Memorial Day 2006

Memorial Day 2006

(Some people couldn't handle the 100 degree weather -

notice who is at the head of the table!)

I think this is the first good smile I've gotten out of Kristin in years!

(She usually has a intentionally goofy expression on her face)

Renee' braved the heat with me...

...as did Sara and Ryan (her "friend")...

...and Great Aunt Beth - with her Great Dr. Pepper...

... and Bridget the Beagle.

There were many courageous people at this holiday gathering!

Along with courageous, there was also a silly squirt present:

(notice the many different moods)

I hope you all had a great holiday weekend!

Still loving the yard!

Here are the promised "Before and After" pics! I can't believe what a GREAT difference this has made! I look outside in the morning and seeing such a huge project completed makes my whole day happy!

Side note: One-Pan Taco casserole (from previous post) was FANTASTIC!!

Also, check out our adorable dogs:

Sadie is so funny - she tries to be super independent (only allowing us to pet her when SHE wants us to and never seeming to need us except at food times) - but here she is sitting by my feet instead of running outside, even though both doors are open. Longingly looking outside, but content to keep me company.

And this is the "baby" of the family:

She KNOWS how cute she looks with those "sad puppy" eyes and she uses them frequently to her advantage! And usually it's after she has pulled all the dirty kleenexes and trash out of the wastebasket - and she gets out of a punishment! We may not be the best dog-trainers in the world, but we sure like Nala and her little puppy sweetness (even though she's almost 2 years old!)

What's for dinner tonight?

This is a new recipe I am trying out for tonight:
I hope it's good because it looks really easy!
I'll let you know after it's done!

15-Minute Taco in a Pan
Prep: 10 min. Total: 24 min.

1 lb. extra lean ground beef
2 c. water
1 pkg. taco seasoning mix
2 c. Minute Rice, uncooked
1 c. Mexican-style Shredded Cheese
2 c. shredded lettuce
2 c. chopped tomatoes

Brown meat in large nonstick skillet; drain
Add water and seasoning mix; stir. Bring to boil
Stir in rice. Sprinkle with cheese; cover. Reduce heat to low; simmer 5 min.
Top with lettuce and tomatoes.

4 servings

Optional: top with coarsely crushed tortilla chips and ¼ c. sour cream.

A job WELL done!

Eric and I have been WORKING hard (I was so sore on Saturday evening, I could barely move from my spot on the living room floor!) We have spent the last 2 weekends working on our backyard: first, updating and adding to our flower garden (pics above) and then powerwashing, scrubbing and staining our entire deck. If you had asked me if we had a big deck, I would have told you "no" but now I know how huge it actually is! And we have spent time on every square inch of it! As soon as we get a nice sunny day, I'll post our before and after pics of the deck - a GREAT transformation! Now, we really want to get cooking on our house painting! It really needs it - especially compared to our great "new" deck! But, if we don't have the time to paint, I will be extremely content with our great updates we have made!

Happy spring everyone!

Have you ___________ today?

"A new command I give you: Love one another.

As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
John 13:34-35