Muffin Dance

What's better than a muffin on a stick and a little dance to go along with it?

Back to School!

My little Avery started first grade last week! She is loving it so far.

So Lucky!

I had the amazing opportunity to hang out with my college friends in Idaho a few weekends ago. We had a blast! Kim, our gracious hostess, kept us super busy and active walking, riding bikes, zumba class, and boating.




And of course, we kept our mouths super busy talking and eating the most delicious food.

I am the luckiest girl in the world to be able to have friends like these. We made so many memories together and love to reminise about the old days. When I hang out with these girls, I feel like I stepped back in time to simpler days. What a great feeling! I love you girls and thanks for making some new memories with me.

Rockin' 6 year old

It is hard to believe but my oldest child is 6 years old! Our rule here is 'no friends parties until after you start school." So, Avery had her first friend party this year. I think I am going to make another rule--"Friend parties every other year (maybe)." This will help me stay sane. Avery chose a rock star themed party and was able to invite 5 friends. When they arrived, they stopped into the "dressing room" for hair and makeup. They designed their own makeup and got to choose from pink and glitter hairspray. Then they got their pictures taken. My brother in law created these cool Rock Band backgrounds.



We played lots of games, decorated rock star sunglasses, and ate cake and ice cream.


Avery got "Just Dance" for the WII and we were able to let three girls dance at a time. Even though it was a lot of work for me, Avery and all her friends had a blast! Happy Birthday my baby girl!

New Job

After six long years with the same company, my husband was becoming restless and uneasy in his position there. I knew this was happening but decided I would wait it out until it became unbearable for him.

Well, after his trip home to Canada, he was full of ideas and ready to pick up and move far away from here.

Ahhhhhhh...... I freaked out! We couldn't move! What about our house and family and our quiet neighborhood and our great school district?

That's when I did what any good wife would do...I put together an amazing resume and began to send it out to every job posting I could find in Houston. Mark was bombarded (I'm exaggerating really) by phone calls to set up interviews.

After about 4 or 5 interviews, we narrowed it down to 3 different jobs. We outlined pros and cons and spent a lot of time fasting and praying. THIS IS SCARY PEOPLE!

We took a risk with this new job, but we feel it was the right thing for us to do. Week one is nearly over and it has come with all the kinks of a new job but I have faith that everything will work out for the best.

At least we're not moving right?

2nd Attempt

I love to make strawberry freezer jam every summer when the berries are in season. This summer I tried a Bell pectin the first time. My jam did not set and I was sad it was runny. I found some ripe berries the other night at Kroger clearanced out and decided I would try again. This time I used the pectin I knew would work--Sur-Jell. It turned out perfect! So yay for GOOD freezer jam this winter!

Fun times in Austin

On Saturday, we decided to take a short day trip to Austin--our state capital. It was such a charming city. The first place we visited was another Man vs. Food joint called Round Rock Donut.

It is the home of the Texas sized donut. These donuts were unbelievable and well worth the drive.

Afterwards, we decided to visit the famous pink granite state capital building. We were in awe of the intricate detail in the floors and in the woodwork.




Before we left, we went to a local favorite called Hut Burgers. I ordered the Fats Domino burger complete with cheese, onion, tomato, jalapeno and creole seasoning. It was fantastic. The onion rings were also a treat--they had cracked black pepper in the batter. YUM!


Here are a few pics of the kids biting into the Texas Donut!