Live. Laugh. Love.

Man's best friend.

2012-02-02T08:24:00.001-06:00

When we got Trigger last June, we had no way of knowing what a great dog he would be. We've had our fair share of wild dogs, so we were really hoping for the best with Trigger.

And let me tell you, we won the lottery with this little puppy! He is the best dog.

He loves to go to crossfit with us (but when he tries to run off when it's time to go, he gets tied down).

He washes dishes.

Yes, I let him lick the peanut butter out of my measuring cup. He's spoiled.

And he loves, loves, LOVES to snuggle!

He's made himself at home on our bed, that's for sure. If one of us gets up, he immediately moves to take our spot.

He's such a little stinker, but he's our stinker. And we love him.

I think we'll keep him. :)

Life with a cop.

2012-02-01T09:09:00.001-06:00

Oh look! Joey bought new shoes!

Nevermind. That's just confiscated weapons.

(BTW, that's not a real gun. Looks pretty legit though, no?!?)

It's just a normal day. You know, like the day I found a bullet in the wash.

Heaven is for real.

2012-01-31T09:01:00.000-06:00

For the past several years, Joey's grandma's health has been deteriorating. She'd been hanging on like a champ, but in November, she really began to take a turn for the worst.

Joey and I were more intentional than ever at going to visit and taking the kids to see her. One of the last times the kids saw her, Ashton insisted on baking her cookies and taking them to her.

Memaw had not been eating much of anything, but when Ashton brought the cookies, Memaw was ready to eat. Ashton sat in bed next to her and fed her bite after bite of homemade cookies.

I cherish this picture. The kids love their Memaw so much and she has been such a large part of their lives.

And I absolutely love this picture of Joey and Memaw. I think she looks so beautiful.

Over the years, the kids (as well a Joey, as a child) enjoyed expressing their love for their Memaw on woodwork that Pepaw would carve for them in his shop. I never want to forget these.

Sadly, Memaw passed away on December 1, 2011, just 4 days shy of her 88th birthday. Although we were confident that she was now with Jesus and no longer suffering, her passing was devastating. She was such a large part of Joey's life growing up, and then a great part of Ashton and Taylor's lives. She was giving, selfless, and loved us all with everything she had.

The kids were both dressed so nicely for the funeral. Memaw would have loved seeing Taylor in his little suit. (Ashton was just as beautiful, but she wasn't really up for pictures.)

Our Crossfit group sent these beautiful roses for the service.

Joey, my dad, and our friend Ryan served as pall bearers. The service was beautiful and everything that Memaw deserved.
______________________________________________________________________________
Memaw -

Thank you for welcoming me into your family almost 14 years ago and loving me as if I was your own. Thank you for loving my children, your "babies", unconditionally. You cared for them perfectly and spoiled them rotten.

I'm so grateful to have you taking care of my baby in heaven until I get there. No doubt my sweet baby is being loved on constantly. Meanwhile, we're doing our best to take care of Pepaw.

We talk about you often and reminisce about all of the wonderful times we shared. The kids enjoy getting their Highlights magazine in the mail each month. That's certainly a gift from you that keeps on giving. You always knew they loved that!

Memaw, we love you dearly and miss you always.

Harlem Globetrotters.

2012-01-30T08:51:00.000-06:00

Back before Christmas, I got a company-wide email offering Harlem Globetrotter tickets at a discounted rate. Taylor is so into basketball these days that I knew this would be a great Christmas present for him.

I purchased the tickets, not really paying attention (or having much choice) about where the seats were, just wanting to get the tickets.

Well, the game was last Thursday and Joey decided to make a father-son outing of the night. He took Taylor to eat ribs (his favorite) before the game.

I love that smile.

After dinner, they headed to the arena and found their seats... ON THE 10TH ROW! Joey texted me this pic saying he couldn't believe how great the seats were!

Taylor absolutely loved the game and he and Joey had such a great time. Taylor has told me all about it... at least 5 times. It's ok though, I love hearing him get so excited about something. He loves basketball these days!

12.

2011-12-13T08:56:00.000-06:00

It's almost impossible to fathom, but on December 9, 2011, my baby turned 12.

Twelve.

How in the world has it been 12 years since she was born? 12 years since she was too tiny for newborn clothes and I had to go buy preemie clothes. 12 years since she slept in the cradle that Pepaw handmade. 12 years since we had to bounce her on our chests and pat her bottom just to get her to sleep.

Impossible.

But I guess not, since she woke up almost as tall as me and looking more like 18 than 12.

For her birthday, she got one of the Twilight books, and necklace from Taylor, and a box of Swiss Cake Rolls. I think those might have been her favorite.

Joey had to work on Ashton's birthday, so I took the kids out to dinner to celebrate - Ashton's birthday, not the fact that Joey was at work. LOL.

Ashton chose Olive Garden. And she even posed for a pic with her brother - which is extremely rare.

After dinner, I had a surprise for Ashton. She's obsessed with cupcakes these days, so I surprised her with a stop by a cupcake shop. She was so excited! (Score one for mom!)

No one was surprised when Ashton chose a chocolate-chocolate cupcake.

Nor were we surprised when Taylor chose a vanilla-vanilla cupcake. My children are nothing if not predictable.

We certainly wish daddy could have been there, but we had a great time celebrating anyway.

Daddy didn't miss out on all the festivities, though. We celebrated with Joey's mom and Pepaw on Sunday, so Joey got in on some cake action.

Ashton, however, has become rather shy in front of the camera... unless I threaten to take back all of her presents.

Then she'll smile!

Happy birthday baby girl. We love you so very much!

Christmas Blues

2011-11-28T15:40:00.001-06:00

I’m not sure what’s wrong with me, but I’m just not in the Christmas spirit this year.

This is incredibly strange, because Christmas is my favorite time of year. I love the tree, the outside lights, the music, the gifts –I love it all. But this year, I’m just not into it.

I put the tree up with the kids last weekend, but it’s just sort of blah to me.

We watched The Santa Clause 2 –and it almost helped me get in the groove, but not really.

It’s sad, really, but I’m not sure what’s causing it, so I don’t know how to fix it.

I’m not all that excited about Christmas cards (which I usually LOVE) or even writing my Christmas letter.

Don’t get me wrong, I know what Christmas is really about, but what I’m talking about here is just the “fun” stuff. Usually I’m like a kid, but this year, there’s just something off.

And I don't like it.

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Pinterest wish list.

2011-11-14T08:39:00.001-06:00

When I first heard of Pinterest, I was not at all interested in yet another social media site to keep up with. I didn't really see what all the fuss was about.

But then I figured it out. And now I'm hooked. I pin everything from recipes, to crafts, to decorating ideas, to great hair.

Here are a few my latest pins:

Source: etsy.com via THEStephanieG on Pinterest

If I can find any burlap in San Antonio, I have to make this. So stinkin' cute!

Source: google.com via THEStephanieG on Pinterest

When Neri and I got together for our (failed) Halloween/Fall crafting day, this was one thing that we actually accomplished. I added some things to this, but overall, I really like it!

Source: thedishydecorator.blogspot.com via THEStephanieG on Pinterest

I had high hopes of making this wreath for Fall, but there is a serious shortage of burlap in San Antonio. After searching for 2 weeks, I finally gave up... and had no wreath.

Source: craftaria.com via THEStephanieG on Pinterest

My necklaces and earrings are taking over my closet and I really need a better way to organize them. I have a great wall in my closet where something like this would be perfect!

Source: google.com via THEStephanieG on Pinterest

If I ever get a tattoo, this will be it.

Source: thetwoodsfamily.blogspot.com via THEStephanieG on Pinterest

I'm really wanting to make these for the game room. Instead of canvases (because those can get expensive), I bought 3 large foam core boards. Now I just need to choose a paint color.

Snip snip.

2011-11-11T08:40:00.000-06:00

Last weekend, I finally took Trigger to get snipped. It was a long time coming, trust me.

Ashton and I picked him up that evening and they said he was such a good boy.

Once we got home, though, he spend the rest of the night like this:

Poor buddy.

Izzy came to visit...

2011-11-10T08:18:00.000-06:00

... and all I have to prove it are these 2 pictures.

It's sad, I know. We had so much fun, I just never thought to take pictures.

We shopped, cooked, ate, worked out, ate, cooked, shopped, ate, ate, and watched the Cowboys v. Patriots game. I just love getting to spend time with Izzy and wish so badly that she lived closer. I'm extremely thankful, though, that for the past few years, she's chosen to spend a portion of her vacation hanging with us in Texas.

We love you and miss you! Come back to Texas!

Crossfit competition.

2011-11-09T08:55:00.000-06:00

Saturday, the kids and I went to New Braunfels to support our good friends in a crossfit competition. It was so inspiring to watch and makes me want to work hard and compete myself someday.

In this competition, they competed in pairs. Ryan and Stacy did fantastic all day and finished 5th overall after completing 5 WODs! 5 WODs in one day? That's insane!!

This was the 3rd WOD of the day, which consisted of 100 sit-ups, 21-15-9 squat snatch and clusters, and 100 double-unders. They killed it!

This was the 4th WOD and it was just a bit strange. In this pic, Ryan is holding an L-sit while Stacy is doing an Atlas ball lift. Stacy was insanely fast with these lifts. So proud of her!

I've never been to a crossfit competition before, but I had such a good time. I'm so proud to crossfit with these guys!

Pumpkin carving and costumes.

2011-11-08T08:49:00.004-06:00

I mentioned yesterday that the kids and I went to our friends house to carve pumpkins this year. The kids were very excited to get started and really did a good job on their own, although Neri's husband and I had to help with most of the scooping and knife wielding.

Some may say that Osman and I carved the pumpkins, but these pictures wouldn't tell that story.

Taylor was so proud of his pumpkin! He named him Dave and set him proudly on the porch.

Dave barely made it to Halloween before he shriveled up, but at least he was still alive to greet the trick-or-treaters.

Speaking of trick-or-treaters...

Taylor and his friend from down the street dressed in the same costume. They didn't plan it, but I thought it was hilarious when they showed up on my doorstep together. (Taylor is on the left.)

Ashton was "too old" to dress up this year, so she handed out candy with me. We had a great turnout in our neighborhood, but it seems like "trick-or-treat" has gone by the wayside. I'm not sure anyone said that. Most of the time they were polite and said thank you, so I guess that works.

Funny story - one of our neighbors handed out soap instead of candy. There was a note on the soap that said "Have a clean Halloween!" Taylor's friend was quite, um... well, less-than-thrilled with the soap, but Taylor smelled it and said it was the best thing he got!

That boy...

Stephanie cooks: Chicken Tortilla Soup

2011-11-07T08:15:00.003-06:00

A couple weeks ago, I went to my friend Neri's house for a crafting day. We had plans to shop for Fall crafting supplies, eat tortilla soup, and carve pumpkins with the kids.

Well, the crafting was a big, huge fail. We couldn't find anything that we were looking for so we kind of gave up.

The kids carved pumpkins and had a great time and the tortilla soup was to die for! Neri sent me the recipe and I made it last week for dinner. I've had the leftovers twice already and I'm very sad that there's none left.

Do yourself a favor - make this STAT! (Joey says so.)

Chicken Tortilla Soup

What you need:

3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 Tbsp. Knorr chicken bouillon
1 Tbsp. salt
1 Tbsp. minced garlic
1 bunch cilantro
1/2 onion
1 stick of celery
2 jars salsa
corn tortillas (white or yellow)
shredded cheese
avocado

How you make it:

Boil chicken (from frozen works great!) with bouillon.
Chop celery, onion and cilantro.
When chicken is cooked, remove it from the water, but don't dump the water.
Add celery, onion, cilantro, salsas, garlic, and salt to the water.
Shred the chicken and add back into the pot for about 20 minutes.
While the soup is cooking, cut the tortillas into 1 inch strips.
Fry tortilla strips in oil over medium-high heat. (Homemade tortilla strips in the key to having crunchy strips in your soup. Regular chips will get soggy.)
Pour your bowl of soup, add cheese, avocado, and tortilla strips.

Note: When I made this last week, I cooked the chicken in my crock pot all day, then started with step #4 when I got home. Next time, I think I'll just dump it all in and let it all cook together in the crock pot.

Also, I made a few minor changes from the recipe Neri gave me, but I'm sure she won't mind. :)

It's been a while.

2011-10-06T19:35:00.000-05:00

Wow.

I think this is a record for how long I've gone without posting! Goodness, things have been ca-ra-zy!

So let's get up-to-speed, shall we? (Face it, we all I will never go back and create individual posts, so we're going with the summary approach.)

Let's see, when we left off, I was working on finishing up my media cabinet. Well... I finally finished it!!

Look, I don't like to brag, but that media cabinet is amazing!! :)

Also in there was my birthday. Joey took the weekend off before my birthday and we went out with all our friends from Crossfit. We had Mexican food, drinks, lots of laughs, and coffee. It was my favorite kind of birthday.

Love these people! (And the ones that I don't have pictures of that celebrated with us, too.)

Next, there was my last day at my job of 6 years. It was really sort of bittersweet. Everyone was so great to me and I really had a wonderful last day. My boss took me to lunch and also sent these flowers.

I was really surprised because this is just SO not him. As the card attached should explain...

I died laughing when I read this. (He really was not happy to see me go.)

I suppose the only other thing to fill you in on would be my new job. I started my new job on Monday and I absolutely love it. It's such a great company and I love what I'm doing. As you can tell (by my lack of blogging and tweeting), I'm super busy - which I LOVE!

So, things are good. Super busy, but good. I'm looking forward to next week when my super duper good friend Izzy comes to town. I haven't seen her in a year so I can't wait to have nearly a week off to just relax and have fun.

Progress.

2011-09-26T09:20:00.000-05:00

Remember the media cabinet that I made earlier this year? You know, the one I still haven't finished?

Yeah, that one.

Well, this weekend I got the building bug and decided that it was high time I get those doors finished. My dad, who is my building partner, couldn't help this weekend so I was all on my own.

And let me tell you I am so proud of myself!!

People... I give you progress.

One of the reasons that dad and I stopped earlier this year and never got the doors on was because we could not, for the life of us, figure out the dang hinges.

So how did I figure it out? Through hours and hours of trial and error.

Look. I never claimed to be a professional. Obviously.

So once I figured out the hinges, then I took the doors back off so I could work on the false fronts.

In case you don't remember, the front of the cabinet is supposed to look something like this:

(I say "something" because I did modify the plans to add height.)

Anyway, I'm well on my way! I have high hopes to finish up all the doors this weekend and get them painted and installed.

I'm determined.

And just a word to the wise: When building furniture, never move it to its intended location (and begin using it) before it's complete. If you do, it will likely take you another 6 months to get motivated to finish it.

Family night out.

2011-09-22T09:50:00.001-05:00

Last night Joey and I decided to take the kids to dinner and have an evening of just the 4 of us. With Joey's schedule, this is hard to do on a regular basis.

We headed over to the local outdoor mall and ate at one of our favorite places, Grimaldi's. They have the best pizza. Oh my gosh. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.

Who am I kidding? I don't need to just think about it. I have proof!

Mmmmmm... super yummy.

As we were paroozing the parking lot for a spot, we noticed that they are opening up a Cheesecake Factory. Taylor went crazy and then declared that cheesecake was his favorite cake ever. (I think he's maybe had it twice in his entire 8 year life span, but ok.)

So after dinner we sprung for dessert.

Do NOT get between a boy and his cheesecake.

I also managed to snap a pic of the two people who hate taking pictures.

It's a shame they're so good looking and hate having their pictures taken, no?

After dinner and dessert we wondered around the mall for a bit and let the kids spend some of their allowance. It was a really great night with just the 4 of us.

I kinda love my peeps.

Stephanie cooks: Crock Pot Baked Potato Soup

2011-09-20T15:51:00.001-05:00

You may have noticed a few trends around these parts.

One, I'm cooking a lot more. Yes, this is true. There's something about Fall that makes me want to cook and bake. I love it! My waist does not.

Moving along...

Two, I'm obsessed with my crock pot. This, too, is true. It's just so easy to throw something together and so fun to come home to a fully cooked meal! Wouldn't you agree?

So on that note, here's my latest and greatest crock pot meal, which is found on pinterest. The original recipe is here, but my adaptation is below.

Baked Potato Soup (Crock Pot)

(image found here)

What you need:

2.5lbs Russet Potatoes, washed, peeled, and cubed
½ medium onion, diced
3 cans chicken broth
1 Tbsp seasoned salt
1 Tbsp minced garlic
8 oz cream cheese
Crumbled bacon
Shredded cheddar cheese
Green onions

How you make it:

Add potatoes, onion, seasoning and chicken broth to slow cooker.
Cook on high for 6 hours or low for 10 hours.
Remove half of the soup to another bowl and add cream cheese and garlic. Puree.
Return removed portion to the crock pot.
Stir every 10-15 minutes until soup is well blended.
Top with your choice of garnishes & serve!

This soup was so good, it had to be sinful. I made it on Sunday for the game (GO COWBOYS!) along with the yummiest bacon-wrapped jalapenos I have ever put in my mouth.

It was a pretty great day all around.

A September miracle.

2011-09-16T09:22:00.000-05:00

People. Do you see this? It's raining.

Now, I know for some of you this may not mean anything. Or it may be a reminder of terrible flooding that you've had recently.

For those of us in South Texas, this means that maybe we can get through the day without more grass fires breaking out.

Close to 100% of Texas has been under a severe drought for months and recently we've had horrible wildfires breaking out all over the state. The worst of the wildfires is just South of Austin and has consumed over 1500 homes (can you imagine?!?) and 34,000 acres. I can't even fathom.

Thank you Jesus for the rain.

Stephanie cooks: Crock Pot Pork Chops

2011-09-14T08:22:00.005-05:00

Well, my second crock pot meal was a big fat failure (as in not enough liquid, burnt to a crisp, needed a chisel to clean the crock pot) but I didn't let that sway my plans for another crock pot meal.

In the midst of all the crock pot chaos last week, I found this recipe on a FB page and thought it sounded yummy and super easy. My two favorite ingredients!

Crock Pot Pork Chops

What you need:

4 whole thick cut pork chops
1 can chicken broth
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 envelope dry pork gravy mix
1 envelope onion soup mix

How you make it:

Place pork chops in the slow cooker.
Mix all other ingredients in a bowl and pour over top.
Cook on low 6-8 hours until they are fork tender.

Seriously. Could that be any easier? And it's slap-yo-grandma good!

Just make some rice or mashed potatoes and serve with the gravy on top. Mmmmm... I'm hungry just thinking about it!

Weekend recap. Life and heartbreak.

2011-09-12T10:03:00.001-05:00

This weekend was a little bit of everything - normal life, fun, friends, and heartbreak.

Friday afternoon, Ashton called her Memaw (Joey's grandmother) and asked if she and Taylor could spend the night. Memaw wasn't feeling too well, but will never pass up a chance to see the kids, so I took them over when I got home from work. As soon as we walked in the door, Taylor said hi, gave hugs, then grabbed his basketball.

He really only gets to play at Memaw's, but he's really good! I need to sign him up for team ball, I suppose.

When I left the kids at Memaw and Pepaw's, I headed to Stacy's for a little crossfit. Then, as any good crossfitter would do, I went home and baked pumpkin bread.

Look, I love to crossfit, but I also love to eat. What can I say?

On Saturday, I went grocery shopping, hung out with Joey for a bit, then took the kids back out to Ryan & Stacy's for Katie's birthday party (their middle child).

Katie is very into horses at the moment, and lucky for her, her Aunt Traci has several! Traci and her kids brought 2 horses to the party and let the kids ride. I think Katie was surprised!

The birthday girl, Katie.

(I have no idea why this picture is so blurry. I think my camera lens fogged up in the heat.)

Taylor and Ashton had a blast! They've never ridden a horse before, so this was a real treat.

And for my daughter who doesn't like to have her picture taken, she sure does know how to pose, right??

Oh heaven help me. Note to self: install bars on her window and a lock on the outside of her door.

ETA: The weekend was so full, I forgot about one of my favorite parts!! A few weekends ago I met a new friend and she and her kids came over for pizza and fun after church. She brought the yummiest cake pops and we had a great time chatting it up and watching the kids play outside. Next time, though, we will not about car insurance, right Neri?

After the party the kids and I went to church. Our church, as I'm sure many others, had a wonderful tribute to 9/11. It's very surreal seeing the footage again and trying to explain to my children exactly what happened. I wish they didn't have to know a world like this.

Sunday was a glorious day of relaxation and football - with a little cleaning mixed in. Joey and I watched part of the noon game until he had to get ready for work. Then I cooked some chili and got ready for friends to come over for the Cowboys game.

Ryan thought it would be funny to send this picture to Joey of him drinking Joey's beer while watching football from Joey's chair.

I admit, it was funny. But I wish Joey could have been there with us.

Then comes the heartbreak.

My precious, dearly loved Cowboys... what am I going to do with you? Why must you always fall apart? Why can you never finish strong? I wore my Cowboys shirt. I cheered loudly. (Some might say screamed.) I consumed football food - chili and stuffed jalapenos. I even painted my nails for you!

Please get your act together. I can't take the stress.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

2011-09-09T08:55:00.002-05:00

Bring on the football!

Long lazy weekend.

2011-09-08T08:54:00.000-05:00

I love a long weekend. And this three day weekend was exactly what I needed.

On Friday, my boss left the office around 2 and told me to take off. Um... let me think... OK! So I headed home to see Joey before he left for work. Once he was gone, I promptly put my pjs on and didn't move from the couch.

It was glorious.

Saturday I took the kids to a birthday party then headed to church. I sang all weekend so I was there most of Saturday and then again on Sunday until about 2. After that, I was fully committed to staying in my pjs until I had to leave for work on Tuesday morning.

I didn't make it.

I was fairly successful on Sunday, although I did mix in a little laundry and cleaning. Oh, and I managed to convince Ashton to make us pancakes for dinner. I'm not sure how she does it, but she makes the best pancakes!

(Sorry for the horrible quality, but I've mentioned before that Ashton doesn't like to have her picture taken, so I had to be super sneaky.)

Then on Monday morning it was so gorgeous outside that I decided to take Trigger for a nice long walk (which required clothing other than pjs). Since we haven't had rain in San Antonio since 1997 (and I'm only slightly exaggerating), when we got back from our walk I decided to hand water the grass. Trigger was so tuckered out that he was totally content to hang on the porch and watch me.

After our morning outdoor activities, it was back in the pjs for me.

Sometimes you just need to wear pajamas all day, right?

Stephanie cooks: Chicken and dumplings

2011-09-06T09:06:00.000-05:00

I cooked.

It's a miracle.

You may wonder why I haven't posted any "Stephanie cooks" lately. Well, that's simply because I haven't cooked. I'm completely serious. I can't even remember the last time I cooked an actual meal.

I figured the best way to ease myself back into regular cooking would be with my crock pot. Yesterday was the inaugural meal and it was a huge hit! So huge that I have meal #2 in the crock pot right now.

Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Source: bubblecrumb.com via THEStephanieG on Pinterest

What you need:

4-6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons butter
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 can chicken broth
1 onion, diced (I only used half an onion)
1 tablespoon dried parsley
4 refrigerator biscuits

How you make it:

Place chicken in crock pot.
Add butter, soups, onion and parsley.
Cook on high for 4-6 hours or low for 8-10 hours.
Once cooking time has elapsed, take a fork and shred the chicken.
Cut the biscuits into pieces and add to crock pot.
Continue to cook for 30-45 minutes, or until biscuits are cooked through.

This was so good and so easy! Joey took one bite and about fell out of his chair it was so good!

When I was typing the recipe just now, I realized that I only added 1 can of cream of chicken soup. About halfway through the cooking I started to think that it wasn't soupy enough, so I added another can of chicken broth. Oops! I suppose it would have been fine if I had added the correct amount of soup in the first place.

Also, I only used half of an onion. Even with that, I was worried that it would be to oniony but it turned out great!

Yay for crock pot meals!

Tell me, do I have an accent?

2011-09-02T08:31:00.000-05:00

I'm never one to want to be left out (yep, I even ordered an Erin Condren Life Planner!), so I decided to do the accent vlog with the rest of the blogging world.

There are a few important things you should note while watching this:

I have never before recorded a vlog. And it took me a while to even figure out how to record on my computer. I know, I'm a genius.
It was late and I look like a hot mess.
The starting frame? Yeah, gorgeous.
This thing took all.night.long to upload.
Holy smokes. Did I mention hot mess?!?

Ok, enough excuses for what might very well be the most embarrassing thing I've ever put on the internet. Here we go.

Accent vlog from THEStephanieG on Vimeo.

So... do I have an accent? I honestly don't think I do, but I'm sure some of you (or all of you) may have a different opinion.

The instructions are to say these words:

Aunt, Route, Wash, Oil, Theater, Iron, Salmon, Caramel, Fire, Water, Sure, Data, Ruin, Crayon, Toilet, New Orleans, Pecan, Both, Again, Probably, Spitting image, Alabama, Lawyer, Coupon, Mayonnaise, Syrup, Pajamas, Caught

And answer these questions:

What is it called when you throw toilet paper on a house?

What is the bug that when you touch it, it curls into a ball?

What is the bubbly carbonated drink called?

What do you call gym shoes?

What do you say to address a group of people?

What do you call the kind of spider that has an oval-shaped body and extremely long legs?

What do you call your grandparents?

What do you call the wheeled contraption in which you carry groceries at the supermarket?

What do you call it when rain falls while the sun is shining?

What is the thing you use to change the TV channel?

A new era of threats.

2011-08-31T08:50:00.000-05:00

Last night, Joey and I skipped crossfit to hang out with the kids. Joey has been working a lot lately and since school started, the kids don't go with us to crossfit anymore, so it seemed like it had been a while since we had some quality family time.

So in lieu of crossfit, we went for ice cream. (Stop judging.)

And here's where the threats come in: I've mentioned before that Ashton has been hating the camera lately and will not let anyone take a picture of her. Over the weekend, I had some friends mention that when their kids were in middle school and got a bit out of control, one of the moms arranged with the school to attend with her son and walk him to all of his classes... in her robe (with clothes on underneath, of course), with curlers in her hair and coffee stains everywhere.

I don't think I could go that far, but I did tell Ashton that if she didn't smile for this dang picture that I'd take whatever picture I got, blow it up to 16x20 and post it all over her school.

And that's the story of how I got a half-smile in that second picture.

Volcano!

2011-08-30T08:56:00.000-05:00

One of our friends bought Taylor a volcano making kit for his birthday last week. It's been sitting on the counter since his party just waiting to made.

Sunday night we started the process by mixing the plaster for the mold.

After we had the mold created, it had to dry for 24 hours. Finally, yesterday afternoon it was dry enough that it could be painted. Taylor let Ashton help and together they mixed paint to create the color he wanted, painted the volcano brown and then painted red lava coming down from the top.

Once that dried, it was time for the "explosion". (Let it be known that we were supposed to add red paint to the "lava", but I had already tossed the paint, which is why we have white lava.)

The kids thought this was the coolest thing ever!