My Dad is old(er).

On Sunday, July 18th - my dad turned 50. If you asked me 6 years ago about turning 50- I would have said "OMG! that is, like, so crazy old." But now that I am half his age, plus one, I do not think that 50 is old any more. I now view 50 as older. So now my dad is older, and I'm super happy for him. I think he's done a pretty good job getting to 50. His daughter is all grown up and married off. He doesn't have to pay for me any more since my husband does a good job about that. His son is about to go and become a man and grow up (move out of the house). And he has a wonderful wife that nags him just enough to not be annoying and buys him cool stuff. All in all- I personally think that is a pretty good job and a great place to be at 50.

So what do you do for a man that is in a great place in his life and has everything he needs? My mom found the perfect answer. She surprised him by getting him a Hot Air Balloon ride. I know, I am jealous too. She has been planning this for such a long time and saving her pennies like a good wife, to get him this big gift. So the day before his birthday he got to open his present that clued him in on this wonderful flight. The only problem was that Balloon rides are not cheap. So my mom could only afford to let him go by himself. I just kept wishing that my mom would be able to go with him. So, the next morning they woke up before the sun did, and drove down to San Marcos. They showed up right on time and for some reason, two other people that planned to join this 6 person flight- didn't show up - so guess who got to ride in that balloon for free? Yep, my mom! And only she would get in trouble for using her phone for texting when the balloon got low enough to reach cell service.

Now the directions I was given, was to meet my dad at 7.30 when he landed- but for some reason my mom wouldn't answer her phone. ( I didn't know she was on the balloon) So my Uncle Hector called me to fill me in. I had to drive down 35 to San Marcos and all of a sudden I look to the left and see the Balloon. We had to chase it down to the field it was going to land in. At one point their balloon went right over me while I was honking my horn to get their attention. The best part of this whole thing was to see how big of a smile my dad had. It was like he had this energy inside that I have never seen. He was actually giddy! My mom was a little shaken up but was happy to be on the ground and have cell service. It was such a fun morning and continued through out the day.

So we went to the ceremony where my parents were certified in flying in a balloon. They thanked the Hot Air Balloon 'Gods' and we were on our way back to San Antonio. We got to see my grandparents and show them pictures of my parent's adventure. Then it was off to my Dad's birthday lunch. I of course got lost along the way and tried to stay in a happy mood. (I forgot to tell you that I am sunburned and am not happy that I have pain no matter which way I move. You know that color of a lobster when it's cooked? I look like that.) I got to see so many wonderful people that have been part of my dad's life and been around for me growing up - and you know what? They were more concerned of how David is doing that me! Can you believe that! Everyone loves him and wants to know about David- what am I? Chopped Liver? -Anyway, after I remember that my birthday has already passed, and it's my Dad's wonderful day, I had a delicious margarita and enjoyed my time with my family.

So like I was saying before, I think that my dad has done a great job getting to the big 5-0. As I sat at that table with all of his friends, I realized that he did this 'living life' thing right. He has great friends that he has kept with him through so many years. New friends that have come along the way. He's chosen his battles and focused on what is important in life. He has a wife and 2 children that love him very much and he's good about paying his taxes. So that really is the American Dream in my eyes. I don't know if he saw his life headed to where he is now, but I know that if I can be where he is in 24 years, I would know that I did everything just right.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Loves You!!!!

My name is Elizabeth, and I like ice.

I have had an obsession with ice for quite a while. My mom would tell me about how she would just eat ice while she was pregnant with me. I don't remember when I found it necessary to start eating ice, but I have finally acknowledged that I have a problem. I really really like ice. And not just any time of ice. I'm usually just satisfied with our ice machine in our fridge. When ever I happen to get a glass- I fill the cup up to the top with ice and then put the water in. Because, after drinking that big glass of tasty water, I will then sit and eat all of the ice. I can go through 5-8 glasses a night, just going back and forth. David is wonderful since he pauses whatever we are watching since he knows I will be back within a minute.

But I have taken my addiction to a new level. I have started paying for ice. And not just any type of ice - Sonic Ice! I learned about this amazing crunchy soft ice from sonic while living in Austin. For some reason I thought I would have to actually order a drink- then I would get a big cup of tea and be forced to drink it fast so I could get to the ice. Then I realized - I could probably just order the ice on it's own. So I asked how much a Route 44 cup of ice would be. 49 cents! Can you believe that! Just 49 cents! And I am happy to pay that.

So now I go just about everyday. Who am I kidding- I go every day. Sometimes I go 2 times a day. I can't help it. That big red straw and that soft ice- I have to have it! So it's obviously become an addiction that can not be beat. I decided to give David a head's up and let him know that when we decide to start a family he can expect to make trips to Sonic for me and buy cups of ice every day since I will be demanding it while I sit on the couch complaining about fat fingers and feet. Don't worry for him, he's already started researching ice machines that will satisfy my addiction and a proper way to finance for it.
So there you have it, thanks for listening, I feel a lot better. Like a big iceberg has been lifted off of me. I'm not ashamed and I don't think I need help. I'm happy with staying at the first step of facing my addiction, and I proudly state, hold my sonic cup held up high, that my name is Elizabeth, and I am addicted to ice.

Ten on Tuesday

I forgot how hard it really is to keep up with a blog and have something to write about. So I went on a magical trip through the blog world and found this thing called Ten on Tuesday. I don't know who any of these people are that participate in it, but thought I would give them a chance and try it out. So here we are... Ten on Tuesday!

1. What is the worst movie you have ever seen?Two Words- Mariah Carey.

It was horrible. If you are kidnapped and forced to watch this as punishment, just stare at the ceiling and sing 99 beers on the wall in your head. It's the only way to save you.

2. Do you have a favorite Disney/Pixar film?

That's a very hard question- but the movie that I will love with all of my heart til the day I die is... Cinderella.

"Cinderella! Cinderella! Night and Day - It's Cinderella!"

A fun side note - The voice for Cinderella died on my birthday this year. Her name was Ilene Woods and now that I am typing this out- I'm not really seeing this as a fun fact anymore.

3. Do you have a favorite movie from the 80′s?

Ummm... what movie isn't my favorite from the 80's!! Hand's down in love with Molly Ringwald. But if I had to pick one that I could watch over and over again and not get tired of it....Most likely Sixteen Candles. It was light, funny and easily quotable.

"WHAT'S HAPPENING, HOT STUFF!"

4. Are there any movies you saw more than once in the theater?

No. I find the cinema a complete waste of money and a way for corporations to push money to be spent on pointless things. Why watch a movie in a cold cinema with strangers, when we can download illegally and watch on our HD projector? I choose projector.

5. What is one city/area of the US (or country you live if you do not live in the US) that you have not seen but would like to see?

I have always wanted to visit Seattle. I want to eat some seafood, have some coffee and yell out "Yogurt Guys" to the Yuppies at the Market.

6. What are your favorite toppings on an Ice Cream Sundae?

I am on a diet. Please do not bring up the idea of Ice Cream or candy or chocolate. Thank you.

7. How many proms did you go to? What color was your prom dress? If you went to muliple proms, what color was your favorite prom dress?

I think I went to 3. The first one was Senior Party and I had a cute dark blue dress. The Second was Senior Party and I have this gorgeous Jessica McClintock. And the Last one was my actual Senior Prom. I took my friend Chris since he was home schooled. It was theme prom "Couples Throughout Time" - super lame.. anyway I had this beautiful Southern Belle Ballgown (I was in love with Gone with the Wind) and Chris wore a costume for George Washington. It didn't make sense but it was still fun.

8. Is there a sport or extra-curricular activity that you didn’t get to try as a child that you wish you would have? (e.g. gymnastics, piano lessons, ballet, etc.)

I took Piano lessons when I was younger. I was actually pretty good at it, but I didn't want to perform- and my teacher wouldn't let me just do piano lessons without participating in the recital. So I quit. I just wanted to play music- not show off. And I did Dance lessons. I wish I started that sooner. And I wish that I started Hula Hooping sooner. That has changed my world!

9. How many silblings do you have? Are you the oldest, middle, or youngest?

I have 1 wonderfully annoying little brother. He's younger than me- so I will wait until the maturity and realizations start dropping in- but until then, I enjoy his company since he lives in San Antonio.

10. Do you feel like you fit in with your age group? Or do you feel younger/older than your age group?

Growing up, I have always had people guess my age older than I really am. It's something I take proud in. I believe I am an old soul, and my grandmother, Annie, said it best that I am probably on my 6th or 7th life. I honestly really enjoy having those other lives under my belt.

Watermelon Cake

For 4th of July we decided it would be best to be in town since I had to work early that following morning and wanted to make sure I got enough sleep to avoid any grumpiness. We were invited to our friend's place, Charles and Jessica, and got to join in on their 4th of July fun! They had a house full of BBQ and people and we had an amazing time.

I always work hard to make delicious treats and enjoy when I make something super fun. My mom had ordered me a subscription to Woman's Day magazine, and I really have enjoyed the great ideas for life, health and food. One article focused on this amazing cake, Watermelon cake.

Well, I held on to that magazine for a while since I knew I would one day make that cake. And 4th of July seemed to be the best attempt for that. I threw on my apron, got my flour ready and made the best Watermelon Cake I have ever seen. Well not really- the one in the article looks better- but I think I did a fantastic job!

So if you want to give it a try, I decided to share the recipe! Just be aware that you will use all of the red dye just to get that color right! And I would suggest chocolate covered coffee beans would be better for the seeds. (**And don't make fun of my cake! I wouldn't care if you did since it was fabulicious!**)

Recipe Ingredients

• 1 box (18.25 oz) yellow cake mix
• 1 box (3.4 oz) vanilla instant pudding and pie filling mix
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup water
• 1⁄3 cup oil
• 3 1⁄2 cans (16 oz each) vanilla frosting
• Red, orange, leaf green, yellow and black gel or paste food color
• Chocolate-covered raisins (Raisinets)
• You’ll also need: pastry bag, coupler, petal decorating tip 101S or 101 or basketweave tip 44 or 47

Recipe Preparation

1. Heat oven to 350ºF. Coat two 9-in. round cake pans with nonstick spray. Line bottoms with wax paper; coat with spray. 2. Combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, water and oil in a large bowl. Beat at medium speed with electric mixer for 2 minutes. Pour evenly into prepared pans. Bake 30 to 35 minutes until wooden pick inserted in centers comes out clean. 3. Cool in pans on wire rack 15 minutes; invert cakes onto rack, remove paper and cool completely. 4. Tint one can frosting red-orange. Using leaf green, yellow and a bit of black, tint one can frosting pale green. Remove 1/2 cup pale green frosting to a pastry bag fitted with decorating tip. Using more leaf green and black food color, tint remaining pale green frosting until it turns dark green. 5. Stack cake layers on a cutting board; cut crosswise in half. Set one piece aside. 6. For large melon slice: Sandwich 3 cake layer halves with 1/3 cup white frosting between each (invert top layer so flat side is up). For small melon wedges: Cut reserved piece of cake into 3 wedges. Frost slice and wedges with a thin layer of remaining white frosting. 7. Frost rounded edges of cakes with dark green frosting. Using flat slide of decorating tip, pipe pale green frosting along edge of dark green frosting on sides and top. Pipe squiggly lines onto sides over dark green frosting. With spatula, smear pale green lines to create the look of watermelon skin. 8. Reserve 1/2 cup red-orange frosting. With remaining red-orange frosting, frost top and straight sides of cakes, leaving about 1/2-in. border of white frosting. Cut chocolate-covered raisins in half lengthwise. Place cut-side up into red-orange frosting for pits. Refrigerate several hours or overnight to set. 9. Remove large melon slice to serving tray, standing it on rounded edge. Frost back side of cake with reserved red-orange frosting; decorate with additional chocolate-covered raisins. Place small wedges on tray with large slice. (To serve large cake, place it back onto a flat side before cutting into slices.)

America's Got Talent

A few posts ago I spoke about this amazing band called Arc Attack. I'm sure if you scroll down a bit you should be able to find it. Anyway, they are a little something of amazing and David and I have tried to follow and support them as much as we can. I found out recently that they had gotten on this show called "America's Got Talent."

David and I don't like shows like American Idol - mainly because we think it's crap and I have a moral issue with the main fact of the try-out episode's. I have heard and read that they will build these "bad singers" up as much as they can to make them believe they are amazing singers, and let them be humiliated by some grumpy old people behind the judge's panel. Anyway... we usually don't like judging shows, but when I decided to watch an episode, David and I got really into it. Soon enough we caught ourselves recording this show, and we honestly look forward to watching whenever it comes on. We Love this Show!!

So Arc Attack went on because they are awesome and they get sent to Las Vegas to compete in the 2nd round. David and I watched the 2 night show and the 1st night- they found out that they don't even have to try-out they are automatically going to the 3rd round in Hollywood! Hooray!

So we are very excited to cheer on our favorite scientist, Arc Attack! So be sure to watch NBC next Tuesday at 8 central and vote for ARC ATTACK!

I'm Back!

After many phone calls and emails from my mother, I have decided it's time to pick this back up. Well hello there blog world. It's been a while- and I promise it wasn't you, it was me. I got too busy. So here you go blog world - I'm going to try to catch you up....

Here's what you missed...

David and I like to meet up with friends and go to 'Dinner Night' where we have a pot luck meal and everyone brings something- and it is all so good! For the first time, I made a tiramisu cake. David made his delicious Lasagna. Mmmmm - makes my mouth water just thinking about it!

That was a good time.

Another post I would have posted if I was blogging would have been about my adventure with my friend Pata to Hobby Lobby. I call her Pata and she calls me Bear. (It's a long story) So we went to Hobby Lobby on a rainy day with nothing to do - and we had a blast!

Did you see that? I was a queen for a day!

Next adventure landed me downtown with my old friend Kelly. It was our first time to 6th street together so I thought I would make it memorable. I bought a over-sized afro wig for a friend's Big Dirty 30 party and have worked very hard to keep it in good condition. So we all head to downtown with my crazy self. I swear, I love to wear that afro. I think I was in Black Panthers in my previous life. It just fits me so well!

Oh - and before I forget from the cold months around - It was Mardi Gras and Copland and Johnny got beads. They really liked that so much! We tried to teach them how to respect themselves - but they just really didn't care. They wanted those Mardi Gras Beads!

Oh yeah... and we threw a surprise birthday party for our friend Sean. We got him cookie cake and a pinata and toys and balloons!

... And David and I went on a trip to Houston. We got to go see the Astros play! It was super fun to go with David to his 1st baseball game ever! Can you believe that!! First game ever!

And wouldn't you know it! When we still kiss we still see fireworks!

The last thing on the list of what we have been able to do is throw a benefit for our friend Bryan. He had a nasty fall while on vacation and has worked so hard to get back in working condition. He is actually coming back to work this week and we are very excited to welcome him back! David and I were able to put together 2 great events! The first was at Plucker's where we got the place to donate 20% of food sales. We ended up getting a nice amount. Then we threw a larger party at a local bar with lots of prizes. We raised so much and were so happy to help out Bryan and his wife Amy with all of their medical bills. It was a great thing to be able to work with my husband and get something so amazing done.

So that is what the Balentine household has been up to. I'm sure if I ever talk with you - you probably already know about everything that we have done. But just to cover everything at once and not make 8 posts, I thought I could be efficient and kill 2 birds with 1 stone. I promise this time I will start to keep people in the loop and continue with my blog. If I fall off the bandwagon and stop - just complain to my mom and I am sure I will hear something about it soon!

Thanks for stopping by! See you around next time!

Arts & Craft Time!

I have had a 'To-Do' list for a while now, and the more time goes by, the more I keep adding to my list. I'm sure this happens to everyone and everything that is added has something in common. My list has mainly to do with doing things for the house. I had an intention to finally put up all of my pictures, put that huge painting up somewhere, convince David to finally make me my headboard and do something with all of our bottle caps we have saved up over the years. I decided to take the hardest job first. I figured that if I tackled the biggest challenge then everything would fall in line and the rest of the tasks would just fall in line. So I grabbed the 2 gallon Ziploc bags full of bottle caps and sat down with the intention to separate all of them. There were sections everywhere filled with every type of domestic beer you could think of. Everything was individualized and ready to go. Now, what to do with all of them! I wanted to do something special for David and could only think of making him his own man table to fit perfectly in his man room. So I grabbed the wood glue and started to put everything together just the right way. I tried to place everything layer by layer from outside in and just went with the flow. Before I knew it the table was done and ready for grout. Thanks so Kelly letting me use all of her grout the table was done. I made it for him while he was out of town for work and when he came home he was so happy for the table surprise. It's been working out so well and does an amazing job as a table, if I had to say so myself.
So after the bottle cap table I decided the task of a new craft was in order. I was walking around Hobby Lobby and decided I wanted to learn how to make a wreath. I grabbed some flowers and wreathe made of sticks and just threw it all together. I was so happy the way it turned out, I am excited to make more for the future and can not wait to show you more!