Mission Tour 'o Fun, Part Two

We pulled into Branson on Monday and found a great view from our Lakefront Condo. This is Table Rock Lake, one of a series of resevoirs created from the White River in the 1950's to prevent flooding. They had to unearth 3 cemetaries and flood a couple small towns to do it. (We went to the visitor's center at the Dam).

One day we "Rode the Ducks." These are amphibious vehicles from WWII that go on land and water. They have little tours that go around Branson and then onto Table Rock Lake. Once on the lake, Captain Scott let all the kids drive. Ty LOVED it! He kept going to the left, and to the right, and back again. The people got a kick out of it.

Here's Branson's version of Las Vegas' Bellagio. This whole new mall area (Branson Landing) is new since we were here before. We really enjoyed strolling downtown Branson, where I did much of my street contacting on the mission. It's crazy how many memories popped up for both of us as we would drive the same streets where we'd been.




Of course we went swimming every day. Ty's getting to be quite the kicker. He can kick himself across the pool all by himself (with his life jacket and floaty on).

I love this pic of Brad and Ty. It's so cute how he's looking at him like that. This is somewhere in Arkansas. After three days in Branson we took a couple days to get home, stopping in Hot Springs National Park (don't go out of your way to go there, it's no Yellowstone!) and down through Eastern Texas.

I don't have to do a liquor store anymore! Found a new business for me in Longview, Texas called Sally's Good Foods!

Mission Tour 'o Fun, Part One

Aside from the occasional judging stare, (no, District meeting was NOT just an excuse for a double date) it's really fun being married to someone from my mission. We share a lot of memories and friends, and know the same areas. It seemed a great idea, therefore, to visit our old mission haunts on this, the 10th anniversary of our service. The fact that BYU was playing a game in the very city to which we were called sealed the deal.

After a not-so-bad seven hour drive, where we were even prepared with quarters for the many toll roads (and realized that Dallas is WAY less crowded than Houston), we arrived in Tulsa at our hotel. Unfortunately, the hotel I had reserved was not up to my standards (I'm not a snob, I just don't want to bring cockroaches home with me). Fortunately, one of the little perks of Brad's job is that we have access to a travel discount site, which meant that we got our room at the Comfort Inn next door to the yucky place for about half of what the BYU fan in front of us got it for!

As you can see, the University of Tulsa has a very pretty campus and the game was very exciting, even though we ended up losing. We had second row seats, and Ty LOVED seeing the players up close, and loved the band, and the fireworks going off every time they scored, etc. Now every time we see a football game on TV he thinks it's at Tulsa. He screams all excitedly, "Tulsa! Tulsa! Football in Tulsa! Remember Tulsa?"

Sunday morning came too early after our late night, but we got up anyway and drove about 40 minutes to attend church in my beloved Cleveland Ward. (It was a branch ten years ago. Also Home of the Cleveland Cut of '97) I served in Clevie-Land twice on my mission: my second area and my last area, so a big chunk of time was spent there. It was so great to see people I hadn't seen for so long--many of whom were people I taught or new converts when I was there, now serving in Bishopbrics and Relief Society. What an AWESOME place!

We stayed with the S****** family Sunday night, and had such fun. Their three little girls, Ashland, Savannah, and Courtland, aren't so little anymore. They're in 12th, 11th, and 10th grades now, respectively. Savannah especially took to little Ty and he adored her. So crazy that when I was there, she wasn't much older than he is now!


After Charlotte's FAMOUS chocolate chess pie, some great recipe sharing, talking, laughing, and more Cleveland Highlights (Bishop Jeff doing a little dance for us!) we took our Homemade Loaf of Bread (yes, I meant to capitalize it, it is that good!) on the road through Northern Arkansas up to Branson, MO.

They make this bread every Saturday night so that they'll have homemade yumminess for the Sacrament.

We found this big chair at a store called "Oops!" It has a bunch of factory seconds and other odd and interesting items for really cheap. It has TONS of holiday decorations, along with anything else you can think of. I was bummed when they said there aren't any other Oops stores. I don't think I'll make it up to Springdale, AR very often.

We found some great deals on this trip! We managed to get a bagful of stuff at this Oops store for under $20. We also ran across an Old Navy Outlet store that was closing, so everything was 60% off already marked down prices! And we seemed to hit it at just the right time because there was a lot of selection still. We majorly hauled on clothes for Tyler! There were also random yard sales all along the way, and we stopped at a couple, picking up toys and random things, as well as talking with the locals. I love Southern people. So very very friendly.

This entry is getting long, and I'm getting tired, so stay tuned for Part Two, Branson: Land of Senior Citizens.

Be Back Soon

We're still winding our way through the back roads of the Ozarks, and having a great time!

I'll be back next week to post all the details of our fun.

Ten Minutes Ago...

This room was clean!

Ice Cream and Beer

This week we went to San Antonio and spent time with our cousins Spencer, Sara, Adelaide, and Kamorah. We went swimming at our hotel pool (Tyler got his first bee sting but was very brave) and then out to dinner at Pei Wei (I always like to call it Pee Wee just for fun, in honor of my childhood--and I must say my current-- hero, Pee Wee Herman). Brad and I were first-timers there, and we were impressed. Yummy. Yes, I did leave my Somersize eating ways for a couple days. I've decided I'm okay with that. I can go off of it on these little trips--I'll get back on the horse at home. Which I do. I never cheat at home.

No, I didn't get any pictures as we stayed past closing time at Pee Wee discussing various important topics as American History, Texas Life, College Football, Mission stories, and who we want the next Apostle to be.

The next day our little family traveled up to Killeen for the first time, where Brad had some appointments. Killeen is a military town, as a big Army base is right there. We stayed at the best hotel we've found (within the company's budget) since we've been in Texas. Of course, we have stayed in some funky places here in Texas, and on our way here as well.

Any way, this hotel has new, clean, big rooms, nice furnishings, lots of extras, and a GREAT hot breakfast. Our only complaint is that the pool doesn't go any deeper than 3 1/2 feet. But we dealt with it! If you ever happen to find yourself in Killeen, TX, stay at the Comfort Suites hotel off of Hwy 190. It's nice, and a lot cheaper than all the San Antonio hotels we've stayed at! Of course, Killeen isn't quite as exciting as San Antonio, either.

On our way home we stopped off in Brenham, home of Blue Bell ice cream. If you're lucky enough to have lived in one of the seventeen states where they currently sell Blue Bell, you know how yummy it is. It was a great tour--not too long, and pretty interesting, and at the end you get a free cup of ice cream. Awesome!

Every time we say smile, this is what he does. Oh well, our little ice cream man is having fun!

True to his picky self, Tyler enjoys a nice cup of plain vanilla. It's actually their #1 seller, so I guess he's ahead of the game.

After a little lesson about milking cows, we're good to go!

On the way home, I also found a great idea for a new business. I wouldn't even have to change the signs!






P.S. You know I'm kidding about Pee Wee being my hero, right? I've moved on to Joe, from Blues Clues.

Daddy's Boy

We had a fun weekend, starting with the BYU victory against Arizona, and ending with a trip to Lake Livingston State Park on Labor Day. Ty especially loved having an extra day with his Dad. Those two are best buds.

Singing the Cougar Fight Song after their first touchdown.

Feeding the ducks on Lake Livingston.



This was not set up! He wanted to read his "Daddy book" before bed, and he fell asleep with it.

Just Because

It was just a normal day, but Brad made it special by stopping off at a roadside stand and getting me these:

Isn't he sweet?

P.S. Yes, I do have vases, but I never unpacked them. They're somewhere in the depths of the abyss we call a garage. I actually think the cheap-o plastic cup doesn't look too bad. Texas must be getting to me!

Waiting...

It seems like I've been waiting a lot this week:

Waiting for the official word to come that we can finally move to San Antonio. We thought it would come the 15th of August, then the 21st. Still no word. No one seems to know what's up. AUGHH!!!

Waiting for ideas to come for a blog entry. Nothing for over a week.

Waiting at the church for people to show up for Activity Days. I somehow missed that the time had been changed.

Waiting for the home teachers to show up.

Waiting for the ibuprofen to take effect after being bonked hard in the nose by the back of my 2 year old's head. (During Sacrament meeting)

Waiting in the Houston traffic.

Waiting for Brad, who was stuck in the Houston traffic.

Waiting for the pounds to leave me, or "the Melt," as Suzanne Somers describes it, after following the Somersize eating plan for two weeks. (Well, 2 weeks minus a weekend that I totally cheated)

And most exciting: Waiting for the first game of the BYU football season this Saturday!!!

A Most Important Decision

Ty, hanging from the Texas Longhorn

Being new to Texas, I've been trying to decide who my local college team will be. (No worries, BYU is still #1 in my heart) We visited College Station, aka Aggietown, and I really loved the Texas A&M campus. It was really pretty, and had so much life around and on it, even in the middle of the summer. It just seemed like a college I would want to attend, and a town I would like living in.

Last week we visited the University of Texas campus in Austin. It is pretty, too, but it is so HUGE, and Austin's traffic is SO BAD! I thought BYU's campus was large--nothing in comparison! In fact, I felt a little overwhelmed. I just liked the feel of A&M better.

So it looks like we're going to be a split family. Not that I want to see Texas lose, but I think I'll take more interest in the Aggies, while Brad will be a Texas fan. He works in Austin a lot, so he feels like he should root for them. We decided to raise Ty in a non-hostile environment and let him choose which team to root for when he reaches the age of accountablility, much like children who are raised with two different religions. (That last sentence was a joke, by the way. Sometimes I crack myself up!)

The Longhorns are too big and popular for me. Most people seem to like them more, because they won the big Championship in 2005. That's another reason why I'm rooting for the Aggies. I like underdogs. Plus, Burnt Orange just isn't cutting it!

Disasters

Here's a shameful little secret: I'm bummed that Hurricane Dean has turned away from us and is not forecasted to come our way.

How sick is it that I like Disasters?

It's not like I love seeing people losing their lives and their homes. Watching the drama of Katrina--all those people begging for help at the superdome--was horrific, and yet it was really intriguing, too. I got so angry at the Federal Government for not getting there soon enough, and I was proud of the local agencies and our church members for doing their part and volunteering.

Times like that show the best and worst of human nature. Everything is raw and real. I think that's what I like about it. Of course, I haven't had to live with the fallout, and that's why I feel so guilty. I really don't wish anyone harm, but if it happens, I'm glued to the TV to see it.

Disasters unify people. People forget about being "red" or "blue" and just help each other out. There's a common cause. Usually people do whatever they can. There's a nice benefit concert. It gives people something to talk about.

Of course, it has always happened to someone else--someone I don't know. I'm sure I would change my tune if I lost my own house, or loved ones. And that's why I have kept quiet about it: it's such an unfeeling way to look at the tragedy others are experiencing.

So, back to Hurricane Dean. Here's the thing--I live way too North (about 75 miles from the coastline) to really get hit by a hurricane. And we live on a little hill, so I'm not worried about our actual house flooding. The only thing we've had to prepare for is possible evacuation or staying in the home and having a possible power outage. And we're ready for either of those situations. It's been kind of exciting to watch the news and track the storm. Everyone was so busy over the weekend getting supplies. People were all abuzz at the stores and at church. It felt like a community. It gave people something to talk about. I like that, I won't lie.

I've never really discussed this with anyone before, but I know that other people must guiltily feel the same way, right? Please. Share your thoughts. And if you think I'm a disgusting speciman of a human being for feeling this way...that's okay, too. Why do you think I haven't talked about it before?

Potty, Potty, Potty

So, I know that everyone says it's so much easier once the kids start going potty.

Am I the only one that thinks that diapers aren't so bad? They're quick, for the most part you can change them at your convenience--or at least wait til you find a good place to change them. We've gotten pretty good at the occasional standing-up changes and pants-on changes, too. No sweat. Even the nine-wipers we can handle with the ease of an expert.

Perhaps it's because I don't think diapers are all that bad. Or maybe it's that we struggled so much just to get Ty and who knows if we have more kids in our future, that I'm not in a real big rush to see him grow up. Whatever the reason, I have not pushed potty training. Or even really encouraged it. He's not even three yet, why mess up a routine that we've got down pat? But ever since we got back from our vacation, Ty has really been into the whole potty thing. He's basically potty training himself. We just go along for the ride. And I've got to tell you-this ride is like being in the back seat of a speeding van on a windy, hilly road with all the windows up, after eating a big helping of Grandma's potato salad that has sat out in the sun for a few too many hours.

Every little peepee. We're talking every drop! I know about it. Every little boof leading up to every big load drop--I'm right there, cheering him on! The fascination with it all. The special wipes, the blue toilet water that turns green when he pees, the pull-ups, the spills, the waiting on the pot, the straining, the waiting, the false alarms, the waiting, the poo on the seat because he was too excited to flush that he forget to let me wipe. It all kinda grosses me out!! And it's not so convenient.

Don't get me wrong. I'm happy to do it. (Well, at least resigned to it) But I have yet to see the fruits--er, the good fruits--of all the labor. And let's just be honest here: it takes years for boys to get accurate in their aim. I'm going to be dealing with pee on the seat and floor for a while to come.

So, while other moms get excited for the switch, it is with a little sadness and some annoyance that I say goodbye to Luv's Blue's Clues Size Six, and say hello to Diego Underpants. Go Diego, Go!

I thought I'd Seen it All

We walked into our nice Comfort Suites room in San Antonio and cracked up. What in the world was a swing doing there? I still don't understand it, but Tyler really liked it. We set up his foam pads on the floor behind it and he was a happy camper.

It reminded me of my parents, who liked their porch swing so much they brought it inside, to enjoy it even on rainy and cold days. They even brought it with them to their mission home in Denver, when Dad was mission president, where it sat smack dab in the family room. Love it!

(So sorry about the poor picture quality. I couldn't figure out what was wrong with my camera until I finally realized that someone--probably a little 2 year old--had changed the setting to nightime, so the shutter was open longer, thus the blurry pictures! I'm just glad the camera wasn't broken, which is what I had worried.)

Oregon!

We had the most wonderful two week vacation in my home state of Oregon. Going back to the home of my youth is always a bittersweet thing--I love it so much, it's always difficult to leave and I wish with all my heart that we could live there. Don't get me wrong--I like Texas a lot (as I liked Utah for the 13 years that I lived there), and I know this is where we need to be, and I'm excited to settle here for awhile, but I think my heart will always belong to the beauty of the Northwest.

The weather was great while we were there! No rain at all. Kind of funny that we had to go to Oregon to escape the rain of Houston!

The plane ride was non-eventful. We even got the whole row to spread out. The first few days Ty and I stayed with my sister Susan in Eugene, just hanging out and playing. Ty loved the slip n slide and playing with his cousins Jacob, Jessi, Katie, Christian, and Carter. Unfortunately, I wasn't the most diligent picture taker, so most of our two-week adventure went unrecorded.


Once Brad flew in, we spent some time at our family's cabin on the Coast in Florence. This little slice of Heaven is my favorite place on earth. It's here where I spent my childhood summers swimming, rowing, climbing sand dunes, fishing, exploring, reading, sunning, and relaxing, all without telephones and television.

A cute pic of "KayKay," "Jessica Fish," and "Ty Food." The kids made up nicknames for each other, and us. Not pictured: "Chin Chin," "SaySay," "SuSu," and "Grandma CiCi."

The girls also got Tyler hooked on the Cheetah girls. He goes around everywhere now singing Girl Power and Cheetah Sisters! I'm torn because I know he would LOVE it if I got him the CD, but is it just too girly for him to have it?

Poor Brad! It wasn't his lucky day. After crushing a pop can on his forehead and getting this circular-shaped welt, he overturned the canoe, drenching himself and his work cellphone. Luckily, after some intense hair dryer therapy, the phone was revived. He was a little embarrassed, but as Scott said, his clumsiness just endears him to us.

Grandma and Ty playing "bull" with a tablecloth after eating another wonderful meal out on the deck.


Special fishing lessons with Grandpa.

What's a trip to Oregon without a walk on the beach? We even managed to make it when there wasn't much wind.

In addition to the coast, we were able to spend a few wonderful days at SunRiver, where we saw Cousin Kelli and her cute kids and hung out at a luxury pool complex. We also visited my high school friends Catharine and Tonya. We couldn't even remember the last time all three of us were together at the same time--probably Ton's wedding in '99. It was so fun to see them and catch up.

Thanks to everyone who made the trip so wonderful! We had a great time! We love you and miss you already. Remember, Texas is a really fun place to visit, too. Our door is always open!

Wonder World

We went to San Antonio again this weekend. We found a couple homes and neighborhoods that we really like. Hopefully they'll still be on the market in a few weeks when we can start looking for real!

On our way home we took a detour to San Marcos, where we stopped at the Outlet Stores, and went to a place called Wonder World. This Wonder World is an underground cave, observation tower, anti-gravity house, and wildlife petting zoo, all rolled into one. Pretty random, huh? Yah, we thought so, too. But Ty loved it!

So many choices! Are we horrible parents because we didn't let him get one? Cute picture, though!

This is right before we went down in the cave. It was pretty crazy--lots of tight spots and some tricky steps. It was also quite wet down there because of all the rain water coming through (it's been raining a LOT this summer). One "room" was actually flooded so we had to take a bypass stairway. Pretty cool, though. At one point the guide turned off all the lights so it was complete darkness. A whole bunch of other kids were bawling, but Ty thought it was really cool.

We rode on a little train around the Wildlife Park/Petting Zoo portion of the tour. These deer were definitely not shy. (No worries, we washed our hands immediately after this!)

It was a good little getaway. We're only back for a couple days and then Ty and I go to Oregon for two whole weeks! I can't wait! Brad will join us for some of the time, too.

Not Much

I've been trying to think of what to do for this post, but I have drawn a blank! I don't have any great pictures or any wonderful subject to talk about. We haven't done anything really exciting--just normal. So I guess I'll write about normal.

I'm really starting to like it here. People are wonderful, I'm making friends, I like the area, I like the house, I like the ward, I like my Activity Days calling, I like exploring new places, generally I like Texas! And I like it here in The Woodlands area. It's funny--we've explored a lot of the little towns around, but I haven't ventured into Houston yet. The traffic really intimidates me. I haven't gone back since we dropped Mom off at Hobby airport, right after we moved here. I know, I don't get intimidated by much, but Houston is inimidating for some reason. I wasn't intimidated by Manhattan--I loved it! But we took the train in, and I had studied maps. I guess I need to get a better downtown map and study it. There's just not much reason to go downtown when we've got everything we need and more out here. I would like to go down to Galveston--I just dislike the traffic you have to go through to get there. But I think we will one of these days.

The problem with liking it here in the Houston area so much, is that we're not going to be here very long. We should find out hopefully this week whether we'll be able to move to San Antonio soon, like the first of September! I sure hope so. On our trips over there, (we have another one this weekend) we've been really looking around to find the neighborhoods we like. There are some that I really like, and others I really don't like, so I'm glad I have this chance to really explore and find the right place for us! I just want to start seriously looking, and work with realtors and lenders.

TyTy continues to do great--he likes sprinklers, swimming, stickers, still loves his "American Flag songs," (We keep re-checking the CD out from the library. I think I need to just buy one for ourselves!) really loves his Fisher Price train set that he calls Thomas. We just bought him some Diego underpants yesterday. He was so excited! He kept yelling throughout the store, "Underpants! Underpants!" I still think it will be awhile before he actually uses them, but they're there as a little incentive, I guess.

Tyler came out of nursery this Sunday laughing and yelling, "Bubble butt! Bubble butt!" I had to stifle my laughter and act serious as I asked him where he heard that. He said the kids in the nursery. (Those darn nursery kids, contaminating my child!) I told him that "butt" is a not a nice word and that we don't say it. That he could say "Bubble Bum" instead. So he ran off saying, "Bubble Bum, Bubble Bum!" Not sure that's any better, but oh well! It made me feel like my mom, getting on us every time we said Butt or Crap. Oops. I just said them. Sorry Mom.

Brad has gotten the lawn to look really nice! Well, not really nice, but at least almost normal. That was one of the only things we didn't like about this place when we moved in--the lawn was basically just a field of ugly weeds. They were seriously about two feet tall. It's taken two and a half months, but after de-bugging, de-weeding, fertilizing, transplanting, watering, mowing and trimming, we almost have a full lawn! He also trimmed the bushes up front and made a nice brick border for the flower bed. Of course the back yard is still a big field of weeds. The problem is there's a slope, and everytime it rains, it just creates big ruts. It really needs to be leveled, but the rental company won't do it. So, basically, we're just back lawn-less. Bummer, but I've come to terms with it.

I'm really proud of myself with my coupon-using and frugality. I've really been able to cut our grocery budget over time. We're very well stocked up--had to use the hall closet for our food storage since the pantry's not big enough--and I don't have to go to the store as often now, either. It's just so satisfying! I love getting great deals! My best week was when I got $110 worth of stuff for $8.39! I don't think that will happen again--all the stars were aligned just right on that one! But most weeks I save about 40-50%. The main thing is collecting coupons (paper, internet, store, etc.) and then looking at the circulars and being alert to see what the deals are for that week. Then, by combining the coupons and the store specials and store coupons, and using the coupon doubling and tripling programs (it's all automatic), you can really save. It's really just being aware of what coupons you have and what specials are out there.

Well, I'd better go get ready for the day. We're gonna go to the Library today, I think. Sorry, I hope this post wasn't too boring for y'all.

Love,
sal

A Decade Ago

Ten years ago today I got up early, rode with my parents to the airport--on the way Dad ran over a cat, which was a bit unsettling--and we flew to Provo, where I entered the Missionary Training Center. I had an inkling perhaps, but no real idea how much my mission would affect my life.

(Yes, I am wearing the same outfit in both pictures--pretty much my whole mission, to be truthful)

Just a few of the experiences that helped shape my future:

Teaching some very elect people with love and the Spirit

Getting along with companions

Dealing with rejection

Studying and feasting on the scriptures

Working long, hard days in the heat and humidity without complaint (okay, maybe a couple complaints)

Laughing it off when I really wanted to cry

Listening to the spirit tell me truths about who I am and where I need to be

Spending much time on my knees getting to know my Heavenly Father

Overcoming fears

Pitching in to help do anything in a ward or branch or community

Loving the members, and the beauty of the land

Becoming a leader and a trainer

Leaning on the Lord alone, instead of family, friends, roommates, etc.

Having a LOT of fun along the way

Realizing I am on the Lord's side, and committing to do whatever it takes to stay there

Learning I can NEVER fully repay a debt to the Lord--he just keeps giving more blessings!

Extra Bonus, not expected, but certainly appreciated: Finding my eternal companion!

Please don't ask about the hair--we called it the"Cleveland cut of '97". That's Cleveland, Oklahoma, by the way, pop. 3200

Favorite Quotes from the Mish:

*Just go on the dirt road til you see the ceramic pig. If you get to the chicken coop, you've gone too far.

*I don't hate Mormons like all the other Baptists, but you guys do make interesting lesson topics.

*Umm...your dog just peed on me.

*Oh look! We've got roommates. The cockroach family. They must be Mormon because they've got so many kids.

*Sorry, girls, you can't come in, my husband's home...
Umm, we just passed your husband on the road. He waved to us.

*If I'd known it was going to be this good, I would have gotten up an hour earlier!

* Oh Sisters! Come on in and I'll get you a cold washcloth to wipe off your faces.

*You sisters better marry a man from the city who's never even seen a farm before!

*Dearest Missouri: No shoes, No shirt, No Gospel!

*Girl, what you doin' wearin' a torn dress?

*No, really, we're NOT hungry.

*Sisters, wake up! There's a tornado coming!

*Preciate ya

and, my #1 favorite:

*Sisters, I'm just callin' to see if you wanna see me get dunked, cause I've decided to get baptized!!

Independence Day

Well, this year was no Provo Freedom Festival, but it was nice and special in its own way. We went to a small town Festival at Magnolia's Restored Train Depot, and watched fireworks from a great, non-crowded spot on the shores of Lake Conroe. On our way home we stopped and got some frozen custard. Yummy.

Brad actually preferred celebrating the Holiday in small towns like we did instead of all the crowds. He said this was his perfect Fourth of July.

I think Tyler agrees--how can you top a day where you can explore an old train, win a cake in a cake walk, find a friend in an old Bassett Hound named Darlin', and see a whole bunch of fireworks over the water? Life is pretty sweet.

Our conversation when we got in the car to go home:
Tyler: I love fireworks. Fireworks make me so happy.
Mom: You love fireworks, huh?
Tyler: Uh-huh. I love to hug it.

Kitchen Goodies

Normally, I'm not a big fan of kitchen gadgets. I got rid of our breadmaker, our ice cream maker, our toaster oven--I hate how much room they take up for how little I use them. But too many failures in the rice department lately had me loudly wishing for a rice cooker. My little angel (Brad) heard my wishes and presto! Just like that I am a proud owner of a rice cooker. I tried it out tonight and I AM IN LOVE! I just put the rice and water in (of course I added some boullion, onions, and cilantro to it, too) and closed the lid. When the bell went off, I had perfect, fluffy rice, just like I've tried to make but always messed up. It was yummy brown rice, but fluffier and sticker, like I love. Mmmmm...

Speaking of yummy, I have a favorite summer salad/dip that is healthier than guacamole (I always put too much sour cream in my guac, so it's not so healthy), but more tasty than just plain salsa. The picture has it in individual scoops, but I just leave it in the bowl and scoop it out with a spoon or a chip.

Black Bean, Corn and Avacado Dip

2 cups frozen sweet corn (thawed)
1 can black beans (rinsed thoroughly)
1 cup salsa or picante sauce (I prefer mild, but I suppose you could go hotter)
1 small bunch green onions, diced
1 avacado, sliced in little chunks
Juice of a small lime
1/2 cup (or so) cilantro, chopped.

Combine all ingredients and toss well in glass bowl. Let sit for one hour in the refrigerator to meld flavors. Serve with chips (I like the lime Tostitos myself)







Another great recipe I got from a new friend in my ward is cake mix cookies. They're so easy! Just use any cake mix, add two eggs and enough oil to make cookie batter consistency (around 1/4 cup). She had used a white mix and dipped them in little confetti candy to make cute sugar cookies. I just had on hand a yellow cake mix, so I added choc chips. I think it'll be fun to try out different mixes. (I've done this kind of before, making homemade oreo cookies, but that recipe called for shortening instead of oil--the oil is TEN TIMES easier!) I think I'll try using applesauce instead of the oil for a low-fat version. They stay really moist, too. Now, don't get me wrong--they do not replace a really good choc chip cookie in taste, but they score MAJOR points for convenience and ease.

It's Raining, It's Pouring

My Goodness!!!

For a girl who grew up in rain-soaked Oregon, I must say I'm a bit surprised at how much it rains here in Texas! It has rained every day for a long time (over a week, I know)! The only difference from Eugene's rain is it's still really hot here. The rain is usually accompanied by thunder and lightning (or as Tyler calls it, Funder and Lightning Bugs). Whenever the thunder comes he repeats to himself, "It's okay, we're okay, we're safe in our new house, it's just the angels bowling."

This week we went to Laredo, a town on the Mexican border. (Yucky) But we got a hotel with great pools and a playground, so I was excited to do that while Brad had his appointments. Ummm...no. It flooded in Laredo. Not just rained, flooded. So we were a bit bored sitting in our swimsuits in the hotel room for four hours waiting for the rain and thunder to stop (Brad had the car). I think Ty and I just might stay home next time Brad goes to Laredo.

No Swimming Today