Ten on Tuesday

This weeks questions come from Chelsea. I especially love how they are all cooking related.

1. Are there any movies that inspire you to bake/cook?
If you read my post from yesterday, then you would know the Julie & Julia is probably the number one movie that gives my all sorts of inspiration to cook. Another movie I love and always makes me think about cooking and entertaining is The Family Stone. They cook together, have a lovely holiday meal and it just reminds me of family. It's not really about cooking or baking, but my mind always wonders to that when they are in the kitchen or eating.

2. What's your favorite food blog and why?
The Pioneer Woman - She is a woman after my heart. She loves to cook, loves her man, and loves her family. And the food is divine!
Our Best Bites - You can find all sorts of recipes on this site and every one I have tried is delicious.
Bakerella - Who doesn't love sweets?
Recipe Rise - Rise & I went to elementary school together and she creates some easy dishes. She uses herbs from her garden and she loves to entertain.

3. Who's your favorite celebrity chef?
Giada De Laurentiis. She is beautiful and her recipes are wonderful.

4. What is your favorite kitchen tool?
My cast iron pans. They are perfect for cooking so many different dishes and will last forever. A close second is my coffee pot. It starts my day off right!

5. When it comes to cooking/baking what is your specialty?
If you ask my husband, he would say it's my marinated grilled salmon. A lot of people really like my queso, Mexican artichoke spinach dip, and my Oreo truffles.

6. When in the kitchen, do you wear an apron? If so, any cute ones you would like to share?
Yes, I love aprons. I wish I had more, it would be an addiction of mine. The only picture I have of my apron is Mason trying to put it on. It was a Mother's Day gift.

7. Is there anything that intimidates you when it comes to cooking/baking? (ex. pie crusts, yeast, sauces)

Most definitely yeast! I have it in my pantry and I have yet to use it. I want to but I'm so nervous.

8. What's the weirdest gadget in your kitchen?

Our Bagel Slicer. It's not really weird, but everyone always asks me what it is. I love Bagels and when Adam & I registered for our wedding, we both agreed it was a must in our house. Not to mention they used this slicer on The OC and if you know us, we loved that show.

9. What's your go-to music for cooking/baking?

I have never really played music while cooking or baking. The only time I ever put on any background noise is during the holidays. The noise from the kids in the house is enough.

10. After several failures, what do you do to motivate yourself to get back in the kitchen and try again?

I'm don't like defeat, who does? So that in itself is enough motivation for me.

2010

I've been thinking about this particular post for almost two weeks. Ten years ago, I was turning 20 and starting off not a only a new year, but a new decade. 2000 was a life turning year for me. I wasn't that excited about turning 20, because that meant that I was in the same age range as the 20-29 year old. Even though I was all the way at the lower end of the spectrum, that frightened me. I actually cried on my birthday. Pathetic, I know.

In the past ten years, I have learned that age is only a number and you are as young as you feel. I don't really focus on age anymore, I embrace it! It sounds easy, but like I said, it has taken me ten years to feel this way. This is going to be a big year in our house. Adam & I both turn 30 within 15 days of each other. I love birthdays and they have always been a big deal in my family, no matter how old you are. For my birthday this year, I want to do something big. Even though my actual birthday isn't until March, why not honor it all year long? I want to give myself two presents this year.

I have been blogging for awhile and mostly blog about my kids, because they are just so darn cute. If you blog, you know how easy it is to stumble upon other people's blogs and get caught up in their world. It's like people watching, but on the Internet. Sounds stalkerish, I know, but I love to people watch. Usually, I come across other people's blogs, thru my friends. So if I like the blog and comment, I usually mention that we have a mutual friend. That being said, I have been reading Kathleen's blog for some time.

Kathleen I met many years ago at church and I have been friends with her family ever since. I love reading her thoughts on life and books. She has great taste in books! Not that long ago, she mentioned a new blog she started following, Lauren from Texas. Being from Texas, I immediately liked the name of her blog and decided to check it out. I was hooked. Then both Kathleen and Lauren mentioned Chelsea a couple of times in their blogs and the next thing you know, there is a new blog I like to follow. As you can see, it's easy to blog hop and meet new people.

All three of these lovely ladies have been talking about The Pioneer Woman for some time and mentioning her delicious recipes. Not that long ago, the girls met up and went to her book signing in Houston. Did I mention she has a new cookbook out?

I love anything involving food, and so I finally decided that I had to check out her site. If you haven't already checked it out, go ahead and take a minute. I'll wait. Isn't it wonderful! I couldn't help but wish I had visited her website sooner.

So when my sister-in-law, Emily, asked what I wanted for Christmas this year, I immediately thought of The Pioneer Woman Cooks. The day our Christmas package arrived, I opened the book and started reading. I'll have you know, that I read the entire cookbook from beginning to end that day. I couldn't put it down. It was pure bliss!

My first gift to myself this year, is cooking my way thru The Pioneer Woman Cooks. I came up with this idea thru watching one of my new favorite movies, Julie & Julia. If you don't already know about this movie, I highly recommend you watch it, especially if you love to blog and cook or just want to see a good movie.

In the movie, Julie decides to start a blog about cooking her way thru Julia Childs book Mastering the Art of French Cooking. I haven't really eaten that much French food, and I doubt my family will, but I love to cook. In all honesty, my cooking is nothing compared to my moms cooking. I love good food and southern cooking just reminds me of home.

The Pioneer Woman Cooks has some fantastic recipes with pictures and step by step instructions. She doesn't seem intimidating and most of her cooking supplies I already have. I'm only missing a Kitchenaid Mixer in Candy Apple Red and a Dutch Oven in red. If anyone wants to send one my way, I love gifts!

I know this idea isn't necessarily original, but that isn't the point. I want to be a better cook and I know my family would benefit from this as well. It's the perfect gift I can give myself this year. As well as cooking these delicious, mouth-watering recipes, I'll blog about it and post pictures.

That brings me to my second gift this year, completing a Half Marathon! If I'm going to be eating all this southern cooking, I'm going to need to stay in shape. Actually, I have always loved running. It is very therapeutic for me and gives me the energy I need to keep up with Mason & Taylor.

So when my friend, Marissa, asked me if I wanted to run the Santa Barbara Half Marathon with her in May, I immediately said yes. It's always been a goal of mine to run a Marathon, even if it's only a half. My training officially starts today. It's going to be a challenge for sure, but I love a good challenge. If anyone is interested in flying up to Cali and running with us in May, let me know. The registration is still open and the more the merrier. Turning 30 is going to be great and I look forward to celebrating it all year long.

Mason & Luke Dancing

So much to write about, but for now I will post a cute little video Adam took with his blackberry of Mason and his buddy Luke dancing on New Years Eve. We decided to let the kids stay up and play and at this point in the night they were super hyper. Enjoy!

Ten on Tuesday

Don't worry, there will be other posts coming very soon, that will include pictures, but until then lets enjoy this weeks Ten on Tuesday. I usually get my questions from Chelsea, but today I have decided to write my own questions.

1. What was the highlight moment of 2009?

I have two and they both involve new additions to our family. First, we welcomed our little girl, Taylor, into the world on March 17th. I have always wanted a little girl and God new the desires of my heart and gave me more than I could have ever have asked for. Second, I have a new little brother, Kris. If you didn't know, I have always wanted a little brother and this year our family received the best early Christmas present of all. If you can't tell, it's been a pretty special year for us.

2. What was the worst moment of 2009?

I don't like to focus on the bad, the saddest moment was definitely not being able to spend Christmas with our family in Texas. Although, it should be noted that we had a fabulous Christmas and that would have been the only thing we would have changed.

3. How do you plan to celebrate New Years Eve?

We aren't really sure yet. Adam & I mentioned making a nice dinner together, after the kids go to bed, but we still don't have any set plans.

4. Do you eat anything special on New Years Day?

My mom always made black eyed peas, ham, and some other stuff that I wasn't ever a fan of. I do like ham, but I never really liked the foods served on New Years Day. This year we will eat whatever I make, which reminds me that I need to make a menu for the next couple of weeks.

5. Do you set New Years Resolutions and if so, wanna share a few?

No, I never have. My thought is I would rather make goals all year long and can start them whenever I want.

6. What are you looking forward to the most in 2010?

It's going to be a big year in our house. Adam & I both turn 30 this year. I used to think that was old, but now I look at it as just a number. I feel young and plan to embrace turning 30. I have some exciting things planned for this year and that will be explained in detail very soon.

7. Name some highlight moments of the last decade?

I remember spending New Years Eve at my friends house when the clock stroke midnight in 2000. Y2K was all the rage and no one knew what would happen. It's hard to believe that was 10 years ago. The three biggest highlights of the last decade are marrying my hot hubby, Adam, and giving birth to two beautiful children, Mason & Taylor.

8. Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

I'll be 40, now that is crazy! Honestly, I don't know. I would like to say that we will be living back in Texas and have a house full of kids, I'm thinking at least one more, maybe two more.

9. Do you stay up til midnight on New Years Eve?

Yes, although I try to go to bed soon after that. I like to watch the ball drop on TV and kiss my hubby.

10. What did you learn in the last decade?

So much! The biggest lesson I learned is you can't go back and change your past, you can only change your future. So don't dwell on the past, because it shapes who you are today.

Happy New Years!

Ten on Tuesday

Today's questions come from Chelsea. Feel free to do your own either on your own blog or in the comments.

1. When do you put up and take down your Christmas decorations?

We put up our Christmas tree either the day after Thanksgiving or that weekend, depend on how much shopping I get done. There's something about having your house all decorated for the holidays that makes it magical and puts everyone in a great mood. We take down the decorations the weekend after Christmas. It's very sad.

2. What do you do to simplify the holiday season?

I try to get all of our Christmas shopping done as early as possible. I don't like to start any earlier than Black Friday though. I feel like doing the Christmas shopping isn't stressful, I enjoy it. I also wrap presents the night after I buy them. That way I'm not waiting til last minute. I make the most of it and put on Christmas movie, while I'm doing it.

3. What do you do to remind yourself and your family what the Christmas season is all about?

Our children are very young, but never to young to hear the Christmas story about Jesus. Everyday, we share the story with them and I point the pictures out in the book. I love when Mason comes home from church on Sundays and he has a handful of pictures that he made in Sunday School and points out Jesus and Mary to me.

4. How do you spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?

This is our first away from family, so this year we will try to incorporate some of our families traditions with the news ones we want to start. Since we haven't found a church that does a candlelight Christmas Eve service here, I'm going to make dinner and then we will go look at Christmas lights. Mason & I already made Christmas cookies to put out for Santa.

Christmas morning, I'm sure we will be up bright and early to open presents. We will read the Christmas story to the kids and make breakfast (because I doubt my son will eat anything if he opens presents first), and then open presents. For lunch we are heading to our friends families house. We also plan to skype with my family that afternoon, when they open presents.

5. What is your favorite Christmas tradition?

Christmas Eve, my family would always go to the Christmas Eve service, then go out to eat, followed by looking at Christmas lights.

6. Did you do the whole Santa thing growing up? What do you like or not like about continuing the tradition?

Honestly, I know we did, but I was pretty young when I realized that Santa wasn't real and my parents always did a good job at making us aware that Christmas isn't about Santa, but about the birth of Christ.

We are doing the Santa thing, but we aren't putting a lot of emphasis on it. I think it's fun for the kids, but at the same time, some of my most memorable Christmas' didn't revolve around what Santa brought for Christmas.

7. What is your favorite Christmas cookie?

Sugar cookies decorated with icing and sprinkles.

8. How do you take your eggnog?

I do not like eggnog.

9. What is your favorite Christmas carol and why?

It's a tie between O' Holy Night and Silent Night. Anytime I hear either of those songs, I get chills listening to the words.

10. When is the last time you had a white Christmas?

2004. It snowed on Christmas Eve and there was still snow on the ground Christmas morning. It's very rare that it snows in Houston, so we loved every minute of it.

Flashback Fridays

Since it'sChristmas time, I thought I would continue to post pictures from our Christmas past. Here's Adam with one of his younger sisters, Laura, and younger brother, David. We believe this was taken when Adam was nine. Adam especially likes the photo because he is wearing footsie pj's. He loves them! I wasn't a fan of them growing up. I didn't like anything covering my feet and still don't.

I realize why parents loves them so much - great for keeping the kiddos warm, without having to worry if they are still covered up on a cold winters night. I have to admit, Mason & Taylor look so cute in their pj's. But I'll give them a choice as they get older.

Ten on Tuesday

I have several blog friends that have been doing or recently started Ten on Tuesday. In order to spice up the blog a bit, I thought I would write my first Ten on Tuesday. That means, this will most likely become a weekly thing. This weeks Ten on Tuesday questions comes from Chelsea. There are 15 questions this week, but I always say "the more, the merrier!" Be sure to stop by and check out her blog.

1. If you could change anything about your physical appearance, what would it be?
I have decided that too many woman focus on the negative about their bodies, instead of embracing what God gave them and I'm trying to do that. I haven't always been good at it and I wouldn't say that I am now, but for my children's sake, I want to do a better job at it. That doesn't mean there aren't things I don't like about my body, so please don't be fooled. So because you asked, I wish I didn't have dry skin. I was born with really dry skin and no matter how much moisturizer I use, I will always need more.

2. Is there a bad habit you find annoying in others?
Just one? I really don't like when people are late! To me, it's a lack of respect. However, you can get around this pet peeve of mine, if you call to let me know you will be late. Just don't make it a habit!

3. What is your favorite recipe using ground beef?
Texas Chili! It is such a comfort food and perfect for those fall and winter evenings. The spicier, the better.

4. What was your favorite book as a kid?
I loved the Romona Quimby books by Beverly Cleary. A close second would be the Baby-sitters Club by Ann M. Martin. Whenever I would go to the library, I would always have several of these books to take home.

5. Did you work as a teenager and if so, where?
Yes, I started babysitting at 11 yrs old almost every Saturday all the way thru Junior High. In High School, I worked at Fashion Park Cleaners. It was great, because we just tagged the clothes and sent them off to the plant to be cleaned. In our downtime, I would do homework, or visit with friends that would stop by. The hours were great - I was done by 7pm during the week and only had to work until 4pm on Saturdays.

6. Did you work while in college and if so, where?
Yes, I waited tables at Red Lobster. I actually met Adam's brother and sister thru waiting tables. I knew Laura & David before meeting Adam.

7. When you go to sleep do you like total darkness or semi? When you go to sleep do you need quiet or is semi noise ok?
I prefer total darkness and quiet. I'm such a light sleeper, that the littlest noise will wake me. The only time I don't mind, was after our children were born and sleeping in our room. I would turn our closet light on at night, so that I could easily check on them. However, I didn't get much sleep.The first night after each of them moved to their rooms, was some of the best sleep I have ever had.

8. When doing laundry, fabric softener or not?
Not in the washer, but I put the fabric softener sheets in the dryer.

9. Open toed or closed toed shoes?
I love open toed shoes. It's weird, I love to be barefoot but I love shoes. So open toed is the closet I come to this.

10. Would you rather be blind or deaf?
I think blind. I think you can tell more thru a person's tone than thru their body language.

11. Dangle or stud earrings?
Dangle, hands down. I LOVE accessories. I almost always have earrings in, unless I'm asleep. I will wear stud earrings if I'm working out or camping.

12. Bottled water or tap?
I prefer tap, as long as it has been filtered.

13. What do you put on pancakes?
Peanut Butter and syrup.

14. On a long trip, would you rather drive or fly?
Flying is way more convenient, especially now that I have kids. Living so far from our family, it's much quicker to take a 3 hour flight to Houston, instead of driving 24 hours. However, I have some of the best memories from long road trips. In one weekend, my friend Jeanna & I drove to South Carolina to see her boyfriend and my friend David. I think we spent a total of a day and half there, but we have some great memories from that trip. Another road trip involved Jeanna, Jonathan, David, & I driving to West Virginia for a ski trip. It never snowed, but it was another memorable week.

15. Do you prefer classic old movies or new?
This is a toss up. One of my all time favorite movies, It's a Wonderful Life, is a classic. However, one of my new favorite movies, Jules & Julia is new.