This is Matt and I's seventh valentine's day together. I am so lucky to be able to spend every day with my best friend! Valentine's Day just makes me think about how much I love him. I made a slide show today with pictures of us together over the past 7 years. Enjoy and I hope you all have a great day.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Snow day

Yesterday morning when I woke up, there was about an inch of snow on the ground. I had to go into work, but Matt decided to stay home. With his job, he can make up the time. When I got to work the kids were CRAZY! It was pouring snow outside and they could all see it through the windows. But, it wasn't an annoying crazy, because all the teachers were kind of "excited" too. We couldn't believe all the snow. It just keep snowing, so our school decided to do a noon dismissal. I headed right home to Matt and Maddie, all ready to go outside and play.

We went to the VERY top of our closet and found the waterproof pants and things. We got all ready and went in our back yard to play. Maddie just LOVED the snow. She may be a four year old beagle, but a soon as she hit the snow, it was like she was a puppy again. Running around, Biting and digging at the snow. It was so sweet and cute. Here are a couple pictures of our day!





We had the BEST time with the snow. It was the perfect for building a snowman.



It snowed ALL day on Thursday. I don't think it stopped until Midnight! This morning when we woke up, they said on the news we got 12 inches!!!! We measured in our front yard and it said 10, that's still A LOT of snow. Now, I know it's not much compared to some northern states, but I have never seen this much snow in my life in Texas! It's the most beautiful snow I have ever seen too. We are going to attempt to make snow ice cream tonight..Hopefully it turns out good :)

Back to blogging and pasta recipe

Hello friend! Well, it's been over a month since I have posted anything. I guess I have just been in a funk. But, since it is a new year...I keep telling myself I need to get it together and start blogging more! So, I will starting by sharing with you what I did tonight. I made Red-Wine Pasta. I wasn't sure how it was going to turn out, but it was really good and it only took about 25 minutes to make. Here is the recipe!

Things You'll Need:

• 1 pound pasta
• 1 bottle red wine
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped (I just used minced garlic)
• 1 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes
• Freshly grated Parmesan Cheese
• Cookware: Large pot, Large skillet, Tongs, Large serving bowl.

Step 1
Bring 5 quarts of water to a boil and cook spaghetti, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. You do not want fully cooked pasta at this point.

Step 2
Reserve one cup of pasta water, drain pasta in colander, and return the now empty pot to stove.

Step 3
Add wine and sugar to pot and boil vigorously for about 2 minutes until liquid is reduced a bit.

Step 4
Add pasta and shake pot to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom.
Gently stir with tongs until coated and boil over high heat, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes.

Step 5
Immediately after adding spaghetti to wine mixture, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes in the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over moderately low heat, shaking skillet occasionally, until garlic is pale golden, about 5 minutes.

Step 6
Gently add the pasta mixture into the skillet with the garlic and pepper flakes, carefully toss with tongs to combine.

Step 7
Cook while stirring, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, season with freshly ground black pepper. Add freshly grated cheese and serve immediately.

Now, it may seem like a lot of steps, but it's really not. Also, if you do not like spicy things, you could leave the red pepper flakes out of it. They give the pasta a little bite. Good luck and happy cooking :)

Thanksgiving in Florida

This Thanksgiving Matt and I spent our first holiday together in Florida with my dad and his family. It was so good to see everyone and visit. I just loved getting around the table with everyone and telling stories. I haven't been there in a few years, so it was good to be back.

Thanksgiving day, the men played games. One was "redneck golf". They called it something different, but that's what I know it as :) I am proud to say Matt beat everyone, haha! But, it was a lot of fun for them.


Friday, we went down to a little restaurant on the beach called the "Boardwalk". It was good, and we took some pictures by the water. Even though the water was cold, there was lots of people swimming and playing on the beach!



It was a wonderful trip and we hope to go back next summer when it's warm! We took a couple more pictures on the beach before we left.

The ocean is our favorite place to be :)

Elf Yourself

Every year I make an elf yourself! It's so cute and the one I made this year made me laugh! I thought I would add Maddie to see how it looked and Matt and I died laughing. Her little mouth moves too..It's funny. Watch and then go make one yourself! It's fun to make lots of different ones too.

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Margarita Ball

Last night we went to the Margarita Ball with our friends John and Megan. We had to bring one toy each to get in so I bought a Cabbage Patch doll and Matt bought a football. The toys went to children who don't get Christmas presents because of their home situation. It was neat to see how many toys were there.

Inside, there was dancing and casino tables. We didn't know anyone but Megan and John, so we stood and talked for most of the time. But, we did some dancing too :)

Busy Bee

Well, it has been over a week since I posted last. We have been so busy lately. I have been subbing every day, so I come home every night really tired and don't want to do much. I have lots of things to blog about and I will get to it next week since I have the whole week off!! :) So..in a few days, the blog should be more interesting, promise!