Sunday, December 4, 2011

Prized Christmas Traditions


It is December once again. How time just flew by. But isn't it just as amazing that someone was inspired enough to help us close each year in remembrance of such a momentous, auspicious event that the whole world needs?

Joy to the world indeed! To remember how our Savior Jesus Christ chose to be our Redeemer despite knowing he'll come into a humble situation though He is a King, a rightful heir to the kingdom of His beloved Father, our Heavenly Father... A son of God.

In preparation for this wonderful, but often misrepresented event, traditions have sprung up. From whole countries, culture, families to individuals. I want to share with you what we do in our family... Though they have evolved during the years, many have remained to this day. For example, since 2007, we have stopped giving "wanted" gifts to each other, but rather we focus the gifts on those items that can help us be more like Jesus- so we buy books and only needed items to share on that day.

After Thanksgiving
-We buy new Christmas books, look for new stories to add to our Christmas book (1997 or 98)
-Start decorating for Christmas
-Plan our Christmas Menu- Filipino
-Figure out whose theme will be used (each of our children has a theme)
-Drop off Nativities to loan for community exhibit (2007)

December 1-25
-Read/watch 1 story and/or sing a song. Normally done under a candlelight, but we are flexible.
-Attend a Temple Lights (2001) or Nativity Display Exhibit (2007)
-Decorate the house
Upper banister, "Burgundy and Gold", 2011

After Nativity Exhibit
-Place Nativities all over the house and finish decorating. (2007)
Carrollton Community Nativity Exhibit, 2011
-Set up the 3 small trees anywhere in the house and read, "The Three Trees" story by them.
"The Three Trees" as our Christmas tree, 2008
L, J & I, in front of our "Three Trees", 2010
Second week of December-
-Buy a Christmas tree and decorate it as a family while listening to Christmas songs
"Poinsettia & Gold", 2010
-Do our family portrait

-Finalize and send out our Christmas Newsletter
-Finalize our menu and start shopping

Christmas Orange 
-We make sure that everyone is home for this (2001). We buy tangerines and each one gets one to peel after we read the story of the Christmas Orange and we do as the story tells. It is told by a few candle lights or by the fireplace. We've been reading this story since we got the book from my in-laws, but we waited to do the actual exchange after our second child was old enough to taste one. Our son had to wait until he was old enough to have his own.
Honey Tangerines, WalkerIndianRiverGroves.com
December 13-25
-Start 12 days of Sweets; bake something sweet every night (2009)
-Send some sweets as gifts

Chocolate-topped Shortbread Cookies & Flavored Cheese Danish 

-Draw names for the PJ & Book Gift Exchange

December 24, Christmas Eve
-Leave Christmas lights on all day
-Lunch-Pizza and juice
-Christmas Dinner-Filipino Feast (Appetizers, Soup, Pansit, Lumpia, Rice, Afritada, Roast Pork, Baked Fish, Desserts, Drinks)
Filipino Feast, Christmas Eve, 2009

-Open Christmas PJs to wear for the night
PJ's, 2009

December 25, Christmas Day
-Leave Christmas lights on all day
-Christmas Breakfast (children's choice)
-Open gifts and stockings by the fireplace
-Set up grazing table (buffet style, all day)
Grazing Table, 2009

-Bake a chocolate cake for the Savior
-Read Mary's Dream
-Listen to Christmas Songs
-Sing "Happy Birthday, Jesus" and eat cake
-Open present for Jesus (a promise to fulfill all year)

We love our traditions and now that the children are older, it is more precious each year...

We'd love to hear about yours...

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL, A GOOD NIGHT.





Sunday, November 27, 2011

Christmas Newsletter... Why?


Sandrajo Files. Wordpress.com
Is it still necessary? With today's technology, everyone can catch up on a daily basis (Facebook, Blogs, E-mail, Cell Phones, Skypes). Even on a hourly, minute-by minute even (Twitter). So how does a condensed version of a whole year's memory written down for others to see, for the sake of catching up, still show value?

I find myself asking because it is rather getting more and more difficult to compose one. I started out with a nice, semi-formal enough look that summed up what we did for each year since we were first married, but then it morphed to some fun ones, some with pictures, still, the "but" lingers...

We've received many as well over the years, along with generic cards, postcards with pictures of just their kids, and ones designed to make you admire how funny and clever the author is. I certainly look forward to receiving them but we also "see" the same friends and families on Facebook and other networking sites and catch up on what they do so... why a Christmas newsletter? Do people even still read one? Or do the intended recipients now quickly assume, "I already know about that, she just wasted paper." With that in mind, why a Christmas newsletter this year, why not be just like most and just go to the local store and crank out a hundred or so copies of my family's smiling faces with the cursury, "Merry Christmas!" and be done with it?

(As I'm writing this, the answer comes)
... Because it is not about catching up or showing off or keeping up with what's easiest. It's about taking the time to reflect on the year of blessings & trials and finding the Hand of God in each day that passed by. The newsletter becomes a final page to a non-existent journal book that is chosen to be shared with all that we care about. A final way to show of our beliefs, our lifestyle and what we truly value as we celebrate the best holiday of all, the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ...

Knowing this once again, I think I will go back to our former way of doing our newsletter... Because we want everyone to know that we love Him and all that He stands for...


Thursday, November 24, 2011

Thanksgiving is a Must

HELLO and Happy Thanksgiving! We made it! We had another great Thanksgiving! As I'm sure you did, too! Like you, I'm sure, we also ate too much and had a great set of rounds of what we are grateful for. So here we are after dinner...

I wanted a Thanksgiving table, but I had no idea what and how. We've also been just bogged down with all sorts. But I'm glad my body and brain worked together last minute, literally, and this is what I came up with...

If you want to see more of our table/dining room/story behind it, click here:
http://whatnowtablescapes.blogspot.com/2011/11/au-naturale-t.html

It's rare that I have my pictures taken so don't be scared. That's really how I look like, posed next to my centerpiece.

and here with my 2 little ones, I-Dude and J-Pony. (Obviously) Mr. Man took the picture. We totally missed not having L-Infinity again this Thanksgiving, but we talked to her and she's among friends in Pearl City, Honolulu, HI for her Thanksgiving break at BYUH. She's doing really well in all her studies and might even have an intern job this summer!
I-Dude and J-Pony smiling up at the camera. (I would too, if I'm waiting to be fed!) lol

As always, we had a feast, but definitely toned down. It was nice having plenty to choose, but just eating enough to be full and satisfied...

After talking to L-Infinity and realizing we wanted to send her some pictures.


Just after dinner and dessert time. I-Dude patiently watching Mr. Man cut him a piece of pie.

Afterwards, I went upstairs to upload these pics for the family and when I finished and came back down, Mr. Man washed the dishes! He is just amazing! Love him!

Alright, time to go. Time to play Apples to Apples with the kiddos!

Happy Thanksgiving! How did you celebrate yours?

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Cooking and Saving

I miss my kitchen... Though the drywall is almost all up on the backwall, the counters are still full of tools and between the kids getting sick and me, too, plus busy schedule, it's still a mess. I've only managed to catalog some of the few great meals I've been doing for the kids' cookbooks (someday). But at least I captured some and they are delicious, nutritious and economical!

Been using One Note to store my recipes (totally not a recipe person), and we're all learning to rely on it to choose and plan our dinner menu for the week. But I'm also into seasonal produce, so until I have it all down, the recorded recipes are not that reliable yet. Here are some of the great ones I have yet to include:

I call this one, Green Steak over Linguine. It's got mainly green ingredients-broccolini, spinach, parsley, basil and little leftover steak. Total cost, under $5.00!
Pan-fried Tilapia fillets. Just S&P and a hot skillet/pan and 4 minutes later, "viola!" Total cost, $4 for 8 fillets!
 I love my Autumn soup, Sweet Leeky Squash Mash; it's hearty nutritious and completely vegetarian. The creamy base, coconut cream! Sweet potatoes, Winter squash, leeks, and spices. Yummy! Topped with Roasted Pumpkin seeds! Filled a 5-cup Rubbermaid container! Total cost, $3.50!
 Steamed Artichokes! Hubby found them at Krogers for 10/$10! Yep, only $1 each!
 Berry Veggie Medley Smoothie, my whole family loves it! Healthy and oh-so cheap! (Blueberries, Blackberries, Strawberries, Spinach, Carrots, Yogurt and OJ) Total cost for the whole pitcher, less than $2.00!
Haven't been doing any tablescapes since back in 4th of July... I'm so sad...

I've been busy researching a healthier approach to eating. So much information available, it's amazing! But, the pattern seems to point at the obvious... Clean food means clean body!

Til next time!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Autumn Bliss

I love, love Fall! Just the simple fact that the leaves change colors, the weather cools after fighting summer's imprisonment or burning punishment. I love Fall!

The colors, the smells, the feel! There's just nothing like it!

The wind whispers, "slow down, slow down..." The air invites, "play, play"... The leaves call, "have hope, have hope..."

And then of course, there's School time, Halloween and Thanksgiving...



What a wonderful way to set our minds and hearts towards the Christmas season, but with a grateful heart when Thanksgiving rolls by and moves on...



I love Autumn, such a wonderful time of the year.

(Pics from last year...)

How do you feel about Fall?

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Early Halloween?

Each year, since 2008, we've participated in our church's Trunk-or-Treat gathering both in the Cultural Hall and the Parking Lot. We deck out the back of the van with lights, pumpkins, cauldron, black roses and vinyl tablecloth. We give out glowing bracelets. Just a blast!
Normally, we are used to knowing that it will not follow when Halloween is, especially if it falls on Sabbath day. But each one has been only within a few days before. But this year, it would seem we won't be able to participate in the traditional way-no trunk to dress up for us this year because it's being done 9 days before Halloween! Talk about caught unawares! Between the repairs, books fairs, concerts, hectic work and school schedules this year plus volunteer work, I'm lucky to even remember to get a costume for the kids this year! Forget about candy! (Nah... We can make time to get candy, right? Right!)

Anyway, to ensure that we can at least get the kids to participate and enjoy a pre-Halloween celebration, I signed up to make and bring chili and cornbread while the church funds hotdogs and juice/water. I think it's a fair trade...

As far as Halloween here at our house goes, nada, zip, nothing this year... We just have too much going on and no real time to setup the holiday decor without adding to the mix of boxes already needing to find a spot in the attic or the garage. Did I mention the current deluge of repairs we have? Let's see... sink and water heater, just fixed (love my new Moen "Lindley" faucet!), AC being monitored for leaks, back wall still missing in the Eat-In/Office area of the Kitchen, puppies poked a hole on the expensive couch, carpet being changed to tile, under sink particle board floor ripped and to be changed, bugs needing to be repelled around the house, curtains still need to be hung up, and painting in the Library windows and two of the kids bedrooms still need to be finished.

At least they are our projects to do... (after sighing loudly...)

Happy Halloween to all this year!

Sunday, September 25, 2011

The Water Heater Gets in on the Act!

Hello all!

In our current saga of "Repairs-a-Callin'", our seemingly quiet water heater unit decided to get our attention.

Mr. Man fixed the hot water pipe leak under the sink recently and decided it was time to turn back the hot water tank on yesterday. Well! "Sir Expansion Tank" literally blew his top off and crashed into the ceiling! Followed by a jet of hot water! Good thing no real damage as Mr. Man managed to turn off the water line just in time. Whew!

After a trip to Lowe's and Home Depot for a new expansion tank, pipe tapes, temp & pressure gauge, fittings and new piping, "Don Water Heater Tank" is humming his merry little tune again at a nice toasty 120 deg F. Most would have it set at 140 deg F, but the previous owner did not gauge their room well and fitted into a tiny closet, Don's girth capacity of 50 gals while his height almost didn't allow for any noble "Sir Expansion Tank" to fit on top! So to make things work, the water temp had to go down so the pressure can go down and keep "Sir" happy and content being "on top" of things for the "Don".

More updates later... Happy Fall y'all!

Monday, September 12, 2011

I thought I was ready to come back...

but... The past few weeks, I've been everything else but FREE. Yeah, I play on FB, but that's more of a "white noise to keep me focused on keeping sane while I kept up with all of our activities lately. I can't wait  to have some downtime...

Hopefully soon. Til then...

Friday, August 19, 2011

Homeownership Wows and Woes


Now that we have our own home, I feel more stressed. (don't get me wrong, I feel very blessed to own our home, well... maybe that we have a bank that let us pay them monthly over it.)

I feel more stressed because there are MORE:
-space to fill and make cozy
-storage to fill but with what
-problems due to more space and areas to maintain
-careful planning of how to make space sing with personality and style
-corners to miss in cleaning and organizing
-walls to paint and architecture to update
-competition on which room to do first
-home age-related issues to deal with as opposed to calling the apt mgr to send someone
-bills to pay out since even the garbage is in your name

Also because there are LESS:
-money to deal with problems as they arise
-time to do it all when you have school-age children
-patience in keeping up with problems that pop up
-ideas to run through when home value vs. style clashes
-opportunities to get things done due to lack of time and money

But I guess in the end, it all balances out. (good thing, too since I practice Feng Shui and a balancing act goes a loooong way) We love our home and can't wait to realize its potential.
I'm busy designing closet shelving ideas to maximize storage and built-in cabinetry to lessen the impact of bare walls and add more storage in the living areas. Designing the kids' rooms so they'll want to study in there (and not just use it to text their friends in private). Researching the garden ideas for this part of Texas (aka still waiting for my thumb to turn green). My hubby's busy bringing home the bacon to repair the walls, air leaks, keep cooling and heating and the materials to maintain the house. The kids, they have their chores... (if they ever get to them!)

It may take a few (fingers crossed) or several years before most of our projects are realized, but at least they are our projects...

Side note:
Tonight's BTS Brain Menu:

Pork Adobo (complete protein)
Steamed Rice (niacin, zinc, selenium, manganese and almost complete protein)
Asparagus and Tomatoes (vitamins and minerals)
Melon and Grapes (vitamins and minerals)

It was delicious! And I didn't have to beg the kids to eat it! (winking until you notice)

Good night and later!

Thursday, August 18, 2011

BTS- Prepping The Brain Menu

Now that summer is almost over in the sense that school's almost back in session, I am quite curious as to how we as parents prepare our children to go back to school mode.

I guess I can share that I have three children who love to learn and go to school (ok, they like hanging out with friends mostly, but we can pretend, right?). Honestly, they love school and learning. Since reading, art, science, history and practical knowledge are covered 365 days a year, my main focus is on what they put in their bodies.

Summer is wrought with temptation! (Eating out, bbq's, shakes that are fatter than a whole cow, fruits that no one eats because there's ice cream waiting in the freezer; did I mention eating out?) Of course we balance it out with swimming, touring vacation spots on foot, walking the dogs in the early morning to escape the heat (alright, you do that)

Well back to my reality. I love to cook and the cooler months seem to entice me into that love more than Summer or Spring. So I get creative and don my invisible scientist coat and delve into the latest research on children's good health in relation to food choices. I cook for their brain, a whole week before school starts. They just don't know it (yes, I'm Dr. Sneaky McSneakypants! mwahhhhahahahaha! (booming thunder in the background))

So tonight is 4 days left before school starts on Monday, the 22nd. Here's what I made to beef up their brains... (no, I didn't feed them beef brains... what were you thinking?)

Baked Pacific Cod with Mixed Summer Vegetables
Steamed White Rice
Ice Water
Blueberry Lemonade Smoothie

What, you didn't know that Fish and Blueberries are good for the ol' noggin? Yes, yes they are!

Omega 3 & 6 helps your heart and brain while blueberries...

"Blueberries have compounds that boost neuron signals and help turn back on systems in the brain that can lead to using other proteins to help with memory or other cognitive skills." (James Joseph, Nutrition Researcher) http://www.seattlepi.com/lifestyle/health/article/Living-Well-Blueberries-trigger-neurons-that-1153313.php

So now you know just how easy to feed the buzzing and budding brains in your children, even if they don't like fish, just find the nutrients that can help their brain and your next school year can be that much better... Not to mention the other nutrients that a healthy menu provides for their behavioral and emotional needs. Love the B family for that!

See you next time!


Monday, August 15, 2011

Hello and Welcome Back!

To all passersby... I'm back! Got so many pics to post, updating and all that good stuff.

The DIY projects list is still long, but at least we had two great vacations!

Quick Update:
1) Vacations- California and Utah
2) Met newest members of family (Jernon & Garrison)
3) Found termites in back door wall (hot fun!)
4) Sorted old clothes (too many, too long!)
5) BTS shopping (coupon filled)
6) Lots of OT (to fund the DIY projects)

(What, you thought extra $$$ for fun, I wish!)

School's almost upon us, so that means another BTS Fashion Show in our house! (makes this the 6th annual one.)

Can't believe how Summer's almost done. (thank goodness! not my season! funny, being tropical and all!)

Ok, see you all soon!

Monday, April 18, 2011

MIA for a While...

Hello... Though I know no one bothers to read this, thought I owe it to those that may happen to wander and ask, "Oooh, a new blog to explore, I wonder if it's worth a visit or two", I will be MIA for a while.

The hubs and I have decided to do as much DIY projects to finish before summer hits and we all melt from the heat and humidity that is the Mid-Southwest.

We have the Master closet finishing, downstairs bath moulding, foyer & LR painting and frontyard gardening to tackle. Vacations and visits to plan. Stocking up to do. Backyard maintenance to monitor and fireants to put under control. But best of all, we have a Cub Scout to help finish off requirements while having fun.

So with that long of a laundry list, which by the way, laundering of big comforters is one of the big projects, I will not be in the blogging circuit for a while. Not that I ever truly was.

Thanks, and see ya'll later with pictures!

Friday, February 25, 2011

A Healthier Me: Day 5-7

I didn't think I'd make it to ONE WHOLE WEEK. I battled fatigue, flu-like symptoms, backache, leg cramps and insomnia. But I wanted to finish.

I DID IT. ONE WEEK. Now, just two more weeks and I can reset my attitude, lifestyle, and body to continue working out and eating healthy.

WORKOUT: Average 1 hour a day
Wii Fit- Basic, Advanced and Free Steps/ Basic Boxing/ Hula Hoop Challenge/ Ski Jump

Stairs- Average of 7 sets of up and down on 16-step plight

Dancing-Waist and Hip gyration/ Salsa Combo

Stretching for warm-ups

MEALS:
I enjoyed pasta, rice, garbanzo beans, barley, veggies, nuts, milk, cheese, bread, fruits and beef, salmon and scallops. One medium portion, chewed slow and tons of water.

I feel great; I'm not as sluggish nor prone to light-headedness lately. Thank goodness. Enduring my caveman-like slow movements were harder to endure during the day than when I put in an hour's worth of non-stop aerobic exercise.

I also find myself being more discerning with what I will serve my family. We've always eaten sensibly, but I'm a believer of "there's always room for improvement".

I can't wait for tomorrow!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

A Healthier Me: Day 4

Insomnia hit me again this morning and I didn't fall asleep until 3:30 AM. Grrrr!!!

Woke up @ 6:15 and stayed up until 9:30. Fell asleep and didn't wake up until 2:30, just enough time to meet my son at the front door. Also had a bit of a stiff neck.

IT BEGINS... Every year, I start to be more active. But the first two weeks are a real pain. Literally! But it goes beyond pain for me. I get sick!

Stiff necks, sniffles, muscle aches, light-headed, fever, cold sores, coughs. The yucky stuff!

So, just like always, I have to stop the workouts and rest until I feel better. In other words, no difference.

But this time, I want to get to three weeks, at least and know that I've conquered something.

WORKOUT: (1 hour total)
Wii Fit: Basic and Advanced Steps, Hula Hoop Challenge, Basic Boxing
Stair-Climbing: 5 sets
Upper Arms: Mixed with both arms for tonight's menu

BREAKFAST:
Honey wheat toasts-2 slices
Laughing Cow cheese- 1 wedge
Milk

LUNCH:
Leftover- Mushroom & Onion couscous- 1 cup
Grapes- 1 cup
Water- 4 glasses

SNACK:
None

DINNER:
Two-egg cheese omelette
Steamed broccoli
Strawberries- 3
Water-4 glasses

DESSERT:
2 choc chip cookies (I splurged... :-D)
(The recipe yielded 5 doz since I used a small scoop, but don't worry; I have the hubs sharing most of it at work and the kids bringing some to school tomorrow. )

My BMI is 24 at 119 lbs. I need to be at 22 BMI at about 109-110 lbs. I have a looong way to go!

I hope I can keep this momentum despite the oncoming symptoms. I will have to take Tylenol to head them off. Wish me luck!

Monday, February 21, 2011

A Healthier Me: Day 3

Today was very exciting! The treadmill didn't work. Wait, no... That wasn't the exciting part.

I tried the Wii Fit again today and you know, it's been 569 days since I last been on it. No, that's not the exciting part either.

It said the following:

BMI= 24.04 Normal
WEIGHT= 119.3 lbs.

DID YOU READ THAT?!!! I thought I was in the 130's! Last time I had a BMI of 27.41 OVERWEIGHT

But I guess between this last move, hauling boxes from the storage, home repairs and having a staircase, working for a couple of months of graveyard shift, I must have lost weight.

Well, the exciting part continues... I was so happy to know that I lost so much weight that I only have 6 lbs. to lose, I managed to work out for 2 whole hours!!!

WORKOUT:
Wii Fit-Basic Step 3x, Hula Hoop Challenge-3x, Basic Run
Staircase-5 sets (up and down)
Netflix- Crunch Salsa Combo
Stand-up Stomach Crunches

BREAKFAST:
Special K Oatmeal Crunch
Milk- 1 glass
Water- 2 glasses

LUNCH:
Beef Barley Soup- 1 bowl
Oatmeal Wheat Rolls- 2
Water- 2 glasses

SNACK:
Water- 2 glasses

DINNER:
Rotini with Mushroom Cheese Tomato Sauce
Oatmeal Wheat Rolls- 2
Red Grapes- 1 cup
Water- 3 glasses

I wasn't hungry, I wasn't beat, I wasn't craving any sweets. I didn't get tempted looking at all the ice cream tubs we got at our Albertson's store that's closing, (if not closed already) last week.

I can't wait to workout again tomorrow! I feel great!



Sunday, February 20, 2011

A Healthier Me: Day 2

Since today is Sunday, no workout for me, but rather I made sure that I baked my own bread to exercise my arms.

One thing I'll definitely won't do is to do anything drastically. No too small portions, and definitely no skipping meals. No one food diet- I will have the whole pyramid covered in sensible meal plans and enough portion so I'm not sneaking any sugar packets in the middle of the night.

BREAKFAST:
Cereal
Milk- 2 glasses

LUNCH:
Honey Wheat Bread- 2 toasted slices
Laughing Cow Cheese- 1 wedge
Honey
Water- 3 glasses

SNACK:
Blackberries-1/2 cup

DINNER:
Oatmeal Wheat Dinner Rolls-2
Beef Barley Soup- 1 bowl
Water- 3 glasses

DESSERT:
Fusion Smoothie(fruit and veggie)- 1 glass

I know it takes about a week to lose all water weight, another week for muscles to rip enough for reformation and about a zillion months to shed tummy fat, but if I can get to three weeks of uninterrupted workout-filled, good eating, and water-chugging habits, I know I can reach my goal of going to size 4, fitting in my dream dress, and that much closer to my dream date:

Going to an opera and a fancy dinner
Dressed formal and in heels

I CAN'T WAIT!!!

Saturday, February 19, 2011

A Healthier Me: My Fitness Journey

Today, I decided that I will make that BIG leap into a more active and proactive healthy lifestyle for myself. I normally eat sensibly and do my obligatory chores as my workout, but I know I can be better.

I'm about 136 lbs and barely under 5 feet tall. I am currently size 6/8 and have been since December 1999. I AM OVERWEIGHT.

For my height, my max healthy weight is 112-115 lbs and max of size 4.

I AM OVERWEIGHT. I need this as a reminder.

We got this treadmill for FREE, so I am determined to use it everyday to help whip my body into a lighter version.

(excuse my LR/Library walls, we're still figuring out paint color.)

Starting today, I will take you with me as I journey into this mostly painful, obviously funny and hopefully not empty attempt at reaching my goal. I have no set time to reach it, but rather I wish to get into a habit of wanting to be healthier.

DAY 1-- 30 mins
TIME: 8:00 AM

WALKING-25 mins/2.0 mph
RUNNING-05 mins/4.0 mph

CALORIES BURNED: 166 fat/cals
DISTANCE: 1.5 miles


BREAKFAST:
  1. Water-3 glasses
  2. Strawberries-7 whole
  3. Eggs- 2 sunny-side up/no salt/pepper
LUNCH:
  1. Water- 4 glasses
  2. Spinach Salad w/ Craisins & oat crunch cereal & homemade dressing
  3. Hershey's Kisses- 3 dark chocolate
DINNER:
  1. Water- 3 glasses
  2. Baked Salmon (cumin, garlic, lemon, evoo)
  3. Spinach & Strawberry salad
  4. Mushroom & Onion couscous
Extra Workout:
Walked around the grocery store before getting and carrying mushrooms, a gallon & a quart of milk. NO cart or basket.



Friday, February 4, 2011

Ice and Snow Storm of 2011 in North Texas

This is not the first snow of the year. That was back in January. But this time, it is longer and colder.

As of today, we are now on our 4th Snow Day... It started with a freezing rain and sleet. It left roads iced over and enough packed ice that I was able to stand on my grass, literally on top of the blades of them!

It wasn't windy, so the kids were cold, but not freezing. As for my un-gloved hands, they were beet red after 10 minutes of being exposed. Ouch!
We had mini icebergs that trapped water hoses,
and roads that glistened and made cars groan.
the sidewalks were literally higher by an inch or so and perfect for electric slides, if you have proper padding and helmet on.
Of course, the snow wouldn't be outdone. Early morning today, it dumped over 6 inches of snow and as I type, it has started to snow again, making driving, once again, a little bit more difficult.Our backyard wasn't immune to it, between the heating vents and the snow, icicles formed on the gutters.
The kids had to bundle up this time because the snow storm is more biting than the ice storm. The winds were strong enough to dislodge packed snow from tree trunks!Driving is still happening, though avoided as much as one can. Who wouldn't avoid it?

All the while, we enjoyed making crayons, singing, playing online games, doing puzzles, reading, cooking and taking pictures. We celebrated the Year of the Rabbit with a nice table and dinner centered on rice and veggies. We enjoyed chocolate, both hot and in pastries and even in a pie. We enjoyed having a marathon viewing of the Merlin show, Season 2. We enjoyed our gas fireplace and basked in the relief that we have enough toilet paper and training pads for the puppies. We all, pets and us, had enough of what we needed and wanted as in chips, sodas, cheese snacks and marshmallows, you know, the important stuff.

We made sure that we didn't succumb to cabin fever and started the redo of the Master Closet, aka, mine. As of today, it has been gutted, sanded, vacuumed, re-textured and primed. Overall, we just enjoyed being together, safe, cozy and wanting for nothing while it's bleak out.

And so, as of today, we are inside, nice and warm, comfortably living off our stores and enjoying the quiet majesty that is winter...

How's the weather where you're at?

Sunday, January 9, 2011

A Great Ending for A Wonderful Start

If you want to know how, click on the "What Now?" blog button on the left.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Thanks and hugs!