Front Yard

We recently had several bushes and a huge holly tree taken out of our yard. We had already cut down a few trees and crape myrtles. Last fall, we planted a chinese pistache. This is the after picture. Here is our house when we bought in August '09.

We do want to plant shrubs and something in front of the middle window. Any suggestions?

Frozen Key Lime Pie

This is an EXTREMELY EASY and delicious recipe!!

Frozen Key Lime Pie

1 (8oz) container cool-whip, thawed slightly

1 (14oz) can sweetened condensed milk

1/2 cup fresh lime juice

1 prepared graham cracker pie crust

In a medium bowl whisk together the cool-whip, condensed milk, and lime juice until smooth. Spoon the mixture into graham cracker crust and smooth the surface with spatula. Set in the freezer until firm, about 30 minutes.I wouldn't get up and cut Dave a second piece, so he decided to eat right out of the pan. This is actually a great idea, because it would save me washing a dish or throwing away a paper bowl. Our dishwasher doesn't work so I have become creative!

If you are wondering how the house is coming, check out the studs behind me.

It's A Miracle!!

It's a miracle...I have successfully prepared three delicious meals in the last eight days. For me this is a record. Since I rarely make anything worth sharing, I didn't take pictures of the first two meals. Hopefully, I will remember next time!



Last Sunday, I cooked Asian-Glazed 'Melt-in-Your-Mouth' Pork Tenderlion which was absolutely delicious. Monday night, I cooked chicken fried steak with homemade mash potatoes. Then tonight I cooked Fiery Asian Beef Kabobs with Hot Garlic Sauce. I served it over egg noodles (I needed to use them or toss them). This might be one of my favorite recipes now. We LOVED it!! Be careful though, this recipes is SPICEY HOT!!
Sorry the picture isn't better. I remembered to take a photo after we began eating. Yes, we ate it all...no leftovers!!

Hearne Family

For Easter and my Papa's 86th birthday, all 28 members of the Hearne family were able to celebrate together! My dad has two older brothers. The three of them and Papa (seated in front) still spend a lot of time together. There are now 10 great-grandkids! Since my dad doesn't have any grandkids, he had to borrow one for the picture! Scott left before the big picture, but here is a great picture of us with Papa.
I am blessed to have such a wonderful family!

Birthdays

Dave and I enjoyed a weekend full of birthdays! Friday night we celebrated our niece Brynn's 5th birthday! Saturday, we celebrated Cameron's (my good friend Sarah's son) 2nd birthday!

Saturday night, we stayed with our friends Mandy and Randy who are expecting their first baby in August. We are so excited for them.

Quilting

I wanted to share with you my new hobby...quilting!! My mom got me started back in the fall and I am addicted. I go to Charisse's (picture below) house every Thursday with my good friend Karissa. Charisse is an excellent teacher! This weekend, my mom and I went on a quilting retreat in Brownwood. I had a great time being with my mom and I met some wonderful women. I was able to finish 3 quilt tops while at the retreat.

my mom and I out on the deck over looking the Brownwood Lake

Charisse and IJohn Deere quilt...I made two of these for my friend's two boys. baby girl quilt

Thanksgiving in Puerto Rico

For Thanksgiving, Dave and I made a quick trip to Puerto Rico.  We arrived late Wednesday night.  Thursday, we spent most of the day at our hotel.  We layed at the beach and played in the pool.

Even though we were on vacation for Thanksgiving I still wanted a traditional dinner.   We went to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, because we knew they were serving a turkey dinner.  I had turkey, dressing, and sweet potato casserole, but Dave couldn't pass up their rib eye steak.  Everything was delicious and we even had pecan pie!  After dinner we were happy to watch the second half of the Cowboy's game and the entire Aggie game back in our hotel room.

Friday, we woke up early to walk around Old San Juan.  We took a tour of Castillo San Felipe del Morro which is a fort that was built in the 1500s after Columbus discovered the island.  We also went into a church were Ponce de Leon is buried.  

Friday night we went on a night kayaking tour.  We kayaked 30 minutes through a spooky canal of mangrove trees and arrived at a lagoon.  In this lagoon are dinoflagellates - bioluminescent plankton.  When you swirl your hand in the water these organisms glow!  We weren't able to take pictures, but this was a once in a lifetime experience.  If you travel to Puerto Rico you must check them out!  We kayaked 30 minutes in the dark back to the shore.  

Saturday, we went on a catamaran ride.  We first stopped at an uninhabited island where I played in the water and Dave snorkeled.  The second stop was in the ocean.  Once again I played in the water and Dave snorkeled.  Lunch, snacks, and drinks were included in the tour.  Riding on the boat was very relaxing and beautiful!

Saturday night, we ate at a delicious seafood buffet at our hotel.