Memorial Day Weekend

Getting back into blogging....

I know, I know, I've said that before, but I really mean it this time.

Today caught up on housework, but I still have a lot to do tomorrow...ugh!!

This weekend was great. Saturday we went to a party with all of the people who were on the Holy Land trip with us, and we had a great time. Sunday, after Mass we went to my moms and hung out with her and my brother who had his two dogs with him (Zion & Kia), and since we had Cookie with us it made for an interesting visit. It was still fun though! On  Monday once Paul got home from golfing we went for a walk by a lake near our library with Cookie (pics below), got lunch, then napped, watched Bridge on the River Kwai, had dinner and went to bed.  I'm sure people assume that since it's just the two of us, we spend time like that all the time, but we really don't, so yesterday was a much needed relax with your sweetie kinda day!!

Happy Anniversary!!

Happy Anniversary MY LOVE!!

Three years ago I was married to my best-friend, and the love of my life. These three years have been truly wonderful. I am so thankful that God brought us together, and that we have such an amazing relationship.

Sweetie, you are the BESTEST BLESSING EVER!!! I love You!

Phantom---Last chance!!

Yesterday Paul took me to see "The Phantom of the Opera", on it's closing weekend, our last chance to see it, and it was amazing--the whole day was wonderful!!

We went to the matinee showing (2:00pm), but we arrived around noon to have lunch. My sweet husband had planned on a Sushi lunch (my favorite) but the place was closed, so instead we had Chinese food, but that didn't take up much time, so we went to an Irish Pub to hang out. Paul had a Guinness, I had a glass of wine, and we shared the BEST bread pudding EVER!!

Soon it was time to head for the theatre (Pantages), which was very exciting, I had never been there and this was my first show ever. The Pantages is BEAUTIFUL, it felt like we entered another world.

OK, so this is where I THANK MY HUBBY for making my first experience a great one. Our seats were in the very front row, dead center! Thanks Sweets!

As for the show, it's hard to even describe how great it was. The Phantom was played by an understudy (Stephen Tewksbury) and he made a great Phantom, actually the whole cast was great, but the Phantom and Raoul (Sean MacLaughlin) really stood out. Usually I'm not one to get all excited about costumes and such, but being that close you just can't help it, not only do you notice the amazing colors, but the texture of all the fabric used was truly impressive.

I'm not going to review each act, just the 2 best (to me anyhow). The guy who played the Phantom gave great performance, but the last act was just awesome!! That's the only way I could think to describe it. But the "All I Ask of You" scene was my favorite, and it's the only scene where I cried. When I saw the movie version, the guy who played Raoul came acroos as having a puppy-love kind of thing going. But, the guy who played Raoul yesterday really changed the character for me and this scene went from a nice romantic song to WOW, you can truly feel how in love he is & how much he wants to protect her.

The whole show was wonderful!!

Afterwards we went across the street & had a nice romantic dinner that included Escargots & Champagne.

Thanks for another great date night, SWEETIE!!

Here are a few pics from my phone...

Monday Night

Last night Paul and I went to a Church group for young adults and we had a great time and are really excited about going back.

There are two separate groups every other Monday, on opposite weeks of each other. One of the groups is for ages 35-54 and the one we went to last night is for 18-34. We went to both groups to find out which one worked for us and we decided on the younger group. If you go by age Paul and I would have to split up, and that wasn't gonna happen.

Each group spends an hour in Adoration then another hour in the classroom. The group we chose focuses on Bible Study, and because that is a weak area (sad to say) for me, I think it will be most beneficial for the time being, and Paul just loves to read, study, and listen to the discussions take place. The group we didn't choose focuses on spiritual growth, and even though I know there isn't anyone out there who does not need to work on their spiritual life, it is just not right for us now.

I was thinking about how to decide what is more important and I've decided it is studying the Bible. The more we (I really mean me, Paul's pretty much got it, lol) understand scripture and the stronger our faith will become, the more we will grow spiritually. I like to think of it as a chain reaction that will occur naturally.

Homemade

Healthy ice-cream made by my husband.

Vanilla Ice Cream
Ingredients:
*5 egg yolks
*1 cup Splenda (or 1/2 cup Splenda, 1/2 cup Sweet-N-Low) *
*3 teaspoons no-sugar vanilla extract
*1 1/4 cups heavy cream, whipped
*1 cup water

Place egg yolks, vanilla extract, sweetener and water in blender. Blend at medium speed for 30 seconds. Fold yolk mixture into whipped cream. Blend well, being careful not to break down volume of whipped cream. Empty into refrigerator tray and freeze for 2 hours.Makes 8 1/2-cup servings. 4 net grams of carbohydrate per serving.

*NOTE: To lower carb count to 2 carbs per serving, use liquid sweetener instead. (Liquid Splenda and liquid Sweet 'n Low make a nice mix.)

Honoring the Sabbath

This morning Paul says to me "we shouldn't be doing anymore shopping or eating out on Sunday", and I regret to say I gave him that look, you know, the look that says "ARE YOU KIDDING ME???".

I often make trips to the grocery store, buy last minute birthday gifts, stop for lunch after Mass, or go to breakfast before, etc.............

Needless to say, the idea of not doing any of these things ever on a Sunday did not sit well with me when first mentioned. I just kept thinking about every situation that may come up, whether it be with family, friends, or if we're on vacation, etc...

I've been thinking about this all day, and I decided to do some searching online for thoughts and opinions of others who feel the way Paul does, and I have to say (painful as it is, j/k!!) that my husband is right. I know it will not be an easy change, but the more I think on it I believe that God truly wants for us to live this way.

This is one comment I read that really stood out for me:

"Sanctifying Sunday and holy days requires a common effort," "Christians should see recognition of Sundays and the Church's holy days as legal holidays." Even without such legal recognition, however, "Every Christian should avoid making unnecessary demands on others that would hinder them from observing the Lord's Day."

Another Year Older

Yesterday I turned 29 and it was a wonderful day. Thanks Honey!! I got to open presents first thing in the morning (a great start), and I love all of them, especially my self cleaning fish bowl!!! Best thing EVER!! Can't wait for it to be ready to put the fish in. I also love my new books, vase, and thimble curio cabinet.

Paul took me out to breakfast & since it was my B-Day I was able to justify chicken fried steak & hash browns--sooooooo Good!! Bowling was next on the list. It was lots of fun. I wish we did that more often, I really need the practice and I love it. My best score was 77, so there's plenty of room for improvement. On our way home we went to Pet Smart to buy our new pets, we got two Calico Goldfish (I think), they had the most personality. Once we got home I set up the bowl thinking I could add the fish right away & we have to wait 24 hours for the filter to be ready--poor fishees!!

While I was taking care of my tank Paul was baking me a cake. He made a flourless chocolate cake that had pecans in it and topped it with homemade whipped cream made with Splenda. It was really, really GOOD!! You couldn't even tell he didn't use sugar in the whipped cream, or the cake. Paul was determined to make a healthy birthday cake & he did an awesome job, thanks Sweetie!! Pictures are below. Went to a new place for dinner (can't remember name), it was very nice, and the food was great. I have to admit I couldn't wait to get home and have some cake!

Meal Plan

Paul came home from the golf course this morning and as usual I asked him if he got a birdie & turns out he got his first EAGLE ever--I'm so proud of him, I just wish I was there to see it.

I went to the store today to buy what I need for my 10 day diet I'm starting on Monday, well it's more of a detox actually. For 10 days all I will be having is a drink made up of fresh lemon juice, organic maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and water. I know it's going to be hard, and I feel sorry for Paul since he'll have to deal with my caffeine & carb withdrawals. Once the detox is done I'm going to follow a meal plan I made up for 8 days. The plan is to complete this before my birthday weekend, that's why the meal plan is only 8 days.

This is going to take a lot of willpower and mental strength, but I'm sure with the support of my husband and lots of prayer I will be successful.

Here's my plan:

*Part 1 – 10 Day Liquid Diet

(6-8 Servings Per Day) (also, sip whenever feel hungry)
2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
2 tbsp Organic Maple Syrup
1/10 tsp Cayenne Pepper
8oz Purified Water

*Part 2 – 8 Day Meal Plan (after 10 day detox)

Early Morning: 2 8oz glasses of WATER w/lemon juice

Breakfast: 1 apple – WAIT 15 min – Steel cut oats w/strawberries, flax seed meal, & almond milk or maple syrup

Morning Snack: Protein Powder, Carrots (5), Herbal Tea

Lunch: 8oz Lemon Water – wait 10 min – 2 cups veggies w/oil & vin.

Afternoon Snack: Water, tomato salad w/oil & vin.

Dinner: Herbal tea, 2 cups veggies w/oil & 6-8 Shrimp or small Salmon steak

*** If hungry in-between meals just SIP herbal tea ***