worst sports weekend ever: part 1

Saturday morning we got up early to catch the DART to Fair Park for the State Fair of Texas and the Baylor vs. Texas Tech game at the Cotton Bowl.

When we first got there, there were no lines for anything so we went ahead and tried the Fried Frito Pie.  It was only 9:30 in the morning when we were eating our Fried Frito Pie.  I know it was early, but I ate a small breakfast at 6:30 and my normal lunch time at school is 10:30, so it was okay with me!! Plus, it tasted SO good.  It was served with sour cream and hot sauce, which I thought were both odd combinations, but I really ended up liking it with the hot sauce.  I think it was probably the best thing I've ever had at the fair!! 

After our morning snack we headed towards the Cotton Ball for the Baylor game.  I was such a supportive wife wearing my green and gold.  Don't worry though Ags, I had my gold Aggie ring on too!!

We actually had pretty good seats.  We were on the 18th row in the Baylor end zone.  When the ball was on our side we had a perfect view.  This picture was taken at the beginning of the game when Baylor was actually winning.

I tried so hard to watch the game, but it's just so hard to watch a game with two teams that you don't care about.  

Plus it was so stinking hot.  It was only 85 degrees, but in a stadium filled with concrete and metal, it felt like it was 100 degrees.  I took many breaks up to the breezeway to cool down, while my husband stayed in the stands and cooked.  He was so sunburnt at the end of the game. 

After a sad ending to the Baylor game, we fought the crowds for tickets and corny dogs.  Matt ate his so fast, that I didn't even get a picture of it. I don't like the wienie in a corn dog, so I get a fried cheese on a stick.  It is so good.  It's got the breading of a corn dog, but it's filled with cheese.  It was a tad bit burnt this year, but it still tasted so good.

I have seriously never seen so many people at the fair.  We walked through the car buildings for a little bit, but we both got frustrated with the amount of people there.  Plus our feet were really tired.  We decided it was time to head home.

We had 10 tickets we had to spend before we left, and just about the only thing that we could find that was exactly 10 tickets was a Belgian Waffle.  They looked so delicious, but let me assure you, it was a waste of money.  It was nothing special at all. 

It was a good day at the fair, but a sad day for both the Baylor Bears and the Aggies.  

So like the title says.....worst sports weekend ever.  

Stay tuned for part 2 of "Worst Sports Weekend Ever."

cvs shopping trip: week 2

Here's what I scored at CVS this week.....

**a regularly priced 14.99 item on sale for 9.99 is not pictured

I got all of this for $3.20!! Plus I have 1 EB to spend next week.

This took me 4 different transactions.  

I would have spend $39.20 without sales, coupons, and Extra Bucks!!  That's a savings of $36!!

gimme a break

Matt and I both took off work today. We both needed a break.

I had a super crazy week full of TPRI testing, CBA testing, 2nd six weeks assessments, & 18 parent conferences, so a day off was much needed.  Matt had to work on a Saturday a few weeks ago, so his boss let him take a weekday off!!

We had such a great day.  We slept in until 8:00, ate some bagels with Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese, and then went to see the matinee showing of The Social Network.

We both thought it was really good.  It was cool to watch a movie that was based on event from just a few years ago.  We were both in college when the whole facebook thing first started.

After the movie we ate some lunch at good ole Chick-fil-A.

I usually get the Chick-fil-A sandwich or nuggets, but since I'm doing Weight Watchers, I got the chargrilled sandwich.  It was so good and only 6 points!!

Our afternoon at home consisted of catching up on our DVR, coupon organizing and then some ER on Netflix.  It was so nice to just relax all afternoon/evening.

After dinner we got back out and got some frozen yogurt from Yogurtland.

Yummy!! Matt and I definitely have a new addiction.  The greatest thing about all these yogurt places is that it's not that bad for you.  I looked up the nutritional facts and what I got is probably about 3-4 points!!

I am so thankful for my wonderful day off that I got to spend with my sweet husband!! I was definitely a much needed break from school.

three generations

Last weekend I went to a wedding with my Mom and Grandma.  They had a photobooth there, so we decided to take a three generations picture.

I love my Mom and Grandma so much.  We all three have such special relationships.   I would love to have a sweet daughter someday to be able to have the same special relationship with her. I think it would be so neat to have a four generations picture someday. 

I love you Mom and Nonnie!!

honeycrisp apple deal

If you've been wanting to try Honeycrisp Apples, but haven't wanted to fork out the $2.99/lb, now is your chance to get some for a great price!!

Run to your nearest Target, or drive because that's probably faster, and buy a 4lb box of Archer Farm Honeycrisps.  They are regularly $9.99 a box, but this week they are on sale for $6.99.

To make this deal even sweeter, go here and print the $1 off any produce coupon. With this coupon it makes the apples about $1.49/lb, which is a great deal for these apples.

Can you tell I'm obsessed with these apples yet?  

I'm starting to think that I need a separate label on my blog just for honeycrisps!!

meal planning monday

Monday: Dinner with The Havards & The Craddocks

Tuesday: Baked Ziti with Spinach, sauteed zucchinni, & Garlic Toast

Wednesday: Lemon Pepper Chicken & Broccoli Cheddar Skinny Potato Skins, & Broccoli

Thursday: Me: Parents Conference Night Matt: On his own

Friday: Breakfast for Dinner: Bacon, Egg & Cheese McMuffin's

Saturday Breakfast: Bagels with Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese

Saturday Lunch: Baylor Game @ The Cotton Bowl

Saturday Dinner: State Fair of Texas

Sunday Lunch: Chicken Noodle Soup & Crab Triangles

Sunday Dinner: Crockpot Sante Fe Chicken & Rice

cvs shopping trip: week 1

Hi, My name is Katy and I'm addicted to shopping at CVS.  

I make 1, 2, 3 or sometimes even 4 trips to CVS each week.  I've decided this month to show you what all I "steal" from CVS each week.  

Here's what I was able to get this week...

(2 more 3 Musketeers & a sample size shampoo not pictured)

I got all this for $9.43!! Plus I got 3EB to spend next week.

It took me 7 different transactions, but I think it was totally worth it considering I would have spent $143.90.  

That's a savings of $134.47!!  

The electric toothbrushes cost $33 each and I got all of this for less that what I would have paid for one toothbrush!!

Yay for CVS shopping!!

october desktop

October snuck up on me.  Where did September go?? 

Here's my October desktop!!

**Pictures from last Halloween!!

smith slimdown

One of our 2nd grade teachers started an unofficial Weight Watchers group called "Smith Slimdown".

We are basically following the Weights Watchers program to slim down.  We are doing the program for 12 weeks, which takes to the week before we get out of school for Christmas Break.  We all paid $12 to join and all the money goes into a pot.  The person that has the highest percentage of weight loss will get the entire pot of money.  So far 32 people have joined, so the pot of money is at $384.  I highly doubt I will win, because I really don't have that much weight to lose, but I am super motivated to slim down a little, firm up and get fit!!  

I'm taking the day off today, but I went to the school to weight in this morning and I lost 5.4 pounds!!

happy birthday honey!!

Happy Birthday Honey!! I'm so glad that you were born 28 years ago!!

I hope you enjoyed your homemade pumpkin bread for breakfast, your lunch packed with love, your special birthday dinner of Chicken Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, and Rolls, and Banana Pudding.  

Can you tell that the way to my husband's heart is through his tummy??

I gave Matt the new "antler/claw" Rangers shirt......

.....and some new kicks for his birthday!!

After dinner we watched a little 24 and now we are off to Wednesday night guys basketball and ladies bible study!!

hawaiian chicken salad

Back in the day, my Mom and I used to go to Applebee's when we were out shopping and split the Oriental Chicken Salad.  I haven't been to Applebee's in years, but the taste of this salad is still fresh in my mouth because it was just so good.  Chili's & Cheddar's both have a good Hawaiian Chicken Salad, but the Applebee's Salad was always my favorite.  

A few weeks ago, my Mom googled the Applebee's dressing and we re-created the salad.

One word.  

DELICIOUS.  

Here's what you'll need for the salad.... 

Grilled Chicken

(I grilled mine with a Lawry's Madarin Ginger Maranade)

Lettuce

Julienned Carrots

Cabbage

Slivered Almonds

Chow Mein Noodles

Pineapple Pieces 

Add as much or as little of these ingredients as you want!!

For the dressing you will need......

3 Tablespoons of Honey

1 1/2 Tablespoons of Rice Wine Vinegar

1/4 cup of Mayonaise

1 teaspoon of Grey Poupon Dijon Mustard

1/8 teaspoon of Sesame Oil

Mix the above ingredients.  Chill and serve over salad.  

Enjoy!!

meal planning monday

Monday: Hawaiin Chicken Salad with Oriental Salad Dressing 

** I promise that I am actyally going to make this recipe this week!! I've said I was going to make it for 3 weeks now.

Tuesday: Grilled Shrimp Kebobs, Couscous, & Asparagus

Wednesday: Matt's Birthday Dinner: Chicken Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Salad, & Rolls

Thursday: Talapia with Shrimp Bayou Sauce & Asparagus

Friday: Cookout @ The Robertson's

Saturday Breakfast: Matt: Bible Study Me: On my own

Saturday Lunch: Pizza

Saturday Dinner: Me: Wedding Matt: Pork Roast Sandwiches with Au Ju Sauce & Mashed Potatoes

Sunday Lunch: Lunch w/ our ABF

Sunday Dinner: PF Chang Frozen Meal, Egg Roll & Edamame

26th birthday

On my birthday, September 20th, Matt came home from work a little bit early!! I seriously have the best husband ever!!  After we got all ready to go, we stopped by my parents house to visit for a little while.

My parents gave me the cutest camera bag.  I'm kind of obsessed with it.  I'm so excited that I can carry it as a purse but safely carry my camera in it too!!

After hanging out with my parents for a little while, Matt and I headed Benihana's for dinner. 

I got a free meal by joining Benihana's Chef Table here.

After stuffing ourselves silly, I came home to a creatively wrapped present from my husband.

It's okay though, he was sweet enough to wrap a present that I picked out!!  We went shopping last weekend to pick out my Citizen of Humanity jeans!!   

I'm so excited to get them hemmed, so I can wear them.  I've never had a nice pair of jeans, and I hear they change your life forever!! Ha!!  So come on fall......I'm ready to wear my new jeans!!

it's that time of year again

Hi, my name is Katy, and I'm an apple snob.

When I went grocery shopping today at Kroger, I was super excited to see these shiny, huge, Honeycrips Apples!! I wasn't excited though, to see the price. It kills me to pay that much for produce, but it is so worth it!!

I guess it's time to take out a small loan to afford my apple addiction this fall.  

my dvr is a little full

Fall TV starts this week!! I'm so excited!!

**I promise I don't watch TV every night.  I usually end up watching a ton these shows while Matt watches college football on Saturday and NFL football on Sunday.

Here's what's on my DVR....

(This is a new show that Matt and I are trying out this year.)

What is on your DVR??

birthday girl

And since I share my birthday with my little brother, Happy Birthday to the Birthday Boy too!!

meal planning monday

Wow, I haven't blogged in an entire week.  And I've actually only blogged 5 times this month.  That is SO not like me.  I promise I'm still here.  I've just been super busy and super exhausted since school started.  Hopefully there will be a little bit more blogging this week at The Link Home!!

Monday: Birthday Dinner @ Benihana's

Tuesday: Rotini Pasta & Meat Sauce, French Bread & Salad

Wednesday: Beef Fajitas

Thursday: Gloria's with my K-team; Matt- Chicken Pot Pie

Friday: Grimaldi's Pizza

Saturday Breakfast: Oatmeal

Saturday Lunch: Corn Dogs 

Saturday Dinner:Bacon Wrapped Chicken Shish Ka Bobs

Sunday Lunch: Baked Chicken Nuggets 

Sunday Dinner: Talapia with Shrimp Bayou Sauce & Rice

birthday trio

Tonight we headed over to Matt's sister and brother-in-law's house to celebrate the September birthdays of the family.  

My birthday is on the 20th, Matt's is on the 29th, and Stan, Matt's Dad, is on the 16th.

We had a delicious BBQ meal made by Bryan and some yummy birthday cake!!

We even got to blow out the candles and make a wish!!

Grandaddy with all of his grandkids!!  

I think there needs to be a few more in this picture! ;) Don't you??

I swear my "baby fever" keeps getting stronger every time I hang around this little guy.  Ethan is just the most precious baby ever!! Just look at him.

I was totally spoiled by my family!!

I got a cute picnic basket, a new camera strap, and some fall yard flags!!

The other birthday boy didn't really cooperate for any other pictures. I'll be sure to get some pictures of him on his real birthday though!!

meal planning monday

Monday: Veggie Quesadillas & Homemade Hot Sauce

Tuesday: Sicliano's Taste of Italty with my family for Ryan's Birthday

Wednesday: Chicken Spaghetti, Rolls & Salad

Thursday: Celebrate Home Party (Matt-on his own)

Friday:  Chicken Poppyseed Casserole, Rolls, & Veggies

Saturday Dinner: Shrimp Pasta in a Foil Package

Sunday Lunch: Taco Bueno

Sunday Dinner: September Birthday Celebration w/ The Link Family

chicken fried rice

Last night I knew I was going to be working a little later than normal, so I planned an easy meal.  We eat "frozen bag" type meals every now and then to give me a break from cooking especially when I have to work late.  I threw this Contessa Chicken Fried Rice on the stove and baked some egg rolls for dinner.

As we were eating, I said "This sure is good for a frozen bag meal."

Matt's response....

"This is a frozen bag meal?"

Darn.  I shouldn't have said anything.  I threw away the bag, and he never saw it.  He would have never known the difference between my homemade fried rice and the frozen bag if I hadn't said anything!!

Oh well.  At least I know he likes it, because it will probably be my new recipe for chicken fried rice.  I'll definitely be trying some more of these Contessa Frozen Meals.  This one was really good and actually lower in calories than most frozen meals.  

september desktop

Somehow September 1st managed to slip right by me.  

Better later than never.  

Here's my September Desktop!!

my excuses for not blogging

My last real blog post was a week ago.  

(I don't count Meal Planning Monday as a real blog post.)

I have lots of excuses as to 
why I haven't been blogging though.

Seven days ago

my excuse would have been

I had to work late.

Six days ago

my excuse would have been

I had Bible Study.

Five days ago

my excuse would have been

I don't feel good.

Four days ago 

my excuse would have been

I had a bad day.

Three days ago

my excuse would have been

I spent time with family all day.

Two days ago

my excuse would have been

I was too busy cleaning & couponing.

One day ago

my excuse would have been

It's Labor Day and I'm not doing a dang thing.

But today

my excuse is

I'm addicted to

And if I'm real honest.  I've been watching 24 on Netflix Instant Streaming for the last 4 days with my husband a little too much.  

It all started when Matt would watch 24 while I was on my computer or doing coupon stuff.  Somehow I got really interested in Season 2.  It drove him crazy when I would ask him questions or try to watch it when I was really watching it.  I don't normally like shows or movies like 24, so I'm surprised I got so interested.  When Matt started Season 3, I decided to sit down and follow the show.  

Oh my word....Most. Addicting. Show. Ever.  

Tomorrow though, I will blog.  

labor day

I have a love/hate relationship with Labor Day.  

I love it because it comes just at the perfect time.  I've only been in school for 2 weeks, but I desperately need the day off!!

I hate it, because it means summer is really over.  

meal planning monday

Monday Lunch: Leftovers

Monday Dinner: Lemon Pepper Chicken, Zucchini, Mashed Potatoes, & Garlic Toast

Tuesday: Fried Rice & Egg Rolls

Wednesday: Taco Cornbread Casserole

Thursday: Dinner @ The Havards (I'm bringing Banana Pudding)

Friday: Tin Star Tacos & Homemade Salsa

Saturday Breakfast: Matt- Bible Study Katy- Coupon Class

Saturday Lunch: Chili Cheese Wraps

Saturday Dinner: Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes & Salad

Sunday Lunch: Lunch w/ our ABF

Sunday Dinner: $1 Pizza at Papa Murphy's 

journal writing

I started Writer's Workshop with my kids today.  It's always funny seeing what the kids "write".  

I put write in quotes because at the beginning of the year, most of my kids aren't writing.  They write some letters, then I ask them what their stories say and write what they say on their paper.  

Today I had one little girl write....

"Once upon a time a woman disguised herself as a kid."

Another little girl wrote.....

"The purple platypus went to work at 9 o' clock."

And another little girl wrote....

"I see twirlies everywhere."

All these funny journal writing made me think of this picture from an e-mail I received once.

A drawing a little girl drew of her mother that makes it look like she's an exotic dancer on a stripper pole.

Here's the message the teacher received the next day:

Dear Mrs. Jones, 

       I wish to clarify that I am not now, nor have I ever been, an exotic dancer. I work at Home Depot and I told my daughter how hectic it was last week before the blizzard hit. I told her we sold out every single shovel we had, and then I found one more in the back room, and that several people were fighting over who would get it. Her picture doesn't show me dancing around a pole. It's supposed to depict me selling the last snow shovel we had at Home Depot. From now on I will remember to check her homework more thoroughly before she turns it in. 

meal planning monday

Monday: Baked Spaghetti, Green Beans, & Garlic Toast

Tuesday: Chicken Pot Pie

Wednesday: Veggie Chicken Pitas & Chips

Thursday: Chicken Express (with a coupon of course!!)

Friday: Creamy Chicken Taquitos, Rice, Bean & Homemade Salsa

Saturday Breakfast: Eggs, Bacon & Biscuits

Saturday Lunch: Hot Chicken Salad Pitas & Chips

Saturday Dinner: Emma's Birthday Party

Sunday Lunch: Leftover Hot Chicken Salad

Sunday Dinner: Grilled Chicken, Corn on the Cob, & Salad

james 3

This morning at church, we read this passage from James 3.......

¹Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. ²We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.

³When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. ⁴Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. ⁵Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. ⁶The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

⁷All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, ⁸but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

⁹With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. ¹⁰Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. ¹¹Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? ¹²My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

Our teacher had us all write words on the board that were positive types of words that come out of our mouths.  Many of us had to think before we went to the board to write our word.  After everyone wrote a positive word, our teacher had us write negative types of words that come out of our mouths.  It didn't take us near as much time for us all to think of negative words.  

After the illustration our board looked like this....

Just like it was easier for us to write the negative words, it is easier for our sinful nature to say those negative words.  I want to have more positive words come out of my mouth this week than negative words.  I want my mouth to bring praise to the Lord in everything I say this week. 

the best part of waking up is sonic in your cup

I love Sonic drinks.  I don't like coffee, so a Sonic Coke Zero with vanilla is like coffee to me.  I love Sonic so much that I go just about everyday!! I am addicted.

Thankfully the Sonic right by my school gives teachers 99 cent Route 44's all day everyday.  I go so much, that the owner of the Sonic even knows my drink.  If the owner takes my order, I just say "Hey It's Katy. Can I have my regular?"  

Right before school started the owner asked if she could set up a deal where I give her son a ride to school (he's a 4th grader at my school) in return for FREE Sonic drinks!!  Of course I said yes!! I just can't pass up a Sonic drink, especially if it's free.  So now every morning, unless the owner if not working, I get a free Sonic drink.

What a great way to start my day!! And week!!

I really think that my Sonic drink every morning helped me have a great first week!!