My mom

So here I am, sitting at the computer just killing a little time, and I decided to catch up on some blogging - both doing and reading.  I was trying to think of what to blog about, so I started instead with reading my friends that I hadn't caught up on in a few days.  So I go to my mom's blog - I can always count on her to have a new entry! and  I find an entry that just blows me away and nearly brings me to tears.  You see, I know what a wonderful, amazing person, mother and friend she is.  I've had the absolute joy and luck to have known this for a longer time than anyone else, and to have experienced it firsthand my entire life.  I know how she always manages to have the right answer, or can make you laugh when you need it most, give you a shoulder to cry on when that's what you need instead, and somehow just generally has it all figured out.  But no one else knows this quite like I do.  And so when I read her latest post - "What goes around comes around", it made me smile because it's just one example and one way for everyone else to see the rock that she is.  I am so proud of her, and I know that my Meemaw is too.  Here is her post...

Hi All,
I came in this morning and quickly checked a few blogs that I had not read in a few days. One was Lisa Bearnson's blog. This is the post that I copied from hers...

Hey Everyone!I recently found out about a terrific scrapbooking gal who desperately needs our love, support and prayers. Barb Larsen is from Montana and has been sick for months with lots of testing going on. They finally found a tumor the size of a baseball in her spleen. This is a very rare kind of cancer and she has been in a lot of pain.This is a photo of Barb (on the right) with my pal, Lori Chadwick. (Would not let me copy the pictures. See Lisa's Bearnson's blog)

The hospitals in Montana have told her this is to big for them and they are transferring her to Houston, Texas. Even with all of this going on, she has been working on the farm and continuing her work with her 4H girls. She was even painting the animal pens at the state fair with her girls last week. When asked why she would possibly do this, she said it was the best way to ignore the pain because it would be a long time before she would get to work with her girls again. She loves scrapbooking and is very dedicated to it. She even teaches her 4H girls and they make albums together.

Let's all send Barb a card and a note of support to let her know we are thinking of her. She leaves for Texas on June 15 but her family will forward the cards to her.
Her information is:
Barb Larsen
Box 116
Galata, MT 59444

When you send a card, just leave your name, hometown and state on this blog. I will be gone for the next week on vacation but when I return (Friday June 19th) I will randomly select two people who have sent a card. Here's the fun part. I will send a box ofscrapbooking goodies to each of the winners! So--don't delay. Send your card to Barb today. It will surely put a big smile on her face to know people all over the world are thinking of her.

I just knew after reading that I wanted to offer to do whatever I might be able to while Barb was here in Houston. I can't imagine how scary to be sick and so far away from home and friends and family. I have always maintained that are scrappers are the best of the best and we never meet strangers. While we might be a bit strange we don't know what a stranger is. I immediately sent Lisa a comment to her post offering mine and Kim's (don't ya love how I speak for her) help in anyway. I heard from Lori Chadwick in minutes and you could just hear relief in the tone that someone would care about her friend and help her out. I can't tell you the feeling I had that I had made such a difference with what I think is just a small offer of not much. I just felt this pull, a desire to want to go visit, meet these people, maybe offer a bit of comfort. In emailing back and forth I have to say I am really looking forward to meeting Barb and her husband Joe. They sound like fine people. Lori and Barb met through scrapping (there is that bond again) and on a Bazzill bus tour as a matter of fact. Same one I will be taking in August at CE. Small world don't you think.

I ask that all you that read this keep Barb in your prayers and send her a card.

It makes me so proud to think of her opening her heart to be a friend to this total stranger, and hopefully making this experience a little less scary.

I love you mom!

I survived my 2nd Cycling Class

As hard as I tried to be working late...  we got home from work in time for me to make it to my 2nd cycling class.  I'm not going to lie - a very big part of me did NOT want to go.  But I've committed to doing it at least 4 times before I decide if I like it or not and want to continue.  I will tell you, I do not like it.  But I do feel like it's a great workout.  And it was much easier this time.  I took Alex's advice and focused on pulling my legs in instead of pushing out.  This might sound silly, but it really helped.  Last time, especially when we were up out of the saddle, I found that I was struggling to keep my knees from locking.  But this time I focused on pulling in and it was much easier to control the motion.  So all in all, I really enjoyed it - even though it was hard, and I felt like I pushed myself better than last time and still made it the entire hour!

Jennifer texted us that Madelyn got to be the star of the Sea Lion show at the San Diego Zoo today!!!  She got to hug and get a kiss from the sea lion - she was SUPER excited.  And the rest of the day people were recognizing her all over the zoo and telling her how great she did.  I can just imagine the expression on her face and the sassiness she's swinging now.

Ok, well... I made dinner for Trey and I and finished cleaning up the kitchen, and now I am off to try out my new shower head - YIPPEE!!!  Our shower head has been having this awful loud ringing noise coming from it for - oh - probably a month now.  And neither Trey or I thought - hey, why don't we just go buy a new one.  Can you believe that - how silly to have not thought of it sooner.  So when Trey said he was going to get a new one, I thought - jeez... novel concept!  Then I started thinking about it and we've had that one since living Austin - that's over 5 years and 4 moves.

Oh yeah - one more thing... I know many of you have been reading Stephanie's blog - Kamryn Hope's Blog - through mine (Stephanie is Madelyn's aunt / Jennifer's sister).  Well today she was admitted to the hospital to start the adventure of waiting for her twins - Kamryn and Brooke - to arrive.  You can read all about CDH from her blog and the journey they are beginning.  We're thinking good, happy, healthy thoughts for her and their entire family!

Food Finds

I'm not going to turn into Hungry Girl... don't worry! But I have found some great food finds / recipes lately (most of you know it's my biggest, latest craze), and as I am sitting here enjoying 2 of them for lunch, I thought I'd clue you all in...

1. Serving Size Hummus!! That's right people - already packaged in a serving size - great to take on the go, and especially great to not sit down and eat half a tub before you know it! April and I found it at Costco. It's really yummy (a bit of a lemon flavor) and a nice creamy texture. I'm loving it with tuscan herb pita chips. Mmmm - just had to stop typing to eat one.

2. Recipe: Greek Chicken (if you're not a greek fan, hang on... I changed it up a little bit for Trey and April and they loved it too).

Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 can italian style dice tomato (garlic, oregano, basil)
- 1 tablespoon bottled minced garlic
- little bit of olive oil (i think it was 1 teaspoon - not completely sure since i don't have the recipe in front of me - it wasn't much - just enough to cook chicken a little)
- feta cheese (don't remember the amount, but it's just a sprinkling at the end)

* Heat nonstick skillet over med-high heat, add olive oil, add chicken breasts
* Cook chicken about 3 minutes each on both sides (until browned)
* Those of you who know me know how I LOVE to season, so I actually sprinkled a tiny (and I do mean TINY) bit of seasoning on the chicken while it browned - I think if you don't have any seasoning when it's first cooking it lacks season at the end). I actually used my moroccan rub that I just got from pampered chef. (Side note: I was soooooooooo excited when I found on my doorstep on Saturday a big box with my Pampered Chef stuff in it. As only my mom will truly understand, the disappointment was when I opened the box, pulled out all my goodies, and said... that's all I got! Guess I'll have to do another order!
* Reduce heat to medium
* Add can diced tomato, minced garlic
* Cover and cook aprox 11 minutes until chicken is done
* Serve with feta cheese sprinkled on top
* For Trey and April, we substituted mozzarella cheese and they both loved it - gave it more of an italian than greek flavor. I used the feta and loved it too. In fact, I just had the leftovers for lunch and it was yummy all over again!
* We served over brown rice, and with a side of roasted asparagus - Mmmm Mmmm Good!
** For those of you WW points counters, I think the chicken with cheese was 6 points

3. Recipe: BBQ Chicken Cheddar Wrap Ups
This is a recipe I got from the Kraft Magazine (it's also on their website). I actually took 2 recipes and combined them.

Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green pepper
- 1/2 onion
- little olive oil (same as above - I think I used the tiniest amount and then Pam olive oil spray)
- 1/4 cup BBQ Sauce
- Tortillas
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese

* Heat nonstick skillet or wok over med heat, with olive oil
* Add chicken and cook about 5 minutes until lightly browned
* Add peppers, onions and cook aprox 7-8 minutes until peppers softened little, onions translucent, and chicken just about done
* Add BBQ Sauce and cook 3 minutes
**This is where the BBQ Chicken recipe ends. I mixed with another recipe to serve in warmed low carb tortillas with a little shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese and turned it into a wrap

YUMMY, EASY, GREAT LEFTOVERS!!!!

So there you have it. I have a great new shrimp pasta recipe too if anyone is interested, I may post it later.

I got all caught up on Army Wives, and it was soooo good. I watched 19 episodes in 5 days. Phew... I was tired. Especially since I cry at almost every episode. It's so weird to think about how all of the events progressed in a manner of days - I kept having to remind myself that most people would have been watching over 4 1/2 months, not 5 days! Sunday was the season 3 premier and it was great. I am telling you - if you don't watch this show, you are missing out!

Friday was great - April and I went to the gym in the morning and then headed to Austin for Kingsley's graduation party. It was a bit of a long drive, especially since other drivers just weren't cooperating and wouldn't get out of our way. But we got there with time to spare so we made a quick stop in Round Rock at the outlet. We drive past it all the time and never stop, so we decided - what the heck. As it turned out, I found a few great sweaters at a super cheap price at Ann Taylor so I was glad we stopped. We got to Kingley's party and it so great to see everyone, and Kingsley was so happy that we made it. Kelly was touched that we made the trip just for that. All in all, we had a great time, and we were so glad to be there.

We headed back to Dallas after the party - what a long drive. It's not that it's really long, but in the dark when your eyes just really want to shut - it's hard! April drove the entire way, although I offered several times, but she was just fine. I-Pod turned high and a little chit chat to keep us going and we were cruising. Although I do admit that on the way home I "rested my eyelids" just a few times...

Saturday was busy and fun, followed by Sunday which was busy and fun. Trey was working all weekend, although we did have a great dinner out Saturday.

Madelyn is loving San Diego. Last night she asked Trey to ask Rarah if I get to have In and Out Burger when I'm in California! She loved it. They spent time at Seaworld, the San Diego Zoo, and swimming. She is having a great time!!

So that's it for now, I guess... The summer has officially started - it's HOT outside. We went to get coffee yesterday and were sweating by the time we made it back! I can't wait to be on vacation in less than 2 weeks... countdown has begun!

Today is MY Friday!

I'm so excited that today is my Friday. I'm finding that I definitely have summer fever lately. Maybe it's because these last 2 weeks have been a little slower than usual, or maybe it's because it's so bright and sunny and warm outside. Whatever it is, I am so ready for summer vacation! The countdown has begun, and I have only 2 weeks until I am on vacation for a week with the princess. I need to start working on some things we can do that won't be too expensive, but entertain us both. Definitely one day will be devoted to camp shopping. It amazes me how much stuff she needs for just 10 days away from home... sheets, towels, toothbrush, hair accessories, sunblock, water bottle, hats, clothes, more panties, more socks, sandals and tennis and shabbat attire, and lions and tigers and bears - oh my! Madelyn is so excited - she is ready to go to camp. Tomorrow she leaves for San Diego for a trip with her mom and stepdad, and then she only has a few weeks until camp. After camp, she'll have a couple weeks back with her mom and stepdad, and then a week with Grammy and Grandad, a week with daddy, and the finale of summer vacation is a family trip to San Antonio with Bubbe, Aunt Megan, Uncle Allan, Mia and us! It's going to be so busy, but I'm sure it will also go by so fast.

Today is my Friday, because I am off tomorrow - woohoo!! April and I are going to Austin for the day to celebrate Kingsley's (our niece) high school graduation. The actual graduation is tonight, but tomorrow night is a party at the house to celebrate. We're so excited for her as she starts such a fun time in her life. She's off to Texas State in San Marcos to start school a little early in summer... not time to waste!

So last night I watched more Army Wives. It is so good - I am completely addicted. April called this morning to see if I thought it was out to rent so I could watch it in the car on the way to Austin... silly April... I plan to be done by then! I've watched 15 episodes in 4 days. I've stayed up until around 1:00 am watching it every night. I look at the clock and think - I have to go to bed, and then I just can't help but watch 1 more episode. Only 4 more to go and then I will have seen all of season 2, and I'll be ready for season 3 to start on Sunday.

I took the plunge last night and tried a cycling class at the gym. I was nervous. I'm so not a cycler, and it looks so hard. People always come out of that class dripping in sweat. They cycle for the entire hour not stopping. HELLO - not even 1 break! But Alex talked me into giving it a try. She's done a few of them, and said it is the best workout she'd ever done. The instructor helped me setup my bike, and I talked to several people in the class beforehand who were so nice. After the class was over they all told me how well I did. I sure didn't feel like it! But I was dripping so that must be good. I'm going to have to keep it up - now that I know what to expect, I can start working on building the resistance and pushing myself further. Oy vey...

Tonight Trey starts his summer bowling league. I'm SUPER excited for him. It's been since we lived in Austin that he's been on one, and he really enjoyed it then. I'm really glad he is going to have an outlet for something he enjoys that is NOT work. Hopefully he'll make some new friends, and just have a good time. I'm even going to go watch him some like I used to - it'll be fun. But not this week, because...

I have to get more episodes of Army Wives in before season 3 starts on Sunday. I've been watching season 2 online - they just released it this past weekend, and I only have a week to get all 19 episodes in. It's so good - it's not that hard to do. I've watched 2 -3 episodes each night this week. I'm so tired, though. I've been up until at least 1:00 am every night watching! But I can't stop.

Madelyn's 1st Grade Awards

I'm sure you all are wondering, yet again, where I have been. All I can say is that I've just been busy. I know - no excuse. But I just simply let time slip away. I'm really going to try to stay more on top of this. I start to feel like too much time has gone by and I have so much to say, so I wait until I have time to sit down and really write a lot, but that time never comes! So instead, I'm going to really try to write more often - even if they are small posts.

Today was a neat day. Madelyn had her 1st grade award ceremony this morning. She was so excited in anticipation. The last day of school is tomorrow and she is itching to get her summer vacation started. This morning I woke up really (REALLY) early so that I could be at her school in time for the ceremony. It was a long drive, but let me tell you when I saw the look on her face and how excited she was, it was totally worth it. They gave awards for perfect attendance, all A's for the year, and Honor Roll A's and B's. Not every child received an award, but I am so proud to say that our girl did! She got an award for Honor Roll - all A's and B's. I couldn't be more proud of her! Jennifer took pictures and will send them to me - I'll post her beaming face as soon as I get them.

It just breaks my heart to be so far away from her. As Trey and I were trying to work out the details to be there (and it killed him to not be there), it just made me so sad that we can't be more involved and be there for every thing she does. She is so lucky to have such a loving, committed family on ALL sides, and I know that she feels supported and loved, but it's still hard to not be RIGHT there.

Here we go... just look at that smile!