Christmas 2014

How was your Christmas? Mine was a great! All my favorite things were involved; family, food, and time off work. Here are a few pictures from the past few days....

It looks like the kids have officially outnumbered the adults. 

One more family Christmas before we wrap up Christmas 2014.

Holiday Run

One of the fancy neighborhoods in town has excellent Christmas light displays.Not only are the houses beautiful, but the decorations are very festive.

Last night, Sister #2 and I thought this would be the perfect place for a Holiday Run. We ran 3 miles while viewing the Christmas lights and decorations. Here are some pictures from our run:

We had a lot of fun! I think this might be a new tradition for us. 

Shrimp and Grits

Last night, I tried another new recipe. I made Shrimp and Grits.  A few years ago I spent a long weekend in Gulf Shores, AL. On that trip I had my first taste of Shrimp and Grits. It was delicious!!!! 

When I found this easy Shrimp and Grits recipe I knew I had to try it out.  In my opinion, my Shrimp and Grits were just as good as what I tasted in AL!

This was my first time to prepare shrimp and grits. I was worried one or both would turn out wrong. I must say, both ingredients were simply to prepare. 

If you are looking for something new to try I recommend this dish! I found the recipe on the Food Network's website. 

Reindeer Cookies

Each year I bake goodies for my neighbors and coworkers. This year I'm planning to pass out Reindeer Cookies. Have you seen these on Pinterest? I think they're adorable!!

I think k

Weekend Update with Pictures

Blogger World, I had a busy weekend. I documented all the fun with pictures...

Friday Night Dinner

Canada Travis took me out to dinner. My hamburger was fantastic, and I think he enjoyed his chicken.

Boy Scouts Pancake Breakfast 

Canada Travis is a former Boy Scout. Therefore, each year his family supports the town's Boy Scouts Breakfast. Also, the food is top notch. 

Canada Travis received his own pancakes. You are looking at a pic of his troop number. 

Christmas Parade and Christmas Lights

We were in another parade. I'm becoming quite the parade girl! Later in the evening we enjoyed some festive Christmas lights in Chickasha, OK.

Thunder Game

We all enjoyed a great night of watching basketball. The whole family attended the game, but we sat in different locations. However, we met up at the end of the game for a family picture. I have such a cute family. 

There you have it, another weekend for the books! 

Midweek Review

It's been a busy week. Here's a review of what's been going on in my world...

1. I'm trying to win a competition. 

Starbucks is rewarding one person Starbucks drinks for life! Well, maybe it's for a year? You know, I don't really know. All I know is I'm trying to win!!!

2. I'm trying to win another competition. 

My neighborhood is having a Christmas decoration contest. I decided to participate by hanging a few lights around my house. I thought I was doing pretty good until I checked out the competition. Last night, Sister #2 and I went for a walk to scope out the competition. Let's just say I am not going to win.

3. Christmas cards have been mailed!

4. Wednesday night entertainment.

Who doesn't like a good puppet show? Sister #2 and I's class at church did an awesome job performing their show to an audience. 

 

5. Working out. 

I'm still trying to work off the Irish nachos I ate last Friday. I think it will be a few more days. 

Happ Thursday! It's almost the weekend!

Holiday Hustle

This weekend Sister #1 and I ran a race. 

We both did great! And by great, I mean we finished without dying! 

After we ran 3 miles, we went to my house for breakfast. Canada Travis made us a delicious breakfast!

You can't beat eggs, bacon, and a biscuit! Delicious!!!

Holiday Stress

We all know about Holiday Stress. It creeps up on us every year. If you're like me, the first of December starts out exciting and fun. However, fast forward a week and you'll find me tired, possibly grumpy, and stress eating. It's not pretty.

This week I read an article on ways to prevent Holiday Stress. Some of the tips were pretty good so I thought I'd share with you. 

1. Take a whiff of citrus 

2. Walk away from troubles

3. Go tech-free

4. Turn up the tunes

5. Fit in excerise 

6. Think positive 

7. Stay hydrated 

Here's to a stress free month!

Just say no to mornings

Pepper isn't a fan of cold mornings!

#7

My 100 New Recipe challenge is moving along nicely. Last night, I made recipe #7, Delicious Black Bean Burritos. 

Folks, this is a great weeknight recipe. It's simple, calls for normal ingredients, healthy, and most important TASTY!!!

Here's a couple pics from dinner. Please keep in mind that I am not a food photographer. 

I'm also not a burrito wrapper. It's good to be honest with yourself. Anyway, the recipe is on AllRecipe's website. You should try it out!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

Sunday, Sister #2 made this delicious cookie cake. We had a mini thanksgiving celebration for Sunday Night Dinner.

Blogger World, I'd like to wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!!! I hope it's full of joy, love, and peace. 

I have many blessings in my life....

Each year I'm thankful for my health...

This year I'm very thankful for a job!! When my old company announced closing the doors, I didn't know what would happen. I'm thankful everything worked out for the best. 

Blogger World, enjoy your Thanksgiving!

Weekend Update

Thank goodness it is a short week! I'm still recovering from the weekend. It was a wet and busy weekend. 

Saturday, Canada Travis and I went to the OU football game. We stood in the pouring rain for the Sooners. Crazy! It wasn't all that bad. Since Canada Travis is a former boy scout, we were prepared for rain. 

I might not been the most trendy/fashion forward fan, but at least I was dry. 

The rest of the weekend was spent watching a three day series on National Geographic Channel. Did you happen to catch the series? It was called Eat: The Story of Food. It was very good! 

Well, that was pretty much my weekend. 

Gobble Til' You Wobble

Yesterday, my office introduced me to one of their holiday traditions. It's called Gobble Til' You Wobble. Basically, it's a day where everyone brings food and we eat all day. You can probably guess, I love this new tradition!!! 

To participate I brought Bacon Maple Cookies; which happen to be one of my new recipes.

I'm proud to report they were a huge hit. People were talking about my cookies! 

Here's a picture of the conference room where my department stored our goodies. 

There were about 20 conference rooms around the office with similar amounts of food.

Needless to say, this new company and I are starting off on the right foot!

100 New Recipes

Saturday evening, Canada Travis and I were watching the OU game with a few friends. One of girls in the group told me she's trying 100 new recipes this year. Also, she's keeping track of the recipes on her phone so she can remember everything she's tried. Once I heard her idea I knew I needed to do it too. Therefore, I'm now trying 100 new recipes. I'd like to accomplish this in one year, but I'm not concerned with the time frame.

Last night I tried two new recipe; Cornbread Biscuits and Maple Bacon Cookies. Both turned out great! However, I have 98 more recipes to try. Please send me your favorite recipes.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to Sister #1!

She's one heck of a sister! I'm a lucky girl to have her as one of my sisters!

Winter has arrived

Veterans Day is starting out cold! Yesterday, in OK, it was in the 70s. This morning it was in the 20s. Also, there's a 40 mph wind.

Anyway, today is Veterans Day. Thank you to everyone who has/is serving in the military!! You are awesome!!!!

It makes me happy to see many businesses are offering freebies to our Vets. Here's a few of the freebies...

Free coffee at Starbucks

Free meal at Hooters

Free beer at Old Chicago/ Rock Bottom/ChopHouse

Free pancakes at IHOP

Free haircut at Great Clips

There's many more offers online. Go check them out and thank a Veretan today!!!

Ooh Rah!

Today, is the US Maine Corps 239 birthday.  According to the Marine Corps tradition and Philly history, the Marine Corp was unofficially founded at Tubs Tavern on Water Street as men signed up for the Revoluntionary War.

These men and women deserve a huge birthday party!! 

Back to Work

The vacation life is over. Yesterday, was my first day at my new job. Everything went well. You know, for a first day. I haven't been the new kid in ten years; and being the new kid isn't fun. 

Despite the headache of being the new kid, I think everything will be ok. For starters, I have my own office with real walls. It even comes with a door!!!

Day 6

All good things must come to and end. On Day 6 we decided to come home. Goodbye Texas! It's been fun! I hope to see you very soon. However, I'm very excited to sleep on a bed. I'm sure you understand. 

Day 5

Well, I've made it to Day 5. I must say, this camping thing has been pretty good. I feel like everyday Canada Travis and I have had lots of relaxing time; which is good. Every once in awhile it's nice to just stop and take a break. Today, was that type of day. 

We started out our day doing some fishing. We had no luck, which is why I didn't take any pictures. John Doe #1 is still swimming in the pond. 

Once we realized the fish were not into our new garlic flavored bait we headed into town for some BBQ. 

Cooper's, where we eat BBQ, has fantastic Mac-n-Cheese!! I'm sure going to miss the Mac-n-Cheese when I leave this town. 

Part of our afternoon was spent shopping for granite. I found something I needed; a granite sink. 

It's a very expensive sink, but it looks good. 

Canada Travis and I spent the other part of our afternoon relaxing in the swing while drinking a glass of wine. 

Although, this day has been great my favorite part was dinner. We had hot dogs! I love hot dogs!!! 

Due to modern technology, we ended our day with a Redbox movie in the tent. 

You might think this is cheating, but I don't care. You try camping for five days!!!