Christmas 2013

This year marks our second Christmas as a married couple. We started celebrating on December 22nd this year with B's family. We went over and had dinner and exchanged gifts. It was a lot of fun. Then, on Christmas Eve we went to my Aunt and Uncle's house that has been tradition for as long as I can remember. We had lunch and exchanged gifts with my cousins children. When we were younger everyone would exchange gifts, but that stopped in 2002 or so and then we just started the tradition with the next generation. This year, our lunch was catered ,which was a new thing for our family. It was great, it meant something new!

After lunch, B and I went to the candle light service at Highland Park United Methodist Church. It was a beautiful service, that we enjoyed in over flow. Luckily, this year we had a seat and could see the screen, this was not the case last year. After the service we headed back home to decide what we wanted to do for dinner.

When we got engaged we started a new tradition of going to dinner just the two of us on Christmas Eve. This year we went to Hillstone, that used to be Houston's. It was really good and only took an hour to get seated, which was fine because we had a late lunch.

B was not feeling so hot on Christmas Eve and woke up Christmas morning with the awful cold that has been going around. I knew he was getting it but, he just looked awful on Christmas Day. So much so that we exchanged our own gifts in the morning and then he did not want to do anything. I went to my parents house with out him. Knowing that he should rest and that he looked awful. My parents had also had the awful cold too.

This year at my parents we exchanged our Christmas gifts. One exciting gift is that my brother, Bill and his girlfriend Sara got engaged. So, we have another wedding on our hands coming up. It was so much fun to see her excited and shocked face. Everyone assured her that her feeling of wow did this just happen, was in fact normal. She called her Mom, and then we all celebrated with dinner, minus B who was sick. I did text him and told him the good news.

All and all it was a pretty good Christmas, and looking forward to more exciting ones to come as our family grows by leaps and bounds. Excited to get another sister too. It will be fun to see all that 2014 has in store! Until next year.

Disney World 2013

Friday November 22 we went on a vacation to disney world. It was so much fun and one we looked forward to for a long time.  We got there on Friday afternoon and went straight to Epcot. We had such a greattime touring all the countries and we had dinner in Italy. Great pizza! Saturday we work up early and headed with my mom to the magic kingdom for the day. We got a lot done and went on all the rides and saw all the shows we wanted to. I think there was only a couple of shows or things that we did not see. Sunday we went to animal kingdom in the morning and went on the safari ride. This was one of my all time favorite rides. We had lunch at the rainforest cafe and then went and checked out Asia. After that we went to disney'is Hollywood studios. I loved this one. The only down side was that it was really cold that day for Florida. We loved the tower of terror ride and had dinner at a sci fi drive in that showed old sci if clips from the 1950's. It was fun because the tables were set up like old cars. Monday we went back to Epcot to do some more rides and then back to magic kingdom. Monday as crazy insane with people everywhere. We were not able to do much so we went back to Epcot and then had a end of trip dinner at the hotel. Tuesday we went back home and are already planning ideas for our next trip. This was B's first trip and was so much fun.

Icemegeddon 2013

Last week was crazy weather wise. On Wednesday it was 81 degrees outside. Which followed by a cold front that Pete Delkus on wfaa had predicted all week. It was so bad that everything shut down Friday. 

Because of the predictions on Wednesday I went to the store to stalk up on food. Which was a good thing. Thursday we had a great dinner and stayed warm. Friday night the power went off at 3:30 am and came back on around 5:30 just to go back off at 7 am. So for hours we tried to keep warm and then decided it was too cold so we went somewhere warm. Our first stop was my in laws where my mother in law made us hot chocolate. It was good. This followed with us needing food so we decided to go to the mall to see what was open and if they had electricity. It was interesting seeing the stores that we reopen and closed. We settled on getting something from the food court for lunch. We saw many people at the mall. You know the weather is bad when the movie theater is still closed. We walked around and shopped and then decided to head back home to see if we had our power back. Sure enough we did. Along with lots of food yay. 

Saturday we ventured to the grocery store where we picked up a few things and stayed home the rest of the day. Sunday we. Made it to church to see a friends baby be baptized. It was a cold day and there were some people there. Next we went back to the mall and then went home. 

Today is another ice day. So I have used the time to finish my 16 page research paper that is due next week. Well at least one draft of it. Also I have addressed Christmas cards. Now all I have to do is get stamps to mail them. 

Thanksgiving 2013

I cannot believe that another Thanksgiving has come and gone so fast, and that in just a few short weeks Christmas will be here. When we got married we decided to do Thanksgiving with my parents one year and B's parents the other year. Last year we went with my family, so this year we went to be with B's family. It was my first ever Thanksgiving away from my family. I did FaceTime them so I got to see them on Thanksgiving.

We went down to B's family lake house this year on Wednesday. As soon as we got there we unpacked and went to dinner with everyone. As soon as we got back from dinner I started to make my pumpkin pie, which turned out to be a good thing because the next day was crazy with everyone getting everything else ready for Thanksgiving day lunch. As we were there I was asked  what my family did for Thanksgiving a lunch or a dinner. As I thought back I came up with the answer it would depend on what year and where we were. As, in the past we have had both.

Growing up we would go to my grandparents house in Missouri and we would do lunch mostly, and maybe a few times dinner. Then after my Mom's parents passed away we stayed in Dallas and went to Brook Hollow for lunch. After my Dad's parents passed away we started going up to our lake house and would do dinner. So, I have done it all so many different ways. This year just added a new one to the books.

Next year we will be with my family for Thanksgiving. It is fun alternating each year so here is to Thanksgiving 2014.

Movie Review: Last Vegas

Last Vegas is a comedy about best friends celebrating their last single friend's plunge into marriage with an epic bachelor party. The four best friends, who have been friends since childhood have shared many memories over the years, and this memory will be one of the best yet. This movie defines what a true friendship looks like. With an all star cast, this movie lives up to the hype and will keep the audience laughing, and coming back for more.

 I give this movie five stars and highly recommend it. I would go back and see it again and again. The movie is a great message for all ages. So, go and see it!

Chase's wedding

On Saturday October 19th my brother chase got married to leslie. They had a beautiful ceramony at my parents lake house. The house was so transformed it did not really feel like you were there. The vendors and my parents did a great job of getting the furniture out and the house ready fora small family and close friends wedding. All and all there were a little over 80 people there.

First there were wedding party photos and then right at 6:30 the wedding party lined up and had a beautiful wedding on the lawn in the back yard. The views were amazing as the sun set and chase and Leslie started their lives as man and wife. The ceramony itself was completed with vows that chase and Leslie had written to one another. Also they washed one another's feet to simbolize that God is first in their marriage.

After the ceramony the wedding party went back out for more photos and then everyone went I to the house and had orderves as they set up the tables and space heaters for dinner. Dinner was ready and everyone went downstairs to enjoy a great meal complete with a mashed potato bar. The newly weds had a seat off to the side under the porch so they could enjoy their first meal together. After the meal there were more toasts and then upstairs to dancing, cutting the cake and the photo booth.

The couple shared the first dance after they cut the cake and then invited others to the dance floor. The cake was wonderful as they used the same people that did the cakes for my wedding. The grooms cake was the best. It was a cheeseburger from burger house hamburgers which is chase's favorite place. The brides cake was white with some designs on it.

As they left the wedding th couple drove off in a 2008 blue mustang GT that was decked out with the same just married sign from my wedding and streamers on the car. Everyone had a great time at a beautiful location.

Groom's Cake: Burger House Cheese Burger

bride's cake

Gratidudes

Looking back at things from the past week I am grateful for.

1. Emails from old friends. I love catching up and hearing about what is new in their lives.

2. Fall weather. Loving the fall weather and being able to go on walks and ride bikes

3. Spending time with my husband. I love spending time with him and being goofy together.

4. Learning new things. I am enjoying my class this semester. I am learning new things about digital media and the news. We took a filled trip to KERA channel 13. Very cool tour

5. Decorating for halloween and buying pumpkins.

6. Spending time with friend's at a surprise birthday dinner and learning about new restaurants.

7. New fall TV shows. Loving the avengers, greys, modern family and the goldbergs

8. Spending time with harley and Riley the to best dogs around. They are 11 this year.

9. Taking cool photos with the camera I got for my birthday

10. Having lunch with my mom.

State fair 2013

Yesterday, B and I went to the State Fair of Texas. We met up with his parents there too. It was so much fun to go. After the weather on Saturday, I was not sure we would be able to go, but it was a beautiful day! Last year, Big Tex caught on fire after we saw him and has now been rebuilt bigger and better. I had seen photos and video of him and was not quite sure about it. however, as we saw him in person he looked great. There is a new "voice" of Big Tex this year and sounds just as familiar as the one before.

We took lots of photos with the new cool professional camera. We also went and saw the new cars, the dog show, and went on the pirate ship ride. We also went and saw the Big Tex exhibit at the Hall of State. I loved seeing the old Big Tex's head. They had a really cool documentary video that I wanted to stay and watch but, we did not have time to see it. Maybe we will just have to go back.

Can't wait to go back again and have another corny dog, and see more attractions.

A day of remembrance

Wednesday marked the 12th anniversary of the September 11th attacks in New York. As I took time to reflect on the day and my thoughts and memories, at times I cannot believe 12 years have gone by. I recently saw something posted on twitter asking what do you tell children who were born after 2001 about that day? Right now, I do not have children but wonder when that time comes how do you explain that day to them? Also, at what age is the right age to explain something like that?

I will never forget where I was and what I was doing the day the world changed forever. I was barely 21 and a sophomore in college at Baylor University. I remember waking up and going to my first class of the day, Latin. This was a very small class, only about 8 people or so in the class. As we waited for the professor to come a whole bunch of us were talking. This one girl first told us all about attacks on the world trade center and how she thought it was a movie, and then changed the channel and saw it on every channel. We went in and had our class as normal. The professor did not say anything about the attacks. At the end of the class he passed out a quiz. The bonus question was: What happened this morning? I will never forget that question and just thinking wow.

Next, as I walked around campus I have never been anywhere that was so strangely quiet. It was like people did not know what to think or do, or even understand and comprehend how our world was changed in just a few minutes. I remember going back to my dorm room between classes. I had to wake up my roommate and try to tell her what had happened. I just turned on the TV. Next, I called home and could hear the sirens going off at my parents house over the phone. I remember being very scared and feeling farther away from home than I really was.

I went to my sociology class, where the teacher talked about what had happened. She let a couple of students go who were trying to get in touch with friends and family up in the New York area. Little did they know getting in touch that day would take time. I remember her telling us that we would have time to talk about what happened, our thoughts and really go over it as a class.

My last class of the day was intro to mass media. I remember walking in and the professor did not really have class. He just had the video of the day streaming. By this time it was the afternoon and everyone continued to just sit and watch.

That weekend, I decided to drive the hour and a half trip back to Dallas. I remember going to Church that Sunday. I have never seen a line like that to get into church, on a regular non-holiday service. My Mom and I went and heard Reverend Mark Craig give his sermon. He has two sons around my age. One son, he said was a freshman at a college near New York, in a neighboring state, where he could see from his dorm room the attacks take place. I remember Mark Craig saying, his son asked him why did this happen? A question everyone was at the time and still today is trying to answer. The answer back then was we don't really know. The answer today, some people really do not like the US and wanted to attack just because.

Each generation has a big event where they will never forget where they were. For my parents generation it was the day JFK was killed, and for my grandparents generation it was Pearl Harbor. I just pray that the next generation does not have to witness such horrific events in their lifetime.

Labor Day weekend 2013 recap

Labor Day weekend 2013 was one of the most fun weekends I have had in a long time. The weekend was busy jam packed with activities and hanging out. This year I invited up a bunch of friends and family members up to the lake house.

Friday night B and I went up by ourselves and watched the SMU vs. Texas Tech game on TV. It was nice and relaxing before everyone else arrived and Saturday afternoon.

Saturday afternoon all of our guests arrived and were ready for some fun. The afternoon started off with target practice for the boys, while the girls stayed inside and hung out.  After that the boys came back in from their adventure while the girls hung out and got dinner ready. For dinner on Saturday night I made crock pot chicken and Steak tacos which everyone really loved. After dinner some of us went out on the ski boat to test it out. The boat had been in storage all summer. After we came back many people watched more football.

Sunday, everyone woke up and had breakfast. After breakfast the boys took the boat out again, on what seemed like a short outing that ended up to take a couple of hours. While they were out on the boat another couple came up and I showed them around the house. When the boat riders returned we had lunch and then some of us went out on the boat again.

We had a great time skiing for the first time in a while. We were out on the lake for another couple of hours and then decided to come in as it was getting hot outside. We had dinner and then watched The Great Gatsby. I had been really excited and enjoyed watching the movie.

Monday, after breakfast a lot of the guys got up and went motorcycle ridding. The girls met them at the Wild Life Reserve which was really fun to go to and see. The motorcyclists had a great time but had an adventure in ridding with one almost flat tire. So, the ride back was the car following the motorcyclists back. After that everyone came back to the house had lunch and headed home.

All and all it was a jam packed weekend with dogs, kids and lots of fun.

New School Year

As the 2013-2014 school year started out today, that means class for me too. I start my graduate school class tomorrow. I am looking forward to the challenges that the class will bring as well as learning new interesting information about digital media.

So, here is to a great fresh new start. More to come as the class begins.

What's for dinner: mini pizza

A few weeks back I made mini pizza's. They were easy and good. Great to make for little kids with easy ingredients.

Ingredients

One whole English muffin cut in half
Pizza sauce
Mozzarella
Toppings

Cut a whole English muffin in half. On both halves add pizza sauce using a spoon. Spread sauce on English muffin and then I added mozzarella. If you want to add another topping you can. I had mine just with cheese.

I put the oven on high broil for about 10 minutes or until crispy. The. They are ready to cool and eat. Hope you enjoy this.

4th of July 2013 recap

The fourth of July was so much fun this year! We started out riding on the UP City Council float in the Park Cities Parade. It was so much fun and we saw so many people we knew as we rode in the parade, threw candy to the little kids and ended up at Goar Park at the end of the parade. We were able to go around to the tents before the masses and get a lemonade and some frozen yogurt as we watched some of the end of the parade.

After the parade we went to have lunch at my parents house and then later went to DCC for dinner and fireworks. They had some AMAZING fireworks this year. I think it was some of the best I have seen. I am looking forward to what they end up doing next year. While at DCC we got to hang out with friends and family and just enjoy the rest of the day.

What's For Dinner: Homemade Pizza

Last Friday we decided to have a pizza, and not just any pizza but a homemade pizza. It was really good and I recommend this especially if you have small children or just want to have fun as adults.

Ingredients

• pizza dough ( I used crescent thin crust pizza dough)
• mozzarella
• toppings- I used Hamburger meat
• Pizza Sauce

First pop open the pizza dough and directions for cooking are on the side of the can. After you spread out the pizza dough on a baking pan you will put the dough in to cook for about 5 minutes at the temperature it says on the can which I think was 350 degrees. While the dough was cooking I got started on my pizza topping. I chose to do hamburger meat. First I seasoned the meat with seasoning salt and then cooked it on the stove top. About the time that the meat was finished the dough was finished cooking. Next, I added the pizza sauce. I used just 1/2 cup of sauce and spread it around the whole crust. Next I added the cheese followed by the toppings. After this I put the whole pizza back in the oven to bake for about 10-12 minutes depending on your oven.

You can also add other toppings and know the pizza makes a lot but it was great. I hope you decide to make a homemade pizza the next time you are in the mood for pizza.

Movie Review: Star Trek Into Darkness

Recently I went and saw Star Trek: Into Darkness. This is a great movie that, as a sequel really lives up to the hype. The movie starts off where the last one ended. Since these movies are prequels to the original Star Trek movies, it really does a great job of telling a great back story of how the characters got to where they were in the older movies.

This movie is full of amazing scenes of action and does not have a dull moment, keeps the audience coming back for more. The movie starts out with captain Kirk, who has a bit of an issue with authority, running on an alien planet with a very sacred piece of information. How Kirk continues to get himself into these messes no one knows, but he always finds a way out. He and Mr. Sulu have gotten themselves into a real mess. As they both continue to run they jump into the water and swim to their ship where Dr. Spock is waiting for instruction and decides to go a head with the plan to help stop the Volcano from erupting and destroying an ancient civilization who has not yet invented the wheel.

As Dr. Spock figures out a way to save a civilization it is not with out risk. Dr. Spock is headed into a life or death situation and being half human and half Vulcan he does not think and make choices the way humans do. James Kirk who is someone who really thinks with his heart and follows his heart in all situations gets his crew in a real mess.

As they return to Earth Kirk is reprimanded for his actions. It is here that he finds out a truth that no one else has thought of and many lives are at stake. To find out more you will have to see the movie.

I rate his movie 5 stars because it was beautifully made great sequel. The acting is amazing and the use of CGI is the top its game. So be sure to see this movie ASAP.

Movie Review: Man Of Steel

Recently I went and saw the new Superman movie, Man Of Steel. I loved this movie. The movie was a totally new idea on an old story. This movie goes back and takes a different perspective on an American icon. Man Of Steel is full of new ideas on how and why Clark Kent came to Earth. In this newest version his home planet, Kripton, was doomed and his parents sent him along with their hopes and dreams for the future of their planet to Earth, a planet that was similar to Kripton but did not have the same issues in sustaining life that Kripton had.

Clark Kent continues his life as a human with extra abilities that he feels he has to hide from those around him in order to survive. Then, one day Louis Lane comes across Clark Kent and witness' him doing things that no other person is able to do. So, as an investigative journalist she is out to find the truth about Clark Kent, who he is and where he is from. To find out more you will have to watch this amazing new twist of the old American Story of Superman.

I rate this movie 5 stars. The action and CGI graphics are amazing. As I watched the movie, I could really see all the hard work and dedication that not only the actors, but the crew worked on to make this amazing new twist on an old tale become so believable.

BLT Avocado Salad

I recently tried this new recipe that I came across the other day. I was surprised I had not thought of this idea before. It is a great summer recipe that can be easily made and light enough for the summer heat.

I made homemade ranch dressing. What you need:

• 1 cup Mayo
• 1 cup Milk
• one package of Hidden Valley Ranch packet

Put the above in a bowl and mix together for about 2 minutes then cover and put in fridge for at least half an hour.

For Salad

• lettuce ( I used shredded lettuce)
• tomato sliced
• bacon cut into small pieces
• avocado cut into small pieces

First I put lettuce on the plate then added tomato slices, bacon and avocado to the salad. I topped it off with home made ranch dressing. I highly recommend this easy summer recipe for a time when you need to make something fast.

1 year of marriage

Wow! I cannot believe we have been married a whole year. Time flies when you are having fun! For our anniversary we weekend we started out celebrating with our parents. Our original plan was to have dinner at DCC where we had our reception. However the power went out and we had to come up with a plan B. plan B was so much fun. We went to the Marquee Grill to celebrate. This ended up to be just as special because we went to that restaurant the night of our engagement. Also, I was able to wish my Dad happy Father's Day as our anniversary fell on Father's Day and my parents were at the Lakehouse the rest of the weekend.

    Saturday the cele rating continued with our 5 year old niece's birthday party. After the birthday party we headed home to relax before dinner. We tried to go see a movie but the times did not work for our schedule. We had dinner at Ferring's restaurant at The Ritz Carlton Dallas. We had a great anniversary dinner.

Sunday our actual anniversary we celebrated with walking to the Katy trail ice house for lunch. In the afternoon B went to hang out with his dad and brother to watch golf and celebrate Father's Day. When he got home we cooked dinner and had cake.  I ordered a new cake cause we ate ours last year and I did not watts eat a year old cake. It was a great cake that we have been enjoying all week.

Here is to the beginning of our second year of marriage and all the fun that will come with it.

Summer school 2013

This month I am taking a summer class at SMU. The class is called persuasion and communication. I am learning a lot in this fast pace three nights a week class. I have a final paper due in 3 weeks and next week have a paper and a speech due back to back of one another. Lots of work to do. June is shipping up to be a crazy busy month.

Memorial Day weekend 2013 recap

This past weekend was Memorial Day weekend. I headed up to the lakehouse with  my Mom, Dad and   Bill and his 30 plus friends he invited. B went with his Dad and brother to the Indy 500 race. They all had a great time.

Bill had invited his 30 plus friends which included one extra dog. So we had a total of four dogs over the weekend. My Mom and I had a great time watching movies during the day as everyone went out on the lake. Then at night my Mom, Dad and I chose to go out to dinner as one night they had so many people they almost did not have a place for everyone to sit and eat. They had several late nights and all seemed to have a great time. By Monday morning most all of them had left to head back to Dallas.
All and all it was a good weekend.

Now on to summer school which starts Monday. Wish me luck.....

Chicken taco's

This recipe was given to me by my friend, deals on wheels. We have loved this recipe and other friends I have shared it with agree. This is a must try and will be a new family favorite for sure.

Ingredients

• 1 package of boneless, skinless chicken
• 1 16 ounce bottle of your favorite salsa. ( I used pace salsa)
• 1 packet of taco seasoning
• 1 tomato
• 1 package of shredded lettuce
• 1 package of shredded cheese
• 1 package of tortillia's

You will need a crockpot for this simple and yummy recipe for chicken tacos.

First, you will put chicken in crockpot. For two people I used one and a half chicken breast, but if you have more people feel free to use all three chicken breasts or two of them. Next, you will pour out the package of taco seasoning on top of the chicken. Then, you will pour out the bottle of your favorite salsa, we used pace. Once the chicken is covered in the sals you will cover the crockpot and set on low for 8 hours. Before serving you will need to take two forks and shred the chicken while in the crockpot. You can do this right before serving or before you plan to serve.

After the chicken has been shredded and cut then you will add a tortilla, chicken, shredded lettuce, tomatoes and cheese. You may also choose to serve with guacamole if you wish, which is what I had done.

This makes a lot and great for leftovers. Hope you enjoy these amazing chicken tacos.

BBQ dinner

I decided to make something new and fun for dinner. I decided to try to make BBQ sandwiches for dinner. The recipe I used was so easy. Here is the link for where I found the recipe click here.

Easy BBQ sandwiches

ingredients

• 1 package of roast or round rump meat
• 1 16 ounce bottle of BBQ sauce
• garlic salt

First, I covered the meat in garlic salt. You may also use other seasonings like salt and pepper. I cut the meat in half so it would fit in the crock pot. You might have to cut it more than twice depending on the size of the meat. I did not use the onion powder, but you may if you like. 

Next, I placed the seasoned meat in the crock pot and then poured in the whole bottle into the crock pot and turned the crock pot on low and cooked for 8 hours.

Before serving shred meat with two forks and serve with a bun to make a sandwich. I paired this with a wedge salad see that post here.

It was a great meal that we will have again. 

Wedge Salad

Last night, I heated up some chicken strips and decided to add something to it. So, while looking at my friend, Tessa's blog I found a great Wedge Salad recipe. I changed it up a little.

Wedge Salad

ingredients

• 1 head of iceberg lettuce
• ranch dressing packet
• 1 cup of mayo
• 1 cup of milk
• bacon bits
• walnuts

Take the iceberg lettuce and cut in half. I cut the lettuce in half and then halved the half. But, if you are only serving the salad you can cut a smaller or bigger piece.

In a bowl pour out the dry ranch mix, the cup of mayo and the cup of milk. You will stir. The directions are also on the back of the packet. I stirred for about 2 or 3 minutes. After the mixture is smooth with little to no clumps you will put it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. You also can make this the day before and the mix is good for up to 2 or 3 weeks.

After you place the lettuce on the plate you will dribble the dressing on top and may add walnuts and bacon bits. I just guessed the amount I needed. After you add your toppings it is ready to serve. You also may use blue cheese, but I substituted the ranch dressing instead. This easy salad was a huge hit and will be in your home as well.

Ranch Chicken Strips

This is a fun and easy recipe and great for kids of all ages, especially the adult ones. I found a variation of this recipe online and added my own touch to the recipe.

What you will need

• Chicken breast strips or you can buy skinless boneless chicken breast and cut into strips
• dry ranch mix
• mayo
• shake and bake or something similar
• bake at 350 for 25-30 min.

First cut the chicken breast into strips if you need to or take the strips out of the package. Depending on how many people you are cooking for will depend on how many will be needed.

Next, dump out the dry ranch mix into a mixing bowl and add one cup of mayo to mix together. In another bowl add the shake and bake mix.

Dip the chicken into the ranch mix first and make sure the chicken is coated in the mix. Next, put the coated chicken into the shake and bake mix and put on the pan. I line the pan with foil first.

After all chicken has the ranch mix and shake and bake mix on it put it in the oven at 350 for 25 to 30 minutes. Then as you take it out it will be ready to serve. May serve with bananas, grapes, or any other side you would like to use.

Chicken and Veggie Stir fry

The other night we had chicken and veggie stir fry with steamed rice for dinner. This is one of our favorite dinners. It is easy to make and does not take long to cook.

What you will need:

• mushrooms
• Chicken breast skinned and boneless ( May also purchase the sliced chicken breast strips)
• Minute Rice or your favorite kind of rice
• Red bell pepper
• green bell pepper
• carrots (optional)
• soy sauce
• vegetable oil
• cashews

First cook the rice, depending on what kind you have this might take up to twenty minutes. I used minute rice which cooks faster. Follow the directions on the side of the box as to how many servings you are going to make. I used the two servings directions.

Next, cut the skinned and boneless chicken breast into smaller pieces or use the strips and put into a pan that has one to two small cups of vegetable oil. Cook the chicken until the center is white and then take off the burner.

In another pan add the mushrooms, bell peppers, chicken, and carrots into the pan. Poor some soy sauce on top and mix together over heat for about 5 minutes until everything is coated with soy sauce. Remove from heat and add cashews if desired  add rice to serve.

Movie Review From Time to Time

If you are a fan of Julian Fellow's Downton Abbey, then From Time to Time is the movie for you. Several of the Downton Abbey cast members are also in this movie. Time to Time, is set at the end of World War II. A young boy is sent to live with his grandmother, where with the help from ghosts, his grandmother and the servants he is able to solve a family mystery. 

As I watched this movie I could not help but see parallels between the characters of Downton Abbey, and the characters in this movie. The plot is interesting and engages the viewer, who is following and learning as Tully learns and is able to solve the family mystery. This movie has some great twists and turns throughout the movie. I give this movie 5 stars and invite you to find it today and check it out for yourself. 

What's for dinner?

I am starting my post on what's for dinner. This morning I made home made guacamole to accompany qusadellia's for dinner.

To make the guacamole I used two avocados that I took the puts out of and smashed them up I'm a bowl. I added one tomato and seasoning mix. You can use the mix from McCormick or come up with your own. After I mashed everything up and mixed it together I added lime juice to keep it until we were ready to eat it.

For the quasadellias we have a quesadilla maker. You can use one of these or do them in a pan tue Inge them as you go. We took our favorite stuff to put inside the tortilla's with cheese and cook. It was a quick and easy dinner and one of our favs to do

What's for dinner

I am thinking about starting a new blog series called what's for dinner, where I hi-light some of my favorite recipes to share with everyone. So, be on the look out for some fun recipes coming your way in the near future.

A little trip downtown....

Yesterday, I attempted to go to the records building downtown. I drove around and passed the building a couple of times. Then, I just gave up and went home. I get confused with all of the one way streets. So, today B and I went back down together, as he has been to this building for work and when we got our marriage license. I wanted to get two copies of our license to have for various things to get changed, such as my passport. So, we made it down there.  As we drove down we saw a MILLION people in the new park and just walking around. Also, I decided it would be fun to do fun tourist type things in the city we live in. So, I am wanting to do that in the future.

Last weekend we ventured over to Ft. Worth and drove around the downtown area and just hung out. It was a lot of fun to have an adventure together and to get away, even if it was just for one day.

Great weekend

This last weekend was so much fun! b and I took the dogs Harley and rileynupmto the Lakehouse. We all just hung out and went on walks and watched movies. It was a lot of fun and a great escape for the weekend. We are looking forward to goimg again soon.

Marriage and Family Class at SMU

This semester I am taking a marriage and family class at SMU. It is such an interesting class. Each student has to read two books and write a paper to present to class. The final paper is a reflection paper on what you have learned from the class. The professor has been a marriage and family councilor for the past 30 years or more. He has great stories and insight on marriage and family and where it will go in the 21st century.

The first book I have read is about family life from the time of the mayflower through the 1980's, as the book was published in 1988. The book does have some stuff at the end about where the author saw marriage and family going on into the future.

I learned a lot about marriage and family that I did not know such as the past roles and how they have taken us to what we see today in family units and marriages. Just to see how things have changed in our country from the man being the head of the house to women's rights and the role children play in a marriage and family. The book is written in chronological order which helps the reader follow the information and take in a bit. Overall the book made me thankful for where we are today. I am also interested to see where things will go in the 21st century. So, now I am off to work on writing my first rough draft of my paper as it is due the beginning of March. I will have one down and two to go. Also, want to get a head start on book number two which is about nostalgia and family.

Birthday and valentines

b's birthday is on feb 13th. So I gave him his gifts before he went to work and then brought him lunch. He requested NY sub. Which we love and has not had for a while. We went to dinner with his parents  and brothers family at a place called Sissy's. Sissy's has southern fried chicken and is known for their chicken fried steak. It was really good. Also at his office they had a huge cake and we still have cake over here. I took some to my parents house so they could enjoy some and we still have more cake. I think he enjoyed his birthday

Valentine B surprised me with roses, a card, and a box of Girl Scout thin mint cookies yum! I got him an architecture book and a card. I had my grad school class so we celebrated our valentines dinner on Friday night. We had one of our favorite central market dinners and some Gigi's cup cakes from my mom. Weaslo have some brownies that B's Mom made for us. So if you want sweets we have a few around here. It has been a great time of celebrating.

Grad school

I started my class for the semester last week. I a, taking a marriage and family class. Should be interesting and I really liked the professor. Since recently (in June) being married I think this class will be helpful. We are to read two books and share them with the class. I have picked out my books and dates. Now to get reading and take notes for my paper. Each paper has to be 5 to 7 pages to read or present to the class. S I will be starting that soon. I got both books on amazon kindle app for the IPad which is great. So that is what I will be working on this next month or so. Once I finish one book I will start the other.  So that is my update on school. I will post more about my class as time goes on.

Book Review: Where We Belong

I just finished reading Emily Griffin's book Where We Belong. This book is really great and is a fast read. The book goes between two characters, Marian and Kirby. Marian has a secret that she has kept for the last 18 years. She has not told a sole except for her Mother who does not talk about the subject with her or bring it up all that often. To learn what the subject is you should check out Emily Griffin's newest book. I give this book five stars.

Trip to Austin/ Fredricksburg

After Christmas, B and I decided to go down to Austin to spend time at his families home down there. IT was so much fun and we both had a great time just being out of Big D for a short bit. We started driving down on the 27th. We took an exotic long trip down there that lead us to go to Dublin, TX because B could not make the turn he wanted hahah. But it was so much fun to see the old Dublin Dr. Pepper plant and the store. We went in the store, but did not go on the tour, as we were not sure if it was open because of the holiday. After that we drove and had lunch at Dary Queen. I had the best Mint Oreo Blizzard. Blizzard's are the only food  I will have at DQ. It was fun. Then, we made our way down to their house. All and all the trip took us about 6 hours.

The next day, B and I went down to Fredricksburg, TX which was not a long drive. We went to see the Nemitz Museum, which is AMAZING. If you have not gone to see it you should go. It is all about World War 2 and I learned a lot that I did not know. Also, we had a great time walking around main street. We ate at Hondo's which was a great place to eat. Highly recommend that as well. They have everything on the menu.

We walked up and down the main street after the museum on our way back to the car. It was a lot of fun, and cold outside. We ha a great adventure together and are looking forward to more adventures.

New years 2013 recap

For new years, B and I decided to stay in, make our own pizza for dinner, and watch the ball drop on TV. All of the above accomplished. It was a stay in we must be old kind of night. However, on new years eve I would not want anything else. We both fell asleep after the ball in NY dropped. I did hear the fireworks going off which woke me up and watched some on TV, then fell back asleep. I know real exciting.... But, it was fun to do nothing after a busy holiday week with Caylx, Christmas, and a trip down to Austin for a few days.