Veggie Tales

Ok. So our Superbowl Predictions stunk! At least we had fun! Luke is still proudly sporting his Cowboys gear at school. The lunch lady told him today he wasn't allowed to wear it and I told him to tell her at least we made the playoffs! It's all in good fun...

Usually at the start of the year, it's a time to make "resolutions". Well we really haven't made any resolutions but are shooting for a few life changes. The boys and I have been eating healthy with veggies and fruits for years. Don't get me wrong - they love candy just as much as the next kid. But I have to say that I usually don't hear much complaining about having a good supply of fruits and veggies. Luke pops cherry tomatoes down his throat like most kids do grapes. This year, however, Justin has vowed to lose weight and eat healthy! He is doing a great job and I'm very proud of him! When I met Justin he was maybe 150-160 pounds. Well - let's just say he's much more than that now. I've seen him make these promises before but he's really putting forth effort this time as well! Some of you know about our friendly little bet - if he doesn't lose the 25 pounds by June - he has to take ballroom dancing lessons with me! If he does - we're going on a road trip to see the Yankees play - not really punishment for me but a big reward for him. So - cheer him on! We have two beautiful boys who want their dad to be strong and healthy! Have you had your veggies today?!

The Rise of the Romo Empire (and Superbowl predictions!)

Everyone in the family was polled for their Superbowl Predictions. Here are the results:

Dad predicts the Dallas Cowboys over the New England Patriots
Mom predicts the Kansas City Chiefs (in memory of Brian!) over the New Orleans Saints
Luke predicts the Dallas Cowboys over the Baltimore Ravens
Blake predicts the New Orleans Saints over the New York Jets

We've picked all our games leading up to the big day so it will be fun to watch!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year friends and family! It was back to work today! I had to jump start my car. So - either that means I have a pretty run-down government car or they gave us too much time off. I know the answer but I'm not going to say!

New Year's Eve was quiet for us. We watched "the ball" drop from the comforts of our family room couch while the boys were fast asleep. Perhaps when they get older we'll celebrate on a larger scale. My parents were scheduled to visit for the New Year holiday but couldn't travel as they're recovering from being sick. I don't really believe in "luck" but I do believe in tradition and fun. Therefore, we burned a Bayberry candle on New Year's Eve and Day. Justin's grandmother believes if you do this that you won't run out of money during the year. My grandmother always served cabbage on New Year's Day for "good luck". I had planned to make cabbage rolls if she visited but decided on black-eyed peas and cornbread which pretty much hold the same meaning. We choked down the black-eyed peas (next year I'm cooking them with pinto beans!) but all the boys LOVED the cornbread. I grew up eating what I thought was the best cornbread in the world but have not been able in ten plus years to get Justin eating it. He always wants "sweet" cornbread. I finally found a recipe he loves as well as the boys. Like to hear it? Hear it go...

"Justin's Sweet Cornbread"
2 boxes Jiffy corn muffin mix
1 box butter cake mix
5 eggs
2/3 cup milk
1 1/3 cups water
1/2 butter (softened)

Mix all ingredients and bake at 350 degrees until golden brown on top and toothpick comes out clean from the middle.

Enjoy! And, yes, this is bad for you!

Merry Christmas!

In just over a week we managed to construct one gingerbread house, have one visit to the ER (Luke - he's fine. He stuck a bead up his nose at school. And, no, I'm not joking...), participated in a live Nativity (Luke was a sheperd and Blake was toddler Jesus), was a part of our Christmas play at church (Blake was the sheperd this time and Luke was a wise man), and traveled close to 700 miles total. Whew. Christmas was celebrated with the Elsea Family on December 23 with MeeMee hosting. We had a great time with family and watching everyone open their packages. Too bad Nanny forgot to bring the thong this year (It's a family joke! I'll tell you about it if you REALLY want to know!). But watch out! It's sure to reappear next year! Christmas Eve was spent quietly with just the four of us. We enjoyed a dinner of steak and potatoes, opened gifts, and Justin read the real Christmas story from the book of Luke. Christmas morning we traveled to Winchester. We first visited with Nanny and then Ma. I took today off to recover (and clean and do laundry!). Unfortunately, the Lusk Family is recovering from a nasty stomach bug and won't be able to join us for the New Year as in year's past. We were looking forward to your visit and will miss you! My brother Paul spent Christmas Day in the hospital suffering from dehydration. He's doing much better. Get well soon I have a cool gift for you! Though busy - Christmas was special. I also received a holiday phone call from my childhood best friend, Valerie! Gosh, girl! I miss having a friend like you close by! It was such a treat and gift to get to talk to you so long! I mean it when I say we need a girlfriend vacation! (You're invited too Becky P.! We really need to plan something!) Merry Christmas friends and family! We love you all!

Luke Wins First Prize in Reflections Contest

We attended an awards ceremony this week to honor Luke for his work with his Reflections project. This is a visual and performing arts program sponsored nationally by the PTA. Luke took first prize in his category for a photo collage of pics he took at Chuck E. Cheese. The topic was "My Favorite Place". Kids sure do love Chuck E. Cheese. Of course we all know it's a nightmare for parents! Luke's project will move up to competition at the District level - so we'll let you know how he does there! Luke shares so many similiar interests with Justin that it's nice to have a couple things that we have in common. Luke began taking photos this past summer on vacation (and I have loved taking pics since elementary school!) and we've also found we enjoy hiking together. He proved himself to be a real mountaineer this past summer in the West Virginia hills. So - we're proud of him!

Luke's First NFL Game

Justin took Luke to his first NFL game this past Sunday. Even though they were in Redskins territory they proudly sported their Falcons gear (Go Vick!). They had a great "guy time" - tailgating before the game for both breakfast and lunch! I even let Justin take my grandmother's iron skillet to cook on and threatened to beat him over the head with his mother's old rolling pin if he didn't come home with it. Not only did he bring it home but he admitted that it really does bring extra flavor to the foods cooked on it! They had a wonderful time but the icing on the cake was when Luke was able to stand on his feet and cheer the Falcons to victory! Sorry Redskins fans (as Luke likes to say "Redskins stink")!

"Once a King or Queen of Narnia..."

"Once or King or Queen or Narnia, ALWAYS a King or Queen of Narnia!" Even though we've all been feeling a bit under the weather this past week, we had a chance to really get in the Christmas spirit by attending a show at our local dinner theatre to see "Narnia - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe". The boys were thrilled to have MeeMee join them for the performance! Those of you who have not had a chance to see this movie - you are really missing something special! It's a great movie to watch with your family during the holiday season with so much sweet symbolism illustrating the love of Christ and His sacrifices for His children. The play was beautiful and Luke especially loved having a chance to get dressed up. I have to say that both of them looked and behaved like perfect gentlemen!