Family Reunion 2013 and a new Recipe

It's been a while since I've shared a recipe. I found a new one this weekend at my family reunion. My cousin Bobbie made it. I have now made it twice this week and its only Wednesday.

Spaghetti Veggie Pasta Salad 

16 oz of spaghetti noodles boiled and chilled

1pkg broccoli & cauliflower mix (I just grabbed the bag at Wal-Mart)

3 cooked, seasoned, cubed chicken breasts. I seasoned with garlic, salt and Italian seasonings

3/4 bottle Light Zesty Italian salad dressing (more or less depending on amount of pasta & desire)

1 small onion, red preferably and optional

And now a few shots from my family reunion, my Moma's side. Thanks so much to my cousin Angela (my skinny twin) and her husband Jimmy for opening their beautiful home and yard to us- almost 100 of us gathered in Durant, OK this past weekend for food, fellowship, and lots of fun!!!

My cousin Angela, Me & cousin/BFF Tonya

Braden going up for a shot against my nephew Seth, while Kaybrie looks on and my niece Mika could care less.

Sand volleyball time. Lots of it. My Moma is in the orange.

We had a turtle race. Here the kids are getting ready.

Picking out turtles.

Daddy Crow even got in on the turtle race. He kicked it. Poor turtle.

My aunts & uncles- my Moma is in the orange. 

It was great seeing everyone. It was very refreshing swimming afterward at my cousin/BFF's wedding reception. I request that it be a must every year. Except pictures of me must continue to be behind nephews with their eyes closed. Yes, Tonya I saw the other two not so flattering ones, and am so thankful they were for family viewing purposes only. Love ya!

Braden, Chandler, Parker & Tristan playing chicken. Amazing how this can be done in a private setting at a pool. Too fun!

The best way to have a swimsuit modeling job. Behind your closed eyed nephew, with a cookie and Diet Coke in hand. 

$50 Signazon Giveaway: Over

I was recently contacted by Dallas, TX based company Signazon to bring my readers this fun and useful giveaway! 

Signazon.com has multiple production facilities across the nation and is your source for all types of custom signs. They use a highly-advanced e-commerce platform, fully-customizable, template-based designs and technologically-superior manufacturing processes to produce banners, car magnets,, offset printing, oversized checks, window decals, vinyl lettering, yard signs and more. You can find their car magnets page here: http://www.signazon.com/car-magnets/. Their typical turnaround time is 3-4 business days, with Same Day-Rush and local pickup available. When you're in a hurry and you need a quality product at an affordable price, choose Signazon.com.  They really do look forward to exceeding your expectations!

I don't know about you, but I am always on the lookout for for affordable business cards, banners or other printed items for personal events such as birthdays or sporting events. Signazon's selection is AMAZING and AFFORDABLE!!!

One of my reader's is getting their very own $50 code from Signazon to go shopping! What will you pick? I think I am getting a canvas or if my son decides to play football a banner. Tell me on the easy Rafflecopter form. Bonus entries are available.

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Today's Post

Today's Post is about me LETTING GO at Oklahoma Women Bloggers.
"He’s 12. Never been on a jet plane. We are not the “sleep away” parents. I can’t count on a single hand the times he has spent the night with friends. Grandparents have to beg for nightly visits from our children. We are just the parents who find comfort in having their children safe and sound under our roof and watch. Did I mention he’s never been on an airplane?"
To read the rest you will have to go to Oklahoma Women Bloggers. Don't forget to leave some comment love.

Finally a dream come true for him, while I'm holding back tears and letting go.  I can only hope someone catches him in this particular pose/shot. HINT HINT!!! 

Jack the Giant Slayer Blu-Ray Giveaway

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Warner Bros. is proud to announce the arrival of Jack the Giant Slayer released on DVD & Blu-ray on June 18!

Unleashed on the Earth for the first time in centuries, the giants strive to reclaim the land they once lost, forcing Jack (Nicholas Hoult), into the battle of this life to stop them and rescue the princess!

The question is... are you courageous enough to rescue the princess? Are you brave like Jack? Take the quiz to find out! And when you do, you will be entered to win a Jack the Giant Slayer Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD + Ultraviolet) courtesy of Warner Bros and The 4-Crow's! Tell me on the easy Rafflecopter entry form below. Bonus entries are available.

About Jack the Giant Slayer:

Unleashed on the Earth for the first time in centuries, the giants strive to reclaim the land they once lost, forcing Jack (Nicholas Hoult), into the battle of this life to stop them. Fighting for a kingdom and its people, and the love of a brave princess, he comes face to face with the unstoppable warriors he thought only existed in legend... and gets the chance to become a legend himself! Directed by Brian Singer (X-Men, Superman Returns)

Starring: Nicholas Hoult (About a Boy), Ewan McGregor (Star Wars, Moulin Rouge!), and Stanley Tucci (The Lovely Bones).

*I did not receive a copy of this movie for review. I just awarded it to one of my readers because I love you!

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Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to the most wonderful man in the world. The man we like to call Dad, Daddy, Honey, Babe & Jason....

We Love You!!!

Of course this is not an original idea of mine, I just love being a Real Housewife of the Internet and using my favorite tool in the world of Pinterest for gift inspiration. Of course I always add my own twist, so I guess my originality does come in somewhere. We made a collage at Walgreens (FREE) and a card. Also, let me tell you a little secret. Braden does not own a plain white t-shirt. The one he has on in the photo has a flag on it. PicMonkey is my favorite picture editing tool ever. Yep I drew that flag right out of that shirt. 

Happy Father's Day Daddy

I snapped this picture of my Daddy last weekend while we were in his pasture in Wilson, OK feeding the cattle. I had seen a similar picture on Pinterest (probably) with this quote and LOVED it. It's funny the opportunity that IS missed because you don't get out and do that "work". I finally saw that the work of cattle is not just work to my Daddy, but something he loves. He loved showing off his herd- the cows, donkeys and horses. He loved telling what he does with them and why. He loved telling his dreams. 
This man who has been a Daddy now for 38 years, my Daddy, still dreams and plans.  I can honestly say that my Daddy hasn't missed many opportunities in life because something looked like work. Thank you Daddy for giving me the opportunity to dream, work and be the daughter and Mom I am today because of your hard work.
Happy Father's Day!!

Planning a Wedding? You + Minted. = Fabulous

I love weddings. I think what I love even more about weddings is the planning. I think secretly I could have been a fantastic wedding planner. I remember from my own weddings, yes I have had two- thankfully have found my happily ever after and have now been with my Prince Charming for 8 years, that one of the first things you start looking at when the engagement ring goes on is the wedding invitations.  Since I am always on the lookout for fun products to introduce to my readers, I was intrigued when Minted contacted me for a review of their wedding invitations and site.  Here's a few reasons to choose Minted.

• Designs by independent artists, thousand of designers and they are always looking for more!
• Luxe paper, the thickest in the industry
• Customize a design, make it your own
• Personal service from our design team
• Fast & Reliable: 5-7 days turnaround
• Get your free sample kit now!
• Code SUMMERWED will save you 15% (exp 6/17)

All this wedding talk is making me think I need to plan another wedding. Maybe a 10 year vow renewal in Hawaii?!? Two years of planning heaven.

How cute is this Vegas one? Did I mention that's where I married Jason. Yes, the Little White Wedding Chapel. The only stars present at the time were US!

And I am all about Chalkboards. Can you imagine all the decorations? CUTE!!

These are just a few of the many indie-designed wedding invitations, I love that you can customize the shape and that complimentary digital proofs are included with each order. A professional graphic designer will create a personalized proof for approval before printing. Email customerservice@minted.com if you have any questions. Another fun feature of the Minted site is the Inspiration Boards. Much like Pinterest the customer, more than likely the Bride or MOB makes its own board. Check out this one. The colors are amazing. Best of luck to this sweet couple, I just know they are sweet due to the berries and pink.

Fuchsia Summer's End Wedding board by Serenity Avenue. See more Minted

So are you planning a wedding, or know someone who is?  Be sure to check out the Minted site and let me know what you think.

Copperhead Movie Ticket and Movie Pack Giveaway

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Did you know that this year marks the 150 year anniversary of the Civil War & The Battle of Gettysburg?

We were all taught about the Civil War in school, but how much do we really know about the challenging stories of the brave families during the era? Mothers, fathers, and children all experienced intense hardship as family members left to fight in combat. 150 years later the timeless stories of families affected by war still remain especially pertinent.

Commemorate the 150 year anniversary and keep your kids learning during the summer by catching Copperhead, a Civil War movie the whole family can watch together and talk about! I am REALLY excited about this one. Finally a history movie that we can all watch together. My 12 year old son, is quite the history buff. And really will be after his trip to DC this summer. Copperhead opens in theaters June 28, 2013.

I am excited to collaborate with Copperhead and its blog app to offer the following Movie Pack to one of my readers.

- Official Copperhead Movie Poster hand signed by Director/Producer Ron Maxwell (Gettysburg, Gods and Generals) (27 X 40)
- The Copperhead Official Companion Book [Author: Harold Frederic]
- Movie Theater Cash [Valid for 1 Movie Admission]

Who wants it? All you have to do is test your knowledge of the Civil War on the Copperhead Blog app below, then tell me your score on the easy Rafflecopter entry form. Bonus entries are available.

About Copperhead:
From director Ron Maxwell, (Gettysburg, Gods and Generals) Copperhead is unlike any other Civil War movie. Far from the Virginia battlefield, it’s the exciting story of Abner Beech (Billy Campbell), a peace-loving but stubborn dairy farmer in upstate New York. He detests slavery, but opposes the war for the sake of the “union.” Abner is neither a Yankee nor a Rebel. He is a Copperhead. This is an extraordinary story of family and community.

Learn more:http://www.copperheadthemovie.com

*I was not compensated for this post monetarily or by product. Just an extra perk for my readers because I love you!

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Get Ready to Hear "My Hair Had A Party Last Night"

No. Really. This is a song. Have you heard it yet? I hadn't either until last night when I got an email asking me to tell my readers about this band that would be performing at Guthrie Green in Tulsa on Friday night, June 7.  It is free to the public and begins at 5:30 pm.

Trout Fishing in America.  That's the name of the band. Trout Fishing in America, a four time Grammy nominee, is a children's band coming to the First Friday at the Guthrie Green. 

Trout Fishing in America is an eclectic folk/rock band best known for family music and kids’ songs. Songs like “My Hair Had a Party Last Night,” “18 Wheels on a Big Rig,” and “When I Was a Dinosaur” have earned them a place in the hearts of kids and parents everywhere.. Their website even has lesson plans and coloring pages to go with their music.

Keith Grimwood and Ezra Idlet, the musicians of Trout Fishing in America, met in Houston more than three decades ago and have been playing together ever since. Their music has won multiple Parents’ Choice and Indie awards and their songwriting workshops have been described as "life changing."

Oh, and I absolutely LOVE this next part- they will  be taking collections for Oklahoma tornado victims there too.  Maybe I'll see you out there, my family is definitely doing something "out" Friday night just not sure what yet. 

Summer Introductions

Really? Unbelievable. Today my kids, mainly my six year old were introduced to...

The Looney Tunes, well Looney Tunes Back in Action at our local movie theater. I think I am going to enjoy the $15 spent for each of us a $5 punch card to see 10 movies this summer. Thanks Cinemark. Cute movie. How did these children not know about Bugs Bunny, Daffy, Granny, Tweety, Yosemite Sam, Road Runner and the rest of the gang? I blame Nick Jr. and Disney. 

  

They were also introduced to punch balloons. I loved these as a kid. For some reason they seemed a lot bigger 30+ years ago. We found these at Walmart in a bin for $.75- but watch the register, some ring up for $.98. 

Summer is having a good start so far. Movies, punch balloons, and even some water balloons make for some fun outdoor play at our nest. 

Raise Your Hand if You Need The Quietest Classroom Pencil Sharpener

Raise your hand if you are happy school is out for the summer. Raise your hand if you read my post about The Quietest Classroom Pencil Sharpener on May 23.

You did? I am ecstatic!!! Now you will be too...

One of my readers is getting their very own pencil sharpener from Classroom Friendly Supplies.

Raise your hand if you want it. I promise you it will be your next best friend. 

My kids are searching for pencils everywhere to sharpen. There will never be a dull pencil in my nest again!

There are only TWO requirements to enter. Bonus entries are available. Entries are collected on the easy Rafflecopter form below. Open to U.S. addresses only.

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