Star Student; Spidey Sense and Weight Watchers Recipe to Boot

My little Diva was the Star Student for two weeks at school.  Calm down.  All the students in her classroom has their turn being "Star Student."  This gives each student an opportunity to get to know one another and Ms. G to know more about her students.  Diva loved the fact that she got to show her classmates a few of her Squinkies that she collects. 

Last week, Katie's school celebrated 100th Day of School by having each student bring a poster with 100 words that you can read.  I thought it would cute to arrange the words to spell out "READ."  Little did I know, I wasn't the only one with the same idea of using the words to decorate the posters.  I got to see other kids posters and WOW!  These parents have done this before, you can tell.  A boy's poster had the Auburn symbol.  A little girl had a gumball machine.  The gumballs had words on them.  CUTE! 

Colton and I have been under the weather.  I haven't been to church for the past couple of weeks.  If it's not him, it's me.  Ugh!  I still blame the weather.  I can't remember when we had highs in the upper 60's and lower 70's in the month of January.  CRAZY!  Anywho, Katie and daddy brought back this costume after church for Colton.  

As you can tell, Colton loves his Spiderman costume.  In this picture, he was shooting his web at me.  HAHA!  His mask looks weird because I was kind of afraid that he would have a hard time breathing.    

A real quick Colton story.  Is two years old too young to be girl crazy?  Why I ask is because I was watching movie today and a pretty girl wearing a swimsuit showed for a second.  Out of the blue, Colton turned to me and said and I quote "Yeah, ba-b-y."  At first I was shocked because I couldn't believe this was coming out of my baby's mouth.  I couldn't believe it, so I asked him what he just said.  He said it again, but this time he grinned.

The other day, Colton and I were headed to pick up sister from school.  He asked me to sing the "Hulk" song.  Well, I didn't know the Hulk had a song.  I told him that I didn't know the song.  He insisted that he wanted me to sing the Hulk song.  I asked if he could sing it for me.  Without skipping a beat, he started singing "I want my baby." 

Weight Watchers Crockpot BBQ Pork Sandwiches
I just want to tell you this is a great recipe to try.  So tasty!  I didn't take a picture, but Doug really liked it.

Ingredients:
2 medium onions, cut into thin wedges
1/2 cup water
1 (2 to 2 1/2 lbs) boneless pork sirloin roast
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 cup low calorie bbq sauce
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1 Tbsp honey
1/4 tsp ground ginger
10 whole wheat hamburger buns, split and toasted

Directions:

1. In a 3 1/2 or 4 quart slow cooker, combine onions and the water; set aside.  Trim fat from meat.  If necessary, cut meat to fit in cooker.  In a small bowl, combine chili powder, 1/4 tsp of the cumin, black pepper and garlic.  Sprinkle mixture evenly over meat; rub in with your fingers.  Place meat in cooker.
2. Cover and cook on LOW 8 to 9 hours or HIGH 4 to 4 1/2 hours. 
3. Using a slotted spoon, remove meat and onions from cooker.  Using two forks, pull meat apart into shreds.
4. In a large bowl, combine bbq sauce, vinegar, honey, ginger and the remaining 1/4 tsp cumin.  Add shredded meat; toss gently to coat.  Fill each bun with about 1/3 cup of the meat mixture and about 1 Tbsp of the onions.

Yield: 10 servings
Serving Size = 1 Sandwich per Serving
Weight Watchers PointsPlus + = 6 per serving.
Nutrition Info. :
Calories 251, Carbs 27 g., Fat 5 g., Fiber 3 g., Protein 23 g.

Tweely Twue

Introducing the latest in technology from Michelin:

The new Michelin Tire "Tweel" Design



This is so cool and futuristic.  Almost too much like science fiction to be real.   

"You is Important" by Aibileen Clark

This is my new favorite quote.  I finally got to watch "The Help" last weekend.  It was an inspiring movie.  I laughed.  I cried.  I felt shame and disgust.  I think my most favorite part of the movie was Minny telling her "BIG" secret to Skeeter and Aibileen.  HAHA!!!  I love it!!!  Attention to all you Mrs. Hilly want-to-be's it's in chapter 12.  LOL!!

Seriously, in God's eyes we are all important.  No matter where we come from or what color we are.  We are no better than the person sitting right next to you.  We are all equal and have a purpose for His glory.  All you need to do to get started is one random act of kindness a day.  Before you know it, it spreads like wild fire. 

Thank you so much for all the birthday wishes today. I had another wonderful birthday. It started off with my beautiful children wishing me a "happy birthday." I love my snuggle bugs. Poor Colton has been battling a cold.  Millard and Peggy brought me lunch from my favorite restaurant, "Sweet Peppers Deli."  Yum!  On top of that, they picked up my favorite plate - chicken salad on a croissant with a side salad.  Ahhhh!  Y'all it's soooo delish.  They also gave me a slice of one of my favorite desserts - chocolate eruption.  It's basically a chocolate cheesecake on a chocolate cake bottom.  Doug surprised me by leaving work early enough to pick up Katie from school.  He apparently likes my photography because he purchased a new lens for my camera.  It's different and I've had my other one for so long that it's just going to take time to adjust.  We did try it out tonight and I have to say that the pictures were brighter and have more clarity. 

I hope you have a very blessed week and remember "You is kind, you is smart and you is important." 

God Bless!

Love . . . Always and Forever 2012

Chase and Leslie are to be wed this coming Spring. They were so sweet to allow me to have a photo shoot with them. I've never taken a photo shoot with a couple other than just snap shots during a family gatherings.

Photos were taken at a new hotspot in Cullman "Stone Bridge Farms."  They are booked solid years in advance during the Spring and Summer months as the main wedding venue. I had the opportunity to attend a wedding this past Autumn at Stone Bridge. The place is simply breathtaking. The property is outlined in Leyland Cypress and slightly rolling green pastures. The focal point is the beautiful pond, wooden bridge and gazebo that are located in the center of the large pond. A charming little wooden chapel and large reception hall over look this pond. The reception hall is an open restaurant on Thursdays. I haven't had the chance to visit the restaurant on Thursdays. I hope to have that opportunity one day. We have friends that visit quite frequently and rave about how delicious the  food tastes. 

Our shoot was taken last Thursday, so when we were well into our intensive shots, I noticed that we were the entertainment for several on-lookers.  A couple got into my photos without me really knowing about it until it was too late.  They were a couple of great shots too.  Ugh!  I guess I was too focused on my job.

Thanks Stone Bridge Farms, Chase and Leslie for a very successful photo experience. 

This will the couple's wedding ceremony kiss

Potty Training Woes

We are going through potty training woes. Flash hates to go to the potty. He says and I quote that "it's yucky." I don't understand how a potty is yucky, but yet you can poop or pee in your own pants. One morning as we were getting ready for school, Colton messed in his pants. He told me that his bottom is yucky. I told him that I would change his pants as soon as he finished eating his pancakes. Well, he saw me coming down the hallway with diaper and wipes in hand. Shaking his hand and saying "no," he didn't want his diaper changed. I told him that if he didn't change his pants, his bottom would start burning. Again, he said "no." I asked him why he doesn't want to change his pants and Katie and I began giggling as soon as he told us his reason. He said "'cause I'm watchin' the news." Too funny! He is such a character.

For a couple of hours, Colton did pretty good wearing his Buzz Lightyear underwear. I asked him if there was something special that he would like to have as a reward for staying dry all the time. He piped up and said that he wanted a Superman. I've never seen him go to the bathroom so fast. The funny part of this story is him trying to go to the potty, when he doesn't really have to go. He is so funny! He literally strains, trying to pee-pee. He shakes his head, close his eyes and tells me "it won't work momma. I try, but it just won't work." LOL! After he says this to me, he has this funny, disgusted look on his face. Of course after he didn't go pee-pee, he asked where his Superman was and when we were going to go get it. Yeah. He doesn't understand that he has to keep going to the bathroom every time he has to go potty and keep dry pants. Too funny.

check out my comic

FINISH

It's the team's motto ~ FINISH. The word "finish" has been mentioned several times throughout the season by coach and players during news media reports.  To finish what they've started and boy did they ever FINISH well. 

It was a fun and exciting football game last night. Doug and I got everything wrapped, so we could be parked in front of the television for the next 4 to 4 1/2 hours. Doug literally did not move off the couch, he was afraid that it would bring bad luck. I'm telling ya, Bama went to NOLA with game and hunger in mind. We have been eatten up with the sports media ever since the loss to LSU, the first time around. We should not have lost that game, but it happened. Revenge is ever so sweet.



Honestly, I think Jefferson and Honey Badger is still sitting on the field wondering "what just happened?" I think LSU thought they were easily going to chew us up and spit us out.  They just didn't know how hunger we were for the championship.  Two great teams from the Southeastern Conference, it couldn't have been a better match.  It's great to be from the SOUTH!!!  We gave LSU several opportunities to win the game last night, but this win was in our favor and I'm so glad it was. How sweet it is!!!

ROLL TIDE!

#14 BCS CHAMPIONS!!!!

Grilled Salmon

Grilled Salmon
Ingredients:
1 lbs. salmon fillets
lemon pepper to taste
garlic powder to taste
salt to taste
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup light brown sugar
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup light olive oil

Directions:

1. Season salmon fillets with lemon pepper, garlic powder and salt.
2. In a small bowl, stir together soy sauce, brown sugar, water and oil until sugar is dissolved.  Place fish in a large resealable plastic bag with the soy sauce mixture, seal, and turn to coat.  Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
3. Preheat grill for medium heat.
4. Lightly oil grill grate.  Place salmon on the preheated grill and discard marinade.  Cook salmon for 6 to 8 minutes per side or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. 

We made this tonight for dinner.  To me, it taste just as good as any high scale restaurant or better.  The salmon was tender, not dried out at all, and flaky.  This recipe is so good and will be revisited often.  I have to stay away from baked Irish potatoes, so we just had a side salad.  It would also go well with steamed vegetables.   
Enjoy!

Submit Yourself

Reading Joyce Meyer's Devotion "Enjoying Everyday Life" for today, titled: "Breaking Satan's Assignment" was motivating for me.  Here I'm focused on kids, my new healthy life, family and there are so many people out there that need my help.  Even if it's something so simple as a smile or letting someone pulling out in front of me, helping someone get the bag of flour off of the top shelf at the grocery store. 

Joyce writes:

"Most people seem to only quote half of James 4:7: 'Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.' Discover the importance of the first half of this verse."

Well after much thought and research into the greek word Submit - "Hupotasso", which means to give or obey. The first half of this verse tells me to get out there and give myself/give to others by obedience of God Almighty. It's a fantastic and powerful meaning out of a such a small word - submit.

On a Healthy Note
This is day 3 on my new healthy way of life.  I can't say the word "diet" because I've failed every diet you could possibly think of, let's not forget last year's fitness overload at the gym.  Ugh!  No, this will be a whole new way of healthy living.  Fortunately, I've been eating whole grains, olive oils, Omega 3 oil and some veggies/fruit in the past.  I'm just going to step it up a little more than I have.  I've been educating myself a little more each day.  What foods fight or prevent diseases like cancer.  Ways to eat heart healthy and reduce fats.  It's challenging and educational. 

For instance, I've never heard of Flax Seed until I stopped and watched a snippet of Dr. Oz's show about Flax Seed and how it's good for you.  I figured that I would have to go to the GNC store in order to get it and when I do pick some up, what do you do with it?  Right?  What is it and why is it so good for you?  Well, I found out that it is rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty oils and a good source of fiber.  It's an excellent food of good bacteria, which is great to prevent certain diseases like Colon Cancer.  Now knowing this information, where do I sign up?  I've found a couple of foods that contains Flax seed.  I first found World Table brand "Brown Rice and Flax Rice Crackers," which is pretty tasty.  It does contain potato starches, but it does contain other good ingredients like brown rice, flax seeds, safflower oil, soy and is whole grains.  I've always liked the Kashi brandname "TLC Oatmeal Raisin Cookies," but I never knew that it contains flax seeds.  That is until I got to reading the ingredients.  Now it might be a trace, but it is listed in the middle of the ingredients.  This is just a beginning to me.  As soon as I'm on my feet, who knows.  Maybe I can find out where to buy the ground flax seed and the recipes to make my own treats with my new friend - Flax Seeds. 

Nick wants me to keep my heart rate at around 127 while exercising because this will burn fat without gaining muscle.  So as simple as it may sound, I use my step ladder.  Going up and down steps just to keep my heart rate low.  Challenge!!!  You know in the working world, when things got overwhelming in the office.  One of my favorite sayings was "I love a challenge."  If keeping my heart rate at 127 during exercising will help me burn more fat, then I welcome the challenge!
I appreciate the prayers.  Who knows, the next time you hear from me I'll be a Flax Seed Connoisseur.  LOL!

Happy New Year!

New Year's Eve, we went to a birthday luncheon at Logan's Restaurant. I love their chicken tenders and rolls. Yum! Doug's cousin invited us to come celebrate her husband's birthday. Afterwards, Millard and Peggy took the kids shopping and then back home with them, while Doug and I went to watch Natalie's basketball game.

We had a great time, visiting with everyone and watching UAH blast Tennessee Temple. I believe Natalie made 7 or 8 points in this game. Natalie plays on the starter team. They were so far into the game, point wise, that coach began putting in the second string. They didn't even slow down our second string because we were still putting the points on the scoreboard. I believe the final score ended up being 117 (UAH) to 37.

After the game, Natalie and Leslie invited Doug and I to meet up with them and their boyfriends at "Buffalo Wild Wings." We had a good time and their Honey BBQ Boneless wings were delish. Maryann ordered the Parmesan Garlic wings. It sounds yuck, but I tried them and they were really good. Maryann and I were discussing how good it would on a baked chicken breast. I will have to work on that dish. 

That night, Millard and Peggy came to our house to help celebrate the new year.  We had our own private party.  Doug bought the XBOX 360 Forza Motorsport 4 some time back, but I never really got to play it until over the Christmas vacation.  We were telling Millard and Peggy how much fun it was.  We talked ourselves into getting it out and playing a few races.  We even got Peggy to try it out.  We laughed so much.  Katie loved driving just so she could see how bad her car looked after the game was over.  So funny to see how beat up your car gets.  I absolutely recommend this game.  It's just a lot of fun. 



Millard and Peggy didn't stay with us until midnight.  They were wiped out and ready for bedtime.  We stayed up long enough to watch the Moon Pie in Mobile to fall and a little New Year's Rockin' Eve party.  The only ones up to say "Happy New Years" were me and Katie, sitting next to me in bed.  Uh, we were exhausted the next morning. 

On New Year's Day, we always go to Doug's parents for a big pot of greens, cabbage on my part, and black-eyed peas.  It's a sin that we ate so much.  But I told Peggy that I had better enjoy it while I can because when everything gets back to normal, we are changing our eating habit.  I'm cutting back on sodas and sweets.  Drinking more water and taking time to do a low cardio exercise each day.  Nicholas and I have been discussing my weight loss plan and exercise.  He just finished a complete study on good nutrition and weight loss at school.  I've told him what I've been doing in the past and he is helping me tweak it a little and showing me where I might be making mistakes with my weight loss plans.  He has been very helpful.  I've done a little research on cancer fighting foods, getting fit, and possible calorie burning foods.  Really, it's a lot more food than I first thought.  Basically, Nick told me to shop my groceries around the outside of the aisles and stay away from the food aisles.  That's your produce, breads, meats, and poultry.  Pray for me.  I need all the strength and prayers that I can get.  I have to watch my sodium, sugars and carbs.  Everything has carbs!  That's why he wants me away from the inside food aisles.  Makes sense. 

Today, Pat, June and Nick came over for a visit.  While the guys watched ballgames, us girls played one of Katie's games, "Cinderella."  Later, June, Nick and I played "Rummikub" and a card game called "Golf."  June won all the Rummikub games and I think I overall won Golf, I love that game.  We also got out the Motorsport XBOX 360 game for everyone to try out too.  That is until the bowl games started going good.  LOL!

Katie is so happy that she gets one more day of vacation before she has to start back to school.  She misses school, but we (all) have enjoyed sleeping-in in the mornings.  Come Wednesday, it's going to KILL us.  Katie and I both have stayed up late every night and slept in every morning.  Ahhh! 

Happy New Year! 

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!!!!!