Tastebud Tuesday

Nothing better than having a nice, quiet lunch with a friend, right?

The Asian Chicken Salad from Panera Bread was perfect for this warm, sunny day!

Friday Photo Flashback

 I started "Friday Photo Flashback" because I have so many pictures from my PRE-digital camera days. I thought it would be fun to scan them and share them here with you. I'm having so much fun doing this, that I would love for you to join me, too! So dig out the photo albums and put your scanner to good use! Don't forget to link up so we can all visit and comment on each others blogs!

Nov. 1999

Awe...my little babies!! Well, they were "babies" to me back then! Isaiah was 3, and Miranda was 2 years old!! They looked so innocent!! And they were really sweet!!! Wow..seems just like yesterday!

Babies R Us!

The Lord has really put on my heart to bless young couples at our church by babysitting their kids so they can have some alone time! I remember having all little ones, and always jumping at the chance when my mom, or sister in-law would offer to watch the kids. Now that our two oldest kids can babysit, my husband and I can pretty much go out on a date whenever we want. LOVE IT!!

I know how important it is to stay connected to your husband, and just have that time together (without interruptions)!  It's easy to get caught up with just the kids, and not take that time out for each other!!

So, just last week, we were blessed to watch a couple of cuties, and my kids were a big help, too!

Here is Evan giving my daughter kisses!! He's so adorable!

Here he is with his little brother!! My oldest son loved watching him!

And on another day, we watched this little hunker while his mom and dad had a spontaneous lunch date! He reminds me of the Michelin Man!

And, he loves the girls!!!

Tastebud Tuesday

My children get to choose what kind of cake they want for their birthdays. They prefer me to make it versus ordering it from a bakery.

It was my youngest sons birthday last week, and his request was red velvet cupcakes!

That's what he wanted, so that's what he got!

Everyone loved them, but I didn't partake!

I'm watching my carbs, so I just had to take their word for it!

At least I got to use my new Wilton decorating tips!

 

Friday Photo Flashback

I started "Friday Photo Flashback" because I have so many pictures from my PRE-digital camera days. I thought it would be fun to scan them and share them here with you. I'm having so much fun doing this, that I would love for you to join me, too! So dig out the photo albums and put your scanner to good use! Don't forget to link up so we can all visit and comment on each others blogs!

1999

My oldest daughter! She was just a little over three years old here!

When I look at this picture, I see the band-aid on the knee, the little bruise underneath her right eye, and my favorite tweety bird shirt! 

 She was tiny, but boy..she was a firecracker!! She was fearless, and even to this day, she is still the same! When they say looks are deceiving, that totally applies to her!! So many people comment how she looks feminine, but she is so not the girly-girl!!

Tastebud Tuesday

The hubster and I had a date night last week (dinner & a movie). It ended up being a late date, so we decided to skip Spidey for another day. Ha..we're gettin' old!

Anyway, we ended up at Giorgio's, and well, just like other restaurants similar to this, the food was "okay." I can honestly say that it will probably be a long time before we dine there again (if that). We were seriously not impressed. The quality simply isn't like it used to be. I can understand with the economy and all, that many places have to cut down on certain things. I just can't imagine that they could stay in business that much longer. Same prices...lower standards? Umm..no.

Anyway, we were starving by 9pm (remember it was a late date), so we ordered a couple of appetizers before our entrees came out.

We had Sauteed Mushrooms which was okay. I tell you...we were so hungry that I don't think we even cared at first.

Our other appetizer was Caprese. Total disappointment. We expected more basil, and more flavor to it.

My husband ordered Eggplant Parmigiana, and he only finished half of it. He said he could picture it being a frozen dinner that was heated up in a microwave.

I ordered the Fresh Salmon Florentine. Seriously..I could have made this better at home.

So, it looks good...but the taste and quality is not there!

Friday Photo Flashback

I started "Friday Photo Flashback" because I have so many pictures from my PRE-digital camera days. I thought it would be fun to scan them and share them here with you. I'm having so much fun doing this, that I would love for you to join me, too! So dig out the photo albums and put your scanner to good use! Don't forget to link up so we can all visit and comment on each others blogs!

2000

Oh..how I love this boy!!!!!

He was about six months old at the time, and I took the kids to one of those picture perfect places to get some photos done! I didn't expect them to do one like this, but I loved it, and it's one of my favorites!! It's funny because he still has that same, sweet smile!!!

Tastebud Tuesday {Banana Nutella Muffins}

Oh yes I did!!!

I used my "go to" banana muffin recipe and swirled in nutella in each muffin!!!

Result? 

YUMMYLICIOUS!

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large bananas, mashed
3/4 cup white sugar
1 egg
1/3 cup butter, melted
Nutella

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Coat muffin pans with non-stick spray, or use paper liners. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
Combine bananas, sugar, egg, and melted butter in a large bowl. Fold in flour mixture, and mix until smooth. Scoop into muffin pans. Put a teaspoon of Nutella on top of each muffin. Swirl it around with a toothpick or tip of sharp knife.

Bake in preheated oven. Bake mini muffins for 10 to 15 minutes, and large muffins for 25 to 30 minutes. Muffins will spring back when lightly tapped.

Friday Photo Flashback

I started "Friday Photo Flashback" because I have so many pictures from my PRE-digital camera days. I thought it would be fun to scan them and share them here with you. I'm having so much fun doing this, that I would love for you to join me, too! So dig out the photo albums and put your scanner to good use! Don't forget to link up so we can all visit and comment on each others blogs!

 1991

We were at my in-laws this past weekend, and I was able to snag a few "old" pictures of me and my hubby from wayyyy back in the day!! It's so neat to see these photos, and remember exactly what was going on that moment! This was when he was back from bootcamp, and we were hanging at his house! And by the expression on my face, it looks like I was about to sneeze!!

Hmm..let's see..I was 23 & he was 21 years old!

On The (Long) Road Again

This past weekend, we took a drive to visit my in-laws.

They are not just a hop, skip, and jump away. More like five hours if you don't stop for gas, and if there is no traffic.

We left on a weeknight, and it was smooth sailing! My three youngest ones drove up with my sis in-law, so that took away 3/4 of the noise in our truck!

But, regardless of the long drive, we had a really nice, relaxing visit! 

The town they live in is super small, and you hardly hear any noise in their neighborhood. Unlike where we live!!

Here are Veronica & Eli just chillin' on the porch swing. It's so nice to sit there at night when the stars are out, and all you can hear are their wind chimes.

It was SO BRIGHT outside, so my husband did this on purpose when I tried to take a picture of us!

The little ones (as we call them), getting ready to go swimming at the community pool with my mother & sister in-law!!

We took the big kids with us, and got us THESE!! My son opted out of having one. Really? In almost 100 degree weather??!! Who does that?

We started to get a little hungry, and we came across this little HOLE IN THE WALL Mexican stand. When my husband was ordering, I looked up to see what the place was called, and I was like, "Whoa!! Look at that!!" John 3:16!! And they were even playing Christian music!! Loved it!

Carne Asada Tacos!

After we took a drive around the town, we went back to my in-laws and relaxed. Later that night, we were meeting the rest of the family at a local restaurant! Doesn't this highway look fun?

Here are my kids with their cousin, Matthew! Gotta love my daughters expressions!

And this was the morning we left! My husband in the front between his parents, and the kids in between his brother and sister!! Love this picture!!

Tastebud Tuesday

I was totally craving for Sushi last week, so I convinced my husband that we should get some after church! We were originally going to eat Pho with our friend, but without much elbow bending, they agreed to go!

And let's just say that even our friend was impressed with Kenzo Sushi! I think our eyes were bigger than our mouths that day because we ordered so much! But, with the all you can eat menu, you just pick and choose what you want.  But, don't order too much, because whatever is left, they will charge you for! But, this is by far the best sushi place in our area!

I don't remember the names of all the things we ordered, so I'll try my best to describe what they were!

This is their Spiderman III roll! It's filled with crab meat, and topped with baked salmon! Then they bake it in this foil because there is this special sauce that cooks over it. TO.DIE.FOR!!!!

Now, let me tell you..I'm not a raw fish eating person!!! But, I decided to try the Hamachi roll (the one in front) because their fish is EXTREMELY FRESH! The quality is amazing!!! I can't remember the name of the one in the middle, but that is also filled with crab and topped with fresh salmon and tempura crumbs!!!

Deep fried soft shell crab!!! Need I say more???

Lion King Roll!!! I can't remember what's in the inside, but it's topped with avocado and their special sauce!!!! Drooling yet?

Last but not least is their tuna roll topped with sliced mango. That was really good too, and again, very fresh!!!!! I will actually eat raw fish again, if it has this same quality!

Friday Photo Flashback-Happy Anniversary!

I started "Friday Photo Flashback" because I have so many pictures from my PRE-digital camera days. I thought it would be fun to scan them and share them here with you. I'm having so much fun doing this, that I would love for you to join me, too! So dig out the photo albums and put your scanner to good use! Don't forget to link up so we can all visit and comment on each others blogs!

July 6, 1996

This is a SPECIAL Friday Photo Flashback because it's my 16th wedding anniversary!! Whoa!! That's like amazing in this day and age, right?!!

All I know is that we owe it all to the Lord because that is the only way we've survived through all the ups and downs. We all know that marriage isn't perfect, and it takes work. Alot of work. It's about dying to yourself daily and not demanding your own way. It's very humbling, and it's also a huge blessing. Another important factor in a marriage (besides all the obvious things), is LAUGHTER! My husband and I can make each other crack up, and sometimes, we don't even have to say specifically at what. We can see something, and it will automatically make us think of the same exact thing. So many times our kids are like, "What??? What???"

The Lord has truly blessed us with five wonderful kids, and just a wonderful family life. Yes, we have our drama here and there, but who doesn't? I'm just thankful that it's nothing that we can't handle with the Lord!! I don't ever want to take them for granted. Life is too short, and tomorrow is not promised to us.

Me and hubby on our wedding day! I was already prego with our first child.

Money Well Spent

Well...to her it was!

With her extra money that grandpa gave her, it was burning a hole in her pocket!!

She was a happy camper when Tarjay had all the Monster High dolls that she's been wanting!!

And what better way to end the afternoon with slushy's!!

Virginia Is For Lovers

When my sister and I were kids, we had t-shirts with those exact words on the front! Oh, and it also had a big red heart! I loved that shirt!

And that really does describe how I feel about Virginia. That's where I was born, that's where my grandparents live, where my FAVORITE Aunt lives, and many more relatives from my mother's side of the family.

All my memories from Virginia are wonderful ones. Even though we never lived there, I can't help but feel like I am "home" when I walk into my grandparents house.

I love to share the stories of my times in Virginia with my children, in hopes that they could somehow get a glimpse of what I felt at the time.

I don't think they'll ever get it! But, that's okay. They can experience it for themselves.

Our plan (Lord willing) is to take a vacation there next summer. I am looking forward to it already. Just spending the little time I had with them and my Aunt this week made me realize how much I miss them. My Aunt is truly an original! She can make the shyest person come out of their shell (or scare them to death). LOL! But, she always has good intentions, and it's a total understatement when I say she is the life of the party!

While they were here visiting in California this week, we went to a couple of places with them! Of course, eating is always involved.

Here is my youngest with my mom and my grandparents. They look WONDERFUL for being 90 and 92 years old! God has been good to them!!

Here we are!! Ready to eat!! The almost hour long wait was worth it!

The day before they left back home, my Aunt & Grandparents treated us to The House Of Prime Rib. I've posted about it on my blog before. It's a wonderful prime rib restaurant in the city, and their PR is to die for!! It was their first time there, and they enjoyed it! Here is my mom, my aunts girlfriend, and my aunt!!

Here's the infamous prime rib cart!! It goes to each room, and they personally cut it for you right there!

Oh yah, baby! Medium well..end cut!! Deeelish!

Friday Photo Flashback

I started "Friday Photo Flashback" because I have so many pictures from my PRE-digital camera days. I thought it would be fun to scan them and share them here with you. I'm having so much fun doing this, that I would love for you to join me, too! So dig out the photo albums and put your scanner to good use! Don't forget to link up so we can all visit and comment on each others blogs!

1992

Whoa...20 years ago...really? I just realized that when I was trying to figure out what year this was!

That's me on the far left with my girlfriends at our friends wedding.

In fact, it was at my sister's ex-boyfriends wedding (who she was with for 10 years)!

Talk about awkward!

But, I still had a good time because my friends were all there, too!

But, yah..it was still a little awkward!

Tastebud Tuesday

Did I ever mention how I love my random date nights with my husband?

Well, I do!!

It's so refreshing for it to just be him & I sometimes! No interruptions, no distractions, and we can just talk freely!!

Anyway...we took a nice drive up to the city (not even knowing where we were going to end up at).

I love random drives...seriously!!!

We stopped in Pacifica, and it was seriously like winter over there!

After deciding not to eat there, we ended up in San Francisco, eating at a Chinese restaurant in the heart of Japan town! Our good friend recommended this place, and in fact, he met us for dinner since he lives close by!

The food was great, and the conversation even better (well, when I wasn't taking pictures, and updating my Facebook)!

The walnut shrimp was the best I ever had, and the Chinese broccoli was cooked to perfection. My husband really enjoyed the General's Chicken. It wasn't too spicy, and it was different with the jalapenos in it!

This is now our new "go to" place when we go to the city!

Friday Photo Flashback

I started "Friday Photo Flashback" because I have so many pictures from my PRE-digital camera days. I thought it would be fun to scan them and share them here with you. I'm having so much fun doing this, that I would love for you to join me, too! So dig out the photo albums and put your scanner to good use! Don't forget to link up so we can all visit and comment on each others blogs!

1996

This is me, and my firstborn, Isaiah! He must only be a couple of weeks old here, and I still remember feeling sooo clueless at the time! He was such a good baby, too!! For being a month premature, he weighed a good 6.3 lb.!!

Tastebud Tuesday

I wish I could take the credit tfor making this up, but I have to give credit where credit is due!

I saw someone had posted a link to this dessert, and I knew I had to make it!!

I mean, it's genius!!

A mini ice cream cookie bowl!?!

Why didn't I think of this myself?

Tastebud Tuesday

There is nothing better than yummy ice cream on a warm sunny day!

Well, maybe except ice cold water!

But, in this case, we decided to take the kids out for some good ol' fashion 31 Flayvas!

I just trip out on how much the price has tripled since I was their age!

Decisions..decisions!

Hmm..I wonder if they are enjoying it?!

I'm sure the girls are, too! We had our friends daughter with us this day!!

The happy bunch!