Season Finale

Eugene and I went to Starkville for the Mississippi State game this past weekend. We had a great time and got to see almost all of our friends. Eugene's parents go to every home game, so we usually sit with them. We all just about froze during the game, but it was fun. Thank goodness State was able to pull off the win. It almost slipped away!

I cannot wait until Thanksgiving this week! We are heading to Natchez Wednesday and staying through the weekend. Bring on the good food!!!!!!

Under the weather

I have the "this time of year crud" as I like to call it. I was thinking today that I really do get this stuff about this time each year. I should be better prepared. Anyway, I called to go see the doctor this morning but couldn't get in today. What is the next best medicine? Homemade Soup! I made some yummy vegetable soup that is sure to make me feel better.

I thought I would share the recipe. My mother in law is a fantastic cook and shared her recipe with me. It is delicious and easy... the two most important characteristics of anything I cook. It also freezes well.

Mary Hellen's Vegetable Soup

1 Package of Stew Meat

1 Bag of Egg Noodles

1 Can of Tomato Juice

1 Can Whole Tomatoes (not drained)

1 Can of Corn (drained)

1 Can of Carrots (drained)

1 Can of Green Beans (drained)

1 Stalk of celery diced

1 Onion diced

1 Beef Bullion Cube

1 Teaspoon of Tony Chachere Seasoning

1 Teaspoon Sugar

Salt and Pepper to taste

Chop onion and celery and trim excess fat from stew meat. Combine in pot and brown. Then cover in water and boil until meat, onion, and celery are tender.

Add all ingredients (expect noodles) and bring to boil. Boil for 5 minutes then reduce to simmer. Simmer for 25-30 minutes.

Cook noodles in separate pot, drain, and add as much as you like to soup.

*Note: the first time I made this soup I thought that Tomato Juice was the same as Tomato sauce. It's not. It is sold on the juice aisle and comes in a soda can. I am sure that most normal people know that... but I didn't. :)

Look out Lake Tahoe!

HERE WE COME!

I am so excited. We are taking a trip to Lake Tahoe in February. It will be so fun and well... interesting. I wouldn't consider myself to be the most athletic person in the world. I lean more towards spastic (i.e. I once scored a basket for the opposing team in YBA basketball & in a different game and a decade later felt out and faked a knee injury because I was tired). Hopefully I will be better at this skiing thing. My other hope is the my EXTREME fear of heights will kick in. Oh well... you only live once.

This is the beautiful house that we are staying in. Natalie did such a great job and worked so hard to find this jewel for us. Now we just have to get all the couples going and flights set in stone! WOO HOO!

Family Fun

I went to Natchez for the weekend to visit my family. I had a WONDERFUL time and got to spend lots of great time with everyone. I had two very special treats this weekend. I was able to pick Ava up Friday and bring her with me to visit everyone in Natchez, and I got to see my Aunt Kathy. I had not seen her in months... so the visit was long overdue! Why is that after a visit with family you feel so recharged? It just feels so fantastic to sit around and spend time together.

I have to admit that we didn't do much sitting around this weekend. Ava kept us all busy! Katie (my sis in law) stayed in Jackson to catch up on school work and well, sleep. Adam went to the hunting camp. So, it was just us and Ava. I think the child would live outside if she could. She is SO darn cute these days. She says the funniest things. I think my favorite thing she says is "oh gosh." It is too cute.

On Sunday, I went to Gracie Menetre's baby shoower in Jackson. It was great to see everyone. There seemed to be A LOT of pregnant people running around. :) Gracie, Haaga, and Elizabeth are all due within days of each other. How cute are they!?

Haaga with baby Mac Michaelson, Gracie with George Menetre, and Liz with surprise Quinn

Lovin' the leaves

When each season starts I often find myself saying "yes (fill in the blank with the new season) really is my favorite time of the year." I guess I just like the change of the weather and the new scenery. Anyway, since moving to west Tennessee four years ago I have really been introduced to fall. The colors are so much richer and vivid just 6 hours north of Natchez... (where I grew up). I don't think I realized how deep in the pine belt I lived.

Today I found myself looking at this beautiful maple tree in my yard thinking "yes, fall really is my favorite time of the year." I am sticking to that for now. If you could see this tree in person, you would understand where I am coming from. The leaves sure are a pain to clean up, but it's worth it.

Sam and I played in leaves for a while today. He loves to run and hear them crunching under his feet. He is getting to be quite the big boy these days! We have been battling a clogged tear duct for quite a while and have had him in and out of the vet a lot! Anyway, Eugene put him on the scale a few weeks ago he is 111 lbs! The catch is... he isn't fat! He is just big. I tried to put him on diet dog food, but he wouldn't have it. He just refused to eat. His favorite thing these days are running the town (literally), playing with his football, and pretending he is a lapdog. No matter what we are doing or if there is room for him, he's coming up to snuggle.

Eugene is hopefully wrapping up the harvest season this week. KEEP YOUR FINGERS CROSSED! I would love to have my husband back.

Reno 911

Eugene and I dressed up for Halloween this year as Lt. Dangle and Deputy Clementine from Reno 911. We went to a party first and then onto the Halloween contest at the bar. It was such a fun night. I made our costumes out of Dickies from Wal Mart and felt!

I am not going to lie... blondes do have a lot of fun!

"Dangle, clear the area." "Copy that Clem."

Lt. Dangle working the pole in the Costume Contest. This was after he sold me out for a chick dressed up like a girl scout and I was eliminated! So rude!