Restaurant Reviews and a little more

On our family trip to Fredericksburg my Dad offered a suggestion and I decided to give it a try. He said I should start putting Restaurant reviews on my blog…not sure how to take that…either we eat out a lot or we like to eat a lot….both are true so I decided to go for it….So far this summer we have gone to 

--Santa Fe (on a weekend getaway) we ate at one of my favorite places in Santa Fe which is Tomasita's. Happens to be one of Randy Travis's favorite places as well. I get the Wednesday special which is blue corn chicken enchiladas. Yummy! Don't pass up the guacamole and chips before your meal come.s We stayed at a resort and casino that was nice as well…Great restaurants in there and a very  nice ran hotel. The dollar black jack table was my favorite as well…I'm a big spender :) 

--Fredericksburg…one of my favorite places to visit because of the slow pass, nice people….and bakeries. So, let me be clear on one thing….if you like German food. This is the town you need to get too…ASAP! I however am not a fan. All restaurants have other options besides German so you can find something at each place…the bread as far as for hamburgers and sandwiches is the way to go in my book…it is homemade a fresh at most places…yummo….but as far as places to not pass up I guess I have a few :) On this trip we found a place called Cranky Franks. I found it on my google search. BBQ is what they serve. We drove up and Chad looked at me and said " are you sure?" I laughed and said I trust google…so we went in. I ordered Ribs... I picked up a rib and it fell off the bone. The sides were okay but who needs sides when you have ribs like that? It's a little off the beaten path but worth the 5 min. drive from town. As far as breakfast and lunch I am not sure you can go wrong. if you want a bakery there are a few. I like one on main street called Java house. Wonderful coffee and great muffins and sandwiches. My other suggestion would be if Rebecca Rather opens a new place no matter what you have to try it. She has lost the lease of the last place she was at but looking for a new place. So always google her and see what you find. This is News Dan Rather's daughter and is known for her desserts and pastries. My only other Fredericksburg suggestion would be a jewelry place. The Texas Silver Rush Joe the owner will welcome you with a smile and help you find a piece that is just right for you. He does great business and don't go to Fredericksburg and not stop by and see him! 

Artesia -- Go to LaFonda. My Favorite place for Mexican food…unless you are wanting more of a salad type of meal and Pecos Diamond is the place to go with a wonderful salad bar! We are headed to OKC soon so I guess there will be a part two with more food suggestions..

Until Later,

Update on Aj

Hello our sweet prayer warriors, friend and family! Aj had a doctor's appt last week and here is the upcoming plan we would love for you to start praying about in advance. 

She met with a specialist and felt that their team was very amazing. The specialist knows both her oncologist and plastic surgeon personally. This was a big relief to Aj. She is going to have 2 surgeries in October at the same time. She will have a hysterectomy and her reconstruction at this time. All 3 doctors will consult and confirm this decision and work out the best plan for Aj. She has some lab work that is out and waiting to get that back in but, we trust that God has that all cover and will come back perfect. We cannot say enough how very much your love, support, notes, email, calls and prayers are. Thank you isn't enough but please know that God has used each of you to teach all of some wonderful lessons. Thank you for being His hands and His feet. 

Over flowing with love for our friends, 

Technology Shock!

The other day I had a really bad day…You know one of those days you get up and know nothing is going to go right. You start by spilling half of your brand new make up on the floor, have to call a 1-800 number for custom service and have to hold for 30 minutes, spill anything you touch…..you know…that kind of day. I work up prayed that God would join me and help me to turn this day around. I had a friend call and share some things that were weighing them down and we prayed together…and I got on the elliptical to fight another day of trying to be heather…so, when this day kept going down hill I knew who was behind it. As I was on my way out the door to run to town I reached in my purse to get my keys out and dropped my iPhone flat on the concrete. I looked down and yep…it was shattered. This following a long conversation with my kids that money didn't grow on trees and we just need to be mindful of how much things cost….well, I can tell you this much. I learned that phone insurance just means you can get a new phone at the great price of 199.00 or you can pay 130.00 bucks to get your screen replaced. But, in the middle of all this I knew God was in the middle of teaching me a lesson. Here are a few things I learned. 

---I am too dependent on my phone and technology. I was sick at my stomach when I dropped that phone. I came back in and Chad didn't tell me how dumb it was I was holding my phone while juggling many other things, he jumped right on the computer trying to help me get it fixed….but, I didn't think I could go the night without my phone…dependent….I was 100% dependent. 

---Why do we need phones? Lots of good reasons…but, really is it bad that I might have to go a few hours without someone getting a hold of me. In this day and time we get annoyed if we call and someone doesn't answer….and if we then text and they answer right away. Really…what did we do before we had phones.

---Meals….new Cook rule…no phones at the table…if we can't make dinner time a time to visit and talk to each other without Facebook or texting we have a real problem…rule set. We will see how it goes.

---On the note of Facebook. I am learning that Facebook is a place I get stressed and sometimes get my feelings hurt. I need to use Facebook for just what it was made for…keeping up with friends. But, checking it 20 times a day…is not needed. So, because of this whole phone shatter mess I am learning about how much time I waste on Facebook I could be washing close or getting things blogged or cleaned out. 

Just like in everything….moderation is the key. Technology is a great thing if we use it for what it was meant and in small amounts. This is going to be a struggle I can tell you after just one day. But, God has laid it heavy on my heart that I need to be more worried about the time my kids are small and home and want my attention…Facebook will be here when they are not.

I have just giggled every time I think about how crazy I was over a silly phone that is replaceable and then I am thankful for the message God taught me in the middle of a Terrible, Horrible, no good, Very, Bad, Day! 

Even on the dark days….He loves me! 

Amazing Man!

Curtis Teel -- is a one of a kind man. He was featured in the Artesia paper not long ago. Mom and Dad had this section waiting in our basket in Fredericksburg. I remember Curtis growing up. Living in Artesia about 5 years old I would wake up from my nap to make sure I was on the porch in time to see Curtis. Later he married my Dad's Cousin Kaye. So thankful for this man our sweet Kaileigh looks at Curtis the same way I used to. He is always so thoughtful of my kids. He has made them many handcrafted treasures that mean so much to each of us. Thanks Curtis for setting such a Godly example to so many. Thanks for loving our family and always being willing to serve. You are such a wonderful blessing and always willing to help anyone in need. Some of my most treasured memories of times spent with you and Kaye have Granny in them...Granny loved you both so much and was so proud you joined the family. Thank you Curtis for all your years of service but more than that thank you for having a heart for people.  

Feeling Blessed! 

Fredericksburg Pictures

Breakfast each morning in Fredericksburg is a treat! KK got a huge treat when she ordered one pancake..

 James Avery Factory isn't far from Fredericksburg so we took a group over to enjoy that! 

 Chad and are Twins and he was SUPER excited about the James Avery site...he is always such a great sport! 

 Traveling is hard on a girl!

 This is mom and dad opening a book we put together for them. It was full of 40 lessons they have taught their kids and grandkids...followed with letters from friends from all over the world. 

 Cousins Traveling Fun! 

 Steve and Beverly celebrating their 30th --- Mom and Dad celebrating their 40th 

 Matt, Callie and Avery Whittington! Just a sweet family! 

 Me and Mom! I love this lady! 

 I am sooo thankful that God made this man just for me...I love him!! (avoid my hair that is sticking right up because of the wind)

 Three suckers....bahh! 

 Sweet as sugar! 

Chuck wagon meal...so neat, and yummy food. Thanks Dad for planning this the kids thought it was so cool to have supper served from a chuck wagon! 

 Guy and Betty Ford -- Deer Park Texas...our family has been blessed by their friendship for 20 plus years. Thank you Guy and Betty for making the trip and spending time with our family! 

 Our Cottages! Would love to be sitting on those porches now! 

 The deer would come up to the cottages and eat and graze. So peaceful! 

 Oreo Cow?!?!?!

God's Handy Work! Amazing! 

Love to all!