Happy Birthday!!!

Happy 36th Birthday to the most wonderful, most incredible, and love of my life..Ryan.


Life is more fun sharing it with you. I can't wait to see what blessings God brings into your life in this next year and the many years after.
You are a blessing to so many and just like the Martina McBride song says...
"Everybody calls you amazing...and I just call you MINE."


I love you tons!! Happy Birthday RYAN. :)

I just had to share...

Ok, I am sitting on the floor in the living room on a Saturday night watching Texas/Texas Tech football & using my husband's laptop do get some blogging in. Then, I found some very old pics of us as a family and of the girls on his computer. I had to share them!!!
CRAZY...time goes by so unfairly too fast. Enjoy these funny pics. ;)
(Family pic @church 2005)

(Annalise -1 day old @hospital

(hospital pic-1st time girls saw me & annalise in hospital)

(avery & addie-2004)

(annalise- my paci girl walking around)

(avery-2005)

(the girls- pregnant w/ annalise)

(avery & addie)

Fun stuff! Miss all those crazy days but soaking up this new journey. Reminds me to keep taking lots of pics! ;)

Secretariat

I can't wait to see this new Disney movie coming out in October. I'm not sure if little Annalise can handle a movie that's based on a true story and with no animation but I really think Addie and Avery will love it. We are big time animal lovers and they've already mentioned how much they really want to see Secretariat. I think it will be a perfect family (or at least a big girl) date! Enjoy the trailer. :)

It's Happening..

And what's happening is God's work right in front of my eyes! Even looking back over the past 3 months, I can see how God is weaving my family for His kingdom.
It has been an amazing journey just to seek God more, spend time in His word more, and really pray together as a couple for our future. Now, its exciting to see those fruits and obedience come into the light and God show us little glimpses of confirmation and happenings! And to top it off, our church is doing a series on knowing God's Will for your life. It couldn't be the more perfect timing as we take big steps & risks for God.
Our lives are to be set apart completely for God. I find more truth in that each day. You actually feel your selfish desires start to diminish as you feel and see God use people, places, and others hearts and lives to confirm that He takes care of our every need and even our future!

I am reminded of these verses and I pray it to brings you hope this day and for your future.
Happy Friday! :)

""Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."
~Psalm 37:4

"The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks him."
~Lamentations 3:25

Blog Recipes

I love blogging for many reasons, but the past couple of days, I have found some amazing recipes from bloggers that I follow. I love new, fun, creative ideas for making dinner and better yet, a fun holiday treat! :)
Here are 2 I came across that I thought were to good not to share. Enjoy! :)

Chicken Chow Mein
2 or 3 chicken breasts
1 carrot
1 celery stalk
1 diced red pepper
1 4 oz can of sliced mushrooms (or fresh mushrooms)
1 can water chesnuts
1 can baby corn (I used half the can)
1 can bamboo shoots
Sesame Seed Oil
Soy Sauce
Chow mein noodles or white rice

Boil the chicken breasts. Save the chicken broth. In a large pan - put a tbsp or two of sesame seed oil over medium heat and saute all the vegetables for 10 minutes or so. Cut the chicken into small pieces and add in. Add 2 cups of chicken broth and soy sauce to taste (I added quite a bit). Leave on medium heat and cook another 10 minutes or so. Serve over chow mein noodles. (or white rice if you prefer).

Candy Corn Bark
What you need:
A bag of pretzels (skinny small stick kind)
a package of oreos
a package of seasonal candy corns
a brick of white choc. candy coating

Step 1 - Take your pretzels and break them up and spread all over a cookie sheet.
Step 2- Did you know they make seasonal oreos ?
Well break them up and spread on top of Pretzels.
Also take the candy corns and spread them on top of the oreos.

Step 3 - Melt your white chocolate in the microwave in 30 second intervals.
then poor on top of the pretzels, candy corn, and oreos.

Also sprinkle a few candy corns on top to make pretty!

Step 4 - Put in freezer for like 15-20 minutes or until it's all set.

Step 5 - Break apart and Enjoy!!

Remembering 9/11

I was 6 months pregnant, teaching at a private school and sitting in chapel when a co-worker leaned over the pew before chapel started and told me that one of the twin towers had been hit by an airplane. Later, it was confirmed that USA was under attack and all the teachers during their breaks were gathered in the library glued to the TV.
It forever changed America and so many other things. I am thankful for the men and women that were heroes on that horrific day. I am thankful for the men and women who sacrifice their lives for our country and freedom every day.
May we all be reminded that its not how you die, but how we live! God bless and praying for the many families that were forever changed on September 11, 2001.

3 weeks come and gone....and a tad more!

Wow, I can't believe we have already been in school 3 weeks! It has been so crazy, not out of control crazy, just so much has been going on. I started working 2 days a week this year and it has been a really good fit & still have flexible hours for the girls. However, my house cleaning, laundry, and my blogging have been interrupted greatly! ;) Its funny how just a 2 day change in the schedule messes up my routine and groove I had going on. Therefore, I think now I have conquered a set schedule for myself, my husband, and my family.
Also, we have had a PACKED calendar with baby showers, birthdays, traveling Labor Day, surprise birthdays for friends, church commitments, and that doesn't even include the school stuff for the girls. So, I've made it to the 3 week mark and I am thankful for a restful Friday night at home to just chill.

Well,Fall is right around the corner and I CAN'T wait. I love the Fall time. Its so warm, beautiful season and colors, and it kicks off all the holidays. :) I am so ready for some cooler weather too. I would like to share with you a few from my favorite season... :)
Football
Pumpkin Spice latte (Starbucks)
Pumpkin pancakes
Fall Candles
Pumpkin Cake
Orange Pumpkins outside the homes
Ahhh...I dream of someday going to the North East in the Fall to see what a "true" Fall looks and smells like unlike South TX! ;)
I hope you all are doing well and are getting into a groove with the new school year and this new season that's upon us.
Wishing you all a very awesome, joyful, Fall semester!!! :)

The Last Prater Pre-Ker

Yep, my little firecracker, Annalise, started preschool yesterday! I can't believe this is our last preschool experience along with her turning 5 at the end of this month. :) Just like most girls...she talked nonstop about her day and how much she loved Peewee school! So here's to the baby of the bunch who is not so much a "baby" anymore.
We love you crazy girl! :)