Awards, Age Announcement, and Other Randomness that I know you've all been dying to know...

I am so excited! I was given awards! Yay me!!!

and Yay all of you for being nice enough to think of me!

I was given this fun award by my lovely friends Shawn at Seriously and Rebecca at the Texas Darlings. They find my blog alluring, amusing, bewitching, impressive, and inspiring! I find this to be really flattering! I mean inspiring? Really?!
Bewitching, Yes. Impressive, maybe. Amusing, of course. Alluring, okay, I could see that, but Inspiring? Come on. Get out of here! Thanks Girls!!!

I am asked to pass this award along to 5 blogs which I also find, alluring, amusing, bewitching, impressive, and inspiring!

Heidi at Sacred and Profane
Amber at {aefilkins}
Christie at Pop Rocks for Breakfast
Xazmin at This is the Year
Kelli at Outside My Kitchen Window

I was given this next award by my sweet friend Carol from My World. It was given for having an attitude of gratitude. I would love to say this is always the case, but I'm a work in progress I think! Thank you Carol!

So there are a few rules to this award:
1.Put the logo on your blog or post
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs that show an attitude of gratitude
3. Link to your nominees within your post
4.Comment on their blogs to let them know they've received this award
5.Share the love and link to this post and the person who nominated you for the award. Tell us how you've come to have an attitude of gratitude.

The last rule of this award...Tell us how you've come to have an attitude of gratitude:

Well, I would say that I don't always, but I try! I have so many things and of course people to be grateful to! I just really try to keep things in perspective and to remember that I have it really great compared to a lot and I just try to stay focused on that!

Rachel at Sweet Angel Memories
Rambling Girl
Tanielle at The Polka Dot Daisy
Sarah at Work in Progress
Rhonda at Down Memory Lane

In my prom post the question was asked of you in what year was this picture taken:

Well: If you guessed 1998 you were Right On! Well done! The hubby and I are both 28 years old. However this will soon be changing since my Birthday is Tuesday (May 5). 29!!! I'm scared!

I've been sticking with the Extreme Makeover: Me Edition. I've been working out hard, and trying really hard to eat right.

We had a movie night tonight. In honor of Andrea over at My Chihuahua Bites we watched Beverly Hills Chihuahua. It was pretty cute I have to say.

Everyone have a great night! I'm off to bed!

Gonna Post...

Today! I have some awards to share! I can't wait. See you later today!

Friend Makin' Monday...

Hello Friends! Welcome to another round of FMM! If you are a new friend you can go HERE to find out what all the hoopla is about, and you'll probably find some rules too! It's great fun and if you're new you'll be so glad you came on over to join us!!! I know I'm glad you're here!

Today's inspiration came from Kelli over at Outside My Kitchen Window. She shared her great idea with me like only a true friend would of course!!!

This is how it goes:

“5 Senses Tag”

We are to list 4 things we love, and one thing we dislike, for each category.

Smell

Like:
1. Cookies baking: Chocolate Chip are the best!
2. The smell of my kiddos after they are bathed.
3. Fresh air coming in through my windows
4. Nolan wearing some fine cologne! Oh Yeah!!!
Dislike:
1. Really stinky diapers: and we have our fair share of them around here!

Touch
Like:

1. The back of the hubby's neck: I love to rub my hands up into his hair!
2. The soft skin of the kiddos

3. I love to lay in the grass on a warm day

4. Clean Sheets. I love when I put fresh sheets on the bed and then crawl in...it's the best!
Dislike:
1. Worms: I've been doing some gardening and they are so gross!

Sound

1. Hearing Nolan or the kids telling me they love me. Okay: I know Ruthie can't say it yet, but I can see it in her eyes for sure!

2. The sound of my children's laughter.
3. Nolan's voice when he reads. I love his voice.
4. Ron Jaworski: ESPN NFL Analyst: His voice is super nice!
Dislike:
1. When my babies cry: It brakes my heart!

Taste

1. Pecan Pie
2. Avocado: Yummy!
3. Homeade Ice Cream: Banana. I'll share the recipe soon!
4. Heath Bars
Dislike:
1. Bitter Pecans: Gag!

Sight

1. My new landscaping

2. My Husband: Hello!!! He's gorgeous!
3. The beautiful smiles of my kiddos
4. Way cute shoes: On Sale!
Dislike:
1. Seeing my family hurt or sad.

There you have it! All 5 Senses covered: Good and the bad!

Don't forget to sign in with Mr. Linky so we can see what you have to say! And thanks for visiting me this week!



I'm having trouble with Mr. Linky for some reason. I had to add another one. So some of our friends got taken off in the process. Sorry!!! If you are one of the ones to have been taken off please link up again! Thanks!!!

Yard Sales are...

...the Devil!

I have been in the middle of a yard sale for the past 2 days and I am about at my breaking point. I'm pretty sure some lady just stole some Mary Kay from me. I mean seriously?! It was just a $1!!! Is she really that hard up for some makeup?

Every time I have to pee I have to race into the house and hurry like a mad woman just in case someone shows up. Next time I'm thinkin' I might take a little longer and if I'm lucky when I come back out the yard sale fairy will have taken it all away for me and in its place in the middle of my driveway will be $200 or something close to that anyway!

Oh Well! Here's to keepin' the dream alive!!!

In Honor of...

Prom! I am participating in a Throwback Prom Post. I was given this challenge by Miller Racing Family.

I went to both my Junior Prom and my Senior Prom with the Hubby (of course he wasn't the "Hubby" yet, we still had a few breakups before we got to that point).

The only pic I could find from my Junior prom was this one with friends. I'm in the middle in case you were wondering:

Here's the Hubster from my Junior year. He's on the far right:


Here's my Senior Prom. And I did find one of us together from this year:



The hubby is one year younger than me. So here is one of him from his Senior prom. And no we did not go together. It's kind of a sore subject around here. I'll save the details for our anniversary post (It's a good one!):

Here are the Rules for this game:

1. Leave me a comment guessing which Year the photo of me and the hubby together was taken. I will post the correct year in a few days after a few guesses come in...how fun!

2. If I TAG you...DIG up your old Prom picture...post it and lets guess the date too. If you are married to your Prom date let us know!If you are not...try to post a Prom picture of your Prom & a second picture of your husbands prom too...let us know where each of your Dates are now...and their relationship status!! (and of course YOU are way cuter than his Prom date!)

3. If you are Single...let us know where your Prom date is now!

4. I am gonna TAG some people...and then those taggers need to keep it going by tagging 5 other people! I can't wait to see all of your pictures! Fun huh!?

I tag:

Shawn at Seriously
Andrea at My Chihuahua Bites
Amber at {aefilkins}
Heidi at Sacred and Profane
Christie at Pop Rocks for Breakfast

Friend Makin' Monday: Celebrity Crushes!

Sorry I am just now getting mine up...I feel like such a slacker! I had to work today, so I'm just now getting a chance!

Today Andrea over at My Chihuahua Bites is helping me out and hosting a super fun FMM.

She wants to know:

Who are my top five celebrity crushes? What celebrities make me drool?

WEEELLLLLLLL...Do I have a treat for you! :

Robert Pattinson: Oh my! Isn't he beautiful?

Paul Walker: Not to Shabby!

Matthew McConaughey: 'nough said!

Hugh Jackman: Did you see the movie Australia when he is shirtless and he dumps the water over himself?

Okay I know on this one everyone will say "What?!" but I just think he is such a cutie! And he is a quarterback for cryin' out loud!


Well there it is! My celebrity crushes! Are you crushing now too?

Friend Makin' Monday...

Welcome Friends!!! I am always so excited for Mondays! What better way to start your week than to make friends right?!!!

To find out what all the FMM hype is about you can go HERE.

I have a special treat for everyone today!...

Are you ready?...

Here it is...

Andrea my friend from My Chihuahua Bites is Hosting FMM over at her site today!

Yay!!! This is what FMM is all about! Making friends and sharing fun!

So for all the fun click HERE and Link up to join in!!!

Please leave me a comment telling me your favorite thing about FMM!

Happy Friend Makin' Everyone!

Sadness...

I cannot believe it! I didn't win the Hair Dare. (You can go HERE if you have no idea what I'm talking about). I didn't even get nominated to be a finalist! I mean seriously what does a girl have to do to win this challenge?! Turn her hair Pink and Blue?


Well- chopping off all of my hair in the name of fashion is my limit!

Oh Well, better luck next time I suppose...and when it comes to my hair- No Worries! There will be a next time!

Pure Goodness...

I was asked to post my recipe for Lemon Meringue Pie the other day when I posted a picture of mine for Easter. So Here It is:


This is from Betty Crocker's Best of Baking

This is for a 9 or 10 in pie

Filling:
Mix in saucepan: 1.5 cups sugar, 1/3 cup cornstarch

Stir in gradually: 1.5 cups water

Cook over moderate heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils. Boil on minute (however I always let it boil, while stirring, for about 5 minutes. I find that it helps it firm up better).

Slowly stir half the hot mixture into: 3 egg yolks, slightly beaten

Then beat into hot mixture in the saucepan. Boil 3 more minutes longer, stirring constantly. Remove from hear. Continue stirring until smooth.

Blend in: 3 Tbsp butter, 4 Tbsp lemon juice (fresh is best), 1 1/3 Tbsp grated Lemon rind

Pour into Baked pie shell. Cover with Meringue (recipe follows). Bake until a delicate brown. Serve as soon as cool.

Meringue:
3 egg whites
1/4 tsp cream of tarter
6 tbsp sugar

-I always double this because I like a big Meringue (I think it's prettier!)

1. Beat whites with cream of tartar 'til frothy.

2. Gradually Beat in sugar a little at a time.

3. Continue beating until stiff and glossy.

4. Pile meringue onto pie filling, being careful to seal the meringue onto edge of crust to prevent shrinking. If the filling is exposed to the heat (not entirely covered), it may "weep".

5. Swirl or pull up points for decorative top. Bake at 400 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until delicately browned. Cool gradually in a slightly warm place, away from drafts. A chill my make the meringue fall.

There it is! and it is super Yummy! This is the hubby's favorite!

Enjoy!!!

Amber over at {aefilkins} has a weekly question for her weekly Extreme Makeover: Me Edition. In honor of all the over-eating that went on this past weekend because of Easter the question is:

What are you going to do this week to get yourself back on track??

Well...I'm am officially addicted to Fit TV! I have been doing anywhere from 1 to 3 shows a day for the last 3 weeks! I know right!!!? (okay, I didn't do anything this past Saturday and Sunday but eat, but you know what I meant! Holidays don't count! Not in my world anyway!)



BUT!...I am back on the wagon as of Monday and I now have done 3 days in a row! And I am back to my Weight Watchers and I am proud to say that I did drink my water even over the holiday!

The 3 shows that I love on Fit TV for those of you that are curious are:

Cardio Blast w/ Cathe Friedrich: 1 hour

Namaste Yoga: 30 min.

In Shape w/ Sharon Mann: 30 min.

I highly recommend these shows! Especially the Cathe Friedrich series. It is unbelievable and I love it! She uses weights and the step a lot. Yesterday she even did some kickboxing. I love variety and she gives me that! I also like a challenge and she for sure gives me that!

As a matter of fact I did her kickboxing yesterday and her Legs and Glutes this morning and even after 3 weeks I still feel like she took one of those dumb bells and beat me with it! (in a good/getting in shape way of course!)

So there you have it: What I am doing to get back on the horse after a Holiday!

Good luck!

Easter Blessings...

It was a great Easter! We spent time with family, ate a lot, but most importantly we took time to focus on and to share with the kids what a wonderful thing our heavenly father was willing to do for us so that we could spend eternity in heaven with him if we are just willing to believe!

Here is the pecan pie I made. A little too dark around the crust!...


Here is the Lemon Meringue Pie I made. Impressive, No?...



Kane-man and his Daddy. Aren't they sweet...



Me and my man...


Ruthie and her daddy. So sweet!...


Lookin' pretty in her Sunday best...



Our little family of 4...



Nolan's side of the family after church...



My side of the family after church...

It was a great day! And I am so thankful for my family and the chance to get to spend such a blessed day with them! God is Awesome!

Double Dog Dare

I already took the plunge and chopped all my hair off a few weeks ago, but now because of it I have a chance to win some prizes for it! Is it Christmas or something?!

Check this out!

Does this sound like my kind of thing or what? I know right!

Here's my before entry:



And here's my After entry:



I feel really good about this one!


If your feelin' brave click on the blinkie and go check it out! You know you want to! So just do it: Take the Hair Dare: I Dare Ya!!!

Friend Makin' Monday...

Welcome to another Monday full of Makin' Friends! Aren't friends great!?

You can go Here for info and the rules of FMM. I hope you will join us to make some bloggin' friends. Because believe me: There is no better place to make some great ones than right here at FMM! Can I get an AMEN!

I know that last week I told you that we would be having a guest host this week. However something came up and Andrea from My Chihuahua Bites will be hosting next week instead. So come back then too, you won't want to miss it!

This week I would like for us to share some friendly advice. I got this idea from Renee at The Sturgill Road.

What is the Best Advice someone has ever given you? You can share one or as many as you want. Just Share!:

Here's mine:

When I got married my father took me to the side and told me something very important that I still carry with me to this day (I got married 7 years ago in May).

He told me that it was very important for me to realize and remember that I was growing up and that getting married was a big step. He said that I wasn't going to be living on my own anymore and that I would be sharing everything with another. He said that it was important for me to remember that Nolan would be depending on me now and that I needed to take care of him. No more leaving things messy, bed unmade, I needed to cook, and take care of the house. He told me that by doing these things that Nolan would feel like I loved him and was taking care of him.

To this day when I wake up I make the beds, I pick-up throughout the entire day and I try my hardest to cook a nice meal on the nights that Nolan is home (he coaches so he's at games some nights), I go to his games and support him, and I take care of majority of the inside house stuff. I like it like this because I feel like I am taking care of him and he is so good to tell me that he feels loved and taken care of. He has told me how thankful he is to come home to a house that is clean and taken care of and to a nice home cooked meal.

Sometimes when I find myself just wanting to sit around and be lazy I hear my Dad's voice ringing in my ear and I just do it. Because I have learned from experience with the hubby that Good Ole' Dad is right! And the truth is: Not only does it make Nolan feel good, but it makes me feel good knowing that I am taking care of him!


There you have it: Advice to Live By!!!

I hope everyone had a great Easter! I'll share more about ours, along with some pictures, later this week. Don't forget to sign in with Mr. Linky! And Have a great Monday!

Oh Yeah: Don't forget to visit at least 2 others from Mr. Linky...I mean how else will you make some friends if you don't go say HI!!!? You know?

Happy Keaster, I mean Easter...

Week in Review...

Just a few pictures of the kiddos from this past week...

Ruthie helping me put the dishes away. I'm such an awful mom: I took this picture and then got on to her for being up there. I know right!?...




Lookin' good in bubba's bike helmet...



I know you're really judging me now. You're thinking "Man, she just let's the kids climb on everything!" Not everything, just some things. Mind your own!, they were playing good together okay!...



...except for here where Kane got in the car and Ruthie was seriously bent out of shape about it!...


This is the one cabinet in my kitchen that doesn't have a child safety latch on it. They hide in there while I'm cooking...


I love this picture! They look so happy and sweet! This is what it is all about right here...

Everyone have a great Easter! and Remember the great Life our heavenly father has given us! These pictures help me to know that his blessings come in such wonderful ways!