Another List...

This one came to me by email and I've decided to post it on the blog. It's similar to last week, but different. The things in bold are those I have done. Feel free to copy. And let me know you're playing along!

The Bucket List
Things you have done during your lifetime.

Gone on a blind date
Skipped school
Watched someone die
Been to Canada
Been to Mexico
Been to Florida
Been to Hawaii
Been on a plane
Been lost
Gone to Washington , DC
Swam in the ocean
Cried yourself to sleep
Played cops and robbers
Recently colored with crayons
Sang Karaoke
Paid for a meal with coins only
Been to the top of the St. Louis Arch
Done something you told yourself you wouldn't
Made prank phone calls
Been down Bourbon Street in New Orleans
Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose
Caught a snowflake on your tongue
Danced in the rain
Written a letter to Santa Claus
Been kissed under the mistletoe
Watched the sunrise with someone
Blown bubbles
Gone ice-skating
Gone to the movies
Been deep sea fishing
Driven across the United States alone
Been in a hot air balloon
Been sky diving
Gone snowmobiling
gone jet skiing
Lived in more than one country
Laid outside at night and admired the stars while listening to the crickets
Seen a falling star and made a wish
Enjoyed the beauty of Ole Faithful Geyser
Walked on a Glacier
Sewn a quilt
Seen the Statue of Liberty
Gone to the top of Seattle Space Needle
Been on a cruise
Traveled by train
Traveled by motorcycle
Been horse back riding
Ridden on a San Francisco Trolley
Been to Disneyland or Disney World
Truly believe in the power of prayer
Been to the top of an active volcano and seen hot lava
Been in a rain forest
Seen whales in the ocean
Been to Niagara Falls
Ridden on an elephant
Swam with dolphins

And 26 questions....

1. Any nickname: yes Angel
2. Mother's name? Wanda
3. Favorite drink? Chai
4. Body piercings? No
5. How much do you love your job? Love it!
6. Birthplace? Omaha, NE
7. Favorite vacation spot? Hawaii
8. Ever been to Africa ? No
9. Ever eaten just cookies for dinner? Yes
10. Ever been on TV? yes
11. Ever steal any traffic signs? no
12. Ever been in a car accident? yes
13. Drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle? 4 door
14. Can you drive a standard shift car? no
15. Favorite pie? Apple
16. Favorite number: 7
17.Favorite movie(s)?
18. Favorite holiday? Christmas
19. Favorite dessert? Deep Fried Cheesecake
20. Favorite food? Anything with corn
21.Favorite day of the week? Sunday
22 Favorite brand of body soap? Anything Bath & Body Works (vanilla scented especially)
23.Favorite toothpaste? Colgate
24.Favorite smell? Vanilla!
25. How do you relax? Stamp
26. How do you see yourself in 10 years? In a country home in KS with hubby and a few grandkids running around :-)

This week, our MHR hostess has offered a prompt for this "My Husband Rocks" Friday. We're to "remember the moment or the circumstances that led to knowing that you were going to marry the man who became your husband."
Whew! THAT was over 23 years ago and I was very young... younger than any of my own children now. But, I do know that Kevin has always been so sweet and kind to me. He has always treated me like a princess and made me feel loved. I don't remember the exact moment I fell in love with him, but it happened very quickly. (We met in July and were married in December.)
I know that I felt protected and safe whenever I was with him. I still do.
Last night after working all day, Kevin came home and went right outdoors and fired up the grill and made dinner for us. He shows me love in so many ways. My husband ROCKS!

A Wordless Wendesday Blue Jay!

Photo Challenge

I've been tagged by Becky! This is a photo challenge. We've done this before I know. But this one was a different folder!
You are supposed to go to your 6th folder in your pictures and pick the 6th pic in that folder and post it.
I had to play. It's always exciting to see what photo you'll find.
This one was my younger son Brian about a year ago before he came for a visit. He was trying to be incognito so we wouldn't recognize him. He looks a bit mean here, but I assure you he is the sweetest guy! He's so fun!

I'm supposed to tag 6 friends now!
Peggy, Tracy, Lynn, Linda, Kelly and Jami...
Please play if you have time!

Menu Monday

Nothing too complicated on this week's menu! We ended up going out one day last week and not eating everything on the menu so you may notice a couple of repeats.

Crockpot Monday
Pizza Rice*

Soup on Tuesday
Taco Soup

Chicken Wednesday
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Thursday
Sloppy Joe Pasta

Friday
Chili Dogs
Mac n Cheese

Saturday
Teriyaki Chicken
Teriyaki Pasta

Sunday
Pizza

*Pizza Rice
{a new dish for us so I can't vouch for it}
2 cups white rice (uncooked)
3 cups chunky pizza sauce
(I could not find CHUNKY so I bought cheap pizza sauce and some Italian diced tomatoes)
2 & 1/2 Cups Water
7 oz can mushrooms (undrained)
4 oz pepperoni (we're using seasoned cooked hamburger)
1 cup grated cheese
(I always add more cheese than a recipe calls for!)
Combine rice, sauce, water, mushrooms and meat in slow cooker or crockpot.
Stir. Cover. Cook on low 10 hours or on high for 6 hours. Sprinkle with cheese before serving.

100 Things I Have Done (Or Not Done)

I saw this list of 100 things first at Katy Lin's blog then at my BFF Peggy's blog. I had nothing better to post today so here I am playing along. Everything that is in BOLD I've done.
Play along if you like, but be sure to let me know in a comment so I can see YOUR list!
1. Started your own blog. x3
2. Slept under the stars.
3. Played in a band.
4. Visited Hawaii.
5. Watched a meteor shower.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to Disneyland.
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a praying mantis.
10. Sang a solo.
11. Bungee jumped.
12. Visited Paris.
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch.
15. Adopted a child.
16. Had food poisoning.
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty.
18. Grown your own vegetables.
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France.
20. Slept on an overnight train.
21. Had a pillow fight.
22. Hitch hiked.
23. Taken a sick day when you're not sick.
24. Builta snow fort.
25. Held a lamb.
26. Gone skinny dipping.
27. Run a marathon.
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice.
29. Seen a total eclipse.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset.
31. Hit a home run. Does Wii count?
32. Been on a cruise.
33. Seen Niagra Falls in person.
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors.
35. Seen an Amish community.
36. Taught yourself a new language.
37. Had enough money to truly be satisfied.
38. Seen the leaning tower of Pisa in person.
39. Gone rock climbing.
40. Seen Michelangelo's David.
41. Sung karaoke.
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt.
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant.
44. Visited Africa.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight.
46. Been transported in an ambulance.
47. Had your portrait painted.
48. Gone deep sea fishing.
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person.
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling.
52. Kissed in the rain.
53. Played in the mud.
54. Gone to a drive-in theater.
55. Been in a movie.
56. Visited the Great Wall of China.
57. Started a business.
58. Taken a martial arts class.
59. Visited Russia.
60. Served in a soup kitchen.
61. Sold Girl Scout cookies.
62. Gone whale watching.
63. Gotten flowers for no reason.
64. Donated blood, platelets, or plasma.
65. Gone sky diving.
66. Visited a Nazi concentration camp.
67. Bounced a check.
68. Flown in a helicopter.
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy.
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial.
71. Eaten caviar.
72. Pieced a quilt.
73. Stood in Times Square.
74. Toured the Everglades.
75. Been fired from a job.
76. Seen the changing of the guards in London.
77. Broken a bone.
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle.
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person.
80. Published a book.
81. Been to the Vatican.
82. Bought a brand new car.
83. Walked in Jerusalem.
84. Had your picture in the paper.
85. Read the entire Bible.
86. Visited the White House.
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating.
88. Had Chicken pox.
89. Saved someone's life.
90. Sat on a jury.
91. Met someone famous.
92. Joined a book club.
93. Lost a loved one.
94. Had a baby.
95. Seen the Alamo in person.
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake.
97. Been involved in a lawsuit.
98. Owned a cell phone.
99. Been stung by a bee.
100. Read an entire book in one day.

My Husband Rocks!

My hubby really does rock! He's the best. I feel bad that I haven't posted this meme in a while. It's not because my hubby isn't wonderful. He is!

For the last several weeks our MHR hostess has been offering a prompt which is sometimes a very helpful start to a post! I've read them each week, but haven't been spending very much time blogging so I didn't participate.
I have decided I am not going to follow this week's prompt. Maybe I'll start that next week. [I really doubt anyone reads this blog anymore anyway so I'm just talking to myself here.]
I've been married to Kevin for over 23 years. It doesn't feel like it though. For most of those years I was such a selfish brat. Kevin loved me through it all. He calls me spoiled. And I tell him it's his fault- he spoiled me. I sure wish I could go back in time and truly show my appreciation for this man who does NOT have a selfish bone in his body. He really would give you the shirt off his back. He's THAT kind of guy!
I was married in December of 1985. I started changing in 2001 when I met my Savior, Jesus Christ. That's 16+ years of selfishness. Selfishness and pride is something I work on daily so it's not gone, by any means. But God is in my heart now and hopefully He shines through me more than the selfish me!
I guess what I am trying to say is my husband rocks because he has stayed in love with me even though I have been so unlovable.
Do you know what he does?
Kevin gets up very early to go to work. Even though I always go to bed at the same time as him, I stay in bed sleeping while he gets ready. Our master bath has only a toilet- the sink portion is sort of part of our bedroom...kinda like a hotel room if that makes sense. He uses only the little bit of light from the bathroom to shave and get ready by so he doesn't bother me (selfish me). He always kisses me good-bye before he leaves. He knows I wake up very thirsty so he always leaves me a cold water at my bedside. Isn't he sweet???
I think he's the best!

Thankful Thursday

I have so many things to be thankful for.
But, today I am feeling humbly blessed that my hubby has a good job and steady income. So many people are struggling, losing their jobs and wondering how they're going to make ends meet in today's economy. Watching the news is scary as you see more and more layoffs and businesses closing. Those are people and families and I pray for those who are being affected.
Lately, Kevin has been thinking of retiring. He has crunched the numbers to see where we stand. Thankfully he doesn't have to retire yet.
For that I am thankful to God from whom ALL blessings flow!

A Wordless Wednesday Junco!

Tackle it Tuesday

Starting back to my weekly posts.... and starting SMALL!
My tackle today was to clean off my desk and STAMP! Here I am ready to stamp as soon as I finish my short post!
Here is the said desk
BEFORE

And
AFTER! Yeah for me!
Now for Part 2- to stamp.
Hopefully I will post on my stamping blog this afternoon!
Have a blessed day!

(On a totally unrelated note:
A bird just flew into the window. That happens at least once a day. Poor things!)

Menu Monday

I really hope to get back to my weekly features. It's fun to do and gives me motivation!
I've got my menu already planned for a few weeks anyway.
Here is this week!

Monday

Beef Stew* (*recipe follows)

Tuesday
Grilled Ham & Cheese
Tomato Soup

Wednesday
Chicken Fried Rice

Thursday
Sloppy Joe Pasta

Friday
Pigs in a Blanket
Mac n Cheese

Saturday
Teriyaki Chicken
Teriyaki Noodles

Sunday
Enchiladas

*Beef Stew (in Crock Pot)
1.5 lbs Stewing Meat
16 oz pkg frozen veggies (carrots, corn, peas)
4 lg potatoes, cubed

3 stalks celery chopped
1 bay leaf
1 onion, chopped
1 can stewed tomatoes of your choice (Italian works well)
8 oz can tomato sauce
2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Put meat in bottom of crock pot or slow cooker. Layer frozen vegetables and potatoes over meat. Mix remaining ingredients in bowl and pour over other ingredients. Cover. Cook on low heat 6-8 hours.

Have a fabulous week!

Weighing In....

Long time no post again. There's not really been anything to blog about.
I started my diet on Monday. And I did find the Wii Fit on Tuesday and it's been VERY motivating for me. If you know me, you know I lost a lot of weight a couple of years ago. I have since gained most of it back. So sad to say.
I was still working out for the most part, but I guess I love food way too much. The holidays brought me FIVE extra pounds to try and get off. Why? I made 2 pans of this heavenly candy that tastes like a Snickers candy bar and I think I ate the majority of it myself! Seriously!
Yesterday I had an idea. I remembered the "Deal-a-Meal" plan that came out back in the 80s I think. I always thought that it might actually work for me, but never had the money to buy it. SO, I made my own version of it yesterday.
It's a small folder with 2 pockets inside. Every morning the cards start off in the START side and ideally most will end up in the FINISH side at the end of the day.
I figured out what foods I should eat each day and made a card for each one.
I think this could be different for everyone, but my cards are:
9 cards for bottles of water- my goal for the day and a key to losing weight for me! 100 calorie snack in the AM
100 calorie snack in the PM
I have tons of these snacks, but my favorites are
yogurt covered raisins, chocolate covered pretzels and mozzarella cheese sticks. Breakfast
1 small meal (lunch or dinner)
Slimfast Bar or Shake
Vegetable
Fruit
(when the 100 calorie snacks are done for the day and I am still hungry, I can have a fruit or vegetable- carrots, apple, grapes, celery, etc)
Then I have 3 bonus cards with "rules". Cup of Chai- every other day and only if I am up by 7 am
(I am trying to cut back on my Chai)
An Exercise Freebie card- a small piece of chocolate or extra piece of fruit ONLY if I have exercised
Skinny Cow or low cal ice cream dessert- Only if I have drank all my water, NOT had a chai and it is before 9 PM
These will motivate me!
I debated on whether to share this. It's kind of silly. But I really think it will work for me and maybe someone else out there too. It's similar to counting points for weight watchers. When they're gone, they're gone, right? But, I hate counting points and writing down each detail. Moving a card from one side to the other.... that I can handle!
I'd love to hear you thoughts!

Facebook

Are you on Facebook?
The world seems to be on Facebook!
I signed up for an account several years ago, but my kids talked me out of keeping it. They didn't think it was "cool" for parents to be on Facebook. But, yesterday I caved in to peer pressure (JK, Peg) and re-opened my Facebook account. If you are on Facebook send me a friend request!

All the Rage!

Have you heard of the Wii Fit? I got one for my anniversary! Well, let me rephrase that. Kevin had to tell me I was going to get one for our anniversary. IF they are ever in stock. They are extremely popular right now and nobody seems to be able to keep them on the shelf. Case in point- we were at Target yesterday and were just browsing through the store. We slowly made our way over to the Electronics department and I looked at the empty shelf and then happened to notice there was a couple there in the aisle with a Wii Fit in their hands! I went and asked an employee if they had any more and he said they just put one on the shelf, but if it was gone, they were out. I stuck around for a few minutes, just in case the couple decided it was out of their budget and put it back. hahaha During the few minutes I was there, several people came to the department looking for one. One guy was outraged because he had called and they told they had one and he drove all the way there only to miss out on it. They would not hold it for him per store policy.
Game Stop told us they get at least one a week, but they sell very fast. I believe it comes with everything you need to play, but there are also games you can purchase separately.
I'm anxious to get one, but I am also okay with waiting. I'm keeping my eye on Sears.com as we have almost the exact amount we need left on our Heroes at Home Sears gift card.
In case you aren't familiar with it at all here is a link to a great review of the Wii Fit. And here is Nintendo's Official site for the Wii Fit with some great info.
If you ARE familiar and you've played with one yourself, I'd love to hear from you! Tell me what you think!

Trixie

Jake and Megan adopted their little beagle Trixie last April. We didn't get to meet her until last week. As I mentioned in my last post, I wasn't sure what to expect when they said they were bringing her with them for Christmas.
I've never been a dog person really. When I was growing up we had 2 dogs that I remember.. a Collie named Cheyenne and a Schnauzer named Toby. I don't remember having either of them for very long. So, I've never had the opportunity to really love a dog.
Trixie really changed things up around here. Kevin has always been good with dogs and Trixie really took to him right away. As I've said, we are seriously considering getting a puppy within the next year. I want a smaller dog, one that does NOT bark much. Cuteness is a priority of course. I hope we can be as lucky as Jake and Megan to get a sweet dog like Trixie.
I've been looking at Beagles or Schnauzers, but am up for other ideas as well. Anyone have a suggestion?
Here are some cute pictures of Trixie while she was here.
Napping on Kevin's lap....
Getting ready to go out. Talk about puppy dog eyes.....
Ready to go home....That's all from me for today.
Hope you all have a great week!
BLESSINGS~
Angel

Long Time No Post = Long Post

Happy New Year everybody!
I've not posted in 11 days! I've tried to savor every minute of my kids visit! Sadly Jake, Megan and their sweet beagle Trixie left this morning. (Brian is still here for one more week.) We played lots of games, did lots of shopping, ate lots of food and truly enjoyed their visit! Megan taught Katie and I how to make a new craft. I can't show you just yet as I made one to send to a certain young man who reads my blog. It's pretty darn cool though!
Here are some pics of our visit to Swan Lake on Wednesday.

Jake made us his fabulous Stir-Fry for dinner one night.

It was SO delicious!

Trixie was such a treat.

I wasn't sure what to expect when Jake told me they were bringing their dog. But, she was so well-behaved.

Jake has taught her lots of tricks. She never barked unless Jake told her to "speak". She didn't have any accidents until the last night here. She had just went outside though so we think maybe she has a bladder infection. Coincidentally, so do I. *sigh*
We caught the puppy bug I think. We're looking at adopting one of our own. Probably when Katie goes off to college.
Kevin REALLY spoiled the puppy. I can see that he will be spoiling our grandkids rotten some day. Unfortunately, that day will not be as soon as we had thought. Sadly, we found out a couple of weeks before their visit that Megan had miscarried. She later found out that her pregnancy had been a rare "Partial Molar" pregnancy. Her health will have to be monitored closely over the next year and she will not be able to get pregnant again any time soon. That was a big shock and hit them a little hard I think. Us too. We had really gotten excited about the thought of being grandparents. It WILL happen, but in due time (God's timing). Your thoughts and prayers for Jake and Megan are greatly appreciated. They had Christmas and their trip here to help distract them temporarily.
Speaking of Christmas, we celebrated as soon as they arrived last Sunday afternoon.

I think everyone was delighted with their gifts. The aftermath was something else!

Most of the week the weather was just gorgeous. I hope the weather stays good for their trip home.
We miss them already.