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Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Ruby Tuesday

"You are invited to participate in Ruby Tuesday!

What are the rules?

On Tuesdays you can post any photo you like (it must be one of your own) that contains the color RED. Your photo can contain lots of RED or a little RED. When you've posted to your blog, come back here and add your link to Mr. Linky and leave a comment."

Playing dress up last night! :)
Please visit Mary @ Work of the Poet for more Ruby Tuesday participants!

Ten On Tuesday

"10 Guilty Pleasures on TV"
  1. True Blood
  2. I'm a celebrity get me out of here!
  3. Harper's Island
  4. Charm school
  5. So you think you can dance!
  6. American Idol
  7. Daisy of Love
  8. The Bachelorette
  9. Hannah Montana
  10. America's Next Top Model
To play or just to see others answers please visit Ten on Tuesday!

Monday, June 29, 2009

Manic Monday

What is the longest love relationship (partner) you have had, and if it has ended, why?
Seven years was my longest relationship. It ended like many because we were not able to move forward in our relationship and we grew apart.

What is on your bedside table?
Candles, alarm clock, random candies lol

How many pillows do you have on your bed?
I have five pillows on my bed! lol

Do you make your bed every day?
Nope

To join in or read more please visit Manic Monday!

Monday Movie Meme

This week's movie topic is all about Action Heroes.....

"Summer is in full swing and that means it is time for the blockbuster releases. You know, big budget flicks where things get dicey, blow up, burn down, and in the end - saved - by those quintessential action heroes. Share the movie action heroes that have saved your day on your blog and link back here at The Bumbles."

Optimus Prime - from the Transformers series.
Indiana Jones - from the Indiana Jones movie series.

Iron Man - from the Iron Man series.

John McClane - from the Die Hard series.
Jack Ryan - from Sum of all Fears, Clear and Present Danger, Patriot Games and The Hunt for Red October.
If you want to read more about the meme or join in the fun please visit The Bumbles Blog!

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Sunday Stealing

"Welcome back to Sunday Stealing. Here we will steal all types of memes from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent memes. You may have heard of the expression, “honor amongst thieves”. In that age-old tradition, we also have our rules. We will be very honest about our theft: We always let the owner of the selected blog know that we have ripped their meme off. In turn, we will always provide a link to their site. Join in the fun and rip it off of us every Sunday. And stop by fellow thieves blogs and have some fun... Cheers to all us thieves!"

This week's Meme was originally posted by Becky @ Musings from the Sofa.

The ABC Meme

A – An advantage you have – to what exactly?

B – Blue or brown eyes – I have brown eyes, but I prefer blue eyes

C – Chore you hate – All of them!

D – Dad’s name – Dad

E – Essential start of your day – Coffee

F – Favorite color – Purple

G – Greatest thing you’ve ever done that made you feel really good – I would say giving birth to each of my children.

H – Habit you have – World of Warcraft

I – Issue you hate that the world tries to make you pursue – College

J – Job title – Mom

K – Kohls or Target – Target

L – Living arrangements
– We have a house if that's what you mean.

M – Music you like
I like most everything as long as it is not Country or Heavy metal.

N - Nicknames – Phoenix and Vermin

O – Overnight hospital stay – The time I had high blood pressure when I was pregnant with Cameron, when I broke my leg and ankle and when I had my c-section with Spunky.

P – Pet Peeve – Biting fingers nails and chewing hair.

Q – Quote that you like most – it is impossible to pick just one so let's go with this one for now:

It looks like we're up chocolate creek without a Popsicle stick!
Gingerbread Man from Shrek 2

R – Right or left handed – Right handed

S – Siblings – Yes six to be exact

T – Time you wake up – Now that it is summer 9am

U – Underwear – Sometimes lol

V – Vegetable you dislike – BEETS!

W – What makes you run late
Usually it is me that makes us late, but I blame the kids. :P

X – X-rays you’ve had
Hummmm when I broke my collar bone and my leg/ankle are the ones I remember.

Y – Yummy food you make – My new enchiladas are awesome!

Z – Zoo animal – Elephant

If you want to read more about the meme or join in the fun please visit Sunday Stealing.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

SOOC ~ Straight out of the Camera

I had to post this picture of my oldest two reading together it was just to sweet to pass up. Please excuse my messy living room it exploded, I had the hardest time fighting the urge to crop out at least some of the mess!! lol
~~~ Please join Melody at Slurping Life for SOOC ~~~
Photos straight out of the camera with no editing, cropping or photo shopping of any kind!

PhotoHunt: Flags

These two flags are from our trip to the state capital here in Austin, this past Spring Break. They were in front of this door leading to one of the many offices lining the halls. We all had a great time and learned some neat stuff.
For more photos and this week's PhotoHunt check out: tnchick.com

Saturday 9

Crazy Sam over at Saturday 9 posts 9 questions every Saturday. "Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment."

1. Where were you when you heard that Michael Jackson died?
I was in the car running errands and they said that TMZ had reported he had a heart attack and died. I was skeptical because they are a gossip magazine so when I got home I went straight to a reliable source and found out the bad news.

2. How do you think that he will be remembered?
As a wonderful singer and dancer!

3. What was your favorite Jackson tune?
Thriller of course!!

4. Did you watch the original Charlie’s Angels?
Nope

5. Did someone you know have that poster of Farrah?
I am sure that my dad did! lol

6. Did you consider her battle with cancer heroic?
Yes I consider anyone's battle with cancer heroic!

7. Were you a fan of The Tonight Show Starring Johnnie Carson?
Yes when I was very little I watched it.

8. Did you like Ed McMahon on the show?
Yes

9. What else will you remember McMahon for?
I will remember him most for being the American Family Publishers sweepstakes spokesperson.

RIP
In Memory of Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett and Ed McMahon

For more Saturday 9 participants click here!

Friday, June 26, 2009

Hot Stuff! ~psf~

Today I bought Cameron a Habanero Pepper at the store per his request. Here is the offending Habanero.He took two big ole bites out of it, but managed to leave most of the seeds intact.
He LOVES hot stuff, always has so he was really excited to be able to try the Habanero finally! lol He had a big glass of milk afterward!
PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek


Nerves, flights and gosh Mom I will be ok!

Cameron leaves tomorrow evening to go visit his dad for the summer. I am well, as usual not happy about it. He will not be there as long this summer, as he normally is due to his eye surgery in August and the fact that I was late getting him a flight out this year (money is tight right now) as it is for so many others.

Not to mention that this year he is classified as an "adult"! Will someone please tell me how a 12yr old child can be classified as an adult? I would really appreciate it because at this point I am so nervous about him having to find the gate and make sure he gets on the right plane on time that it is really freaking me out. I hate to say I do not have enough confidence in my child, but he has and we all have our moments kwim?

He does not have a cell phone because I am of the opinion that at 12yrs old why in the world would he need a phone, but right now I am rethinking that........ I know he will be ok and it will all work out, but right now I am having my "mommy moment!" Please keep him in your thoughts! :)

Friday Fill-Ins

Hi all, another week is almost over and it is time for yet another weekly installment of Friday Fill-Ins! Janet asks the questions and my answers are underlined.

1. She had a great air of confidence about her.

2.My grandmother is by my side, always.

3. I know this: that things will start to look up at some point, they cannot go down forever and I have faith!!

4.Would you PLEASE be still.

5. These words apply to me: stubborn, loving, organized, forgetful, open-minded, adorable, persistent, computer nerd, loyal, dependent, impatient, unique, antisocial, random and many more things that do not come to mind at the moment!

6. It was 110 degrees today and of course the sun was shining.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to let's go with what I am NOT looking forward to today. I am NOT looking forward to putting my son on a plane to his dad's for the summer and of all things this is the first year that he will be an unaccompanied minor. Seriously WTF who decided that at 12yrs old a child no longer needs to have any adult supervision to get on a plane etc?, tomorrow my plans include doing something girly with the girls since big brother is gone, any ideas are appreciated and Sunday, I want to watch this week's episode of True Blood!!!

**I want to add I LOVE the new banner!! :)

For more Friday Fill-Ins participants click here!

The Friday 5

The topic for today's Friday 5 is News:

1. Where do you get most of your information about current local events?
From our local news stations website.

2. Where do you get most of your information about current national and international events?
CNN, Reuters and Yahoo

3. Who in your family always is most likely to know what’s up with everyone else in your family?
My mother or Emily lol

4.Which of your friends always seems to know what’s going on?
Stacia :)

5. What other kinds of news do you try to keep up-to-date on and where do you get it?
I like to keep up with the odd news on yahoo, I usually find it to be pretty interesting! lol

For more Friday 5 participants click here!

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Tell Me Thursday

This weeks Wordless Wednesday photo's were taken this past week. When the kids and I decided to brave the 105 degree Texas heat with a visit to a local creek. I had not originally planned for the kids to get completely in the creek, but of course that is what happened. lol It was funny to watch them hike the mile back to the car in soaking wet clothes, at least they were not hot! ;)
Here are a few more pictures from the fun!
Click here for the original WW photo and if you would like to join in the fun and tell the back story to your Wordless Wednesday post or just to read the stories behind others photos please visit Tell Me Thursday!

Thursday Thunks

A brief description of the meme:
"We pick a subject, and your job is to interpret it anyway you want. Write about it on your blog... simple as that. Maybe you can interpret it as a picture - we don't care!"

Now on to the questions and of course my answers!

1. Someone knocks at your door. You answer it. It's a kid from the local school selling candy bars for a fundraiser. Do you buy one?
First off I am not likely to open the door, but since the door is already open yes if I have the money I would buy one!

2. The end of the world is tomorrow and you are out of milk - do you go buy some?
No I hate milk!

3. Have you ever picked up the phone and called someone that you hadn't talked to in years?
Yes, it's fun!

4. Whats on your computer desktop background?5. What was the very first movie you saw in a movie theater?
I think it was Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom!

6. If you had to take a 10th grade science test, do you think you would pass?
Yes I love Science!

7. Describe heaven.
Wow this one is hard, I like to think Heaven is a place filled with all your lost friends and loved ones. I have never given much thought to how it looks more I guess how it feels. I always get a feeling of acceptance, warmth and love when I think about Heaven.

8. Has a place that you lived ever been infested with some sort of insect or rodent?
Yes both and it's FREAKIN NASTY!

9. When you were a youngin', did you hide in the clothes racks at department stores?
LOL! Yes and once my little sister did this too me when I took her to buy a Mother's Day present for our mom cause she was being a little brat and OMG I will never forget the tantrum she threw when I found her!!!!

10. Is there anything in your vehicle that is broken?
Yup yup the glove compartment handle does not work properly, but you can use it if careful.

11. What is something in your house that people would be surprise to find?
Porcelain Dolls

12. Do you agree with the death penalty?
Yes, but only for certain crimes and I am not even going to get started!

13. Whats your favorite type of bear?
Polar Bears

14. Where was the last place you went?
To the Redbox to get BTK and it will not play in my DVD player...........UGH!

15. What if that person knocking at your door earlier was an adult selling candy bars... would you buy one?
I am going to go with my same answer from above, so see my above answer to #1.

For more Thursday Thunkers please visit here!

10 of 52

Cameron and I enjoying one of the many creeks here in Austin on an incredibly HOT 105 degree day!!
"52 Weeks is a year long challenge for YOU to be in a picture once a week for 52 weeks. We are always the ones behind the camera, this is YOUR chance to get out in front and be in the pictures with our family. Oh, you can just jump in now with 1 of 52, you're not getting off that easy! Now go take a picture!"

To join in on the 52 Weeks challenge or just to see some awesome photos visit Forever in Blue Jeans.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Health care

**This is a cross-post brought over from my younger brother Chip's blog Fish and Chips. I really enjoy reading and sharing his POV with you all. As the younger generation I think he really has a chance to make changes in this world and I really value his opinion! I hope you all enjoy and please leave me any thoughts!**

I'll begin by describing, as I see it, the fundamentals and inadequacies of the market based private insurance system:

Companies - usually - need to turn a profit in order to survive the market. In the health insurance industry a provider must service a sufficient number of individuals (who each pay an equal nontaxable sum monthly) to cover the costs of operation and company employment in order to turn that profit. The problem with the system is that these companies are able to turn away individuals who live at excessive risk. This is kind-of like stacking a deck. The companies are guaranteed a profit because the majority of their clientele live healthy lifestyles and typically will not need to draw from the pooled monthly dues.

Unfortunately, the people who are left uninsured are disproportionately unhealthy risk takers or those that had prior conditions that health insurers refused to cover. This creates, through market based incentives, a two-fold increase the costs of medical care. First, because doctors and health facilities treat the uninsured that require medical attention when ill or injured, they must raise prices elsewhere to cover the costs of those operations or prescriptions in order to maintain a functioning business: remember, these are businesses also - they must profit or they risk closure or bankruptcy. Second, when treatment costs rise health insurers mimic that rise in order to maintain similar levels of profit. This creates a burden on the entire system: a perpetual loop of rising costs.

The solution, therefore, is to run health insurance as a not-for-profit organization. Unfortunately, no private entity is ever going to do that. It then falls to the government to create such a system. A singular national organization will obviously be better than multiple, scattered, regional, smaller health insurers. This will allow everyone to get better care and care more often because the pool is substantially larger (this holds true even when accounting for the increase in individuals of sicker dispositions).

The organization should be run essentially the same way that a current business is run - excepting the practice of turning away potential costumers. The government should......

If you would like to read more plz visit Fish and Chips!

Wordless Wednesday

For more Wordless Wednesday participants check out these wonderful blogs: Ma Vie Folle, Three Peas in a Pod and 5 Minutes for Mom.

Make sure to check back tomorrow for the story behind this picture on Tell Me Thursday.

ABC Wednesday Round 4

The Letter "W"
Stands for World of Warcraft which just happens to be one of my favorite hobbies! I know, I know a mom that plays video games you're in shock right? lol You would not believe how many moms and woman in general enjoy video games just as much as men. The only difference is that "we" know when to quit and do the things that are needed of us, where as with most of the guys I know that play you have to pry them off game with a freaking crowbar!!

For more ABC Wednesday Round 4 participants please click here!

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Ruby Tuesday

"You are invited to participate in Ruby Tuesday!
Align Center
What are the rules?

On Tuesdays you can post any photo you like (it must be one of your own) that contains the color RED. Your photo can contain lots of RED or a little RED. When you've posted to your blog, come back here and add your link to Mr. Linky and leave a comment."

Our awesome cool "experiment" for the day! lol
Please visit Mary @ Work of the Poet for more Ruby Tuesday participants!

Monday, June 22, 2009

Manic Monday #173

Do you usually wear perfume/cologne? If so, what's your current favorite?
Yes and currently it's Celine Dion perfume for women, it was a gift.

What's the last book you've read that you thought was really good? If you don't have one, what looks promising on your to-be-read list?
Darkly Dreaming Dexter was awesome imo!

Fill in the blank: I wouldn't be caught dead in a bikini!! LMAO!

To join in or read more please visit Manic Monday!

Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas

Ingredients:

1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup Pace® Picante Sauce
2 teaspoons chili powder
5 Skinless boneless chicken breasts chopped cooked
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Approx 24 flour tortilla (6-inch), warmed
1 small tomato, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 green onion, sliced (about 2 tablespoons)

Directions:

Heat the oven to 350°F. Stir the soup, sour cream, picante sauce and chili powder in a medium bowl.

Stir 1 cup picante sauce mixture, chicken and cheese in a large bowl.

Divide the chicken mixture among the tortillas. Roll up the tortillas and place them seam-side up in a 2-quart shallow baking dish. Pour the remaining picante sauce mixture over the filled tortillas. Cover the baking dish.

Bake for 40 minutes or until the enchiladas are hot and bubbling. Top with the tomato and onion.

Tip: Stir 1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed into the chicken mixture before filling the tortillas.

**When I double this recipe I do not double the Cream of chicken soup. We have also made this with 1lb ground hamburger meat instead of chicken and sauteed mushrooms (no other changes) and it was just as awesome!

I found this recipe and picture here!

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Gary

His name is Gary, like Spongebob's snail! LOL Angel is also in the picture, Tom is shy!
Last April Cameron brought home two little goldfish from school after winning some sort of raffle (yes I signed a permission slip). We immediately made them part of our family and named them Tom and Jerry! lol Over the past year they both grew to four times their size and Jerry passed away in April around the time we had originally gotten both of them.

When Jerry passed we decided to go ahead and get another goldfish to keep Tom company. That is when we purchased Angel. She is a different type of goldfish and smaller than Tom, but they get along wonderfully. The tank has begun to gather more algae on the glass than ever before between cleanings so today we decided to get a snail to help us with that problem.

Baked Blueberry French Toast

Ingredients:
  • 8 to 9 thick (1 to 1 1/2 inches) slices of Italian bread (we used regular sandwich bread and it worked just fine)
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup fresh or dried blueberries
  • 3 cups milk (1% or 2% milk is fine)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • powdered sugar to garnish

Preparation:

Arrange bread slices in a lightly greased or sprayed 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle dried blueberries over the slices.

In a large bowl, combine eggs, sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, vanilla, and milk; whisk to blend well. Pour the egg mixture evenly over bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Heat oven to 325°.

*The French toast halfway done baking before the first turn over.

Uncover the baking dish. Sprinkle each slice of bread with a few teaspoons of brown sugar and remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Drizzle with the melted butter. Bake, uncovered, for 50 to 55 minutes, or until browned and set. Use a sharp knife to cut around each slice of bread then lift out with a spatula. Serve with powdered sugar and orange wedges or fresh berries, or serve with warm spiced mixed fruit.
Serves 6 to 8.

*The finished product which looks a bit mangled because I had to turn over all the pieces. See note below!

***I made a few changes to the recipe. I used 12 slices of bread in my 9x12 baking dish, in rows of two. I placed the bread, blueberries and then a bit of mixture to the bottom layer as well as the top. I did have to flip the bread slices half way through in order to have them bake properly which is a bit messy so beware. I may just do it in two separate dishes next time so I do not have to worry about flipping the bread.....more clean up, but I think well worth it!***

I found this recipe here!

Sunday Stealing

"Welcome back to Sunday Stealing. Here we will steal all types of memes from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent memes. You may have heard of the expression, “honor amongst thieves”. In that age-old tradition, we also have our rules. We will be very honest about our theft: We always let the owner of the selected blog know that we have ripped their meme off. In turn, we will always provide a link to their site. Join in the fun and rip it off of us every Sunday. And stop by fellow thieves blogs and have some fun... Cheers to all us thieves!"

This week's Meme was originally posted by NotBob @ NotBob's Bits

The Finish The Sentence MeMe

1. I've come to realize that my last kiss...was very passionate!

2. I am listening to...Harper's Island. lol

3. I talk...to much!

4. I love...my family more than anything!

5. My best friend/s...are the awesomest!!

6. My first real kiss...was awkward. lol

7. Love is...a wonderful feeling.

8. Marriage is...something that needs to be constantly tended.

9. Somewhere, someone is thinking...about a lost loved one.

10. I'll always...be very grateful for all that I have.

11. The last time I really cried was because...I was watching Gran Torino, loved it!

12. My cell phone...is a piece.

13. When I wake up in the morning...I am pretty cranky, I really need to work on that...

14. Before I go to bed...I brush my teeth.

15. Right now I am thinking about...the evening to come.

16. Babies are...the most adorable things ever!!

17. I get on Myspace...hardly ever anymore, but I am addicted to Facebook!

18. Today I...had a REALLY busy day!

19. Tomorrow I will be...making sure Jeremy has an awesome Father's Day! :)

20. I really want to be...sleeping.....

If you want to read more about the meme or join in the fun please visit Sunday Stealing.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

SOOC ~ Straight out of the Camera

Our first experience covering strawberries and cherries in chocolate! The kids and I had SO much fun doing this together and being covered in chocolate, it was awesome. :)
~~~ Please join Melody at Slurping Life for SOOC ~~~
Photos straight out of the camera with no editing, cropping or photo shopping of any kind!

PhotoHunt: Creamy

Getting ready to have Strawberry Shortcake with our Extra Creamy ReddiWip, YUM!
For more photos and this week's PhotoHunt check out: tnchick.com

Saturday 9

Crazy Sam over at Saturday 9 posts 9 questions every Saturday. "Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment."

1. Do you like James Bond films? If yes, what’s your favorite?
I LOVE them! Goldfinger is my favorite Sean Connery is by far my favorite Bond!

2. Are you daring enough to go snorkeling in the water fountain at the mall?
NO

3. Do you sometimes hate everything and everyone around you?
Yes

4. Do you secretly or openly believe the world revolves around you?
I don't think so, but others would say different I am sure.

5. Would you rather buy a moped or a Harley Davidson?
Harley Davidson for sure!

6. Do you water ski or ice ski?
I used to do both.

7. Tell us about the last time that you tailgated.
Oh hell that was today........

8. What was the last concert that you attended?
Tom Petty

9. What’s the most exotic food that you’ve ate?
Octopus and Sea Urchin.....YUCK!

For more Saturday 9 participants click here!

Friday, June 19, 2009

Friday Fill-Ins

Hi all, another week is almost over and it is time for yet another weekly installment of Friday Fill-Ins! Janet asks the questions and my answers are underlined.

1. All children alarm their parents, if only because you are forever expecting them to hurt themselves.

2. Show me a good loser and I will show you a purple gorilla.

3. Sex is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs at one time. hehehe

4. Too bad that all the people who know how to run the country are busy taking a vacation and or playing with themselves.

5. I have yet to hear a man ask for advice on how to combine BBQ and beer!

6. It is impossible to think of any good meal, no matter how plain or elegant, without garlic or tomato in it.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to having some me time, tomorrow my plans include taking the kids to the pool and pond and Sunday, I want to make sure Jeremy has an awesome Father's Day!

For more Friday Fill-Ins participants click here!