Shaylee

My neice, Shaylee, is 11. She is a beautful girl - inside and out! I had the honor and blessing of being in the delivery room when she took her first breath and watching her grow into a young lady has been equally exciting.

So, it is with pride that I tell you that this baby girl is bloggin'!! :) Go say hello, would you?

WoW - Week 1

I've decided to join the Regina & the group by participating in Weight on Wednesday's. If you'd like to know more about it, check it out here.

The Coach and I both need to lose weight so began a 'low-carb lifestyle' last week. The first few days were AWFUL for me. I have such an addiction to sugar, caffeine & carbohydrates that I was in a definite detox for 2 or 3 days. I had headaches and cravings and felt a little sluggish. It was not fun! But I must say that I'm feeling great today (Day 6). The weight is coming off and I'm feeling good.

Goals for Week 2 -
:: stay away from sugar!
:: 2 cup/day of leafy greens
:: walk 1 mile 3x/week

Weight loss for Week 1 - 8 lbs !! :)



ps - I just took our Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake out of the oven. This will be dessert for Friday's celebration of The Queenship of The Blessed Virgin Mary. Here's the recipe for any of you who are just dying to have it! :)

3 egg whites
pinch of cream of tartar
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup splenda or other artificial sweetner
2 pkgs cream cheese
2 eggs
10 mini SUGAR-FREE Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

Preheat oven to 400-degrees. Mix egg whites & cream of tartar on high until very thick (this is important)...usually takes me 3 minutes or so. Add heavy cream and mix - again until very thick. Blend in sweetner and then add cream cheese. Mix on low speed until completely smooth. Last, add the 2 whole eggs and blend. (this will be the binder and will help to thin out the thick batter you've created)

Chop the peanut butter cups until the size you'd like to have them. Fold into the batter.

Spoon batter into a 9" PAM sprayed pie pan (or spring form pan if you have it). Bake 20-25 minutes until brown around the edges.

Cool for about 1 hour on the countertop then cool overnight in refrigerator. Yummmm.

Friday Funny

Yesterday the kids were arguing (about nothing, I'm sure) and Jaedon rattled off to Caela that because she said she couldn't taste the sugar in a VERY SWEET drink she "had no taste buds".

Caela was understandably devastated at such news and came to me in that whiny girl voice and said, "Mom, Jaedon said I don't have any taste buzz."

To which Jaedon responded, "It's taste buDs not buZZ."

In her defense Caela replied, "No, everyones taste buzz are different."

Happy Birthday LaLa!

We celebrated my mom's 56th birthday with a Tex-Mex dinner & cupcakes at our house. My brother gave her this t-shirt...She LOVES the Cowboys!!



Part II of her gift was spending some time with her newest grandson...(my brother's son)...

My PawPaw was able to come to the party and he also got to spend some time with his namesake...and 10th great-grandchild...

I love family names. My grandmother, mom & sister shared the name Catherine; my brother shares his name with my dad and grandfather and my kids share middle names with The Coach and I. Do you have a family name? Did you pass one on to your child?

Mosaic Meme

1. What is your first name? Christie 2. What is your favorite food? Mexican @ El Fenix 3. What high school did you go to? Duncanville 4. What is your favorite color? Blue 5. Who is your celebrity crush? Emmitt Smith 6. Favorite drink? Mojito 7. Dream vacation? Rome/Vatican 8. Favorite dessert? Homemade German Chocolate Cake 9. What you want to be when you grow up? A witness of God's love & amazing power 10. What do you love most in life? My Lord from whom all blessings flow 11. One Word to describe you? Thinker 12. One hobby of yours? Reading

So...now it's your turn. I hope, like me, you learn how to do new things and enjoy your creation. Here's how: a. Type your answer to each of the questions above into Flickr Search. b. Using only the first page, pick an image. c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd’s mosaic maker. d. Save image to hard drive and post to blogger. e. Copy HTML code for flickr photo credits and paste into blogger at the bottom of the post.


Thanks Jessica & +JMJ+ for taking the lead! It was fun!

1. http://www.flickr.com/photos/xgray/1162074890/">pink wall with railing, 2. http://www.flickr.com/photos/andrewtreynolds/379462596/">El Fenix 12x Zoom, 3. http://www.flickr.com/photos/dallas_nikon/2308222778/">Duncanville H S, 4. http://www.flickr.com/photos/petervanallen/486476524/">The Chesil Beach at Portland - Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, 5. Untitled, 6. Mojito, 7. http://www.flickr.com/photos/bluejeans/351027670/">Statue of St. Peter, 8. http://www.flickr.com/photos/mav_port2port/2544207825/">a birthday cake, 9. Astonishing*, 10. http://www.flickr.com/photos/iko/106957481/">Plus haut, 11. http://www.flickr.com/photos/fotogrotto/64900293/">thinking up a storm, 12. http://www.flickr.com/photos/erikvanhannen/2143007559/">The Old Library

Monday Link Love

• BooMama is asking if you are a swimmer or a sideliner?
• Whittaker Woman has confessed she doesn't do 'moving water' very well these days.
• Big Mama has some fabulous skin care advice from her 90 yr old grandmother.

How's your summer going?

Frugal Friday Tip

I am a member of our local Freecycle group and last summer a lady posted that she had a box of old gourmet cooking magazines. I love to be in the kitchen so I knew I could put those to good use. I was dreaming of all the fabulous recipes I'd be trying out in my new kitchen. I knew that I would tear out the 'good ones' and create a notebook of my new found favorites. What I didn't expect I'd receive was this...

Kitchen decor! The Cook's Country magazines have beautiful full-color photo's on the front. I cut out 6 of my favorites (trying to vary the colors utilized) and took myself to the nearest Dollar Tree. I found this burgundy wood frames and they happened to have 6! Bingo!

Now I have unique & colorful wall decor in my kitchen for a whoppin' $6!!

Check out more Frugal Friday tips at Biblical Womanhood.

The Walls Are Closing In On Me

One year ago we made the decision to move from the city to the "country". We are 30 minutes away from the big city and 10 minutes from the closest grocery store in a small suburb near us. Because I do not work outside the home I occasionally feel a little claustrophobic...even in our nearly 2700 sq ft! Especially this summer. I go to church on Sundays and the rest of our activities are here in our little community. I venture out to pick up groceries or occasionally pick up fast food from our limited options. Last week while The Coach was gone to football camp I got it really bad. I needed to see traffic, some tall buildings, maybe a restaurant and possibly visit TCBY.

I love my man. He was tired when he came home on Thursday so I let him sleep for about 6 hours. (He had been gone 6 days and they were practicing 3x/day in 100-degree temps!) On Friday morning I let him sleep in. Friday afternoon we lounged around the house just enjoying the fact that he was back home with us. By 3 or 4pm I was getting a little antsy. The Coach loaded the children into the car and took us for a drive into the city. ahhhhhh, relaxation. I know it sounds sooo crazy, but seeing this made me so happy!

We drove around our old neighborhood, rolled through a carwash and stopped to get me a Coca-Cola from my favorite...Burger Street. Let me say that I have specific criteria for fountain sodas. They must be in a styrofoam cup (for the insulation) and they must have "good ice". The Coach cannot understand this ice issue, but...Sonic ice pellets - good ice; McDonald's chunk ice - not so much. Burger Street - FABULOUS ice...it's the flaky kind!! Ohhhh, he must love me.

Then we went to see this...

Could She be more beautiful?? The Cathedral Shrine of The Virgin of Guadalupe is the Mother Church of our Diocese and has been standing since 1902! Can you see me beam with pride...what a piece of architecture! ;-)

We attended the Chrism Mass here in 2004 and the Rite of Election during our RCIA process.

We ended our city-adventure by eating an early dinner at El Fenix...my absolute favorite restaurant!!

So that concludes my "day out". Do you ever feel the walls closing in on you?

Today's Post Is Brought To You By The Letter "F"...

...Friends, Family, Fun...

My sister and a friend came over on Wednesday (I'm a little late in posting since The Coach has come home! :) !! ) and the kids - all 6 of them - had a ball. There was swimming, tons of food, a house full of laughter and silliness...well, judge for yourself!

My niece...Shaylee

Caela & her friend Mia

Lunch...Cheeseburger Rolls & Homemade Fries

My sis & her make-up (she HAD to fix her face after swimming) with Caela

The whole motley crew...Jaedon & Andrew (l-r), Genna (pink), Mia, Caela (w/bow) and Shaylee

Playing with the dogs

Shaylee playing with Aunt Christie's camera...look, it does black & white...

Aunt Shell's new do (in sepia no less) :)

Genna

I hope your Family is enjoying a Fabulous summer!!

My favorite word...GIVE-AWAY!

Sew Gracious is hosting a give-away and boy, does she have some great stuff! Check out this beauty...
Really, you should RUN over to her place...contest ends at midnight tonight!!

Girls Night

The Coach has been at football camp this week so the kids and I have taken the opportunity to do some deep cleaning! It has been a lot of hard work...sorting through clothes that no longer fit Caela, sorting through Jaedon's tiny pieces of lego's, transformers & imaginex, and even vacuuming the stairs! My reward for it all....Girls Night! I sent an email to a bunch of ladies from church and invited them over for a movie. I made popcorn & cookies and we all wore our pj's! So fun!

Do you ever have 'girls night'? What's on the schedule?

A Mother's Prayer for her Children

Mary, Mother of Consolation, be with me now as I pray for my children. You, who bore the most perfect Child, know a mother’s concern for her children. You are the finest example of motherhood. Open your heart to my prayer.

There are times, Blessed Mary, when I feel so confused. My love for my children always directs me to do those things each day which will be good for them.

I always try to act in a way which will help them to be better Christians. It is often difficult for me to know what is right. Mary, please guide me through my doubts. Help me to know what is right. Help me to direct and raise my children, not for my own satisfaction, but for the glory of God.

Oh Queen of Heaven, my children are so frail in this world. Help me to guide them to know and love Our Heavenly Father. It is through His will that I have these children. They are truly His gift.

At this time, Blessed Mother of Consolation, I place my children under your care and protection. I know you will help them just as you have helped me. Keep us in your love, always.

Amen.

Tonight I was changing the music on my playlist and Caela came in and started dancing. What ensued was an impromtu dance/photo session. We laughed and danced until bedtime! Enjoy!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Some New Jesus Music

I like music. Had I actually finished college (that's another post) I probably would have a degree in some kind of music. I like lots of different genre's to the exclusion of most rap & country. I don't detest either one, just not my fav's.

So, today when I was surfing the web (because I have nothing better to do, right?) I came across Gretchen Harris. She is a contemporary Catholic musician and some of of her titles include, Prayer of St. Francis, You are Near and others. She has rosary CD and one titled "Sing of Mary".

Perhaps you've already been introduced but this was our first meeting. I like her! She has a very sweet voice...listening to her is peaceful. You might like her too. Seriously.

Pardon Our Mess

Whittaker Woman put it out there today. She thinks we should all confess our dirty little hiding spots. *sigh* I think this could get ugly here in Texas!

Downstairs couch was my first spot to check...
...2 roll-up crayons, a small notepad, emory board, bracelet, snack size ziplock, coupon for dog treats (and it's NOT expired!), a popsicle stick, one piece of popcorn, 2 ponies (pony tail holder), 2 pink "x"'s (for tic-tack-toe), one pink monkey (apparently to some game), a cheez-it (or is it a cheese nip?), 2 dirty socks, and a pile of miscellaneous trash

wow. what can i say? (i'm typing in lowercase now since it's my way of shrinking back a little :))

Next I went upstairs to the "supply closet". When we first moved in a year ago I filled it with pens, pencils, misc office supplies, phone books, etc. I set up 2 wire baskets (one for each child) to collect school work throughout the year and utilized the upper shelfs for some of The Coach's keepsakes. Now it looks like this...

Heather said it best...


I am fine with the fact that I have areas in my house that are just dirty. H



Alright girls...let's see whatcha got! Check out everyone else's dirty little secrets at Whittaker Woman.

Seriously?

The Coach sent the kids to the back yard this afternoon to clean up after the dogs. They had been out there for all of 3 minutes when the arguing began.


Seriously? They are arguing about who gets to pick up the dog poop (key word: poop).

Popcorn, Popcorn! Get Your Popcorn!

About a year ago we were the blessed recipients of a really cool popcorn maker from a generous member of our local Freecycle. It has provided tons of popcorn and some essential entertainment on these (occasionally) boring summer nights.

Veggie is my creative child. He is known for pulling out anything and most everything I've thrown away. Pringles cans, milk jugs, cereal boxes...just about anything can become something important to him. Usually he is willing to part with his creations fairly quickly but they definitely keep him busy for a day or so.

The popcorn stand was a cardboard box in it's former life. It was rescued and resurrected into the piece that you see in a matter of an hour or so. It served it's purpose for one evening and we were sure to capture it on film.

This is a typical day in our house. Do you're kids pull things from the trash? Do you sneak the items into the garbage pail or do you set them aside for creative thinking?

NOTE: Sorry for the picture placement lately. I'm strugglin' with blogger! ugh.

Last week we traveled to Oklahoma City for The Coach's first family reunion in about 12 years! It was fun to see everyone and the weekend seemed like a whirlwind!

We arrived Friday for the picnic at a local park. Tons of food, music & dancing, dominoes and even swimming for the kids. And, of course, no family reunion is complete without the t-shirt!

On Saturday the group split up...adults (who were interested) went to the casino and the rest of us took a group of kids to Incredible Pizza. It's Chuck E. Cheese x 10!! Both Veggie & Saucy ended up with over 400 tickets to be cashed in for the "prizes" that broke in the car! :)

We had a chance to rest for about an hour before we had to get ready for the evening's banquet. Dress for the evening was defined as "dress to impress yourself"...needless to say there were many interpretations of this. Saucy chose a white dress (former flower girl gown) and she looked radiant (if I say so myself).

Veggie wore his khaki's with a blue button-up and a navy jacket...he is getting so big & handsome!

The banquet was a seated meal (with 3 forks!) and when we were finished eating...

("DJ Jazzy J" aka The Coach) :-)

Dancing was enjoyed by all until 10pm or so. Shoes came off and hair went up. If I may be so bold to say, "a good time was had by all"!

Confident Hope

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Rom 15:13

We've Adopted...

...a couple of Boxers! :)

Meet 2yr old best friends Brutus & Precious
(Brutus has white on his muzzle)

These kiddo's are 2 weeks apart in age but have been together since birth. Already we are noticing the unique relationship they have with one another. Brutus is definitely the 'alpha male', and he is an attention hog! Precious seems content to sit back and let him do as he pleases. She is shy and laid back while Brutus is a little more energetic.

Veggie and Saucy were sleeping when The Coach brought the dogs home (they had no idea we were getting dogs) so it was a huge surprise Wednesday morning when they woke up! :) Now I have trouble separating the 4 of them.

Brutus and Precious are pretty attached to each other and still seem a little freaked out to be in a new place with new people. They are so well behaved - now if only my human kids would do the same, right? :)