FLASHBACK: Watermelon with Bobby

I have previously mentioned how fortunate we are to live next door to family. The most special reason being the relationship our kids have with their grandparents. Several times this summer the kids went running out of the house and down the hill screaming, "Hey! Bobby has a watermelon!" (Bobby is what the kids call my father-in-law) The kids would be on their way to enjoying a big, juicy watermelon on their grandparents' backporch. Within minutes their faces would be sticky and sweaty and smiling from ear to ear.





Gotta love summertime!

Seafood Bisque

I enjoyed this most awesome recipe a year or so ago at Bunko. With this past weekend's temps dipping a little, I got the desire for a big pot of soup to warm us up. It didn't disappoint!

Seafood Bisque
2 cans whole kernel corn
3 cans potato soup
1 can chicken broth
1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese
1 stick butter
1 qt half n half
2 Tbsp Tony Chachere's seasoning
2 small cans mushrooms, drained (optional)
crab/shrimp/crawfish as desired

Melt butter with half n half in large pot. Soften cream cheese and mix in. Add all other ingredients and cook on low for 30-45 minutes.

**I went to Corner Market and got them to steam me 1 lb of small shrimp. I told them not to add seasonings since they were going in a soup. I also found prepackaged, real (not imitation) crabmeat at Corner Market and used about half the pack.

**I read in one of Robert St. John's articles that you should make bisque the day before you are going to serve it and refrigerate it so all the ingredients/seasonings can blend together. That's what I did, but I ate some as an appetizer Wed.night to make sure it tasted good before serving it to you guys and it was delicious then!!

***My friend passed out this recipe after we were all raving about it. I typed it up just as she did for us - so the extra points are hers, not mine :)

Happy Birthday, Wes!

Today Wes turns SEVEN! I can hardly believe it! I asked him a few questions this afternoon to try and capture his little mind at this fun age.

Wes' Answers:
What are you good at doing? Playing basketball
If you had ten dollars, how would you spend it? buying Bakugans
What are you afraid of? mummies, ghosts, Halloween stuff
What is important to you? being at school
What is your favorite book? The Boxcar Children
What is your favorite food? Hot Dogs
What is your favorite thing about school? recess
What is your favorite thing to do? play with Legos
How do you show your family you love them? taking care of them
What do you want to be when you grow up? policeman
Why? because I like getting bad guys
What are you thankful for? my home
Tell me something about God. God is love.

I love you, sweet boy! You are more precious than I could have dreamed, more special than I could have desired, and more wonderful than I deserve!

I am busy pulling together a Wacky Olympics Party that will be celebrated tomorrow. Maybe I will get a post up about it soon! It's gonna be a fun one!

Sweet Revelations

One of my most cherished moments with each of my children is rocking them to sleep. I know, I know. Some think it is taboo. And, as big a follower of BabyWise as I was, I rebelled in this one area. I have chosen to rock each of my babies to sleep (or just about) and have loved every second. I look forward to that time of night when it is just me and the baby one on one. I am already dreading the day of moving Bankston Hays into his very own big boy bed. For this is the time when rocking my other babies has come to an end.

Over our three children I have found a groove with how this scenario works. Of course, each child always throws their own likes and dislikes into the mix - they way they sit or curl up in my lap, the position they like for my arms to hold them, etc. As I start to rock I start to sing. A certain repertoire has evolved over the years and the next song naturally flows out of my mouth without me hardly thinking about what song is next.

Well, the other night as I was rocking Bankston Hays and he was settling into my chest and grabbing my hands to pull them tighter to him. He soon started saying "ing", meaning "sing". So, my nightly repertoire ensued. After a song or two he started saying "lellow pea". I continued to sing because I did not know what he was wanting. He conitnued to say "lellow pea" and I continued to sing not understanding him. But, when I started singing the "ABC's" he quieted down. Once I got to the part of the song "L M N O P", I got it. He had been requesting the "ABC's".

By all means little man! I'll sing "lellow pea" anytime you want! I love him!

Oh, yes I did!

I find that a lot of my recipes call for chopped onions. I like chopped onions...especially sauteed in butter! But I loathe chopping onions! Anyone with me here? Chopping onions causes me major pain. They make me cry. And I mean those big ol' crocodile tears that are uncontrollable. Then my eyes continue to burn for a while. I can do it, I will do it, but I will not like it.

Earlier this week it was that time again. I needed some sauteed onions for what I was making and my stash was depleted (I have been known to have one BIG cry fest and chop several onions, saute them, and freeze them). I was not looking forward to it. However, I remembered seeing an ad that just might help me out. The ad was for onion goggles. Yep, onion goggles.


Wouldn't you know these onions came with an "onion goggle" price, too?!?

I got to thinking about this concept. Would Wes' swimming mask do the job?


For no more tears, I was willing to try!

Oh, yes I did! I wore the above snorkel mask while I chopped the onion. And I am proud to report that I remained tear free - for free! (Guess I want be storing that piece of summer equipment after all!)

On the subject of onions, another pet peeve of mine about chopping onions is the way my hands continue to smell of onions for quite a while after I am finished chopping. No amount of soap seems to help. I came across a tip (I think from Martha Stewart) a year or so ago that really works!! All you need is stainless steel. Got a stainless steel sink? That will work. Used a stainless steel knife to chop the onion with? That will work! All you need to do is rub your hands on the stainless steel when you are finished. VOILA! The after-chopping-onion-smell is history!

Pooped!

Bankston Hays after a day filled with school drop-off and pick-up, grocery shopping, errands, ballet, ...

I completely understand how you feel, Bankston Hays! Could you make a little room on the couch for me?

FLASHBACK: Omaha Fun with friends

I thought I would share a few pictures of some of the fun times we shared with our friends while we were in Omaha.

Our first night there we enjoyed supper at HuHot. Talk about some tasty Mongolian BBQ! The Hub City could use one of these. Here we are watching our food be prepared.


Kelly, myself, and Margie before heading to the Stadium for our first game!


Lloyd and Tanner having fun while waiting to get in the stadium.


The sign of sweetness! This local ice cream joint sits across the street from Rosenblatt Stadium. If you ever visit the CWS it is a must taste!


A small ice cream cone will treat you right! MMMM Good!


On our off day we took the afternoon to visit the Omaha Zoo. It also sits across the street from the stadium. In fact, if you recall ever noticing the "dome" in the backdrop of right field while watching on TV, that is part of the zoo. It houses the desert exhibit. We were pleasantly surprised at this first class zoo. Lots of great animals, exceptionally clean, and entertaining. A highlight was the gondola ride above the exhibits of ostrich, giraffe, elephants, and rhinoceros. Just beautiful!


Our friends (all named above) were out one night and were told about this big slide downtown that was a must see. We were feeling pretty adventurous, and with it being our last night without kids, we felt we were up to the challenge! There was a good group of young folks already there enjoying the slide. They advised us that it was best to slide down on top of a piece of wax paper...it would really make you fly! Very cool!



Kris and I really enjoyed our unplanned time away! Where can we go next? Hmmm...

FLASHBACK: Omaha Sights

Arriving in Omaha, Nebraska to watch the College World Series, we also looked forward to taking in the sights of the city. We found Omaha to be welcoming, accomodating, and generous. We could not have asked for a better time.

The team hotel was decked out in black and gold to welcome the Golden Eagles and their fans. It was so energizing to be welcomed by signs of support hanging in the lobby and hotel staff sporting Southern Miss apparel! The Hilton Garden Inn Downtown has hosted four of the five last College World Series winners (I believe my numbers are right). When checking in people were told that "this is where Champions stay". If that did not pump you up, what would!?!




The team had a charter bus that would drive them to and from the fields for practice and games. We even had the opportunity to catch a ride a few times. That was special!

Walking up to Rosenblatt Stadium was surreral. One of those sights you always see on TV but never imagine yourself in it's presence!


The legendary statue at the entrance of the stadium. One neat fact (that I think I remember being told) was that one of the players in the statue was the head coach of the North Carolina ball team we played in game 2.


Unbelievable...to see your school colors and name flying high!

They had an area designated as a tribute to the game. They had old paraphenalia, gear, and statistics on display. They even had a "locker" representing each team in attendance.

Fanfare provided many vendors selling their equipment and providing play opportunities. They even had former MLB players available for autographs.

And of course an ESPN tent!

FLASHBACK: Omaha - Go Eagles!

Here are a few pictures of the Golden Eagles playing in the College World Series.

I cannot describe how magical the moment was when we entered Rosenblatt Stadium and saw the Golden Eagle head on the scoreboard!


Seymour was roaming the stands leading the fans in cheers.


The crowd was electric...a sea of gold...and loud!!!


Let's Go Eagles!!! Ready to play Texas.


The game did not turn out the way we had hoped. The Eagles fought hard, taking back the game but in the end Texas won. I liked this picture of a few of the players kneeling to pray. BSU has a Monday lunch and Bible Study for the baseball team. Our director also serves as the "Chaplain" and travels with them to away games. He provides Chapel for the players on Sunday mornings while on the road or at home. Most of the team attends regularly. It has been neat to see the relationship develop among BSU and the players and coaches over the years.


Taking the field to play North Carolina. We lost this game ending our run at the World Series.


This picture shows the crowd of Golden Eagles waiting to show their support after the loss to North Carolina.


As the players neared the charter bus they stopped to shake hands, sign autographs, and take pictures with friends and family.


B.A. Vollmuth was a stand out freshmen for the team. He was given the opportunity to play midway through the season when one of our key players broke his collarbone. In our World Series debut he made several great plays, including an out of the park home run that we understand his sister caught!

FLASHBACK: College World Series Bound!!

In June, Southern Miss Baseball had a whirlwind end to the season. After a not so good record was accumulating they were still given the chance to play post season ball. They were selected to play in the NCAA Regional Baseball Tournament at Georgia Tech. Would you believe they won??? The entire tournament?!?! We were unable to attend but listened intently on the radio. Unbelievable!

The boys headed to Florida for the first NCAA Super Regional appearance by Southern Miss. The season was wrapping up in a way no one could have ever imagined. We debated making the drive but decided against it. It would be just too tough on the family. However, we decided then and there that IF they went to Omaha, we were there!

Game 1: we WIN!!!
Game 2: we lost
Game 3: we WIN - WE'RE GOING TO OMAHA!!!

To say we were excited is quite the understatement! Kris and I were jumping up and down and giving the kids high five. Wes and Ann Elise were chanting "We're going to Omaha! We're going to Omaha!" We could not believe it. We immediately started planning and scheming trying to figure out how to make the trip happen and what to do next. Over the next few days we pulled together a plan and headed North on Friday. We dropped the kids off at my mom's (after much deliberation we decided that the road trip would be too difficult on the kids) visited a little while and drove to right outside Memphis. We spent the night and headed out bright and early the next morning. We drove. We drove. We drove. From Memphis to St. Louis to Kansas City to Omaha - 12 hours later we arrived at our hotel. We checked in, settled our stuff and let the fun begin!

The trip was a blast among blasts! Going to the College World Series has been a life long dream of Kris. But not only was he there - he was there to watch his favorite team, our alma mater, the school where he serves, the jersey he wore. It was just about too much to take in! We spent our five days in Omaha enjoying every minute. We lost our voices cheering for the Golden Eagles, enjoyed the company of fun friends, watched baseball and more baseball, visited the Omaha Zoo, and found our way to some local hot spots. I'll be posting some pictures in the days to come...check back!

Watch out...they are falling like dominoes around here!

You might recall that our family has had its share of teeth woes in the last year. Once Wes started losing teeth it just seems like it won't stop! Once one is loose and then lost there is another waiting its turn. He has just recently lost the second of the front, top teeth bringing the total to 6. He is not the fondest of pulling his teeth. He typically hangs on to them until they themselves are hanging on! This last tooth was barely attached. He came home from school and told me a little girl in his class said "Wes, you could pull that tooth if you really wanted to." And that night, he did (well, Kris did). We were able to capture this video of our snaggle tooth and his new found speech. (please excuse my cackle of a laugh and the lack of clothing - we had just finished baths)



We had so much fun that night. He was very proud of his new look and was excited to talk for anyone willing to listen :)

FLASHBACK: Chocolate Ice Cream

When Kris and I were engaged and getting ready to be married, we were blessed with several very generous wedding showers. These showers wer given to us by very dear friends of our parents, our churches, and friends from college. We were fortunate to receive so many great gifts that enabled us to stock our house with things we needed and things we wanted. Out of those gifts there were a few items that we had not registered for, and at the time we probably saw those gifts as , let's say, odd.

Well, one such gift has turned out to be such a useful gift. One that has called our names several times over the years. One that was put to use over and over throughout this summer - our Electric Ice Cream Maker.


If you are fortunate to own an Electric Ice Cream Maker, you must try this oh-so-simple recipe!!!

Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream

1/2 gallon Chocolate Ice Cream
1 large container Cool Whip
1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk

Pour all three ingredients into the ice cream maker. Pour ice and rock salt (alternating) around container. Turn on and let freeze.

The ice cream tastes just like a Wendy's Frosty. YUM!

International Friends

BSU is such an incredible ministry. Not only did it have an impact on my life and my relationship with the Lord, but it introduced me to missions. I have been in church all my life, became a Christian in 4th Grade, and attended Mission Friends and GA's. I was well aware of the world around me and their need for Christ. I had studied missionaries, packed them goody boxes, and prayed for them. I had seen lots of pictures and a few videos of life in other countries and how missionaries worked to share the Gospel. But, I had never gone.

During my first semester at Southern Miss I was encouraged to go to Guatemala during Spring Break. A former BSU'er was spending two years there teaching and the BSU planned to minister beside her, do some work at her school, and work with another couple that ran a feeding mission. I agreed to go and the excitement began to build! That mission trip ignited the truth of God's Word. I could see, feel, smell, hear, and taste the reason behind Jesus' words in Matthew 28:19-20, "Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you..." Since that time I have been fortunate to have many opportunities to participate in overseas missions and every trip has reminded me of the big picture. God's picture. People need to hear of His love.

I find it hard in Small Town, USA to remember the big picture. Most of the time my schedule consists of "go here, go there, buy groceries, pick up this child, take this child to there, get clothes washed" and if I run into many people, they are the same ones as the week before. It takes being intentional. It takes reminding myself that there is more to be done. How can I get to know people of other cultures and religions and maybe even people who have never heard His name?

The BSU does a phenomenal job of reaching out to internationals. They offer students plenty of weekly opportunities to befriend them with English tutoring, a coffee house, a Bible Study, a free lunch, summer missions, and overseas trips. What makes these opportunities even more exciting is that the BSU building sits rights next door to the English Learning Institute on campus. Hundreds of Internationals sit at our doorstep. Many of them are unreached!

Let me introduce you to two of our friends, Terry and Ming (pictured with Kris). They are both attending Southern Miss as graduate students.


We met Terry within the first few days of his arrival in the USA and have been getting to know him over the past few months. He was very fortunate to learn about Jesus just a year or two ago and accept Him as his Savior while in his home country. Neither of his parents are believers. Terry has a very generous spirit, pays close attention to God's direction, and the utmost reverence for God's sacrifice for his sins. He is a real joy to know!

We met Ming while teaching Sunday School this past year. He accepted Christ just a few months ago. Terry brought him to our Sunday School class and he shared his story. He told that once he arrived at Southern Miss and began making friends he learned about Jesus. He had never heard. Now, I am not saying he knew who Jesus was historically and just had not accepted him as his Savior. He was raised in a very tight knit and loving family with highly educated parents and yet, he. had. NEVER. heard. His parents know about his salvation and are OK with it but remain unbelievers. Ming is bright, very family oriented, and yearns to know as much as He can about our Lord. It is a delight to witness the Lord's work in his life!


The other night we had them over for a yummy Southern supper. It was their first taste of Poppyseed Chicken. It was a hit! We thoroughly enjoyed their company. Can't wait to get together again, guys!

FLASHBACK: Tadpoles and Crawdads

We are fortunate to live in a neighborhood with a walking track that has a creek running through the middle. As the days were warming up and the nights were getting longer, our neighbor and her daughter came over and asked the kids if they would like to catch some tadpoles. With that word, my children were off! Over the summer we frequented the creek to catch tadpoles (we always released them). The kids would get giddy at the hundreds of baby frogs swimming crazily in the water. On our visits we started noticing crawdad homes and Kris had the idea to introduce them to catching crawdads. Before long they were gathering their gear (string, paper clip, turkey or bacon, and a container) and catching crawdads - leaving the tadpoles alone. Most trips to the creek they would return with 5 or more crawdads. The excitement of the tug of the string had them hooked!





I would imagine there will be a good bit more tadpole and crawdad hunting in our future!

Spiderman

One of Bankston Hays' favortie words right now is spiderman. However, his pronunciation is "piuh-mahn". Too cute! We have tried to catch it on video but to no avail.

The other day I had finished folding some beach towels and they were waiting to be put away. I was in the kitchen piddling around and heard him running thorough the den repeatedly saying "piuh-mahn". He soon dashed around the kitchen island sporting our Spiderman beach towel as a cape!


He may be confusing Superman and Spiderman, but there is no confusing he wants to be a hero!