Nickname Generator

So, I've become a little obsessed with LOST lately.  Pax and I watch a few episodes every night. We're now on Season 2, about 6 episodes deep.  We think about it A LOT, and make references to it, for example, one day I received a text from Paxton saying, 'The guy sitting next to me on the bus looks just like John Locke!'  to which I replied,'You should ask him what's in the hatch.' Sweeeeeet!  And then later that day we were planning a picnic for that night so I made a list of a few things we needed at the store, including peanut butter. Pax goes, 'Be sure to get some peanut butter for us AND for Claire.'  haha. And then yesterday I went on the LOST abc website and found a 'nickname generator'.  For those that watch LOST, you'll know Sawyer calls everyone by a random nickname he makes up.  Sawyer's nicknames for me are: EINSTEIN. BUBBLEHEAD. STRETCH. COTTON. SAND DAB. HUCKLEBERRY PINHEAD.  Hmmm... I don't see a trend here, I wonder how they come up with these.  So, what's your nickname??

Besides LOST, we work all day, workout, sleep, cook... which by the way- I cooked a new recipe yesterday which was good but it made enough for an army! Sheesh!  It made a packed 9x13 pan full PLUS another packed 8x8pan!  Crazy!

  This is the latest pic of us- out to eat for Jennifer's birthday!  That was at the beginning of March though, a little while ago.. but a cute and worthy picture to post.  Thanks Jennifer.  

Hope everyone had a Happy Easter.  Paxton spoke in church, and I taught all the Young Women the combined lesson on the Resurrection.  Afterward we had dinner at Heather's house and had a stellar easter egg hunt. I lost, twice. :(  But it was still fun! To view any pictures from that lovely day, check out Chris & Heather's blog.  They've got us covered!  I love Easter- I love having that reminder of Christ's resurrection, and the blessing we have of the Gospel.

Well, that's all folks!

Dallas Stars Fight

I know this is long overdue, but for lack of anything better to post, enjoy.

Snack Swapper

Can you Texans believe this rainstorm that's passing through? Will it ever stop? This type of weather makes me want to go home and bundle up in a heavy blanket and watch a chick flic or just another good movie. But back in reality, this type of weather makes for a really slow day at work. I sit in front of a computer most of the day, so of course, it led me to browsing the internet.

I initially looked up what a "side ache" is.. ya know, those awful sharp pains in your side when you're running. I got one yesterday that lasted awhile, and tried all I could to keep running and make it go away-- like breathe out on my right side as I'm stepping down, breathe more deeply, contract my abs as I'm running(which works for the most part). I read what causes it, what's going on inside your body when you have those "side stitches" as the experts call them, ways to treat them as you're running, and ways to prevent them. It's very interesting by the way. But that led me to reading about different articles about yoga and pilates and yoga VS. pilates, since I'm looking into start doing one or the other....((p.s. what do you guys think? which is better?)) And then I found this fun website with a "Snack Swapper" activity. It has common "snacks" and "junk food" that you could substitute for healthier snacks. It's always good to see what other options there are for good snacks. Anyway, there are some good ideas and facts...

Check it out. http://www.ivillage.com/diet/snackswapper/0,,7k7xsw71,00.html?selSwapper=8

New Decor

Thanks for everyone's suggestions.  After many stops at many stores, such as Hobby Lobby, Target, Garden Ridge, World Market, and Kohl's, I finally found what I was looking for at Pier 1 Imports!  I converted my kitchen from maroon/green/dark yellow to dark blue and tan.  Pier 1 had everything. I was surprised because Pier 1 has such pricy merchandise, but the rug I got was $5 and then these place mats, napkins, and napkin rings were cheap too!  It looks so good.  

    

I am SO excited the weather is getting nicer.  I can feel the humidity stickin around!!  I just want to go picnic and play volleyball and go hiking-- wherever it is that you would hike in Texas.  If anyone knows of any fun hiking places, let me know!!

Alright, Paxton is sitting here singing Blink-182 and beat-boxing while patiently waiting to watch LOST.  He is such a silly boy, he makes every single day interesting. I love him!  Anyway, I'm anxious to watch LOST too, so SEE YA! 

Suggestions...

Does any one have any suggestions on good STORES to buy cute kitchen place mats and rugs and decorations. I REALLY want to change the colors of my kitchen to like a dark blue. I've looked around Target, Wal-mart, and Garden Ridge whenever I've been there. I thought maybe Hobby Lobby might be good. Any other cool little shops or stores that I don't know about? Or have you seen anything cute like that anywhere? Let me know! I'm actually going shopping after work today, so HURRY-QUICK- SUGGESTIONS!

So Pax and I started watching LOST last night. We watched the first 3 episodes of season 1. They were good, and weird, and scary. Anyway, we're pretty excited to keep watching them. We're watching them off of abc.com. They have all the seasons and episodes online. The only con is that you have to get up every 7 minutes to push CONTINUE. They STILL have little commercials, but not nearly as long as on TV. So, that'll be fun to get into that show. I don't really want to start any more shows, and there aren't really any good ones out there anyway. They're all pretty trashy.

Alright, that's about it.
Love ya, bye!

Update

Quick update of our lives. I've realized that since we have no babies/kids to talk about, we just talk about ourselves. Now that may seem selfish, but there's no way to avoid it. What else would I talk about? Politics? Celebs? How corrupt the world has gotten? That is something I realized this past week while at Chris & Heather's. Chris mentioned that we can't even watch some commercials of certain shows, they're so bad and inappropriate. I've thought about that and noticed all the different images and trends the world is trying to make us believe is cool and something we should strive to become. It's really sad that there are people out there that look to celebrities and the media to figure out how they want to become. I worry for my own children and I just hope that I can raise them to be their own individual person and personality. It's scary to think how much worse the world is going to become when my kids are growing up, and the power of the temptations that will come their way. It makes me want to get my kids here and start raising them soon, before it gets too crazy! Does anyone think that ever? :)

This past week Paxton only had to work 40 hours, versus his required 50 hours during the busy season. The client at which he is working didn't have enough work for him to do to put in those 50 hours. I really really enjoyed having my husband home by 6pm and not 7:30 . This "busy season" isn't as bad as I expected, and Paxton feels the same. That's very fortunate for us.

We also went to a Dallas Stars hockey game, thanks to Curt Anderson for inviting us. It was SO much fun as usual. And there were plenty of fights to enjoy throughout the game. Unfortunately the Stars lost 1-2, but those fights made up for the loss. We got the biggest fight on video. Once I figure out how to get it on our computer, we'll post it.

I am enjoying receiving emails and letters from Katie on her mission. She is in Ohio now. She has been sick lately, but is still being blessed with missionary opportunities. She is so excited to get out and start the work, and is determined not to let her sicknesses slow her down.

We are both hangin in there, working and playing. Same old.

Maybe I'll post a pic or two, once I take one. And I'll get that hockey fight uploaded soon too! Til then, take care.

Very Late Update

So I know this is a little late to talk about but I was going through my pictures on my camera and came across this picture...

.. a pic of our first course, Strawberry Avocado Salad, for our Valentine's dinner.  What we decided to do for Valentine's dinner was look up some yummy recipes online, pick up the ingredients at the store, and cook at home!  It was such a great idea, versus going out with the crowds, PLUS it was delicious and cheap!!!!  Unfortunately I didn't get pictures of the main course, Grilled Chicken Bruschetta, but you can imagine by the name of it!! We also made seasoned baked potato wedges. Yummmm!

Last week Pax & I made the Grilled Chicken Bruschetta for his family and they loved it!!  Because I've seen people post yummy recipes on their blog, I thought I'd share my super great recipe finds as well!

Strawberry Avocado Salad

2 Tbsp sugar                                       

2 Tbsp olive oil                                  

4 tsp honey                                        

1 Tbsp cider vinegar                      

1 tsp lemon juice

2 c. salad (I prefer spinach leaves)

1 avocado - peeled, pitted and sliced

10 strawberries, sliced  or however many you want!!!

1/2 c. chopped pecans  or however much you want!!!

*Whisk together the sugar, olive oil, honey, vinegar, and lemon juice. Set aside.

*Put salad in a bowl, top w/ sliced avocado and strawberries.  Drizzle w/ dressing then sprinkle with pecans.  Serve!

Grilled Chicken Bruschetta

1/4 c KRAFT Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette Dressing, divided

4 small skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

1 med. tomato, finely chopped

1/2 c. mozzarella cheese (I used a mozz/asiago/romano mix that was GOOD)

1/4 c. chopped fresh basil (I used basil leaves that works great too)

*Place large sheet of heavy duty foil over half of grill grate; preheat grill to medium heat. *Marinate chicken in 2 Tbsp dressing for just 10 minutes.  Grill chicken until thoroughly cooked through.

*Meanwhile, combine tomatoes, cheese, basil and remaining 2 Tbsp dressing.  

*Top chicken evenly with tomato mixture.  Close lid and let sit for 2-3 minutes.  Take off grill and serve.

Ok so Super easy recipes that can be displayed really well and makes the plate look pretty!  Try it out!

Not much else really going on.  Paxton is out at Hole 3 or 6(can't remember which ?) behind our apartment practicing his shot.  It's getting warmer here!  I thought I would be excited, well, and I am, but today I've just been so HOT all day.  It's miserable.  And it's only 73 degrees!  Man am I gonna have a rough time this summer.  Actually I am really excited to be able to play volleyball outside, go on walks, swim, and other fun things you do in the summer!  I'm ready to soak up the sun!  I need it!