The Land of Enchantment and Enchiladas

The O'Briens Invade El Paso

noreply@blogger.com (Johanna) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:00:00 +0000

On the night of Friday, November 18th the whole O'Brien clan arrived safely in El Paso after flying waaaay west (from Orlando). Kyle and I met them at the airport, squeeeeeezed them into the Explorer, and hauled everybody to grab some grub and refuel after a long day of travel.

Before their arrival, I had scoured all of the Internet restaurant reviews for El Paso, and I finally decided on Mexican cuisine from local L & J Inc. Cafe, which has been open since 1927. Now, Kyle and I hadn't tried this place before, but many customers had rated it positively.

Dad and I were both rockin' our Furman gear. FU all the time!

Well, we were glad that we trusted their advice because the food was delicious. Plus, the portions were generous and the prices reasonable. On the down side, the atmosphere became a little rowdy thanks to a large party celebrating near the bar. However, with all the yumminess and love at our table, we couldn't be bothered. Besides, we've never been described as quiet folk anyway.

Mexican Must Really Excite Mom

Everyone approved of the restaurant selection, and there was even talk of possibly stopping there again before my family's return flight. We O'Briens are known for thinking ahead (when it comes to food anyway). We finished the meal off with some sweet, honey-drizzled sopapillas and then made the hour long car ride to Las Cruces.

Rebekah Gettin' Her Sopapilla on

The restaurant is famous for being located across from the graveyard. So, we got a picture there!

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

noreply@blogger.com (Johanna) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 03:46:00 +0000

Every year Kyle's company hosts an annual Christmas party for employees in November. Last year we joined a small group of Kyle's coworkers for dinner at a steak house, followed by the play The Christmas Carol.

This year we were treated to a performance by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO). Although we were familiar with the band's songs and had seen their commercials, neither of us had experienced TSO live.

Here's how I'd explain the experience. Picture lots of bright flashing lights, fog, flames, a captivating narrator, and deafening volumes of rock music blaring from the instruments of long-haired musicians dressed in black. Dare I forget the head banging.

The night was fun and entertaining, and I would be up for seeing TSO again. However, you better believe that I definitely won't forget my earplugs if there ever is a next time.

VISITORS

noreply@blogger.com (Johanna) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 03:14:00 +0000

My mom called about three weeks before Thanksgiving to ask how I felt about having visitors for the holiday. How did I feeeeeeel? Ummmm. Let's see. Like this.

Now we weren't talking about just any run of the mill out-of-towners. Certainly not. My whole immediate family- Dad, Mom, Val and Reba were potentially planning a trip to Cruces to see me... and Kyle of course... and the little dogs too. In other words, my favorite people in the whole world wanted to travel 2,000 miles to spend Turkey Day with me us. I hadn't spent Thanksgiving with family in over three years. Plus, this would be everyone's, except Val's, first trip to the Land of Enchantment.

Being the respectful and communicative wife that I am, I told Mom that I would check with Kyle first. As expected, Kyle welcomed the idea and was excited about having the OB fam bunk up at our Cruces crib. Needless to say, once plans were finalized I was the happiest girl ever and could not wait until their arrival.

Welcome to the World Amelia Grace!

noreply@blogger.com (Johanna) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 01:23:00 +0000

Our dear friends, Amanda and Jared, gave birth to their first child on November 12th. Since we'd only known them as parents-to-be, we had literally and quite anxiously been awaiting the arrival of Amelia Grace (Millie) for months on end (eight to be exact).

7lbs. 14 oz. of Pure Angel
I serenaded her with a lullaby rendition of Happy Birthday!

Her birth story will make an enthralling tale for her grandkids one day. It began with Millie surprising Mommy in Wal-Mart when Amanda's water broke. Nurse Amanda didn't panic. She didn't even rush to the hospital. Rather, she stopped for a bite at Sub-Way, ran home to take a couple of showers and did everything she could to delay Millie's delivery.

Can you believe this woman just gave birth? She looks phenominal, right?
You're settin' a high bar there Amanda.

Don't be alarmed. Amanda is a responsible medical professional and loving mother. She simply wanted Millie to do some waiting since Jared's mom and grandmother were still en route to New Mexico. That's where Kyle and I come in as chauffeurs of the day! We successfully picked up the West Virginia kin from the El Paso airport and delivered them safely to Las Cruces.

We had been waiting and praying for you for Little Millie. You're more precious than we ever imagined!

Allow me to make an even longer story shorter and spotlight its star. Millie stayed in vetro long enough for her visitors to experience and celebrate her birth. What a perfect gift from God she is! We love you, Amanda, Jared and sweet Baby Amelia.

Beautiful Family

Who Knew?

noreply@blogger.com (Johanna) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:52:00 +0000

Early Morning Family Shot

Well, apparently it snows in New Mexico... in October. Who knew? Not me! When I planned our hiking trip to Cloudcroft a few weeks ago, I knew it would be chilly, but I certainly wasn't expecting several inches of snow.

First Sights of Snow

Kyle and I enjoyed the white forest floor, but the dogs' poor paws became unbearably cold. Luckily, Tiney and Lola are small enough to carry when faced with treacherous weather conditions. The snow was a beautiful surprise, nevertheless.

We'll definitely return to Cloudcroft to explore again, but next time I'll be sure to check the forecast very closely before venturing out.

Kyle and His Girls in Their Sweaters

Lola loves rolling in the snow.

Fall Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Johanna) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:24:00 +0000

For the last two years, Kyle and I have volunteered at my school's Fall Festival. It's a very special celebration that's right around Halloween, and I love being a part of it because the community involvement is so substantial. Local organizations make donations, parents help decorate and clean up, and students bring everyone in the family to school for a night of fun and games.

Kyle and I created and manned the very popular tattoo booth right outside my classroom and received lots of willing customers. In 2010, we were so busy that we didn't get a break for hours. However, this year NMSU students unexpectedly came to help out. So, Kyle and I got to freely roam around and visit the other booths, including the spooky haunted house (our favorite).

Both years the Fall Festival has been a huge success with a large turnout. I'm not sure why I didn't post about it last year, but I've included photos from the last two Festivals to bring you up to speed.

October 2010

Cowboy Kyle giving Charlize a tat

I dressed as Cat in the Hat.

October 2011 (This Year)

Kyle Gettin' the Job Done (and Having Fun)

Chatting While Applying Tattoos

The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Pre and Post Chrysalis)

Pumpkin Bread

noreply@blogger.com (Johanna) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 02:08:00 +0000

Kyle is usually the chef making miracles happen in the kitchen. In this case, we decided to experiment together and ~~tackle~~ bake our first loaf of pumpkin bread. After finding a winning recipe in my favorite modern day cook book, the Internet, we decided to go ahead and whip up a double batch. That meant there was plenty of pumpkin goodness to share with friends. I don't think they were brutally honest with their reviews, but no bread was returned or left in a visible trashcan at work. Personally speaking, no bread went to waste at our house! If you'd like to see or even try the recipe for yourself, just click here.

All of the Ingredients

Handsome Chef Partner

Mmmmmm

Ready to Hit the Oven

Time to Devour

A Fair Night

noreply@blogger.com (Johanna) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 03:46:00 +0000

The Southern New Mexico Fair is a Las Cruces fall favorite and always a great excuse to pull out the cowboy boots. With that said, we couldn't pass it up. Like last year, we made all of the rounds and stopped by the show animals, caramel apple stand, huge tractors and rodeo. All of this combined, made for a very fun Saturday night at the fair.

Lassoin'

Winning Pig

This man can appreciate a Deere.

Gettin' a Good Rub

Just What I Wanted

Kyle's making friends with the barnyard creatures.

Not Your Typical Fair Animal, but Adorable Nonetheless

No Tricks, Just Treats

noreply@blogger.com (Johanna) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 03:28:00 +0000

Now that November has arrived, fall is finally in full swing. This means life is bursting with trees sprinkled yellow, cool breezes drifting through windows, soft button-up jammies, hot coffee or cocoa as a beverage of choice, all things pumpkin, lazy football Saturdays, and a slew of other treats I can't wait to share. Here are a few to start.

Concentrating on the Art of Squash Carving

Kyle gave our orange friend a silly face.

The Girls with Our Finished Product

Blogger Spotlight

noreply@blogger.com (Johanna) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 01:56:00 +0000

I want to give some love to my talented friend Lindsey and spotlight her blog, Chick Flick Chic. Her site features primarily movie reviews, but contains celebrity updates and fashion tips too. Visit, and you'll get a dose of Lindsey's stylish, witty insight that I've adored since we met freshman year of college.

Until Lindsey signs on as my personal stylist, or becomes the next Roger Ebert, I'll be following her work as a blogger, and you should too. So, go ahead and check out Chick Flick Chic, and prepare yourself to enter a world governed by the rules of a romantic comedy!

Me and My Linds Linds

Escape Artist

noreply@blogger.com (Johanna) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 01:06:00 +0000

Our sneaky fur ball friend Tiney has been greeting us at the door when we return home from running. Mind you, this is after leaving her and Lola locked up, confined to their doggie domain.

We'd been wondering exactly how our escape artist was breaking loose. So, we did what any top-notch detective would. We used our spy gear, a video camera, to catch the culprit in the act. Here's what we captured.

Tiney has been closing and crawling up the door to her crate. From there, she carefully maneuvers across the top of the crate to freedom. During this whole charade, Lola lays watching unimpressed, as if she's seen it happen a thousand times before.

Now that the secret's out, we're repositioning the dog bed to ensure the dog crate door stays open. Time for Tiney to say so long to days of running footloose and fancy free and for me to get some peace of mind.

My Fiesta

noreply@blogger.com (Johanna) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 03:06:00 +0000

Ecstatic for My Pinata

Thanks to my friend Stacy H., I got my very own birthday fiesta to celebrate 27 years. I thought, what better domestic location for a fiesta than New Mexico? It had all the essential fiesta components: one small Chihuahua dog, a pinata, tacos, music, dancing and amigos!

Stacy pulled out all the stops and cooked up her specialty, a tacos entree and banana cheesecake dessert. Meanwhile, Charlize kept the party hoppin' with her original dance performance to Miley Cyrus's "Party in the USA". Just when I thought things couldn't get better, we topped off the party with pinata swingin', goody bags and a movie.

Thank you H. family (including the newest member, Manny Dog) for a very, very fantastica fiesta!

The Guys (Fabian, Charles, Manny Dog and Kyle)

Beautiful and Delicious Dessert

The Gals (Yolanda, Stacy, Me and Charlize)

Dancer and Choreographer, Charlize

Making Contact

Manny's rockin' the shades.

Fabian finally destroyed the pinata with his strong swing!

Love Charlize

Birthday Tradition

noreply@blogger.com (Johanna) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 03:06:00 +0000

Once again, the annual Balloon Invitational at White Sands National Monument fell on my birthday week. This year Kyle and I were much better prepared with a Starbuck's run, earlier departure time and, of course, an incredible new camera to capture every moment. Although there wasn't an opportunity for rides, just watching the 25 balloons lift off and land all throughout the park was a joy that has become my favorite New Mexico birthday tradition.

We caught the sunrise.

That gorgeous backdrop almost looks artificial.

Snap! Snap! Snap!

noreply@blogger.com (Johanna) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:19:00 +0000

Kyle surprised me with a special birthday gift, one that I'd been putting off purchasing for years due to its exorbitant price. He spoiled me and invested in what I call, a "fancy" camera. Unlike all other cameras I've ever owned, my new Nikon D5100 has its own sizable purse and accessories (filters and remote). We've been snap, snap, snapping away over the last week, trying to learn the gadget's ins and outs and master its settings. Even our early amateur shots have come out really clear and detailed. Here's a sampling of practice pictures featuring my favorite models. I can't wait to feel like a fancy camera pro!

Sweet Pea Lola

Hubby

Queen Bee Tiney

A Year Full of Smiles

noreply@blogger.com (Johanna) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 03:51:00 +0000

As I celebrated my 27th birthday this month, I found genuine appreciation for these words from Mark Twain: "Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been."

Now, let's get one thing straight. I can't brag, or should I say complain, about wrinkles... yet. Gray hair, on the other hand, is a very different story. Despite the grays, my youthful appearance often gets me mistaken for a college or even high school student.

Like Twain, a few, or even a face full of wrinkles doesn't worry me. Thanks to hair dye, neither do grays. Beyond aging's physical effects, I'm embracing birthdays as I grow older and letting them serve as a reminder of the past year's blessings.

Every September I thank God for the many people and experiences responsible for painting a smile on my face over the last 365 days. After all, "every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father... (James 1:17)."

Ah, there were many smiles, too many to even recount in 2010 and 2011. As a result, there was much celebration and revelry this birthday, just like always.

Ready to Dig In and SPLURGE

Cream Cheese Swirl Cupcakes (baked with love by Kyle) and Ben and Jerry's
This is all of the flavors I've been eying at the grocery and dying to try.
(P.S. NY Super Fudge Chunk was the best!)

Science Has a Cute Curly Tail

noreply@blogger.com (Johanna) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 02:50:00 +0000

One New Mexico science standard for first grade covers "animal needs". To teach it, my science kit lesson recommended a classroom visitor, of the pet variety. I considered my limited list of furry and scaly friends and decided on a real top dog that I knew would be up for the challenge.

In case you haven't already guessed, Lola was the lucky dog who brought Mrs. Sims' hands-on learning to life. My six and seven-year olds were thrilled to receive a thorough report and detailed ear full from me on everything Lola. Petting and walking Lola, feeding her treats and getting her sweet doggie kisses were just a bonus. Ya, I'm sure of it.

Unsurprisingly, Lola, along with her cute curly tail, was a hit. Who knows? Maybe she'll make a return visit since Miss Pupular has already received several invitations back.

A Handful of Young Lola Lovers

Proof Learning Occurred

Did you spot Lola's crate in Mrs. Sims' house? By the way, that's me and Mr. Sims with the stick arms.

I like how the heart (love) is included with the dog bowl.

Please note Lola's red Kong toy under "What does it look like?".

The graphic organizers decorated our room beautifully.

There's No Place Like Home

noreply@blogger.com (Johanna) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 03:52:00 +0000

This saying holds much truth, doesn't it? At home you're surrounded by friends and family who are familiar with your past and often know you better than anyone else. In spite of this, they love you... bunches and bunches. What a comfort and joy to be around those who find humor in the same things as you, share your childhood memories and rate as goofy as you.

Kyle and I made a quick visit home to Orlando over Labor Day weekend and got to experience exactly what I described. Highlights for me included reunions with old friends, spectating at Val's soccer game, meeting precious Baby Lucas, and celebrating my birthday with my a-ma-zing family for the first time in over five years. For Kyle, he enjoyed motorbiking around town and to Daytona with his family and celebrating me at my birthday bash with the Sims and O'Brien clans combined.

I wasn't as faithful to photographing during this trip as I would have liked. Ohhhhhhh well. I think it's because I was simply soaking everything in and savoring every minute with my favorite people, pictures or not.

Lunch Date with My High School Friend Des (Miss her!)

There's that Smiling Fan Club I Love

Kyle Cruisin'

Thanksgiving Dinner in September in Honor of My Birthday

GO BULLS! GO VAL! WHAT A SOCCER STUD!

Kyle and Cory Driving Bikes (Joe and Cheryl Following)

Hello sweet Lucas! I love you already.

Sims Men at the Beach

My sister's a celebrity.

Thanks to everyone for an incredible birthday party and trip home!

Summer Sewing Initiative

noreply@blogger.com (Johanna) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 15:01:00 +0000

Thanks to my most loving and talented mother, I grew up clothed in hand made costumes fit just for me. It was a little girl's dream come true. For every Halloween, school play and homecoming dress-up day, I magically transformed to fairy, tiger, rock star, ladybug and even Quailman and Rainbow Bright.

Materials Prepped and Ready

Ripped jacket? Loose buttons? Dress in need of straps? Pants too long? Not a problem in my household. My Momma's you're woman. Both my mom and Grandma Sadie were blessed with a gift when it comes to needle and thread. Admiring their talent and recognizing its value, I ventured out and gave sewing a go this summer.

With practically no experience, I had my fingers crossed, hoping I'd inherited at least an ounce of sewing savvy. My first step was to select a simple pattern. Next, I picked out fabric and researched sewing machines. Deciding on a Brother, I purchased my machine online, and had it delivered to my doorstop.

Sewing Together Pinned Front and Back of Bib

Since my cousin's baby-on-the-way was making an August debut, Auntie JoJo adopted a bib as her first official sewing project. Although very basic and straightforward (as patterns go), the bib was anything but that for this amateur. Specifically, attaching ribbon and hand sewing the opening (used to pull the bib right side in) are what gave me some trouble. Luckily, my go to master seamstress (Mom) added final touches to the bib and perfected in time for sweet little Lucas's arrival.

Auntie Val with Baby Lucas and His Robot Bib

I'm still nowhere close to the sewing legacies in my family, and I probably never will be. However, I can say that I am one bib down (or at least three quarters of a bib down) on what will hopefully be many, many more future sewing endevers.

Wave on Wave

noreply@blogger.com (Johanna) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 22:57:00 +0000

A Pat Green concert was just what I needed the weekend after returning to school. I blocked out the stress of work for a while and took a trip down memory lane. Green performed some of my favorite songs from college and left me fondly reflecting on a past time. One that was sweet and now seemingly simple and very distant from my present. Anyway, it was very comforting to be reminded of where I've been and where I'm headed. Wave on wave.

Another First Day

noreply@blogger.com (Johanna) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 02:57:00 +0000

Look! It's only the first day, and my brand new first graders are already thriving (as promised).

Everyone with Silly Faces (minus one who was absent)

And here they are again... without tongues and bunny ears.

Can you tell which monkeys are already giving me a run for my money?

First Day Memories

noreply@blogger.com (Johanna) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 23:34:00 +0000

Here are some memories of my first day teaching first grade from last year. Once you read them, you'll understand why I was a bit too overwhelmed to transfer them to the blog at that time. Now that my first day has arrived yet again, I thought there no better time to finally share them.

My first day went something like this...

Confiscating a box of sparklers from a six year old
Waiting an hour in the cafeteria for school pictures with a class of restless students
Getting locked out of school after lining my students up outside
Hearing the favorite (and rather silly) interview question repeatedly asked during our get-to-know-you game ("What color is your bathroom?")
Handing out birthday cupcakes to only half of the class because I remembered them after bus riders dismissed
Being called Miss (not Miss Sims, just Miss) 500+ times
Forgetting my coffee and breakfast at home
Finding that there was no spoon in my lunch box for my yogurt
Being told my schedule and the time and location of lunch and recess ten minutes before school started
Discovering that a desk in my classroom set-up was mysteriously missing that morning
Being rushed and dismissing students a couple minutes late after the bell

This year has to be easier. Dear God, my first day is tomorrow; p-l-e-a-s-e let it be easier.

New Beginnings

noreply@blogger.com (Johanna) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 03:02:00 +0000

Well, another summer is ending, and I've been very busy preparing for a new school year. Coming back to my classroom after vacation had me reminiscing and missing my now all-grown-up second grade students... very much. However, I'm optimistic about meeting and teaching another group of fabulously fantastic first graders.

Since I was hired to teach an unexpected overflow class last year, I began a month late and was without time to plan my room design... or anything else for that matter. This year is a different story. I returned weeks early to begin cleaning, unpacking, organizing, buying materials and lesson planning.

Here's a glimpse into what Mrs. Sims has been up to lately. The goal was creating a purposeful and inviting learning environment. Students will thrive here.

Back of Room- Before

Back of Room- After

Front of Room- Before

Front of Room- After

Entrance- Before

Entrance- After

Window Wall- Before

Window Wall- After

Gettin' My Bloggin' On

noreply@blogger.com (Johanna) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:42:00 +0000

One major factor retarding my blogging output and a source of ongoing frustration has been my rather slow and outdated computer. Let's just say that I was wasting too much of my life restarting my computer and watching its endlessly spinning pinwheel.

So, we researched my Apple buying options and waited until summer for the education discount. I upgraded from the MacBook to the MacBook Pro, and as part of the purchase, I received $100 off the laptop, a free wireless printer and $100 Apple gift card.

I am currently still transferring data to my new computer and learning the new features. However, I am happy to report that blogging has already become much faster and easier. Plus, I haven't spotted a single pinwheel to date.

Escaping Suburbia

noreply@blogger.com (Johanna) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 02:26:00 +0000

We escaped suburbia for a quick hiking trip with our friend Jared. Off-roading in Jared's convertible Jeep over desert bumps, with the wind blowing in my face, made me feel like a passenger on a wild safari.

Just Enjoying the Ride

The only difference was that we were stopping to repair a battery cable, not to photograph elephants and wildebeest. Unfortunately, the Jeep had a lose connection, which caused us to repeatedly lose power. Finally, after many stops, wire jiggles and crossed fingers, we reached our destination.

Please work. Please work. Please work.

Our hike ended up being an arduous mountain/rock climb and blaze your own path expedition, but don't worry. No slips or falls resulted in injury... this time. When I wasn't breaking my fall, I was taking lots of pictures and marveling at the beauty of nature engulfing us. Our trip was a welcomed retreat from traffic lights and crowded neighborhoods, and it left me feeling refreshed and renewed.

The question remains, "Which way to go?"

Excited to Spot this Combination of Horny Lizard and Toad

Kyle and I on the Rocks

Waitin' on 'Maters

noreply@blogger.com (Johanna) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 15:59:00 +0000

You may remember my earlier post about Kyle's horticulture initiative. Well, over the last four months, our tomato plant has grown immensely in size and even produced pretty yellow blooms. However, the plant has become lopsided and hasn't generated the juicy 'maters we'd been craving.

We debated the cause delaying our tomato development. Was the pot was too small? Is the New Mexico summer sun too strong? Does the plant require a trellis? Maybe you gifted gardeners can offer some guidance. As amateurs, we couldn't decide.

Kyle began neglecting his watering duties, so I took over. If the plant's health was weak before, its chances for survival and fruit production dropped when I was named caretaker. Despite my intervention, the plant is still green, and much to my surprise, it has sprouted five small green tomatoes. Alas! Alas!

More pictures will follow once the tomatoes are red, fully grown and ready for pickin'.

See what I mean about the lopsidedness?

There's three of our baby tomatoes!