4th of July Short Order Chef

I almost tore the house apart looking for our American Flag and when I finally asked Trey, he was like, oh yeah, it's in the garage under the cabinet. Great.

Does your neighborhood get festive for the 4th of July? It seems like every year more and more people wave flags in their front yard. Look, we have a house next to us, FINALLY! It only took 3 years. The home is vacant. I'm going to make sure this house stays on the market, long enough for Linda and Steve to make an offer. BTW, Linda found out she's having a baby boy.

So, this year, I made a pricey investment on flags, 50 cents a pop. I even lined the side of house. Maybe next year, I'll go ALL OUT and spend some BIG money (1. dollar) on the big flags.

Recently, I've been drinking white wines. I love Riesling and Moscato. We all know, Red Wines are healthier, but I have never been crazy about red wine. The problem may be that I've never given it a chance. So, in the next few weeks, I'm on the quest to find the perfect Red Wine. Wine TASTING! Who wants to join me? This week, I'm tasting Malbec.

Malbec Bottle Label:
Malbec has aromas of blackberries and chocolate, the taste is of black cherries and the finish is dry and tart to the pallette. ...can be paired with a salad and cream dressing, pastas with a red sauce or even fish. It can be paired with almost any dish, even pizza.


Trey had to help me take the cork off.

I'm corkscrewed challenged. See, my last attempt. I butchered it.

Trey, showing me how to get it done.

I honestly had so much trouble, last time trying to open the corkscrew, I utilized an online how-to-video. It helped. Apparently, Trey knows what he's doing and doesn't need elementary videos, like I do. Show-off!

Mom's, I know you tell your family, "You're going to eat what I make because I'm not a short order cook." I know. I know. I say it too. Well, have you meet my family? Monday, I made an exception and for the first time in possibly years(?) I made Trey hot dogs. I think hot dogs are beyond gross. Really, have you read the back of a hot dog label? Trey really likes them, so I guess I can't hate them forever.

The second item on the menu was baked ziti for Cheyenne. She is my daughter. We love our carbs.

The last item on the menu was for me. I had grilled salmon with gilled veggies and sweet grilled apples. FISH! For some reason anytime I eat fish, I feel like I have to tell the world or in my case twitter-verse. It's like I'm a little kid, LOOK MOM, I ate all my fish and veggies!

Grilling Queen

The grill use to intimidate me, but not anymore. Tonight, while Trey worked late, I grilled pork loin chops. This meat is mentioned in the P90X nutrition guide, that's how I discovered I liked it.

I could eat this entire veggie pack as a main course and be completely satisfied.

Guess what I'm having tomorrow for lunch?

Trey's parents were in town this weekend and we went out to eat with them before they headed back to Abilene. Look, we match!

I've scheduled a hair appoitment with Erin, this coming weekend. Cut and color. Now, I have to decide how much I want to trim and decide on new color (highlights only). Decisions. Decisions.

Sweet Success

Recently, I read an article in Runner's World about grilling fruit. That article inspired me and since reading it, I've been grilling green apples. I've heard other fruits, like pineapples and peaches taste great on the grill. The only reason I'm eating so many apples is because I bought a 5 lb bag and Cheyenne is not here to help me eat it. So, I've been having 2 apples a day for the last week.

By the way, apples and salmon are a great combo. You should try it. If you like to grill a specific type of fruit, I'd love to hear about it. Tonight, I think I'm going to grill a banana.

This Grilling Thing is New to Us

Our friends, Sam and Sean, blessed us with their old grill. Sean bought a new grill for his birthday and decided to pass along this one to us. Trey and I have wanted one for years, but never got around to buying one.

Prepping the Grill

Drumsticks marinated in BBQ sauce, Trey's favorite

Tasha & Chey eyeballing the food

Cheyenne loves Tasha

Taking a quick break from the grill to get some lovin'


Last night, we were so excited to fire it up. I bought Trey and Tasha drumsticks and marinated them in BBQ sauce. I’m not a big fan of drumsticks, so I had a chicken breast and marinated it in chili powder, honey, limejuice, and cilantro. We also made a big vegetable pack. It was loaded with all kinds of veggies. Oh, and I used the Melting Pot’s: Wine and Garlic seasoning on the veggies….so good! Ladies from church….that stuff is amazing!

So, I did all the prep work and Trey did the grilling. I want him to show me how to use it, so maybe next time I can drive. Trey doesn’t usually help me with dinner, so it was nice working together to make a delicious meal.

While we were doing all that Tasha, took care of Cheyenne. I could really get use to having her around. She’s only been in town since Sunday, but she has been so helpful. I don’t even think she realizes it. If I need to pick up the kitchen or sweep the floor she keeps an eye on Cheyenne. Today, she’s even folding laundry for me. Oh, the little things that make me happy.

I still have to work, so she’ll be staying at home during the week watching TV and chatting online. Yesterday, we spent the day in Arlington. We took a campus tour at UTA and from there went and spent the rest of the afternoon at the mall. About the UTA tour, it’s never too early to start thinking about college…(Tasha). Oh, and Cheyenne was such a good girl on the tour, even though it was hot she didn’t complain too much and was very patient waiting for her diaper to be changed.