Ugh. Not been on since November?! Seriously, where did the time go?!
I had a great holiday for the most part. We spent too long in Houston for Thanksgiving, because Brent's cousin got married 10 or so days afterwards. What's it that Ben Franklin says about the fish ;)
Anyway, we all survived the holidays. It was nice, because Audrey had her 3rd of 4 Christmas' be a white Christmas. Love it!
We all got royally spoiled. I've enjoyed working on my Japanese skills with the Rosetta Stone I got. I also have refreshed myself on hiragana and katakana.
Just before Christmas, I went with my sister and she found her wedding dress. It is perfect for her in every absolute way. She looks stunning in it. She will be the most beautiful bride! I am so excited to be a part of her big day and that she is actually using my wedding planning skills! She's rewarding me by taking me cake tasting. Woot! She knows she's going to use Fancy Cakes by Lauren, but needs to set up a tasting to determine what she needs.
Tomorrow we leave for SIMstart. We are SO excited, but I will miss Audrey like crazy. This is the longest I will have ever been a part from her. Having some issues with that, but so incredibly blessed to be able to attend! We are going to learn so much, so I am sure I will have a ton to say when we get back!
In the meantime, our place is a mess since we have to be out of the townhome by the end of the month. We'll be moving to my parent's old place for the time being until it sells. Then it's off to Midlothian with my folks. Hopefully it doesn't sell for a while and/or we raise our funds super quick! Sort of torn, because I want to be here for my sister's wedding in August, but I am also excited to get to Japan! We will see what the Lord wills!
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Monday, November 19, 2012
Thanksgiving Reflection
I am getting bad about posting again. Part of it is I have to be on Brent's computer since my password is saved here and I just don't remember it. And Brent is always on this thing. So here I am not able to sleep right now, blogging.
A lot of exciting things going on that I wanted to share.
My parents closed on their new house in Midlothian. It's all very surreal to me. But it's a VERY nice house. Audrey just loves it. It's a picturesque almost farmhouse, but not quite.
The following Sunday after the house closure, my sister Nancy got engaged and is planning a Summer 2013 wedding. I am so excited to stand by her side and be her Matron of Honor. She already has me on duty by asking the church's wedding coordinator what dates are open this summer. Nancy just doesn't want July as it is an icky month. I am hoping for early, because of our bit of good news. Audrey gets to play flower girl, so that will be good. She'll be great for her favorite aunt (sorry other aunts, but Aunt Nancy is Just. Plain. Fun!)!
The next day we go our acceptance letter to SIMStart, where we go to headquarters in Charlotte for further interviews, meetings, and so forth. They are 90% sure that they will send us at this point and we will know by the end of the long weekend in January if SIM will send us to Japan. The next step would be training through SIMGo in March. We are so excited where God is taking us.
Meanwhile I am compiling a list of addresses to have, so when we do go to Japan I have a newsletter list. That's been labor intensive! I am thankful for facebook! I just don't need to forget family and friends not on there!
I always strive to be a thankful person, but this year my heart especially swells with gratitude. God is good. Always.
A lot of exciting things going on that I wanted to share.
My parents closed on their new house in Midlothian. It's all very surreal to me. But it's a VERY nice house. Audrey just loves it. It's a picturesque almost farmhouse, but not quite.
The following Sunday after the house closure, my sister Nancy got engaged and is planning a Summer 2013 wedding. I am so excited to stand by her side and be her Matron of Honor. She already has me on duty by asking the church's wedding coordinator what dates are open this summer. Nancy just doesn't want July as it is an icky month. I am hoping for early, because of our bit of good news. Audrey gets to play flower girl, so that will be good. She'll be great for her favorite aunt (sorry other aunts, but Aunt Nancy is Just. Plain. Fun!)!
The next day we go our acceptance letter to SIMStart, where we go to headquarters in Charlotte for further interviews, meetings, and so forth. They are 90% sure that they will send us at this point and we will know by the end of the long weekend in January if SIM will send us to Japan. The next step would be training through SIMGo in March. We are so excited where God is taking us.
Meanwhile I am compiling a list of addresses to have, so when we do go to Japan I have a newsletter list. That's been labor intensive! I am thankful for facebook! I just don't need to forget family and friends not on there!
I always strive to be a thankful person, but this year my heart especially swells with gratitude. God is good. Always.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Back from Disneyland
This time last week, I was in Disneyland. Wish I was still there! We had such a blast.
It wasn't so fun getting there. All that waiting sure wasn't fun. But at least Audrey slept half the flight, which sure was a relief. We were beyond tired when we arrived, still being on Central time, but we needed to eat and I had made plans to meet an online Disney friend in Downtown Disney. So we went to House of Blues to meet Lorianne and her daughter Megan. It was so good to meet them and we had a good time, despite being so tired.
Tuesday we went to Disneyland, where Audrey discovered the carousel right away. I lost count of how many times we rode that one. We went on a bunch of rides, but Audrey didn't like how loud they were for the most part. She didn't cry though. Unless she saw the carousel and wanted to ride it. We ate lunch at Cafe Orleans and had crepes and a pumpkin brulee which was divine. We would come back to Paradise Pier Hotel after lunch for naps. Good thing to do. Dinner we had at Tortilla Jo's and went to Mickey's Halloween Party, which Audrey dressed up as a ballerina for. She was stinkin' cute.
Wednesday we spent at California Adventure, where Audrey met her hero, Ariel. We had lunch at Ariel's Grotto with all of the princesses. It was good, but Audrey was already nappy. I think she would enjoy this if she had been older. $20 for mac and cheese she did not eat was not cool. At least we lived off of the desserts for a while!
Thursday we had the best breakfast with Minnie and Friends at Plaza Inn. Best character meal ever. I loved it. She loved it. She ate. Everyone was happy. The only downer was that it was across the way from the Astro Orbiter ride, which she also loved. So there was screaming at first. Ironically, we got a picture made right about then, and the photographer was so good that it's actually a decent picture of all of us! So yeah, had to buy that one. We needed presents for the grandparent's anyway :)
Friday we went to both parks. We started out at California Adventure, since that was the park with the extra magic hour. We were able to do rides that had too much of a line later in the day. Cars Land was also a lot more pleasant. Then we went to Disneyland, as we had reservations for Blue Bayou. Oh my gosh. Stop. If you go to Disneyland, you NEED to make reservations for Blue Bayou. You NEED to. It fills up and is so so so so so so good! Hunted down Pooh Bear as well and Audrey gave him a big hug. She wanted to buy a Pooh Bear that was like the size of her, but I persuaded her to a small one.
Saturday came too fast. We made a last minute ressie at our hotel's character breakfast where Audrey finally got to meet Mickey! That was a pretty nice breakfast as well and they had quite a few characters. I am glad we did it. She will only be this age once. Then we had to pack up and say good bye.
The low lights: Small World was closed for refurbishment and they ruined Haunted Mansion....I don't mind that they decorated it all Nightmare Before Christmas, but you messed with the whole flippin' ride. Not even the song was the same. I was uber bummed. It's just for this time of year though.
But watching all of Audrey's reactions, all of the the tasty treats, and the great first family vacation memories that will last a life time.....it was worth it. Such a great trip. Can't wait for more!
It wasn't so fun getting there. All that waiting sure wasn't fun. But at least Audrey slept half the flight, which sure was a relief. We were beyond tired when we arrived, still being on Central time, but we needed to eat and I had made plans to meet an online Disney friend in Downtown Disney. So we went to House of Blues to meet Lorianne and her daughter Megan. It was so good to meet them and we had a good time, despite being so tired.
Tuesday we went to Disneyland, where Audrey discovered the carousel right away. I lost count of how many times we rode that one. We went on a bunch of rides, but Audrey didn't like how loud they were for the most part. She didn't cry though. Unless she saw the carousel and wanted to ride it. We ate lunch at Cafe Orleans and had crepes and a pumpkin brulee which was divine. We would come back to Paradise Pier Hotel after lunch for naps. Good thing to do. Dinner we had at Tortilla Jo's and went to Mickey's Halloween Party, which Audrey dressed up as a ballerina for. She was stinkin' cute.
Wednesday we spent at California Adventure, where Audrey met her hero, Ariel. We had lunch at Ariel's Grotto with all of the princesses. It was good, but Audrey was already nappy. I think she would enjoy this if she had been older. $20 for mac and cheese she did not eat was not cool. At least we lived off of the desserts for a while!
Thursday we had the best breakfast with Minnie and Friends at Plaza Inn. Best character meal ever. I loved it. She loved it. She ate. Everyone was happy. The only downer was that it was across the way from the Astro Orbiter ride, which she also loved. So there was screaming at first. Ironically, we got a picture made right about then, and the photographer was so good that it's actually a decent picture of all of us! So yeah, had to buy that one. We needed presents for the grandparent's anyway :)
Friday we went to both parks. We started out at California Adventure, since that was the park with the extra magic hour. We were able to do rides that had too much of a line later in the day. Cars Land was also a lot more pleasant. Then we went to Disneyland, as we had reservations for Blue Bayou. Oh my gosh. Stop. If you go to Disneyland, you NEED to make reservations for Blue Bayou. You NEED to. It fills up and is so so so so so so good! Hunted down Pooh Bear as well and Audrey gave him a big hug. She wanted to buy a Pooh Bear that was like the size of her, but I persuaded her to a small one.
Saturday came too fast. We made a last minute ressie at our hotel's character breakfast where Audrey finally got to meet Mickey! That was a pretty nice breakfast as well and they had quite a few characters. I am glad we did it. She will only be this age once. Then we had to pack up and say good bye.
The low lights: Small World was closed for refurbishment and they ruined Haunted Mansion....I don't mind that they decorated it all Nightmare Before Christmas, but you messed with the whole flippin' ride. Not even the song was the same. I was uber bummed. It's just for this time of year though.
But watching all of Audrey's reactions, all of the the tasty treats, and the great first family vacation memories that will last a life time.....it was worth it. Such a great trip. Can't wait for more!
Monday, October 22, 2012
Christmas Morning
I am like a kid on Christmas morning.
Seriously.
I woke up at 3, and really didn't go back to sleep. I am running on pure adrenaline.
Because...
I AM GOING TO DISNEYLAND TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Won't blog while we're gone, but I am sure I will post pictures as soon as I can! :)
Seriously.
I woke up at 3, and really didn't go back to sleep. I am running on pure adrenaline.
Because...
I AM GOING TO DISNEYLAND TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Won't blog while we're gone, but I am sure I will post pictures as soon as I can! :)
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Dante's Inferno Revisited
I think I experienced my own special circle of Hell this past weekend.
We were at my in-law's house in Houston and I was still getting over the junk I had. I was extremely tired the whole time and helped set up for a wedding shower for DH's cousin that my MIL was hosting at her house. Then right before the first person arrived, Audrey ralphed. She has never thrown up before so she was very upset. Then she did it again. Oh great. She had that dumb tummy bug that was going around.
So here I am the whole time in her room trying to comfort my sick child in a house that is not ours trapped by a huge party going on downstairs. And to top it off, I am starving. And there is only one gluten free option (veggies and hummus), so I had to eat some major junk food. And then, after Audrey finally threw up the last time, she was ready to sleep, but people stayed an hour and a half past the ending time and talked flippin' LOUD so she kept on waking up. I almost went momma bear on their hineys. That just ticked me off.
Needless to say, we hightailed it out of there the next day.
Worst weekend ever.
Hopefully all is behind us now though, since we leave for Disneyland in 6 days!!!!!!!!
We were at my in-law's house in Houston and I was still getting over the junk I had. I was extremely tired the whole time and helped set up for a wedding shower for DH's cousin that my MIL was hosting at her house. Then right before the first person arrived, Audrey ralphed. She has never thrown up before so she was very upset. Then she did it again. Oh great. She had that dumb tummy bug that was going around.
So here I am the whole time in her room trying to comfort my sick child in a house that is not ours trapped by a huge party going on downstairs. And to top it off, I am starving. And there is only one gluten free option (veggies and hummus), so I had to eat some major junk food. And then, after Audrey finally threw up the last time, she was ready to sleep, but people stayed an hour and a half past the ending time and talked flippin' LOUD so she kept on waking up. I almost went momma bear on their hineys. That just ticked me off.
Needless to say, we hightailed it out of there the next day.
Worst weekend ever.
Hopefully all is behind us now though, since we leave for Disneyland in 6 days!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Blackbird Bakery review
I've been meaning to review one of my favorite new finds from the Gluten Free Allergen Free Expo. Let me tell you about Blackbird Bakery.
So I come along this booth that I almost pass by, but then I'm like "what the heck? I am here to try new things. And, special bonus, no lines!" Plus they were all so smiley and friendly, it was hard not to chat. The owner, Karen Morgan, is so absolutely adorable. She explained her different flours and what each of them can do for different recipes.
I got the pie crust mix. I get nervous, because I see that you are supposed to add eggs and butter to it. I have to substitute those things, so I was wondering if it would turn out the same. Plus, I didn't know if the fact that I wasn't using the exact kind of flour alternative to knead with, if it wasn't going to turn out. So I got out my trusty Ener-G egg replacement as well as my Earth Balance coconut butter and went for it, not expecting much. I was concerned about the kneading and letting it set. Turns out I need not have worried!
It was pretty easy to work in to the pan, then I put in my makings for a chicken pot pie and put on the top crust with only minor flaws. Then it went in the oven. The kitchen was smelling wonderful and it was ready fast. Still, I'm nervous. What if it tastes like coconut since I used coconut butter? Did I just ruin it? Then I take a bite. The moment of truth. It was so light, flaky, buttery....perfect. This is the best ever pie crust. And just so you know, I have only been gluten free for a year so I've got a lot to compare it to. Let me tell you, grandma's or your aunt's or whoever makes good pie crust in your family has met their match. Pretty sure they can't hold a candle to Blackbird Bakery's mix. I have never been the hugest crust fan, but I make sure every little crumb of this stuff has been licked clean.
She runs shop out of Austin, so you are shopping local when you shop with her! She doesn't have her shop up online as of yet, but hoping she gets it up before Thanksgiving! I need some crusts for what promise be to be the best pies! So check in with her site to see when that comes up and get your self some. http://www.blackbird-bakery.com/
I also got the Choux mix, but have yet to play with that. But I am very impressed!
So I come along this booth that I almost pass by, but then I'm like "what the heck? I am here to try new things. And, special bonus, no lines!" Plus they were all so smiley and friendly, it was hard not to chat. The owner, Karen Morgan, is so absolutely adorable. She explained her different flours and what each of them can do for different recipes.
I got the pie crust mix. I get nervous, because I see that you are supposed to add eggs and butter to it. I have to substitute those things, so I was wondering if it would turn out the same. Plus, I didn't know if the fact that I wasn't using the exact kind of flour alternative to knead with, if it wasn't going to turn out. So I got out my trusty Ener-G egg replacement as well as my Earth Balance coconut butter and went for it, not expecting much. I was concerned about the kneading and letting it set. Turns out I need not have worried!
It was pretty easy to work in to the pan, then I put in my makings for a chicken pot pie and put on the top crust with only minor flaws. Then it went in the oven. The kitchen was smelling wonderful and it was ready fast. Still, I'm nervous. What if it tastes like coconut since I used coconut butter? Did I just ruin it? Then I take a bite. The moment of truth. It was so light, flaky, buttery....perfect. This is the best ever pie crust. And just so you know, I have only been gluten free for a year so I've got a lot to compare it to. Let me tell you, grandma's or your aunt's or whoever makes good pie crust in your family has met their match. Pretty sure they can't hold a candle to Blackbird Bakery's mix. I have never been the hugest crust fan, but I make sure every little crumb of this stuff has been licked clean.
She runs shop out of Austin, so you are shopping local when you shop with her! She doesn't have her shop up online as of yet, but hoping she gets it up before Thanksgiving! I need some crusts for what promise be to be the best pies! So check in with her site to see when that comes up and get your self some. http://www.blackbird-bakery.com/
I also got the Choux mix, but have yet to play with that. But I am very impressed!
The Vow Review
I netflixed The Vow yesterday. It's based on a true story in which a young married couple gets in a car wreck and the woman looses all memory of her new husband so the husband tries to re-woo her.
I don't know if it's the weather or whatever is in the air, but I've been depressed since watching it. It was a pretty good movie, but not one I want to see again. I wouldn't really recommend it either. That's pretty much all I have to say about that.
I don't know if it's the weather or whatever is in the air, but I've been depressed since watching it. It was a pretty good movie, but not one I want to see again. I wouldn't really recommend it either. That's pretty much all I have to say about that.
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