This ain't your mama's mac & cheese

UPDATE on the "It's Back" post. When I got home this afternoon boy was like "Charles called!" I was all like "my new BFF...did he need some business advice" Confused boy was like "no he called to tell you they found the house number". Mystery solved. I love that Charles!

Thank you all so much for all of your awesome tips a few posts back on my face. I so appreciate it! I feel a skin care miracle a comin'. I'm going to try some out and let ya know. I had bible study tonight and so I tivo'd "Lost", so I'm trying to keep myself from running to watch it without boy who's sound asleep. How he can sleep without knowing if they get off the island is beyond me.

And I leave you with this....we shall call it "this ain't your mama's mac & cheese". I found this recipe in a magazine and as soon as I saw cream cheese as an ingredient it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you whoever you are that thought this awesomeness up.


7 oz penne pasta
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
1/2 tsp. grouund mustard
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. worcestershire sauce
2 cups milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
3 oz. cream cheese
4 oz. shredded monterry jack
Italian Parsley

Heat oven to 350. Cook pasta as directed on bag. In a saucepan melt butter. Then add flour, seasoned salt, ground mustard, pepper, worcestershire sauce. This will make a thick mixture so don't worry. Remove from heat and add in milk. Put it back on the stove and boil. Stir after boils for 1 min. Remove from heat and add all the cheeses and stir with a whisk.
Mix mixture and pasta and put in a casserole dish and bake for 20 minutes uncovered. Sprinkle with a little Italian parsley. It's okay to cry if you need to...it's really that good.

Recipe from Pillsbury magazine January 2008.

It's back!!

Guess what this is?
Oh yes ma'am! The nuts and chews have returned. Click HERE to read the first post.

I walked out the front door this morning and low and beyond a package addressed to Dr. Cat from My BF!

I feared this is going to be a monthly tradition. Sort of like the fruit of the month club except I'm not paying for it and it would like stealing. So, I got on the phone and called again!

Not cause I have issues, but because it's the right thing to do.

Charles helped me this time. I love the See's Candies folks because they find the pure humor in it. I also suggested maybe a board meeting on not allowing sudo names to go out without the senders real information so ya know to save your company $20 bucks a month. They seemed intrigued with that brilliant idea. We'll see if I need to keep them on speed dial. I do pray I don't.

And while I'm giving free advice to candy companies, gagging from a dog that won't poop in the house because the fence is broken in the backyard and he can't poop out there and refuses to poop anywhere else except the dining room, getting the fence people to stop by, and dealing with a husband who is apparently on his death bed.

Boy is sick.

He thinks it's the plague, maybe even the onset of polio but I feel that the crazy wind storm we had yesterday brought in a whole lot of junk and his allergies have gone bonkers.

He still feels the plague is more likely and insists on his temperature being taken every so often to prove that he needs full access to the remote and slushes from Sonic.

My mom used to say that she'd rather take the illness when my dad got sick. I now know what she means.

It's windy

Please no worries...I am still alive and kicking.

Just with our fence that has completely collapsed around our home.

Perfect way to start the day.

Sadly the first thought through my head was Pug is not going to be able to go outside all day and will destroy my home.

Bummer!

Times like these are where I hate being a homeowner and want to pick up all our junk and move in with mom and dad. Instead I'll sit in front of the t.v. and cry and eat a carton of pringles instead because that makes everything better.

Seriously though, I really feel we are having our faith a little tested. And that's fine we will still praise Him every step of the way. I say that because this month our heater has gone out, my brakes on a fairly new car went crazy and we've been in consistent pray about an opportunity to join in our church's plans to plant a new church.

What can I say I like consistency and chaos makes me squirm. Just a lot of unknowns and it's tough handing God the wheel.

So we're buckling down gettiing consistent on tithing, setting aside a good quiet time each day and remembering to praise Him even when the protective fence falls down around us.

A Pug with Many Nicknames

Ahh another post about the pug.

Sorry.

I've just got nothin' over here. It's either that or me blog about the wire that popped out of my bra and nearly poked my eye out today.

That's Victoria's Secret: Poor wire construction.

So here's the pug.

I thought I shared with you some of pug's infamous nicknames today. Truthfully I will probably never post his real name because it sort of rolls with our last name and I'm more concerned about that being plastered for the world to see. But really we call him more by his nicknames so it's all good.

1. Dora the Puggy Explorer- sort of self explainatory. He's EXTREMELY curious so when he goes on his little sniffing adventures we shout this out to him.
2. Bubbins- Not just Bubba, Bubbins. It's got sort of a southern twang too it. This is really his most popular and I have to be careful not to shout this out on walks or at the dog park for fear people think wes is unclassy.
3. Snortin' Nortin- He snorts, not super bad but sometimes it's like an old man.
4. Dwight Pugrute- Question-Why is he refered to as an "Office" character? Fact: We love the show and he is just as stubborn as Dwight.
5. Bob Barker- Sadly, he wants to be tough and protective, but with that sweet little face people have no fear when he barks.
6. Little Bears- This is he's sweet name usually said when I have to WAKE him up in the morning and would not be complete without me saying it in baby talk.

So that was fun and sad all at the same time.

*****And if you are super bored and have an extra hundred dollars lying around you could be the proud bidder of Micheal's christmas card with Carol or maybe Pam's cardigan. Go here: http://nbcauction.auction.seenon.com/viewcat.php?category=111. Sorry my linky thingy isn't working tonight. I miss the "Office" a little too much.

Let's talk about my skin

Once a upon a time when I graduated from high school not only was it a thrilling time to be out in the world, but I thought I had bypassed a horrible teenage stage...acne. I had great skin, maybe a zit (such a horrible word) once in a while but nothing to throw money at.

Then as I continued to hop and skip through life tormenting acne yelling you can't catch me...BOOM!

I got humbled pretty fast.

It was like after college after we got married. BOOM it hit and it hit with a vengence. I secretly blame it on boy. Or the laundry that is taking over my house. Maybe both.

So I'd love to discuss what face products you use. I have tried them all from Clinique, Arbonne, Bobbi Brown (this stuff smelled so good I really didn't care that it didn't work), Proactive. Rhonda Allison you name it. Not to mention dermatologists, facials, tanning beds. I probably would have been more successful if I just flushed the money down the toliet and did a dance.

So spill your skincare secrets!

Lost

My house is a disaster.

You know your house is bad when you can't find a spot to sit down because the laundry that you took out of the dryer a week ago is still sitting on the couch waiting to be folded.

I'm hoping a maid will stop appear at my front door.

But then again I'd be too embarrassed for a maid to see this.

I hate letting it get this bad, but I have my reasons.

"Lost" and Wii.

Yep that will do it. We got hooked on the "Lost" DVD's November of '06. For days we'd rush home from work plop on the sofa and get Lost (ha). You can still see the butt imprints in the couch. Then for 13 months we've waited patiently until the day that DVDs for season 3 will hit the blockbuster shelves. In 1 week we've managed to watch 6 discs with 4 episodes on each that's 24 episodes of 45 minutes a piece. So let's round that to 1 day. I know sad! But if you've ever watched it will suck you in to the point that you find yourself saying "Being deserted on an island would be so COOL!" Boy just left running out the door to get the last disc. Hurry back boy!

And then the newest member of our family, Wii. Boy's parents gave us for Christmas a gift certificate for a Wii. Boy finally found one. What a blast it is. I am so not the video game type of girl, but my competive nature is appearing.

We are struggling to balance our time wisely between Lost and Wii.

Now you know why my house looks like a tornado hit it.

Blogging Buddies

Sweet Heather at Life as We Know It ( and pregnant with #3 stop by and send her a little morning sickness prayer) gave me The Daily Dose Award. I'm so honored and taken a back that people stop by each day. Sort of makes me want to put on a fancy dress and give an acceptance speech. I'll save you the pain and instead pass it on. I had to really think about who to pass this on to because if you look at my blogroll each and every link leads you to an amazing women (& maybe a pug) who open up and share their hearts, their lives, and their faith. I could tell y'all that every day that I think the world of you all and so glad that we all got sucked into this blogging phenomenon somehow. Such a breathe a fresh air each day to stop by and read your blogs.
1. InProgress- She has a faith like Job and she makes me laugh and feel challenged in my spiritual walk each day. Somedays I stop by her blog sit speechless and have to come back a few hours later before I even comment.
2. Kelly's Corner- just as sweet as the come. I'd love to meet up with her one day and shop because she has impeccable taste!
3. The Flying Mum- This women is super mom whipping up homemade fried chicken and has the most adorable little girl that will melt your heart! After I first started blogging I happened upon her blog and when she posted about her new home and town I noticed those looked super familiar. I sent her a quick e-mail asking if we lived near each other and prayed she wouldn't think crazy. But I just love reading about her mommy adventures.
4. Fabry Family- another mommy of 3 to be and so sweet! I love reading about Suzi's mommy adventures too and she makes it look so easy! Y'all are some super mommies in my book.
5. Last but not least Pug Posse- 3 PUGS! This is such an adorable blog. If we didn't live so far away I'd love to do a pug date! All three of her four legged babies are too sweet for words and each time I stop by I consider getting pug #2!

I hate having to pick just 5!

It's a good day

Friends it doesn't get any better than this..freshly highlighted hair and homemade chicken pot pie in these cute dishes that I love. It's all good!

The Return of the Thin Mints

Thank y'all for your comments on the last post...I loved hearing what you've purchased! Too funny.

This week I've had a horrible headache all stinking week. The weather here has been up and down so it's one of those nasty sinus/allergy headaches. Needless to say I've been a total grumble bug all week.

But Friday night we got out and had some fun. My dad's birthday was Friday and we took him downtown to one our favorite resturants for an awesome meal then to an improv comedy theater next door. We had such a blast laughing so hard and the best part is was clean. They cracked some awesome jokes on a pastor! I so want to tell you about all the funny jokes, but I fear it will turn into one of those stories where it seems funny until you're the only one laughing...catch my drift. We will return soon because with The Office out for a bit...we've got to get our funny in somehow.



And I fear I'd be an awful blogging friend if I did not announce (in case you have not been hit up) that GIRL SCOUT COOKIES are here! Oh my word. I went to the grocery store Saturday and walking out I had to brave myself because their sweet little faces were smiling so big holding those decent boxes of american goodness. I snuck by thankfully because I did not want to have to explain to an 8 year old that

"I'm soooo sorry I cannot purchase any cookies because I'm still trying to loose the pounds from last year's. You will understand one day when the God Lord blesses you with a metabolism that is slowing and a butt to show for it. Now let me just smell a box of thin mints before my self control fails"

Boy went to a Baylor game last night and I could just visualize myself in my sweats watching a chick flick devouring a whole box by myself, with a Dr. Peppper, and a bowl of queso.

Getting old it rough.

30 minutes I'll never get back

Okay so here is the moment of truth blogging friends.

Be honest now!

Have you ever purchased anything off of QVC or the Home Shopping Network?

Me...honestly no I have not. Although last night I was oh so tempted. I was folding laundry late last night and flipping around the channels and saw scrapbooking clicked on it and it turned out to be on the HSN.

Oh my word! This show will suck you in. They probably could have talked me into buying a truck load of someone's smelly garbage. These people have some serious skills y'all. I was sitting there transformed by this grommet and eyelet tool going I have to have this...think of all the things I could do with this amazing tool.
And then watching the numbers soar as this thing was selling like crazy. Proof that I am not the only one watching at 1 am. Sort of makes me worried cause with a credit card you could do some damage with this channel.

Finally I snapped out of this shopping coma and was so ticked at myself for wasting 30 minutes watching this. So I'm curious spill your HSN stories.

Pottery Barn Baby can do it to you

My new year's resolution is to get organized. This plan is not going so well just like my plans to work out and watch what I eat. That queso I had last night is full of calcium so we are good right?!?

I did take my first attempt at Project Organization 2008 and purchased this cute little number.

It matches my purchase and makes me feel business like...that is until you open it up and notice my outrageously business schedule. I mean a girl does need a place to right down those rather important dates when she meets up with her hair fairy who erases the evil roots. And notice my one task for the week "baby shower" is now complete.

Speaking of baby showers...my uterus skipped a beat. I love baby showers. I love babies, especially the chunky ones. Such bliss.

I came home full of baby fever and baby love when I opened the mailbox and the Pottery Barn Baby early winter 2008 stared right back at me.

Oh what sweetness.

And my uterus skipped another beat.

We do pray for that time, but I do not believe it is right now. The Lord is continuing to prepare us. Until then I'll oooh and awwww at the pottery barn baby rocker in pear damask on page 4 or the bassinet on page 24 in espresso.

I'm sure we will be graced by the presence of a whiney 3 year old at the table next to us while at dinner tonight with friends that may knock some sense into me.

Have a wonderful weekend friends!

A pugnapping

Y'all sadly I'm not much of a news watcher. Unless it's featured in People I probably will miss it. I know you all are shocked since you come here for the latest on the Presidential campaign or my views on NATO.

I did last night and was shocked by this story

You may have heard of it already if you live in the DFW area but if not a couple's pug escaped under their fence and went missing, then a few days later a letter arrived at their home from a single mother informing the couple that she had taken their pug. She reassured them it had a good home and was for her daughter for Christmas and enclosed a $20 bill.

Can you believe that? I was shocked at the nerve of this lady to steal. And $20 bucks I don't believe she has priced out pugs before. So sad for this family. My heart breaks.

We're thinking of keeping a closer eye on Pug now.

Every Puggy Dance Now!

Blogging world we have heat! Praise the Lord. Would you even believe with all this complaining that I actually lived in Chicago and that boy lived once in Wyoming? My word...I do not believe we would survive a day up there anymore.

Tuesday night I pulled out my tundra survival skills and slept in sweats, my robe, and those self heating hand warmers. Boy rolled over in the night to remind me of a past conversation in Cabela's.

"You should have picked up some Long John's like I suggested".

"Yes, baby you are right. I should have picked up a pair."

I do believe in fell asleep with joy warming up his heart know he was right.

Oh and looky looky. My Christmas present was a new camera.


"Hey dad let's dance!"



Eat your heart out Dancing with the Stars!
**UPDATE: sorry boy got shy about his gorgeous head of red hair posted, so I went back and cropped it out. he was complaining how horrible he looked. my word!!

One cold pug

Happy 2008 blogging friends...and Happy 100th post to me!

I have to be honest and say that I'm rather shocked with myself. Usually I have a hard time sticking with things....um like that gym membership that seemed like a brilliant idea after eating a plate of chicken fried rice.

And we here at a boy, a girl and a pug really know how to start out the year with a bang...example the blower on our heater is out.

Lovely.

It really went out yesterday and boy spent a greater part of the day up in the attic pretending to know what he was doing and finally by the time he gave up the heater man (their official position title) had gone home. So today boy called around and low and behold someone came out and announced that our blower was out.

While he fumbled around in the attic I had my checkbook out ready for the gasping number. I was sure that since we pulled this man away from some game on t.v. he'd rack up the price even more.

Once he came down and said the blower was out, it was like okay can you fix it.

"Nope got to get the part...be back tomorrow"

"Okay"

So I type this to you with a few coats and a pair of ear muffs on. I'm just praying that it's still under warranty.

So toodles from Antartica!