Lately

Luke and I have been busy socializing a lot recently, and taking zero pictures of it all. We have been happy to get out and enjoy the company of others since Augusta is a lot bigger than Carlsbad.
Also, Luke's company has hired me again to help out on the Augusta job. I'm just working part time, but very happy to have something going on. People kind of look at me with disgust when I mention I'm a housewife with no kids.
Easter was great this past weekend at the farm. Almost all of Luke's family was in tow, and we enjoyed seeing everyone. I also re-created a New Mexican dish for everyone on Friday night that was a HUGE HIT. I really shouldn't give away the recipe ( I should sell it for millions! Ha!) It really is super good though, so try it out some time.

POT ROAST ENCHILADAS
Slow cook pot roast in your crock pot over night
Mix together: 8 oz. of cream cheese (softened), 1 T of taco season, 1 small onion chopped, two of the little cans of diced green chilies, 1 can of stewed tomatoes (do not drain, but dice up into small bits), and the pot roast (should break apart easily into small shreds, cut up any large chunks).
Spread mixture into flour tortillas and roll up into a greased 9x13 pan.
Sprinkle cheese over top or red sauce if you prefer (we just placed salsa on the table for those who wanted it, and went without the red sauce).
Finally cook on 350 for 30 mins.
Luke fried eggs on the spot for some that wanted that additional element to eat on top on their enchilada! It was fun to make for everyone and I highly recommend it for your next gathering. It serves a lot of people easily.

The crew at Easter:

Farm Horses

I had a slight fishing dry spell! I only caught two bass over the weekend.

A Traditional Unlike Any Other!

The MASTERS!!!
So much of growing up in Augusta is centered around the Masters! The whole town spring cleans, and readies their houses for guest from all over the world. My family has always stayed in town for Masters week and attended the tournament.
I have so many wonderful memories growing up walking that course, and love now sharing the wonderful experience with Luke. It really is one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Some of my favorite Master memories are:

• The sweet smell of cigars
• The AMAZING FOOD!!! This year I ate my body weight in pimento, egg salad, and chicken sandwiches. 
• Sitting on the 2nd green in the morning
• Sitting on 15, 16, or the hill at 6 in the afternoon
• Receiving lots of balls from golfers as a little girl 
• Receiving a ball from Ian Poulter (in my college years) after shooting flirty glances during the par 3
• Stalking Scott Wolf (from party of five) in my neighborhood for nine holes of golf (and getting his autograph)
• Running late in the neighborhood when Tiger Woods ran right pass me
• Watching Michael Jordan play golf in my back yard

The buzz in Augusta during Master's week and everything about the Masters truly is an experience and tradition unlike any other! Here are some photos we took this year on Tuesday.

Yummy Moon Pies are a must!!

The grass is pretty amazing! You wouldn't know a huge storm hit the night before!

Famous 13th Green in Amen Corner

Luke has a funny love for the 10th hole!

18th Bunker

It was super windy while we were out

I wish my stroke was half as pretty as these guys

Hope Dustin does well this week--he can kill the ball!

Tiger was nailing the puts on the practice green

Ready, Set, GO!!!

We made it into Augusta on Saturday after a nice road trip believe it or not. Before I cover the road trip and all the craziness as of yet, I will say it was bittersweet to have our house all moved out, and saying goodbye to our sweet neighbors. Here is a picture of all our neighbors out with us one last time.

Our Great Carlsbad Neighbors

We drove 11 hours on Thursday to arrive into Houston. Funny thing is...we forgot the final 4 was in Houston too. Our hotel was smack in the middle of all the action. I didn't know this before, but every NCAA basketball coach in the country attends the final four games. While they are in town they attend conference meetings and events. So...turns out all of the coaches were staying in the same hotel as us.
We had a great friend come visit us in the hotel lobby bar. We decided we didn't need to go anywhere since our lobby alone had over 300 people. We left the lobby around 12:15 that night, and it was still packed out. I guess coaches know how to throw down.
After Houston we headed to Creola, Alabama (just outside of Mobile) to stay with friends. We had a great time at dinner and playing games that night. The next morning we started our last leg of the journey. We built in some pit stops this day, so it took a bit longer. We ate lunch in Auburn at one of my favorite places. It's tough to pick a favorite place in Auburn, but the Amsterdam's turkey wrap with sweet potato chips is down right AMAZING! We also had to visit the sad Toomer's trees. They don't look very good, but I was glad to see them at least one last time before they die. I just love Auburn (as if you didn't already know)...Just pulling into Auburn puts a smile on my face. After talking over the good 'ol days, we made our way to ATL to pick up my cute little nieces. We had a pretty full truck, but we made room to bring them to Augusta with us for a week at Gran and Pawpaws. Right now the house is packed out with Masters week in full swing. Luke and I still need to get our stuff squared away, but not until everyone leaves town this Sunday. Luke and I walked the course Tuesday, but I'll save the pics for another blog. I wanted to close this blog with some pictures of our back yard after the storms. Turns out we were hit by a tornado!! Lucky (VERY LUCKY) for us...our cars came out just fine and the only damage to the house was the garage corner.

In Georgia....Almost

Luke and I made the half country road trek with my car this past week. We left Carlsbad on Friday the 11th and drove 12 hours to Haynesville, LA. We had a wonderful time that weekend just hanging out with Luke's grandparents. We played 18 holes of golf on Saturday and then another 9 or 12 on Sunday. I don't want to brag....but I just have to tell you I was killing the ball! With the upcoming Masters I've got the real itch to start playing a lot. I think that will be my new hobby!  (Callie--please note that I am going to ask you to drive to Augusta for a golf day with me very soon).

After a great weekend in LA, we hit the road on Monday for Nashville. Timing was perfect for grab lunch in Memphis, so BBQ was on our mind. We googled some of the top choices for famed Memphis BBQ and came across Tops. Let's just say that was the best decision EVER. It was amazing! If you are in the area Tops is a must.
We made good timing into Nashville and checked in at the Homewood Suites in Brentwood. I have to also rave about the hotel crazy enough. The bed was downright fabulous. I think Luke and I seriously had a 30 min. convo on how awesome we thought the bed was. Who knew Homewood was the way to go??

After spending some days at the home office in Nashville, we were east bound toward ATL Thursday night.
Friday was take advantage of civilization again and run errands, paired with an awesome lunch with my SIL Stacie, and my nieces MA and the Bear. Luke hadn't seen the girls in a while, so the Panera lunch was perfect. MA and the Bear are just too cute!

Friday night my sister Jenna hosted game night at her place. Luke covered the meat, Jenna covered the appetizers, I attempted my New Mexican green chili cheese grits  for a side (I will say they didn't turn out so swell..I've got to work on the recipe a bit), and then each couple brought over another item to complete the meal. It was so much fun, and downright tempting too. I guess now would be a good time to tell you folks that I gave up all booze for lent. I'm not catholic, and grew up what I consider to be half baptist and half methodist; and the methodist do participate in Lent!  Anywho...that's right...I gave up even wine!!! So...game night was very hard and actually the rest of that entire weekend was pretty evil.

Saturday morning Luke and I helped host an Auburn Tailgate themed shower at Park Tavern. It was PERFECT weather! Not drinking at a tailgate is downright wrong, but I held out and behaved. I'm really on this cupcake kick as you can see in the below pics.
Saturday night we attended a wedding with the reception at Park Tavern too. It was a blast and of course had a full open bar. I guess you don't realize how much you drink or how many things you do with drinking until you give it up. Eye opening indeed.

So our current state is me hanging out in Augusta this week with Luke in Nash again working for the week. We both fly back to Carlsbad on Sunday and Monday and meet the movers that Wednesday. After they arrive it's just one last half country drive and we'll be GA peaches again. Crazy to think this move is finally happening. We are taking a different route back, so more blogs to come on our travels.

Love the huge windmills seen driving through West Texas

If you know me, you know I have a crazy love for the American Flag! It's so pretty!

We made it to Haynesville in time for dinner. 

Luke and Grandfather

Walking on the links

Luke chipping 

Drive for show and put for dough!!

Yum!! You must try this!

We made it into Nashville for Spring! The trees are lovely

AU cupcakes of course! 

Hanging out at the AU tailgate shower

The awesome bride and groom! Such a wonderful fun wedding.

Shower Time and Moving Update

I do realize I'm the worst blogger EVER right now. I'm sorry I've been MIA. I was traveling and then just trying to figure everything out we have coming up in the next few weeks.

So...I don't have all of the pics that I want to post. I'll just have another blog later with more pics. 

Here are some photos of the shower I hosted in ATL this past weekend. My little sister Jenna graciously lent out her house, and Kat a new friend helped host. Kat tackled all of the wonderful decorations and I was in charge of the food. We had a wonderful turn out and I think the bride was very happy. Thank you also to my wonderful family for helping tackle the clean up and prep. The only item I really just couldn't get made on my original menu was pigs in a blanket. I know they are a favorite, but I just ran out of time. Also, next round I'll have really cute icing jobs for the cupcakes! I think taste is most important though...so I was proud overall.

The Food Spread

The menu was: 

Deviled Eggs

Turkey Canapes

Cupcakes

Tomato and Mozz. Skewers (spritzed with garlic olive oil)

Pimento Sandwich Bites

Mexican Roll Ups (can't see well in this pic)

Fruit Platter

Pizza Cups (can't see in this photo-they are tiny table bottom left)

Donut Bites

Pink and Green Everything!

The Beautiful Bride

So...I thought I would also take this moment to let you know about our upcoming move and crazy next couple of weeks! Tomorrow morning Luke and I are driving my car to Haynesville, LA. It's a 12 hour drive and my first visit to Luke's grandparents home. I still think it's funny they live in a town with my maiden name.

After visiting for a couple of days we are driving up to Nashville, TN. Luke is working at the home office for a week where I plan to help out a couple of days, and just enjoy our old stomping ground the rest. 

Come Friday the 18th we are going to ATL for game night at my sister's house with friends, and then hosting yet another shower that Saturday morning. Saturday night we are attending a wedding...can we say crazy!! (we have over 7 weddings this year already)

Sunday morning Luke will catch a one way flight back to Nashville for work and I'll head to Augusta. After a wedding without Luke on Saturday the 26th in Augusta... I'll hop on a one way flight back to Carlsbad that Monday. Luke should arrive back in Carlsbad the Sunday night before me from his Nashville flight. So...we are hoping the movers arrive some time the last week of March. Then...once again we'll hit the road with Luke's truck and make our half country drive! Boy if that isn't just a crazy maybe schedule I don't know what is! Ha! I just hope we can stick to the plan we've laid out and everything goes smoothly. 

Very New Mexican

This week is everyone comes to visit the job site week, so that equals no time at home. We eat every meal together and generally get home about 9:30 or 10 at night. So that's why I am just now sitting down to mention this past weekend.
The weather has been great recently for the entire U.S. A.  it seems. The weather here was a wonderful 80 degrees ,and perfect for tennis. Luke and I played at the local courts that were actually very nice. They have lights, shady spots, and everything is in good condition. You don't find that too often at free local courts, so I was happy to see no droopy nets.
After Tennis  we hit the kitchen. Luke made jalapeno poppers, I made enchiladas, and  home made cookie dough (minus the egg) for dessert. The poppers were AMAZING. Luke got this cool deal shown below for Christmas. Here's the recipe you must try!!
Jalapeno Poppers
Cook two slices of bacon (crispy)
Mix together ssoftened cream cheese, minced garlic, and bacon broken into bits
Core and then lightly coat fresh jalapenos inside's with ranch dressing
Stuff jalapenos with cream cheese mixture and cook on 350 for 30 min.
You'd think they'd be super hot...they really arn't! They are very yummy and highly recommended.
I didn't get a pic of the poppers, but did snag one of my enchiladas. We are so New Mexican now! With that said...still waiting official word on the moving time frame. Hope the week is going swell for everyone!

The popper holder!

YUM!

Patiently Waiting

Patience is a virtue right!?! Luke's company is officially testing my patience. We've got the official word that we are heading to Augusta, GA, but we don't know when. I was hoping originally that we would be in route this next week, but have been asked to stick around a bit longer. So...now my goal week is driving the second week of March, but we'll see (fingers crossed). We are waiting on the owner to decide if he would like  for us to complete one more additional piece of work. Once we know that we are moving somewhere....anywhere....we become anxious to head out. Even though I know well the next destination, it's still exciting to be some place new. I haven't lived in my hometown since high school, and things have changed a lot since I last lived there. So...I'm excited to catch up with old friends, and experience Augusta at a different stage in life.
I'm also patiently waiting for HGTV to come knock on my door! I've entered me, Luke, my mom, and dad every day for the dream home in Stowe, VT. So...I do realize I'm kind of a nut in terms of entering these contest, but I have HOPE for one day!!