We tried a new place tonight – Fuego Tortilla Grill. It was delicious! Homemade flour and corn tortillas, rotisserie chicken, pulled pork, grilled steak, cucumbers/onions, pico, white cheddar queso (creamy melted pepper jack cheese w/ roasted poblano peppers), and fresh guacamole, Mexican sweet corn (Chipotle mayo, tomato, cilantro, onion, chili and lime) charro beans (tasty!), and lots of bubbly soft drinks. (deep sigh) It was heaven.

I also heard that they have breakfast tacos – eggs, sausage, etc wrapped in a soft tortilla. I may have to try it too.

Oh! Tim was talking to a couple in line behind us and they had been there 4 times in a week (this was Thursday) and they highly recommended it. I can see why. I think this place will be a hopping little joint.

Um, um good.

Crepe Myrtles

Iowa grows many wonderful things but they do not grow plants that are sensitive to cold weather. One of Tim’s relatives had not heard of crepe myrtles and it dawned on me that I had never heard of one either until I lived in the south.

I discovered that the name is actually "crape" myrtle but some use "crepe" because the flowers have a crinkled tissue paper look. The crepe myrtle's flowers appear in mid-summer and last until frost.

I thought I would post some pictures of the local crepe myrtles in our little city in Texas so that Tim's Iowa relatives can see just how pretty they are.

These pictures were taken by my friend, Vickie T. Enjoy.

It's Miller Time!

OUR FRIENDS ARE COMING, OUR FRIENDS ARE COMING!!!! John and Lori are coming to visit tomorrow and T-Fish and I are very excited about it, can you tell?

This is their 3rd Annual Texas Miller/Fish Visit.

We go check out local restaurants, shop, visit, hang out, and sing show tunes or church hymns in four part harmony (cause we're a bunch of geeks) and dog-gone-it we sound pretty good. As my dad would say: "It's not braggin' when it's a statement of fact."

I think this time we are going to go check out Galveston or we could just stay home. We're gonna talk about it over mexican food, tamales, chips and salsa, tea, and maybe a dessert - who knows?

OUR FRIENDS ARE COMING, OUR FRIENDS ARE COMING.

A Small Group

It has been 2 months since we've formed our small bible study group and it has been an enjoyable way to study with each other, meet new people and visit some great restaurants.

Tonight as I looked at our small group sitting around the restaurant table, I was surprised by the different mix of people that have come together. Most of us describe ourselves by what we do . . . a dentist, a principal, a business owner, some teachers, administrative assistants, an elevator man (wink), and agricultural engineer. I'm sure I have missed one but there are all types of occupations and interests sitting together. We are not related. We do not work together. Some of us are new to the area, some have been here all their lives. The one thing that binds us together, and in some instances binds closer than blood family, is our love for Jesus Christ.

While we ate, we discussed families, jobs, interests, grand babies, nitrogen, farming, elevator grease, food, and Keifer Sutherland. Something awesome happened. We began to be more than just a group of professions . . . we began to share our lives. I know that one couple is expecting a new grand baby, a son is getting married, there is a vacation being planned, a health and wellness presentation going on next weekend, and on and on.

From this evening of laughing, eating and sharing, we'll spend more evenings opening up our Bibles and discussing how we will apply what we read to our lives. How the verses shape our thoughts, our attitudes, our faith, our relationships to not only each other but to Jesus.

I walked out the door tonight thinking that the writer of Hebrews knew what he was saying when he suggested that we not give up being with each other because that is how we encourage each other.

Some days we need the encouragement.
Some days we are the encourager.

As Seen On TV

I am such a sucker!!! I hate to admit this - but I LOVE infomercials. LOVE them. I dont' know why. I just think maybe, maybe this time, it will really work.

Sometimes it's the shpeel done by Billy Mays (may he rest in Oxyclean) or Vince. Or maybe it's all the stuff you can get for $19.95. I don't know.

Tim bought ShamWows for all of our family because he loved the commercials and we thought Vince was a hoot! We didn't order the Slap Chop because I already have a Pampered Chef one. (although I might have ordered it just because of the "nut" comment! Tim and I just about lost it when he said that line.) I bought a BumpIT for Kristen and Tot just because it was on sale for a buy 1 tv infomerical item get one free deal. I kept the Green Bags for the veggies and gave Kristen the BumpIT. Little did I know, Tot LOVED the BumpIt commercial and wanted to buy one herself. Nana must be a mindreader!

So now I'm looking at Mighty Putty, Might Fix-It Tape, Mini Aqua Globes - and lets not forget Mr. Steamy - it steams up to release wrinkles in your dryer. "In minutes your clothes are ready to wear." I mean - how can you NOT buy these things? It's only $19.95 - and they are always throwing in something free. You can hold your breath and then hear the wonderful words of life . . . "AND WE'RE NOT DONE - THERE'S MORE!" I can't wait to see what they are going to offer me. What will they give me for $20 dollars? It's AWESOME.

I miss poor Billy Mays. Vince has disappeared. Who will fill the As Seen On TV void? What new products will imerge? I think I may have all my Christmas shopping done for the year. LOOK OUT family - Shamwows were just the beginning!

It Should Be Easy

“Instead of admitting that we have made a bad choice we keep trying to make that decision work. Maybe we should take a lesson from business and cut our losses and move on. Instead we keep trying to fix things to make them better.”

I read that statement and it just would leave. It kept repeating itself over and over again. How many times have I tried to make something work that just wasn’t meant to work?

I think it was because of several things:
1) I had to admit I had made a mistake in the first place
2) I didn’t know if I was just being weak and needed to just keep at it.
3) I wanted it to work out.
4) I didn’t want to admit defeat.

When I’m in a situation of trying to make something work that just isn’t working, God gives me three things to help me: His spirit, a brain, and my common sense. I pray for God’s guidance and a nudging from his spirit. I use my brain to search for information. I use my common sense to put these two things together to make my decision.

It sounds easy, doesn’t it? Then why do I think it’s easier just to worry about a problem instead of solving it? (wink)

And if so, what?

I know, it's been a month since my last post, hasn't it? I'm not sure if anyone even reads this anymore and I thought about just deleting it and writing in a journal instead. Yet, here I am - typing again.

The Fish and I have been rather busy lately with just life in general. Things like work, church, bible study, eating, sleeping, reading, watching tv, shopping, laundry etc. Along with that we have been working closely with our church and we have enjoyed getting to know new people. We feel more connected with those we worship with on Sunday and it has opened up some new relationships.

Even though we've been busy with normal things of life, our relationship with the Lord is our main priority. If we fill our life with other busy things, then the Lord is no longer the first thing in our life. The first two of the ten commandments tells me not to put any other thing before God. That is a sobering command. It begs me to ask: "Am I putting something before the Lord? And if so, what?"

When I sign my name at the end of the day, will the Lord be pleased with what I have done? Have I looked for people to help? Have I spoken ill of someone? Have I been an encouragement to someone? Have I worked hard at work? Have I shown love to my family and friends?

Yes, it's been a while since I've written . . . and I'll probably write more tomorrow. But for now - ask yourself some of those questions and see if you are lead to live your life with more intention this week.

Ya Know?

Weekends are the reward for the work week. And yet we seem to cram so much into them that they are almost as busy as the work week. Ya know what I’m sayin'?

So, here it is another Sunday night and the weekend is over. Tim and I have so much fun during our weekend with going to the movies, eating a great Saturday breakfast, church, bible study, and throwing in a couple of loads of laundry and some hobby time. But most of all, we try very hard to get in two things that mean the most to us. . . NAPS. One on Saturday and one on Sunday. That's the reward for the work week. Ya know what I'm sayin'?

Nothing Complicated

I have been thinking about several things this week. Nothing super complicated . . . just several things . . . all week long. They have just been bouncing around in my head like bumper cars. I thought if I put it down on paper then maybe they would stop bouncing around and get in a line so that I can address each thought one at a time. Give each one some undivided attention and then see if one of them is worth a second glance, or a second thought.

So here goes. . .

What does walking in the Spirit really mean? How does one ‘walk in the Spirit?’
What color do I want to paint the guest bedroom?
How did I get so many dishes dirty today? When am I going to wash them?
Do I need to try out a new kitty litter? This current one really stinks. Wait – it’s not the litter.
When the new bedspread arrives in the mail – will it look good? Will it stink?
Why do birds suddenly appear, every time you are near? (that was just for fun)
What is really in Coke Zero?
What new recipe should I try out this week?
I want to plant new flowers – should I make new beds in the backyard? Have Tim do it, or hire it done? Do I want to dig them out or raise them up?
When do we go visit the grandbabies?
When will I mail Bran’s package?

Where should I store my sewing stuff? What do I want my craft area to look like? Should I have upper cabinets? What about a cutting surface? A kitchen-type counter?

As you can see, the list is fairly long and not super complicated. There just are a lot of things to think about. So, I guess this weekend I’ll spend some time thinking about things and maybe I’ll even make out a list or two. (oh the joy!)

Dipping a Toe

I stepped away from my blog for awhile and it has been such a long time since I have blogged that I almost forgot my password to login. That is a sad fact.

There has been a lot going on in the Fishbowl and it's tough to know where to start. But as the song says, "Start from the very beginning...it's a very good place to start." Gotta love the Sound of Music.

January was a good month. It was full of family visits, work and getting over the holiday season.

February has been a good month as well. Tim and I decided to take a Ballroom dance class at the community center and have enjoyed it Very Much. We go one night a week and it only lasts 5 weeks. Then we can decide if we want to go stop or go on to Western Dance class - Two step, Line dance etc. I have to say that it has been fun and we have discovered that is a good way to get in some exercise at the same time.

Tim was joking with the instructor that we attended the Church of Christ and that when we were teenagers we didn't dance because we had been taught that it led to (voiced in a hushed whisper) sex. Half the class busted out laughing and that's how we found out there were several other Baptists and CofCers in the group too and we had all been told the same thing. So here we were, a bunch of 50+ year old men and women, all learning how to dance with their spouse and laughing about how we had all been told the same thing. It was so funny.

Well, I think this is enough writing for one evening. I've dipped my toe back into the water and we'll see if I'm gonna jump back in or not.

Just a Few Things

Over Christmas Tim built mom and dad a pantry unit. He worked in 19 degree weather and was singing and pounding the hammer. We could hear sawing, singing, Rush Limbaugh, then more sawing, more singing, and more hammering and more Rush Limbaugh. It was so funny - mom was trying very hard to get me to stop laughing - but it was just funny. Not funny-mocking but funny-sweet. He was just a happy camper out there doing his thing. My nephew went out the next day and helped me clean out the garage so Tim could wrap some shelves around the wall for more storage. I think I actually saw my mom dance on her tippy toes! Dad just kept telling Tim that "he had skills!" And we needed to come back in May. I think he's got a list of projects.

The next picture is of the two of us at a Monster Truck Jam (Rally) in Houston. I had never been to one before and I have to admit - it was fun. Thank goodness my thoughtful husband remembered the earplugs or I might have lost some hearing. We were able to see Gravedigger, Ninja Turtle, Blue Thunder, Maxium Destruction, and many other very loud, very LARGE trucks. It was neat to watch. I'll try to post a video later.




The final picture is one of the Tot at a Dinosaur Museaum and can you tell that she has learned to pose?


Yeah, I know. Isn't she a toot?

January's List

Monthly Housekeeping Check Ups

I found a great list of monthly tips and thought I would pass them along to you free of charge. Yes, I know you're thrilled - just think of it as just a simple service I provide. hee hee.

January

1. Check the batteries in the smoke alarms and the carbon monoxide alarms, and replace if needed. Also, test the actual alarms after you're sure the batteries are good.
2. Have your fire extinguishers inspected to make sure they work properly.
3. Use homemade or store bought drain cleaner to clean out all the drains in the house. Don't forget the basement drains too!
4. Inspect the filters in your heating system and clean or replace them as necessary.

I know you can't wait to see February's list, right?

The Spaz

This is our cat, Spazmina, but we just call her Spaz for short - mainly because she can be a real spaz. She has such a great little personality, friendly, inquisitive, loving, and a quick learner. She likes to play fetch, she has bat-like hearing, she would be an excellent mouser if we had any..... I once entertained a thought of going to a pet store to BUY a mouse just to let her hunt something. How sick was that? (I didn't do it, but I have to confess I did think about it.) She loves to play, snuggle and at the beginning - she just tormented Gabby to pieces.

For a free little kitty that we picked out of a bucket on the side of the road, she has been a terrific little addition to the Fish family. She was born on Tim's birthday - which in his mind sealed the deal. (wink)

A Good Time

Ok. I guess this is where I quote Madonna, "strike a pose!"
Tot is modeling her new Christmas clothes. hahaha.

We have had a wonderful Christmas vacation in Kansas City. Tim wanted to put up some shelves for mom and to build her a pantry in the garage. He's almost finished - and boy! does that man have skills. He put in 3 dimmer switches for her and fix one of the toilets, put in the pantry and has wood ready for the shelves. Dad is just happy that it will save mom extra trips to the basement and will help her knees. He gets a kick out of listening to Tim discuss his tools and oooed and aaaahed over his Lowes purchase - he used his Christmas gift from me to buy a new saw! He was able to use it on the pantry and was singing and sawing out in the garage. It was really (dare I say it) cute.

We got to have dinner with my sisters, friends, and visited our church family on Sunday. We've shared Christmas, shoveled snow, laughed with mom and dad over silly YouTube videos, and have had a very good time bonding with family and friends. It was been so nice. I love this time of year.

Holidays, Honey-Do's, and Holiness

Last night was the company Christmas Party and we had a very good time. We had a catered meal, played the Chinese Gift Exchange, and it was a lot of fun. Everybody looked festive, moods were high, and there were lots of laughs and good times. We had it at the office which is a lovely place to have it - The Garden District is much like a home with a very homey atmosphere and we can laugh as loud as we want and stay as late as we want. The drawback was it was so warm in the office that we didn't light the fireplace.....which is my favorite thing.

On a different note: The Fish and I are getting ready for our roadtrip to see the family in just a few more days. We are both getting rather excited and are making our travel plans. Tim has several "honey do" projects to work on at mom and dad's and he's fine with that - he said he'll just plug his earphones in and listen to his talk radio programs, grab his hammer and toolbox and away he'll go. (I do love that man!) Mom has promised him a coconut cream pie and he's already drooling!

Bible Reading Update: We have made it through the 18th chapter of Proverbs and the 35 chapter of Genesis. There have been many conversations about our readings and we have enjoyed the quiet way of ending the evening - with reading aloud and thoughtful conversation about how through everything - God is in charge, he is ever faithful, and he forgives those who are earnestly seeking him. It gives comfort, doesn't it?

FYI: As we were reading about Esau's decendents, we came across one named Oholibama! Yep-that was it, Oholibama. We both nearly lost it.

Blue Hat & Toothless

Yes, my little Alli-gator has a new blue hat. This picture makes me laugh every time. She is so cute but all you see is the court-jester looking fleece hat. She has so much character in her little face now and she is a treat to hold and she laughs at everything.



Unsinkable took some other pictures that I will post later but for now I'll leave you with one of my toothless Tot...she lost two teeth in the past couple of months and is quite proud of the fact.

That is icing from her gingerbread house all over her little face, shirt and apron.

Today's Events

Fishbowl Updates:
Torin turned 4 today!
Tot pulled her 2nd tooth today!
Tim got my Christmas present today!
Little David told told Tot that I was his best friend - but she was his Pen Pal. :)
Alli-pants is now 16 pounds.
Little Raiden is almost 4 weeks old.
Kyra & Eva aren't sick!
Lots of things are happening and life is just flying by.

The Fish and I are reading the book of Proverbs (1 chapter each eveing) and are slowing making our way through the book of Genesis. He plays a game on his I-touch while I read out loud - right before we go to sleep. It is very relaxing, we get our bible reading down, he gets to listen / play and we talk about the scriptures and what they mean to us. It is a good way to end the day.

Introducing: Raiden Grile

Little Raiden Grile is the newest grandbaby to be added to my little "flock" of babies. He was born on November 10, 2009 and weighed 6 pounds 3 ounces and was 19 inches long. I think he is just adorable adn his little face looks just like his daddy's and his Papaw's.

Dean and his wife, Tamara, were able to watch Raiden's brother and sisters while Brandon took care of Jennifer. It is nice for Dean and I to be able to split the parenting duties with both kids - Tim and I were able to help Kristen and Dean and Tamara were able to help Bran and Jenn. The picture of Raiden was taken by Tamara and it is a beautiful one, isn't it?

I'm sure you have noticed the delay in my posting of little Raiden's birth - and yes, I am seriously deliquent. I was sitting in the doctor's office and was feeling very, very sick but held my phone in my hand during my visit. I told the doctor that I was waiting for the news and just as she was wrapping up her visit . . . my phone rang. Little Raiden had made his entrance into this world and I hung up the phone and shared the news with my doctor. LOL. Needless to say, I was sick for 2 weeks and just now realized how much time has passed and how many things went by unnoticed/neglected and/or back-burnered while I was out of commission. Thankfully, he's little and he won't feel bad knowing his Nana was almost a month late in her post. Poor little thing.

So, dear readers, this makes grandbaby number 7! God has certainly blessed me with a wonderful bundle of babies all 5 and under. I absolutely LOVE being a Nana and I LOVE each one of them. They all have little nicknames and each one has a special place in my heart. I'm certain that there will be more posts to come - so until then . . .

Little Eva now has short hair and is such a cute little thing - I call her Monkey

Torin is such a little cheeser - I call him the Torinator

Little Kyra is trying to drive but Eva isn't sure . . . I call little Kyra - well, Kyra Jean (after her great grandmother, of course. LOL.)

And last but not least - Little Raiden. His nickname is Scooter. Not sure why - and it may change - but for now, he's Scooter.

If you drive by the Fishbowl you will hear the sound of sawing, hammering, sanding, singing, laughing, and more sanding. The Fish has been out in the garage making stuff. He’s made several bat houses this summer and has now moved on to other items. I can’t go into much detail because some of the readers might be recipients of his labor of love.
He has just been cracking me up – he’s bought patterns, tools, and wood. He’s grabbed the radio and either listens to Rush or sings with the country music. Several of the neighbors have stopped by to shoot the breeze, ask questions, admire his handiwork and he has just loved it. As have I. It is good to see a happy, contented man do what he enjoys doing – working with wood. He thinks of each person as he is making their gift. He prays for them, considers what they might like and then jumps into the project. I think it’s awesome and I think he’s awesome too.

Challenge to Love

I read a quote from Soren Kierkegaard on a friend's blog and had to post the quote here.

“The task is not to find the loveable object, but to find the object before you lovable– whether given or chosen– and to be able to continue finding this one lovable, no matter how that person changes”.
We foolish people often think that when a person has changed for the worse we are exempted from loving him. What a confusion in language: to be exempt from loving.
True love is a matter of loving the person you see. The emphasis is not on loving the perfections, but on loving the person you see, no matter what perfections or imperfections that person might possess.
If you wish to become perfect in love, strive to love the person you see, just as you see him, with all his imperfections and weaknesses. Love him as you see him when he is utterly changed, when he no longer loves you, when he perhaps turns indifferently away or turns to love someone else. Love him as you see him when he betrays you and denies you. Love the person you see and the person you love.”

What a challenge! Strive to love the person you see, just as you see him. Nothing more, nothing less.