The Sanborns » Personal http://grayandbecca.com Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:41:54 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Lately… http://grayandbecca.com/2012/02/09/lately/ http://grayandbecca.com/2012/02/09/lately/#comments Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:41:54 +0000 Becca http://grayandbecca.com/?p=2640 How have you been?

I am currently sitting up in my bed with the laptop. It’s cold and rather than cuddling with the cat on the couch under a blanket, I’m cuddling with the laptop and the cat is trying her best to find a way to get my wedding rings, sitting on my nightstand. Yes, I take my wedding rings off at home/when I sleep because my ring fingers wells up otherwise.

It’s been a dreary few days here in Nashville and I think we can finally admit defeat, winter is here. It’s not that I dislike winter, but I was enjoying being able to take daily walks with my husband and not having to fear for my life while driving at night on the interstate. You see, winter here occasionally brings snow, but the snow usually fades quickly into black ice. Tennessee drivers have a reputation to uphold, one that usually leaves people honking or screaming at us. Naturally, that disposition doesn’t change just because some white stuff is on the ground, ice or not.

So here I sit, waiting impatiently for my final test grade. My calculation was a good outcome, but I’m dying to know if I calculate correctly, because I was super close to the pass/fail line. It won’t be the end of the world if I did fail, except it would be by one point and it’s just plain annoying.

I’m actually not feeling entirely up to par. My sinuses are going crazy because our weather can’t make up its mind. I’ve taken my allergy medicine daily and I’m beginning to think it’s time for a change.

Change is good and we’ve done some great change around here. As previously posted, on of our goals this month is to not spend extra money and to try to pay off another student loan. We’ve done great so far with the spending part, not giving in to going out once in the past eight days. I really wanted to cave last Saturday, but that’s why I have Gray to tell me no, heh. As far as the loan, it’s budgeted to be paid off, but we’re waiting on a paycheck to do so. Maybe by the end of the next week?! It’s so much fun paying off debt. I once told Brooke that it’s easier for me to keep a budget when we have debt because I want the debt paid off so I will make sure all the extra money goes towards paying the bill. So anyways, I’m sure one day when we have a mortgage, I will attack it with a vengeance!

Well, it’s time to go cook, so let me know how your life has been because school makes it hard to keep track of everyone’s blog/twitter/facebook all the time and let’s face it, I never call anyone.

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]]> http://grayandbecca.com/2012/02/09/lately/feed/ 1 February 2012 Goals http://grayandbecca.com/2012/02/01/february-2012-goals/ http://grayandbecca.com/2012/02/01/february-2012-goals/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:00:37 +0000 Becca http://grayandbecca.com/?p=2619

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No eating out…

I should preface by saying there are three exceptions. We are allowed to eat out for Valentine’s Day, during the weekend road trip to Justin’s wedding, and we each get one day of eating bad because of school/work. Hopefully this will cut down on our trips to fast food or just to get desserts.

Focused Budget…

This probably won’t make much sense to anyone who is not in our family, but we’re tightening the budget this month, meaning no “extra” spending outside what is necessary. We do still have personal spending, but that’s the only extra, aside from the above eating out. Next month our budget is making a major change, so we’re trying to save pennies this month.

Pay off a student loan…

One of Gray’s loans is pretty close to being wiped out, so our goal is to wipe it out. Pretty simple.

Read three physical books, not via kindle…

As you probably remember, I got a kindle for Christmas. However, long before the kindle arrived I had a pile of 15-20 books that I had purchased and wanted to read. This pile has fallen to the back of my reading list, mainly because of all the library books I chose to borrow this month. My goal this month is to read three books from my pile and that includes reading “The Fault in Our Stars”, “One Thousand Gifts”, and “Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister.” I figured if I actually post this goal, I will be more likely to read these books in particular.

Donate some clothes to Goodwill…

I’ve cleaned out closets the past few weeks and one thing I really need to do is go through my closet and weed out some clothes. There are shirts I am keeping because I’d like to make them into a t-shirt quilt, but I’m not sure that will happen anytime soon.

Order some photos specifically for scrapbooking…

This weekend I finally went through a box I’ve kept of all my stuff from Disney. If you didn’t know, I did a summer project with Cru at Disney World in 2006. So it’s been almost six years and I really need to just do this scrapbook business. I also sorted through some souvenirs for scrapbooking my trip to Sweden and there is also our wedding, the honeymoon, and probably some other fun times I need to catch up on doing. Luckily, I do have a free 25 photos from snapfish to redeem so I’ll probably get this started soon.

I’m sure there are other goals I am forgetting, and I will add them here if I remember them.

 

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]]> http://grayandbecca.com/2012/02/01/february-2012-goals/feed/ 4 Recipe: Oyster Crackers http://grayandbecca.com/2012/01/27/recipe-oyster-crackers/ http://grayandbecca.com/2012/01/27/recipe-oyster-crackers/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000 Becca http://grayandbecca.com/?p=2591 So, did you know I uploaded at least two recipes worth of photos two years ago and then never did the post for them? *hangs head in shame*

This recipe was given to me by mother-in-law Cathy. She has made these a few times and they are soooooo addicting. I apologize for the crappy quality of the photos. These were taken on my old cell phone and let’s just say it wasn’t smart. Also, this was our first apartment  together, so this was ages ago!

Oyster Cracker Ingredients

The ingredients:

16 oz box of oyster crackers
3/4-1 cup salad oil (we used olive oil)
1/4 tsp lemon pepper
1/4 tsp dill weed
1 pkg ranch dressing mix
1/4 tsp garlic powder

First, pre-heat your oven to 350*.

Measure out 3/4-1 cup oil, I used olive oil.

Measure out 3/4-1 cup olive oil

 

1/4 tsp of lemon pepper.

Add 1/4 tsp lemon pepper

1/4 tsp dill weed

Add 1/4 tsp dill weed

1/4 tsp garlic powder

Add 1/4 tsp garlic powder

1 whole ranch packet

Dump in a whole ranch packet

Mix it all together.

Now, mix it all together.

Pour over oyster crackers

Pour the mixture over the oyster crackers, make sure to shake the crackers so it spreads well.

 

Baked in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Be sure to turn oven down to 250*.

Place them in the oven, making sure to lower the temperature from 350* to 250*. Bake for 20-25 minutes, make sure to toss the crackers at least once.

Oyster Crackers - February 14

You can pull them out when they are toasted, be sure to look them cool off before tasting!

The final product

Yum! We always have so many crackers and it’s a wonderful way to get a flavorful treat!

 

 

Recipe: Oyster Crackers
Print
Recipe type: Snack
Author: Cooks.com
Prep time: 10 mins
Cook time: 25 mins
Total time: 35 mins
Serves: a lot
Oyster crackers, a wonderful snack!
Ingredients
  • 16 oz box of oyster crackers
  • 3/4-1 cup salad oil
  • 1/4 tsp lemon pepper
  • 1/4 tsp dill weed
  • 1 pkg ranch dressing mix
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat oven to 350*.
  2. Combine all the ingredients, except the oyster crackers in a bowl.
  3. Place the crackers in a shallow pan (such as a baked sheet) and cover them with the mixed ingredients.
  4. Put crackers in oven and turn the oven down to 250*.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, tossing once.

 

 

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    ]]>     http://grayandbecca.com/2012/01/27/recipe-oyster-crackers/feed/ 0     Tale as Old as Time http://grayandbecca.com/2012/01/25/tale-as-old-as-time/ http://grayandbecca.com/2012/01/25/tale-as-old-as-time/#comments Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:07:59 +0000 Becca http://grayandbecca.com/?p=2595 Before I talk about the movie, I want to transport you back in time. I never saw this movie in theaters back when I was a kid. I’m not exactly sure when I saw the movie or even where, but I always loved it. So much so that I had a Beast Barbie doll. Seriously. The only “Ken” doll I can remember surviving. I didn’t like his long hair, so I shaved him. Oh, and that beast head was awful to get on and off, so I got rid of it too.

    I also had the magic mirror, again, seriously. I loved that thing.

    So yes, I always liked the animated movie, but there was another version of the story I liked just as much. Oh yes, I LOVED this version as well. You can watch the trailer here.

    I told Gray last night that the reason I love this story so much is that I can identify with Belle. Now, I was raised by both parents, but reading was all I had as a kid. I’ve always been a nerd, and I’m pretty sure that’s what my school age classmates could tell you. Reading was my escape from a time where I really had no friends. Belle made reading cool, at least for me. Plus, as much as I wished I could claim red hair, let’s face it, I’m a brunette with red undertones, maybe a really dark auburn, but not enough to count as Ariel.

    Anyways, we went to see the movie in 3D last night. I had hemmed and hawed about going to see the movie and then everyone and their brother had seen it and I looked up showtimes, only to realize it’s only in theaters until Thursday. We had a movie gift card from my brother and sister-in-law and hadn’t been able to decide on another movie, so we went.

    I absolutely loved it, and bawled like a baby at the end, like I always do.

    I’ve really enjoy seeing these “classics” that I never saw in theaters again. We’ve already made plans to go see Titanic in April, because Gray claims he never saw it and DUDE, it’s Titanic!

    P.S. – Somewhere around here is the sheet music to “Tale as Old as Time” and I used to play it back in high school… love that song.

    P.P.S. – Squee!

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    ]]>     http://grayandbecca.com/2012/01/25/tale-as-old-as-time/feed/ 4     Wordless Wednesday http://grayandbecca.com/2012/01/04/wordless-wednesday/ http://grayandbecca.com/2012/01/04/wordless-wednesday/#comments Wed, 04 Jan 2012 21:08:32 +0000 Becca http://grayandbecca.com/?p=2519 Ready to go

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    ]]>     http://grayandbecca.com/2012/01/04/wordless-wednesday/feed/ 0     New Year’s Eve http://grayandbecca.com/2012/01/01/new-years-eve/ http://grayandbecca.com/2012/01/01/new-years-eve/#comments Mon, 02 Jan 2012 04:20:04 +0000 Becca http://grayandbecca.com/?p=2515 Our New Year’s Eve was not at all what we originally planned, but that’s okay because it turned out better.

    Friday night Gray’s mom Cathy called to invite us down to Jackson for a family get together on Saturday afternoon. It turned out his (Gray) brother Taylor and fiance Liz were coming home early, so we decided to go ahead and make the trip back to West Tennessee, just a few days after coming home from said area.

    So we loaded up the new car and headed off. After a slight detour at Chic-fil-a and Starbucks, we were on our way!

    Gray

    Self Portrait

    We arrived at our destination with a few minutes to spare. It was great to see the family from Florida and we saw some relatives of Gray’s whom we had not seen since our wedding, close to 4 years ago!

    After lunch, Gray and I showed off the new car before playing a round of Catch Phrase with the cousins. Team Liz Ruth, Sean/Jenny, and Becca FTW!

    After a little more fun, it was time for us to head home. The drive home seemed shorter than usual, and we arrived back at around five.

    Of course, we didn’t really have much food so I suggested Wendy’s, but first, we HAD to find black eyed peas.

    Well, the Target in on Old Hickory did not have black eyed peas OR decent jalapeno chips. What? You don’t eat those for New Year’s? haha

    A stop at the Neighborhood Wal-mart and we had the peas as well as GOOD jalapeno chips. What? I’m obsessed.

    So we came back home and I don’t recall doing much. I tried to watch the New Year’s eve stuff on television, but I grew sleepy and I fell asleep by 11:30, no joke.

    How was your New Year’s Eve? Oh and Happy New Year!

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    ]]>     http://grayandbecca.com/2012/01/01/new-years-eve/feed/ 1     25 Days of Christmas: 1-5 http://grayandbecca.com/2011/12/05/25-days-of-christmas-1-5/ http://grayandbecca.com/2011/12/05/25-days-of-christmas-1-5/#comments Mon, 05 Dec 2011 11:00:29 +0000 Becca http://grayandbecca.com/?p=2439
    To kick start the 25 Days of Christmas, I am counting down to Christmas with my top 25 Christmas movies. Now, before you say anything, these are not in any specific order.

    1. Elf
    2. Home Alone
    3. Home Alone 2
    4. It’s A Wonderful Life
    5. A Christmas Carol

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    ]]>     http://grayandbecca.com/2011/12/05/25-days-of-christmas-1-5/feed/ 4     Happy (almost) birthday, Bellatrix http://grayandbecca.com/2011/11/29/happy-almost-birthday-bellatrix/ http://grayandbecca.com/2011/11/29/happy-almost-birthday-bellatrix/#comments Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:32:18 +0000 Becca http://grayandbecca.com/?p=2314 Bellatrix is almost considered an adult cat, not just a kitten. She will turn a year old in just over a week on December 7th!

    She certainly is a sweet cat, although Gray would probably argue and say she’s an evil cat. heh.

    I’ve really enjoyed this step into pet ownership. While some may argue, I know she is preparing us both for the future with children. No, it’s not the same, but we’re still learning more responsibility than we had previously.

    Bella is a quirky cat. She currently enjoys licking everything, include your feet, the bathtub, and toilet paper. Yes, our cat licks the toilet paper rather than scratching it, go figure.

    We’ve discovered the joy of the witching hour, which is where the cat runs around making a strange noise and bouncing off the walls. This behavior comes out or nowhere and we don’t give her catnip on a regular basis, so I’m not sure what causes it. She hasn’t done anything too strange during this time, but twice now she has knocked some food/drink out of my hand. Hot coffee all over your pants is not fun, personal experience.

    I’m to the point where I can remember life before her, but I really don’t want to imagine life without her. We were gone for a few days during Thanksgiving and she stayed at the vet. I missed her terribly and picked her up first thing Monday morning in the cold rain. She was as happy to see me as I was to see her.

    I never thought I’d be a cat person, but I just can’t imagine life without a cat, and I know we got lucky with her.

    Oh Bella, you make life better.

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    ]]>     http://grayandbecca.com/2011/11/29/happy-almost-birthday-bellatrix/feed/ 2     Thanksgiving http://grayandbecca.com/2011/11/24/thanksgiving-2/ http://grayandbecca.com/2011/11/24/thanksgiving-2/#comments Thu, 24 Nov 2011 11:00:27 +0000 Becca http://grayandbecca.com/?p=2312 Today our country gives thanks, and here is my list.

    • Salvation. I’m thankful that Jesus came and died on the cross for me. What sweeter gift is there?
    • My Husband. I’m thankful for everything Gray does to provide for us as a family. He’s pretty awesome.
    • Bellatrix. I get so attached to my animals, and I love my kitty.
    • Family. I love both of our families and the support they show us.
    • Friends. Some of our friends are family too, and they are the best friends, ever.
    • You guys. I’m thankful someone reads this blog. :)
    • Life. I’m thankful to be alive, and grateful for the chance to live this life.

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      ]]> http://grayandbecca.com/2011/11/24/thanksgiving-2/feed/ 0 Oh Christmas Tree http://grayandbecca.com/2011/11/22/oh-christmas-tree/ http://grayandbecca.com/2011/11/22/oh-christmas-tree/#comments Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:10:00 +0000 Becca http://grayandbecca.com/?p=2399 Last night I plugged in our Christmas tree, just to see what Bella would do…

      Can you spot the Bellatrix?

      I haven’t turned the tree on much because I don’t want to babysit the cat and keep her from chewing on the *bright lights*.

      I do have to say that the tree looks pretty just lit up, without the ornaments. Considering that the cat has attacked it every day the past few weeks, it’s doing pretty good.

      What are your tips for tying on the ornaments? Picture hanging wire?

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