What I'm Diggin' Wednesday!

It is odd to me how the weeks seem to be flying by but the days go by slowly.  I look up and it's Wednesday......this family of 5 is always busy, especially with 3 kids involved in sports and church.  Sometimes, it feels as if I am never home to enjoy the moments that we should be enjoying.  Last year, before T moved on up to Junior High, it was easy to sit on the living room floor everynight and have a little devotional time with the kids.  This year it has become something that I am yearning to do yet realize the next day that once again we didn't "have time".  How can I not "have time" to teach my children the Words they should be living their lives by?  Laziness? Maybe.  Chaos? Probably.  I know for a fact that if I would MAKE the time to have that devotional each night, that my days would go much more smoothly. 
My patience with people has been out of control lately.  I've been tired, like super tired.  That's not like me.  I can't help but think if I gave my schedule a God makeover that my heart would calm, patience would come easier and I would have energy to spare.  It is hard when we get home from wherever we have been, which is probably a football game or soccer practice, to not look at the clock and turn into Turbo Mom.  Getintheshowerbrushyourteethmakesureallyourhomeworkisdonebenicetoeachotherhurryandgetintobedsowecansayprayers. 
Have you been that parent?  What is an extra 10 minutes where I can sit with my kids and go over a chapter, a section, a sentence....in the Bible?  It is more important than my bedtime deadline.  I need to get out of this funk I've created and get with the program. 
So, sorry for the vent session....I guess I can get on with What I'm Diggin' this week.  If you want to link up....and please do!....go for it.

Since I spaced out again and forgot to link up to Pin It Tuesday and because I am completely obsessed with Pinterest I am going to combine my vent session and Pinterest with what has been helping lift me up this week via my pins. Enjoy. And if you would like to follow me on Pinterest....you can find the little tab to the right of this page.

Source: laureola.tumblr.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: designworklife.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: 2.bp.blogspot.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: janefarr.blogspot.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

And for fun's sake.....

Source: artprojectsforkids.org via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: almostunschoolers.blogspot.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: lemonademakinmama.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Link away.....

What I'm Diggin' Wednesday....{linky} #pinning! You're going down, Sheen!

                                                              


Halfway through the week....would it be wrong of me to say that I'm not ready for the weekend, yet?  The life of a mom, working or not is hectic. Then it's the weekend.  You know, that break that comes on Friday night and last until Monday morning?  My "break" this weekend will include:
Soccer pictures for G at 7:30 am.  Yep. 7:30. A.M.
2 soccer games at 8:30am on Saturday.  Yep. 8:30. A.M.
Birthday party to chauffeur T to at 7:30 that night
Celebration for my nephews that night as well....one is turning 18 and one just became a Marine. Amazing milestones.
Sunday....church, of course.
Another Birthday party at 1pm
T's soccer game at 3pm....an hour and 15 minutes away
So.....my "break" of a weekend is awfully packed.  I am grateful though to have them involved in sports and have the friends they do.

What I'm Diggin' this week.....link up and create your own WIDW post!
#pinning!  Aren't you so sick of Charlie Sheen and his stupid catchphrases???  Let's change it to #pinning! and just be happier in general.
Since I didn't link up to Pin It Tuesday....I am having withdrawals and decided to put my faves this week in my WIDW. So here you go....

Source: slutgrrrlinternational.tumblr.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: compassion4.org via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: thecreativeplace.blogspot.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: kkart.deviantart.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest



My #30 at last night's game

Scripture of the day:

Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life.



Ephesians 6:13 (MSG)





What are you diggin' this week???  I can't wait to find out.

What I'm Diggin' Wednesday {blog hop linky} and sports goodness (plus a super cute baby)

This week has been a whirlwind already, it honestly doesn't feel like it is only Wednesday.  We've already had 2 soccer practices, 1 football game, and small group tonight.  So, on to what I'm diggin' this week.....feel free to create your own What I'm Diggin' post and link up!


This is T....and this picture was taken by a friend at his first football scrimmage.  I love this picture for numerous reasons.  In this picture, you can see the hint of the young man he will soon be because of the way the shade and light are hitting his face.  My heart  swells and breaks because of that glimpse that you look for their whole childhood and the fact that it seems it's all happening so fast.  When he hit Junior High, I am pretty sure that he walked through some sort of crazy time warp that made time speed up. 
So, to make a long story even longer.....this picture shows that I am diggin' the whole school sport thang.....it really is a ton of fun.  Sitting with your friends in the stands all cheering for each other's kids and being ridiculously loud and embarrassing about it helps.  And the kids totally dig it.  Plus, we are in Texas...hellooo?  Friday Night Lights?  Although, T's games are Tuesday nights and the sun is still shining bright.  Now, that he has made the move to be a team player for the district I really need to be schooled in football.  I have never been a fan....yes, I know, I will probably be asked to move.  Hopefully, I'll run across a copy of Football for Dummies soon. 


My niece, Baby B, how precious is that face?  Don't you want to hold her and cuddle her and love her forever?? Me too.  Which is why I find it inexplicably hard to not drop in and steal her everyday.  This picture was taken at R's soccer game.....I thought she needed to get her first taste of futbol!


My one and only, favorite 9 year old girl in the whole world.....totally showing Hope Solo how it's done in the goal this weekend.  She loves it and I really hope she sticks with that position, powerful girls rock!


I'm diggin' U6 soccer.  Is this not the cutest thing ever??  G man and one of his teammates hugging in the goal.  They then played tag on the way down the field.  Love the innocence and silliness of this age!

What are you diggin' this week??

Pin It! Pin It real good.....s-s-s-salt and pepa...sorry, it's Pin It Tuesday!

                                                                   


I linked up with Mommy Head Adventures last week for this and since I am mildly obsessed really into Pinterest I'm sure I'll be linking up each week.  If you are not on Pinterest....get out from underneath that rock and I will gladly send you an invite.  And if you are on Pinterest, let me know!  Would love to follow all of your crafty, DIY, foodie, home decorating, mecca of a mama ideas. 

Here are my fave pins of the week...no theme, just my favorites....enjoy.

Source: weheartit.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: None via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: diyideas.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: vanessachristenson.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: houseinteriordecor.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Now, you may go ahead and finish singing the song Push It by the amazing Salt and Pepa.....because you know I got it in your head.  Push it real good!!!

i Heart Faces Weekly Challenge---Back to School

I'm always so happy when i Heart Faces has a challenge I feel like I can actually enter....and back to school shots are something I definitely have.  Not professional but still oh so cute.
This picture is of my daughter on her first day of 4th grade this year.  She had a major growth spurt over the summer and looks so different than her picture from last year.

Enter your own back to school photo over at i Heart Faces this week....and check out the great photos of others.

Easiest and most delicious Taco Soup

It's not chili.....it's not really soup......more of an in between.  We'll call it a "thick" soup.  That's right.....it's soup with a little junk in the trunk. 
So good, so easy and everyone in your family will love it. Unless, of course you have a 4 year old who has decided early on in life to be a vegetarian.  Yep. 4.
Just a little upfront info, we're cooking this my way so.....you will be using your palm for measuring your spices.  And don't flip a lid if you use a little more or a little less, it will be just fine and taste wonderful just the same. 

Here's what you will need on hand, most of these things you probably already have in your pantry:
1.5 lbs. ground beef
28 oz can petite diced tomatoes
(Palm full) Minced onion or 1/2 of a small onion
(Palm full) Chili Powder
(Palm full) Ground Cumin
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
1 packet Ranch salad dressing mix (not the dip mix!)
Paprika
1 1/2 c. vegetable broth
Taco blend shredded cheese
Tortilla chips (I happened to have the Scoops on hand...use whatever you like or none at all)
Cooking Spray (100% olive oil)
You can also add kidney beans or pinto beans...I just didn't have them on hand.

I used my big, enamelware dutch oven and I am using a gas stove.


1.  Heat your pot on medium high with the bottom covered with a 100% olive oil cooking spray.  Drop the ground beef in the heated pot and let sit....don't touch it until it gets a nice browning on the bottom and seals those juices in.  About 2 minutes.  Brown meat with the minced onion.

2.  Once browned, add spices to the meat.  Sprinkle the onion powder and garlic powder all over the meat, then add the chili powder and cumin.  Add a large dash of paprika.  Next, the ranch salad dressing packet.  Stir until all meat is covered evenly. 

3.  Next, add the veggie broth and stir.  Turn the heat down just a smidge and leave it to boil for about 5 minutes, stirring to keep from sticking.

4.  Once boiling, turn heat down to medium low and let simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring when you think about it. 

5.  Fill large bowls, top with as much shredded cheese as you want and arrange the tortilla chips the way everyone likes.  On top, on bottom, on the side, whatever floats your boat.

6.  Enjoy the satisfied grins and full mouths!

5 Question Friday.....

Does it seem like this week was just as long even though it was a short school week?  I am exhausted.  I'm guessing it is the non stop running around, carpooling, cheering on, and cooking for the family.  I was also at one of the best hospitals in the world on Wednesday while my dad had his thyroid removed. My sister, step mom and I were too afraid to leave the waiting room during the surgery and recovery due to his other health issues so we sat all day.  I got home about 10 that night and B took over small group hosting.  I'm assuming he did a good job seeing as there were no broken windows or ambulances called to our house during the time that 15 7th graders were here.  I would like to say that now that the weekend is here we will enjoy sleeping in and relaxing but we are one of those families that is into soccer.....that means early Saturday mornings that will probably last all day.  Now that T is playing Division 2, his games are on Sunday.  I haven't figured out another solution to the church/soccer issue except for heading to the earliest church time and then heading out to his games.....which are mostly in Houston....an hour away. 
Now, for some mind numbing 5 question Friday.....

1. What ringtone do you have on your cell phone?







Florence and the Machine......Dog Days Are Over
Love it, love her.

2. What is your favorite memory from this summer?




Definitely our "big" vacation that we take as a family.  To see the family in Alabama then on to Florida where we soak up the sun, walk on sugary sand, watch dolphins on Shell Island and eat AMAZING food at Uncle Ernie's....ahhhh.....I want to go back....like now.  Out of all that, I'm going with our day on Shell Island as the best memory.  10 hours sitting in the bay...snorkeling, swimming, searching for amazing sea life, spending family time where the kids weren't fighting and just loving being alive.





3. Paper books or ebooks?


I heart paper books, I like the feel of them in my hand, the look of them all over my house, the smell of old books....everything.  Yet, I own a Nook....so call me a trader (okay, really don't, because that would hurt my feelings) but I do read my Nook everyday and I have a library of about 70 books on the Nook.  It is super handy and I'm trying not to feel guilty everytime I see a bookstore closing....but I still do. 
I love "real" books though and will continue to buy them as well....and definitely take advantage of the public library (I mean, really.....those books smell the best).  And of course, Half Price Books....because there is no better book store.

So, now that you know I have a weird "smelling" issue....we'll move on.





4. If you could have one home upgrade what would it be and why?


Only 1??  I have a small, older house.  So, there is much to be done.  How about a top 5 list?
1. 2nd bathroom.  Yes, there are 5 of us in this house....and 1 bathroom.  Pick your chin up off of the floor.
2.  Turning this weird space that was a bar in the 70's I'm sure but is now a "closet" for my husband's work clothes and baseball card collection into a walk in pantry! Oh, how I would love that.
3.  Closing our carport in and turning into a sunroom. 
4.  Making a "real" backporch that has a roof that doesn't leak.
5.  A beautiful flowerbed in the front of the house.





5. When was your first serious boyfriend/girlfriend?

Oh, lawd......I was nutty about boys from a very young age.  I remember my boyfriend in kindergarten.....sad, I know.  I had one boy who was also one of my best friends but we would be boyfriend and girlfriend throughout elementary school....I think we counted at one time we had "gone out" about 25 different times.  He was really just a BFF....but we did hold hands...and probably stole a kiss or 2. But serious boyfriends.....hmmm....as a girl I thought each one was serious but I'm going to go with junior high. 
 
 
Now....go...enjoy your weekend.....and if you want to link up head over to My Little Life. 

Pin It Tuesday! oh, Pinterest, how I love you.....

                                                                     

This is my first time linking up to Pin It, Tuesday and I am already stoked about it!  If you would like to link up and share your last 5 favorite pins....please head over to Mommy Head Adventures.  If you are not on Pinterest but would like to join, let me know and I'll send you an invite!  And we can follow each other and live happily ever after.....okay well, we can just follow each other and get inspired.

Here are my last 5 pins from 5 different boards...



So much better than a comment or suggestion box and a nice way for the kids to get their prayer requests in if they don't want to voice them.
Source: 6dukes.blogspot.com via Pinterest



Making stamps out of denim scraps...amazingly simple and brilliant.  My daughter can do this all on her own. 
Source: http://www.craftingagreenworld.com/ via Pinterest



Love this! Etsy always has the best finds...this genius just happens to be from Texas...knew it!
Source: http://www.etsy.com/ via Pinterest





I am in love with this.  I say "I miss your face" a lot, this sounds even better!
Source: theglamlamb.blogspot.com via Pinterest



Amen.
Source: http://www.etsy.com/ via Pinterest



Labor Day weekend madness...soccer, more soccer and crazy weather and parents

We headed out to Houston for my oldest son's weekend long soccer tournament on Saturday morning, bright and early.  This is our first time playing Division 2 soccer and he's always played up but never this far.  He is playing for a U-15 team....which means the kids that are playing pretty much have mustaches and body hair while T has.....well, he's 12 1/2!  You get the picture.  As long as we've been involved in soccer....since T was around 3.....I have seen many different types of parents.  The good, the loud and the downright ugly.  This weekend topped it all off though.  In our last game yesterday we unfortunately witnessed the worst kind of sportsmanship.  These guys and their parents were nuts....the parents were yelling at our boys from the sidelines.  Picking them out individually and letting them have it.  Cussing, yelling, the whole shebang.  Ridiculous.  I've heard that the parents of Division 2 players can get a little....ahem....competitive.  This is just uncalled for.  I am truly hoping that was the worst we will ever have to be a part of  the rest of the season.  We haven't even started regular season yet...that was our 1st tournament. 
To make it even better.....the wind was outta' control and my eyes have never been redder.  The sand and dust flying everywhere....I've never seen that.  And the poor boys had to play in it.  It did make it much cooler on Sunday, we were just caked in dirt.  And I mean caked, we could draw pictures on our skin.  Disgusting.  Made the shower when we finally trekked home all the better. 
We got home and I know I fell asleep before 9....laying on my bed with the little one.  Today we were lazy but I did decide to celebrate a day off of regular routine and headed to a movie with a friend.
The Help was ah-mazing!!!  The book was better...but what book isn't?  I loved the casting, the costumes, the touches of the South that others might miss was all impeccable.  Loved it, recommend it, will want to see it again. 


Houston Dynamo's mascot, Diesel, was in love with B's hair and kept fluffing it. Then he decided to strike a few poses.



Mr. T the red and white in the middle.  This was the team that was so mean in the yellow.

This morning....after getting my Pinterest fix which happens pretty much all day off and on (let's be honest), I found some more cute DIY ideas.  Got inspired by the recycled t shirt crafts and found my own that I loved.  No sew, of course, because I am the opposite of a crafty mom.  We went with 2 colors instead of 1 and went with our high school's colors...maroon and white!  Super cute and easy and we even made a braided bracelet/hair "bow" with the scraps of the recycled t shirt we stole from the hub's closet.  We were inspired by This Old Dress.  I am now a follower of hers and will be visiting the site again and again.  She is a treasure trove of DIY info!  If you are an amzing DIY-er and especially with recycled stuff, please find me on Pinterest and let me know.....my Pinterest button is to your right -->


Braided necklace made from recycled t shirt, modeled by her Highness of Morning Hair




The finished product....so cute.  Can't wait for Friday night!



It's Friday....and not the annoying song....just the day of the week. Plus, 5 Question Friday

What a week it has been. 

I now know what moms talk about when they list chauffeur in their job description.  With three kids, in three different schools....I feel like I am always in my car.  It wasn't as bad when the big kids were in the same school...with the same arrival and dismissal times....now I am running the roads from 6:30 am until 5:30 pm when I pick T up from football practice.  And that's just days when there isn't soccer practice....those days we aren't home until close to 8...sometimes later with T's team. 
I keep telling myself, this is normal, all moms are doing this same exact thing.  And I am totally understanding why it always seemed like my mom and every other mom I knew seemed to be in a constant  state of PMS during our teen years.  You get to a point where you stop and look around and realize that you have not sat down before 10pm, or you haven't had time to run a simple errand for yourself, or you probably haven't had enough time to go to the bathroom.....and you want to cry. 
Does anyone notice the tears in your eyes?  Probably not.  But chin up, Buttercup!  You have this to look forward to for the next (insert years until age 18) years....and then you get to help with grandkids when your children are hopefully college educated, gainfully employed and happily married to a spouse who loves you. 
Yay us.


So, I've got to run and grab my sanity before I pack for a weekend long soccer tournament in Houston for T.  Wish us luck!  And enjoy your weekend.  It's Labor Day weekend for goodness sake!  I am hereby giving you permission to throw the "I brought you into this world" card and go to a movie, go have a cup of coffee or three or throw back a delicioso margarita!  You were in labor for how long??? Totally counts for the holiday. 
And now onto 5QF....if you'd like to link up....head over to My Little Life and link up to your heart's content. 

 1. Shoes in the house - yay or nay?


I am not going to have kittens if I see someone wearing shoes in my house....unless of course you are tracking in mud....I mean, come on.  But, I never wear shoes in my house.....and I am known for not wearing them in my driveway either.  Someone stops by, I walk outside to chat and....I notice I didn't put any shoes on.  No biggie.  I heart being barefoot.  So, whatever floats your boat...wear them or not.  The huge pile of shoes constantly by my door tells me...we do not wear them inside. 







2. What do you call them- flip flops, slippers, thongs, etc?


Uh....flip flops.  Duh.  They are my shoe of choice at all times.  Living in Texas we only really need "real" shoes for a few months.  I have a year round flip flop tan line. 







3. What song are you almost embarrassed to admit you know all the lyrics to?


this is tough....because I should probably be embarrassed by many lyrics I know to many tacky but wonderful songs.
Anything by New Kids on the Block
Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, anyone??
How about a little Ice Cube?
TLC, Salt and Pepa?  Push it real good......
and one of my faves, and one that my children all know (judge if you must).....
Sir Mix a Lot-I like big butts and I can not lie....no other brotha can deny...when a girl walks in with a itty bitty waist and a round thing in yo face you get sprung....
yep.  I know. 





4. What is the best quality to have in a friend?




How about a few combined qualities? 
Sense of humor is a must
Loyalty
Ability to have wonderful conversations and be tolerant of my conversational ADD
there's like 10 more but there goes the ADD....



5. Do you know what you want for Christmas?


a new cell phone contract.
I have been a Blackberry loyalist....but it has become a piece of crap and I would love an iPhone.  There is only so much Instagram envy a girl can deal with. Fo shizzle.
an iPad wouldn't be bad either.
or a trip somewhere wonderfully tropical and far, far away.

Happy Friday!