30 Days of Thankful - Day 5

Today I am thankful for fresh squeezed orange juice!

Right from my own backyard no less!

 

 

Doesn't it look yummy!!
 

 

We planted this pretty, little satsuma not long after Sheep arrived, but hadn't seen any oranges since the measly two it had on it when we bought it.  Until this year.  Sheep's about to be 8 btw . . .

 

 

Now I know it's not the tree's fault.  Poor thing spent the first three years of it's life just trying to survive our new puppy Katie - who managed to dig up EVERYTHING in the bed no less than 5 times each season for the first three years of her life!  It was awful!

 

 

Then it had to endure one of worst droughts on record here in Texas last summer.

The Silver Leaf Maple didn't make it.

But 'Lucky' did . . .

 

 

 . . . with a little help from Mary, who came to join us a few years back from my aunt's home in Austin.  Lots of good memories made up there and I feel blessed to have her gracing my own garden now.

 

 

Snacks is home with me on Mondays, and it's always fun to have a little 'help' in the kitchen!

 

 

Jaime Oliver's got nothin' on my "Nekked Chef!"

 

And the verdict is . . . .

 

Mmmm, mmmm good!

 

Don't forget to add your own daily thanksgivings at the 30 Days of Thankful Blog Hop going on now!!

Sharing this Thankful Thought @ Mop It Up Mondays, Meet Me Monday, Debbie Doo's Newbie Party, Take-A-Look Tuesday, Wow Us Wednesdays, Cowgirl Up, Whimsy Wednesdays, Show and Share, Overflowing with Creativity, Creative Me, Made U Look, It's a Hodgepodge Friday

 

30 Days of Thankful - Day 4

Today I am thankful for the chance to relax, restore and reconnect with my husband in San Antonio, TX!

 

Last Christmas, Speed and I won a two night stay on the Riverwalk (and some cash to boot) at his office Christmas party!  Which was probably THE BEST company Christmas party I have ever been to by the way. . . but that's another story!

 

Anyhoo, we headed out on Friday and arrived at the Mokara Resort and Spa just before sunset!

 

 

Here's a view from our balcony overlooking the Riverwalk below - lovely!

 

 

After flopping on the king-sized bed (we don't have one of those) and oohing and ahhing over the robes, and the blankets and the fresh fruit like some sort of 'country-come-to-town', we struck out to explore our surroundings and find some grub!

 

 

We waited the entire, long, HOT, Texas summer to cash in our prize - but it was so worth the wait!  The weather was absolutely perfect for a weekend on foot and dining al fresco!  After dinner, we ducked into Howl at the Moon - a dueling piano bar - for drinks and some 'no-kids'-style entertainment!

 

 

With no dogs or alarm clocks (or kids) to wake us up,  we slept in Saturday morning and then were treated to a Texas Two-Step Couples' Massage at the spa!  Fifty glorious minutes later we floated back to our rooms, sipping citrus water and contemplating spending the rest of our day in our amenities.  (That's a complementary robe folks!)  Room service provided us with a delicious breakfast and fresh-squeezed orange juice, made even better by the bottle of champagne I brought from home.  Talk about country-come-to-town . . . . ha!

 

We settled in for some Aggie football and by halftime it was clear that it would be OK to nap - so we did!  In fact we didn't make it out again until suppertime and I can't remember the last time Speed and I allowed ourselves a whole day of lazy.

 

Late in the afternoon, we hit the Riverwalk again and discovered the most amazing margaritas and dinner at the Iron Cactus Mexican Grill and Margarita Bar.  If you're ever in San Antonio, this is a 'must try'!!

 

 

We explored some more of the Riverwalk, which is just beautiful at night, and then headed back to  the Mokara to take advantage of the whirlpool tub . . .

 

 

 and bath butler (Are you kidding me?!). 

 

 

I actually had not realized before that I myself am a bath butler, but I will be adding this to my domestic goddess resume!

Needless to say, after 24 hours of rest and relaxation (and an extra hour's sleep), we awoke this morning feeling like Cinderella!  Speed works HARD and managing our 'Very Own Party-of-Five' is no easy task either.  Neither job leaves much time for daydreaming.  You know, those "What if we . . . " conversations.  The ones that remind you why you're on this crazy journey together in the first place and reassure you that you just might make it through the next 40+ years with your best friend still at your side.  At least that's what they do for me.

With the time change last night, we had plenty of time to explore the new sections of the Riverwalk today.  The rain had washed the sidewalks clean and the chill in the air made it a perfect morning for a stroll.  Although both of us have been to the Riverwalk before, neither had ever really noticed the towering cypress trees before, but we took the time to today.  Aren't they amazing?

After one last meal on the Riverwalk this morning, we said "Adios!" to San Antonio and headed north for a quick visit with Sport (our newest collegiate) before going home.  I am so thankful for my husband and to his company for this rare and wonderful opportunity.  We are already dreaming about our next trip!

 

Don't forget to link up your own stories of gratitude at the 30 Days of Thankful Blog Hop going on now!

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30 Days of Thankful - Day 3

It's Saturday.

That's Game Day in these parts.

 

And that means that today I am thankful for AGGIE FOOTBALL!!

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I mean to tell you, we are having such a good time in the SEC that most of us are wondering why we didn't make the move sooner!  Truth be told, I haven't made it to an 'away' game this year but I am dying to experience Aggie football in our new conference locales!!

 

And our new head coach Kevin Sumlin seems to be doing a real fine job!!

Congratulations coach!

 

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And what's not to be thankful for when it comes to Johnny Football?  He's breaking school and conference records every weekend and he's only a freshman - WHOOP!!

That's Aggie-speak for hell yeah!!



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We're up against a tough team this weekend in Starkville, Mississippi but I watched the game in Baton Rouge (l.s. who?!) and and we handed that victory to them. 

If we can play a clean game today, we will win.

Farmers Fight!!

 

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And even if we're 'outscored', at least we never lose a half-time!

 

Gig 'Em Aggies and

Bet the Hell Outta Mississippi State!!

30 Days of Thankful - Day 2

 

My neighborhood is great!  Not only because of the people who live here, but also because of where it's located - so today I am thankful to be living in my small town!

 

It has been a wonderful place to raise a family because the community is still close-knit and community-oriented!  Our little town of 30+ thousand hosts more community events than you can imagine and everyone still goes to the high school football games on Friday nights!

We celebrate Halloween with a Trick-or-Treat in the Park,

 

Christmas with a parade and snow in the park,

 

 

Easter with the biggest Easter egg hunt I've ever seen,

and an awesome 4th of July parade and party in the park as well!!

We are lucky to have three major parks in our town and they serve as the hub for community events.  In the spring and summer there are concerts at one park, movies at another and even a 'dive-in' movie at the city pool!  Best of all, all this family fun can be had for free!

 

I'm serious!!

 

And that's something else to be thankful for!

 

Don't forget to link up your own stories of gratitude at the 30 Days of Thankful Blog Hop and I'll see you around!

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30 Days of Thankful - Day 1

Today, I am thankful for MY NEIGHBORS, who make trick-or-treating something we look forward to each year!   Although, we also have fun trick-or-treating with friends in their neighborhood too, walking our 3 little blocks is simply the best.

The candy's good, the conversation is better and the safety of my little ones is never an issue.

That's Speed Racer and a Circus Poodle by the way - ha!

It's so good, even our old neighbors come back to the block to join the fun!  Last night Sheep told me, "I love trick-or-treating in our neighborhood because there's a friend behind every door." 

 

 

I couldn't agree more!

 

Don't forget to link up your stories of thankfulness, add the party to your own blog and/or grab a button to spread the joy!

 

 

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Join Me for Thirty Days of Thankful!

All I can say is "Whew!"

October has been fun but I am so glad it's over!  And only two weeks of school this month before we're out for Thanksgiving break, which means a mere 54 shopping days left until Christmas - Ack!

Just kidding!

Well, not about the shopping days, but about the "Ack!"

I am determined NOT to get all wrapped up in the craziness of the holidays, so I have decided to spend the next month reflecting on everything I have to be thankful for instead.   I hope these daily reflections will support, encourage and inspire you . . . and keep me focused on what matters most!  And I hope you will do the same for me, by linking up your own stories of gratitude over the next few weeks!

Feel free to share this on your own blog too.  I would love to see our stories of thankfulness all over the web this month!   They can be silly or serious.  Current or past posts are welcome.  I'm sure mine will be a mixture of both.  {Grin.}  Also, feel free to grab a button and share this party with your followers - I'd be mighty thankful if you would!

<center> <a <span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">href</span>="http://<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">sassypantsstudio</span>.<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">blogspot</span>.com/"><<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">img</span> border="0" <span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">src</span>="http://i1144.<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">photobucket</span>.com/albums/o490/jmlee91/30DaysButtonresized.<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">jpg</span>" /></a></center>    Sharing this Thankful Thought with Mop it Up Mondays, Meet Me Monday, Debbie Doo's Newbie Party, Take-A-Look Tuesday, Wow Us Wednesdays, Cowgirl Up, Whimsy Wednesdays, Show and Share, Overflowing with Creativity, Creative Me, Made U Look, It's a Hodgepodge Friday  

Our Annual Pumpkin Primp!

Well, it was a fun (but hectic) weekend, and the weather was just PERFECT here, which only added to the enjoyment. 

Prayers though for all my friends and family living in hurricane Sandy's path, who have a lot more on their minds than Halloween tonight. {Hugs.}  I hope the rest of you were able to get out and soak up some Fall too!

One thing that didn't get scratched off our annual Halloween bucket list over the weekend was painting our pumpkins!  As I've mentioned before, we steer clear of carving around here . . . so painting it is!  Besides, my kids love anything that involves getting messy and is mom-sanctioned too!

I really do love to watch my budding Picasso's at work.  So much so that we've actually hosted a pumpkin painting party every year, sometimes for friends and more recently for classmates.  I've always loved Halloween.  And most moms are more than happy to let their little Picasso paint a pumpkin at someone else's house.  Last year we had about 15 (!!) first graders painting pumpkins on the porch.  I'm crazy - I know!!

Anyway . . . we've had our pumpkins for a couple of weeks already, but haven't managed to find one night to even have neighbors over for an impromptu pumpkin primp.  So with Halloween only 2 days away, it was time to just 'get 'er done!'

Snacks knew just what to do and within minutes had his first masterpiece ready to display!

We use tempera paint our pumpkins, which makes for easy clean-up - though I suggest investing in one of those plastic-backed tablecloths from the dollar store for this project, especially with little ones!  I also put them in paint smocks to protect their clothes.  These were actually party favors from Sheep's birthday.

I have several old muffin tins that I keep handy for paint projects and they work great for keeping the colors separated!  They are also easy to clean afterwards!

The best part of using tempera paint is that if you make a mistake (Who, me?!) you can simply 'erase' it with a damp paper towel and start again. {Smile}

CAUTION:  That also means these designs are not waterproof so they will not last in the rain, unless you spray them with a sealant afterwards.  Otherwise, just make sure that stay on the covered part of your porch!

It was a lot of fun painting this year with just myself and the kids - I was able to actually join in on the fun too!  Sheep and I decided to make angry bird pumpkins (Thanks for the inspiration Rachel!) and then I decided to make a monogrammed pumpkin to greet our guests on Wednesday night!

Cute, huh?!

 

I had everyone (available) add a thumbprint and then I added their names in small lettering.

I did say no to the idea of adding the puppies' paw prints as well.  Even I have my limits - ha!

They all look wonderful at the front door.

 

And the kids (and I) are mighty proud of them too!

 

Making memories is what the holidays are all about and I am so thankful to have taken this afternoon to do just that.

Happy Halloween Y'all!

 

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Foam-tastic Cupcake Toppers!

 

Why not trick out your Halloween treats with these Cah-YOU-t cupcake toppers?!

 

 

They're so easy (and cheap!!) that anyone can do them -

no printing, no punching, no nothin' required!

 

Well, that's not totally true . . .

you will need some toothpicks and some foam holiday craft stickers, but THAT'S IT!!

 

 

I grabbed this package of 110 stickers with a 40% coupon a few weeks back and will have plenty-o-toppers for many Halloweens to come!

 

 

Simply peel back the paper (partially), add your toothpick, and re-stick the paper backing!  I used two toothpicks on the cats - one on each leg - rather than one in the middle, so you wouldn't see them.

 

 

These over-sized toppers make such a bold and FUN statement atop my Halloween cupcakes that they are sure to be hit at the school carnival's Cake Walk tomorrow!  I am not-so-secretly hoping to win these beauties back for myownself {Grin} because I love, love, love this recipe!  Though it never happens, a girl can dream, right?!

 

 

We have Fall Festivals and Halloween carnivals on just about every corner in our town this weekend and the weather has (finally) cooled off, so it should be a GREAT weekend to enjoy them all!  I hope you and your family are doing something fun this weekend too!

 

Happy Fall Y'all!

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