First Air Boat Ride!

Yesterday, our park police took me and my other co-worker out on the air boat we were borrowing from another State Park. I was a bit nervous about it but I enjoyed it! The downside was feeling like a hood ornament afterwards, that's how my co-worker decribed it. She was right. Bugs were all over us and marsh weeds were too! I tried to snap a few photos while trying to hold on for dear life. :-)  I keep telling myself that I am not an out doorsy person. I've never been into the wildlife.  I think TPWD is bringing it out of me! LOL

Voted and Started my WW Journey

Yesterday, I took advantage of my day off to early vote. I feel like its my duty as a citizen to participate. The men and women didn't fight for that right for nothing. Every vote counts. I hope everyone goes to the polls!

Amendment XIX

(The proposed amendment was sent to the states June 4, 1919, by the Sixty-sixth Congress. It was ratified Aug. 18, 1920.) [The right of citizens to vote shall not be denied because of sex.]
The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.

So, the "skinny me" has started to cry out. I'm on day 2 of my WW journey. I think I am doing good so far. I need to add exercise. And, I need to remember for lunch next time to bring more food! I'm starving right this sec. I had a WW microwave meal with yogurt (6pts). I need some carrots or something!

Until next time...

Battle Scars

Being a domestic diva is hard work! This is from last week when I mis-judged the bread in the oven. I thought I enough space to grab-well, the rack got me. OUCH!

Easy Crockpot French Dip

I never thought I would be the one cooking.  While Robert and I dated he always cooked and I loved it. 
But, being married it's different.  I feel like it's my duty to have meals planned and cooked. The weekends I usually let him do the work, though. We like to grill on the weekends and I don't even know how to turn on the grill. Haha.
Anyway, I wanted to share this super easy French Dip Recipe.
4lbs Chuck Roast or Rump Roast-Chuck roast will shred rather than slice
1 can of beef broth
1 can of condensed french onion soup
1 can/bottle of beer of your choice-We had Miller Lite on hand
Salt/Pepper
French bread/Hoagie sandwhich bread
Provolone Cheese or cheese of your choice

I put a moderate amount of salt/pepper on the chuck roast
Put the chuck roast, beef broth, french onion soup, and beer in the crockpot and let it cook for 7 hours.
After the 7hrs, slice the beef in diagonal pieces.  We had chuck roast and slicing became shredding. Still taste the same.

We used Hoagie sandwhich bread since I couldn't find french bread.  Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Butter the bread and when oven is ready place on a cookie sheet.  Let bread get warm-a little brown-a little toasty.

When bread is done-you may want to drain some of the meat before putting on your sandwhich.  Too much juice may make your sandwhich soggy.

Time to make your sandwhich! Don't forget to put cheese on it! And, use the juice as your au jus dip. It's really yummy!  Here a some pictures.

TPWD is gonna make me become an outdoorsy person!

I was asked the other day by the park manager and one of the park interpreter's if I would be interested to get certified in angler education and archery.  At first, I didn't know how to respond. I didn't really know what angler education was until I asked. My expression probably gave them the hint that I didn't want to attend. Here's the definition of Angler Education:  Learn how to teach others fishing skills and share this new knowledge with your constituents. Instructional topics include knot tying, casting safely, regulations and ethics, and identifying game fish, baits and lures, as well as fishing holes.  My family thinks its hilarious that I am going to learn how to fish then be able to teach others how to.  I have been once in my 28 years of living and my wonderful Dad did all the work for me. I think I was between 7-10yrs old when we went. I remember we were living in Michigan at the time and Mom and I came across a snake and then we were both done with that adventure. I have a fear of nature. I don't like bugs, reptiles, tall grass or anything to do with nature. I really hope this will help my fear. Robert and I have talked about going fishing for awhile now, and after this course-he will NEVER do the bait or anything that I don't want to do. He's going to expect me to do the baiting and such. This certification will allow me to help with the summer camp we hold annually at the park. I have been wanting to help with the camp since I started to work for TPWD. I just don't want to canoe or come across any reptiles/bugs. Not too much to ask, right?!? So, the more I think about it-I remind myself what a great opportunity this is.  Not only for my personal benefit, but for my TPWD career. The plus side is that I will get to experience a state park that I may never have a chance to visit any time soon. The state park is Prairie Haynes and from what I've been seeing-the landscape is beautiful.  I hope to take lots of pictures while I am there. ANNNNND, its during the week of my birthday-mini vacay! :-)   I'm going to make the best of it.

Robert and I may go fishing this weekend.  I think I need a heads up of what I am getting myself into before I go full force next month. LOL

When it's all said and done, I will be certified in Angler Education and Archery!

Where is the Skinny Me?

Wow! Here I go again slacking on my blogging.  I have thought about it but got lazy. 

I guess today, I will blog that I need to make a change. I need motivation to get fit and healthy.  I still pay the gym and I'm not getting an use from it.  Now, that's just stupid.  I'm throwing $10/month away.  I've got to get on track and do something. I was doing so good before our wedding. I had lost 40-50lbs and I've brought it all on plus some.  What was I thinking?  I wasn't. I fell in a comfortable stage and let my control fall apart.  Now, I'm paying for it. I don't want to be like this forever.  I know there's a skinny me somewhere.
I have been eating like I did when I lost weight-I need to add the exercise part. I have been tempting to try the Zumba class at the gym and see how that goes. I like to dance and it seems that they have some type of dancing with it. I just don't want to look like a uncoordinated fool. haha My brother-is the healthy/fit one. It's really not fair. I wish I had his genes. To top it off, he's a personal trainer. Too bad he doesn't live closer to home so he could train me for free. Driving almost an hour each way would be too much. Well, I guess we will see where this goes. Hopefully, I can change my mindset and get moving. Wish me luck-I need it. :-)

1 Year and More to go

So, I've slacked on my blogging.  Let's see if I can bring us up-to-date.
Yesterday was our 1 Year Anniversary.  It sure doesn't feel like it.  We would look at the clock and think of what were doing at that time one year ago.  We spent our day at home and took it easy.  The past few months have been hetic with Robert being sick (and still is) so we kept it low key this year.  I hope we can take a vacation soon.  We were brave and tasted our wedding cake topper.  It was as good as I remember.  We were suprised.  Can't wait to have another taste. 

I bought those plates at Marshall's before the wedding and wanted to use it for this occassion.  :-) That's our cake knife set we had at our wedding.

So, I thought the ribbon looked more black than brown in pictures.  Sure enough, its black!  I guess she ran out of the brown.  I wonder if anyone else noticed?

The filling is rasberry jam.  It's SOOOO GOOD! We have kept Mrs. Jula in business since our wedding.  She has done all of birthday cakes.  Almost time to order another one...

On St. Patricks Day, Rachel had an extra ticket to the HLSR to see Gary Allen.  Of course I went.  His show was awesome. We had a great time.

Oh yeah, one of Gary's band members wore it Kilt. I ♥ Kilts.

Robert isn't 100% yet.  He will probably be seeing a doctor on Friday.  Lucky for him its Good Friday so hopefully a doc will be open to see him.  I really don't know how to explain what's going on with him now.  He is a lot better than he was 2 months ago, but not 100%.

Oh, if anyone is interested...our wedding photos are online.  It took awhile but better late than never. Just go to: http://adamephoto.com/Photo_Gallery.html then scroll down and click on Robert & Kristin Cooper.  Enjoy. 

Well, I've been doing anything and everything to keep me from going to the grocery store.  I really need to get it done before Robert gets home.  I would like to have dinner ready for him. :-)

It's been awhile...

Well, it's been awhile since I've updated on the life of the Cooper's.

Every day is getting better.  We completed week 3 of going to work.  The past couple of days have been a little rough but he is able to work through it. A big accomplishment is that Robert has started back to driving by himself.  I know he was a bit nervous but he did it.  One day when I picked him up he made the comment that he liked being chauffered every day.  On one hand I kinda miss it because we had an extra hour or so to be together and on the other hand I am loving my extra sleep and not having to rush getting ready. 

On 2-27, I got to see Russsell and Brittany get married.  Beautiful day for a wedding.  They make such a cute couple. 

On Wednesday, my best friend Rachel asked me to go to the Houston Rodeo with her.  She came across free tickets and Dierks Bentley was performing.  I was super excited about going.  We were trying to find our seats, we were directed to the glass doors where the "high rollers" go.  That's what I thought anyway.  We looked at eachother a little confused because we thought we were in the wrong place.  We asked another usher and he assured us we were in the right spot. We were like "SWEET!". We enjoyed our $9 bbq baked potato, and $5.25 coke.  There was an awesome looking bar that was calling our name, but we decided to find our seats and watch some rodeo for a bit.  We didn't hit the bar until a lil later.  The margarita was blah and the mixed fruity drink was ok.  I was suprised that drinks were only $5.  Before Dierks was due to come out there was a message shown on a board that we could text message him. So, Rachel did! We were having too much fun with that.  It said something like, "Dierks, We Love You- Section 316!" LOL. She sent another one but I can't remember what it said. Dierks is a cutie and has great music.  After the concert, we decided to walk around the carnival to see what it was all about.  I believe we enjoyed just walking around people watching and meeting "Dave" from Chicago.  He was a bit creepy.  He was running the photobooth and wanted to be all chatty with us and we weren't wanting to be chatty with him. But, overall, the evening was great. 

I am hoping to get some cleaning done this weekend at the house.  Especially our yard! It's embarrassing, to me anyway.  It's been hard since Robert has been ill for the past month.  I have no clue on how to mow! LOL I know that is sad, but its true.  I've never had to do it.  I may have to teach myself because that's how bad it is. 

Well, thats all the ranting for now.  I've included some pictures from the recent activities.

♥

Mr. & Mrs. Russell Ramsey!

Good friends Sarah, Patrick, and Miss Meredith ♥

Yeehaw! Bull Riding

Rae texting Dierks! Section 316 ♥ You

DIERKS BENTLEY!!

These photobooth pictures crack me up. Rae has another we did and its even funnier! Maybe I can steal it for a few to make a copy. :-)

Happy Texas Independence Day Ya'll!

I came across this today and thought I would share.
God Bless Texas!

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A TEXAN


by Bum Phillips

Dear Friends,

Last year, I wrote a small piece about what it means to me to be a Texan. My friends know it means about damned near everything. Anyway, this fella asked me to reprint what I'd wrote and I didn't have it. So I set out to think about rewriting something. I considered writing about all the great things I love about Texas. There are way too many things to list. I can't even begin to do it justice.

Lemme let you in on my short list.

It starts with The Window at Big Bend, which in and of itself is proof of God. It goes to Lake Sam Rayburn where my Grandad taught me more about life than fishin, and enough about fishin to last a lifetime. I can talk about Tyler, and Longview, and Odessa and Cisco, and Abilene and Poteet and every place in between.


Every little part of Texas feels special. Every person who ever flew the Lone Star thinks of Bandera or Victoria or Manor or wherever they call "home" as the best little part of the best state.


So I got to thinkin about it, and here's what I really want to say.


Last year, I talked about all the great places and great heroes who make Texas what it is. I talked about Willie and Waylon and Michael Dell and Michael DeBakey and my Dad and LBJ and Denton Cooley. I talked about everybody that came to mind. It took me sitting here tonight reading this stack of emails and thinkin about where I've been and what I've done since the last time I wrote on this occasion to remind me what it is about Texas that is really great.


You see, this last month or so I finally went to Europe for the first time. I hadn't ever been, and didn't too much want to. But you know all my damned friends are always talking about "the time they went to Europe." So, I finally went. It was a hell of a trip to be sure. All they did when they saw me was say the same thing, before they'd ever met me. "Hey cowboy, we love Texas." I guess the hat tipped em off.

But let me tell you what, they all came up with a smile on their faces. You know why? They knew for damned sure that I was gonna be nice to em. They knew it cause they knew I was from Texas. They knew something that hadn't even hit me. They knew Texans, even though they'd never met one.

That's when it occurred to me. Do you know what is great about Texas? Do you know why when my friend Beverly and I were trekking across country to see 15 baseball games we got sick and had to come home after 8? Do you know whyevery time I cross the border I say, "Lord, please don't let me die in_____"? Do you know why children in Japan can look at a picture of the great State and know exactly what it is about the same time they can tell a rhombus from a trapezoid?

I can tell you that right quick. You.

The samespirit that made 186 men cross that line in the sand in San Antonio damned near 165 years ago is still in you today. Why else would my friend send me William Barrett Travis' plea for help in an email just a week ago, or why would Charles Stanfield ask me to reprint a Texas Independence column from a year ago? What would make my friend Elizabeth say, "I don't know if I can marry a man who doesn't love Texas like I do?" Why in the hell are 1,000 people coming to my house this weekend to celebrate a holiday for what usedto be a nation that is now a state?

Because the spirit that made that nation is the spirit that burned in every person who founded this great place we call Texas, and they passed it on through blood or sweat to everyone of us.

You see, that spirit that made Texas what it is is alive in all of us, even if we can't stand next to a cannon to prove it, and it's our responsibility to keep that fire burning. Every person who ever put a"Native Texan" or an "I wasn't born in Texas but I got here as fast as I could" sticker on his car understands.
Anyone who ever hung a map of Texas on their wall or flew a Lone Star flag on their porch knows what I mean. My Dad's buddy Bill has an old saying. He says that some people were forged of a hotter fire. Well, that's what it is to be Texan. To be forged of a hotter fire. To know that part of Colorado was Texas. That part of New Mexico was Texas. That part of Oklahoma was Texas. Yep. Talk all you want. Part of what you got was what we gave you. To look at a picture of Idaho or Istanbul and say, "what the Hell is that?" when you know that anyone in Idaho or Istanbul who sees a picture of Texas knows damned good and well what it is. It isn't the shape, it isn't the state, it's the state of mind.

You're what makes Texas. The fact that you would take 15 minutes out of your day to read this, because that's what Texas means to you, that's what makes Texas what it is. The fact that when you see the guy in front of you litter you honk and think, "Sonofabitch. Littering on MY highway."

When was the last time you went to a person's house in New York and you saw a big map of New York on their wall? That was never. When did you ever drive through Oklahoma and see their flag waving on four businesses in a row? Can you even tell me what the flag in Louisiana looks like? I damned sure can't. But I bet my ass you can't drive 20 minutes from your house and not see a business that has a big Texas flag as part of its logo. If you haven't done business with someone called AllTex something or Lone Star somebody or other, or Texas such and such, you hadn't lived here for too long.

When you ask a man from New York what he is, he'll say a stockbroker, or an accountant, or an ad exec. When you ask a woman from California what she is, she'll tell you her last name or her major. Hell either of em might say "I'm a republican," or they might be a democrat. When you ask a Texan what they are, before they say, "I'm a Methodist," or "I'm a lawyer," or "I'm a Smith," they tell you they're a Texan.

I got nothin against all those other places, and Lord knows they've probably got some fine folks, but in your gut you know it just like I do, Texas is just a little different.
So tomorrow when you drive down the road and you see a person broken down on the side of the road, stop and help. When you are in a bar in California, buy a Californian a drink and tell him it's for Texas Independence Day. Remind the person in the cube next to you that he wouldn't be here enjoying this if it weren't for Sam Houston, and if he or she doesn't know the story, tell them.

When William Barrettt Travis wrote in 1836 that he would never surrender and he would have Victory or Death, what he was really saying was that he and his men were forged of a hotter fire. They weren't your average everyday men. Well, that is what it means to be a Texan. It meant it then, and that's why it means it today. It means just what all those people North of the Red River accuse us of thinking it means. It means there's no mountain that we can't climb. It means that we can swim the Gulf in the winter. It means that Earl Campbell ran harder and Houston is bigger and Dallas is richer and Alpine is hotter and Stevie Ray was smoother and God vacations in Texas. It means that come Hell or high water, when the chips are down and the Good Lord is watching, we're Texans by damned, and just like in 1836, that counts for something.

So for today at least, when your chance comes around, go out and prove it. It's true because we believe it's true. If you are sitting wondering what the Hell I'm talking about, this ain't for you. But if the first thing you are going to do when the Good Lord calls your number is find the men who sat in that tiny mission in San Antonio and shake their hands, then you're the reason I wrote this night, and this is for you.


So until next time you hear from me, God Bless and Happy Texas Independence Day.

Happy Hump Day

Don't have much to talk about right now, but a friend of mine posted something about Justaddwalter Blog. So, I thought I would share.  It's pretty neat.  The blogger is having a give-away. 
Hope everyone is having a wonderful Wednesday.

Never believed in the groundhog story til now...

My gosh, its cold in southeast Texas!  People complain about our summers but I am totally ready for the sun! Weather reports say we may get snow today.  North Houston for sure will get some, not sure if it will make it to the eastside.  Mister Groundhog should have stayed in his hole.

I have to say that Robert is doing better each day.  But, headaches have started now and they are becoming more frequent than what they should be.  We don't think it has to do anything with seizures since both of his MRI's came back good.  He may need to see an eye doctor.  Robert is just a puzzle. :-) I am so thankful that he is becoming normal each day. 

Tonight is our Lost night.  Robert's Mom comes over to join us for the show.  She may not come by tonight since the weather is supposed to be nasty.  They keep saying our questions are going to be answered but I'm not seeing that.  They keep giving us more questions to think about.

I hope everyone is staying warm and having a great day.
♥

 

LaLaLaLa

Today is 1 month before Robert and I celebrate our 1 year anniversary! I sit here and think of what I was doing this time last year.  I believe we had my wedding shower this time last year.  I am so blessed to have great friends in my life to have hosted such a wonderful shower.  I am very appreciative of what they did for me.   Here are some pictures from that day.

Me with my Mom, Lori (Robert's Mom), Grandma Matilda (Robert's Grandma)

    Rachel and I ♥

Me and Kim (Robert's Sister)

My ladies: Rachel, Jenn, Lisa (with Dalton), and Sarah

With a rough last month of Robert being ill, I still consider myself to be blessed and thankful for so many things in my life.  We have a wonderful family and a group of friends that are amazing. 

I have been thinking of what I could do for Robert for our 1 year anniversary.  I'd love to hear some of your ideas.

This past Thursday while at work I noticed something in the sky. I knew an airplane was around somewhere, but this image brought a smile to my face.  It gave me a reminder of what life is about and reassuring my faith. It was really nice to see this.

As many of you know, my days off our Sunday and Mondays.  Not my favorite but you have to do what you got to do.  Today was a very lazy day until about 4pm.  I figured I better get myself motivated to get some house work done.  I dusted, vaccumed, swiftted, and on my last load of laundry.  Tomorrow will be a busy day for me.  Robert isn't comfortable driving far right now so I will be taking him to a training in the morning then off to take him to work.  While he's a work I am going to take advantage of the super nice looking

H-E-B near where he works. I ♥ H-E-B, but the one in Baytown stinks.  It's super small and limited on products.  I will probably spend most of my time there before having to pick him up from work because I like to take my time to shop.  I read labels, prices, and check coupons.  I know I sound crazy but you have to do that to save money and calories.  You should see my coupons.  I have a little file and all. I am the crazy person I use to roll my eyes at when I got behind someone at the checkout.  LoL.  The coupon I am super excited to use tomorrow is my Buy 1 Get 1 Free Purex 3 in 1 laundry sheet!  I ♥ them! They really do make your stuff soft.   

Oh the exciting things when you are married.  I never thought I would get excited over laundry sheets! 

Robert's days are getting better.  Friday wasn't a real good day but he made it through the day at work.  He worked a full week! YAY! Saturday was 95% good, I would say.  His friends Dave and Greg came by to hang out with him and took him out to lunch (Bayou City Wings) for some guy time. He started to feel bad and left BCW soon to get home.  Later that night Dave and Robert went out to play pool and he had a good time and he felt good.  Thanks guys for getting him out of the house! He needs some "normalcy" back in his life.

Well, that's all for now.  Not too much going on-mostly ranting. 

Unitl next time...

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” - Matthew 5:8