The what?

You've heard of the Fighting Irish and other teams that sound fierce? Today a school bus passed me and brought a smile to my face. When I saw it parked at a loca high school I had to snap a picture for you.
Meet the Loving Falcons.
Not Fighting Falcons or Fierce Falcons. It is the "Can't we all just get along?" Loving Falcons.*

*Disclaimer... I realize that the Falcons are from a town in SE New Mexico named Loving. But it still made me smile.

Munchie: Master Builder

Munchie, my 4 1/2 year old, got ahold of a few Christmas boxes. He even put his new shoes away so he could use the box. And his tower included a recycled pork rinds tub--Sam's Club sized. He was not ready to throw any of the boxes out. Maybe an architect some day?

Old El Paso Big Game Giveaway

Are you a fan of the "Big Game"? Do you host a party on SuperBowl Sunday? John and I aren't football fans. (Or, actually, fans of any sport.) We have been known to record the SuperBowl and fast forward through the game to see the commercials! (I know! That is almost un-American!) But we do love a party! Stay tuned to the end of this post to enter to win some cool football party gear!

61% of adults plan to watch the Big Game. Whether you’re planning a huge party or you’re just looking forward to kicking back at home with your friends and family, Old El Paso Green Chiles can help you spice up the festivities! Old El Paso Green Chiles, which come in 4.5 and 7 oz cans, are a simple way to liven up your go-to favorites. Fat-free and with only 10 calories per serving, Green Chiles are not spicy, but will add a unique flavor to your dishes that the whole crowd will love! According to the survey, Americans will be clamoring for these great game time dishes: Chips and dip or salsa 67% Wings 57% Nachos 33% Veggies and dip 29% Chili 24% Below are some links to some great (fast and easy!) recipes to try. Nachos Green Chile Dip Green Chile Cornbread Taco Nachos Black Bean Dip Slow Cooker Salsa Chili Seven-Layer Bean Dip Skillet Nacho Chili Southwestern Dip If you have been following my blog, you know I have been bitten by the coupon bug. Click here to save $0.55 on one can of Old El Paso Green Chiles today! Just visit here. MyBlogSpark and Old El Paso sent me a “Tackle the Taste” gift pack that included two free cans of Green Chiles, as well as a football-shaped ceramic serving platter, two sets of football-themed plates, cocktail napkins, and a themed table runner. They have also provided me with an additional gift pack to give away to one of my readers. To enter, post a comment with an answer to one of these questions What are your plans for the Big Game day? Share a favorite party recipe (or item you buy already prepared). Bonus entries (leave a separate comment for each): * Tell me how you found me (please be specific! regular reader, giveaway listing, etc) * Add my button to your blog * Follow me on twitter * Tweet about this giveaway * Follow my blog * Subscribe to my blog * Add this giveaway to a contest page or linky. Winners must have a US address. Contest ends Friday, January 15, 2010.

Words: Shopping

Are you a good shopper? Do you compare prices? Or do you find it to be too time consuming? I know sometimes it is easier to just pay the higher than to search through pages and pages of ideas. Fortunately, there are some buying guides on the internet that allow for easy price comparisons.

Since I have started using coupons, many people have commented on what a great shopper I am. In reality, I know where to find the great shoppers who share their finds! I don't have the time or energy to dig through all the circulars and coupons. But I will happily take advantage of the work other people do.

ShopWiki is one of those sites. ShopWiki is unique in that they include all internet retailers--even stores that don't pay to be included! You can shop for any product to get the best deal, or simple check a specific retailer to see if you like their price on the product. ShopWiki can also help you find rare or unusual items.

ShopWiki has a huge network of buying guides to help you find the perfect gift. ShopWiki is expanding all over Europe! You can now search in France, Germany, or The Netherlands.

America's Cutest (Last-Minute!) Tax Deduction Contest

Know anybody with a new baby this month? TurboTax is hosting : America's Cutest (Last Minute!) Tax Deduction Contest.

As 2009 comes to an end and you’re enjoying your new baby (and probably not much sleep), it’s hard to think about taxes. What you may not know is that the newest member of your family may be a welcome last-minute tax deduction. Plus, your new bundle of joy could be worth a bundle!

TurboTax is now conducting the 3rd annual nationwide search for America’s Cutest Last-Minute Tax Deduction – awarding one lucky baby a $5,000 grand prize.

To enter, parents or legal guardians should submit a photo online by January 7, 2010. The contest is open to any eligible baby born between Dec 1-31, 2009.

Looking for more tax tips to get the biggest possible refund, go to http://www.turbotax.com/

Words: Pictures

Since John lost his job just before we got married, we ended up doing all of our pictures. He tooked all of the staged pictures--except the ones he was in. A few friends took pictures during the ceremony. We never got a wedding album. We took all of the pictures in and had them developed. We've had a few enlarged and put in frames. But I would love to put together a photobook from our wedding.

I have made some of the do-it-yourself photobooks, and they turned out all right, but I would love to have a professionally produced one that will last forever (or at least for my grandkids to see!)

Happy Birthday Chewie!

Last night I tucked my 11 year old in for the last time. This morning I woke up my 12 year old. (Who promptly asked if he could sleep longer! I agreed. We skipped the bus and I took him to school.)

Chewie is a smart and talented kid. He reads at the level of a high school senior. He remembers everything he learns. He loves science. He plays violin. He helps with the elementary kids at church. What a sweet young man.

I am proud of you buddy! I love you!

Birthday Pizza Cake

Chewie turns 12 on Monday. Tomorrow is his party. He is having a pizza party. So we decided to make a pizza cake.

We started with a chocolate chip cookie base. I made it on a pizza screen. I covered it with foil and sprayed it with Pam. I had a few problems with the baking. I forgot to leave room for expansion. Fortunately we have a self cleaning oven!

I did all of the prep work. Chewie did the decorating.

Ingredients:
* Crust (chocolate chip cookie)
* Sauce (red frosting)
* Cheese (shredded white chocolate)
* Pepperoni (red fruit roll ups cut in circles)
* Olives (Oreo Minis-- 1/2 cookie)
* Bell peppers (sliced green sour gummies)
* Onions (sliced yellow sour gummies)
* Sausage (candied peanuts)

Chewie did all the work. I think it turned out great.
Spreading icing

Icing base

Add the cheese and pepperoni

Adding Olives

Adding sausage

Almost done

All done

The proud chief

All I want for Christmas is my two...

best friends. Sam's Club has some HUGE Mickey and Minnie Mouse plush dolls. They are only $80 each! Do you think Santa will bring me a pair?

I should have been more specific...

in my prayers/pleading last night. We got snow. Lots of it. But only a 2 hour delay. No snow day. :(

It snowed!

I was up most of the night. John, who is recovering from foot surgery (stitches out yesterday), had a migraine last night. He can't walk for 4 more weeks so I am his nurse. We were up several times between midnight and 2. Then the kids started coming in. The last time I checked for snow was about 3 am.

I kept thinking of the song (Casting Crowns?) "Jesus Bring the Rain" but singing Jesus bring the snow. I guess He heard me. Everything is white. And it is still coming down.

Now...are they going to close schools?