Oh the FIRSTS!

Warning: LONG blog ahead

This trying something new thing is much easier than I expected.  Granted, I am only beginning my second month, but it is in fact quite addicting!
Sunday, the hubster and the Wards rode back from our fantastic Oklahoma weekend.  In the spirit of newness (I'm very thankful for each and everyone's cooperation) we made more stops than necessary which provided for much more fun than expected.  The stops worth mentioning were a stop at The Peanut Shop - quenching Caleb's desire for some "homemade" beef jerky.  Thank you dear dear Peanut Shop for sparing me the effort of learning how to make beef jerky (at least so far)

And...My first trip to a casino - Choctaw. 

I feel that there should be fireworks, horns blowing, or money thrown up into the air - but sadly, nothing.  I was always strongly encouraged to stay away from such gambling locations, only to discover that I have not missed out at all.  I played a couple of slot machines - went up, then went down.  I am sad to report that for me, it was difficult to see the fun through all of the smoke and red necks.  All in all, just four dollars the McGuires will never get back.  We have a dear friend who likes to go and plays cards - I have been told he is quite the money maker.  He has since informed Caleb that we went to the old casino, very clearly, we went to the wrong one!  So if Blake is ever headed that way, I may try it again with a pro.  I'm going to keep my hopes alive!  

Monday was my FIRST time to host The Bachelor.  We watched it in the Movie Theater downstairs - it was my first time to watch anything there - quite the feature film!  I tried some new items from my recipe box courtesy of my sisters.  It was a super fun night!  I do however feel it necessary to point out that Brad made his first mistake - he cut my darling Ashley S.  Perhaps, the network will realize how fabulous she is and she can be our next Bachelorette.  That is a season I would tune in for.

Tuesday, I had my first Texas snow day...and it continued...ALL week!

We only went to school on Monday.  This was definitely a first for me.  Stuff in the house provided for many firsts: 

- I used the Tide washing machine cleaner - glorious!  totally recommend it 

- Watched a couple of new movies - The American, The Facebook movie - eh... 

- Tried some new recipes - delish
- Found a new store - Frock, and Caleb got me these cute glove like things

Friday night, a very happening night at the McGuire house, couch, movie, water noises - what was that?  I heard pouring water outside our apartment...only to discover that water was in fact pouring out of the ceiling in the hallway.  Eeekk!  A pipe had burst on the floor above us.  Luckily, it only affected the hallway, not our apartment or any of our neighbors.  However, it turned our quiet night at home into quite the adventure.

 Arleen loving her wedding pictures as part of her present. 

 The Birthday Girl

Saturday was my first time to celebrate Arleen (Caleb's mom) birthday with her.  We had a great day all together and she made a delicious meal.  She provided some firsts for me - new Texas wines, homemade tamales and beans in a way I have never tried.  They were all very scrumptious.  Michelle Kelley, I am sure you are proud of my new food efforts - or, you should be.  Makes me want to try new foods a little more willingly - well, maybe.