A New thing in a New Year (no pictures...)

You guys...I just want to post this because we are proud of ourselves...

This week Alan and I have cooked at home every night.  We've had fabulous meals with leftovers for Alan to take to work.  I've stayed within my weight watchers points and my stomach hasn't been upset (except for little bits here and there...thanks a ton IBS).

Here's what we made...

Monday, January 12, 2015 - Tacos
Alan was finishing up his month and year end stuff at work and I had a meeting in Sherman, so we decided to go pretty quick and easy for dinner.  I used ground turkey (I find I prefer it over the beef) and I forgot to pick up a taco seasoning packet, but I had some Tex-Mex rub (Pampered Chef spice) that I used instead.  We had whole wheat tortillas, onions, salsa, sour cream and cheese for toppings and away we went.  We made it, ate it, and cleaned it up in record time!
For the weight watcher type, it was 7 points for 2 tacos.

Tuesday, January 13, 2015 - Chicken Fried Rice
Nothing pressing to do at home tonight, other than clean up our room and closet -- those places become a mess soooo quickly!  I'm planning to try a Pampered Chef recipe that I found in my stash of cookbooks.  It actually calls for pork, but Alan and I both agreed, we prefer chicken.  I don't think it will take too long to make and when I calculated points it was 8 per serving, but I'm thinking since it will have chicken instead of pork it might be less..I'll let you know!  If we get everything cooked and cleaned up in the kitchen AND in our room, we might hang a few pictures. EEK!

Wednesday, January 14, 2015 - Shepherd's Pie
Truly a favorite in our house!  I used ground turkey again.  I browned it and added onions and frozen veggies.  Then we added our 'Savoury Mince' packet that I picked up in Ireland (gonna have to get some more of that!) and let it simmer.  Then put in my stoneware baker (Pampered Chef) and put mashed potatoes (just potatoes...no butter, no milk, no nothing....it's an Irish thing) and some cheese on my part (Alan won't eat it).  Into the oven for a bit and VOILA, Shepherd's Pie.  It was like 10 points for a HUGE serving and I couldn't finish it!  I ended up with 2 points leftover for the day...

Thursday, January 15, 2015 -- Leftovers
This is one of my favorite nights of the week! This LeaAunt went to see her 9Peas (though only 7 were there...2 aren't home anymore)!  We had a sausage, spinach, black bean, potato soup that was SOOOOO good.  SO GOOD.  I decided it was 10 points for that I ate and then I ate 2 oatmeal chocolate chip cherry cookies.  I decided that were probably 3 ish, but that left me with a point....so I did what anyone would do...I ate another! :) Oh well, 2 points over is ok!  Alan ate the leftover Shepherd's pie.  After eating, Kathy and I get to girl talk the night away...I love this part of my week!

Friday, January 16, 2015 - Fajitas
We used to go out to eat on Friday nights and eat Fajitas at a Mexican food place in Sherman.  This week I thought perhaps we could just make our own.  We have some friends coming over because we are babysitting for them and they may eat with us before they go. I will make chicken fajitas in the microwave in 15 minutes.  They will be juicy and yummy!  We will use the same sides as earlier this week (based on our personal preferences).  Then we will play with our friend for the night and all go to bed.  I suspect that Alan and our little buddy will have donuts in the morning, but it is more likely that I will have oatmeal or a cereal bar. :)

Saturday, January 17, 2015 - Chicken Casserole
Tomorrow night we will have our wonderful friends, The Byrd's, over for dinner.  When they come over we use our China (we only have 4 place settings so we each get one and we eat fancy.  The menu may or may not be 'fancy' but it will be yummy!  I am making our famous family recipe: Chicken Casserole.  It's so easy (once you prepare the chicken) and SOOOOO yummy!  I am going to ask Cynthia to bring a fruit salad and will likely do green beans to go with it.  Then I don't know what I will do for a dessert.  After dinner we will brew some tea and enjoy ourselves while drinking yummy teas!

Sunday, January 17, 2015 - Lunch out
I get an extra 49 points a week on top of my daily allotment.  I'm down to 43 and will likely be at 40 by Sunday, but that's ok!  Last week we ate at Cotton patch and I had like 55 points or something...crazy - but yummy!  That said, we will eat out for lunch, wherever our little hearts desire.  I will *try* to be good-ish.  Then we will have leftovers or fruit smoothies for dinner.  This is also when we will plan for next week and shop.

There ya have it -- a whole week of cooking...and I'm excited about what we can do for next week.  I'm feeling a pot roast coming on....

{Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real}

Pretty:

Alan and I spent Christmas in Ireland with his Dad.  One day we went to visit his mom's grave and I snapped this picture of Alan and his Dad walking outside of the Bennykerry (sp?) church.  I know it's crooked, but I thought it was pretty!

The night before we left as we drove past this rock at the front of his Dad's neighborhood I thought it was pretty so I walked down and took a picture.  As I was doing that I noticed how beautiful the sunset was so I snapped that too!

(Side note: most neighborhood's don't have street signs like we do. This is how they designate alot of areas.)

Happy:

Spending Christmas with Alan's family was wonderful.  Different, but wonderful.  I am so glad we snapped these pics with Vincent (his dad) and Collette (his Aunt - mom's sister) - they certainly make me happy! :)

(me, Vincent, Alan)

(me, Alan, Collette)

Bonus Happy:

I made these blankets for the boys for Christmas and they loved them! :)

Funny:

These pictures of Paul and Amy crack me up...

Paul was soooo excited about our New Year's eve party.  It was rocking awesome...er...LOUD!

I honestly don't even remember why I took this one -- but it's funny!

Bonus funny:

At the house warming party...my 3 nephews plus my almost nephew all crowed on the guest bed around on device...

Real:

Christmas with my family was wonderful!  We cried some, laughed lots, and enjoyed ourselves.  When my mom was cleaning out my Grandmother's apartment she found the same check boxes Grandmother had been using for cash gifts our whole lives.  She and Grandmother used the one last time.  I now have it in my possession.  We cried.

When Grandmother was in the hospital/rehab/hospice Mom and I started saying, "It is what it is....and that's all it is".  It carried us through.  So when I found this little sign I had to get it for her.  We cried a little.

Lest you think all we did was cry -- the boys opened each gift exclaiming it's what they always wanted.  Alan and I recieved gifts for the house and I gave Mom, Amy, and Allison Mini Rolls...and there was much rejoicing! :)

Bonus funny:

This is how I feel most days -- but I actually have to drag myself out of bed....sigh

A Place called Home

When Alan and I got married we left apartment life due to some friends who were renovating rental property.  We got to watch the house go from a shell to a beautiful home...and then we got to live there!  Then, due to some circumstances within their extended family, they needed that house for another family. But they took care of us!  They moved us to a different house down the road.  We've been there 2 years.  After about a year we started dreaming of the day we could buy a house...one that we picked out just for us.  One that we could change and suit to our dreams.  But at the time, we knew there was no way.  Then Alan got the job in Dallas and we started saving and planned on looking 'in about a year'.

Well, then Grandmother passed away and I found out she had left me some money.  You guys...my Grandmother's last, last great gift to me is helping us get a house!  We started looking in October and looked at houses all over Allen, McKinney, Melissa, Anna, and Sherman.  After a lot of looking and discussing we decided the closer we could get to McKinney, the better.  We put a bid on a house in McKinney and waited.  The next day we found out that in 72 hours, 18 bids were placed on that house.  They sold it for OVER the asking price...and that wasn't our bid!  So we kept looking.  We found another house in McKinney that we liked and bid on it -- again, we weren't chosen.  Then we bid on a house in Melissa...for less than the asking price and - TADA - they accepted and we moved into the option period.

This process has not been without hiccups...there have been a few...but I am excited to say that we are slated to close on the house next Monday and move the Saturday after Thanksgiving!  I can not even begin to tell you how excited I am! :)

We do plan on doing an open house -- it just may be in March in conjunction with the Paddy's Day Party.  We can't wait to show you around the new place!  For the time being -- here's what I'll show you:

The front

 

The back

 

(oh...and see the bed looking thing on the porch...we get to keep that!!)

It's a 3/2/2 car garage with an extremely open floor plan.  

There ya have it...homeowners...I might be growing up!

(Like I said - we move in after Thanksgiving, so watch for more pics of the house!)

{Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real)

~Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life~

~Every Thursday at Like Mother, Like Daughter~

 

 

{Pretty}

 

 

 

An opportunity to dress up?!  Of course I'll take it!  Months ago Alan told me the Symphony would be hosting a Fall Ball.  I asked if we could go and he agreed.  Then I fell and hurt my ankle and wasn't sure I'd be able to go.  Blessedly, my ankle healed enough that I could, so a few weeks ago Mom and I went shopping and found this gorgeous green dress.  Then I had my final doctor's appointment and I got special permission to wear black flats.  No tennis shoes/big brace for one night!  Exciting!  I got Alan a matching green tie and off we went.  We had a great time and were pleased to find that we knew a good few of the people there...including (but not limited to) the lovely ladies pictured above and their spouses.  Laura (on the left) I met 4 years ago while in The Sound of Music.  She and her husband (who is also the director of the Symphony) have been our landlords for the last 3 years.  While we are not sad to see 'renting' go, I am sad that Laura will no longer be just across the street!  Kathy (on the right) I met when Alan and I applied for our marriage certificate, but I didn't get to know her till over a year later.  I can't imagine life without her!

{Happy}

 

 

 These girls!  We got to see them for the first time in about 6 weeks the other day.  I will say I was a bit worried they wouldn't remember me or that they wouldn't want to see us...but I worried in vain!  Ally is almost 2.5 and Rissa will be 4 next month...time just flies!

{Funny}

 Oh, that Lily-dog!  She's something else!  The other night we were snuggling in the red chair (admittedly, I was likely watching Dr. Who) and she snuggled her head down under the blanket, but the rest of her stayed out.  Almost like "If you can't see my you can't tell me what to do...".  Yesterday morning while I was getting ready she was stretched out on the bed and gave me this look when I called her name.  (Please ignore the mess...we will call it 'the moving mess'.)  I sure love this crazy, loud dog!

{Real}

 

Last weekend I went to 2 baby showers.  One was for my sweet friend Cheryl and her little boy, Josiah, that will be coming soon (but not too soon).  I made the blanket on top for her.  Then I had another shower to go to on Sunday afternoon.  This time for a family friend, Shannon.  She is having her first boy and her nursery colors are navy blue, orange, and lime green.  So I decided to make her some blankets too.  As she opened them she asked if I made them and if Grandmother taught me how.  Unfortunately Grandmother didn't teach me to sew. By the time I took an interest in it Grandmother had long since quit.  But she was so proud of me.  And I love that.  So while she didn't teach me to sew - I believe seeing her sew for years and years probably planted some little seed deep down -- it just took a looooooong time to grow into a desire!  Anyway - I'm excited to welcome these sweet boys to the world and hope they enjoy their new super soft blankets!

 On a different note:

As a part of today's {Real} -

November is Adoption Awareness Month.  While I have not adopted a child, I know those who have and I have seen first hand the good, the bad, and the ugly that my friends have dealt with.  Also, I have been adopted - I have been adopted by the ONE TRUE KING into the kingdom of heaven.  Despite my good, bad, and ugly - Jesus loves me unconditionally...

This month, please remember to pray for those who are adopting or have adopted.  Think of ways you can support them: prayer, cook dinner, offer to babysit, etc.  Also, think about what you can do for orphans, here and worldwide.  Perhaps you can't adopt one right now.  Can you support an organization that deals with adoptions and families that adopt?  If nothing else - PRAY. 

  

(Disclaimer: didn't mean to end on such a serious note!)

 

An update....(finally)

Update of the SUMMER (and most of fall!)

School ended with worn out students and teachers that were oh so excited about the prospect of sleeping in!  Me...I was just getting started!  We rehearsed A Midsummer Night's Dream through May and then opened at the end of May/beginning of June.  We ran 2 weekends and had an AMAZING run.  I was Titania, the fairy queen.  It was one of the hardest plays I've ever done and oh, so rewarding to see the crowds love it!

Once that opened, I began rehearsals for Winnie the Pooh at Theatricks.  Webster was gracious enough to allow me the opportunity to direct!  It was my directorial debut and it was a hit.  Most shows were almost sold out!  I was VERY proud of my cast and crew!  (To sweeten the deal, my friend Leslie was Kanga so I got to see her almost nightly for about a month!)

While we were in rehearsals for WTP, Alan was offered (an accepted) a job in Addison as an accountant.  To celebrate, we spent a weekend in New Braunfels with my Aunt and Uncle.  This is our favorite get-away spot...any questions why?!

Once WTP closed, I spent 3 days in San Antonio for our bi-annual Statewide Conference.  When I got back from that I started rehearsals for The Secret Garden.  I had the joy of acting with my good friend Laura.  We hadn't been in a show together since Sound of Music.  It was a great show and I made many new friends!

Sadly, during the rehearsal process my sweet Grandmother had a stroke that affected the right side of her body and we went to rehab.  We were very impressed with the place and were excited about the possibilities.  However, sweet Grandmother's body was just done and after a series of large strokes, her blood flow was completely blocked from part of her brain and we went back to her apartment on Hospice Care.  While it was a really rough week in hospice, it was also a really fantastic week of loving, laughing, and being with my mom and sisters.  On Friday, August 15, just a month and week before her 97th birthday, my sweet Grandmother went home.  My 4 year old nephew phrased it perfectly: We were happy-sad.  Happy she was in heaven with Jesus and healed and whole  (could stand tall, talk well, etc)....but we were so sad she was gone from us.  A week later we laid her to rest next to my GrandJack who had passed 31 years earlier.  They were together again at last.  It was a sweet ceremony, a sweet day.  I miss her terribly...I still drive to mom's and think, "Now when we go see Grandmother....oh...wait..." Here are some pics of me and her...

 

Well, we opened show and it was a GREAT show and the run of it was so fun...except the Sunday I fell...down the stairs...backstage, in the dark, with a great thud.  And sprained my ankle.  The one I broke 9 years ago...yeah - big ole monster sprain.  Joy.  I finished the run of the show on crutches...on the floor.  In a boot.  There are no pics.  However, after a month in the boot and on crutches, I did get a lovely brace that I wear sometimes now.  I go back next week and we will see.

 

Just after the close of the show, my friend Tessa married her sweetheart, Gary.  The girls (Tessa's daughters) were flower girls and looked lovely...as did Tessa, of course.  This weekend we are going to another wedding.  A girl I went to church with when I started teaching and taught when I taught 5th grade (that was 4 years into teaching and this is my 14th year...) is getting married.  I feel old...where's the walker?!  I'll post pics of that one later -- but here's Tessa and the girls...

The big news now is.....Alan and I are......looking for a house!  We've decided to buy a house.  We are currently looking in Anna, Melissa, McKinney, and Allen...but haven't found anything yet.  I promise to let you know when we find something!

I won't do anymore shows until the spring when Theatricks does The Velveteen Rabbit, so until then...I'm just trucking along in the school year.  And that...my friends...basically brings you up to date!

Pretty Happy Funny Real

Pretty:

Look at my pretty puppies enjoying the pretty sunshine!  They love to go out in the afternoon when I get home...the trick is to then get them back inside...as you can see -- Lily was perfectly content to stretch out and stay a while.  When it's pretty I've been known to grab a book and sit outside with them for a while...love those puppies!

 

Happy

This guy...he makes me happy....

 

 Funny:

Da-na-na-na-na-na-na-na....BATDOG!!!!

We went to the 2104 North Texas Westie Resue's annual Westie Walk last Saturday.  Lily was an honorary Westie for the day.  This was her costume for the costume contest.  While she didn't win -- I think it's hysterical!

  

Real:

Oh ankle...

I fell 6 weeks ago on a Sunday afternoon near the end of a show during The Secret Garden.  After 4 weeks of walking in a walking boot (3 of those weeks with crutches), I graduated to part time ankle brace.  Oh the joy.  I'm also in PT right now (more joy).  I go back next week and we will see what the Dr. says.  Isn't it a lovely, large addition to my wardrobe?!

 

More real: the line at Starbucks on an undisclosed morning at an undisclosed time...Let's just say it was a day and a time I thought I'd be able to zip right through -- uh...no.  Sherman, we might need another Starbucks!

 

DISCLAIMER:

I know I haven't blogged in a while...I was having a REALLY hard time with blogger.  I decided on a whim to try today and lookie there -- an update. I will update the summer -- but likely without pics....Thanks for understanding!

 

Update (no pictures)

I was informed by loving father that 2 months is far to long to go without a blog update.  I haven't updated because I've been very frustrated with trying to put pic in.  it will only allow me to put them in when I am using HTML which gives you a load of gibberish, not a picture.  Then you have to try to click back and forth to put them where you want and guess where to type.  This is FAR to much work to post a picture and we all know people only want to read a blog with pictures...therefore, not updates.  However, at dear daddy's request I'll bring you up to speed on the Duigan's....minus pics.

Leanne:
School's out for summer, PTL!  At the end of the year I auditioned for A Midsummer Night's Dream and was cast as Titania, the fairy queen.  I had the joy of having a BEAUTIFUL costume and makeup and being on stage with wonderful friends.  I have LOADS of pictures to prove it so head on over to my Facebook page to see some!

When that closed I immediately went into rehearsals for Winnie the Pooh at Theatrick's (the children's theater here).  Webster, the director of shows there graciously offered to let me direct the summer show.  He was the assistant director this go round.  He still had a lot of work to do, but got a little rest by allowing me to direct.  It has been so much fun and the reviews of our community are good! I'm so proud of my cast!

In the daytimes I've been sleeping in, playing with the girls who are no longer in daycare, playing with my dogs (for obvious reasons), and fighting the fruit fly invasion of 2014.  (I don't want to talk about the last of those...)

Alan:
Alan interviewed and accepted a job in a surgical center in Addison at the end of May.  He had a long weekend between when he finished at West Asset so we headed to New Braunfels for a weekend by the pool and a visit with my aunt and uncle.  (Again, pics are on FB)  Then we came back and he started working as an accountant.  He is enjoying his new job...but perhaps not the hour commute there and back.  There has been talk about moving to McKinney, but there's no timeline on that at all...just lots of talk.

He now works Monday-Friday from 9-5:30.  He likes to arrive a little early so he usually leaves here about 7:30 and arrives there around 8:30.  Then he heads home somewhere around 5:30 and is home by 6:30-7.  He usually gets off early on Friday.  He has spent some time at my parents house as it's only 10-15 minutes from the job. 

Other:
Amy and her family were in last week.  We both went down on Sunday night and spent the night at mom's to spend time with them.  Then I went down most days to join in the fun, while Alan stayed down nights to have dinner and some time with them (though rumor has it he slept on the couch a lot!). 

I'm auditioning for our fall musical, Secret Garden, today.  On Sunday (after we close and strike Winnie the Pooh), I will head to San Antonio for our Statewide Deaf Ed conference.  Once back from that I will (hopefully) go into rehearsals for Secret Garden and start looking to the start of school....though only some.

I'm sad to say I haven't finished a SINGLE sewing project this summer.  Terrible I know!  I have several to work on and none done.  I did buy a new book that a friend and I are going to work through and create seriously cute outfits! :)

Other than that -- it's day to day! 

Thanks for reading...sorry for lack of pics...Have a good day! :)