Valentine Fighting Cock

what makes a great centerpiece for a valentines brunch? A stuffed bow-tied Chinese fighting cock of course :)

(I love this thing and I hope to display it in my house for all time)

My favorite things in Texas...and Beyond!

I was thinking about Texas, and I can't believe I have been here so long! I never thought moving away and starting a new life somewhere new would result in such deep appreciations for home. We have been having uncommonly cold weather here, which naturally reminds me of being a little girl in Kansas...building snow forts with my sisters, mom making us snow ice cream, having a fire and propping my feet up on the hearth, learning how to drive on the ice, and of course, falling on the ice (which I did in Texas for the first time this week!)

So, with all these memories, I find the common memories of childhood have become some of my favorite things about home. So, that inspired me to make a list of a few of my favorite things here. :)

Russell: Hands-down, 100%, no contest, my favorite thing about the Lone Star State.  Really, my favorite thing in all states.

People and Puppies: I will use this picture of my uncle as a representation of all the fantastic family and friends that I have in Texas! I am truly blessed to have so many amazing friends and family members here - God has given me gifts in the form of people, and I count myself a truly blessed woman.

And, especially with my family, all our beloved doggles! Some of you may not know, but almost all of the dogs we have as a family are related in some way, so we literally have a family of dogs that we all love.

Mexican Food: My momma was a Texan, and ate like one when she was preggers, so it's in my blood. If you live in texas and don't like mexican food, we kick you out.

Bluebonnets: Probably my favorite flower. I LOVE it when these pop up in the spring!

Ok - let's be honest... I proclaim 3 new things  EVERY DAY that are my favorite things ever so...this post would go on forever. i'll end with one of my favorite bunch of folks ever...

...somebody in Texas loves you!

This is Why you're Fat: Where dreams become heart attacks

Russell and I were looking at this incredibly gross/awesome blog that my friend jess sent me...It has pictures of "food" on it.  As we were scrolling, we would alternate laughing and pointing at the screen and saying "Oh! that's nasssssty". Well - this is where it all gets a little sad. We scrolled upon this little devil-of-a-dish and both looked at eachother....

S'more Nachos with Sprinkles

russell: "hey, that looks easy to make"

me: "yeah, that looks gooooood! when can we make that?"

...and another

Whopper Dip: Three whole Burger King whoppers puréed with extra mayonnaise and ketchup, garnished with pickle chips. Served as a dip with baked pita wedges.

me: "this is sooooo nasty. wait - do you think this might be good if they used whataburgers instead of burger king?"

russell: "Good thinking babe, but probably not."

http://www.thisiswhyyourefat.com/

for my Carly

 

 Note: my sister is carly, and she lives with her hubby and my favorite nephew in a land far far away...waaaaaaaaay up north where the sun doesn't shine...a place called "Northern Iowa".

My favorite phrases from her this winter have been:

#1) " If you lived here, you would die." 

#2) "The truck says -7 is the temperature." 

#3) "I think we're in a blizzard becaue I can't see past the porch."

Norman and his lady harem

It's cold outside, and we've been stuck indoors because of the ice. Norman, what would you like to do?

"Hang out with the ladies, of course."

Yes, an obvious and brilliant choice. Hats off to you, sir.

the girl - City and Color

i love love this song...and dallas green. he is brill.

jen and em

my two best friends in the whole wide world...this is for you!  I miss you sooooo much!!
memba these great times?!?!?

my favorite part of this picture are the flying nuts in the background...and jen of course :)