The Joy of Cooking.......

and Eating

I started cooking at an early age, about 10. My parents allowed great autonomy relative to my age and experience, and I was showered with praise and compliments in my cooking endeavors. I enjoyed cooking.

The cooking experiences and expectations I learned in my family of origin gave me a severe wake up call when I got married. It was really hard for me to accept that Davin did not bring the same experiences and expectations of cooking to the table, literally and figuratively, as I did. Davin's family ate meat and potatoes, mine ate chicken and vegetables. Oh my!

Davin and I both believe that cooking is an essential skill, so all of our children are experienced and accomplished cooks in their own right. When Leigh Anne left for college, we lost our cook :(. Since Davin is a college instructor, I asked him to do the cooking when he is off work.

Earlier this year, I watched the movie, "Julie & Julia". It was about the great cook Julia Child and one of her admirers, Julie. It was a great movie. It was funny, interesting and inspiring. Davin and I even got to visit Julia's kitchen at The Smithsonian in D.C. last year. Davin also watched the movie and, to my surprise, asked for a copy of her book "Mastering the Art of Fine Cooking". My palette is receiving the benefit of this gift daily.



This was brunch today, eggs benedict

BAM!

It's the Name Game

Some people like nicknames, some don't, around this house though there isn't a choice, not even for the cats. I love nicknames and always have; I think they are fun and in a way are an expression of endearment. Everyone at this house has a nickname, sometimes that is mistaken for their real name. The cats for instance, one is named Nina, but not really....her name is Fiddy, Fiddy Phat Phat. One of Wid's (see there we go again) friends called the house the other day asking if Fiddy's real name was Nina because Will had called the cat Nina and she hadn't known who Will was talking about or something. The boys started calling me Anne Leigh when I first moved in but it didn't stick much...then they started calling me Lan, which stuck like glue. I have people back home who call me Lan so it's easy to answer to.

We have fun with our names and everything else. Recently the boys have been on a mission to get me to buy the board game Risk; I'm totally up for the game, especially since they seem to think that they will win (we will see). Everyone will be leaving soon and I can only imagine how quite the house will be, I'll definitely miss everyone, especially the boys no matter how crazy they drive me.

Yeah, We Eat Ice Cream Out of Coffee Mugs....So What?

The other night Wid and I were watching the end of "Crazy Heart" which we watched the next night with Peter because it's so good; you should definitely check it out. Anyways, Patrick had some friends over and he comes into the living room and asks Wid why we eat ice cream out of coffee mugs (one of his friends thought it was weird) Wid just explained cause that's what Papoo did. It had never occurred to me that eating ice cream out of a coffee mug isn't how people normally like their ice cream. At my house we eat it out of coffee mugs too, well except when my brothers decide that the size of a mug just isn't enough. There's no telling why Papoo ate ice cream out of a coffee mug; it's probably just one of those things that he did, or it could've been that he finished his coffee and would put a scoop of ice cream in it for a mid-morning snack. Papoo loved his ice cream, I'm pretty sure that has passed down through every one of his children and their children. Also, not only do we all like ice cream, we all seem to have a thing for Blue Bell.

Multiple pages on Google images and this is the ONLY one that I can find....must not be a common thing.

Next weekend I get to see my mom, dad, Reid, Noni, and much more of my family because I am going to Dallas where we are all going to a Texas Rangers' game and seeing Robert Earl Keen in concert. I am so excited about the weekend and am really looking forward to it.

Anyways, over and out. SOTD

Family Movie Night..It's How We Roll

Recently Wid has discovered that Netflix has tons of great old movies available streaming. So at the Comer house we have recently started "Family Movie Night." After dinner we all get together downstairs and watch whatever movie we have picked out on the instant que. A couple of nights ago we watched "Stand and Deliver." I had seen the movie and it's definitely a favorite of mine; I think the boys enjoyed it as well.

Last night we watched "Lost Boys" and let me tell you the 80s definitely produced horror. The soundtrack of the movie was great just as Wid had said and there was action, blood, and suspense throughout the movie.

I'm usually not the easiest person to watch movies with because I'm not good at concentrating or staying still for too long; however, compared to how much the boys talk during movies, watching a movie with me would be a piece of cake. Sometimes they are just provoking whoever will respond to their remarks, that is until they are genuinely interested in the movie. They are fun to watch movies with, even if they do ask endless questions.

Tonight I have been told we are having comedy night, I am not sure what's in store but I know one thing: I will be in great company. The movies we watch are great even if we do occasionally argue over what to watch before there is a compromise. In all honesty though, it's not really even about the great flicks that we view, it's about doing something together as a family. I know I have a great time watching movies with everyone and seeing as how anyone in the house has yet to skip out, I'm guessing everyone else does too. As Wid would tell me, "Family Movie Night, be there or be square."


SOTD

My Life in the Underworld

For the summer I am living in Austin with my aunt and uncle and their three boys. I couldn't be more grateful to them for letting me move in to the downstairs bedroom. I never expected the summer to be anything but loud and fun living with a house full of boys. I grew up living with Ryan and Reid so Xbox all day and air soft gun wars are nothing foreign to my lifestyle. Wid, and Peter, my uncle, have three boys, two in Jr. High, and one in elementary. Over the past year living in Austin, I have gotten closer to the boys because I would come to the house and do laundry and such; but this summer I have the opportunity to spend even more time with them, which I love. A few days ago Wid said that she wanted the boys to start doing volunteer work this summer; I am really excited about it because that's a huge part of my life at St. Edward's and what could be more fun than doing service in Austin with three boys who are constantly full of energy? The middle and youngest boys remind me a lot of me and Reid growing up, they are constantly picking at each other and never seem to get along. I smiled a couple days ago when I woke up and the first text I had was from Reid, we get along great now and can talk to each other about basically anything. Our petty fights have long since passed and I couldn't have asked for a better brother, he and Ryan are both such good guys and I love the part that they play in my life. Now don't get me wrong, we all still pick on each other, now it's more in good fun. When I hear Alex and Will fight, I just think of the many time Reid and I did the same thing and I would tell him that he was such a jerk and then think of where we are now.

The boys are my cousins but we all seem to be getting to the point where we treat each other like siblings. I love having three little guys to hang around with, even if they do get a little rowdy at times. As you know, my family means so much to me, and not just my immediate. God has provided this opportunity to get close to the boys this summer and I couldn't be happier. Family is something I stopped taking for granted when the boys and my Papoo died a few years back. Papoo always loved the fact that his kids, and their kids were so close to each other. Living in Gruver, I was only able to be around at Christmas and usually got to see my cousins only once or twice a year. Now that I live in Austin, I see everyone much more frequently, especially the three boys...obviously. I understand more and more each day why it was so important to Papoo that we were all close. I come and go from Wid's as I please but I know if I need anything I can always count on Wid and Peter to help me out. I work as a waitress and have a constantly changing schedule, but Peter and Wid know that if they ever need me to pick the boys up or cook dinner because they are at work; I'm more often than not able to do so. It is such a blessing to have family around and I couldn't be more grateful for mine.

SOTD

Video Killed the Radio Star

It's been a while....! I went home for Easter and got to spend some time with my lovely family, including all of my grandparents. I loved my time it home; it made me realize what a great family I have a what a blessing they are in my life. I never try and take my family for granted, but I couldn't ever thank each of them enough for what they do for me. My brothers and I have a great time hanging out together; we are at the point in our lives where we are nice to each other (most of the time). My dad has helped me so much lately with school, specifically with a huge paper I am writing for a World History class, having a professor for a father totally pays off. My mom is always sending me mail and keeps me looking on the bright side when I find myself becoming increasingly overwhelmed by school.

I try and talk to my mom on the phone at least three times a week; however, I am not so great at calling my dad that often. Recently we started sending Facebook videos to each other and I love it, best way to keep in touch. Don't get me wrong, I like to talk to him on the phone, but I (and I think he does too) have so much more fun making the videos.

School is two weeks from over, one being a week of finals. I am going to a leadership camp for a week and then coming back to Austin where I will live with my aunt and work at a restaurant waiting tables. I am a bit sad that I won't be spending the summer with my family but excited for all of the adventures I will have in Austin. My grandparents, who swore they wouldn't, have bought a new camper; I am so excited and hope that they come see me!

SOTD

The Power of Unintended Consequences

Mary Teague Mail, http://dwinger.wordpress.com/mary-teague-mail, was my attempt at blogging many years ago. I tried to write about things that I had been convicted of in my life and things going on in my family. These writings were “truth”, from my perspective. Unfortunately, I failed to consider the impact of those writings on those that were written about. Feelings were hurt.

I noticed in the news, that there was a woman who blogged about her daily life. She was a teacher, and she wrote about her students without mentioning their names or the name of the school at which she taught. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110216/ap_on_hi_te/us_teacher_suspended_blog
She was suspended with pay and is fighting to keep her job.

I was a guest speaker for Davin in his personal finance class on Tuesday. He asks me to come tell his class about financial products and services that are offered by banks. I offer my professional as well as personal experiences for explaining how and why they should take the time to know and understand such things. I was relating to them some facts of a lawsuit to make a point. I had trouble explaining the example because I had not prepared the workout in advance. I made a judgment that my whole presentation that day did not bode well for me or my bank from that point on. Normally, after such a presentation, Davin sends a thank you card signed by the whole class. Today, I got two. Awesome.

Papoo used to say that a boy’s poor attitude is directly proportional to the length of his hair. The longer it is, the worse it gets. Lots of haircuts lately. Life is good :)

A customer came into our bank after withdrawing money from our ATM. The ATM had incorrectly given them more than they were charged, and they were giving it back. Several months later this customer applied for a loan. They had no credit history, were barely old enough to qualify, and did not meet the ordinary credit requirements. They were shocked when I reminded them of the ATM incident. Needless to say, they got the loan.

Periodically I receive account levies at the bank from the IRS, the State Comptroller, the Attorney General, SLMA (student loans), and other assorted governmental agencies. When they come, the monies in all accounts of persons named in the levy are immediately frozen. After a period of time, unless we receive a release of the levy from the agency that sent it, the monies that were frozen are remitted to the agency to satisfy a variety of delinquent obligations. Open your mail, especially from the government. Do not ignore or disregard what they say you owe. Heed their communications and warnings. In my opinion, it is much easier to work a resolution than it is to recover from the outcomes of a levy. The same can be said for personal relationships.

To the ZBags and Wingers: Please forgive me for hurting you in any way with my unkind words or deeds. Forgive me if I neglect you, or take you for granted. Forgive me for not saying that I love you often. Thank you for loving me.

Allergies

When I was young, I was sick often and my parents eventually found out that I had allergies to almost everything, no really. I was allergic to beef, milk, cheese, peanuts, tomatoes, pineapple, coconut, chocolate, and plenty of other things. Needless to say, our family adjusted accordingly until I was ten and outgrew all of my allergies; I was tested and was found to be allergic to nothing. My sophomore year I was tested again and they found that I was significantly allergic to trees, weeds, and grass. My allergies bother me more in the Texas Panhandle than in Austin where I have had no trouble, until now.

I hadn't been feeling very well so a couple of friends suggested that I drink an Odwalla Superfood.

After talking to my mom about my eye being swollen she asked me what was in the Odwalla that I had drank. In the superfood is a shot of wheatgrass and drinking it obviously doesn't make me immune to my grass allergy....no more Odwalla for me, good thing my mom has been dealing with my ridiculous allergies for a long time!

Blame It On My ADD

So for my birthday my parents got me a smartpen, sent me a care package, and money. The smart pen is way too cool! As for the money it is going to buy the vibrams that I want.

KTG called me last night wanting me to go with her to Dallas for a concert; I would but I'm a poor college kid and  as much as I'd like to see the band I had to decline her offer. I do hope she has fun though, maybe she will post a blog about it!

My mom and dad are coming down in two weeks for homecoming and I couldn't be more excited! I realize that it has only been like two months since I have seen them but still.

As for my life, it is wonderful and I couldn't be better! I am ready for tomorrow and what the day will bring!!!

The Heart of Friendship

Davin and I have been friends with Keith, Darlene, Buster and Krista for many years. We have experienced both the worst and the best that life has to offer over the years of our friendship. We don't like each other all of the time. We don't agree about everything. We know how to goad each other, and build each other up. We've laughed, cried, and hopefully matured a bit over the years. I can count on them to be there for me when I need them. I cherish their friendship.

Several times a year, usually for a holiday, we go out together to a nice place and eat dinner. I received an email from Melyn a few weeks ago telling me about a "Murder Mystery Dinner" fundraiser in Guymon. I remember thinking that kinda sounds like fun (my new year's resolution of stepping out of my box and saying yes to things is kicking in here). We bought tickets, got commitments from our cronies, and we were set. I must say that we had a great time. I think that even if it had been the worst show and food on earth, we would have had fun just hanging out with our cronies. On Valentine's Day, I am mindful that this is the heart of friendship.

Happy Birthday Snic!

There once was a girl.
Who had a little curl.
Right in the middle of her forehead
When she was good, she was very, very good,
But when she was bad she was horrid...

I couldn't tell you how many times I read this poem to Leigh Anne before she went to bed. It was a favorite of us both.

I like this snapshot Leigh Anne took of herself. It seems to exude the self confidence that she has. The other day I was visiting with a friend about Leigh Anne and telling her how she was doing in college. (It is always fun for me to talk about my children.)

My friend commented that Leigh Anne had the best of both Teague and I.

Hmmm...I'm thinking she has more than the best of me.

Happy Birthday Snic!

Love, Dad

The Brothers

"Is there any stew left?" was what Reid's text said. I told him, "Yes!" and that I was also making cornbread and that he and Ryan should come eat. I was excited both boys were coming over. Sure, they might track in a little snow because they didn't take off their shoes, but it's worth it. (I'm defiantly going to have to clean the floors Saturday.)

It was an enjoyable dinner. Reid ate the last of my honey, and the banter between the two is engaging and humorous. (At times, they sound like an old married couple.)

It's fun hearing what is going on in their lives and the ideas they have going. (Like getting a luxury suit at a Texas Rangers game. I'm down!)

One of the best things about them coming over though is that they leave. And Teague and I have a peaceful home to ourselves again.

Can You Hear Me now?

I am a little like my family of origin in that I seldom like to be told what to do. It should go without saying that trying to manipulate me into doing something usually doesn’t work well, and leaves me feeling cynical towards the manipulator. I have been doing some self-evaluation lately to try and change those behaviors that isolate me, and prevent personal growth in my life. With that in mind, I am posting today :)

As a general rule, I don’t like to talk on the phone. Before my dad died, I would talk to him several times a week. He loved to tell me what to do, argue, and play devil’s advocate about anything and everything. When dad and I would disagree during a phone conversation, one or the other of us would hang up. We would stew for a time and in a few days it would all be over. I miss hanging up on dad.

When dad died, I made an effort to call my mom several times a week to check on her. At first, this was hard for me because I needed to learn how to become “phone friends” with her. Although it was awkward, I persisted because I needed her to help me through this time of grieving, and vice versa. I called mom yesterday and we talked for a long time. I enjoy talking to mom. She does not gossip, will keep secrets, and listens well. She doesn’t argue for the sake of arguing, and she is kind and thoughtful. She doesn’t tell me what to do unless I ask her opinion, and she prays for my family regularly. I will never hang up on mom.

Sometimes doing things that are hard for you personally can pay huge dividends.

Today is mom’s birthday. I think I will call her.

The shoe is on the other foot.

cc licensed flickr photo shared by wader


Teague and I missed sharing our normal Super Bowl Sunday with the Keith and Darlene. We made a rule a few years ago that we were going to enjoy the Super Bowl without kids. It's always been a nice evening of eating, visiting, and watching a little of the football game. I remember the year Janet Jackson had the wardrobe malfunction. We all looked at each other and said, "Did we just see what we thought we saw?" It's a good thing we didn't have a DVR then.

Instead of watching the Super Bowl, Teague and I were presenting at a Retrouvaille Marriage Weekend. I wrote a little about the weekend here.

Our flight was scheduled to leave Houston about 6:40 PM on Sunday evening. That afternoon Teague received a text from Ryan telling us that it was snowing in Gruver, and he wanted us to call or text him when we landed.

I appreciated Ryan's concern for his old Mom and Dad, but I had to chuckle a little about how things had changed. It wasn't that long ago and I would have wanted him checking in with me before he started to travel especially if the weather was acting up.

Ryan's checking up on his Mom and Dad...and it feels pretty good.

We're All Tweeties

So at the request of my Dad (mastermind Davin) a twitter feed of all of our tweets will now appear on the side bar to your right. This will be more of an "at the moment look into our lives" because we all tweet at each other pretty regularly. Everyone in the large family that has a twitter account was added today with the exception of Teague. When I tried to add her I received a message that said her account needed password access...she was the only one who had this pop-up; however, it was no surprise to me; that's just my mom for you; it's why we love her!

As for this year's super bowl, the two sets of generals :) (my parents and the Gibson parents) usually watch the super bowl at my house with no kids. This year they won't be able to do that because my parents are flying back from Houston. I would tell you why they went to Houston, but I'll just let one of them post on that if they are up for it just to keep the authoring in rotation!

As for Ryan, Kyle, and Reid, they are probably at Ryan and Reid's bachelor pad watching the game with Reid's dog Millie.

As for me I really don't care about the super bowl much but being from Texas and in the spirit of football I'll just say "Go Pack Go!". 

Anywho, I just thought I would give an update on the progress of our blog, I hope you have a great night, whichever team you're routin' for!

LAW

Excellent Start!

Wow! What a great start! I lol (laughed out loud for the Z-bag parentals) when I read about Gibson needing a nap before posting.

I can't wait to see where this could go. Especially with all the witty children available.

This morning Shelley came over for chocolate chip pancakes. I asked her how much they made at the fundraiser last night. As we were talking she said their stated rings were going to be different than last years. She said that it just took about 15 minutes to decide. I ask her who the boss was in choosing. She said everyone worked together.

Then she said that last year it took about two hours to decide. I ask her who the boss was last year.

She replied, "Oh, I think you know who it was."

This Is Our Family Jewel

We started a family blog; well I set it up but collectively on twitter we (the majority rule of the family seeing as how all the women have two votes) decided that it would be a good idea. I should also note that there are two families (but really one big) involved in these blog postings. So here is the first post, I will give a bit of incite to those of you who care to read this family blog.

There are eleven potential authors, emphasis on the potential, they are as follows: 1) Pookie, Mom, MATIGGY, Teague Style, otherwise known as Teague Winger, my mother 2) the head of all of the technology insanity in the family, Dad, Davinport, Farmer Dave, Professor Winger, dwinger2003, Davin Winger 3) Ryan...who just got a twitter but hopefully will join the blogging bandwagon now 4) the golden child, Reidy, speedyreidy, Reid who has potential to be a prominent contributor to this blog, 5) Darlenie Weenie, Mom, Darlene who is the mother of the other house, seeing as how Darlene has yet to read my blog her contribution to this one doesn't look promising but we'll give her a break she is a hard working teacher 6) Z-bag, Gibson, Dad, Keith Gibson, head of the second household; he could be a promising author to this blog especially if he had a good nap before posting ;) 7) Kyle J, Kylita, ladies man, Kyle Jackson, now if Kyle figures out how to post on this blog we could become a prime blog role attracting some very pretty girls seeing as how Kyle is a master in the art of WOO 8) Kory, now if Kory is not out on the town he also could be a contributor to this blog...we'll see 9) KTG, sister, Katie, Katie will author this blog, I can assure you; however, it may be sporadically 10) Squatch, the other golden child, Shelley, I do hope that Shelley contributes to this blog seeing as how she is the other golden child it would be read more often ;) 11) LAW, snic, Leigh Anne, I myself of course will contribute to this blog as long as the other family members don't leave me out to dry....K THANKS guys!

Anyways, who knows where this could go, or what could be written but it might be fun just to see what happens, or at least I think so! As for my fellow authors, post away, or don't; but I'd rather you DO. :)

LAW