***Pretty in Pink***

So I learned how to quilt this past weekend. Today I started my own! It's pink, pretty and girly....just my style. Today I got the strips sewn and the squares cut. I have not started to sew the squares together yet. I wanted to spend some time with Ross and I'll continue tomorrow and this weekend. I laid it out so that I could look at it and see how big it would be....plus, I am waaaay to impatient to wait to see it!! Here's a peek.

Nothing much

Ross' mom and brother were here last week from Wed-Sun. We had a wonderful time and got lots of girl time in!! We shopped (a lot) and did crafts (a whole lot)! It doesn't get much better than that for me! Sunday night we went to the new Cowboys Stadium for a soccer game....Chelsea vs. Club America. Ross was super-pumped and I had a blast! The stadium is so amazing and we sat midfield 6 rows up! The game was so good! Chelsea won (probably b/c we were sportin our Chelsea blue!!) Then on Monday morning I had to get back into school mode. I've been at a workshop this week for science. So far we have played with snails, ice balloons, tops and lifesavers....interesting stuff....although I super miss sleeping in....

Sew Much Fun!!

The past few days have been pretty much devoted to my mother-in-law (re)teaching me how to sew. My mother taught me when I was little and I know how, but we have been learning how to use my new machine! She has been teaching me how to applique and to quilt! We have made super cute appliqued dish towels and started quilting some pillows. It's my first try ever with quilting, so I'm pretty happy about the results. My head is spinning with all that I have learned and now I have a mile-long list of projects to start!

This dish towel is not finished yet.


Dish towel #1


The first thing I ever quilted!! It is going to be the top for a pillow case, but it's not done yet.

New Toys!

Ross and I have both recently gotten new "toys" from his parents. He got a fancy schmanzy grill and I got a sewing machine!! It is no doubt his new pride and joy. His mom is here right now and we will be spending some time learning how to work my new sewing machine. It's much more advanced than the one I learned on, so we shall see!!


This is a pic of my Brother: Project Runway Sewing Machine


This is a pic of Ross' TEC Sterling G2000 FR 2-Burner Infared Gas Grill

Sweet little somethings

One of my favorite stores is Ann Taylor Loft. They have cute clothes that are very teacher friendly. This is my most recent purchase from ATL.

I also like these:
Beaded Rose Tee

Watercolor Tee

Other things I am obsessing over at the moment are all from etsy.com (of course)
--This sweet little necklace!
--And most things from this amazing Etsy shop: (especially the pebble necklace) kasiablue

Laundry Day USA- my made up sucky holiday

That's what I am calling today. I'm pretty sure I did at least 52 loads of laundry. Ok- maybe that's an exaggeration, but it sure felt like it. Laundry Day USA is definitely not one of my favorite fake holidays. I also went to the Keller ISD laptop pick up thing, went to the gym and cooked Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad for dinner. It's always a hit and easy to make! It has been a veeeeeeeeeery uneventful day.

Lazy Sunday

I woke up this morning at 9:33. I said to myself, "I'll go back to sleep for 10 minutes so that I can still make it to church on time at 11." I woke up at 1:00 in the afternoon. Well, crap.

Later on, Ross and I took Lexi (the puppy) to pick up some tacos and took them to the park. We sat by the pond, ate our tacos and watched the ducks. We then went for a walk around the pond and watched Lexi chase dragonflies and leaves. She's pretty cute. We came home just before it started pouring down rain. Lexi and I took a nap during the storm on the living room floor while Ross watched Harry Potter. She cuddled up next to me and I acted like I was protecting her from the lightening and thunder. <3


While Ross continued his Harry Potter marathon, I got the itch to cook...and cook I did! I baked Leslie's recipe for chocolate chip cookies and I added Heath Bar crumbles. Then I made spicy chicken and rice casserole and some fresh squash. It was fun!!


Now we are all cuddling on the couch....still watching Harry Potter.

Thanks Lacey

So I was not satisfied with my blogger supplied background. It was pretty boring. One of my dearest friends Lacey told me how she got her blog to be so stinkin cute. She used this site. Cute huh??

K loves R

So I really, really love my husband.

For one, he is currently letting/helping me repaint the kitchen a different shade of green....we just painted it a few weeks ago and I decided it wasn't the right color...what an amazingly patient man. (that's what this pic is from...I was testing paint samples on the wall)

Second- he just took me on a date! We laughed a lot.

He is so smart...like really clever smart...I always call him a boyscout when he does something smart...for example: we were car camping on the beach one time and my smart husband turned the car in the right direction so that the wind blew through the windows all night like a fan! Everyone who had to sleep in the tent was really jealous.

He is also smart about computers, tv's, wires...basically all things electronic.It's stinkin awesome. It blows my mind sometimes b/c he will hook up a network or make my computer be able to print from the living room or make it where I can get to the music on his computer in the other room....I'm always amazed.

I love when he laughs. It delights my heart. I really love it when he laughs so hard that his face squishes up and he has to pinch his nose in between his eyes...I think it is in attempt to not cry?!?!?!

I also love that he is so thoughtful. He is a lot like my dad. (which I LOVE) One sweet example that he and my dad both do (and don't know that they both do) is pick out their socks in the morning using a flash light so that I don't wake up! My dad has done that for my mom for my whole life! It's so so sweet.

I also love that he is so supportive. For example...I went to Texas A&M and earned a pretty prestigious business degree. yeah me...only I decided that was not what I wanted to do with my life....I wanted to be a teacher. So the first year of our marriage Ross let me get my teaching certification while he worked his rear off. I substitute taught every-so-often, but spent most of my time working on my certificate. He was so supportive and wanted me to be happy and to do what I thought the Lord wanted for my life. Amazing...flat amazing.

I also love that he and I have discussions, not arguments. It's awesome. We can be totally honest and listen to each other. We don't have to fight about it because we listen...he listens. Now, we may have to think about our responses before the convo finishes, but he listens to all of my concerns and really cares.

Ok- that's enough for now. There are tons of other reasons, but I will leave them for a different post. I'm going to go cuddle with my husband.

MyLifeIsAverage.com

http://mylifeisaverage.com/

Ross' cousin introduced me to this site and I think it's better than average. After you check it out, I will almost guarantee you that you will start thinking of your life in MLIA format. Thanks Sara!

These are entries from my life that I thought could be on the site.
-Last night, as I was going to sleep, my hand fell off the side of the bed. I quickly retracted it because I was afraid that something would eat it. MLIA

-Yesterday we were watching the Home Run Derby. Every time they mentioned Albert Pujols I giggled and thought...poor guy. His name is Poo-Holes. MLIA

-The other day I saw a McDonald's sign with a terrible mistake on it. It read, "Try our ANUS (not angus) Pounder." I thought to my self, "no thanks." MLIA

Summer blues

Toward the end of the school year I thought that the summer would never arrive. Now, more than half way through summer, I just do not know what to do with myself. I'm bored out of my mind. I spend all day taking care of our destructive puppy who teethes on everything. Her favorites at the moment are: socks, shoes, body parts, rugs, pillows, my metal bathroom chair (which I just flat out don't understand) and anything else within reach. I get tired of telling her no, squealing ouch (as suggested by puppy obedience training) and taking things from her mouth. If I put her in her kennel to stop her obnoxious behavior, I feel guilty...peaceful, but guilty. I can't really take her out for walks during the day, being that it is roughly 103 outside. Anyway...enough about that.
I have so many things that I want to do to the house but, they all require money. I'm not feeling inspired to craft. I was motivated to work out but the crazy trainer keeps calling me (like multiple times a day) and I'm feeling overly pressured from him. That just drives me further away from the gym....He is not being productive. I watch HGTV all day and get full of new house ideas, but alas, it all comes down to money.
The next issue that has me feeling down is the new school year. I will be teaching Social Studies and Science. Hmmmm. I taught SS/ELA last year and it was fabulous. I only had 49 students total! This year I will have 81 students...the same number of copies to work with, less time with each of my 3 classes and a TAKS subject that I am not experienced with. Again, hmmmm. How am I supposed to teach 2 subjects in less time than last year? How am I supposed to give these precious children all that they need when I am already feeling like taffy, pulled to the breaking point? I am feeling better having expressed these feelings in writing. It always helps me to think things through. So basically...I'm just scared. That's probably normal; I know I felt it last summer. I need to pray, pray, pray. The Lord has not given me more than I can handle. That should be my mantra for the new year....The Lord has not given me more than I can handle. The Lord has not given me more than I can handle. The Lord has not given me more than I can handle. Ok- feeling better.

Pet Peeves

When people speak/type using incorrect English, it really bugs me. Can you tell that I teach English?

My main pet peeves are as follows:
-Misuse of is and are
-Misuse of their, there and they're
-Misuse of were, we're and where
-Misuse of your and you're

UGH---Let me make a broad attempt at correcting these.
-You use IS when you are talking about something is singular. (ex: It IS pretty.)
-You use ARE when you are talking about something plural. (ex: They ARE funny.)

-There refers to a place. (ex: Are we going THERE for dinner?)
-Their refers to ownership. (ex: Is that THEIR dog?)
-They're literally means they are. (ex: THEY'RE going to the store.)

-Were is past tense of being. (ex: WERE you happy?)
-We're literally means WE ARE. (ex: WE'RE going to the beach.)
-Where is a place and has nothing to do with were and we're. (ex: WHERE are we going?)

-Your refers to ownership. (ex: Is this YOUR puppy?)
-You're literally means you are. (ex: YOU'RE going to the party.)

Ok- I have done my part to contribute to society today. Please do YOUR part as well.

Consistent

I was looking through some pictures and found these of Ross in Galveston. The top one was this July 4th weekend. The other one was from last year's July 4th! Isn't he so cute!?!?!?!

Paint Pros

We painted the living room! It is now 99% done! We are now making a mirror (yes, making) for above the fire place. It will be a fun project to do together. That will be the finishing touch for now. We are stinkin' paint pros!

Pure cuteness

Check out her ears! The right one decided to stand up the other day and the left one hasn't caught up yet. I don't know how long she will look like this so I had to get some pics. So goofy looking!!

Bird Biscuits

Here is a super easy and yummy bread that Yaya used to make all the time. Over the July 4th weekend she made them again and brought back all sorts of memories....Amy called them Bird Biscuits because they look like they are rolled in bird seed and I love that name!

Bird Biscuits
-Canned Biscuits cut in half
-Sesame seeds
-Melted butter

It's SO easy! Dip biscuit halves in melted butter. Then roll biscuits in sesame seeds on all sides. Place biscuits on baking sheet and cook according to directions on biscuit can. These are amazing with honey!

Oh my ouchie ouchie

So yesterday I met with my trainer for the first time and was up all last night with major arm pains. I'm pretty sure he killed my right arm completely. It is so bad that I can't even pump soap with that arm! Yikes! Today I was supposed to meet with him to do lower body, but I skipped that session and just went on my own. I figure that I wouldn't be able to move any part of my body if I went....I think I can only afford to have 1/2 of a non-working body....I'll reschedule for next week on a day that I won't be needing my legs. Maybe I can knit or something after that?!?! We went over to some sweet friend's house tonight for dinner and had amazing pizza (so much for the work out) but learned about some stuff for our dog and a new pizza place! Tomorrow I will rest my body and take lots of Advil.

OUCH and yeah!

So, I'm proud of myself...Can I say that?
Last night we joined LA Fitness.
This morning I met up with my trainer.
This afternoon I can barely move.
Tomorrow morning I meet up with him again....if I can move enough to get there.

New blinds!

Our new blinds came in! We finally have some privacy from our neighbors in the 2 story house :) There is still A LOT to do in this room....paint, stone on the fire place wall, new curtains...etc....It is always a work in progress.

Hubby Approved Recipes #2 and #3

This is one of our favorites. I'm not too sure what to call it, so I'll go with Black Bean and Corn Salsa Stuffed Chicken. We serve it with White-Girl Mexican Rice.

Black Bean and Corn Salsa Stuffed Chicken

4 thawed out chicken breast...slice down the side to create a little pocket for stuffing
1 can seasoned black beans
1 can corn (I use frozen but it doesn't matter)
Lawry's Mexican Lime and Chili marinade
Fresh chopped cilantro (I dont know how much....maybe like 1/2 of the bundle)
1/2 cup chopped onion
Chopped canned japalenos to taste
Sour Cream
Avocado

Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes. While marinating mix together beans, corn, onion, cilantro, splash of Lawry's marinade, jalapenos to make salsa. Stuff salsa inside of the chicken breasts. Place chicken in lightly greased baking sheet. Cover chicken with marinade. COVER WITH FOIL and cook at 350 for about 45-60 minutes or until chicken juices run clear. Serve with sour cream and sliced avocados on top.




White Girl Mexican Rice (I have to say that since I can clearly not make Mexican rice the official way)

1 can rotel
1 chicken bouillon cube (or use chicken broth instead of water for rice)
1 1/2 cup white rice uncooked
3 cups water
olive oil
1/4 cup chopped onions
2 tsp minced garlic
Chicken Fajita Seasoning
1/2 cup frozen corn
1 tsp Cumin powder

Heat pan and several teaspoons of olive oil. Add garlic and onions. Sautee until soft. Add white rice and stir until it starts to poof up a little and turn whiter. Add cumin and stir. Add water, bouillon cube, rotel, corn. Unlike normal rice, you need to stir this every few minutes so that the bottom doesn't burn. Stir, cover and cook until tender...about 15 minutes.

NoTe 2 SeLf

Just a list of things I want to do to the house:

-Tile in master bathroom
-Paint master bathroom
-Stone on fireplace wall
-Paint living room
-Paint formal dining room
-Purchase formal dining furniture
-Make study functional
-Buy black sleigh bed for master
-Hang collage pics on large foyer wall
-Change pics above master bed to b&w wedding pics

I'm sure there is more that I want to do, but that's all I can think of right now.

4th of July Weekend

We went to Yaya and Papoo's house in Galveston this weekend. As usual, it was a relaxed weekend full of family time, cooking and fishing. We watched the fireworks from balcony, took Amy to the Strand and totally dominated Super Nintendo. It was a wonderful weekend.

Oh- what a day.

I had to drop Lexi off at the kennel this morning for the first time. She was not a happy camper. Either was I. I will seriously miss her this weekend. I got her the upgraded spoiled puppy package though...don't tell Ross :)

Then I went to have lunch with Ross! It was quite a treat b/c his office is far from home, but it's the summer so I have time to do stuff like that! We ate at this little home cooking place and I got chicken 'n dumplins...a childhood fave.

Now- here's the goober moment of the day. We have been having serious problems with our mail, so I was writing a kind little note to leave in our mailbox. As I was writing it I heard her pull up outside! OH NO! So I started running to catch her. She didn't see me, so I had to keep running (in my jeans, nice shirt and flip flops). She still didn't see me flailing my arms or anything! A guy down the street saw me so he cowboy-whistled and she finally stopped. After all of that she informed me that she would have been coming back to our end of the street in just a few minutes....well crap. Oh- btw...did I mention that it is 103 degrees out?

Easy, yummy dinner....sure to get your hubby to compliment you

So tonight's dinner was a simple, simple Ross favorite. We call them:

Chicken Caesar Tacos

Cooked Chicken (grilled our chicken strips)
Caesar Dressing
Lettuce or salad mix
Tortillas
Buffalo Sauce (optional)

Just mix the salad and dressing. Place salad and chicken in tortillas....top with buffalo sauce if desired. Serve with a nice cold brew....or not?!?!

Ross love love loves these and I tend to repeat recipes that get me excessive amounts of compliments....