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Love,
Alicia

B is for Blogging!

Writing with a PURPOSE!

I've been doing a lot of thinking about my blog. Wow, writing that down sounds kind of odd... ha! But I've seen so many blogs that have great themes for different days of the week and thought... hey what a great idea!

So next week I've decided that I would be writing with a specific purpose... or better put a "specific theme!" Now I have no clue how long I'll keep up with these specific concepts but thought hey for one week sounds like a plan.

Here they are:

Monday: Weekend Wrap Up!
Tuesday: Time out Tuesdays!
Wednesday: Wordless Wednesdays!
Thursday: Thoughtful Thursdays!
Friday: Funday Friday Funtivities Post!

So, what do you think?

in advance for your thoughts and comments! I sure do appreciate them:) Have a wonderful Thursday!

Picture Perfect:)

If you could capture specific moments in your life and hold onto them forever, which moments would those be?!?!

These are a few of mine!

What are yours?!?!

Love,
Alicia

Number 46

This is a number... obviously! But it's very personal. I'll be upfront and honest. I'm not going to tell you what this is or what it means... for now! This post is actually for me or shall I say the future me. This number is humbling; it's honest; it's sad; it's ridiculous; it's amusing; it's disappointing; it's everything that it shouldn't be. But a small part of me sees its potential and sees what it could be. So how can I be sad about that?

Love,
Alicia

King Ranch Casserole & A Chicken Thief!

Last night at the Zellner home, I decided that I would cook one of my family's favorite meals... KING RANCH CASSEROLE!

Now Ray and I have a long standing disagreement as in how to prepare it. His family has always used crushed tortilla chips while mine has used corn tortillas. Both are very good... but I will always think that my mom's is better! She's my mom... come on:) Anyway:) I decided that last night I would try one more time to convince him that my way is better.... and it may have worked:)

Our Family's Recipe: Again King Ranch has been done so many times and while it is not a family secret, I sure could eat this up all the time! (we did condense the portion size since I was only cooking for 2) The night before I boiled 2-3 chicken breasts and placed in the fridge. This will also cut down on the prep time.

You will need: 2 ppl
2-3 Chicken Breasts
1 Can cream of celery soup
1 Can of Rotel
Cheddar cheese (to your liking)
6-8 Corn tortillas

Cook: 350/20-25 minutes

(You will be able to tell I don't really write too many recipes:) ha!
In a medium size casserole dish place 2-3 corn tortillas that have been cut in fourths (like a triangle) Cut up chicken breasts into small pieces and place on top of of tortillas. Drain juice of Rotel and place on top of chicken. If doing two layers scatter 1/2 a can of Rotel on top of chicken. Place 1/2 can of cream of celery on top of Rotel and smooth over layer.



Place a layer of cheese on top of soup. Repeat tortillas, Rotel, and cream of celery. Place third layer of tortillas and cover with cheese. (Review picture)




Cook at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes and
ENJOY!





Chicken Thief!
So I came home last night all ready to make my very yummy dinner. While preparing for the meal I set my cooked chicken aside and turned my back for nearly a second. When I came back I was almost one chicken breast short.

So mommy was angry of course and blocked off the kitchen so Mr. Chicken Thief couldn't return. This is what he did. He kept trying to shove all 40 lbs of himself under our dinning room chair to get in... and of course... he did.

Gotta love 'em!

Love,
Alicia

Biggest Loser Tuesdays

Each Tuesday, The Biggest Loser touches the hearts of so many. I can honestly say that it is the most motivational show that television has to offer as it truly does save lives!

Well it's about that time again and I can't wait to see what the program has in store of us tonight!

PS: I need to go run... immediately!

Love,
Alicia

Playing Catch Up!

Ok now I'm NOT talking about this kind of Ketchup... but boy do I really love it! I mean it seriously is the best condiment in the whole wide world... but that's not really what this blog post was supposed to be about... anywho!!!

I'm talking about a form of Catch Up that one does with his/her fellow bloggers including my family and friends. I've really loved the opportunity of creating and posting on my blog. Sometimes... and believe me I know... they are random thoughts that are blurted out and may not all make sense and sometimes they may be so long that many of you stop reading. But in the end it's not about if everyone reads my posts or understands them. It's about having the opportunity to connect with those you love, those family members that are distant, and maybe those that don't know your name but now somehow have a connection with you. I've loved every moment of it.

So... to better connect with our family and friends... here are answers to some questions I've received as of late!

What are we up to these days?!?!

1. New Activities: Ray and I have taken on several new activities and groups since we've been married. We are currently in the process of joining the Heights Baptist Church in Richardson, TX. We are apart of The Honeymooners ABF (Adult Bible Fellowship). We absolutely love this wonderful group of people and look forward to serving and participating in activities with them. Ray is also in the process of joining a Men's Choir Group called The Vocal Majority which is a very prestigious group that has won 10 Gold Metals at International Competitions. This does take up a large amount of his Thursdays and will eventually take up more of his time as competition season comes around, but I am so happy for him to accomplish one of his life long dreams. I am moving forward with many more craft projects for The Favor and hopefully will look into getting an Etsy Shop of my own:) More information will be posted soon!
2. Puppies: The puppies are doing great. We've had Mattie for a full year as of November and are loving her as our new addition. Toby will be 3 on February 2. Yes I do know that is Ground Hog Day:) Toby had previously had some health issues about a month ago but seems to be doing a lot better. We look forward to cooler weather when we are able to take them back to the dog park and out of the apartment more. Gosh I can't wait for a back yard:)
3. Training: Ray is training for another potential marathon this December, a few more half marathons, potentially a triathlon and so forth. I am so very proud of his accomplishments and look forward to supporting him through all of his competitions this year. I too look into getting back in shape and finish a few more races this year. To be honest, I am sadly thinking that Cow Town will be out of reach for me this year, but do look forward to more races toward the middle of the year once I'm fully ready and back in shape:) ha! Seriously....!!!!
4. Home: I've received many questions if we will be looking for a house this year. We will be staying in our apartment for a little while but are looking forward to saving up for one that we love in a few years. Our goal is to move back north but we will see what God blesses us with.
5. Wedding Season: We have been blessed with many friends that will be getting married this year as well as next year. We are absolutely looking forward to helping share all of these special moments with these wonderful couples.
6. Family: I love and miss my family so much! I'm so thankful for each and every one of you and simply stated... I can't wait for the day that we get to go back and catch up of course!
7. Friends: Engagements, Weddings, and Babies... oh my! I am absolutely so thankful! My best friends have been a second family to me since college. We've shared so many life changing moments and I'm just so blessed and honored to be apart of it. I can't wait for all that the future has to hold but know that I wouldn't miss any of it for the world:)

Well I guess that's all I have for now...
More stories and photos will be posted soon!

Miss Livie Grace!

"Talking to my niece absolutely melts my heart!"

I've loved this sweet little girl since the moment she was born. I've absolutely loved watching her grow and cannot wait for another visit to spend time with her and my family.

Yesterday, while talking to Farrah my wonderful sister-in-law, I heard the cutest little voice asking for Aunt Awicia saying, "I wan fone, I wan fone!" (this may be a horrible attempt to mimic a 2.5 year old).

She told me hi and she missed me. We talked about her school and what she did. Some of the conversation was lost but she is such a talker and for 2 (almost 3 in July) has such a great vocabulary. At the end of the call she said I luv u over and over!

I can't wait to see this little girl again. She has definitely stolen everyone's heart!

Pictures of Olivia

Arboretum, Dallas, TX


The Zellner ladies!


Such a sweet little girl! I love my niece!


Farrah and Olivia: 2010

Miss Livie, your Aunt Alicia and Uncle Ray Ray love you so much!

Love,
Alicia

Bottoms Up!

Hey there Kiddo... caught you!
Toby says, "I know if I do'd it I get in troubles... but I do'd it anyway!"

How can I get mad at that!!! I can't believe our pup will soon be three next week! They grow up so fast:) Happy Monday!

Love,
Alicia

How Did That NOT Catch On Fire?!?!

Disclaimer: This post is not for those with a weak stomach or for those that are easily grossed out... so if this applies to you... please STOP reading this post.


For about a month now I've been frustrated at the lack of quality that our dryer has been putting out. I mean, it would take 3-4 cycles to dry our clothes. I first simply thought that ok, this makes sense. It's an older machine. Or I even considered that maybe I was filling the wash with too many clothes. But of course that couldn't be the problem. So on Saturday after I had allowed piles and piles of laundry to accumulate within the apartment I decided that it was enough. So I sucked it up for that day and determined I would ask the company for a new one to be delivered immediately. A little while later I smelled ... something from the dryer. I then thought that it kind of smelled like burning. I asked Ray to come over and see if my senses were just deceiving me... but they weren't.

After looking into possibilities... Ray mentioned, "Hey have we emptied the lint trap?" Moments later he opened the trap and pulled out what I can only label as a lint baby! Please view the evidence below! It was solid lint. Our next thought... How did that NOT catch on fire!?!? And while I have no exact answer to that, I will say we are extremely lucky... and now our dryer works like a charm! Ha!



Love,
Alicia

ABF Broomball Event!

Each month our ABF holds a fun group activity. This past Friday, we played Broomball at the Galleria... and boy was it a blast!

I absolutely love Broomball; however, I never thought I would be so sore afterward. Ha! I fell hard about two times and found it very difficult to stop but it was a great work out and so much fun! My husband was of course on the opposite team and did amazing! I definitely did my best to try to stop him but after random spousal abuse... totally kidding... I realized he might just one up me. BUT... our group prevailed and we still made it out on top. Go Blue Team! I love how much fun we all have together and absolutely look forward to many more monthly activities.

Jenna and Trent Parks with Ray and I before the big Broomball game!

May the Honeymoon(ers) last forever!

After our amazing game of Broomball with our ABF, we went to The Fox and Hound with Jenna and Trent. These guys are just too much fun! We absolutely look forward to many more outings!

Love,
Alicia

Wine & Cheese Parties... oh my!

It has become a customary event within our group to have wine & cheese parties.... and we all absolutely love them! On Friday, January 29, 2010, Kaylan will be hosting our
3rd annual Wine & Cheese Party!

Here are a few pictures from previous years!

First Annual Wine & Cheese Party
Our wonderful hostess Kaylan 2008!


The lovely ladies at the wine & cheese party!


Steph, Adam, Ray, and Kaylan!


The Men!


Sampling the wonderful fruit and cheese spread!


... and another!


The Fants 2008 Wine & Cheese Party!




Feb 16, 2008 Wine & Cheese Party!


2nd annual Wine & Cheese Party: 2009!
A yummy fruit and cheese spread!




The ladies with our yummy wine and cheese! Oh look whose found a red she loved! All I know is its a french red with a bicycle on the label. Of course Ray picked it out:)


Jaylan toasting to a wonderful wine & cheese party in their snuggies! Gotta love it!

Here's to many more memories of Wine & Cheese Parties!
CHEERS!

Love,
Alicia

Sweet Home College Station!

Earlier this week, I had an amazing conversation with my mom. I soon began to realize just how much I've missed her and how long its been. As I'm sure you've read or heard through the grapevine, Ray and I had decided this past Christmas that we would stay in Dallas for the holiday season. Sadly we have not been back since right after the wedding for Thanksgiving. After our discussion we were determined that it was definitely time for a visit.

Well to be honest, the drive to Houston might be a bit further than we can do at this time with our current situation, but figure a "meet in the middle" sort of day trip would be PERFECT! (Oh but do know we'll be returning to the Land of Sugar very soon to visit with more friends and family.)

So in a few weeks we'll (hopefully) be able to make a day trip to College Station to visit my family and I couldn't be more excited! I am so excited to see them and to spend some time in Aggieland!

Here are some pictures from college (no particular order) to remember good 'ole College Station!


Home of the 12th Man! Go Ags!


Off Campus Bonfire Freshman Year!


My lovely Ladies: Kristin & Steph at the Westover House


Adam and Steph's Ring Dunk!


Happy 21st Birthday to me at Hatters!


First Yell!


Ogre Fun at Shieva's Birthday


Chilifest: Pink Flamingos! (with a really bad boy bowl hair cut... what was I thinking?!?!)


Heroes and Villains Party


Date Night with my main man!


Valentine's in Research Park!


Aggie Ring Day!


Whoop!


Kyle Field on Game Day


Gig 'em Aggies Whoop! Love my girl Kaylan... and oh so tired!
The 12th man Stands... sometimes you gotta find creative ways to stand for 4-5 hours!


Kyle Field Rocks- A! Whoop!


The Jim Face at Hatters with my ladies!


Waiting for the bus for game day with Kaylan and Caroline!


Tailgating


Michael and Kristin at the Tailgate


Ray's Rad 80s Birthday: Rock'n out with Kaylan!


Yay for 80s Party! Is it bad that I'm still bitter about my shoes getting stolen at this party?!?!


Communication Major: Class '07 WHOOP!


3 Generations of women:)


Ray's Graduation: Class '06 Whoop!


The Graduate and I:)


Alamo Bowl in San Antonio January 2008 with the Fants!
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I am so excited and looking forward to the visit with my family! It will be so great to catch up and to do it in a place that I absolutely love. Here are a few pictures from our last visit in 2009 on Aggieland Saturday!

(just a little sidenote: Aggieland Saturday is where highschool students or those that are interested in viewing the school can take tours and learn about the traditions and history. I was asked countless times if I needed help to find my group... meaning I was thought to be a high school student:( Sad Face! I kept subconsiously showing my ring... like hello I've graduated and did it almost 2 years ago... sad day:) ha!


Fish Pond reading the Bat!


Sabisa Dining Hall!


The C-Store... Ray's fav food junky hang out:)


The Underground! My place of work for 2 years! Such a great location... I loved living on Northside! Oh how I miss Alonti!


Walton Hall... a love hate relationship for wifey but Ray did meet his best friends here! So I gotta love it for that... maybe only that;)


Aggieland's famous Chicken! The Dixie Chicken of course on Northgate!


Northgate! Well really this is a picture of The Corner with its new cool upstairs patio! Rock on!


Ray and I under the century tree. ow ow... Only a few months later were we engaged! I guess the stories are true:) Love you husband!


The Century Tree!




Ray and I at Rudder Fountain and yes this one I have swam in before!


Sull Ross


Place a penny at his feet and it is said you are to receive good luck! Usually students with difficult tests would place pennies at his feet on the day of the big exam. Sometimes you'll even see a check from a class that says, "Whatever it takes!" They are used for scholarship funds so regardless the saying is true... they are pretty good luck! :)


Kyle Field!


FAZOLIS! Oh I can actually smell the breadsticks just thinking about it. Well even if this is not where we eat lunch, I'm definitely having Ray stop by here to pick up an order... for a snack on the way home!

Anyway I hope you enjoyed the trip down memory lane. I am so excited about bringing my family back and enjoying a day of catching up. My dad is class of '71 and things continue to change. It is so fun to watch him enjoy new sights for the first time as well as hearing about old aggie traditions. WHOOP!

Love,
Alicia