This & That

I know it's been a minute since my last post but not much going on in the Hays house. I had the day off today and spent my morning torchering myself in Hobby Lobby and HomeGoods because I was trying to be good and not spend any money before pay day! Our new Hobby Lobby opened just down the street and I finally got the chance today to take my grand tour. Let me tell you, that place is huge!! When the swinging doors opened I thought I had died and went to heaven! I must have went down every isle from the gardening section to the fabric section; even though I don't garden or sew. Then I went to HomeGoods. If you've never been in one you need to try it. They are very affordable and their stuff is really cute! BUT...you and my husband will be proud...I didn't spend a dime!! Yay me! Oh, don't worry, now that I know what I want it won't take me as long to find it next time! hehe!

I did want to share a recipe with you though. For Valentine's day Andrew and I went to a restaurant called Carvers. We ordered the bruschetta for an appetizer and it was to die for! I'm usually not a fan of tomatoes but this was so good. I tried to re-create it tonight and I didn't do so bad if I must say! You have to try this! Here's what you need:

1 loaf french bread (I used whole wheat so I wouldn't feel bad going back for 2nds!)
a few tbsp goat cheese (if that scares you then by all means use mozzarella!)
1 can diced tomatoes
a few tbsp pesto (we had some store bought pesto in a jar, or you can make it)
fresh basil to taste

Cut the bread into slices then spread your cheese onto the bread. Place in the oven til cheese is melted and bread is toasted.
While your bread is in the oven, heat your tomatoes and pesto in a saucepan until bubbly.
Remove bread from oven and cover with tomato/pesto mixture.
Garnish with fresh basil

It's super easy and of course you can change it up and make it however you like it!

I can definitely say that the married life has taught me to be more adventurous with cooking. I used to never cook or even think about it. The only thought I ever put into eating was, "Do I want Chick-fil-a or Milo's or Zaxby's, etc." Now, don't get me wrong! I still love the fast food! There's nothing like a #5 8ct w/ dt. Dr. Pepper! I like to cook and try new things now. Instead of buying frozen pizza at the store I make my own. I decide what I want on it and voila! It's actually pretty fun and alot more healthier! Plus, we don't have room in our freezer for a big pizza box so I had to improvise! AND I'm all about healthy food that tastes good!! Ugh, now if I could only be this excited about working out! Lord, help me!

The Luck of the Irish

I knew St. Patricks day was going to be a big deal this year because I'm married to an "Irishman" and all, but I was so happy when I found out that mom and Jenna were coming! It was Jenna's first trip this far away from home and first trip on a plane. I'm so glad that she mustered up the courage to come this far to see me & Andrew. We had so much fun even though I had to work some and Andrew is still on nights this month.






Mom and Jenna spent Tuesday night at the mall while I was working, and found out just how interesting Phoenix teenagers are! They are definitely a different breed! They're actually a little scary! Wednesday was St. Patricks day and more importantly...Jenna turned 12! We spent all day baking/decorating her cake, playing the wii, swimming, and later that night we went to Castles and Coasters to play putt-putt. I was the only one who didn't get a hole-in-one. Unfortunately, Andrew was MIA. I know he would have had fun there! After putt-putt, we dined at Texas Roadhouse where Jenna had to get on a saddle in order to receive her birthday ice cream sundae! The rest of the week we chilled at the pool and enjoyed each others company. I love having pieces of home here with me and am looking forward to more visits!

That's Hail, Baby!

Sunday I was sitting down stairs and Andrew was upstairs and it started to rain really hard. Which is unusual by the way! Then, it started doing something else. There was a weird loud racket going on that I hadn't heard in quite a while. Almost as soon as I figured it out Andrew comes flying down the stairs and says, "That's hail, Baby!" He opened the door and a huge gust of wind and hail came swooping in our house! Eventually, all our neighbors were standing on the porch or looking out the windows just amazed at this storm. It's pretty sad, really. We were all laughing about it because we never see this! Of course it only lasted maybe five minutes then the sun was out and shining. This is probably the closest thing to snow that we'll see here.

A Piece of Home

I know it's been a while since my last post but I've had some company!! Andrew & I were so happy to open our home to Lauren, Darna, Nathan & Madelyn! We had such a great time just being together and catching up. I can't believe how fast Madelyn has grown! She talks so much now, it's so funny! Wednesday we went to the Wildlife Zoo in Litchfield Park. Nathan's parents, sisiter and cousin, Ann, & her family met us there. Andrew was working so he couldn't join us. We got to get up close and personal with the giraffes and feed them. They have the longest tongues!

Madelyn also got to ride the carousel! She was having ablast!

I love this picture of the birds that Lauren took. It looks like L.O.V.E to me!

Later that night we went to Abuelos which is a wonderful Mexican restaurant in Arrowhead that we had never been to. I'm sure we will be going back there soon!

Thursday we all met at Chase Field to eat lunch. Then we walked around the Phoenix Center. The weather was beautiful, of course! A good break for our visitors! Later that night Andrew had practice at church and Nathan was ever so kind to keep Madelyn at the house while we had a girls night! Darna, Lauren & I went to see "Dear John." We all read the book a few years ago and when we found out they were making a movie we knew we had to watch it together! Of course the book is better, it always is, but the movie was good too. It actually ended better than the book. Channing Tatum (gorgeous!) I heard is from Cullman!? Wonder if I've ever seen him around? I'm sure I would remember! He was very easy to look at, to say the least!

Us at T.G.I.Fridays which is inside the field. It looks so different when its empty!

The Gang (minus Kleine)

Brittney & Lauren outside the field

Friday we sent Lauren back off to B'ham then me, Darna and Madelyn met the other girls at Tempe Marketplace for lunch and some window shopping. I had to come back to train for a new work assignment. The boys were at the Phoenix Open where they saw several familiar faces swinging their clubs at tiny little white balls on the grass. We all met back up at Ann & Kleine's house in Gilbert which is about an hour and a half from Surprise. I'm not sure how the guys endured the golf tournament all day in person, and when they made it back we all had to watch it on T.V.! I know the game is wonderful and many men I know and love play but golf is the most BORING sport ever to watch!! We were all so exhausted come Friday but Ann & Kleine made us some yummy steaks, potatoes and salads and then we had some Yum Yum for dessert. It was very good to get together with our old friends and make new friends. We are very blessed!