Family Tradition

Rhea Lana of South Tulsa ends today @ noon.  Get your entry in today!!!

I think I've mentioned before that every Saturday morning we have a big family breakfast.  By big I mean I actually cook something fresh and serve it hot.  It doesn't involve toast or oatmeal as the main dish.  Unfortunately,  I've been stuck in a breakfast rut, rotating between about 5 menu items.  It works out okay for the patrons (Steven and the kids) since they don't eat the same thing within a month, but after a few years it gets old.

Pinterest must have heard my cries, because I found two of the most delicious recipes my mouth could barely handle.  The first has endless possibilities, but I'll start with the original recipe.

Sausage Egg Muffins

{via Snacking In the Kitchen}

These little nuggets were from heaven.  A huge hit and very easy to make.  I almost kicked myself in the booty for not making them the night before.  I used egg, sausage, bell pepper, onion, and cheddar cheese so there was no reason those items couldn't have sat in the fridge overnight.  That would have left me more room to focus on these babies...

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

{via Recipe Girl OR Big Red Kitchen}

I can't even go into the ooey gooeyness of this recipe without my mouth watering.  They were fairly simple to make, but you really need to make sure you read all the special tips at the end of the post to help you get the best pancakes possible.  There were a few things I changed to this recipe, and I'm fully convinced the cream cheese icing recipe is incorrect.  I followed what Recipe Girl instructed, which was really contradictory to what I know about cream cheese frosting, and it turned out very yellow from a heavy butter content and low cream cheese and powdered sugar amount.  I ended up adding an additional 2oz of cream cheese and about another cup and half of powdered sugar.  The consistency turned out great after that.  If you make these, and you try her icing recipe first, please tell me how it turned out for you.

Now, I gave credit to two separate places for this recipe because I went scrolling through the comments to see if anyone else had difficulties with the icing (no one mentioned anything), and I came across a lady who cited another source as being the orginal recipe.  Apparently the Recipe Girl even left a comment on Big Red Kitchen's post about the cinnamon roll pancake recipe.  Even though they looked different, I wanted to be sure to give both gals credit for pure deliciousness!

I sure hope you try these out because they come with two thumbs up from me.  Actually eight thumbs up if you count all members of our family...or ten thumbs...depending if you count Little Nugget that's growing.

Is It Me?

If you haven't signed up for the Rhea Lana Giveaway...go here.

This will be a short post today.  Every single time this commercial is on, my husband says it's me.  I just don't get it.

C'mon!  I'd never do that, OR maybe I would.  He's seen me in way too many public places trying to embarrass him.

When Life Was Easy

Don't forget to enter the $20 Spending Cash to Rhea Lana of South Tulsa

How come when life is easy you don't even realize it?  Like before kids, we never knew.  Work, gym, dinner, tv, shower, bed.  Every weekday. 

Then the weekends consisted of, "Hey, do you want to see a movie today?"

"Oh yeah.  A movie sounds great.  How about the two o'clock?  Can you be ready in 5 minutes?"

"Sure.  Let me put on my shoes."

Now if we want to see a movie we have to plan at least a week in advance.  Who's gonna watch the kids? Dinner only?  Maybe a movie if we do a 4 o'clock dinner with the gray hairs then a 6 o'clock movie so we can pick the kids up on time.   Whaduhyathink?  Think we can squeeze it in?  Yes, definitely doable.

So that's generally the plan, then you wake up to reality.  Inevitably we get out the door late or Steven gets home late from work.  Suddenly our sexy dinner date at 4pm, has turned into the o' so late night dinner at 5pm leaving us with the decision of stuffing our faces in a hurry to make the movie, or skip it all together.  Most often we skip the movie, and opt for the running of errands.  Don't be jealous.  There's nothing hotter than turning to your overtired husband and asking, "Would you like go grab the toliet paper or the beef?"

Yes, that's the extend of our date nights.  Honestly, we wouldn't go back to when life was easy because the difficulties and busyness that now fill our lives in the form of two little bodies come with huge rewards.  But there are some times we get to live on the edge thanks to my mom. 

Isn't she a beauty?  Well, she's a beauty for more than one reason.  Every once in a while she offers to have the kids stay the night at her house.  This means my kids get to have the most wonderful date night with their Grammy and Michael, and Steven and I get the most wonderful date night that will involve dinner at a realistic time, a late night movie, and a morning of sleeping in.  What is that?  I don't really remember, but I'll be sure to tell you after this weekend.  All I have to say is THANK YOU MOM for loving to be around our kids as much as we do.  We are so looking forward to our date night, and the kids are looking forward to theirs too.

Rhea Lana of South Tulsa and a GIVEAWAY!!!

Rhea Lana of South Tulsa

Heard of it?  If not, and you are interested in consigning your child's too small clothes, toys that just collect dust, or all that baby stuff in your attic, then this is the outlet for you!  The Rhea Lana of South Tulsa's sale is scheduled for August 3-6th at The Shops at Regal Plaza, 105th and Memorial (facing the Hampton Inn)

Since we have just one more little precious baby coming in February, I am hanging onto all of Little Man and Little Miss' baby items.  However, after we're done with the items I will most definitely hit up Rhea Lana for the first time.  Let me tell you why...

• Rhea Lana allows you to keep 70% of your sales.  Period.
• Consigners can make up to 80% with referrals.
• Consigning fee is only $7.50.
• Items are guaranteed against loss or theft, which means if they are lost or stolen while in their possession, they will pay you for them.
• Consigners can track sales in real time. LIVE!
• Rhea Lana has a mobile app where you can check your sales on the go.
• At the end of the week, you can pick up your unsold items and your CHECK!
• Tagging system is easy and THEY print the tags for you at check-in.
• Free parking and admission everyday.

I have done JBF before, but the consigner fee was $12.50 and I only earned 65% of my sales.  Then I had to wait a couple of weeks to receive my check through the mail.  Rhea Lana definitely has the upper hand with offering more money to consigners' pockets AND a quick check pick-up.  If you are interested in consigning, don't think twice about trying Rhea Lana. 

The consigner sign up deadline is August 1st at midnight.  This means you STILL have time to earn money on items sitting around your house.  The wonderful ladies at Rhea Lana are more than happy to answer any of your questions to ease you through this process.  Here's the contact info...

Christa and Allyson

479-957-2679
southtulsa.rhealana.com

Now here's my favorite part...the GIVEAWAY!!!  I just love giveaways.  Heck, I just love free stuff period.  Well, the nice ladies of Rhea Lana of South Tulsa would like to offer one of my readers 

$20 Gift Certificate for Rhea Lana Spending Cash*

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment telling me what's most appealing about Rhea Lana to you.  I'll count all entries through this blog OR comments left on the link to the blog on FB.  Good luck!

*Giveaway ends Friday, July 29th @ noon.  Winner will be announced Monday, August 1st.

 

Menu Monday

It's that time again.  Another Monday and another menu, but today is a little different.  You see, I try to treat all menu items equally, but I don't think there has been enough lovin' on one recipe in particular.  Eggplant Parmesan.  It is simply delicious.  A dish that is sure to blow away your guests.  People won't know it's a meatless entree.  In fact, I made this for the 3rd time for Steven's twin bro.  He actually watched me prep it then asked, "So when you gonna throw the chicken in?" 

"Say what?"  I said.

"The chicken.  When you gonna put it in?"

"Uh, there is no chicken. Eggplant is the substance in there you taste"

"Wow.  I guess I could be a vegetarian," he said.

Now that's going a little overboard.  Rene, nor Steven, could ever go meatless on a regular basis.  They would die of hearty meat withdrawls.  You think I'm kidding?

So, I want you all to trust me and make it.  You'll be surprised.  I certainly was.  Everything else this week is equally delicious.  I had to throw that in.  Wouldn't want anyone's feelings to get hurt.  Menu items can get so touchy sometimes.

Monday-Eggplant Parmesan (scroll to bottom for recipe), Salad,  and The Bread with Garlic Dipping Sauce
Tuesday-Mexican Lasagna with Arroz con Gandules
Wednesday-Spaghetti, Olive Garden Style Salad, and Cheesy Bread
Thursday-Sausage Spinach Pockets with Sweet Potato Fries
Friday-The Ultimate Date Night...kids staying with my mom
Saturday-Dinner @ the Hunley's with the Frey's.  This will be one wild night.
Sunday-Chicken Tacos, Corn Saute, and Garden Salad

About This Pregnancy

This will be a first of many.  A first of many pregnancy talks.  Mainly because women love to exchange stories of their children starting with conception.  You can be shootin' the breeze with some random woman, find out she's had a child, and BAM!  You're exchaging labor and delivery stories. It just happens.  So it should be no shock to you that I will discuss this pregnancy, and maybe, just maybe reveal way more things you would ever want to know.  Reader beware.

Today, I want to discuss my eating habits.  I cannot for the life of me stomach any raw vegetables.  This is very different for me as I usually have a couple of servings of raw veggies with my lunch.  Fruit I can somewhat handle, but my intake is no where near where it should be.  Frankly, I'm digusted with my eating habits during this pregnancy.  If you could only see the greasy leftover pizza I have sitting next to the computer right now (at 9:30pm), you would cringe.  My fingers are even slipping off the keys from all the grease.  How's that for deliciousness?  Makes you want to jump up and dial your local pizza place, right?  I really don't know what to do other than try to ride this thing out, and pray my cravings turn towards something with actual nutritional substance. 

Steven says he wants to support me in my quest to stomach the raw veggies.  Yeah right.  He's supporting me right now leaning against the island shoving his face with the largest bowl of cookies-n-cream ice cream I've ever seen a human consume, and rattling off veggies I could eat.  He's not going to help me out.  So I'm asking you for your help.  Could you please find the most digusting pictures of women who have gained and ungodly amount of weight during their pregnancy and email them to me?  Scare tactics.  I'm thinking it's the only thing that's gonna work at this point 'cause I'm on my second piece of pizza in a matter of 10 minutes.  I. Need. An. Intervention.  However, I can only think on one thing right now, and it's this...

See what I mean?  I need help!

Signed,

The Girls Who Blew Up During Her Third Pregnancy



Tips for a Great School Year

With Little Man attending his first ever schooling experience this year, I am now in a very different role.  I'm a parent.  Not a teacher.  I am subjected to a whole different set of rules.  I am on  very different side of the boundary line.  I am not the one making the rules, nor drawing the boundary lines, but the one that will follow.  As I think about what this upcoming year will look like for Little Man, I am not the one doing the planning.  Definitely a new role for me, and a new role for Little Man.

Looking back as a teacher, I realize there were common mistakes that well intentioned (and some not so well intentioned) parents in every class made every year.  I vow not to make these same mistakes this year or the years to come.

• I will not suggest how the teacher should run her classroom to better my child.  Yes, I may know what's best for my child, but I do not know what's best for all the children in that classroom. 
• I will not automatically believe every story that comes out of my child's mouth.  I will first check with the teacher to get his/her side.
• I will not go above the teacher's head without first discussing the problem with them.
• I will stay within my time limit during conferences.  Even though my child is my most favorite topic, I will realize there are 20+ other parents who want to talk about their child as well.
• I will NEVER discuss issues I may or may not have with a teacher in front of my child.  There is nothing more detrimental to my child's learning when children are subjected to hearing negative things about their teacher.
• I will not request my child to be moved from one classroom to the next just because the other class is doing more of the 'fun' stuff.
• I will not knock on the teacher's door after school has already started without permission, even if it's just to drop off a quick item.  The office is more than capable of getting items to my child without interrupting the classroom.
• I will not take my kid out on a day of fun just because they missed a goal and didn't earn a reward.  If my child fails to receive a reward they will sit at school and see how it feels to underachieve.  I will not reward them underachievement.
• I will accept responsibility for my child's poor actions.  I will not ask who else participated in the poor behavior.  All that matters is my child chose to participate.
• I will not allow my child to use extra-curricular activities as an excuse for homework not being complete.  If they are not able to get their work in on time because of sports, then they won't be doing sports.  Believe me, that will be a hard one.  Sports are important in the Torres household.
• I will not do my child's work or projects.

And, I think that's it.  For now at least.  It's a lengthy list, and I know I may be tempted as a parent to cross one of those lines, but in order to have the best possible relationship with my child's teacher I will follow these guidelines. 

{One of my classes @ Tsa La Gi}

And, if you're wondering, all of the above items I witnessed either through my own classroom or my fellow teachers.  They happened every single year.  Sometimes by the nicest of the parents, and sometimes by the biggest buttheads.  In the end, it always hurt the child more.  They pick up on parent behaviors and start to model them.  Not a place I want my child to be.

My Favorite Appetizer

I have lots of appetizers I love, but this is my go-to when I need to make a quick one.  Not only is it quick, but it also have just a few ingredients.  A bonus in my book.  To top it off, it's super delicious.  It's definite 'Add to the List' recipe.

Fast Bruschetta
French bread sliced thin
1 jar of pesto
1 cup chopped Roma tomatoes
1 container of Feta Cheese

• Spread pesto evenly over each piece of bread
• Top with Roma tomotoes
• Sprinkle with Feta Cheese
• Bake @ 350 degrees for 5-10 minutes

That's it.  Go ahead, impress your guests at your next gathering.  Impress them even more by making your own pesto.  By the way, if you have a good pesto recipe pass it on!  I love pesto!

Wasted Time

With the new baby, we had to get a bigger car.  My Escape only fit 3 car seats across the back.  With Chunky Monkey and Little Nugget, I needed an extra row.  Since I planned on driving my Escape until the wheels fell off, it was hard to sell her, but it was a must.  A sacrifice I made for my family.  Good news is, I really like my new car. Don't you?

If you really believe this is my car, then I love you.  I wish this were my car.  Well, maybe not.  Anyway my car is not what this post is about.  Today I want to talk about all those wasted moments in the car we let pass us by.  I can't even count how many times I tune the radio to my favorite station to pretend I'm in my own adult world without three kids in tow in the back, but honestly that wastes so many opportunities to have the kids undivided attention.

Recently, I've started focusing on topics and games the kids and I can play to stimulate their little brains.  Here are a few of our favorite games...

• Name That Animal- We each take turns to describe an animal.  Once we're done, the other car riders take their guess.  Let's see if you can get mine.  This animal is a mammal.  It is covered in fur.  Lives on land, and often stays in trees.  It is one of the laziest animals on this Earth.  What's my animal?
• Name That Fruit,Vegetable, etc...-same concept as Name That Animal
• Categories-I name a category and the kids and I take turns naming things that fit into that category.  For example, we ran an quick errand today that was about 20 minutes.  Little Man asked if only boys could be Puerto Rican.  A perfect opportunity to play 'Who's a Puerto Rican'.  I realize this is probably not a game most of you would play, but I found it comical.  I started and named a person in our family (who is a female) that is a PR.  Then Little Man went, followed by Chunky Monkey, and Little Miss.  As the kids started figuring out who in our family is and is not a PR, I then started naming people who weren't so they could correct me. 
• I Spy-We only play this if I'm not driving and there's a picture book or magazine in the car.  Basically, I find an item on a particular page, hand it to the kids, and start giving clues.  Some clues are directional so the kids can work on the prepositions and directionality (like I spy something under the table), and other clues describe the actual item (like I spy a round, red object).

Really the possibilities are endless, but the point is I'm trying to focus on the kids.  I still take mental breaks here and there or I'd go crazy, but more and more I'm turning off the DVD player and turning on memories.  What are some games you play with your kids in the car?

Menu Monday

Monday-Marlboro Man's 2nd Favorite Sandwich with Homemade Fries
Tuesday-Mexican Casserole with Corn on the Cob
Wednesday-Tater Beef Bake, Herb Roasted Green Beans, and Parker Rolls
Thursday-BBQ Chicken Quarters, Perfect Potatoes Au Gratin, Salad
Friday-Chicken Salad Sandwiches with Sweet Potatoes
Saturday-Baslamic Bowtie Pasta, Herb Mix Salad, and Honey Butter French Bread
Sunday-Family Dinner

If you're thinking there are some repeats from last week, you are completely right.  Steven's Uncle Pete and his wife were in town from Chi-town and we did a lot of our meals at his mom's to spend time with them.  That means one thing...last week's menu items didn't get eaten.  Thankfully, the meals we did have here I was able to throw together all my fresh ingredients so they didn't go to waste.  Have I ever mentioned I hate throwing food out?  I do.  Now you know.  Now your life can continue, and you can have the best week ever.  Indoors of course.  It's too hot to even get the mail, but I feel a cold front coming on.  I may be crazy, but I'm going to start speaking of cooler weather and rain.  Watch.  It willl happen! I'm just believing it.

I Tried To Stay Away

It's true.  I tried to stay away, but the nonstop talk of it, drew me in.  Like a moth to a flame.  Like flies to my air conditioned house, it called to me and I answered.  It goes by the name of Pinterest, and I've already invested too many hours obsessing browsing over all the pretties.  I finally decided to jump into the deep end without a life jacket when I found out baby #3 was on its way. 
I signed up because this go round I want a gray and yellow room for the baby.   We all know I need help getting decorating done.  I have a clear picture of what I want, but finishing it out for the price I want to pay is the problem.  I figured if I had a 'board' to put all my ideas, I would hit my goal a little faster.  We shall see, my friends, we shall see.  Anyway, after only a few measely hours, I found this color pallet.  It's exactly what's been floating around in my head.

via Pinterest

designer not mentioned

Now that you know what I want, I'm enlisting all of you as my personal shoppers.  When you run across items that follow these colors and patterns, go ahead and buy it for me.  I promise I'll pay you back ;)  Seriously, if you do find items such as these, please let me know so I can start getting things gathered for Little Nugget's room.

Sweet Taco Salad

This recipe comes from my mom.  She made this for us growing up and it is delicious.  It's a great spin on the traditional taco salad.  I'll do my best to give you accurate measurements of the ingredients, but I've never made this from a traditional recipe.  It's always been a little bit of this and a little bit of that.  Feel free to change up whatever.  That's what we do over here.

Sweet Taco Salad
1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 packet taco seasoning
1 bag Fritos
1 can kidney beans or black beans
1 tomato, diced
1/2 cup green onions or regular onions, chopped
1 cup shredded lettuce
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Catalina dressing, to taste (I probably use 1/2 bottle)

• Cook beef until no longer pink.  Add taco seasoning and follow package directions.
• Allow meat to cool a little.  Meanwhile, drain and rinse beans.
• Combine beans, lettuce, onions, cheese, and tomatoes.
• Add meat and Fritos.
• Drizzle on Catalina dressing.  Toss and coat.

That's it.  I would suggest that if you want leftovers, you should keep the Fritos separate from the remaining ingredients.  Otherwise they get super nasty soggy, and no one wants that.  At least I don't.  I'm upchucking just thinking about it.

Hopefully I will have a picture for you soon.  I know I like to see what the dish actually looks like before I make it.

You Guessed It

Well, well, well.  It looks like I've got a bunch of geniuses that stop by.  You all figured out my clues.  Yes, we are EXPECTING our THIRD.  Yes, you read that right.  We will soon be outnumbered by children in this household.  How soon you ask?  February 26, 2012 is the estimated date.  I'm only about 8 weeks along, but it's hard 'holding it in' when it's your third, and I'm not talking about keeping it a secret.  I'm talking about literally holding in your stomach.  As much as I'd like to think I have a six pack to keep my pudge in, I don't.  So out pops baby #3.  Seriously, look at me already...

Okay, okay.  You got me.  That was when I was preggo with Little Miss, but that's how I feel already.  I'm just excited that I get to be big and pregnant during the winter months.  I'm calling it right now.  Our heating bill is going to go WAY down.  I already told Steven to get ready.  The heater will be set on 60 degrees!  The only plus to being large and in charge.

So there you have it.  Our big news.  Now I'm curious to know which reader fits into which category.  These are the interpreted looks we have received when telling our friends and family...

A)  That is so exciting. Children are such blessings.
B)  Wow!  Were you planning this?  You had the perfect family.  One boy and one girl.
C)  What!  Are you nuts?  You can't divide and conquer anymore. 
D)  We're really happy for you (secretly thinking: Glad it's not us).

Some Medical Advice

I know there are lots of different types of people that come from different types of backgrounds so I'm hoping some of you can help me out.  I've got something going on.  Here are my symptoms...

• Nausea
• Headaches
• Increased Appetite
• Drowsiness

These symptoms have affected me so much that I have not been able to keep my house clean like I like it, and my laundry pile is out of control.

Whatcha think is going on?  I need some medical advice!

One more thing...my boobs hurt too.  Not sure if that helps you out ;)

Menu Monday

I love summer, but I cannot stand this heat unless I am at the pool.  Even grilling seems like a task and I usually don't mind at all. Since I'm staying indoors unless I'm poolside, I went back to some of my old favorites this week.  Hope you enjoy them too!

Monday-Baked Chicken, Stuffing, and Green Bean Casserole
Tuesday-Sweet Taco Salad (recipe coming later this week) with Mexican Cornbread
Wednesday-Marlboro Man's Favorite Sandwich with Homemade Fries
Thursday-Mexican Casserole with Corn on the Cob
Friday-Lemon Basil Pasta with Grilled (indoor) Chicken, Peas, and Spring Salad
Saturday-Turkey Veggie Spaghetti, The Bread, and Garden Salad
Sunday-Dinner with Family

Husband Appreciation Day

I'm declaring it.  It's Husband Appreciation Day.  Is there even such a thing?  Well...there is now.  It's today.  I just got to thinking, I can point out Steven's annoying qualities super fast.  Like when he sits on the couch, picks his toes, and then eats it.  Not really.  How many of you actually believed that?  However, I want to be sure to point out his awesomeness and today is the day. 

• He always tells me he loves me and that I'm a great mom (even in moments I'm not).
• When he sees I'm overwhelmed, he asks what he can do to help.
• He's a very involved, loving father.
• I know that he would sacrifice anything for the success of our family.
• He would rather spend time as a family then chasing after his own ambitions.
• He listens to me and the kids.
• He leads a balanced life.
• When I was preggo with Little Man, he would pray over me while I was sleeping every morning before he left for work.
• He has a special song he made up and he sings it to Little Man every night.
• He gets on the floor and plays dolls or Barbies with Little Miss.
• He has always remained true to who he is.  He doesn't falter.  He isn't shady.  He is who he has always been.  He's consistent, and that's why I love him.

Now it's your turn...

He Peed

You see this precious little thing...

I sure do love him.  He brings us so much joy everyday with all the off the wall goof ball stuff he's done.  Like the time we were at Just Between Friends and he shouts, "That lady has a BIG booty."  That wasn't embarrassing at all.  Or the time I had to call Cox and to tell them I would need a new modem.  I was trying really hard to avoid mentioning the reason why my modem had shorted out.  It went something like this...

Cox Guy: Thank you for calling Cox.  How can I assist you today?

Me: Well, I think I need a new modem.  One for our home phone and internet.

Cox Guy:  Okay, we can get that taken care of.  Mmmm.  I see your modem was a new install less than 6 months ago.  Is there a specific reason why it is no longer working?

Me:  Something happened to it because it has an electrical burning smell.

Cox Guy:  Ma'am, the only reason for that smell would be if it got wet, and it shorted out.  Did you have any liquid around the modem?

Me:  Welllll, I didn't, but my son sort of did.

Cox Guy:  Was it a sippy cup or something, because it would need to have a full on spill before it would short out?  Just trying to find the cause.

Me:  If you must know, my son peed on it.

Cox Guy:  He what?

Me:  (holding my face in my hands)  He peed on it.

Cox Guy:  Hold on just a moment (doesn't technically put me on hold just pulls the phone piece away so he can speak to his co-workers).  (Muffled).  This lady's son just peed on her modem.

(Laughter from a multitude of Cox workers)

Cox Guy:  Okay, ma'am.  Yes, that would do the job.  I'll have someone come out today to replace it for you.

Me:  Thank you, sir.

End Scene

Yes, that really happened.  Yes, I was embarrassed.  No, it didn't help that he not only told his co-workers, but he made sure to put it on the work order.  Yes, I got to relive the whole story again while the young worker tried to keep a straight face. No, I don't think he had kids.  Yes, I think I was a walking form of birth control for this guy.

Isn't having kids so fun?  I think every parent has a story like this, so what's yours?

Old Fashion Sewing Table

Welp.  I finished yet another DIY, except you can't really call this a DIY because it required one can of spray paint and stain.  Maybe this is why it took me a lot less time than the window pane. 

I found this little treasure at a garage sale for $15.  It was hard to pass up and it has character.  Without further ado here is the latest piece in my living room.

Yes, I am one step closer to finishing out the room.  Instead of like 50 years, I think I'm down to about 20 years left to completion.  What can I say?  I can't help but be an overachiever.

Menu Tuesday

It was a late night.  I'm assuming it was a late night for you.  After many recommendations, we decided to stay put in our neighborhood to watch the show here.  We were not disappointed.  Never in my life have I seen so many fireworks.  Ever.  For 3 straight hours the sky was never dark.  It was amazing.  Not to mention our great neighbors and friends who camped out in front of our house.  The kids played and the men blew things up.  Highlight of the evening...The Sparkler Bomb.  A handmade bomb created by none other than Steven Kueny.  Once the other men saw our 5 gallon bucket shoot up at least 50 feet in the air, they came over to see how he did it.  It has to be a man thing.  I've never dreamed of blowing anything up.  That's a lie.  I sometimes dream of blowing up my laundry pile, but that's a different issue.

Here's the menu...

Tuesday-Mexican Lasagna, Arroz con Gandules, Corn Saute
Wednesday-Leftovers...way too much from 4th of July
Thursday-Baked Chicken, Garden Salad, Italian Bread
Friday-BBQ Chicken Quarters, Broc-N-Cheese, Fruit Salad
Saturday-Dinner Out
Sunday-Hello, Mom.  How 'ya doin'?  We might be crashing your house.  Consider this your warning.

I hope your week is wonderful! 

Happy Fourth!

Happy Fourth of July!!!

Menu Monday will be tomorrow...so...Menu Tuesday.

Enjoy the time spent with your family.

A Trial Run



Last night we wrapped up the 2010-2011 gymnastics season.  I have to say I have some pretty fabulous kids in my classes.  If you have ever wanted to do a little trial run for your child to see if gymnastics would be a good fit, then I have the perfect solution for you.

During the month of July, Almighty Gymnastics has opened up 4 clinics that are open to the public.  Below is the information regarding the clinics...

Tumbling Fun
Ages 3-5
July 11th from 6pm-7:30pm
Cost $15

This class will be the basics of gymnastics for the young ones starting out, and an extension for the older pre-schooler.

Walkover & Beginning Back Hand Spring Clinic
Ages 6 & up
July 14th from 6pm-8pm
Cost $20

This class will be for the children who have mastered the cartwheel, round-off, and introduction to a back hand spring.

Cartwheel, Round-Off, & Kickover Clinic
Ages 5 & up
July 25th from 6pm -7:30pm
Cost $15

This is the perfect class for the kids who want to learn the basics.  A great way to get your child recess ready by showing off their skills to their friends.

Back Hand Spring & Back Tuck Clinic
Ages 6 & up
July 28th from 6pm-8pm
Cost $20

In order to attend this clinic, your child must be close to or already have a standing and/or running back hand spring by themself.  This class is for the more 'seasoned' tumbler.

If you think one of these clinics would be a great fit for you child, call Almighty Gymnastics at First Baptist Broken Arrow @ 918.317.2258.  A huge bonus is I will be teaching these clinics along with the other Almighty Gymnastic teachers, so I will get to meet your precious kids.  I'm not sure if I've told you or not, but I love kids ;)