Show Us Your Life. . . . . .SINGLES!!!!!

I love when Kelly over at Kelly's Korner has her SUYL Singles!  It gives me a chance to brag on my baby sister (oh boy is she going to be loved being called that!!!).  My prayer for her is to find a wonderful man for her to spend her life with.  So with that being said, sit back and enjoy reading about my sister Rae Anne. 

Bec on the left, me in the middle and Rae Anne on the right

~First and foremost she is a Christian.  She is a faithful member of church of Christ.  Loves the Lord

~youngest of 3 girls

~teacher of English (for seniors in hs) and coach of volleyball and softball

~is beautiful both inside and out

~enjoys watching and playing sports (especially A&M sports)

~graduated from Texas A&M in '99
~loves kids, especially her nephew and niece whom she calls Rin and Stimpy :)

Rae on the left with Rin and Stimpy before the paintball fight

~enjoys spending time with her family

~doesn't drink or smoke

~lives in the great state of Texas and is hoping to move to the Metroplex

~cares about her students, her friends, her co-workers and of course her family

~loves to have a good time out with friends but doesn't mind staying at home watching tv with a fire in the fireplace

Rae Anne and Dad

~she is an AWESOME cook (she loves making Paula Deen recipes)

~is HiLiArIoUs! She will make you laugh until you cry (or wet your pants!)

Rae Anne

~loves to sing and does it well, you never know when she may break out in song (just ask her students)
~is an accomplished pianist

~has a cat named Bud

~enjoys fishing

~enjoys musicals

Rae Anne

~likes to go camping. . . .especially in the mountains in Colorado

~enjoys a lively game of Mad Gab!!

~is a straight shooter – if you don’t want an honest answer, don’t ask

~sarcasm is her superpower (it runs in the family in case you are wondering!)

Rae Anne

If you would like to connect with Rae, just leave a comment.  She will be checking out the comments and will get back with you.  It may be a couple of days because softball is getting into full swing and she is super busy!  If you have any questions you can put them in the comments and I will try to answer them as soon as possible.  Thanks for stopping by!

Finally. . . . . . . :)

I have been trying to make this recipe for Creamy Chicken and Broccoli casserole for two weeks now but haven't been able to.  Tonight is the night. . . . .it is in the oven as we speak.  It was pretty easy to put together and I can't wait to eat!!  And now three days later I am hoping to finish this post.  No, I am not that busy. . . .I am just that boring!!  Anyway, the casserole is really good.  It would be really good with rice but since the Mr. doesn't like rice we just ate it as is.  Then I ate it for lunch on Tuesday and I will probably eat some tomorrow for lunch.  Try it. . . .you'll like it.  OH and I used canned chicken that I sauteed with garlic powder, onion salt, pepper blend and some seasoning salt (that is my "secret" ingredient in everything!!

This week my teaching has been all over the place. . . .grade wise I mean.  I have taught 7th and 8th grade criminal justice (I was also supposed to have 8th grade boys athletics but the other coaches had mercy on me and said they didn't need my help!!), 6th grade science and I worked the libary desk (the science teacher is also the librarian), today was 1st grade. . . .so cute but sooooo chatty!!  Tomorrow is supposed to be 8th grade English which I am looking forward to.

And last but not least, if you are looking for another blog to read which has much more excitement going on then I have here. . . .you need to go check out There's No Place Like Home.  She has the cutest house, the cutest dogs, celebrate Donut Friday's, has the same last name as me (well, before I got married) and has the cutest little kiddo.  And even though she is a Tech fan, I would love to meet her because she just comes across as someone who loves life and would be fun to be friends with.  Oh and her good friends are Aggies!!!  Right now she is having a giveaway that has some of the cutest things included.  I really, really, really want to win but because I am a nice person I thought I would tell you about it (plus I get another entry!).  So what are you waiting for?  Go by, check it out and tell her that I sent you.  And if you win, I think you need to share some of the loot with me?

Have a good one!!!

Fab Friday!!

Today is Friday.  Aren't you glad I told you?  Not much has been going on at the Giggles homestead.  Last night I made homemade corndogs for Mr. G and I for lunch today.  I have seen this on pinterest about a million times.  The Mr and I like corndogs but you cannot find (at least we haven't found) corndogs with all beef weiners.  We only like all beef weiners.  Anywho, I used two different cornbread mixes because we like to live life on the edge (if you know my hubs you know that statement is so not true!).  I used a package of Marie Callendar's cornbread mix for six of the corndogs and Martha White's jalapeno cornbread mix for the other six.  Marie Callendar's fell apart as I was getting them out of the pan.  Martha White did just fine.  Now I have to wait for 1 hour and 45 minutes to try them out.  Can't wait.

This afternoon this cute little guy (who is not so little anymore).  Has hs baseball tryouts.  Keeping my fingers crossed for making the team.  Go Rough Riders!!

I hope he makes it!  And while we are looking at the picture of this cutie pie, I will say that it seems like yesterday when he looked like this.  He was such a cuddlebug.  Now he doesn't fit in our laps anymore.  Too much leg!!
Have a grea weekend! It looks like the weather is going to be pretty nice around our parts. 

What's UP Wednesday

Has this week been weird for you?  It has been for me and I guess it is because Monday was a holiday.  Thankful for the day off, thankful that we got the hubs "to do" list done but mine still hasn't been touched.  Who would like to help with mine?

The weather this week has been beautiful.  As I was walking back to my portable from lunch (seems it is more like hiking back to my portable) I was trying to figure out how to have to "move" outside.  The sun is shining and there is a cool breeze.  It is great the only problem is that it is January and I am afraid that if we are having such mild weather now that winter will not come back and we will burn up this summer.  I really don't want a super hot summer.  Please come back winter.  I promise not to complain about the 55-60 degree temps in the house.  I will put on more clothes so I can keep warm.  I promise.

I really don't have anything important to blog about today.  I am down to one student so we sit here and look at each other, read and I get to play on the computer.  It does make one very sleepy and really could use a nap right now.  BUT the main reason I wanted to blog today was so that I could shar this picture of those two cute kiddos who call me Aunt!!

This is an oldie but goodie and I love it with all my heart.  My Mom took these two cheeky monkeys to the park to take their pictures and they had the best time.  I think the looks on their faces says it all.  How could you not smile when you were playing on the slide and Memom was with you taking your picture.  Thank you Mom for taking this picture.  I wish you were here to take more.  And to these to monkey faces. . . .I love you more than you will ever know.

Monday Memories

This afternoon as I was perusing Pinterest I found something that brought back memories and of course made me miss my Mom even more.  I love coming across things that remind me of my Mom but sometimes it can really make you sad. 

These are identical to the recipe cards that my Mom used to use.  I remember as a kid seeing these cards all the time.  Today it makes my happy but it also makes my heart hurt.  I miss my Mom each and every day.  Even after almost three years it hurts thinking about her, missing her, seeing the loss on my Dad's face, seeing my sisters miss her, seeing my nephew and niece miss her.  Losing loved ones is so hard.

  

SUYL - Soup Recipes

This week over at Kelly's Korner is it soup recipe time.  I love soup but don't make it very often because the hubster isn't a big fan.  I love Taco Soup but he doesn't like most of the ingredients so I never make it therefore I don't have my sister's recipe to share.  I do have several others, some I have made and others I plan on making.  I decided to share what I have and hopefully if it is one I haven't tried, you will try it and let me know how it is.

Tomato and Tortellini Soup

(from Taste of Home)
Prep/Total Time: 25 min.
Yield: 10 Servings
Ingredients
1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
2 cans (10-3/4 ounces each) reduced-sodium condensed tomato soup, undiluted
2 cups vegetable broth
2 cups 2% milk
2 cups half-and-half cream
1/2 cup chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Additional shredded Parmesan cheese, optional

Directions
Cook tortellini according to package directions.
Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, combine the soup, broth, milk, cream, tomatoes and seasonings. Heat through, stirring frequently. Drain tortellini; carefully add to soup. Stir in cheese. Sprinkle each serving with additional cheese if desired. Yield: 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts).

I haven't tried this one but I think it would be something the hubby likes because he likes tomato soup and pasta just makes most things better!!   Corn & Cheese Chowder
(from the Pioneer Woman)
Ingredients
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
1 whole onion, chopped
3 slices bacon, cut into pieces
3 whole bell peppers, finely diced (red, yellow, orange)
5 ears corn, kernels sliced off
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken stock or broth
2 cups half-and-half
1 heaping cup grated Monterey Jack
1 heaping cup grated pepper Jack
1/3 cup sliced green onions
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
12 bread bowls, hollowed out

Directions
n a large pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook for a couple of minutes. Add the bacon and cook for another minute or so, and then add the bell peppers and cook for a couple of minutes. Finally, add the corn and cook for a minute.

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the top and stir to combine. Pour in the chicken stock and stir well. Allow this to thicken for 3 or 4 minutes, and then reduce the heat to low. Stir in the half-and-half, and then cover and allow to simmer and thicken for 15 minutes or so.

Stir in the cheeses and green onions. When the cheese is melted and the soup is hot, check seasonings. Add salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into the bread bowls and serve immediately.   Haven't tried this one yet either but my honey does love corn so I am pretty sure he will like it too.   Hamburger Soup

I got this recipe from Mrs. H at Heritage Schoolhouse but adapted it to something that my very picky veggie eater hubby would like. It was awesome. My Dad had dinner with us that night and he really enjoyed it too. He suggested putting it over rice. Sounded good to me!

Hamburger Soup  8 servings
(from adapted from Heritage Schoolhouse)
Ingredients
½ onion, chopped fine
1 pound ground beef
2 cans Rotel tomatoes (I used one but will probably use more next time)
1 can corn, drained
2 cans diced potatoes
1 bag frozen broccoli florets
1 jar mushrooms
1 small can tomato sauce
2 cups chicken stock
pepper, garlic, chili powder, and seasoning salt to taste
cheddar cheese, grated

Directions
Cook onions in oil until tender; add ground beef and cook until beef is done. Place onions and beef in a large stock pot (or crock pot). Add tomatoes, corn, potatoes, broccoli, mushrooms, tomato sauce, chicken stock, and seasonings. Simmer until potatoes and broccoli is tender.

I have made this before and my hubs and my Dad like it (a lot).  It is very similar to stew but my husband won't eat it if I call it that so it is soup.  Tastes very good with jalapeno corn bread!

And last but definitely not least. . . . .

Black Eyed Pea Broccoli Cheese Soup

Yield: 8 servings.
Ingredients1 1/2 lbs. Broccoli – fresh
2 C. Water
3/4 tsp. Salt
1/2 C. Cornstarch mixed with 1-cup water
1 pint half-and-half
1 pound pasteurized processed cheese (Velveeta)

Directions
Steam broccoli until tender. Place half-and-half and water in top of double boiler. Add cheese, salt and pepper. Heat until cheese is melted. Add broccoli. Mix cornstarch and water in small bowl. Stir into cheese mixture in double boiler and heat over simmering water until soup thickens.

I haven't made this but I have eaten it.  My Mom used to make it and it is so very yummy.

Well, I hope you find something on here you like.  I have other recipes at Giggles for Your Tummy if you want to take a peek.

Thankful Thursday

We are now 17 days into 2013 and although I don't do resolutions, I am trying to make some changes in my life so I can get back the happiness that I have lost over the past five years.  Since we lost our little boy I have not been the same.  I know that I will never be the person I was before losing him but I want some of the happiness I had.  After my Mom got sick and passed away I lost a little bit more of me.  I can't remember feeling true happiness in a long time.  Oh yes, I put on a smiley face and pretend like everything is peachy and sometimes it is but sometimes it isn't and I really don't like that feeling.  I know that to get that feeling back I have to remember that everything that has happened is God's plan and that things will happen in his time if it is his will.  So to do that, I am trying to be more thankful for the things I do have in my life.  Today I am going to focus on the two people who call me Aunt.  I love these two people more than they will ever know.  I love spending time with them doing nothing or watching them play their sports, watching movies, or whatever.  They make me happy.  I love getting a call from my niece asking me to by cookie dough for her band fund raiser and I love getting a text message from my nephew just to say hi.  They make me happy when they give me big hugs for no reason and when they snuggle up next to me on the couch to watch a movie.  I love these two stinkers more than anything and I am so thankful to have them in my life.  Aren't they just the cutest? They look a little more grown up these days since they are now in double digit ages!  

Wordless Wednesday

Keeping It Real With Some Friday Ramblings

For the next month I may actually blog every day.  You may be asking yourself why?  Well, when you sit in a room from 8:15 am until 3:12 pm with no one to talk to because nobody else in the room is supposed to be talking and you can only surf the web so much or read or gaze off into space before you are bored out of your mind I decided that I would try to bore I mean entertain you more often.  Ok, I may not ever entertain you and I might possibly put you to sleep with the mundainess of a day in my current job. 

Since I am back at work for a while I am trying to figure out what to do about lunch.  Since I am not located in the school building it isn't really feasable for me to buy a hot lunch because I wouldn't have time to eat it (and school lunches just aren't always that appetizing) so I am trying to come up with none boring lunch ideas (I am not a big fan of sandwiches, especially meat sandwiches) and so far I am not having much luck.  I only cooked one night this week so that didn't really help either.  The spaghetti I did make, my husband ate it for lunch for three days.  I have been searching Pinterest but haven't really found anything that just jumped out at me.  Next week we are supposed to have colder weather so maybe I will make some soup this weekend.  First I really need to buy some groceries but payday is not until Tuesday so that will have to wait until Tuesday after work (yuck, I hate the grocery store).  Maybe I will make some chili. . . . .that sounds really good!!

Any plans for this weekend?  As far as I know we don't have any.  I have got to do some housework but I really don't want to do it.  At least we don't have to replace another bathroom faucet!

Have a great weekend.

What's For Dinner

Believe it or not, I actually know what we are going to have for dinner this week.  Hold onto your hats because it will know you off your feet!!!!

Monday:  fish sticks and mac & cheese  (yes, we are grownups and no we do not have kids)
Tuesday: homemade chili dogs ( this chili is homemade, not the hot dogs)  I may have to make a trip to the grocery store before I make the chili for tomatoes and tomato sauce
Wednesday:  the famous fend for yourself night
Thursday:  Frito pie
Friday:  out to eat with Dad and Rae (?)
Saturday:  fend for yourself
The weather around here has turned off pretty cold (for us anyway) and I want warm food.  What is your favorite cold weather food??

Have a great week.

Something to Remember

Be where you are, not where you think you should be.

I know I have written about this before but it is something that I really struggle with every single day.  I look at my life and wonder why.  It isn't that my life is bad, I have a great marriage, a close knit family, my husband has a job that he loves (well, maybe just likes a lot), we have a roof over our head (and we keep our fingers crossed that the roof stays where it is), we have food, clothes and transportation.  We both work hard (yes, I work hard at subbing and still hope to find a teaching job), we aren't frugal with our money but we don't waste it (not much anyway) either.  I see all the "things" that other people have and I want some of that too.  I want a house that I can be proud to invite other people into.  I want a new(er) truck.  I want two kids.  I want to be in the place that I thought we would be in by this time in our lives.  We have been married for 15 years and I thought we would have at least a few of those things.  Anyway, I am going to post this saying on my mirror so I can see it every single day to remind myself that I/we are where we are supposed to be.

And now on to more exciting things!  I finally took pictures of my new bathroom vanity/sink/faucet that we (the hubs) replaced last weekend AND our 2012 ornament. 

New vanity/sink/faucet

2012 ornament

Close up (in case you couldn't tell!!)

And the ornament I got at our annual Christmas party

For the rest of this month and for about a week in February I am in charge of two students who are in DAEP which is District Alternative Education Program.  This is for students who have gotten in trouble at school and have surpassed in school suspension.  The students are supposed to complete their class assignments on their own and I turn them in at the end of each day.  So far it hasn't been too bad.  I do have one student who thinks that sleep should be allowed to pass the time but sadly for the student, it is not.  Not sure how to keep the student awake for the next 6 days!!

For the last two years our area has been in a drought and the last two days have brought us a nice amount of rain.  Because I am working in a rural school and it tends to flood, we all got to go home early yesterday and got to come back to school an hour later this morning.  It was AWESOME (well this morning was, because I rode to work with the hubs yesterday I had to wait until he was finished with a meeting but we still left by about 3:15)!!

And this is what the sunset looked like after two days of hard rain.  It was very beautiful.

Back to it. . . . .

Tomorrow is back to school day for everyone around here.  Even me. . . .I have a month long job at my hubster's school.  Should be interesting.

Today we actually got to see the sun for the first time in a long time.  It was beautiful.  It was still cold (to me anyway) but I really enjoyed seeing that big ol' yellow ball of sun!

This weekend turned out to be ok.  The Aggies beat OU. . . . . . . .Gig'em Ags! but my Bearkats didn't do so hot.  Maybe next year?  Third time's charm?

Well, I had better go iron a shirt for tomorrow so I don't have to do it in the am.  I am not looking forward to getting up at 5 am.  REALLY not looking forward to it.

The DIY project is finally finished.  I may post a picture of our new little vanity and sink.

Hope you have a great week.  I think I will now that I have seen some sunshine!!!

2013

Well. . . . .2013 has been ok so far with the exception of the DIY project we started today and should finish tomorrow!!  Here is what has been happening so far in 2013.
New Year's Eve we spent the evening with my in-laws and ate good food and played The Big Bang Theory trivia game (my hubbies gift from the nephew and niece). New Year's Day we stayed in the house (never even unlocked the doors), snacked and watched movies.  The next day the hubs had to go into work for a few hours and I met my Dad and my little sister at Cracker Barrel for breakfast.  I had the fried apples, cheesy hashbrown casserole and a biscuit.  YUMMY!  I hadn't gotten our ornament for 2012 and I was afraid that I had waited too long but I stopped at Kohl's and got the last Hallmark ornament they had left.  It is so cute.  I would take a picture and post but I am being super lazy tonight!!  Thursday we went to the big city to eat lunch with the hubs Aunt and Uncle and then we did a little shopping and when I say a little I mean, we ended up at Big Lots and got some odds and ends that we needed and then headed back home.  And today we began a simple DIY project.  Hahahahahahahahhahahaha!  Our faucet in our bathroom has been leaking for a couple of years and recently it has gotten really bad.  Since I don't like the plumber my Gmom uses we decided that we could change the faucet ourselves and save her some dough.  Getting the faucet off was not going as planned and the hubs ended up having to pull out a rubber mallet to knock the faucet out of the hole which ended up (with the last tap of course) causing the sink to break.  So now the faucet and the sink needs to be replaced.  Tonight we (I really mean the hubs) got the new vanity, sink and faucet installed, turned on the water and the cold water line is leaking so we will have to go t Lowe's tomorrow.  And hopefully that will be the end of that project. 
So, that is what has been doing on in our part of the world for the last four days.  OH, I almost forgot. .  . . Texas A&M beat OU in the Cotton Bowl tonight!  GIG'EM AGGIES!!!  Tomorrow my alma mater Sam Houston plays North Dakata. . looking for bowl win # 2 for my teams!!

Happy, happy, happy in 2013!