New things

I think it is safe to say that since everything that happened with Graham, our little family has started to turn over a new leaf.  And try new things.

Now, this can range from really big, meaningful things to some not-so big things - like experimenting in the kitchen.  Matt and I started at the beginning of April with healthier eating and menu planning.  One of our friends posted on her facebook last week about a Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps recipe.  And if you know me, vegetarian wouldn't ever be associated with my name.  AND it contains tofu! 

However, Matt decided we needed to try them out and took on the task the other night.

Um, I can't believe we are actually doing this.

Maybe I shouldn't watch the process, because that right there just doesn't look appetizing.  I am all about consistency - and that looks way too mushy for me.

But this looks pretty yummy!

Getting better...

Hmm...that sure doesn't look like tofu. 

Also, you'll see that we baked some sweet potato slices (pictured in the top left corner).  I am unrecognizable at this moment.

And our friend, JC, came over for dinner since he was by himself that week while his wifey went to youth camp.  Like a good guest, he didn't come empty-handed.  Add to the scene some carrots, jicama, and hummus. 

OK, boys, you try it first and if you don't die then I will start eating.

And not to leave out our non-participating three year old, here he is "trying out" his hot dog. 

Thankfully, all three boys survived their first bite so I felt safe eating my lettuce wraps.  You'll notice that there are not any more pictures because I was too busy eating from there on out.  They were YUMMY!  I was definitely pleasantly surprised, and I do believe that these lettuce wraps will now be added to the Dugan family dinner rotation.

Surprise!

As you should all know by now - all 7 avid readers of my blog - that I turned 30 in May.  I thought after my fun office decorations, along with a surprise dinner party at our house, that the celebrations were over.  Oh, and a cruise planned to celebrate our anniversary and my birthday.

But I was wrong.

My mom, sister-in-law, aunt, and cousins were coming in town the first week of June for a girl's weekend in downtown Fort Worth.  We had done this a couple of years ago for my cousin's 40th birthday in Dallas.  So, obviously, I didn't think anything about celebrating my 30th with them.

This was the view from our hotel room right off of Sundance Square.

We had a great time on Friday night eating yummy Mexican food and walking around downtown. We ended up at Pete's Dueling Pianos and had a great time singing along to all sorts of songs.

Saturday morning we got up and we all got pedicures.  I needed my toes down for the upcoming cruise, because I definitely wanted the obligatory "toes in the sand" picture.  We also had a nice lunch and shopped around for awhile.  At lunchtime my mom told me that they had a surprise dinner planned so we all had to be ready to leave at 6:00 pm.

Little did I know it involved a blindfold.  And a 20 minute car ride that started making me nauseous towards the end.

But we finally arrived at our destination (our church, Wedgwood Baptist) and after a lot of maneuvering up curbs, stairs, and hallways, was surprised by 50+ of my sweet friends. There was yummy food - fajitas, rice, beans, salsa, and a chocolate fountain. There was a scrapbook area where Matt had some of my out-of-town friends send in notes and pictures of us, and then the friends who were at the party were able to write notes to me, too. There was also a photo-booth area where we were able to use props to take fun photos.

It was a great night and so unexpected.  I am so blessed by my friends and especially my sweet hubby.  With all of them by my side, I don't think my 31st year will be too bad.



Father's Day

We have just gotten out of a very busy month, where I basically got spoiled over and over again by my husband.  I haven't even posted yet about my surprise birthday party! 

Anyways, I am glad, especially now, that I decided to do something special for Matt for Father's Day this year.  I like to think that I always try to celebrate him well by cooking him some yummy food and letting him know how much Parker and I appreciate all he does for our family.  But this year I decided to also buy us tickets to a Rangers game.  This was a little special because this was Parker's (and mine!) first Rangers game, so it was nice that it was on Father's Day weekend.  Especially since Matt has really wanted to take Parker to a game for quite awhile now.

 The view from our parking lot.  Matt didn't know exercise was included in this gift!

 The view from our seats!  The second row on the top level - in the shade.  Not too shabby.

 Parenting mistake admission: We told Parker there may be fireworks at the game.  Matt told Parker that if the Rangers hit a homerun then there would be fireworks.  Well, even though Parker has never even seen fireworks in real life, he has decided that he is scared of them and that they are too loud.  So, we walk into the stadium and Parker is on edge about the fireworks that may or may not come.  So, the game started off on the wrong, sweaty foot.

 But, have no fear.  A strawberry chill can make anyone cheer up.  And forget about the fireworks for a moment or two.

 Oh, and letting the three year old take pictures with the camera always helps, too.  Bonus points: you follow the "photographer's" directions and open your mouth. 

 Family photo.  The three year old photographer is doing much better, and seems to think every picture should have someone with a mouth open in it.

 George W. and Nolan enjoying the game together.  Laura, too.

 The boys left on a potty break and came back with more treats!

 The kiss cam time is always fun, but it was super sweet to see a marriage proposal on the monitors.  By the way, she said yes!

 Finally, the bats were warming up!  After being down 3-0 to the Astros for the first 4 innings, the 5th inning sure did get exciting. 

 Aaannndd, Nellie Cruz homered and brought in 2 runs.  The scary, loud fireworks were barely heard over the cheering and clapping.

 Even though the fireworks weren't very loud, Parker decided he needed to be on "ear patrol" again.  You know, just in case. 

 My two handsome boys.

I also made this card for Matt from Parker (thank you Pinterest).

I don't think Parker quite understands what a wonderful daddy he has. But, I know with time he will realize how very blessed he is to have a daddy who loves him unconditionally, and lets him know it over and over again.