A few of my favorite things... part 2

One of my favorite things to do is travel!! I would rather spend money on going places and seeing things than on things around the house, etc.

A few of my favorite places from 2010:

We were able to travel to Colorado this summer with family and friends. It was a great experience. We hiked and picnicked at many beautiful places! The weather was wonderful and you can't beat the scenery.





We also enjoyed a trip to Cozumel to celebrate my 40th birthday with friends. It was so much fun! Lots of laughs! I love the beach and turquoise water!





We did our annual trip to a river and this year we went to New Braunfels with the family. New Braunfels is one of my all time favorite places. I grew up going to New Braunfels every summer so I have so many wonderful memories there! It is also the reason I love floating beautiful rivers!





A weekend that I look forward to each year is our annual ladies retreat. It is such a great weekend to worship and fellowship with other women. We laugh, cry, and have so much fun. One of my favorite things is the amazing race we have each year. We didn't win this year, maybe next year...



Meeting with my small group is another one of my favorite things. I love getting together, discussing the Bible, and just having fun together. Most of our group has been together for years and enjoy doing life together.

And as you already know, one of my favorite things is my friends!!! I have the best ones a girl could ever hope for!







Something new we started doing this year that I hope to continue is to visit Yepez Vineyard. Several of us would meet out there for wine, music, and fellowship. It is beautiful and so relaxing!



Now you know some of my favorite things in my life. I hope you are able to enjoy many favorite things in your life as well. I know I look forward to adding many more favorite things in 2011!!

A few of my favorite things... part 1

I've enjoyed doing my thankful Thursday blog this year! It has helped me stay focused on being thankful especially during challenging times. This week I'm thankful for all the same things as last week in addition to being thankful for all this time off! I have really needed it!!! I love no schedule, relaxing, hanging out with Keith, and my kids! It really is one of my favorite things in my life. I LOVE being a wife and mom! It doesn't get any better!!!

Hanging out with Keith is something I look forward to whether it is relaxing at home, going out on a date, or traveling. It is such a blessing to be married to your best friend!



Watching my children participate in activities is definitely one of my favorite things. I love, love, love cheering them on in their sports and watching them in action! They make me smile!





Here are a few favorite scriptures that I have meditated on this year:

Matthew 22:37
And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Proverbs 3:5-7

⁵^A)">(A) Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and^B)">(B) do not lean on your own understanding.
⁶In all your ways^C)">(C) acknowledge him,
and he^D)">(D) will make straight your paths.

Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

I have enjoyed being a part of book club over the past couple of years. I love reading so this has been a perfect pairing for me: reading and socializing about it!!! Here are some of my favorite picks from the year:











My most favorite thing of all: FAMILY!!










I'm so blessed that we all live near each other and get to spend so much time together. I can't imagine this journey without them!

One goal accomplished!!

Today I completed my reading plan of reading the Bible in a year!! The past few years I have had that as a goal, but can never make it the whole way through the old testament. I love reading through the new testament, but the old testament is always a challenge. This year my small group committed to reading through the Bible this year and I was determined to finish and I DID!!! What an accomplishment it is!! I'm so excited and proud of myself. We used this website for study material and the reading plan:

www.oneyearbibleonline.com

You can even read the passages online on this website. I would recommend it for anyone interested in reading through the Bible in a year. This is the version I read:



Now I'm debating what plan to use next! I will let you know.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!

What a blessing of a holiday I've enjoyed!! I've been able to spend the last 19 days straight with my family and although many of the first days were so challenging, it has been a wonderful Christmas season! We spent days at each others houses visiting, eating, and sharing favorite memories! On Christmas Eve we attended church service with family at Second Baptist and then we went to Prodigal Church with the rest of my family, including my dad! There we sang some of my favorite Christmas songs and heard a message to remind us the importance of the life God has given us!!

This is us on Christmas Eve celebrating with family and friends...




My wonderful in laws with their grand kids.



My fabulous sisters!!




My brother in law and sister in law and their cutie, Chase.



Santa visited...



My precious daddy...sweetest man I know.



Reece looking for the pickle so he could open the first present. He found it!!



He got the bike he wanted.



Ashlyn passing out presents.



Another fabulous Christmas, come and gone. One thing I've learned over the last few weeks is to savor every moment and that is what I intend to continue doing!!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and made special memories!!

Thankful Thursday!

I am extremely thankful on this day for so many people in my life! I try to be grateful for those around me on a regular basis and on most of my previous post my "items" are very similar, but over the past few weeks it has magnified to be of all the blessings God has given me!!

So, the things I am most thankful for:

I am so thankful for the last few weeks God gave me with my mom!! I had time to love on her and remind her how much she meant to me and to tell her I love her over and over again!! I'm also thankful for the moment God gave me as our family surrounded mom as she left this earth. I'll never forget it!

I am so thankful for my wonderful dad!! He is the most caring, kind, compassionate, servant that I know. He took wonderful care of mom with no complaints, but gratitude the whole time. I only hope I can apply some of what he has taught me!!

For my sweet husband that I can not say enough about. What a blessing! I never had to ask him to do anything. He took over and handled things and did things for us before we would even think about it. He never left my side, he encouraged me, listened to me, and did more than I could have asked for!

My brother and sisters are incredible!! We've laughed and cried and told some great stories. I am thankful I have them to walk with on this journey!!

My extended family: there can't be a better one out there! : ) I am so thankful that we are so close and that they show up, hang out, laugh and talk, and support us!! I am especially thankful for my brother in law through this time! He was so helpful with everything!!

I am so thankful for my best friends! They stood in the hall and listened to me. They cried with me, hugged on me, brought in more food and drinks than even my family could consume! They showed up to help me when I felt like I was falling apart. What a huge blessing they are in my life!!

I am so thankful for all my friends that sent kind thoughts through texts, emails, cards, and in person. I am thankful for my friends that showed up for the visitation and funeral. I was overwhelmed by the love we were shown by everyone. It meant more than I can ever put into words.

I am especially thankful for all the prayers for our family! I felt them and know that God is getting us through this whole process.

A few people told us after the visitation that it sounded like a party was going on! I like that! We were celebrating a wonderful life!!!

Some holiday cooking going on...

Tonight I am making potato soup- easy and looks good. I'll let you know:

6 baked potatoes, cooled
2 cans chicken broth
4 TBS sour cream
Pepper, bacon bits, shredded cheese, green onions

Peel potatoes. Cut in cubes. Place 1/2 of the potatoes in a blender, add broth, and blend until smooth. Pour into sauce pan, stir in sour cream, pepper, and remaining potatoes. Cook over low heat until heated. (don't boil) Garnish with cheese, bacon, and gr. onions.

We just finished making some White Chocolate Trash! Maybe there will be some to share with friends after we all keep walking by "sampling" some.


Thursday night- I'm cooking Chicken Enchiladas, Spanish rice, and black beans



Christmas Eve- For breakfast I am making a new breakfast casserole:
16 oz. pork sausage
12 eggs
1 can cr. of mushroom
1 1/2 cup milk
4.5 oz sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup shredded cheese
32 oz hash browns

Cook sausage. Drain. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9x13 pan. In large bowl, beat eggs, cream of mushroom, and milk. Stir in sausage and mushrooms. Mix in hashbrowns. Bake in pan for 45 - 50 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese and cook 10 more minutes.

Christmas Eve is one of our FAVORITE nights as a family! After Candlelight service, we have a huge celebration at my neice's house with family and friends. Santa even comes to visit!



On the menu for the night is brisket, potato salad, pinto beans, creamy corn casserole, green beans, rolls, and loads of desserts, chips and dip. YUM!!!! This is different from our usual Mexican fiesta, but I have a feeling we will LOVE this meal just as much! My nephew and dad will be smoking the brisket all day and I know this will good for my Dad. He hasn't had very much time the past few years to do that kind of thing, so I'm excited for him to be more involved!





One recipe I'm over is: Corn Casserole

Lg bag of frozen corn. Heat in skillet with 16 oz. cream cheese. Add diced ham, 4 oz. chopped jalepenos (drained) 1/2 beer, and I add about a cup of cheese. Mix well. Put in 9 x 13 pan and bake at 350 for about 20 minutes. Top with cheese and bake until melted. It is delicious!!

I'll update Christmas cooking later.

I Love you Mom!

My sweet momma went home to be with the Lord on December 11, 2010. All the family was there with her as she took her last breath. It is a time I will always remember. The last few days with her were filled with reminders of how much we loved her and gratitude for all she has given each of us during our life. I'm thankful for that time we were given. This whole experience has been somewhat surreal. I keep thinking, "Did this all really happen?" It is somewhat of a fog. Mom had battled with Parkinson's disease for many years and we knew the end was drawing near. As prepared as we thought we were, we really weren't. It is never easy to say good bye. I'm so blessed with great friends and family to help me through this challenging time. I am so thankful for the years I had with mom and the legacy she left behind to each of us. I look forward to seeing her beautiful face again and holding her precious hand!!

Weekly Menu

Monday- Dump Soup (yes, that is what my friend calls it)
small onion Black Beans (drained)
bell pepper Kidney Beans (drained)
2 cans chicken broth
2 cans Mexican Rotel
Rotisserie Chicken
2 cups corn
cilantro
cumin
Saute onion and bell pepper in vegetable oil for about 5 minutes in the soup pot.
Mix in the rest of the ingredients and cook till th0roughly heated. It is delicious! Especially great for cold nights!

Tuesday- Easy Weeknight Beef Enchiladas and Spanish Rice

Wednesday- Meatball Hoagies

Thursday- Chicken Spaghetti and salad (I'll post the recipe later)

Friday- Dinner with friends

Saturday- grilling out

Sunday- Christmas party with my small group

I am blessed!!

I am so excited about Thanksgiving! 40 of our family members are getting together tomorrow to eat and celebrate together!! I know the day will be full of great stories and lots of laughter and delicious food! I am working on being intentional about being thankful this holiday season!

So, an early Thankful Thursday!!

I am especially thankful to my Lord and Savior who loves me unconditionally and accepts me as I am. Me, who had nothing to offer, is a child of His. I am blessed!

To my parents that helped mold me into the person I am today. For sacrificing to give me everything I could possibly want, but especially loving me, supporting me, teaching me, and giving me a wonderful family. I am blessed!

For an amazing husband that I just don't have enough words to show my gratitude. He is everything to me. He is my best friend, the love of my life, the one I laugh with, cry with, get mad at, pout and he loves me just the same! He is the most thoughtful, caring, kind person I know. He does so much to make my days better. He is such a wonderful father! I love him more every day. He is so funny and so much fun to hang out with! I am blessed!

For my children that have enriched our lives more than they will ever know. Ashlyn's smile, laughter, stories, and personality make me smile. She has such a joy for life and a love for God that I love to watch grow. Reece is such an amazing boy. His personality is loving, kind, funny, gives me a hard time and all boy too. He reminds me of what is really important in life. I also love his stories and descriptions of things in his life. He makes me laugh. I am blessed!

For in laws that have accepted me and included me in everything like I am their own. They are so kind and caring and loving and helpful. They are wonderful Christian examples to my family. I am blessed!

For my sisters that are a part of me. They are there to listen, to give advice, to laugh with me, cry with me, or lead me down the correct path. We have so many wonderful memories and I enjoy all our times together.

For all of my extended family that are such a joy to be around!

For my friends that have become like family. They are such an important part of my life!

All of these family and friends touch my life in so many wonderful ways. My life would not be the same without them. They have helped shape me into the person I have become and share a part of my journey. Many people tell me how blessed I am to have such a great family and I have to agree. I am definitely BLESSED!!!

God, thank you so much for the rich blessings you have given me!! Thank you for my sweet family and friends. Shower them with your love. Use me to touch their lives! In Jesus name I pray.

My reason for smiling...

Thankful Thursday with a Twist!

I read something the other day that really got me to thinking. During this time of year, people focus on what they are thankful for in their lives and this is certainly a great thing!! We are thankful for our family, our health, our home, kids, etc. Well, the article I read suggests finding something that is typically a challenge or work and find some way to be thankful for it. For example: I'm thankful for laundry, it means I have clothes to wear! So although I am definitely so thankful for so many blessings in my life that I try to post throughout the weeks, I am looking for things to be thankful for in the more challenging or not so easy moments!

Here goes:

I am thankful for having to cook and clean the kitchen because that means I have a family to share meals with.

I am thankful for my aging parents because that means they are still around for me to hug on, visit with, and love!

I am thankful for homework with my kids because that is time I get to spend with them helping them learn.

I am thankful for bills to pay because that means I have a home and car to drive.

I am thankful for drama in my children's lives because it gives me a chance to help them "grow." (this is a really hard one!!)

I am thankful for laundry because that means we have clothes to wear.

I am thankful for chaotic evenings because that means we are involved in things around us!

What is something you are thankful for??

Opening Weekend

Reece shooting at the target.


Getting tips from her dad.


He loves riding around on the 4 wheeler!



Ash took this of us after the guys pulled the truck out of the mud I got it stuck in!!!

We enjoyed a great weekend at our deer lease this past opening weekend! The weather was absolutely PERFECT!! What a great time out by the campfire, visiting, roasting marshmallows, and just relaxing. The kids love riding around and enjoying time around the camp. For me, I enjoy not having to "do" anything. I get to visit and read, which are two of my favorite things to do!!! Keith did not get a deer, but that is ok. The time spent with my family made the trip wonderful to me!!!

Girls' Weekend

I was able to go on a girls' weekend a few weeks ago with some of my favorite girls!! We went to the Riverwalk in San Antonio to celebrate on of my best friend's 40th birthday! What a fabulous time! We left out midday Friday and the laughter began. My face and body literally hurt from laughing so hard. I can't say enough about what these girls mean to me. I know my mom used to always tell me that I would be lucky if I had one best friend, but God has blessed me with so many that enrich my life and these girls are a few of them!! My friend that turned 40 has been my bff since high school. What a blessing to share so much of our life together! We enjoyed food on the riverwalk and a few drinks, shopping at LaCantera, but the best time was in the hotel room when we all just piled up on the beds and laughed and talked. There is nothing like sharing laughs and tears with your friends!

Thankful Thursday

Thankful for:

this beautiful weather outside!

children's laughter and moments I remember to slow down and savor it!

my husband that works hard and never complains.

that my husband knows what is important in life and lives it!

that Reece is adjusting well with his cast.

Ashlyn's strong personality.

sweet in-laws that are always willing to help!

my great teaching partner that is helpful and fun.

Vanilla Diet Dr. Pepper-yum!

a fun season of volleyball for my girl.

the delicious Rick's burger I had tonight on jalapeno cheese bread!

gentle reminder of God's love for me.

all the BLESSINGS I'm given on a daily basis!!

Truthful Tuesday

Random Truths:

I've missed watching Reece play football since he broke his wrist, but I haven't missed the practices.

My girl plays her last volleyball game for Gentry this week and that will be it. She doesn't want to play in high school. It's been so fun to watch her, but sad to know she is finishing...

The truth is there have been some hard lessons my girl has had to learn lately about relationships and I find myself struggling with the same issues some times as an adult.

BUT...I find the older I get, the less I worry about some situations. The TRUTH is some things just don't matter in the big scheme of things!

I have the best husband in the world! He knows just when I need help around the house, when I need a laugh, when I need a date night, and when I need encouraging.

God is working in my life and I'm taking notice. I know God is always working around me and ready to work in my life, but I am intentionally listening and seeking. What a difference it makes!!

I've indulged in way too much delicious food lately and need to get back on track. The truth is: It was all DELICIOUS!!

I love being able to wear flip flops to school!

There are challenging days as a teacher. Most students don't follow directions well, but there is more positive than negative!

The truth is I LOVE when Keith goes to the grocery store so I don't have to!

And finally, the older I get, the more I love staying home and hanging out! The truth is I enjoy time with my friends and family, but the the truth is: THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME!!

Weekly Menu

Monday- Chicken and Rice with mixed veggies

Tuesday-Goulash - this is a mixture of hamburger meat, seasonings, stewed tomatoes, and macaroni that my mom made a lot when I was at home. Ashlyn requested it!

Wednesday-South of the Border Shrimp Enchiladas

Thursday- Stuffed smothered steak and mashed potatoes

Friday- Fajitas and all the fixings

Saturday- Out with the hubby

Sunday- going to a Halloween party- hot dogs and smores

Saucy Manicotti

Here is the recipe for the saucy manicotti I made last week. It is delicious!

8oz pkg. manicotti shells
16 oz. Italian sausage
1 large onion chopped
5 garlic cloves, pressed
26 oz. 7 herbs spaghetti sauce
8 oz. chive and onion cream cheese
6 cups mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese
15 oz. Ricotta cheese
4 garlic cloves

Preheat oven to 350. Cook shells. Drain. Cook sausage, onion, 5 garlic cloves. When sausage is done, pour in spaghetti sauce- bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Pour one cup into the bottom of a 13 x 9 baking dish. Combine cream cheese, 4 cups mozz. cheese, and next 4 ingredients in a large bowl until blended. Cut slit in manicotti and fill with cheese mixture. Place shells in baking dish seam side down. Spoon rest of sauce over the shells and top with remaining cheese. Bake covered for 50 minutes.

Broken Wrist

My poor guy broke his wrist two weeks ago. I was out of town with girlfriends and received a phone call from a neighbor saying he thought Reece had broken his arm. UGH!! My heart sank. My mind flooded with thoughts that I was out of town and Keith was at work. All I wanted was for Keith to get to him as quickly as possible!! Thankfully we had good friends that helped out until Keith could get to him. Of course Keith literally flew down the highway to get to Reece and took him to Texas Children's Hospital. They took great care of him and confirmed he had broken his left wrist. ( and yes he is left handed) For those of you wondering how: football in the neighborhood with friends. Not just regular football, but on the trampoline. He told me, " I was closer to the edge than I thought, Mom." Yes, I guess he was! Here is a pic Keith sent me to keep me updated. I just cried when I saw it!! I know it is just a broken bone, but it is my baby's broken bone!! He still had a great smile on his face! I am so proud of him and how well he handled it! He has loved telling the stories about the whole ordeal, and it taking three times to get an iv in his arm! It's gotten him a lot of attention. (especially with the girls at school. Heehee!)A few days later, he told me that getting a flu shot would be no big deal anymore! LOL!!

Update: He got his hard cast on last week and he has more mobility with it. He is such an active boy!! Next week we are getting a water proof cast put on. He is excited about that!

Weekly Menu

A little late, but here is dinner this week!

Monday- grilled chicken, corn on the cob, and steamed broccoli

Tuesday- Chicken Pot Pie, pull apart rolls, and ice cream with all the toppings
Easy recipe: 1 can fiesta nacho soup, 1 can cream of celery, 16 oz. bag of frozen veggies, chopped onions, 2 part pie crust, chicken (rotisserie), salt and pepper- I like to grill my chicken and chop it up
Mix the soups and 1/2 cup of milk in a pot and add the other ingredients- bring to a boil- place in deep dish pie crust and use the other pie crust for the top. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes! Delicious!!

Wednesday- Taco Salad -after all the food yesterday, we need the salad!! : )

Thursday-Taco Casserole

Friday- Wine and Dine at our house-Dinner with friends! I am cooking stuffed manicotti-YUMMY!! We are serving Italian food, salad, garlic bread, dessert and of course, wine!! I will add the recipe for stuffed manicotti later this week!!

Saturday-whatever the kids want

Sunday-small group

Weekly Menu

Monday- Baked chicken with Italian seasoning, spaghetti sauce and mozzarella cheese, green bean almondine, and salad

Tuesday- Stuffed taco shells and spanish rice

Wednesday- Spaghetti and meatballs

Thursday- Taco Soup (cooler weather has inspired me to bring it back)
1 1/2 pounds hamburger
1 envelope dry ranch
a few teaspoons of taco seasoning
1 can pinto beans
1 can black beans
1 can white hominy
1 can Rotel
2 cans fiesta corn
1 can chicken broth
1 can garlic chicken broth
cilantro
YUM!!

Friday and Saturday- dinner on the Riverwalk

Sunday- small group

Thankful Thursday

I am so thankful for all that God continues to bless me with!! The past few weeks, He just seems to be reminding me to slow down and look around...what a tremendous amount of people and things I have to be thankful for! Today though, God showed himself in a powerful way. My precious niece was scheduled for a c section this morning for the delivery of my great niece and then removal of a cyst there was concern about and all kinds of "possibilities" that could go wrong! I knew and BELIEVED though that God was going to take care of it! He was going to make everything go well! I know along with me, so many people were praying for the situation and sweet Julianne arrive this morning around 9:00 a.m. and she is a PERFECT little angel and the cyst was removed successfully and everything is wonderful!!! My God answers prayers!! He wants us to give all our worries and anxieties to Him and I PRAISE Him for all the blessings He continues to give. If there was ever a Thursday I needed to be thankful, this is the ONE!!! Thank you God for answered prayers!!

Thankful Thursday

I am so thankful for the career I have! What other job do you go to that for most of the day you have people hugging you, telling you how much they care about you, and that you are the best teacher ever??? These kids make me smile. Today was one of those days that I just picked up on so many little things that these kids do and share every day. I get to hear stories about the new puppies they bought, their favorite part of a book, how the latest karate class went, what their parents or siblings have said, description of a sick sibling, and so much more!! When some of my girls in class have the case of the giggles and can't seem to stop laughing, it makes me think of me going through school. Actually it is still me when I am around my friends!! What a blessing to get to go to this job daily. Some times teaching can be trying and very challenging with everything we deal with on top of the actual teaching, but I have so many more wonderful, positive things to be thankful for each day!!

Voice of Truth

What a great reminder this morning on the way to work! Choose to listen to the voice of truth and BELIEVE it!! Let go of the negative- I needed this today!



"Voice Of Truth" by Casting Crowns

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes to climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves

To step out of my comfort zone
To the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out his hand

But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again. 'Boy, you'll never win!'
"You'll never win"

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
And the voice of truth says "Do not be afraid!"
And the voice of truth says "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of strength it takes to stand before a giant
With just a Sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors
Shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
Time and time again "boy, you'll never win!
"You'll never win"

But the stone was just the right size
To put the giant on the ground
And the waves they don't seem so high
From on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
Singing over me

I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

Youtube video

Weekly Menu

A little late, but here it is-

Monday- Beef tips, brown rice, green beans

Tuesday- Taco Casserole
Cook 1 lb. ground beef or turkey and add taco seasoning
mix in a can of mexicorn, black beans, a cup of salsa, and a few tablespoons of sour cream
Simmer for about 5 minutes
Put meat mixture in the bottom of a 9 x 9 dish, place corn tortillas on top of meat, put cheese all over the tortillas and then do another layer
Cook at 350 until the cheese is heated

Wednesday- Sandwich- one of my best friends made this sandwich years ago and we love it!!
French bread, pesto mayo, turkey, ham, salami, provolone cheese-heat in oven at 350 for about 15 minutes, top with purple onion, avacado, and tomatoes--YUMMM!!!

Thursday- Taco Salad

Friday-Dinner with my little guy- whatever he wants

Saturday-grilling burgers

Sunday-small group at our friend's house

Weekly Menu

Monday- Cooking a roast with potatoes and carrots all day
*seasoned the roast with Paula Deen's house blend: 1/4 cup garlic powder, 1 cup salt, 1 cup pepper- blend it all together. Keep the extra to use on other things like steaks, chicken, veggies, etc.

Tuesday- smothered steak with garlic mashed potatoes

Wednesday- Beef enchiladas with spanish rice

Thursday- Show night at the Estes home

Friday- Beef tips and rice
You can cook the beef tips in the crock pot all day
1 1/2 pounds beef tips
salt and pepper
1 pkg. Lipton Onion soup mix
1 can cream of mushroom
1 cup Sprite
Cook on low all day. Serve over rice or noodles.

Saturday- DATE NIGHT

Sunday- small group at my house...I think I am going with a taco casserole. I will post recipe later.

Football Season is here!!

Today was Reece's first Optimist football game for the season and it was GREAT!!! He plays for his school and the team they played today is the other team for our school so this was for "bragging" rights! It turned out well for us!! The boys played awesome, made 6 touchdowns, and worked hard! Reece plays linebacker and as he says, he loves hitting people!! He got 5 great tackles and trust me, I played each move with him!! What a proud momma on the sidelines! Reece was all smiles after the game and loved telling us all about it! I can't stop grinning as I listen to him and the excitement in his voice! There is nothing that makes me happier than watching my kids do what they enjoy!! So, yay for a great first game and I can hardly wait until next week!! Go Gators!!!!