Texas Brain-washing

So, we've been here for a little over a month. Not that long, right? My opinion might be altered because our life circumstances have changed substantially, however, today as I was driving, I did come to the conclusion that rather surprised me so much I laughed out loud. I and my children agree (and I can't say it for Brad, but I do think he probably does agree) on this huge thing. In fact, its so huge, it truly only belongs in Texas. And that huge thing is the fact that Texas is Awesome, and We Love it, and I think now... that I have Texas Pride.

So here's my thinking, I know you're thinking, "What is she thinking..." So here's the answer: Because there are no mountains here, and no "natural" beauty... (now let me explain this second piece... When I say Natural, I mean that it didn't just automatically grow by itself...) So as I was saying, because there are no mountains here and no "natural" beauty, the Texas People (whomever they are, still not sure) have decided to make Dallas beautiful by planting trees and flowers in every single spot they possibly can, and use all the water from the US (we are the reason there is a drought everywhere I'm thinkin) to water these trees and bushes and flowers and grass, and Dallas is GREEN and BEAUTIFUL! AND... its interesting, and there is LOTS to do here! I know, I sound brainwashed, huh. But its really really true! There are so many places to go and visit and things to do and everywhere you look it is green, and I just have to admit it, I have Texas Pride. Its true, I admit it. And it only took me approximately 5 weeks to come to grips, but I figure since we'll be here for a long time, I might as well just admit it and enjoy it :)

Twilight Series

I wouldn't be true to myself if I didn't blog on this subject right now. I just finished reading (and listening on audio) the Twilight Series (Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse) by Stephenie Meyer. It truly, truly has been the most amazing series of books that I have ever read in my entire life (maybe aside from the scriptures?). If you haven't read them yet, you HAVE TO! If you don't have time, buy it on audio (itunes has it), you'll get sucked in within minutes. Anyway, just amazing, and I'm so glad I finally gave in and read Twilight, which of course made me read the other two, and according to my sister, Andi, the next book comes out in August.

For those of you who are thinking about not reading this series, do it for yourself to give yourself some alone time, some "Me" time. Its worth it. Its great.

Anyway, so as I have read and listened to this book, I can't help but parallel my husband and Edward. As I'm sure most of you who have read this book, if not all of you have done with your husbands. So Vampires aside, its the amazing love and affection and magnetism that Edward and Bella have for each other. Mainly the affection and undying (no pun intended) love that Edward has for Bella. Just the things that he says, it just reminds me how blessed I am that my husband feels that way about me. And I'm so eternally grateful.

Brad and I have quite the story of meeting, and friendship, and love. A story I never would have thought could be mine, and some day maybe I should write a novel, because it is quite interesting, and romantic, and funny, but I will never let a day pass that I don't thank Heavenly Father for the amazing man that I wake up to in the morning, and go to sleep with at night, and thank him for giving me a husband whose love is unlike I have ever known, and that love is for me. Me. One who sometimes doesn't feel like I deserve a love so real, so true, but somehow, I got lucky enough to find him (or recognize him) and realize that my life can truly be a fairytale.

I've been reading fairy tales to my girls lately before bedtime and I've been astonished at the stories, like the wolf eating the grandma and then little red riding hood... who talks about something so horrible, wolfs eating people... okay, so I guess I read about it in the Twilight Series, but these fairy tales are for little kids! Anyway, all of these fairy tales that we grew up with and think are so great, they all have hard times. I just read Rapunzel, and how sad is it that she was stuck up in a tower for so many years all by herself! But it doesn't matter, cause her hair is long, and her prince does come, and its days like these (payday) that I realize that although my life has had some rough times, many to be exact, it always ends up in that fairytale with a happy ending somehow, and although my story is far from over, it never stays bad the whole time, and I'm well aware that its not always good, but in general, we always remember the good parts, like Rapunzel's hair, and they always overshadow the bad. Maybe not at the time, I'm sure Rapunzel would have given up her hair in a second if it meant getting down from the tower, but she needed it in order to save her from a life of solitude. (Now we're getting deep) And so it is with life. That the Lord blesses us with these things (like love... or hair... or both) that help us to somehow find our way out of our tower eventually. All these things shall be for our good. :)

Medieval Times

We went to Medieval Times last Saturday to celebrate our Anniversary (Yeah for us, 7 years!) And take the girls to a great show. We had a GREAT Time! For those of you who have read "New Moon" in the Twilight Series, you can only imagine my anxiety as we were all crowded in a Medieval Style Room, lots of us, and went in a single file line into the auditorium. I thought it a little too familiar :) It was quite spooky and I had to keep telling myself, "Its not real, only a book."

We decided to save as much money and not buy any extras when we went, but as we went in they asked us if we had any upgrades. We said, "What kind of upgrades?" The guy moved us up to VIP Front Row Seats for free! We were stoked!

Abbie was a little bit nervous in the beginning, the sound was pretty loud, but she got used to it quickly and really enjoyed the horses and the knights and such. It was pretty fun. The food was EXCELLENT! Tori was almost immediately in love with the Red Knight that represented us in the Red Section of the room. After winning a Jousting competition, the Knight received a Red Carnation to which he threw to Tori who was Screaming and waving her arms like her life depended on it. I looked over and saw her bright red face, needing air from screaming so loud and long. It was adorable. She was instantly in love as he kissed the flower and threw it to her. She caught it and gave it a hug (as much as you can hug a flower) and kept it by her face the rest of the night. Everytime he rode by her on the horse she waved and blew him kisses. It was truly great. At one point one of the other knights came up behind the red knight and knocked him down to the ground without any warning and Tori was DEVASTATED! She about started crying and was so worried about her knight in shining armor. It was a great event, we all had a great time!

Soup Recipes?

I'm looking for yummy soup recipes. Brad and I like thicker/chowder type soups, so if anyone has any, if you could post them, that'd be so great! I have Jeni's amazing Chicken Noodle Soup recipe, and my Taco Soup Recipe, but I'd love for ya'll :) to share any recipes you have. Brad and I are going to try to change some eating habits, and eat healthier and work out every morning, so we'll see how it goes, thanks!