Friday... FINALLY!

So it's about TIME that Friday got here. And it's GORGEOUS outside! Seriously! I did NOT want to walk into this drabby building I work in, this morning. I wanted to stay home, get some work done in and outside of our house. And just BASK in the awesome-ness of the weather.


*Sigh


Maybe I'll leave early. I already have cabin fever and it's ONLY 11 o'clock!!

This is nuts. Am I the ONLY one stuck at work while the weather is amazing? We've had rain for like... as long as I can remember (I am no elephant, folks) and now we have this amazingly gorgeous day and I can't enjoy it! Ugh.


We also have Game Night with Oasis tonight - that's where our Young Adult group at church gets together with the Senior Adults group and we have a game night. They cook, we provide the fun.

Now, don't get me wrong... I love old people... but have you SEEN how gorgeous it is outside?! I mean seriously folks. I'm trying to find an excuse to get out of it.


McStudly and I had plans, last night, to go up to Target and Lowes and get some stuff done. The plan was:

Lowes': Check out and decide on the new vanity for our bathroom. Peruse vanity-top options and begin the decision process on those as well. Pick out color ideas for the bedroom, since the fixer-uppers are painting that for us, as well. Buy new vent covers for the floor-vents in the bedroom.

Target: Stock up on all things organizational. We need cubbies. baskets. storage bins. shoe racks. DVD holders (like the ones we fell in love with at Bed Bath & Beyond). Pick out and buy new curtains, and curtain rods, if they have some nice ones (maybe at Lowes'?). Check out the bathing suits.

And if we had time, we were going to go by Bed, Bath & Beyond.


None of that happened.


Long story short, I'm irritated with someone in particular (just to be clear, it's not McStudly... it's someone else), and our entire night was shot. Not ONE thing we planned was executed like it was supposed to be. All because there's this one person that....

Nevermind. I'll leave it alone.


BUT it took forever to get that done, so then we didn't have the time OR the energy to be able to get ANYthing done that we NEEDed to get done. We're pretty busy a lot of the time, so when we finally get a night to ourselves and can get "stuff" done, it's SO nice to be able to do that! But nooo... not last night!! Noo... of course not!


Sorry. I'm done now. ...I think... But seriously, does that ever happen to you? You have this perfectly awesome night of relaxing while getting some things done that need to be done around the house, and then because of insufficient planning on someone else's part it gets totally shot? Am I the ONLY one that gets all irritated and worked up over that?

I know it seems silly, but I was SOOO glad we finally had a night to do this stuff. Ugh!!




ANYwho - My cabin fever is kicking into overdrive. I'm going to go see if I can get someone to go get lunch with me. If I go alone, I'll take forever, and then find a reason not to come back. And we don't want that to happen, now do we?!



OH YEAH

I almost forgot - McStudly and I finally bought tickets to go see his family. We got a STEAL of a deal on plane tickets. Long story short, we're flying from where we live, ALLLL the way to where they live for a GRAN total of $320. Umm, that's how much it was per PERSON last time we flew. And FYI, it's about an 18+ hour drive to get there from here. So you can imagine it's a good flight.

I'm SO looking forward to seeing them again. I'm going to have a sit down with McStudly and explain to him the importance of taking LOTS of pictures this time that we're there. I hardly have ANY good pictures with and of his family. I need to correct that. I need them on my walls, too, right?!

Anywho - we're both pretty excited!




Still to come on the blog: An update on the house. What's been done, what's going to be done soon, and all the extra stuff that we had NO idea they were going to do for us!!


Stay tuned!

Preach it!

Congressional Testimony of Darrell Scott, father of one of the Columbine Shooting Victims
Copied from "TruthorFiction.com"


Summary of Rumor (Complete version is below): Darrell Scott, father of Columbine High School shooting victim Rachel Scott, gave stirring testimony before a subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee.

The Truth: Mr. Scott's testimony was so powerful that a lot of folks who receive an email about it doubt its authenticity. It is true, however. His remarks were before the subcommittee on crime of the House Judiciary Committee on May 27, 1999 at the Rayburn House office building in Washington, D.C. TruthOrFiction.com has a transcript of it.


A real example of the story as it has been circulated:

Guess our national leaders didn't expect this, hmm?

On Thursday, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton, Colorado, was invited to address the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee. What he said to our national leaders during this special session of Congress was painfully truthful. They were not prepared for what he was to say, nor was it received well. It needs to be heard by every parent, every teacher, every politician, every sociologist, every psychologist, and every so-called expert! These courageous words spoken by Darrell Scott are powerful, penetrating, and deeply personal. There is no doubt that God sent this man as a voice crying in the wilderness. The following is a portion of the transcript:

"Since the dawn of creation there has been both good & evil in the hearts of men and women. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out for answers.

"The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart.

"In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent.

"I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy-it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves. "I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best. This was written way before I knew I would be speaking here today:

Your laws ignore our deepest needs, Your words are empty air.
You've stripped away our heritage, You've outlawed simple prayer.
Now gunshots fill our classrooms, And precious children die.
You seek for answers everywhere, And ask the question "Why?"
You regulate restrictive laws, Through legislative creed.
And yet you fail to understand, That God is what we need!

"Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, soul, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and reek havoc. Spiritual presences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs - politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more restrictive laws. "Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts. Political posturing and restrictive legislation are not the answers. The young people of our nation hold the key. There is a spiritual awakening taking place that will not be squelched! We do not need more religion. We do not need more gaudy television evangelists spewing out verbal religious garbage. We do not need more million dollar church buildings built while people with basic needs are being ignored. We do need a change of heart and a humble acknowledgment that this nation was founded on the principle of simple trust in God!

"As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes-He did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America, and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA - I give to you a sincere challenge. Dare to examine your own heart before casting the first stone! My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!"



How awesome is that? So glad someone said it where it needed to be heard. I didn't know this happened almost 10 years ago, today. Maybe that's because they didn't want to encourage such remarks and behavior. But wasn't this country founded on free speech and freedom of religion?

People like to forget that last part when it doesn't suit them. How far we've come from our true foundations.


*sigh

FREE STUFF!!

The Mrs. (over at Trying our Best) is giving away a copy of this AWESOME book:



It's recipes AND stories. You KNOW you want it. Then again... you probably don't. It's just a silly old book, right? I mean... what use would you have for it?! And who needs another ol' cookbook just junking up their kitchen?

Uh... ME!! So don't sign-up. I want it!!!




Just kidding. Go sign up at: http://tryingourbest.blogspot.com/2009/05/giveaway-and-great-read.html, but you should know... I'll be winning this one! I never win like ANYthing in my life, but this one will be mine! Muuahahahaaaa!!!

Happy 5 May!!

Today is Cinco de Mayo. Woohoo!! I'm not even REMOTELY hispanic, by any means, but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy the grub, eh?



I had asked McStudly is Baked Ziti would be alright for dinner tonight and got the half-asleep grunt equivalent of an "I don't care." but... then I realized it's CINCO DE MAYO!!! And you can't have Italian on 5 May. It's just not right.

So here's my revised idea:


Baked Steak Burritos and Turkey & Bean Tostadas. :-)


The recipes for those of you in need of inspiration for tonight's meal:


Baked Steak Burritos

Prep time: 30 min.
Cook time: 30 min.
Makes: 12 burritos; 6 servings

Ingredients:
1/2 cup - butter or margarine
1 pkg (1 oz) - taco seasoning mix
1/2 lb - beef, boneless sirloin tip steak, cut into thin bite-size strips
1 can (16 oz) - refried Beans
12 - flour tortillas (6 inch)
2 cups (8 oz) - shredded Cheddar cheese
3 (3 tbsp) - medium green onions, thinly sliced
1 can (10 oz) - enchilada sauce
1 cup (4 oz) - shredded Mexican cheese blend

To cook:
1. Heat over to 400 degrees. In 10-inch skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in taco seasoning mix. Add beef strips; cook 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until desired doneness; drain.
2. Meanwhile, place refried beans in microwaveable dish. Microwave uncovered on high 2 minutes, stirring once or twice.
3. Spread each tortilla with refried beans to within 1/4 inch of edge. Top each with beef, cheddar cheese and onions. Roll up, folding in sides. In ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish, place burritos with seam sides down. Pour enchilada sauce over burritos. Sprinkle with Mexican cheese blend.
4. Bake, uncovered, 7-12 minutes or until burritos are thoroughly heated and cheese is melted.



Turkey and Bean Tostadas

Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Makes: 5 servings (2 tostadas each)

Ingredients:
1 box (14.5 oz) - soft taco dinner kit
1 lb - lean (at least 93%) ground turkey or beef
2/3 cup - water
1 can (15 oz) - spicy chili beans in sauce, undrained
3 cups - shredded romaine lettuce
1 cup (4 oz) - shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup - fresh cilantro, chopped (if desired)
1/2 cup - sour cream (if desired)

To cook:
1. Heat over to 350 degrees. On ungreased cookie sheet, place tortillas (from dinner kit). Bake about 7 minutes, or until crisp. Place on individual plates.
2. In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook turkey/beef, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink; drain. Stir in seasoning mix (from dinner kit), water and beans; heat until hot.
3. Divide turkey/beef mixture evenly among tortillas. Top with taco sauce (from dinner kit) and remaining ingredients.



Yum yum YUM!! I can't wait for dinner. Hopefully it'll even be "Might Good" worthy. A girl can dream, right?!


What are YOUR "Cinco" plans?

MHR Friday RETURNS!

I've been SUCH a blog slacker, as of late... heck, I've been a slacker PERIOD as of late. But what's a girl to do with as much going on in her life as I've had lately?

That's where McStudly comes in...

You see, McStudly is preparing to separate from the military, so he's been home on terminal leave for a while, now. Why does that make him awesome? Because he's been taking care of like EVERYthing around the house for me!!

Seriously, though - he's been doing dishes, taking out trash, cleaning up dog dookie (my neighbor is very grateful). He even cooked dinner last night! How amazing is he? I love him to pieces. And he's been SO great with everything.

It makes things SO much less stressful for me when I can come home to an empty sink and having the house as neat as it can be, right now. Have you seen the pictures? My house STILL looks a royal mess. And there's not quite an end in sight, at the moment. But he's doing what he can to help keep it as put together as possible while I'm working and he's at home.

*sigh*. He's so dreamy. I love you, baby!! And thank you soo soo much!!

XOXO

30-Day DREAD

I bought it. There was a lot of hype and a lot of people raving about it, so I gave in and bought Jillian Michaels' "30-Day Shred" workout video last night.

That junk OWNED me!! ...and I now have a love-hate relationship with this video!!


My first mistake was trying it on a Physical Therapy day. And within about an hour of completing physical therapy, at that! What was I THINKING?!

I finished 10 minutes of it… that’s it. Then dinner was ready (thanks to my AWESOME husband cooking last night – thanks baby!!) and I was already pooped. This video kicked my BUTT!!

Good gracious. What was I thinking?! I had just finished an hour and a half of physical therapy, which consists of strength training exercises. And then I was so eager to try my video that I did it as soon as I got home?

I was just asking for it.


And I definitely got it. I am one sore Monkey today, man. For realz! But I have to do something tonight – so far I’ve done something almost every day this week to start with the whole kicking my butt into gear thing. And I’m pretty dang proud of it, too!


Progress so far:

Monday – Running (Austin was also very grateful for this one!).
Tuesday – Brisk walk after dinner, with Austin and McStudly
Wednesday – nada… but does running around after teenagers all night count? Cause it should!
Thursday – Physical Therapy, & 30-Day Shred (day 1, ½ of level 1). PLUS, another brisk walk with Austin and McStudly after dinner.
Friday – I’m thinking another visit with Jillian Michaels is in order. J


Anywho, I think I’ve done well, so far this week. And I’ve been wanting to get back into the swing of things lately, anyways. I’m not 100% happy with how I’ve been doing and since the weather is nicer (I always seem to get an extra hitch in my giddy-up come spring-time), I don’t really have any more excuses for being lazy.

My legs are SCREAMING today, man. And if I try to stretch my arms back, it HURTS!!


Am I the only one that is THIS ridiculously out of shape? Ay ay ay!!

"I will Daaance like David Daaannnced"

I was writing, kind've like I do fairly regularly, and discovered that it's looking a bit like David's writing style in Psalms, today. Oh well. What can ya do, right?!

So here it is... my thoughts, as jumbled and mixed up as they were at the time of writing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When I'm crying in the night
Afraid of what's surrounding me
not knowing when the pain is going to end

When the sin in this world
Becomes thick and almost suffocating
And I hardly feel like I can breathe another breath

I know that even in these times of fear and doubt

You reign.
You’re still seated on the throne.
You reign with power to calm even the raging seas.

There’s none on earth, or above, or below
That could even begin to compare to Your strength and majesty

When I’m not sure that this world is worth it anymore
And I don’t want to deal through the pain
You’re the one who dries my tears and You hold me in Your arms.
You don’t let go.

There’s a peace You give that I can’t explain
And I know I’ll make it through the night, to the next day
The comfort You give is overwhelming
And joy, it overflows within me.

God, my Father, only You can calm my storms.

Nothing, in life or in death, could ever replace Your love.
My desire to know You more and more astounds me every day.

Even when I fail, You never change.
You never move, but to follow me – even into the depths of my sin.
And when I cry out, You’re already there.
Holding and comforting me before the cry even leaves my lips.

You know my heart.
I can keep nothing from You.
You see the good and the shameful,
But You love me still.

How can there be a love so great?
So that even my sin can’t turn You away?

I’ll never understand such a love, but I’ll be forever grateful to You for it.

I love you God, my forgiving, loving Father.
And even if I worked forever, even past this life,
I’ll never be able to comprehend Your love.

But I’ll try, because a love so great is worth everything.
And maybe that’s why You gave Your son – You gave everything, just to prove that to me.

A sinner like me?
Worth Your everything?

I should forever be in your debt, but you’d never allow it.

Your gift of love was just that – a gift.
And now I could never repay you.

But God – I’d love to try.

So I’ll give You my everything.
I’ll try and try to live for You, and none other.

I’m not perfect, by any means, but You see me as spotless, still.

How great a love is that?