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!

<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:
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.