Boo (hoo) at the Zoo

We were asked to go to the zoo by Gail (Jeremy's mom) and I tried every excuse to get out of it. Hey - they were valid excuses!!! Things like, we have no money (very true right now), I have just enough gas in my car to get me around Monday and Tuesday (and I can fill up Wednesday when I get paid), and finally, I don't like the zoo.

I guess, that last one is not very valid since I had only 2 prior experiences at the Zoo. The first time was my nephew's birthday party and the only animals I saw were giraffes and some reptiles. And the second time was for Zoo-lights so I didn't see any animals (except in the petting zoo). It's not that I don't like the zoo, it's just that I don't have any desire to go to the zoo. Probably one reason being the drive, and another reason being the crowd of people. Plus, we just went to the zoo in Chicago and we saw a ton of animals - probably the same ones the Phoenix Zoo has.

Anyway, despite my reasons to not go, Gail had many reasons for us TO go. She somehow had "free tickets" that enabled us 3, herself, Josh, Mindy, Randi, Brad, and Christopher to get in for free (Kristi and Steve already have a membership for their family and Dustin). She said they were bringing lunch for everyone so we don't have to spend money once there. And she even offered to pick us up, drive us, and drop us off again. Geesh, I was really out of excuses. Besides, I really enjoy hanging out with Jeremy's family so I was already wanting to give in despite my monetary excuses and crowd anxiety.

Well, we went and had a great lunch and took the kids to the little water play area. Then we saw the giraffes, zebras, a few monkeys, orangutans, and 2 elephants. Then we went home. Oh wait, after we watched Jeremy dance to win Andrew a Winnie the Pooh Heffalump Halloween DVD at the Radio Disney tent.

It was Boo at the Zoo so it was a tad crowded. Apparently I am the only one annoyed at people the stand at exhibits for a long time. I am perfectly happy to stand there for about 2 minutes, but then I want to move on. It must be my impatience because I have not come across anyone else who feels the same way. Jeremy thinks I'm crazy because I don't want to stand there all day and watch the same animals. Hmmm, maybe it's a sign that I need to ssssllllllooooowwww down and enjoy life.

Oh and by the way, the "free tickets" were year memberships that Gail bought us! This means I will have plenty of time over the next year to slow the heck down, enjoy life, and become fond of those animals and crowds! Haha! Really, I am excited to give the Zoo a fighting chance for approval in my mind!

Next time I'll post pictures of the animals, but I'll leave you with the video of the Dad's competing for the Heffalump DVD (they all won by the way).

S-C-O-R-E

All I can say is the bribery worked.

And the reward for the goal is Dippin' Dots ice-cream. He loves those little frozen balls of ice-cream... So worth the effort in his book. Notice his large Icee next to the ice cream. That's for trying the entire game. He didn't stop trying after half time. He kept right on the ball and trying to score more goals.

OK, enough of the proud mommy moment!

A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned

Cup O Noodles! I forgot that I do actually like Cup O Noodles. I bought a case of them yesterday at Fry's because they are only $.25/each. So, I spent $3 and have 12 days worth of lunches for work. Not a bad deal! I wasn't too thrilled with the thought of eating 12 cups of these noodles, but after eating the first one today, it's not such an unwelcome thought.

So, while people are munching on their blessed Pei Wei's, I am eating a cup o noodles that only cost me $.25 versus their $10.00 or so. (They could've bought 40 Cup O Noodles!).

Thanks to Fry's and their 'By the Case' sale I spent $107.00 on groceries yesterday and my savings were $102.00. Now my pantry is packed with canned goods and Mac N Cheese (amongst other goodies). And, did you know you don't have to buy the whole case - you can just grab one or two or four of everything? I was a little worried to go in there and have to buy a case of Mac N Cheese (that would be 48!), but I asked Customer Service and they clarified that I do not have to do such a thing. I just thought I'd let you know in case you were confused, as well. Like the group of 3 Rural Metro guys that were standing around scratching their heads looking at the case of Mac N Cheese arguing over if they should grab the case or not. I eased their minds and passed on the good news that they can just grab a few boxes. It's not like they didn't have the time though, as Jeremy says, "they were probably done lifting their weights and were probably passing time before they head out to play basketball somewhere while the truck sits in the bay waiting for its 2nd washing of the day." "At least their services only cost the good folks of Queen Creek $700 a year each," he would add sarcastically.

Oooohhh got 'em!

Chili

On Tuesday I made chili for the Home Group we attend. As I mentioned, this is award winning chili. As in, my mom found this recipe in a magazine and made it for a chili cook-off and won. I did the same, and won. It's not like we created this recipe. Therefore, I think it's fair to tell you how to make it.
Ingredients are as follows (or seen above and below):
1 pound bulk pork sausage
1 pound ground beef
2 cans (15-1/2 ounces each) hot chili beans
1 jar (16 ounces) salsa
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, not drained
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
8 ounces process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
1-1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Here's the beef and pork cooking away.
Ooh, and the cheese getting ready to be cubed.
And here it is being made into the chili. Be cautious, it is spicy, but it is really meaty and beany and heartily delicious! Tortilla chips and corn bread go good with it. Use sour cream to cool it off a bit.

Do you like how I remembered to use my camera?!

The Host

I just finished The Host by Stephenie Meyer. It was a pretty good book. I would really like to see it as a movie. It was a very interesting story and I don't think I've seen any movie like it. That doesn't say much though. I don't think anyone has heard, "What? You've never seen that movie?!" as much as I have.

I think it would be fun to have the imagination of this author! I admire that she can think up stuff like this (and the Twilight series), make it interesting, and have it make sense. I would love to have that creativity!

I need more books. Any recommendations? I have always wanted to read the Shopaholic series if anyone has any of those lying around...

Sweet-Tooth

I think I read an article once that spoke about a certain vitamin deficiency in our body that causes us to have a sweet tooth. I can't remember what vitamin it is that we are lacking when this happens. Whatever it is, I must be seriously deficient in because I have a HUGE sweet tooth. But, when I am regularly taking a multi-vitamin, I notice that I don't crave as much sweet stuff.
It's not often that I take a multi-vitamin daily because the things are BIG and I don't like swallowing pills and the after taste is gross! Well, Jeremy told me that he takes Andrew's vitamins (they are like Flintstone vitamins, but the Kirkland brand). I was surprised at first, but then I tried one and they are tasty! I remember I used to take them when I was younger, but I would get bloody noses (from too much iron) and had to stop taking them.
Well, it's been 5 days and I've taken one of Andrew's vitamins every morning and I am craving things like celery with peanut butter, apples, carrots, and cheese for snacks. This is really unlike me and I love it! Normally I choose chocolate, candy and/or cookies. How weird! So, there must be enough of whatever vitamin I was deficient in Andrew's vitamins to put a stop to my sweet tooth!
There were 2 cakes at Home Group last night and I turned down a piece no problem! Last week I ate 2 huge brownies without thinking twice. However, I did end up eating a small piece from the cake that no one had eaten yet. Mostly because I felt sorry for it and a little bit because it had Rainbow Chip frosting. I would've been fine without eating it though. Pre-vitamin fulfillment, I wouldn't have comprehended the idea of passing it up in the first place. In fact, I would've had a larger piece of that and tried the other cake, too!
Is it bad for me to take these children's vitamins? It seems like a good thing to me! Until I get bloody noses anyway.
And, I'll end on that lovely note!

Not so snap-happy

I sit down to blog and I realize that I am terrible at remembering to take pictures! How much more great would this entry be with pictures? Oh well, I guess we'll never know!
Jeremy and I had a barbecue at our house Friday. It was a blast! Many of our friends were able to come. Jeremy barbecued a pork loin, hamburgers, hot dogs, and short ribs. Jeremy is the self-proclaimed "Grill Master" (as backed up by me and a few others) so it was no wonder that everything was amazing! The pork loin took 3 hours to cook and it was well worth it (I think Jeremy would agree - being as I didn't cook it, I can't say for sure, I guess). Jeremy conducted a horseshoe tournament in which he and Timmy took 1st place. Dallas made 2 golden horseshoe trophies for the winners. I don't know where to put Jeremy's... Maybe next to his golf trophy from a couple weekends ago; the one of a golfer knelt down with his butt in the air and picking his nose to get a good shot at the hole. Yes, I think that would be a good place for it. On second thought, I may have to send them with him to work so they may decorate his office.

I was not feeling well Friday and it got worse on Saturday. I made it to Andrew's soccer game (which I'm glad I did; I'll explain in a minute), but then went home and slept from 11-3 going back to bed at 8:30 or so. I really didn't feel better, but I knew I couldn't (or shouldn't) stay in bed all day.

Going back a step, Andrew's soccer game was fun! In addition to the regulars (me, Jeremy, my mom, and dad) my sister and Jeremy's mom joined us. Everyone was amazed at how Andrew really seemed to be playing so much better. What's this?! He's going for the ball in the thick of the crowd?! He's making a break for the goal with the ball almost every chance he gets?! He almost scored a goal?! Hee hee, Jeremy and I weren't surprised (Shhhh... we bribed him with an Icee from Chevron if he actually tried to play. "Trying" as in doing all of the things listed above). No one ever answered me if that was a good or bad thing to do to a four year old, but it worked. Andrew actually said he enjoyed his game this week! Usually he says he'd rather go to practice. So, it hasn't seemed to hurt him so far.

Well, enough about the weekend. I am feeling better and ready to tackle my to-do list this week.

Things on my agenda this week:

• Taking the cat to the vet tomorrow (dang animal has sores all over his head and ears - allergies, I think).
• Working out (Tuesday and Thursday and hopefully more).
• Making dinner for Home Group on Tuesday (I think it is cool enough outside for my mom's and mine award-winning chili. Yum).
• Hopefully having a fun night in (or out) with some girls from the church on Friday.
• Andrew's soccer practice on Wednesday.
• Andrew's soccer game on Saturday.
• Clean the downstairs and backyard after that crazy barbecue.

Maybe I'll remember to bring my camera to some of these events. And, if I remember my camera, hopefully I'll remember to snap some pics!

Keep dreaming!

Camping

This weekend Jeremy, Andrew, and I took a trip up to Seneca Lake on the San Carlos Reservation past Globe to do some camping and fishing. We were joined by our friends, Josh and Cherish and their kids, and Dallas and Kayla and their kids. We checked the weather before we left and it said 30% chance of rain in that area. Well, apparently it was a ty-po and should've said 130% chance of rain. We got to our campsite around 2:00 and set up our tents. As soon as they were up, the rain started coming down. It would drizzle for a little while, sprinkle for a little while, and then rain hard for a little while. Dallas and Kayla had to leave since they had a 2 month old baby that was not enjoying the wet weather in the least bit! Can you blame him?! Luckily they have friends about 45 minutes away (in Globe) and stayed with them.
Us and the Porter's toughed it out and it was tough! It sprinkled all through dinner. The guys had to cook the burgers over the grill holding an umbrella while Cherish, me, and the kids huddled under the ramada with a portable propane heater and the campfire nearby. It stopped raining for a bit after dinner so we lounged by the campfire and made some s'mores. As soon as we were done with the s'mores, it began raining again. So, we called it a night and retired to our tents.
The rain lasted all night in the same drizzle, sprinkle, rain hard pattern. It even began lightning and thundering! At about 4 in the morning we heard the Porter's opening and closing their truck and we thought for sure they were bailing. However, it turns out the rain was coming into their tent so they were forced to sleep in their truck. That had to be uncomfortable considering they have a family of 4 and have 2 big dogs.
Around 5am I realized our tent was leaking, too. My sleeping bag was soaked. I had to hop in to Jeremy's sleeping bag (which was probably the highlight of his trip... Heehee j/k).
Finally, the sun was up and the rain seemed to have stopped. We made it through the night and were rewarded by mostly sunny skies that morning and afternoon. The guys went fishing with the kids and Cherish and I could hang out and chit-chat without yelling at the kids to get out of the mud and to stop sitting on the ground, etc. It finally felt like a vacation.
The rain appeared to be rolling back in around 1:30 so we packed up and left. We had a yummy lunch in Globe and was home around 4:30. My car is a muddy disaster, but at least we made Andrew happy to have gone camping this summer.
Andrew caught the most fish, by the way (out of the guys and kids). He caught catfish, blue gill, and bass. He would cast the line and reel them in all on his own! He really enjoyed it and Jeremy is looking forward to taking him fishing again soon. I'll join them if the chance of rain is 0% and nothing more. ;-)