the bookshelf and looking through all the books I have on there because I tell you, no matter how many times I do, I always find one I had no idea I had, or completely forgot about.

Now I'm very picky when it comes to getting rid of books, I really don't think I can part with any, especially if they are part of a collection I love, but there are those odd ones that I post on Paperbackswap. Which is what I've been doing today too, the thrill of posting a book and then seeing it requested and knowing that once you mail it off and the person receives it, you will have a credit waiting.

It's that anticipation which I love, though I do get a little nervous, I never know what to get, I guess it's like that with everything in life. You want something when you don't have the means to get it and when you do get the means, you have no idea where to start or what to pick first.

So I guess I'll go try and figure that out, I'm sure it will take a while.

Tell me though, do you use Paperbackswap at all?

Week in Review!

First and foremost, I'm sure you're wondering what is up with all the missing pictures on the blog. Unfortunately I've been using Photobucket but with all the people linking to my pictures and clicking on them etc, the bandwith is exceeded and won't kick in again until the 22nd of this month.

In the meantime I'm going to start using another site for pictures online, I'm so sick of Photobucket doing this, it's very frustrating.

Anyway, here's my week in review, feel free to join in if you wish, but if you do, let me know so I can come and see yours :)



:::BOUGHT

I've been waiting for this game for so long. I'm a huge Sims fan, I like the fact that it's not a violent game and I can just sit at the computer and play house, create a family, decorate etc. It's so much fun. The new Sims 3 just released on Tuesday and I was at the store first thing LOL


:::LOVED

A few nights ago, I let the dogs out for the last time that night, it was around 11:30pm, and I couldn't help but notice how beautiful the sky was. The moon was peeking from behind the clouds, so I took the camera, snapped a picture and then sat there for a few minutes, with nothing but the sound of crickets and the moonlight. It was pure bliss.


:::CHANGED

The way I keep my bread. I haven't used a bread bag in many many years, but lately we've been enjoying home baked bread instead of store bought and there's nothing better than a hot rustic loaf of bread, inside a vintage Bread Bag.


:::WATCHED

The whole Legend of the Seeker and Merlin Series, back to back.



:::STARTED

Summer dresses for Jasmine, I'm actually also taking this pattern above and adapting the dresses as tops for her. I think they'll look really cute worn with shorts or capris.



:::FOUND

The Sword of Truth Series by Terry Goodkind. Ok well I didn't really find them on my own, I heard about them because of the Legend of the Seeker series that are made from the books.
I tracked them down at Paperbackswap and am slowly building my collection.


:::DECIDED

What activities we're doing this summer, signing up kids for swimming lessons and the library reading program, plus a few other day trips.

Also decided to go with the flow this summer and not worry about making plans or schedules.

GE - Strong as Steel - Giveaway

Ok so summer is coming up fast, and we know what that means. Shorts and swim wear and if you're anything like me, I'm just not ready for that.

Besides, as a parent, I don't have the time to go to the gym and we all know that gyms can also be quite pricey.

So, of course, the easiest way to get in shape is to work out at home. Which is what I do and I have tried a bunch of different exercise videos but somehow I always end up forgetting about them.

But now, imagine if you could work out at home using the appliances in your kitchen?

To celebrate their now very affordable line of durable Stainless Steel Appliances, GE has created a humorous take on workout routines entitled “Strong As Steel.” This exercise routine uses nothing but GE kitchen appliances as workout equipment! The video features The Biggest Loser’s very own Alison Sweeney.

Strong As Steel from Strong As Steel on Vimeo.

In addition, you can buy select GE Stainless Steel Appliance for the same price of their regular appliances until July 6, 2009 at participating retailers.

So if you're looking for a new stainless Steel Appliance you will be able to get it for much cheaper than it usually is....now isn't that awesome?

Now to help you get started with your exercise, I'm going to give away a Yoga Mat and Carrier. Here's all you have to do:


- The contest will run until Sunday, June 7th . I will then select a winner through random.org.
- The contest is open to participants in the USA only.
- Leave a comment and a way to contact you, if you don't have a blog please leave an email, if I can't get a hold of you within two days, I will pick a different winner.
- And don't forget to tell me if you could go out and buy a GE appliance today, which one would it be.

Slow Cooking Thursday

EDIT: I've tried to visit some of you this morning but blogger is just not cooperating, I'm not able to leave comments, is anyone else having this problem?

Mr Linky's usual linkies are not working, so we have to use Image Linkies, all you do is click on the green "Mr Linky" and it will open up the list for you to add your name to.



Don't forget to add your name to Mr Linky and a link back to your SCT post so others can come by and see your recipe too.

As always, share your slow cooking recipes but if you REALLY REALLY don't have one and still want to participate, then you can share any kind of recipe.

Asian Spiced Chicken Wings

3 lbs chicken wings
1 cup soy sauce
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tsp fresh ginger, minced
1/4 cup dry sherry
1/2 hoisin sauce
1 Tbs fresh lime juice
3 Tbs sesame seeds, toasted
1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced

Broil the chicken wings 10 minutes on each side, or until browned. Transfer the chicken wings to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients, except the hoisin sauce, lime juice, sesame seeds, and green onions and stir thoroughly. Cover; cook on Low for 5 to 6 hours or on High for 2 to 3 hours. Stir once in the middle of cooking to baste the wings with sauce. Remove the wings from the stoneware and reserve 1/4 cup of the juice in the slow cooker. Combine this juice with the hoisin sauce and lime juice. Drizzle over the chicken wings. Before serving, sprinkle wings with toasted sesame seeds and green onions, and mix to coat evenly.

Hello everyone.....

I guess it's been a few days at least, since I sat down and got a chance to chat with everyone, so I guess today is the day, because I miss you guys. I really do!

So come on in and sit with me, it's nice and cool in here, though it's a scorcher outside, it's already way too hot to be out there for longer than 5 minutes.

Not much has been going on with me, the kids and I have been enjoying the summer which means being free of schedules and just doing whatever pleases us. For me, it also means a ton of amazing products heading my way for reviews and of course, I get to share a lot of them with you too.

Speaking of which, the next couple of days you may see a few reviews here on the blog and I hope you don't abandon me because I do plan on mixing it up with recipes and posts and all sorts of cool stuff.

I can tell you already that I will have a couple of books and a yoga mat and carrier to giveaway the next week or so.

But now getting back to other things.

I love my children you all know that right? Right? So you won't think me mean if I say that as much as I enjoy having them home for the summer, there are days that I want to pull my hair out, or have a drink or run far far away to a magical secluded land where no one will find me?

What is it with kids and bickering, I know it's normal, I have 3 brothers and we all did our share of fighting but it wasn't like this. That I remember, I'm sure my parents will probably disagree there.

But the constant picking on each other, fighting over who gets to watch tv or who gets to play what on the computer, who is first out the door, who gets served their dinner first, who's cup got the most drink. I mean really? Do we really not have more important things to worry about in life? *snicker*

I have found my patience slowly dissolving on some days, but I have to force myself to stay strong and not give in. I tell you, kids can smell your fear. LOL

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We're also getting ready for a trip to Texas in about two weeks, we won't be gone for long, just two weeks but I'll have my laptop with me and I'll be updating from there and sharing all the fun we're having, pictures and all.

You know what is funny though? For me the thrill of going somewhere is always on "I wonder how many cool photographs I can get, wonder if there are awesome landscapes around". Am I the only one who does that?

So yeah, we're planning that and a few other short trips around here when we return, plus there's swimming lessons for the kids and all sorts of cool things too.

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I've also been using this summer break to catch up on my reading, like the Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind, I'm not sure if any of you watched the Legend of the Seeker Series on the CW network? They are made from the book series and I just loved it.

Oh and let me tell you all about the tons of different shows I've been watching and loving. Like True Blood, Merlin, The Tudors, Robin Hood, the BBC series North and South and I have my first Little House on the Prairie discs from Netflix at home too. It's been great.

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There's also been loads of cooking and new recipes tries here at home, like these Cream Cheese Carrot Muffins which you absolutely HAVE to try, I bet you have all the ingredients you need just sitting there waiting.

I made these last week and within two hours they were completely gone, usually there's always some left at least until the next day, but nope, these disappeared as fast as I made them.

I'll have more recipes on the food blog the next few days, starting with tonight's dinner Zippy Dogs. Yum!

So there you go, as you can see, we have just been taking it easy and enjoying the summer break.

Tell me have you been doing anything fun? Watching any good shows or reading any good books?

Chiquita Smoothies

Come here, I have something to tell you.

I know a lot of you reading my blog are moms and I know that one of kid's favorite summer treats are smoothies, but for me it's kinda hard to find that ONE product that I actually love.

I'll admit I'm not a smoothie fan, I guess for the most part it's due to the fact that I hadn't yet found one that I really enjoyed. Yes I tried making my own from scratch, didn't like them....then I tried the other frozen bags that you buy, didn't like those either......and then, one day, I got a package in the mail from Chiquita Smoothies, they sent me all their flavors and asked me to try them out, see what I thought.

Now if I told you that I wasn't a little skeptical at first, I would be lying, but not only did I get all the cool flavors, they even sent me a new Blender. YAY!

So the kids and I made our first smoothies and Oh.my.goodness, they are delicious. I think their flavors are amazing too, we tried the Strawberry Banana, but there's also Banana Colada, Mixed Berry and Peach Mango. YUM!

Anyway, I thought you may want to give them a try, as a mom, like I said I'm always on the lookout for products that my children will enjoy and I like sharing my finds with everyone else :)

Here's a $1 off coupon for you. Enjoy!

Happy Homemaker Monday!

EDIT: Mr Linky's usual linkies are still unavailable. Please click on the green Mr Link text at the bottom of this post, it will open up a window where you can add your name and link.






On my bedside table:
Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind. Still loving the first book of the Sword of Truth series.


On my TV:
The Tudors Season 3
Robin Hood Season 3
North and South from BBC


On the menu for tonight:
We'll be out running errands all day so we'll grab something on the way.


On my To Do List:
Walmart
BX
Usual house cleaning


New Recipe I tried last week:
Paul Bunyan Burgers, Easy Bread. If you want to make them yourselves, hop on over to my food blog "Full Bellies, Happy Kids".


In the craft basket:
Dish cloths
Ripple bag
Summer tops and dresses


Looking forward to:
The results of Curt's promotion test coming out around June 18th. Please keep him in your prayers, it would help so much if he could make this promotion.


Homemaking Tip for this week:
My kids are constantly drawing me pictures and as much as I love them, they do tend to become a bit much. What I like to do is go to the Dollar Store and buy the cheap frames, then I dedicate a place in the hallway to all the kids artwork. I put up a few at a time, and change them out every week or two.


Favorite Blog Post of the week (mine or other):
I haven't had a chance to do much blog reading.


Favorite photo from last week:

Lesson learned the past few days:
Sometimes the bills become overwhelming and you have to decide whether to get groceries or pay the cable. It's not a bad thing, it's a part of life and just because one month you are late on the bill, does NOT make you a bad person. I've had to learn this lesson because when it happens to me I get the worst feeling of guilt.


On my Prayer List:
My brother Bruno who had surgery on Saturday
My grandmother who has had some issues and is home recovering
Soldiers overseas


Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes. —Mark 9:23