Happy Fourth of July!!!

I want to start by wishing everyone a wonderful Fourth of July!!! I may not be American but I appreciate the day and the country, and you can rest assured that today will mean more than barbecues and apple pie for my kids.....they will be told what this day is about and what it means to be an American.

There is no Tackle it Tuesday today, I'm ashamed to say that I really didn't have time to tackle any project, but I will have one for next week. You can however check out my Treasure Tuesday post below and look at the beautiful hand painted Ostrich Egg. :)

We're planning to have a nice BBQ at home, just for us. Will have some fun out back with the kids, let them jump on the trampoline or swing or whatever and then later head on inside for some soccer, I know, I know, you're probably tired of hearing me talk about it, BUT what can I say???
Today it's Germany vs Italy and then tomorrow I'm going to be a nervous wreck when I watch Portugal vs France. Talk about a nail biting game!!!!

I opened up my email program this morning, and was ecstatic to see an email from my SIL Lilian and one from my brother Bruno, with pics of my beautiful nieces and nephews. Aren't they just adorable??? I miss them sooooo much, can't wait to get there next summer :)

This is the baby of the family, Alyssa :) Just want to squeeze her :)

And this is Dylan and Taryn-Lee. Nothing like seeing all my babies to bring a huge smile to my face :)

Now tell me you wouldn't be rushing back home just to see these angels? :)

I finally got my menus up on my food blog and I've also posted a recipe for a Red, White and Blueberry Pie I'm making today, just perfect for the celebration. If you want a yummy dessert that will WOW everyone, but yet is so easy to make, be sure to go check it out.

I love celebrations but I HATE the added pounds. It's crazy, but this long weekend, I've found myself eating constantly, and not because I'm hungry, I doubt anyone is THAT hungry, ALL the time. I guess I'm one of those eat-out-of-boredom people, with a really cruddy metabolism. It grates on my nerves when I see people eat all sorts of stuff and still remain really thin, what's up with that?!?!?!? How unfair!!!
With me, food always tastes like MORE!!!

Know what I'm going to be doing today? Working on fixing my brake light in the car, then we have to take it to the Security Forces desk, and show them that it's working, they won't just believe us if we tell them. Not that I blame them, I mean, I could say it's fine and then drive around with it broken. BUT I wouldn't........ see I'm one of those kind of people that avoids doing anything wrong just for the fear of getting caught.

I was the geek in school who never skipped classes. All my friends would miss school or go smoke pot or drink, cheat during tests etc. Me???? I was the goody two shoes, always on time, never smoked pot, never tried drugs and the only drinking I did was after I graduated high school. AND here's something I don't tell many people.....are you ready for this???? *DRUMROLL* I was a virgin until I got married. Yep, 24 years old. Now you know a bit more about me, although maybe you didn't want to know, oh well, it's out there now. LOL

Well I better get going. Want to get the car fixed real quick, then bake my pie and get my meats marinated for the BBQ. I hope you're all having a WONDERFUL day, have tons of fun and don't do anything I wouldn't do...........ummm, well that would probably mean you would have an extremely boring day.

God Bless,

Treasure Tuesday!!!

The treasure I have to share with you today, has made it all the way from South Africa, intact and in perfect condition. It wasn't easy and I remember making the trip thinking "oh boy, this is not going to work".

I'm talking about an Ostrich Egg. Yes from a real ostrich, and no it's not full of egg inside, it's one of those Hand Painted Ostrich Eggs.

No matter where you go in South Africa, you're sure to find these beauties all over, on street corner tables, at large craft markets, at expensive stores, you name it.

This one is special to me, not only because it's from back home, but it was one the first things that hubby and I bought together, as a married couple.
We had just made a trip to Sun City with my dad and stepmom, and on the way back home we came across a bunch of little street markets scattered along the road. We stopped to pick up some mementos, and this one caught our eye.

It survived a long two day airplane ride, and it's been with us for the past 8 years. It brings back fond memories of beautiful South Africa.
So there you have it, my Treasure for today. For a list of other participants, head on over to Faithful Mommy. :)

There's a first for everything right????

Yesterday was my first time being pulled over by a policeman LOL Yes, you may not believe it, but it's true.

Come on in and sit down, I just ground a bunch of coffee and started my coffee pot....Today we're having "Foglifter"....I think it was invented for ME. Really!!! Most mornings I wake up and drag myself downstairs and everything is a FOG, hence the "Foglifter". LOL
See how I try to make myself seem important somehow, I'm even using coffee as an excuse :)

So anyway, back to my story. I went to get groceries and then on the way home, since it was lunch time, I decided to stop by Burger King for some burgers. I felt all proud of myself for thinking of doing that for the hubby and kids since they weren't expecting it, like a nice surprise for them.

Anyway, I'm driving down the street and I see a cop car behind me. I get to the stop street, turn left and he turns left with me, and at this point my mind is still going "OH, he must be going the same way I am". ( Oh Lord, PLEASE let it be that).
I then turn into the Burger King Drive-Thru and he turns with me and at this point my mind is still denying it "Oh look at that, he's going to grab some lunch too".
"Why is he turning on his lights?"......."Oh crud he's actually pulling me over, and RIGHT at the drive-thru, no fair, I'm hungry".
One of the great things of living on base is that there isn't much traffic around, so now it was me, stopped right by the order thingymajig, the cop behind me with his lights flashing and another cop car behind him with HIS lights flashing. WHAT THE?!?!?!?

He comes on over, and I'm ashamed to admit that my first thought was "Oh man, I hope I look ok" (Sandra you just got pulled over by the cop and you're worried about looking ok?)
So anyway, long story short.....my hubby installed a new radio system for me, and he was having problems running the cable down the right side to the back where the speakers were. Apparently he must have knocked something out, because my brake lights on the right side aren't working. I didn't get a ticket, I did however get a sort of ticket telling me to fix the problem within 72 hours.....AND he apologized for interrupting my lunch LOL
So there you have it, my first time being pulled over, at least I'm happy that it wasn't something I did while driving.

Last night I made Beef Curry. It wasn't the first time I've made it, but I don't do it very often because the kids don't like spicy food and my hubby always said how he loves it but that it's way too hot. I'm just used to eating it real spicy, back home you sniff through the Curry and have tears running down your face by the time you're done, although the tears could be of happiness because it's so good. I don't know!!!
However, we eat our curry with an assortment of toppings. You will always see sliced bananas, coconut and sliced green peppers. It may sound weird to some, but I kid you not, it's DELISCIOUS. I have NEVER seen my hubby and kids devour their curry and go back for seconds and thirds. I was shocked and I was also told by hubby that "from now on, THIS is how I want my curry". SIR YES SIR!!! LOL

I have to apologize for not visiting my usual blogs yesterday. After I posted my entry I went to get groceries etc. When I came back home and tried to get on the computer to read the blogs, my computer gave me the "Blue Screen of Death". You know the one right?
You're all happy smiling and looking forward to spending time with your computer and BAM!!!
Blue Screen, weird mumbo jumbo about wrong codes and missing files and whatever. I just wanted to cry, I think I did STOMP my feet like a toddler, but all that got me was a weird look from hubby!!!

I couldn't get back on the computer for the rest of the day, but my hubby being the sweetheart that he is, stayed up until 2am fixing my computer, and I'm proud to say that he DID. It's working again, so thank you honey :)

While the computer was not working, we went out to the BX. For a long time you've heard me complain about my carpets and having to track down the carpet cleaners from the Self Help on base. So yesterday my hubby and I saw a steam cleaner which we've been wanting to get for a while, and he said "today is the day, let's get it". We did and OH BOY does it work!!!

It's a Hoover Steam Vac Deep Cleaner, and we got it for $140 which is not bad at all. We came home, hubby put it together and then he cleaned the living room carpets. I think we actually fought about who got to try it out first, I really wanted to, but he's bigger than I am and I didn't want to mess with him. LOL I'm just kidding!!! I was fixing dinner so he got to play with it. My carpets look WONDERFUL. I'm serious, (I don't like endorsing products BUT) if you're looking for a good steam cleaner, this is the one to get. *end the endorsement bit*

I think this entry is turning into a long story book, so it's time to end it. Sadly, but I'm going to do it. I really do hope you're all having a wonderful long weekend and enjoying your Fourth of July. The smell of barbecues permeates the air around here, and there's nothing better than that is there?

I will be here tomorrow, bright and early (Nicholas wouldn't have it any other way). Again I promise to bring the coffee if you all will come on over for a cup :)
Have a beautiful blessed day,

Good Morning :)

Isn't it a beautiful Sunday morning? Come on in, I have a pot of hot coffee and I have bacon, sausages, eggs, there's also biscuits and gravy, oh and some bagels or donuts if you wish.

Yes I woke up in a very good mood, it happens when you get good sleep, which I've been doing lately. Thank the Lord :)

So I've got my hot cup of coffee and I'm ready to go. Lisanne mentioned that my right sidebar is showing up at the bottom, but I don't see it in Netscape or Firefox.....only in Internet Explorer. That's the frustrating thing about making templates, if only all browsers would just GET ALONG....know what I mean??? LOL

I've been getting some exercise, not by choice, mind you. Everyday Nicholas runs up to me on the computer and says "It's time to dance mommy". I have to get up from my work and walk with him to the tv where we proceed to "get jiggy with it" (well I get jiggy, again not by choice, just because that's what my behind does), to the sounds of Pinky Dinky Do, or Maggie and the Ferocious Beast. Hmmm....oh well, if it helps me get some exercise and makes him happy too, why not, right???

Remember I told you I was trying to grow some herbs and some veggies??? I also told you how I have no green thumb, or like one of the ladies said "Thumb of Death". LOL
BUT, I'm happy to announce and even share some pictures to prove that maybe I don't have the "Thumb of Death", maybe just a "Thumb of Luck". You know, sometimes I'm lucky and actually don't kill the plants.

Nothing like seeing these beauties each morning and actually know that I am growing them. And the smell.......ahhhhhh, if you could only smell the chives and the red onions :)

For today I have quite a bit planned, and no it's nothing exciting, like going to the Opera (not that I would, but still nice thought), or out to eat, or shop or whatever.
Just normal house stuff, which I actually find very relaxing and rewarding, there's nothing like a clean house, free of clutter and surrounded by the aroma of bread baking in the oven.
SNAP back to reality........I have a not so clean house right now, some clutter laying around, and the only bread I have is already pre-sliced and packed by the wonderful people at Wonder Bread. But give me a few hours and I'll have all of that and more.

Want to see my to do list for today??? Then maybe you're day won't seem so bad, and you can just sit there and laugh at me. Maybe not laugh, but a little snicker and not in my face, please!!! LOL

• 2 Loads of Laundry to wash, fold and put away
• Vacuum Living Room and Bedrooms
• Wash the Bed Linens
• Sweep and Mop Kitchen
• Work on back yard (till some more yard and plant grass)
• Make Menus and Grocery List
• Go Grocery Shopping
• Make Beef Curry for Lunch
• Bake loaf of Wholewheat Bread
• Give Pugs a Bath
• Return books to library

Sheesh, do I overdo it??? Is that list even possible to do in one morning day??? I do have the help of my hubby for some of the things, so I'm sure I'll be able to get it all accomplished :)
That means though, that as much as I want to hang out here and just blab all day, I actually have to get up from the computer and start my day. *sigh*.

Well I had a great time and I enjoyed the cup of coffee we shared. Unfortunately I just tried to take a sip of mine and it's gone cold, UGH, nothing worse than a gulp of yucky cold coffee.
You all have a great Sunday and a Happy Fourth of July Weekend!!!! BE safe, please, remember the dangers of messing around with fireworks. :)

God Bless,

Happy and Sad?!?!?!

Is there such a thing??? I mean I'm ecstatic about Portugal moving on but I'm so sad about Brazil being eliminated by France. Yes, I'm talking soccer again. Today was a full day of soccer for us, we yelled and screamed at the tv and cried and cheered when Portugal won, then I wanted to cry again when Brazil lost LOL

Anyway, moving on. We finally got all my paperwork finished, got more passport photos taken and everything notarized. Let me tell you, there's one job I think I could do on the side, like a part time gig to my SAHM full time job. We paid $30 just to have the lady put a stamp on the photocopies and sign it. Shouldn't it be cheaper, or maybe I'm in the wrong business....That's all I'm saying!!!

I'm glad everyone likes the new template, I was getting bored with the other one and needed a change. If you find that you're missing from my links, please let me know, I think I have everyone but I might have missed somebody by mistake. Don't be shy, just let me know :)

We've spent a nice day, just the family, at home watching soccer, playing games and just hanging out. Tried to take the pugs out for a walk this afternoon, but it was SO hot I honestly thought I was going to pass out. The pugs weren't enjoying it either, so we walked to the park and right back home so they could get out of the heat. Poor things, if you could just hear them snorting around.

Nicholas is now fully potty trained. He not only wears just underwear during the day, but he wears it all night long AND he goes potty standing up. Ok maybe you didn't want to hear that, but as a mom it's a MAJOR achievement.....and I'm even more excited because I taught him myself LOL
Should have seen my face when he asked me to go standing up too....."sure hon, I'll work on that and get back to you". As if!!!

Thank you all for the advice on getting Jasmine to read. I've tried most of what everyone said but I'm still having no luck. It's not that she doesn't like to read, I just don't think she likes being told she HAS to read. She gives me all these excuses, like "can I read it to myself?", "can I read a smaller book?", "I don't feel like it".......and the list goes on and on. But I'm going to persevere and hopefully she starts cooperating :)

While sitting around today, I found myself remisnicing about different times in my life, things that happened when we lived in Portugal, things that happened when we took trips to Mozambique (where I was born) etc. I was telling Curt about this one time that we went to Mozambique on vacation. We stayed in Maputo but then we took a ferry across a river to Marracuene or Macaneta, I can't remember the name, I'm sure my dad will tell me later.
But what I loved about it is that we got to this place and it had a river on one side, then a huge sand hill separated the beach on the other.

The restaurant was on the river side, and had these beautiful bungalows outside, where we sat for lunch. You can see above the top of the bungalows. Now this is the beach, we came here for some sun and then headed back on over the hill to the other side to eat.
Here's the greatest part thought, we looked through the menu and then ordered our food which was Clams, Prawns and Peixe-Galo (Atlantic Moonfish). WOW is all I can say about that one, it's the best fish I've ever tasted.

But you order your food, and they tell you it will be a while because you see them give the orders to a bunch of guys sitting around, they then stand up, get on a small fishing boat and go out and CATCH your lunch. OH MY GOODNESS!!!! Now THAT is what I call fresh. Top that with a couple of cold beers and you have a beautiful lunch :)

On the way out to leave, we came across a few ladies selling fresh fish and seafood. We bought a HUGE bag of clams, it was like 6 kilos for R6.00(rands), which is less than a dollar.

We're going to be heading to South Africa next summer and I'm definitely taking my family to Mozambique. I just can't wait. But don't worry, I'll have access to my blog and will be able to take you ALL with me, of course you're more than welcome to come along :)

Well it's time for kids bedtimes, gotta go do the usual convincing, tell them that it really IS time to sleep and nothing interesting will happen while they're in bed. You know, the usual kid things.
Hope you're all having a great weekend, will see you in the morning with a hot cup of Irish Cream Coffee :)