A Stolen Tag

So I was checking an old roommate's blog and found this tag. Her husband writes the blog, so I don't comment much, but like to check it just to see how the kids are growing. Anyway, he had been tagged for the following..

1) Grab the nearest book

2) Turn to page 123

3) Find and post the 5th sentence

So here goes....

"I crossed the yard without a glance back. That night, when the darkness was weighed down with singing crickets and Rosaleen was snoring right along with them, I had myself a good cry."

The Secret Life of Bees, Sue Monk Kidd

I included the sixth sentence since sentence #5 was a bit boring. I had never even heard of this book until a friend lent it to me. I'm only about half way through but enjoying it. We watched "Bee Movie" the other night and it was in there. Also, as I was looking for a cover picture, I found out that it will be a movie in 2009. It stars Dakota Fanning as Lily, Jennifer Hudson as Rosaleen, and Queen Latifah and Alicia Keys as the sisters. Should be interesting. Now I tag anyone who feels so inclined. It's fun to see what you all are reading (or rather what's near you).

BYU Roomies

I ran across this photo while organizing and thought I'd share it. These were some of my roommates from BYU. We all (minus Janelle) lived in Sparks II at the time. Janelle was our honorary roommate. I still keep in touch with some of these girls, thanks to the wondeful world of blogging! Lots of great times together. Can't believe we are all "growed up"!

Easter

Malia dressed up for spring. We got this outfit from David's sister at Christmas and it was actually warm enough the other day so she could wear it.

Malia pushing her baby in it's stroller.

It was a bit windy.

Malia helping Papa fix the truck.

Right after church, Malia refused to look at the camera

Smiling, still not looking at the camera

Malia's Easter Basket

Malia Getting her Goodies

Reading her new book with Papa

Here are some pics from Easter weekend. We never got around to taking Malia to or creating an Easter Egg hunt. Maybe next year. She was beyond uncooperative for pictures in her Easter dress. On Sunday we had the Nichols and the Caleys up for dinner. For some reason I never got my camera out! What a slacker. We had a good time, nonetheless.

Sweet and Spicy Meat Sauce

I made this variation of meat sauce last night for dinner. It's actually a Weight Watchers recipe. David tried it and has decided he likes it better than our regular spaghetti dinner! It's definitely different, but super yummy! I don't know if I will replace my usual meat sauce, but this is a tasty variation.

SWEET AND SPICY MEAT SAUCE

3/4 lb. ground lean beef

1 white onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped

3/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1 (28 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, chopped

1/4 c. tomato paste

1/2 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. ground pepper

4 tsp. chopped fresh cilantro

2 T. grated Parmesan cheese

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground meat. Add the white onion, garlic, and jalapeno; cook 3-4 minutes, until the onion softens. Add the cumin and cinnamon; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the cilantro. Serve with pasta and cheese.

I used a whole pound of hamburger (David likes it meatier and who uses only 3/4 lb??). I also used 2 (14 oz) cans of diced tomatoes instead. I also used the whole 6 oz. can of tomato paste. I realize this is 3x what the recipe calls for but I hate having leftover tomato paste floating in the fridge for weeks. It just made it a thicker sauce. It was interesting, definitely worth the try!

Out for the Count!

So there we were, having our lunch, Mali eating her cheesy rice, when.....



Here we were the other day, swinging in the back yard....

Husband Survey

Our Engagement Photo- May 2004

What is your husband's name? David Mata, no middle name
How long have you been together? We met in the fall of 2003, starting dating in December, engaged in April, and were married by July 2004. So we've been married 3 and 1/2 years.
Who said I love you first? Probably me.. Can't quite remember it for sure. Although, I just texted David and he thinks it was him.. Who knows?
Who is smarter? Depends on how you look at it. I've got book smarts, he's got street smarts.
Who does the housework? I do most of the housework. The trash and the yard are his. Although, he is great about helping out with dishes and vacuuming every now and then.
Who sleeps on the right? Is that the right when you're laying in it, or when you are facing it? Phew! Tough question! I guess I'm on the right. I'm always right... I mean ON the right!

Who pays the bills? I make the payments, but he's the money maker!
Who cooks dinner? Usually me. My David is great and will eat anything I make, no matter how strange the experiment. Although, the Chicken and Pickled Onions didn't go over well and he refuses to eat mushrooms. So sad, since I LOVE them! He cooks sometimes. He makes the Mexican Rice when we need it. He also makes a mean Carne Asada. Another one of his creations is Kielbasa with Jalapenos and Mixed Veggies. Yum!!

Who drives when you are together? Always David. I can count on one hand the number of times I've driven when he is in the car. I don't like to drive, so he does. Although, I am sure he would say it's because he is the better driver. Not my fault that deer jump at me!

Who is more stubborn? He is... no question!
Who kissed who first? I think is was mutual. After our first date. I know a girl is supposed to wait for a couple dates, but he was HOT!
Who asked out who first? He asked me out first. We went and saw a movie. Before that we walked around this outdoor shopping center in Phoenix. It had an aviation museum and that's when I knew I really liked him. He stopped and read every plaque in the museum with me!
Who proposed? He did. He had big plans for the proposal but had just gotten the ring and we were in my apartment and he said he just couldn't wait! It was cute!
Who has more siblings? David does. He has 3 sisters and 1 brother. I have 1 sister and 1 brother. Who wears the pants? I wear the sweat pants, he wears his work pants! Seriously, I think we take turns as far as who takes the lead in certain situations. I'm pretty bossy by nature, but am trying to be less so.

Now I tag: all you ladies!

Mormon Mommies Survey Results

If you are interested in seeing the results from the Mormon Mommy survey, check out my friend Janelle's blog. http://thebraddayfamily.blogspot.com/