RTT: Reading, Reading, Reading

I can't believe it's already Tuesday. Time flies. I'm glad that this month is almost over. I'm ready to get my fall decorations out of storage. And I'll be changing the look of the blog! Let's do this random thing which will mainly be re-capping the weekend. That's how it goes...

If you're participating in RTT, be sure to link up with Stacy at Stacy Uncorked and leave her a comment! I'm sure Princess Nagger and Little Dude will be up to something! Don't forget to be random!!!

•  J and I left for P'cola Thursday around 3:30 after he got off work and showered. Of course, we had to stop a million times, so we didn't get there until after 9. 
• I got to spend a lot of time with J's brother's wife, Kelly. I adore her. She cracks me up and we had a great time getting to know each other better. They used to live in NH, so this is only the fourth time I've had the opportunity to spend time with her. 
• We had a great conversation about using the phrase, "Bless you/his/her/their heart". lol. 
• The guys went fishing Saturday night after we played mini-golf. {Side-note: J picked the place to play. Sam's Funland or some such place. It was pretty horrible. The course was under trees and there were about a million mosquitoes. I got bit quite a few times. I'm still itching. And it was really humid and hot.} Kelly and I were going to swim after golfing, but their apt complex was having a party, and there were way too many people at the pool.
• Kelly and I watched "The Red Violin" on Netflix. I had tried watching it before with my brother-in-law, but I fell asleep. It really is a great movie. 
• The guys were gone so long, that by the time they got back, it was after 1 and J and I didn't get to bed until after two. Needless to say, we didn't get up until late Sunday morning, which ruined my plans to spend the day at the beach. :( We had time to shower, pack and eat breakfast before we left. Then, we went by the beach so I could get some sand for Mama. We had Sabrina with us, so we couldn't stay more than a few minutes. {We left the car running with the air on so she would smother to death.} Afterwards, we stopped by Chris and Kelly's apartment to say goodbye. 
• We got home around 7:30. It was like someone sucked all the energy out of me! I was exhausted. Especially since I drove the last 3 hours. On the plus side, it felt GREAT outside when we got home. No humidity and about 89°F. Perfect weather. 
• 'Bina had a great time riding in the backseat but eventually, she wormed her way to the front. So spoiled.  
• My new favorite app is Jango. Free music! On. my. phone. Need I say more?
• I'm having a hard time thinking of blog posts. I've noticed I'm only doing memes. :( This is not cool. I need to do more. At least, I feel I should do more. 
• Saw a cop chasing some man out of a gas station in FL. We stopped to get gas and a cop pulled up to the pump next to ours. He got out of the car and was sauntering towards the store when a man came out of the store and saw him. The man started sprinting around the corner of the building and the cop took off after him. He didn't catch him though. I snapped a pic of the cop when he was walking back to his car.

• Finally finished "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood last night...wow. Talk about Dystopian... It's a must-read for everyone!
• The weather is slowly turning into fall! Last night it was so nice outside, with no humidity! Pray that it keeps being nice, so we can finally open up the windows at night instead of running the air conditioner 24/7! 
• I'm re-reading "All Together Dead" from the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris. It's been awhile since I've read about ole Sookie, so I can't remember what's going on. Then, I'm going to read the last four of the series. I can't wait! I'm trying to catch up to where I'm supposed to be on my reading list.  Only 22 weeks in this year left and I'm way behind! Only 43/100 books read!!

Have a great Tuesday everyone! :) 

 

Six Word Saturday

We're at the 

beach in Florida!

Aren't you jealous?? 

I would be.

Hope everyone's having 

a great weekend!

♥

If you're going to participate in 

six word Saturday, be sure to visit

Cate at Show My Face. Leave a comment

and link up!  

 

Mil-Spouse Friday Fill-In #55

It's Friday! 

1. The first thing I think of when I get up in the morning is can I sleep in 30 more minutes?.
2. Lately, I’ve been craving chocolate or anything sweet because I'm trying to watch what I eat..
3. Whenever anyone says the word fresh-cut grass, it reminds me of my childhood because I associate my childhood with summers.
4. The happiest word I know is  Yes, but more often than not, it's NO.
5. My spouse may hate it, but I absolutely love Ice cream. (He has sensitive teeth.)

Sorry this post is so boring. I've had the hiccups for the past 10 minutes and I'm slightly annoyed and don't feel like blogging atm.

Wordless Wednesday

RTT: Is summer over yet? How 'bout now?

I think Tuesday is my favorite day of the week. Even though Keely is still hiatus-ing, being random never gets old. Thanks Stacy for stepping in to be our surrogate fearless leader. You are greatly appreciated! If you're going to participate in RTT, be sure to link up with Stacy and check out at least one other blogger's RTT! 

• When I read a book, I keep a pencil close at-hand to underline misspelled words. How can the most simple of words get by an editor??

• I just noticed that through our bank, we are on a rewards program that earns us points for using our debit cards. Apparently we can buy stuff with our points. And the irony in the fact that I notice these reward points the day after I delete the email from the bank, which stated that the reward program was ending in October, is not lost on me. I didn't think we were on the program until I checked the balance online today. Go figure...
• Sometimes I convince myself that if I don't attend an event, it was like it didn't happen. I.E, if I didn't go to Boog's third birthday party, it wouldn't have happened. He would still be 2 forever. I shouldn't have gone....*sigh* I can't believe he's 3. 
• I went with Amanda to her ultra-sound appt Wednesday. It was scheduled for 3:40, but I thought it was at 2:30. I didn't intend on being gone ALL day. When we got there, they acted like they didn't even know she was supposed to be there. They told her that the appt was for Thursday. Whaaaaaat? They didn't want to work her in, but reluctantly, they did. We were there over 2 hours.
• It was really cool getting to "see" the new baby for the first time. They were just making sure everything was going well (and it is going well) since this was an unplanned pregnancy. Read about why, here.
• I hated driving home afterwards though. It was dark and I am nearly blind, so it took forever to get home.
• I am so excited about Fall! I can't wait to drag out all my orange, red and yellow decorations and mix them in with all my green. Fall is my favorite time of the year and this will be the first time to decorate our new home. Here is what our living room looks like now (viewpoint from my couch.):
  

 <<< To the left is the hallway
and to the right is the entrance into the kitchen. I love my books, but that bookcase is only 3 years old and already falling apart. Small knick-knack shelf is from a thrift store (I painted it sage-green), painting is from TJ Maxx and the sign is from Hobby Lobby! ♥

>>> Bookshelf again and the entryway to the kitchen. The sign to the right of the bookshelf, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" is from Hobby Lobby. I hung the O,A,K,S all by myself, which is why it is crooked. They are also from Hobby Lobby. The plate between the doors is from Germany. J brought it to me when he was laid over coming home from Afghanistan. And the magnetic calendar is from Dollar General. I ♥ Sunflowers.

 <<< Cross is from H.L. as is the PRAY plaque. Love the lamp (One of 3 matching) from Big Lots. Yes, that is a pack of leftover sparklers from the Fourth of July. Note the green watering can. DVD shelves from Wally World. Clock and candle holders from Kirkland's. Birdcage mirror from Cracker Barrel. Birdbath dish and bowl from Ross.

>>> I love the little bird candles from TJ Maxx. The dish they are in is from a thrift store. The candles on the stand with the rocks are from a neighbor. Pyramid monkey is from the same thrift store as the dish. The doilies are from the $ Tree. I ♥ that place. I have books everywhere. Even in the bathroom. :)

<<< Sorry this picture is so dark. It's pretty cloudy outside today (Friday is when I started this post). Mirror is from Kirkland's. Horseshoe above door was made by a fellow army-wife, Colby. It is yellow with a ribbon hanging from the bottom. The KEYS plaque is from Ross, I believe. The Bless Our Home shelf/rack thingy is possibly from TJ Maxx or H.L. The flag stars and heart are from H.L. Table came from a neighbor that was moving out and didn't have room for it. It was cherry red, but I painted it. The ottoman is actually white with a gray blanket thrown over it until I can find some pretty fabric to cover it. We bought it at the thrift store for $35. The dog came with the husband. I guess technically we're still paying for her. Haha.

• I think maybe I got carried away with all the green. What do y'all think?
• I've been reading Chelsea Handler a lot lately. She is so funny. I think next, I'm finally going to finish up the last four books of the Sookie Stackhouse series (aka True Blood on HBO) by Charlaine Harris. Also on my list is The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. 
• I changed my mind and read The Kite Runner instead. It was pretty good. I was unprepared for the graphic scene and then they wanted to flash back to it a few times. Ugh. All-in-all, it was a good read. I wouldn't rank it on the top of any lists though. 
• I'm currently reading The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. So far, it's confusing. But, I'm only on the 2nd chapter. 
• Did I tell y'all that we got rid of the beetles? They just stopped showing up when it got hot. But yesterday when I cleaned the living room, I moved the rug by the front door and there were three under it. Not a big deal since I hadn't vacuumed since last Monday. But now, we have earwigs. Nasty little things and I can't stand them. At least the beetles didn't bite. And the beetles were slow moving. We're not the only ones with these earwig things though. We cat-sat for our neighbor over the weekend while they were out of town and when I was refilling the cat's water cups, I saw an earwig on the sink. I think they're just bound to be in every apartment b/c of the area. They're attracted to water and moisture, so I don't know why I keep finding them in the living room and bedroom. Ewww. 
• Facebook still reminds me of my statuses from last year:

• My sister is so funny. 
• Meirikichitokufu is my Japanese name. Or Meirikichi for Whit. What is yours? Use this to help you:    TRY YOUR NAME IN JAPANESE: A= ka, B=tu, C= mi, D= te, E= ku, F=lu, g= ji, H= ri, I= ki, J= zu, K= me, L= ta, M= rin, N= to, O= mo, P= no,Q= ke, R= shi, S= ari, T= chi, U= do, V= ru, W=mei, X= na, Y= fu, Z= zi.... ...then paste your Japanese name in a comment... :-) ..... share this......it's FUN!
•  Because I'm awesome, that's why.

• I think this random thing has gone on long enough for this Tuesday. Til next time...

 

Custom Chic iPad case Giveaway!

Who wouldn't want to win this cute iPad case?

Taylor, winner of my "Faithful Followers Giveaway", is having a giveaway on her own blog, Our Military Home.
You don't need to be military-affiliated, but you do need a U.S. mailing address! Head on over to her blog, using this link: http://www.ourmilitaryhome.com/?p=1547, to enter to win! Good Luck!


Here is the post, taken from Our Military Home:

Can’t wait to get your hands on this chic custom cover?  ANYBODY (military and non-military) with a U.S. mailing address can enter to win! Score one entry by doing each of the following (meaning, if you do all five, you will be entered five times):

1.  Like Our Military Home on Facebook

2.  Join Our Military Home with Google Friend Connect

3.  Subscribe to the Our Military Home email list (and receive one email a day with all of the new posts for that day).

4.  Follow Our Military Home on Twitter.

5.  Post about this Giveaway on your own blog.

You must ALSO POST A COMMENT on THIS POST stating the way(s) you entered since if you don’t post a comment, I won’t know you want to be entered.

I will randomly select and announce the winner on Thursday, September 1.  Please share the word any way you can! When I reach 100 likes or follows on Facebook, Email, Google Friend Connect, or  Twitter, I will host another giveaway!  Good luck!

Happy 3rd Birthday to Boog!

Aunt Bit-Bit and Uncle J love you soooo much! 

You are such a big boy and we are so proud of you!

I can't believe you're three already!

You learned this the day of your party. Now you're a pro!

 It seems like just yesterday we were 

meeting you for the first time!

Boog in the NICU the day he was born.

10 days old, 8/31/08.

And then before we knew it, you were a 

chubby one-year-old!

Eating birthday cake at his first party.

  And you really knew how to ham it up for the camera!

8 Days before his first birthday. :)

A little over a week after your first birthday, you had

to say good-bye to Uncle Jeremy, your favorite nap buddy.

Boog and Jeremy at the airport

But, you made sure Uncle J chased you all over 

the airport before he left...

Run Boog, Run!

 And you gave him a good squeeze before

he boarded the plane. 

You give such good hugs! "MmmmMMM!", you say.

And Uncle J loved on you so much, everyone probably 

thought you were his baby instead of his nephew!

We call that Pappy,"The Big Ugly".

The way Uncle J loves you, makes me love him even more. :)

You grew up way too fast while Uncle J was gone,

January 2010

March 2010

May 2010, You learned to be brave!

June 2010

Carrying a sleeping Boog around Wally World 

is no easy feat, but I didn't mind. :)

 Then, just before your second birthday, you became a big brother! 

Meeting The Princess for the first time. 7/28/10

 

 I'm proud to say, you handled being a big brother pretty well, 

considering she's a girl and all...

October 2010

Almost a month after Sissy was born, you turned 2!

"OOooo Wow! Bumbob", says Boog!

 And Uncle J came home in September!

You were so shy. But it had been a year.

You give kisses across the room! 

November 2010

 And you and Uncle J are good friends again. 

January 2010

 You're wearing sunglasses and looking so cool!

First really long road trip, April 2010.

 And now, in the blink of an eye, you're a big boy...

But you're still silly! ♥ 8/20/11

 Three years old!! And so smart! 

At his birthday party 8/20/11

You know how to count to 10 and have known since you were two.

 You can name all the colors and animals when we look at books.

I think you're tired of taking pics in this one.

 You know lots of shapes including: circle, square, rectangle,

triangle, heart and sometimes pentagon and octagon.

"Bujjj Lightyur"

You sit still when someone reads to you. 

You help clean up your room 

and are pretty good about helping out.

You give the best hugs and kisses.

And you have the greatest smile in the world!  

Cheee! 8/20/11

Happy Birthday Little Man! 

Don't change anything! 

I ♥ you!

Six Word Saturday

Happy Birthday to

my handsome nephew! 

Make that, mess of a nephew. LOL.

Going to his party later today. :) 

Aunt Bit-Bit loves you Boog!

To participate in 6WS, head over to see Cate

at Show My Face! She's awesome and so is this meme! 

Have a great weekend everyone!

Winner of the Faithful Followers Giveaway

Drumroll please.

Everything always sounds cooler when preceded by a drumroll. 
And the winner is.....

Taylor 

Congratulations Taylor! Please email me with your 
address so I can get these books to you ASAP. :)

Here's how I picked the winner:
I made a list of everyone and for each time they 
entered the giveaway, their name was written down.

1. Mimi
2. Mimi
3. Mimi
4. Bama
5. Bama
6. Holly
7. Holly
8. Jess
9. Jess
10. Taylor
11. Taylor
12. Taylor
13. Vandy
14. Vandy

  Then, I went to random.org and entered the numbers in the

generator. Before I randomized it, I asked Jeremy to pick a number 1-14.

He chose 12 and then I hit randomize and believe it or not, 12 was 

the number that was generated!!!

Thank you everyone for entering! 

Hopefully I'll be able to do another giveaway soon!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Dinner is Served: Quesadilla Casserole

Remember that awesome post that Blogger deleted back when it decided to crash a few months ago?? Guess what?!?! I found it. It just showed back up one day disguised as a draft. I decided since I didn't have nearly enough posts going on this week, to post it today. Hope y'all get to make this soon! :)

Original post date: May 17th, 2011 

I had quite a few ladies ask for the recipe for my Quesadilla Casserole. I cleverly omitted the fact that I didn't invent this. 

McCormick did...

But it's really good, so don't not try it just because I didn't come up with it. *ahem*. I got this for about $2 at Winn-Dixie. My Mama has been talking about how McCormick was coming out with these Recipe Inspirations for over a year now, but the Wal-mart in Springville doesn't have them. And Lord knows Mr. Burton isn't going to carry them. 

They're located on the spice aisle/baking aisle next to the other McCormick products. Our Winn-Dixie carries 6 different recipes. This is my favorite so far. (The Rosemary Chicken and Potatoes is really great too!) You can check out their other packets here.



Each packet comes with all of the pre-measured spices you'll need for each individual dish and a recipe card to add to your box. On the back of the package is a check-list of the other ingredients you'll need. If you don't plan on going and buying one of these, I'll go ahead and list the spices too. If any of you are like me, you don't use these spices everyday, so it's more beneficial to buy the spice packet. lol.

Ingredients

2 tsp. McCormick Chili Powder

1 tsp. McCormick Ground Cumin

1 tsp. McCormick Minced Garlic

1/2 tsp. McCormick Oregano Leaves

1/2 tsp. McCormick Crushed Red Pepper (optional)

1 lb. ground beef (you could use turkey too)

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 cans (8 oz. each) tomato sauce

1 can (15 oz.) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (8 3/4oz.) whole kernel corn, undrained**

1 can (4 1/2oz.) chopped green chiles, undrained

6 flour tortillas (8-inch)

2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Brown beef and onion in large skillet on medium-high heat;drain. Add tomato sauce, beans, corn and green chiles; mix well. Stir in all of the Spices except Red Pepper. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer 5 minutes. Add Red Pepper to taste, if desired.

2. Spread 1/2 cup of the beef mixture on bottom of 12x9x2-inch baking dish sprayed with no-stick cooking spray. Top with 3 of the tortillas; overlapping as needed. Layer with 1/2 of the remaining beef mixture and 1/2 of the cheese. Repeat with remaining tortillas, beef mixture and cheese.

3. Bake in preheated 350°F oven 15 minutes or until heated through. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Seriously, let it stand 5 minutes. It thickens up then and it's easier to serve. Otherwise you'll have it dripping down the side of the stove. Or maybe that's just me. I am a klutz.



**Note: I couldn't find a can of corn this small, so I just used a regular-sized can. It works just as well. So don't waste a whole lot of time searching for a smaller can.

Mil-Spouse Friday Fill-In #54

Friday already. Thank God. 
Thanks to Wifey at Wife of a Sailor for keeping this meme going for over a year now! 

1. My spouse and I rarely agree on  _________________, but always agree on _________________.
How to save money/ How to spend it.

2. If I could use one word to sum up the way I feel right now, it would be  _________________.
Overwhelmed.

3. One of the things my spouse does that grosses me out is _________________.
I'm not going to embarass him. lol
 
4. My readers may think I'm crazy for doing this, but I really love to  _________________.
Sneeze. Over and over again. LOL. But after awhile, it does get frustrating when I can't stop. Haha. I know...I'm weird.

5. Frankly, my dear, I don't  _________________.
give a flying saucer!