Madi's 11th Birthday Party

When birthday's come around I do my best to avoid parties.  Too many   children in one small confined space is not my thing.  I especially avoid sleep overs.  I can't stay up all night and I can't leave a group of pre-teen girls unsupervised.  I may be a bit of a control freak!

When we started out planning I decided I would give in and allow them to stay over all night.  By the week of the party before sending out invitations, I panicked and backed out.  I talked her into one evening full of fun.  I researched some party ideas online for the pre-teen.  I knew I would need to have them busy or they might get out of control.  I found one web-site that recommended a cooking party.  I thought about it and decided that I could do this.  I had to keep telling myself you can do this, you can do this.  It is only a few hours, you can do this.  I felt like the little engine telling myself over and over.   I made homemade pizza dough and gave each of them enough to make their own pizza.  After cooking the pizzas, we had homemade doughnuts for dessert.  The girls helped to glaze them and add the sprinkles.  I actually survived the evening and enjoyed being around the girls.  One down, one to go?!

      

      !!

OU Football Game

Saturday, November 13th, 2010

We were lucky enough to be given tickets to the OU football game against Texas Tech.  (Thanks so much Cindy!)  As much as it pains me to say this, it was a really fun, even though I am a Cowboys fan.  Anytime I can see Texas get beat it is great.  The truth be told I'm a person that is a fan of several teams.  I root for OU as long as they aren't playing against OSU.  I don't get to wound up or yell and scream too often.  LOL! But next weekend may be another story.   I am pulling for the boys next weekend.  They deserve the win.  They are rockin this year.  Having a 10-1 season I would say watch out OU. 

Back to the game.  We had an awesome time.  The kids loved it and couldn't believe how big the stadium was.  Parker and Madison both wanted to move to higher seats.  Parker took pictures of where he wants to sit next time!

Parker wants to be at the very tip top.  He said the higher the better!  I think he has mistaken this with the penthouse suites, not stadium seats!

Madison was a little grumpy, she stayed up way too late the night before at a slumber party.  She needs to get her rest to be a pleasant person.  I have no idea where she gets that?:) 

       

  

 

As I was cropping these pictures, I noticed the guy guy cheesing in the background.  Too funny, couldn't crop this one because it made me laugh.  Madison was more interested in what her friends were doing than who was winning the game.  Parker said "Say Cheese"  so I guess the guy in the background was just doing as told! HAHA

 

 

GO POKES!!!  Sorry just couldn't help myself!

Parents vs. Storm Soccer Game

October 26th, 2010

With all the craziness in the end of soccer season, I forgot to post about the end of season parent game.  The boys coach always has them scrimmage against the parents.  The boys love it!  It gives the parents a chance to realize how hard it is to actually play soccer. 

                     

                       

     

Just Because

Chris loves cake so much I think sometimes he thinks about getting married again just to have wedding cake.  I know he doesn't really want another wife. The one he has is probably hard enough to deal with. Hah  He loves white cake with white frosting.  I shouldn't say just white frosting.  There is a certain type that he prefers.  I think it is just the Wilton Buttercream.  It may even be made with Crisco, who knows but you know the stuff.  The amazing white cake icing that you get from the bakery.  The chain store white icing doesn't count or qualify if you are Chris.  It has to be the good stuff.  So after we had Paula's birthday and Jarrett's birthday I decided he was special enough to deserve a special surprise.  Two birthday's and he said he only got a single piece of cake!   If you know Chris you see that this is a funny statement.  One piece for him is usually as big as several pieces to the rest of us.I called the cake maker Christina and asked her to make up a cake for Chris.  She asked if it was his birthday and I said nope, this is just because.  Just because........I am hard to live with......I can be a witch.......I love my husband...........He deserves something to smile about........I know that this cake is his very favorite and I am to busy to make it myself.  So Just Because.  Isn't that something to celebrate?  It is for Chris!

 

                   

Shopping with Parker

Last Saturday, we went grocery shopping at Elk City.  We went to check out the new Wal-Mart.  I know woo hoo!  What an exciting thing, not really.  I am being facetious.  I just didn't know what to do on a Saturday with out soccer.  Parker isn't the easiest child to manage while shopping even though he is almost nine.  Sometimes I ask myself, why did he come along?  He doesn't shop unless he is shopping for himself.  I try to accommodate him the best I can.  We looked at the toys, hunting, and sporting goods.  But after that I am out of options.  Once we move onto the food he is getting a little antsy.  Unless we look at the junk food.   The boy loves junk food.  So to make it interesting for him I let him pick out a few things.  When we were on the cookie isle he says, "Mom, we have got to get some of those cricket cookies. They are so good!"  So we look at every cookie possible and he says that's them, right there with the elf!"  When I saw the name I cracked up.  Grasshopper cookies!  I love my son.  He says some of the cutest things.  Cricket cookies!!!!!  Too cute!

  

       

Salt Plains Deer Hunting Trip

November 5th-7th, 2010

        

Every year the state of Oklahoma has a special drawing for areas in the Wildlife Management Areas that are only hunted if you are drawn in.  Chris and his buddies put their names in the drawing and just wait to see if they get a chance to go.  There are several details that I don't understand about all of the draw.  They gain preference points and have better odds the more times they put in for the draw.  Blah, blah, blah.....  Anyway, they were drawn this year for a hunt in the north part of the state close to Jay, Oklahoma.  Chris said that the Salt Plains is a very interesting area.  A must see for all in the state.   I'm hoping that he takes the kids and I there this spring to dig for salt crystals.  He and Corey both got their deer quota, a doe and buck.  

Their aren't too many areas for them to stay near the Salt Plains so they decided to camp.  Roughing it for three whole days.  Not really my thing for full weekend but something happens to my husband when deer season opens. 

          

I call it deer fever.  He absolutely looses his mind.  All logical thought process is disturbed by the though to antlers. They get all pumped up and crazy.  The words of a TV hunter...BBD....Big Buck Down, Baby. This must be said in a low, growling voice with just the right enthusiasm.  If you haven't ever heard this, let me just say that I am sure that your missing out!  LOL All in all they had a really good time and enjoyed the male bonding time together!

Soonerfest Soccer Tournament

Halloween took second place this weekend to soccer.  When I think about it just about everything from the first part of September is scheduled around soccer. 

The annual Soonerfest Tourn. was held on Oct. 30 and 31.at the Norman Youth Soccer Complex.    We started Saturday off with 4 games.  Madison's team went into the tournament undefeated.  Parker's team had a challenging season.  Moving up to U10 has given them a lot of areas to improve on.  They are a good little team, just have more to learn this season.  They did win against Hobart and Clinton during regular season so that is a great accomplishment.   

We had a great weekend.  Parker had some interesting things happen in his games.  One game got particularly rough and a boy jumped on Parker on the field.  He tackled him down and was pounding him.  And why do I love this sport?  I'm not sure.  The boy was red carded and wasn't able to play the rest of the game.  I think Parker was actually just playing fair in this case but not so much in the game on Sunday.  He was the one that was yellow carded.

        

Madison's team won both of the games on Saturday and also won their game Sunday morning to move on to the finals game that afternoon.  Sunday turned out to be a great day for soccer.  Madison's team won and placed first in the tournament. 

        

Power Balance Craze

Everyone is wearing a bracelet called a Power Balance band. Everywhere you look you can find someone wearing one.  A craze like this has happened another time.  Before the Power Band it was the copper bracelet. 

Quoted from the Power Balance Web Site:

Power Balance is Performance Technology designed to work with your body’s natural energy field. Founded by athletes, Power Balance is a favorite among elite athletes for whom balance, strength and flexibility are important. 

Power Balance is based on the idea of optimizing the body’s natural energy flow, similar to concepts behind many Eastern philosophies. The hologram in Power Balance is designed to resonate with and respond to the natural energy field of the body.

“This product gets me tremendous results, it really makes a difference. As a starting pitcher balance is essential in repeating your delivery, instead of falling off towards the plate I am able to maintain much better balance throughout my leg kick. Also, you need core strength and endurance for everything and in going through my routines there is no doubt I feel better with the product on than when I don’t have it. I have no doubt PB in going to get me to the next level.”

-SCOTT KAZMIR

 

 

Chris and Mike have decided that if you make a claim and get people to support you publicly, anyone will buy into it.  So they decided to make their own, more economical version of the bracelet.  I would say it's the Dave Ramsey version of the Power Balance Band.  Chris calls his the SUPERBAND.  It makes you feel super and helps your balance just as well as the name brand.  His is so super, it has two names.  He is also calling his a Fall Prophylactic.  I think all of this saving and spend thriftiness may have gone to his brain!

 

Sock Monkeys

For our day together on Fall Break, the kids and I decided to make sock monkeys.  We went to Alco to get the supplies. Our list consisted of buttons, socks, and polyfill.  Who knew it was going to take an act of Congress to find socks here in town.  I know this is off the subject, but Alco is a MESS!  We dug through tub after tub looking for the perfect pair and came up empty handed.  We decided to try K-Mart.  Mission accomplished, we found the socks!  We ate lunch and then we got started on the project.

                     

                     

We had so much fun!  Nanny said, "I've never made a sock monkey."  Me either.  It was an interesting day.  Madison and Parker did the stuffing and Nanny and I did the sewing part.  

     

                

I've never done any sewing of any kind.  Probable not even a button.  It took a while.  I'm not a seamstress, but I actually enjoyed this project.  I think I may have to try sewing again!  Nanny is usually great at sewing but her arthritis is getting the best of her hands.  She said laughing, after we finished, "Theses monkeys would probably look better if they said "MADE IN CHINA",  my handwork is terrible!"

Here is the finished project. 

            

                                   George and Esmerelda

Two Lessons

1.  When buying a house, make sure when you take possession that you have a key for every door.

2. Don't hurry.  When you hurry, you can forget some things causing you to waste time making more than one trip to do one task.

How I learned these lessons, all in one days events. 

Today was a crazy day at work.  Not only do I deal with the normal everyday stuff that goes on, but today, I had to deal with my heathen children!  About 3:45 this afternoon, Madison calls me and says, "Mom, Parker locked me out!"  I was very busy, several customers were waiting on their prescriptions.  I tell her I'll call you right back, I have people waiting on me, I'm sorry, stay where you are I'll deal with this in a minute!.  I know, I know, I shouldn't put my kids after work, but when you have all these people standing around, you have to deal with them or else.  So after the crowd clears, I head straight to the house to deal with the next pressing issue, MY CHILDREN!!   When I drive up I see that there are several sodas on the porch but no children.  I look around and spot that there bikes are at the village.  I proceed to the front door, and sure enough the screen door is locked.  I go the the door in the garage next, yep you got it, it's locked too!  So, I go back to the car to retrieve the keys, assuming I have a key for the doors.   You know what the old saying is about assumption, guess what?  I don't have a key for either of the doors.  I look around the garage for any tool to break in to my own house.  Nothing.  I can't find anything.  And thanks to Dave, I have no credit cards to break in.  At this point, I must stop and ask the Lord and my neighbors to forgive me, because I did do a little yelling.  I am so mad at this point.  I have now wasted twenty minutes trying to break into my own house.  I want to scream, well maybe I did.  When Grammie arrives to the house, I get a card from her.  She had an insurance card, at least it is good for something.  Finally, I was able to break in and get back to work.  As I hurried out of the pharmacy, Chris asked me to stop buy the Co-op while I was out.   I head right over to get the horse feed.  I am on a mission.  I get there and realize that in my hurry, I left my purse at the Pharmacy.  I can't even pay for the feed.  I am so mad and embarrassed at this point.  I go back to work and decide to try the Co-op again later. 

Pioneer Woman Perfect Au Gratin Potatoes

I made these potatoes for dinner tonight and they were great!  I must share the recipe for all.  If you haven't checked out her website, do it now.  Don't hesistate!  She is a great blogger!   www.thepioneerwoman.com  She is a fabulous chef!  She has so many recipes that I would recommend.  I have made several of her potato recipes and they are all fabulous.  The potato bundles, her mashed potatoes (to die for), and now the au gratin potatoes.

The thing I love most about the mashed potatoes is that you can cook them and dish them up and then bake them later for serving.  It makes it easy when you need to prepare them ahead of time.  I think they will be on my Thanksgiving Holiday Menu.  Good luck to those of you who try these recipes and enjoy!

First Buck of the Season

Chris and Parker went out bow hunting tonight.  Tonight was the first night that they had a chance to go.  Parker is so excited to get one!  They had a wonderful evening in the woods which turned out with a great reward.  They checked it in at the Fire Dept. and finally made it home at about 9:45.  Parker was so hungry and so hyper!  He loves hunting.  It must have been a young deer, only weighing in at 128lbs. dressed out.  But it was a 10 point!  His rack looks strange.  Some of the points stick out of the back.  Not a trophy buck for most, but a definite trophy in our house.   Parker wouldn't care if it only had 2 points!  He was pumped that they got a buck.  

Saturday, October 18, 2010

                       

Saturday was a busy day for us.  Madison had two soccer games. Both of Parker's were postponed until the next week.  I guess I am a little late on posting this, because another Saturday has passed since I started this.  Madison has a new team this year.  She is part of the Comets team.  They have three games in all and have won all three.  I am so proud of Madison.  She played so good!  She actually scored in both games!!  Nanny has tagged along with us to all of the games so far.  I know we are about to wear her out.  We have to walk a lot and it hasn't been so cool at any of the games so far.  I just love this picture of her.  I really think she resembles her dad.  She looks like him more and more everyday.

         

          

         

Grammie's Birthday

                 

Last Wednesday was Grammie's birthday and we had a delicious cake.  If you ever need a birthday cake look no further than here in our wonderful town of Cordell!  We are so lucky to have Kris making these cakes here.  It turned out so cute and it tasted good too! 

Supporting America Cancer Society

        

Last Friday night was the Are You Tough Enough? football game in support of the America Cancer Society.  Part of the proceedsof the t-shirt sales went directly to the Cancer Society.  Are you tough enough to wear pink?  We are!  The crowd was covered in pink.  The cheerleaders and football players were in support as well. 

            

Pray for the Children

I hope that we aren't damaging our children.  Tonight completes the first week of doing the Financial Peace Jr. with our kids.  After last weeks lesson, we decided to start teaching our children one of the best lessons that we can other than biblical lessons.  I feel that educating them about how to spend, save, and give is vitally important.  I pray that what we teach them sticks with them and they put it to good use.  We have started the 401 DAVE plan with both of them, giving them fair warning about the purchase of their first car.  We will match 100% of what they save for a car.

Each week the kids have a set amount of jobs and we pay them a wage for a job well done.  It teaches us in the bible if you don't work, you don't eat.  Too many feel that they get a check in the mail because they deserve it.  I feel that if you are capable of working, get out there and work.  Make a wage and pay your own way.

After a full week of this, it seems to be going really well.  Madi and Parker have done a great job.  Both have completed their jobs and got paid tonight.  I would say that they are at minimum wage right now.  Madi's first question, "at $1 a job, how am I going to save $4500 dollars?".  I explained that the wage goes up with the difficulty of tasks.  Parker is just glad that we started this now so he has more years to save! 

Goodbye Squeakers

After show and tell with the frog and keeping him around for several days, I talked Parker into letting the frog go in the flower bed.  He begged for me to  take just a few more pictures so he can remember him.   He was nearly in tears.  Am I a mean mother?  Please agree with me,  we can't continue to keep the frog in a small plastic container.  Parker thinks that I am a meany.  He wanted to keep him as a pet.  I love critters, I just don't believe that keeping animals away from nature is the right thing to do.  I want him to live and that means letting him go. 

 

        

           

Strange Calls

This week was week two in Financial Peace class.   While we were there my phone started ringing.  I dug through my purse, grabbed it and answered it as soon as possible.  I didn't even take time to see who was calling.  I whispered hello and quickly got a look from Dave Jr.  He pointed to the kitchen.  So I quietly walk to the kitchen continuing to whisper "Hello".  Why is no one answering me.  "Hello, Who is this?"  I listen closely.  I can hear a voice in the background but still no one is responding to me.  I began to talk louder, thinking that they can't hear me.  One more time, "HELLO".  I listen close this time and I think I hear something, what is that, who is talking?  I listen really close and guess who it was that I was hearing!  It was Dave Ramsey in the background talking.  I realize that Chris's butt was calling me.  I walk back into the room where Chris is watching the video and whisper in his ear, "Hey Dave, it's your butt calling me! Could you please disconnect the call?"  I laughed so hard.  He is always making fun of me for calling people by mistake so now I can give it back to him now!

The Master Griller

                      

We have a joke around our house about grilling.  Chris always does most of the grilling.  I have tried to compete in this area for a while.  But I will never be able to cook as well as Chris.  I always call him the Master Griller.  He does awesome job every time.  I love it when he grills, It makes dinner so much easier for me.  I just have to throw together a side dish and dinner is served.  (It wouldn't matter if he was grilling slop I'd still love it! (anytime I can get out of cooking!  Yippee!!!)

           

Doesn't that just make your mouth water!!  It was yummy!

Another Episode of Design on a Dime

My latest project started this weekend.  Chris and I were sitting on the front porch, enjoying quiet time together, when I noticed how dirty the light was.  I talked Chris into taking it down so we could clean it up a little.  I worked on it a while and mentioned painting it. I don't know how a bird had any room to perch up there and leave so much poo.  Sorry, as PW says "Just keeping it real".  

Chris said we should just stop and put it back up.  He said "We can just buy a new one, that it would be alot easier."  I almost passed out hearing him say this.  Since he transformed into his new Dave persona, you never here let's buy a new one.  The real shocker is I was determined to make this light look like new.  I knew it would look better I just wasn't sure how much better.   It was disguisting how dirty it was.  I couldn't believe it once I got it down and started cleaning it.  It is a wonder the porch was lit at all when it was on.  The glass was so filthy, you couldn't see through it.  After I got it all taken apart I convinced Chris to do the spray painting.  I always seem to end up with runs.  It makes me too nervous.  I didn't want to screw it up at this point, besides I am saving money!  Yeah for me.  Aren't you all so proud of my new frugal attitude?  I think that it turned out as good as new! 

Back to School

Chris and I are going back to school this fall.  No, not really.  It is a actually a fun school.   Back in March, both of us read Total Money Makeover, after that we started a plan to be debt free.  (I actually only read 4 chapters but once Chris read it he was transformed into Dave, so I figure part of the book is better than nothing!)  Yep, totally debt free!  It hasn't been the easiest thing so far but a change for the better.  When we started we cut up every credit card and quit using our debit card.  We have switched over to a cash basis other than the money required for bill paying.

When we found out about the classes at the First United Methodist Church being offered, we decided that we would go.  You can never be overeducated in the area of finance.  I think that most adults could stand a little reform where spending is concerned.  I do have moments that living with the new Dave in my life is trying but for the most part it will be awesome to have no debt.  We do live on a very tight budget.  I mean really tight.  Again, I do believe it is worth it.   I do on regular occasion feel like I am going to scream.  I find myself saying to Chris, "If I hear Dave says one more time, I am going to punch something."  I would never do that but inside I feel that way.  I am not a violent person.  At least no yet.  I do need prayers, I need constant help from the Lord above to continue on this journey.  I know it is going to be a rewarding experience and in the end I know I will be thankful.    I also ask for prayers for everyone in our class.  I want them to be successful, to feel educated and to have progress in their financial situation.  I want them not to feel overwhelmed in the process but to feel accomplished!

If you ever get a chance to attend this class, I would recommend it.

Squeakers

                     

More critters at our house this week.  This time it is a frog.  Parker and Madi went to visit Mike and Cindy Sunday evening while Chris and I were at Handbell practice.  Parker always digs around in Cindy's basement and ended up with a frog that he named Squeakers. ??  Who knows what this boy is going to bring home next.  Both of the kids just love this little guy.  My biggest concern is how long will he stick around?  Maybe it will be like the centipede, only last a week or so.  I hope that I can convince them to release him.  And soon!

                       

Tonight, Parker and Madi have been on the lookout for frog food.  They have found several crickets and a few grasshoppers.  After they ate supper, they decided to go out and play with the frog for awhile.  While I am busy typing and getting blogs ready they decided it was too hot outside for the frog and brought him in to Madi's room to cool off.  

I told the kids it was time to get ready for bed.  I thought that they were both headed off to the bathrooms, when I hear them both in Madison's bathroom.  Parker is supposed to get in my shower and Madi in the other.  When I realize that they are both in Madison's bathroom I knew something was up.  I go to the hall and hear them discussing the frog.  I swing open the door as fast as I could to see that the frog is in the sink full of water.  "Mom, he was dirty and needed a bath." 

I never know what to expect next.  Stay tuned for the next event of the Johnson household.  I'll keep you posted!

                     

Design on a Dime

Since we are on a frugal budget, thanks to Dave, I have been trying to use up some old things by making them new again.  I want to share with you a project that I have done.

I don't know if you all know that I buy lots of picture frames. I do.  I confess, I need therapy.  I love to shop Hobby Lobby.  I could spend hours in the frame section alone.  Anyway, on with the story.

I had the pictures of the kids that were taken last summer with the Toucan bird.  I love the colors of the pictures.  They were so vivid and alive.  I wanted to put these out in my beachy room but the frames that I had were just blah!  My first instinct was to rush out and look for the perfect frame for these.  After that urge passed, I decided to make old into new. These two frames were just some cheap frames I had bought at the General Dollar (hehe, that one is for you Cindy) and painted white.  I had actually put them in the garage sale pile to discard of them. I pulled them out and glued shells on them.  I had originally planned to do this back in 2006 after going on a cruise and collecting a ton of seashells.  As procrastination always gets the best of me, I got to this project four years later.  I am so proud of them, I think that they turned out great!

            

Cheesy Crock-Pot Corn

Here is the recipe I promised in an earlier blog.  Try it sometime.  It is a really good side dish that is easy.  I can't promise calorie free or healthy for that matter.  I can promise you will definitely get a full serving of two important food groups.  Milk and vegetable.  Actually, at my house it would be three, we consider cheese its own food group!

CHEESY CREAMED CORN

Serving Size: 4 (Easy Recipe to Multiply)

1 16 oz. pkg. frozen corn

4 oz. cubed cream cheese

1/8 cup cubed butter

1 Tbsp. water

1 Tbsp. milk

3/4 Tbsp. sugar

2 slices torn up American cheese

Layer all ingredients in slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until heated through and cheese is melted. Stir occasionally. Stir before serving.

I know that this says 1/8 c. butter, I may have added a little more than that.  If a tad of butter is good, just a little more has got to be better, right?   I add a little salt and pepper.  I just can't cook without adding a little here and there.  Just be very, very careful with your crock pot once you get it all clean, it is way to valuable to live without it! Trust me on this one!

Yummy Tri-Tip

Chris cooked dinner tonight.  It was marvelous. 
#1.  I didn't have to cook.

#2. It was tri-tip. 

I don't know how many of you have tried this.  (you may have discovered this before me) But I just discovered this fabulous meal several summers ago when my relatives from California visited and cooked for us.  (Yes, some good things do come from California.)  It is delicious cooked slow on the grill.  They do a lot of grilling.  All three of the husbands do a lot of cooking and grilling.  They brought this with them because it is one of their favorite things to cook.  They said that they find it at Costco.  Not having Costco here in Oklahoma I have been shopping everywhere, looking for this cut, vacuumed sealed, prepackaged, and pre-seasoned like this.  So last weekend when we went to OKC, while shopping at Sam's a miracle occurred.   I will share the blessed event with you. 

While browsing the meat section I spot it, the sky opened up, the bright lights were shining down from the heavens, the angels began to sing and were shouting Hallelujah.  (This maybe a tad bit over exaggerated.  I do get excited over little things, please forgive me.)  I turn, looking for Chris and spot him over at the next meat counter and I shout, "Chris get over here you are never going to believe what I just found".  I wish I could say he scurried right over to the buggy but I figure I may have embarrassed him.  Not that I made a scene in public!  Not me, ever!  It was so exciting to finally find some.  This wasn't exactly like what they had brought to us.  What they buy is called Santa Maria Style Tri-tip.  This was Peppercorn-Garlic.  No matter what the seasoning it was delicious.  I hope that if you haven't tried cooking this that you do and see what you think. Grill it and cook it on low and slow.  It will get a little more charred than the picture above but that is just how it is when cooked on the grill.  Once the meat thermometer reaches the right temperature, I recommend removing it from the grill, wrapping it in foil and allow it to rest for at least 10-20 minutes if at all possible to wait that long to dig in.  Good luck and happy grilling!

Missing My Slow Cooker

I know this may sound so strange to blog about my slow cooker but I was going to make Taco Soup today and I can't.  The cool weather moving in this morning made me think of soup and easy one pot cooking.   I have an awesome red Crock-Pot just like the one pictured below.  Just one important part is missing.  The crock. 

You see the story begins with a warm, June day, when I started a yummy recipe of Cheesy Crock-pot corn.  It is a great recipe.  I'll share it later.  Anyway, I got it all cooked and headed to the family reunion.  After the corn was all gobbled up I washed it and carried it out to my car.  I put it in the back of the Acadia.  After the reunion, we decided to head to Weatherford for a little shoe shopping.  We got our shoes purchased and proudly carried our purchases out to the car.   Without a second thought, we just popped up the rear door on the Acadia and crash, boom, and a ouch.  You see, traveling had caused the contents of the car to shift.  And opening up the rear door allowed the crock pot to come crashing down onto my sister's foot.  It hurt me just as much as it hurt her.  I have strange love for my crock pot.  It actually saves my life on a regular basis during the busy soccer season.  SO.....................................................

I guess I need to get online a order a replacement part.  I will do that first thing tomorrow, if I don't forget.  I may need a reminder.  Someone text me tomorrow so I remember to get this ordered!

Chris's New Shirt

While we were going through stuff at Nanny's last weekend, Chris kept saying, "Cat, we have enough stuff as it is. Please, don't keep that."  If I heard that once, I heard it a dozen times.  If it weren't Chris is was my sister saying it.  Chris and I have moved several times since we met and got married.  I think that every time we moved we left stuff behind.  Some of that stuff ended up in one of Nanny's extra closets.  As we were sifting through all of our stuff from her closet, we came across the dress I wore the day of our wedding (not my wedding dress, the dress I wore as we left the reception).  It was a pretty pastel yellow.  Why did I pick out this dress? Not sure.  (It must have been in my genes.) 

While going through all of the stuff, we came across the dress that my mother wore as her going-away dress.  You'll never guess the color!  Yep, pastel yellow.  Not only did she save the dress, she also saved the shirt that my dad wore.  Yep, yellow.  When I found all of these, the sentimental person that I am, I automatically put them all in the "keep" pile.  It wasn't just a few minutes into this keep, discard, donate discussion that I heard it.  "Cat, why are you keeping that again, tell me why?"  So, I started over through the "keep" pile again.  Trying to narrow the stack, I decided not to keep my dress.  I will never need it again and most definitely never wear it again.  I kept hanging onto the dress and shirt that were my parents.  I had an audience at this time.  My mother stood in front of me with the trash bag, Cara, standing next to me saying "TRASH IT!", and Chris on the other side saying "Cat, really?". 

I'm full of emotion from the days events and I guess in a moment of trying to make me laugh, Chris proceeds to put on the shirt of my dads just to see if it fits.   Chris kept cutting up and joking about how cool all this old stuff is.   After he puts it on, he decided he liked it so well, he would just continue wearing it.  After all this ridiculousness I decided not to keep any of it.  I mean really, who needs it?  (I confess, I do)  I can't decide, was he serious about the shirt or joking?  He wore it all night.  He even brought it home and had Paula wash it?  Have I corrupted him?  I'm worried.

        He asked me to take his picture.  I will share it with you.  It cracks me up.  I love my husband.  He is always good for a laugh when I need it the most.  Thanks Chris!

Oh, what a cute shirt!