Had a thought.
14 hours ago
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
The beginning of the end of diapers?
Yet another huge difference with my boys and my girl. Several times since last week, ME has told me she needed to go "poo poo" in enough time to make it to the potty! Yes, she is only 18 months old, and my expectations are zero, but she has woken up dry after a few naps and goes to the bathroom everytime I put her on the potty. Although I am not expecting her to be potty trained until maybe this summer (fingers crossed?!) this has already started to cut into our diaper budget which has been a significant part of our grocery bill for over 6 years. Yeah!
Monday, February 27, 2006
weekend highlights
Friday afternoon, my best friend from the newlywed days came to town while her husband was presenting a paper. We got to spend a very fast hour catching up at Barnes and Noble.
I met Ashlie the day after I came home from my honeymoon. She and her husband had just moved to town so her husband could attend Baylor. We both got into the masters program at Baylor at the same time and we had an instant connection. We were in a program full of career oriented women while Ashlie and I dreamed of becoming "Mommies"! She and her husband left after two years and I missed her terribly. We still catch up from time to time but with 6 kids between us, it has gotten a little more difficult! She has family in town and I get to see her once every few years.
After our meeting, I raced home to cook a big dinner for my in laws, sister-in-law and her family. They all decided to come to town to watch the boys basketball game. The boys spent the night with my in laws at the hotel which they always look forward to!
The boys had a great last game. (It is still iffy on whether they will play in the "official" last game on Thursday night due to my brother's wedding.) Their winning streak continued and they were excited that all of their grandparents got to watch them. During the awards ceremony, Thomas stood frozen in front of the trophies. He kept saying that he couldn't believe he was finally going to get one of his own!
I am feeling a bit overwhelmed at all of the things I need to get accomplished this week. Packing for a weekend where we have to look nice at every event will be a challenge. Lots of prayers will go up that we don't forget anything important. Last minute things like getting the car cleaned, getting Matthew's teeth fixed, getting hair cuts for the boys and me, and making table decorations for the rehearsal dinner will only add to the madness of the week. I pray that it is as peaceful as possible.
I met Ashlie the day after I came home from my honeymoon. She and her husband had just moved to town so her husband could attend Baylor. We both got into the masters program at Baylor at the same time and we had an instant connection. We were in a program full of career oriented women while Ashlie and I dreamed of becoming "Mommies"! She and her husband left after two years and I missed her terribly. We still catch up from time to time but with 6 kids between us, it has gotten a little more difficult! She has family in town and I get to see her once every few years.
After our meeting, I raced home to cook a big dinner for my in laws, sister-in-law and her family. They all decided to come to town to watch the boys basketball game. The boys spent the night with my in laws at the hotel which they always look forward to!
The boys had a great last game. (It is still iffy on whether they will play in the "official" last game on Thursday night due to my brother's wedding.) Their winning streak continued and they were excited that all of their grandparents got to watch them. During the awards ceremony, Thomas stood frozen in front of the trophies. He kept saying that he couldn't believe he was finally going to get one of his own!
I am feeling a bit overwhelmed at all of the things I need to get accomplished this week. Packing for a weekend where we have to look nice at every event will be a challenge. Lots of prayers will go up that we don't forget anything important. Last minute things like getting the car cleaned, getting Matthew's teeth fixed, getting hair cuts for the boys and me, and making table decorations for the rehearsal dinner will only add to the madness of the week. I pray that it is as peaceful as possible.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
The last few days
After 4 days of sitting on my couch in the kitchen, my floors are finally in! When the men were pulling up the carpet, Thomas saw that the carpet pad was red and he was SO excited that we were going to have a red floor! He was very disappointed when then pulled up the padding!
Today, I had an appointment near where my husband practices law. The kids were at school and MDO, so I was able to surprise him and show up during one of his cases. It is so funny to see him so agressive and business like when I am used to my sweet Bryon laughing and rolling around with the kids!
During lunch, we decided to go to a great B-B-Q restaurant. We had such a great time and it occurred to me later that it has been a LONG time since Bryon and I were alone during the day before the exhaustion of the day has taken its toll! We agreed that we should do that more often!
The Black Ninjas are now 7-0! It was an exciting game. It will be all over for the season next week. This is the first time that I haven't been ready for a break. I have really enjoyed hanging out with the boys' parents!
My in-laws are coming tomorrow to watch the boy's game on Saturday. Bryon and I are spending the evening cleaning up all of the dust that was stirred up from the week.
Here is a pic of Matthew's mouth. Not only are we getting his front tooth fixed, we are also pulling his top baby tooth that won't budge even as his permanent tooth is growing over it! Sometimes, I miss that sweet baby teeth smile!
Today, I had an appointment near where my husband practices law. The kids were at school and MDO, so I was able to surprise him and show up during one of his cases. It is so funny to see him so agressive and business like when I am used to my sweet Bryon laughing and rolling around with the kids!
During lunch, we decided to go to a great B-B-Q restaurant. We had such a great time and it occurred to me later that it has been a LONG time since Bryon and I were alone during the day before the exhaustion of the day has taken its toll! We agreed that we should do that more often!
The Black Ninjas are now 7-0! It was an exciting game. It will be all over for the season next week. This is the first time that I haven't been ready for a break. I have really enjoyed hanging out with the boys' parents!
My in-laws are coming tomorrow to watch the boy's game on Saturday. Bryon and I are spending the evening cleaning up all of the dust that was stirred up from the week.
Here is a pic of Matthew's mouth. Not only are we getting his front tooth fixed, we are also pulling his top baby tooth that won't budge even as his permanent tooth is growing over it! Sometimes, I miss that sweet baby teeth smile!
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Grandma's spaghetti
Matthew had his visit with the dentist Monday afternoon. His tooth will be fixed next Tuesday so he will be cute for pictures at my brother's wedding next weekend!
We had a pizza party on our carpet Monday night before all of the carpet was ripped up. We let the kids eat on the floor and drink open drinks in there. They thought that was the craziest thing and loved that we were letting them break the rules!
Half of the flooring is in and they should finish today. I am ready for all my furniture to be out of my kitchen. I am having to stradle our piano to get to the microwave.
Grandma's sphaghetti
My grandmother was born in Corinth, MS and later moved to Memphis. Her father was a C of C elder and big supporter of Harding Bible College there. My grandfather was the youngest of 6 who grew up in rural Alabama. The first one a girl, the last FIVE were boys! His father died when my Dagano was 3 which left his mother, barely 5 feet tall, to take care of the six kids. (Must remember that story when I am feeling sorry for myself).
Dagano was in the Navy when he was a teenager. He was at the Bikini Islands when the atom bomb was being tested. When they would fire the test runs and radiation would spew out, the sailors were told to cover their eyes with their hands for protection. This may explain why my grandfather and many other men there died of cancer.
After the war, my grandparents met while travelling by train. They were married shortly afterward. They had two boys then were sent to Bermuda by the Navy. My aunt was born there and my Dad attended kindergarten there. While in Bermuda, my grandmother befriended an Italian woman who was her neighbor. The Italian woman gave Grandma her recipe for spaghetti and the rest is history!
I blogged about this last year, but when I think of my Grandmother, I think of her spaghetti. Everytime we went to visit her in B'ham, we always ate her spaghetti, corn bread, and slaw (she had to make it a little Southern!)
She has since moved to Waco and will make it every few years for us, but it is definitely on of my favorite recipes! It reminds me of being a newlywed. I tried to make it during the first few months of our marriage. I was such a novice in the kitchen that it took me several hours to make! Now I can whip it out in less than half an hour.
I hope you enjoy the recipe! You have to follow the ingredients exactly for the taste to be like Grandmas. I try to doctor it up sometimes and it doesn't taste right. Also, I would recommend serving it with corn bread and slaw! Also, she fixed warm banana pudding for dessert.
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
1 onion chopped
1/2 large bell pepper, chopped
2 large cans tomato sauce (I like crushed Progresso tomatoes)
1 large can tomatoes (I leave this out sometimes and it doesn't mess up the taste)
1/4. t oregano
1/4 t. marjoram
1/4 t. tumeric
6 whole cloves
3 cloves of garlic quartered
1 T. worchestershire sauce
5 or 6 shakes tabasco (I like more!)
1/2 C ketchup
2 T. leaves of celery chopped
Brown onion and bell pepper in meat.
Add other ingredients and simmer slowly about 2 hours.
Cook spaghetti til tender. Remove cloves before serving.
I usually double the recipe and freeze half of the sauce for another time.
We had a pizza party on our carpet Monday night before all of the carpet was ripped up. We let the kids eat on the floor and drink open drinks in there. They thought that was the craziest thing and loved that we were letting them break the rules!
Half of the flooring is in and they should finish today. I am ready for all my furniture to be out of my kitchen. I am having to stradle our piano to get to the microwave.
Grandma's sphaghetti
My grandmother was born in Corinth, MS and later moved to Memphis. Her father was a C of C elder and big supporter of Harding Bible College there. My grandfather was the youngest of 6 who grew up in rural Alabama. The first one a girl, the last FIVE were boys! His father died when my Dagano was 3 which left his mother, barely 5 feet tall, to take care of the six kids. (Must remember that story when I am feeling sorry for myself).
Dagano was in the Navy when he was a teenager. He was at the Bikini Islands when the atom bomb was being tested. When they would fire the test runs and radiation would spew out, the sailors were told to cover their eyes with their hands for protection. This may explain why my grandfather and many other men there died of cancer.
After the war, my grandparents met while travelling by train. They were married shortly afterward. They had two boys then were sent to Bermuda by the Navy. My aunt was born there and my Dad attended kindergarten there. While in Bermuda, my grandmother befriended an Italian woman who was her neighbor. The Italian woman gave Grandma her recipe for spaghetti and the rest is history!
I blogged about this last year, but when I think of my Grandmother, I think of her spaghetti. Everytime we went to visit her in B'ham, we always ate her spaghetti, corn bread, and slaw (she had to make it a little Southern!)
She has since moved to Waco and will make it every few years for us, but it is definitely on of my favorite recipes! It reminds me of being a newlywed. I tried to make it during the first few months of our marriage. I was such a novice in the kitchen that it took me several hours to make! Now I can whip it out in less than half an hour.
I hope you enjoy the recipe! You have to follow the ingredients exactly for the taste to be like Grandmas. I try to doctor it up sometimes and it doesn't taste right. Also, I would recommend serving it with corn bread and slaw! Also, she fixed warm banana pudding for dessert.
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
1 onion chopped
1/2 large bell pepper, chopped
2 large cans tomato sauce (I like crushed Progresso tomatoes)
1 large can tomatoes (I leave this out sometimes and it doesn't mess up the taste)
1/4. t oregano
1/4 t. marjoram
1/4 t. tumeric
6 whole cloves
3 cloves of garlic quartered
1 T. worchestershire sauce
5 or 6 shakes tabasco (I like more!)
1/2 C ketchup
2 T. leaves of celery chopped
Brown onion and bell pepper in meat.
Add other ingredients and simmer slowly about 2 hours.
Cook spaghetti til tender. Remove cloves before serving.
I usually double the recipe and freeze half of the sauce for another time.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Update
Matthew has a consult at 2 this afternoon with his dentist. I have gained a little perspective since last night and realize that it isn't the end of the world, it could have been a lot worse, and Matthew will be an official member of the boy club with a veneer on his front tooth! My brother lost half of a tooth in a sports accident and my cousin had a gun recoil and knock out a tooth. Stuff happens.
I just spent two hours at the doctor with ME for a follow up. She had to have another catheter and blood draw. She knew it was coming this time and was VERY upset. She still has blood in her urine so I am waiting on a call from the doc to figure out what to do next.
On top of all of this, we are getting wood floors in our house! We had to move all of our furniture except in the bedrooms and have mostly a concrete floor. I am excited to see how it will all turn out and to get rid of the carpet that has lasted us from Baby Matthew to Baby ME. I would hate for the CSI team to come to our house and test what all is in the carpet from spit up, throw up, juice, pee, etc!
Fortunately Bryon is home now and will be going into work very late. I love when the courts are closed!
I just spent two hours at the doctor with ME for a follow up. She had to have another catheter and blood draw. She knew it was coming this time and was VERY upset. She still has blood in her urine so I am waiting on a call from the doc to figure out what to do next.
On top of all of this, we are getting wood floors in our house! We had to move all of our furniture except in the bedrooms and have mostly a concrete floor. I am excited to see how it will all turn out and to get rid of the carpet that has lasted us from Baby Matthew to Baby ME. I would hate for the CSI team to come to our house and test what all is in the carpet from spit up, throw up, juice, pee, etc!
Fortunately Bryon is home now and will be going into work very late. I love when the courts are closed!
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Another week, another drama.
We just can't seem to catch a break. Last week, we spent time in the hospital with ME. This week (only one day into it) and Matthew has lost half of his permanent front tooth.
I went to a book club meeting tonight and Bryon took the kids to church. Half way through, the children's minister came to get Bryon and explain what happened. Apparently, he and his good buddy were playing trying to catch balls of Playdoh when Matthew twisted and went down teeth first into the hard floor. I am trying not to visualize this too much because I have teeth issues. Knocked out teeth or even loose teeth make me nauseous.
Seriously, how many kindergarteners do you know who have mostly permanent teeth? Why didn't this happen to a baby tooth? Why did this happen to the top front tooth? He wanted to go to book club with me tonight instead of church. I wish I had just stayed home with him.
I didn't even enjoy Grey's Anatomy tonight because I was so sick about his tooth. I guess I will call the dentist tomorrow and see about getting it crowned. I can't write anymore, because I am so upset about it.
I went to a book club meeting tonight and Bryon took the kids to church. Half way through, the children's minister came to get Bryon and explain what happened. Apparently, he and his good buddy were playing trying to catch balls of Playdoh when Matthew twisted and went down teeth first into the hard floor. I am trying not to visualize this too much because I have teeth issues. Knocked out teeth or even loose teeth make me nauseous.
Seriously, how many kindergarteners do you know who have mostly permanent teeth? Why didn't this happen to a baby tooth? Why did this happen to the top front tooth? He wanted to go to book club with me tonight instead of church. I wish I had just stayed home with him.
I didn't even enjoy Grey's Anatomy tonight because I was so sick about his tooth. I guess I will call the dentist tomorrow and see about getting it crowned. I can't write anymore, because I am so upset about it.
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Writing to Read Journals
Matthew came home with his Writing to Read journals yesterday. There are only a few of them and of course, they are mostly about sports. He had to make up a story and color a picture at the bottom of the page to illustrate it. I thought they were so cute that I had to share:
*Once a pone a time, Alabama vs. Texas tech in the Rose bole and alabama won 13-10.
(They were in the Cotton Bowl, but it's Matthew's story, right?)
*Once a pon a time baylor vs. army and it was 20-10 Baylor!!!!! And baylors shorts wer green and gold. army was so bad.
(I guess the whole "men remembering scores and stats" thing starts early. He wrote this 5 months after the event!)
*Once a pon a time Baylor vs. samford and Baylor won 48-43. Baylor is now 2&0 ya!!!!!! I love B,a,y,l,o,r.
*Once a pone a time. Luke skiwocr was fighting Darth Vadore with me and I am with Darth Vadore. thy are with thar Litesavors on the Deth star.
I love reading the little stories he comes up with even if most of them are sports stats!
*Once a pone a time, Alabama vs. Texas tech in the Rose bole and alabama won 13-10.
(They were in the Cotton Bowl, but it's Matthew's story, right?)
*Once a pon a time baylor vs. army and it was 20-10 Baylor!!!!! And baylors shorts wer green and gold. army was so bad.
(I guess the whole "men remembering scores and stats" thing starts early. He wrote this 5 months after the event!)
*Once a pon a time Baylor vs. samford and Baylor won 48-43. Baylor is now 2&0 ya!!!!!! I love B,a,y,l,o,r.
*Once a pone a time. Luke skiwocr was fighting Darth Vadore with me and I am with Darth Vadore. thy are with thar Litesavors on the Deth star.
I love reading the little stories he comes up with even if most of them are sports stats!
Friday, February 17, 2006
The gang's all here!
Bryon was planning on picking Thomas up tomorrow morning at his aunt's farm, but when we heard that it was going to be freezing rain in the morning, we decided that I should go this afternoon to pick him up. I was only too happy to do it!
The entire time he was gone, he didn't want to talk to me on the phone, but I could tell that he really missed me. When we got in the car, he told me that he really missed "Baby Girl" and me so much while wiping away little tears! I know he had a great time with my inlaws and his cousin who lives two doors down, but there is no place like home! We made it home 5 minutes before Matthew got home from school. Pheeeew!
One cute story that my mother-in-law told me: Thomas and Ashley (age 2 1/2, cousin) were talking in the back seat of the car. Ashley was holding her baby doll and said, "I'm a mommy." Thomas, very seriously said, "Ashley, mommys don't poo poo in their pull ups!"
We are all home again for the first time since Tuesday, and we are celebrating Valentine's Day tonight with Grandma's spaghetti and strawberry crepes!
Have a great weekend!
The entire time he was gone, he didn't want to talk to me on the phone, but I could tell that he really missed me. When we got in the car, he told me that he really missed "Baby Girl" and me so much while wiping away little tears! I know he had a great time with my inlaws and his cousin who lives two doors down, but there is no place like home! We made it home 5 minutes before Matthew got home from school. Pheeeew!
One cute story that my mother-in-law told me: Thomas and Ashley (age 2 1/2, cousin) were talking in the back seat of the car. Ashley was holding her baby doll and said, "I'm a mommy." Thomas, very seriously said, "Ashley, mommys don't poo poo in their pull ups!"
We are all home again for the first time since Tuesday, and we are celebrating Valentine's Day tonight with Grandma's spaghetti and strawberry crepes!
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, February 16, 2006
A blissful day
Today has been everything I hoped it would be. I still got up early, but Bryon got Matthew ready for school and out the door, and Mary Beth and I have been chillin' like villians all day.
We played with toys, cleaned the house, and made a big vat of Grandma's spaghetti. I even kicked back while ME was napping and watched Little House on the Prairie reruns. (2 days in a row! I think I could get addicted!)
Changing gears...
What do these people have in common?:
Michelle Kwan
Bode Miller
Darren Ralves (men's downhill)
Apollo Ohno
Jeremy Bloom (moguls)
Johnny Weir
Mark Grimmette and Brian Martin (doubles luge)
Lindsey Kildow
Most of them heavily touted to win gold. All of them expected to medal and all of them have choked. Some due to injury, some due to crashes, some just not living up to the hype. What a let down Olympics this year and these mentioned are just the few that I remembered off the top of my head and it is only 5 days into competetion!
What do these have in common?:
Olympics
Hospital stays
I have spent the last three Olympics in the hospital! This last week, giving birth to ME in '04, and Thomas's hospitalization as an infant in '02. I guess I have grown accustomed to listening to the games through a speaker in my bed!
We played with toys, cleaned the house, and made a big vat of Grandma's spaghetti. I even kicked back while ME was napping and watched Little House on the Prairie reruns. (2 days in a row! I think I could get addicted!)
Changing gears...
What do these people have in common?:
Michelle Kwan
Bode Miller
Darren Ralves (men's downhill)
Apollo Ohno
Jeremy Bloom (moguls)
Johnny Weir
Mark Grimmette and Brian Martin (doubles luge)
Lindsey Kildow
Most of them heavily touted to win gold. All of them expected to medal and all of them have choked. Some due to injury, some due to crashes, some just not living up to the hype. What a let down Olympics this year and these mentioned are just the few that I remembered off the top of my head and it is only 5 days into competetion!
What do these have in common?:
Olympics
Hospital stays
I have spent the last three Olympics in the hospital! This last week, giving birth to ME in '04, and Thomas's hospitalization as an infant in '02. I guess I have grown accustomed to listening to the games through a speaker in my bed!
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Home again
Sick baby.
Well, we finally made it home at 8 p.m. It was a long day and although ME didn't sleep until an hour before discharge, she was happy and showing signs of her old sweet self. We were given an antibiotic that she has to take for the next 12 days and then all is well. She is going to be a flower girl in Michael's wedding in two weeks so at least she will be full of antiobiotics. No chance of sickness at the wedding.
Thomas will be staying with my in laws until Friday so tomorrow ME and I will have a chance to sleep and enjoy being in a room larger than my closet.
Thank goodness for Bibi. It helped make life bearable during the ordeal. She asked for it constantly.
I was impressed at how little effort it took to keep the bandage on that held her IV in place. They would have had to knock Matthew out to keep it on! I also loved how content she was to sit and cuddle most of the day while watching Little House On The Prairie reruns with her Mama!
By the end of the stay, ME was saying "Ont Foo! Ont Juuuuu!" (want food/want juice) over and over which was another welcome sign.
Time to finally rest!
Thank you again for thinking of us!
Well, we finally made it home at 8 p.m. It was a long day and although ME didn't sleep until an hour before discharge, she was happy and showing signs of her old sweet self. We were given an antibiotic that she has to take for the next 12 days and then all is well. She is going to be a flower girl in Michael's wedding in two weeks so at least she will be full of antiobiotics. No chance of sickness at the wedding.
Thomas will be staying with my in laws until Friday so tomorrow ME and I will have a chance to sleep and enjoy being in a room larger than my closet.
Thank goodness for Bibi. It helped make life bearable during the ordeal. She asked for it constantly.
I was impressed at how little effort it took to keep the bandage on that held her IV in place. They would have had to knock Matthew out to keep it on! I also loved how content she was to sit and cuddle most of the day while watching Little House On The Prairie reruns with her Mama!
By the end of the stay, ME was saying "Ont Foo! Ont Juuuuu!" (want food/want juice) over and over which was another welcome sign.
Time to finally rest!
Thank you again for thinking of us!
Update
I am humbled by all of your sweet comments to our family. My mother is taking her lunch break to give me a little break. I don't have much time but here it goes:
*Yesterday morning ME's doctor called to say that it was indeed a kidney infection. If she didn't run a fever and stayed hydrated, she would have been able to stay home. I had to run up at 2 p.m. to get her antibiotic shot.
*When I went by at 2, the nurse took one look at ME and said that the dr. needed to see her. She was white as a ghost and not having wet diapers.
*After we got to the hospital, ME had to go in to get an IV. They took her down the hall to do the procedure. I heard every bit of the 25 minutes it took to get the IV in. I asked the nurse if everything went ok and she said it did although she was sweating! I hope I never have to hear that again.
*Bryon took Thomas down to meet his parents half way to Houston so he could hang out with my inlaws and I wouldn't have to worry about finding someone to watch him. What a blessing!
*ME was as good as gold last night, but I still ended up only sleeping about 2 hours. She wouldn't sleep in the crib, so she slept with me.
*Dr. reports that her white counts are going down, but she is anemic. That would explain her paleness.
*We have been so baffled by her health the last few weeks. She would have a fever at night, then be fine for a few days, then have a fever again, then nothing for a week, etc. Dr. thinks that she was fighting off a bladder infection but it finally got the better of her last weekend. I am ready to have my happy little girl back!
*We should be leaving tonight or tomorrow. Thank you again for your prayers and well wishes. I will keep you updated.
*Yesterday morning ME's doctor called to say that it was indeed a kidney infection. If she didn't run a fever and stayed hydrated, she would have been able to stay home. I had to run up at 2 p.m. to get her antibiotic shot.
*When I went by at 2, the nurse took one look at ME and said that the dr. needed to see her. She was white as a ghost and not having wet diapers.
*After we got to the hospital, ME had to go in to get an IV. They took her down the hall to do the procedure. I heard every bit of the 25 minutes it took to get the IV in. I asked the nurse if everything went ok and she said it did although she was sweating! I hope I never have to hear that again.
*Bryon took Thomas down to meet his parents half way to Houston so he could hang out with my inlaws and I wouldn't have to worry about finding someone to watch him. What a blessing!
*ME was as good as gold last night, but I still ended up only sleeping about 2 hours. She wouldn't sleep in the crib, so she slept with me.
*Dr. reports that her white counts are going down, but she is anemic. That would explain her paleness.
*We have been so baffled by her health the last few weeks. She would have a fever at night, then be fine for a few days, then have a fever again, then nothing for a week, etc. Dr. thinks that she was fighting off a bladder infection but it finally got the better of her last weekend. I am ready to have my happy little girl back!
*We should be leaving tonight or tomorrow. Thank you again for your prayers and well wishes. I will keep you updated.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Monday, February 13, 2006
Today
Lots going on right now and I am tired tonight, so I'll make it as short as I can:
*After 3 days of high fever with ME, I took her to the dr. today. After THREE AND A HALF HOURS at the doctor's office, it was determined that Baby Girl has either a bladder or kidney infection. Poor thing had to endure a catheter, blood draw, and 2 antibiotic shots. The boys were with me for 2 1/2 hours of the ordeal. My mother (God bless the woman) came at that point to take them home. Even though everyone was as good as could be expected, all three kids cramped in a boring room for that long could equal in fun to, say, taking all three to the grocery store the day before Thanksgiving.
*We had a nice weekend other than sick kids. My brother and his fiance came home to celebrate Michael's 28th birthday. Thomas started calling him "Michael" rather than "Uncle Michael". Michael had to correct him several times on Saturday. Apparently at church on Sunday, one of the older women came over to talk to Michael. She said, "Hello, Michael!" Thomas told her, "He doesn't like to be called Michael. He likes to be called 'Uncle Michael'!" Mom pointed out that this was Michael's last visit home as a single man. Strange but exciting!
*We spent the rest of the day getting ready for Valentines Day. Matthew and I made a box for his cards and the boys addressed their Valentine's. Valentine's Day (along with New Year's Eve) has turned into a family holiday in the Barnhill house. There is just no need to pay a babysitter who is probably already occupied anyway to babysit while we wait in line an hour with half of Waco to eat at a restaurant! I am hoping to make a nice meal for my little family if things go smoothly. If tomorrow is anything like today, however, we will be ordering pizza!
*After reading three fluff, mindless, entertaining books in a row, I felt a book with a little more substance was in order. The book I am reading is about a typical day in a Siberian labor camp. Not exactly Mary Higgins Clark, but interesing nontheless!
*Of course, I have been glued to the Olympics. I had a lot to say about this, but I have run out of steam. Perhaps tomorrow!
*After 3 days of high fever with ME, I took her to the dr. today. After THREE AND A HALF HOURS at the doctor's office, it was determined that Baby Girl has either a bladder or kidney infection. Poor thing had to endure a catheter, blood draw, and 2 antibiotic shots. The boys were with me for 2 1/2 hours of the ordeal. My mother (God bless the woman) came at that point to take them home. Even though everyone was as good as could be expected, all three kids cramped in a boring room for that long could equal in fun to, say, taking all three to the grocery store the day before Thanksgiving.
*We had a nice weekend other than sick kids. My brother and his fiance came home to celebrate Michael's 28th birthday. Thomas started calling him "Michael" rather than "Uncle Michael". Michael had to correct him several times on Saturday. Apparently at church on Sunday, one of the older women came over to talk to Michael. She said, "Hello, Michael!" Thomas told her, "He doesn't like to be called Michael. He likes to be called 'Uncle Michael'!" Mom pointed out that this was Michael's last visit home as a single man. Strange but exciting!
*We spent the rest of the day getting ready for Valentines Day. Matthew and I made a box for his cards and the boys addressed their Valentine's. Valentine's Day (along with New Year's Eve) has turned into a family holiday in the Barnhill house. There is just no need to pay a babysitter who is probably already occupied anyway to babysit while we wait in line an hour with half of Waco to eat at a restaurant! I am hoping to make a nice meal for my little family if things go smoothly. If tomorrow is anything like today, however, we will be ordering pizza!
*After reading three fluff, mindless, entertaining books in a row, I felt a book with a little more substance was in order. The book I am reading is about a typical day in a Siberian labor camp. Not exactly Mary Higgins Clark, but interesing nontheless!
*Of course, I have been glued to the Olympics. I had a lot to say about this, but I have run out of steam. Perhaps tomorrow!
Sunday, February 12, 2006
My sick babies and Michelle Kwan
Well, this has been a frustrating winter with regards to my kids health. I don't know if it is because of Matthew starting school, but the kids have been more sick this year than every other year of their lives combined. Really it hasn't effected the boys as much as ME. She has missed more MDO days than the boys ever did.
I am home this morning with Matthew and ME while Bryon went to church with Thomas. Both of the kids have a fever. It is so strange, but other than the stomach virus several weeks ago, the only thing they have had is a fever. ME has been struggling with this for several weeks. She feels fine all day, gets a fever at night, is fine the next day. Normally, this isn't too scary and I attribute most of it to her 8 teeth coming in at once. We were a little scared last night, however, when I took her temperature and it was 105 degrees! She is still sleeping, bless her little heart. Bryon and I were up with the two quite a bit last night, so I am happy to be home today.
In Olympic news, I was so sad to hear that Michelle Kwan dropped out of the competition. I have been a big fan of hers since the '98 Olympics. Even though American Tara Lipinski won that competition, I was disappointed that it wasn't Kwan. Tara seemed like a gymnast, Michelle was much more graceful. I didn't feel disappointed as much at Salt Lake City when Sara Hughes won. Her joy was so infectious that it was hard not to be happy for her!
Kwan seemed so devastated this morning at her news conference. To be the most decorated womens figure skater of all time but to never achieve her dream of gold makes me sad for her. She handled it with grace and dignity and allowed for enough time for Emily Hughes to have enough advanced notice to be a true contender. NBC keeps running the footage of Michelle falling over and over in practice yesterday. Really, do we need to see that? Give her a little dignity!
I am looking forward to today's competition. Matthew has become obsessed with Shaun "The Flying Tomato" White, the favorite to win in the half pipe. Downhill skiing is today as well. I am really hoping that an American wins, I just hope it isn't Bode Miller. That kids just rubs me the wrong way.
I am hopeful that Matthew and ME will begin to feel better today!
I am home this morning with Matthew and ME while Bryon went to church with Thomas. Both of the kids have a fever. It is so strange, but other than the stomach virus several weeks ago, the only thing they have had is a fever. ME has been struggling with this for several weeks. She feels fine all day, gets a fever at night, is fine the next day. Normally, this isn't too scary and I attribute most of it to her 8 teeth coming in at once. We were a little scared last night, however, when I took her temperature and it was 105 degrees! She is still sleeping, bless her little heart. Bryon and I were up with the two quite a bit last night, so I am happy to be home today.
In Olympic news, I was so sad to hear that Michelle Kwan dropped out of the competition. I have been a big fan of hers since the '98 Olympics. Even though American Tara Lipinski won that competition, I was disappointed that it wasn't Kwan. Tara seemed like a gymnast, Michelle was much more graceful. I didn't feel disappointed as much at Salt Lake City when Sara Hughes won. Her joy was so infectious that it was hard not to be happy for her!
Kwan seemed so devastated this morning at her news conference. To be the most decorated womens figure skater of all time but to never achieve her dream of gold makes me sad for her. She handled it with grace and dignity and allowed for enough time for Emily Hughes to have enough advanced notice to be a true contender. NBC keeps running the footage of Michelle falling over and over in practice yesterday. Really, do we need to see that? Give her a little dignity!
I am looking forward to today's competition. Matthew has become obsessed with Shaun "The Flying Tomato" White, the favorite to win in the half pipe. Downhill skiing is today as well. I am really hoping that an American wins, I just hope it isn't Bode Miller. That kids just rubs me the wrong way.
I am hopeful that Matthew and ME will begin to feel better today!
Thursday, February 09, 2006
this week
Nothing extremely interesting in the Barnhill house this week. I decided on a whim to repaint my guest bathroom. I have lived in this house for over 7 years and am just now getting to it! With repainting comes redecorating as well. I just got my new light fixture up today.
Matthew got his first individual color change yesterday. (His table has gotten one before for fighting over colors!) He has gotten to be best friends with one of his classmates (whose b-day party he just attended) and they are having a difficult time controlling the shear exuberance that a new friendship brings! He came home and said, "Even though I was talking in line and got a color change, you are still my one and only, ever-loving mother!" I assured him that he wouldn't think I was so "ever-loving" if this were to happen again!
The Today Show kicked off its two week stint at the Olympics today! I am an Olympics fanatic. I recently wrote how stories about animals will get me to cry every time. I am the same way with the Olympics. I just can't keep the tears in when an American wins the gold medal!
The last summer Olympics started the week that ME was born. I was so tired during the evening events that I didn't get to enjoy them as much as I usually do. The last winter Olympics I spent in the hospital with my 2 month old Thomas who developed a high fever and had to spend 3 days in the hospital running a lot of tests. Yes, our family will be glued to the TV for the next two weeks. I can't wait!
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
This week's recipes
I was so pleased by how many people enjoyed last week's recipe! I hope that everyone who tried the casserole enjoyed it.
I have been wracking my brain trying to decide which recipe I should follow up with. What I chose was New Years Black Eyed Peas. I chose this one because it is another family favorite that I make often, it has few ingredients, EXTREMELY EASY, and it is another double up and freeze dish. I also included a dessert.
I first ate this dish last New Year's Day. I was at one of my dearest friend's house and she made this for our family. We all went gaga over it and I have made it a ton ever since! It is what I call a "man pleasin'" recipe!
New Years Black Eyed Peas
6 strips of bacon-saute until crisp
1 onion chopped, sauteed in bacon grease
4 cans of black eyed peas
1/2 jar chunky salsa
1 package of smoked sausage sliced into desired thickness
Throw it all in a pot and heat through. That's ALL!
Serve with cornbread. I usually put a big hunk of cornbread in the bottom of a bowl and serve the black eyed peas over it. Yum! Yum!
Mary Beth cookies
The week before Mary Beth was due, Bryon had a meeting in San Antonio. This was an important meeting that he hated to miss, so he drove the boys down to my in laws for the week so I could rest the last week of my pregnancy.
I was really sad when they all left. I think it had a lot to do with hormones, but it made me sad thinking that the next time I saw the boys, they wouldn't be my only children.
I started pouring through my cookbooks trying to cook and freeze as much as I could in anticipation of ME's birth. I was thumbing through my favorite cookbook author's book when I found "Miss Mary Beth Cookies"! I figured it was a sign! I had to made them.
If I had my choice, I would always choose a chocolate chip cookies with nuts, oats, and coconut. Bryon like them plain. These are his FAVORITE cookies! So simple, but delicious.
1 C butter
1 C sugar
1 C brown sugar
1 t. vanilla
2 eggs
3 C flour
1 t. salt
1 t. soda
2 C chocolate chips
Cream first three ingredients. Add vanilla and eggs one at a time. Mix together next 3 ingredients and pour into batter until just combined. Add chips.
Bake 350 for 8-10 minutes for tablespoon sided balls. (I usually make them bigger! ;)
Enjoy!
I have been wracking my brain trying to decide which recipe I should follow up with. What I chose was New Years Black Eyed Peas. I chose this one because it is another family favorite that I make often, it has few ingredients, EXTREMELY EASY, and it is another double up and freeze dish. I also included a dessert.
I first ate this dish last New Year's Day. I was at one of my dearest friend's house and she made this for our family. We all went gaga over it and I have made it a ton ever since! It is what I call a "man pleasin'" recipe!
New Years Black Eyed Peas
6 strips of bacon-saute until crisp
1 onion chopped, sauteed in bacon grease
4 cans of black eyed peas
1/2 jar chunky salsa
1 package of smoked sausage sliced into desired thickness
Throw it all in a pot and heat through. That's ALL!
Serve with cornbread. I usually put a big hunk of cornbread in the bottom of a bowl and serve the black eyed peas over it. Yum! Yum!
Mary Beth cookies
The week before Mary Beth was due, Bryon had a meeting in San Antonio. This was an important meeting that he hated to miss, so he drove the boys down to my in laws for the week so I could rest the last week of my pregnancy.
I was really sad when they all left. I think it had a lot to do with hormones, but it made me sad thinking that the next time I saw the boys, they wouldn't be my only children.
I started pouring through my cookbooks trying to cook and freeze as much as I could in anticipation of ME's birth. I was thumbing through my favorite cookbook author's book when I found "Miss Mary Beth Cookies"! I figured it was a sign! I had to made them.
If I had my choice, I would always choose a chocolate chip cookies with nuts, oats, and coconut. Bryon like them plain. These are his FAVORITE cookies! So simple, but delicious.
1 C butter
1 C sugar
1 C brown sugar
1 t. vanilla
2 eggs
3 C flour
1 t. salt
1 t. soda
2 C chocolate chips
Cream first three ingredients. Add vanilla and eggs one at a time. Mix together next 3 ingredients and pour into batter until just combined. Add chips.
Bake 350 for 8-10 minutes for tablespoon sided balls. (I usually make them bigger! ;)
Enjoy!
Monday, February 06, 2006
weekend highlights
Another weekend, come and gone! A few highlights:
*Lots of trips to Home Depot/Lowe's/Sherwin Williams/Kelly Moore. We are doing some painting and repairs on our current house.
*Lauren spent some time with us on Saturday while Josh was reffing a Dodge Ball Tournament at church. It was fun having her hang out with us.
*Boys' Night Out on Saturday night. Usually once on the weekend, the three boys go out together. Matthew and Thomas look forward to it all week. They will either go to the store, Barnes and Noble, or the movies. Saturday night, they went to see 8 Below, the new Disney movie about dogs that were stranded in freezing weather for several months. They said it was wonderful!
*I took Matthew to his best friend's birthday party on Sunday.
Matthew feels like it is the ultimate compliment to a child to root for their favorite team even though he doesn't like that team. Case in point: Matthew had a girl in his class who was hospitalized with pneumonia in December. The whole class wrote her get well cards. I saw the girl's mother over Christmas and she thanked Matthew for the "Texas Tech" card he made for her!
On the way to the party, he told me that he was going to tell Ethan "Gig 'em Aggies". He said, "I am going to whisper it, though, because I don't want anyone else hear me say it!"
*We went driving yesterday looking at houses. We are still working on the house plans to the house we are eventually going to build on our lot. The more I look, the more I change the plans, the more confused I get.
*We watched the Super Bowl over at my parents house last night. Mom made corn chowder which is one of my favorite things she makes. In the second quarter, Thomas and ME had "potty issues" which forced me to go home with them. Bryon and Matthew stayed for the game. Thomas was very disappointed that Seattle didn't win. He had a hard time keeping the tears in. My mother went to Seattle this Fall and brought back a Seattle sweatshirt and football for Thomas. Thomas adores the football and calls it "footbie". He carries it around like a stuffed animal.
*Watched Grey's Anatomy after the Super Bowl. I honestly don't know how I will wait another week for the conclusion!
The weekends come and go so quickly! I am looking forward to a great week.
*Lots of trips to Home Depot/Lowe's/Sherwin Williams/Kelly Moore. We are doing some painting and repairs on our current house.
*Lauren spent some time with us on Saturday while Josh was reffing a Dodge Ball Tournament at church. It was fun having her hang out with us.
*Boys' Night Out on Saturday night. Usually once on the weekend, the three boys go out together. Matthew and Thomas look forward to it all week. They will either go to the store, Barnes and Noble, or the movies. Saturday night, they went to see 8 Below, the new Disney movie about dogs that were stranded in freezing weather for several months. They said it was wonderful!
*I took Matthew to his best friend's birthday party on Sunday.
Matthew feels like it is the ultimate compliment to a child to root for their favorite team even though he doesn't like that team. Case in point: Matthew had a girl in his class who was hospitalized with pneumonia in December. The whole class wrote her get well cards. I saw the girl's mother over Christmas and she thanked Matthew for the "Texas Tech" card he made for her!
On the way to the party, he told me that he was going to tell Ethan "Gig 'em Aggies". He said, "I am going to whisper it, though, because I don't want anyone else hear me say it!"
*We went driving yesterday looking at houses. We are still working on the house plans to the house we are eventually going to build on our lot. The more I look, the more I change the plans, the more confused I get.
*We watched the Super Bowl over at my parents house last night. Mom made corn chowder which is one of my favorite things she makes. In the second quarter, Thomas and ME had "potty issues" which forced me to go home with them. Bryon and Matthew stayed for the game. Thomas was very disappointed that Seattle didn't win. He had a hard time keeping the tears in. My mother went to Seattle this Fall and brought back a Seattle sweatshirt and football for Thomas. Thomas adores the football and calls it "footbie". He carries it around like a stuffed animal.
*Watched Grey's Anatomy after the Super Bowl. I honestly don't know how I will wait another week for the conclusion!
The weekends come and go so quickly! I am looking forward to a great week.
Friday, February 03, 2006
Four Things
Four jobs you have had in your life:
1. HEB grocery sacker/checker/photo lab worker.
2. Actress in commercial (I have been in three).
3. Local gift store employee.
4. Speech-language pathologist with a local hospital.
Four movies you would watch over and over:
1. Napoleon Dynamite
2. Office Space
3. Princess Bride
4. Gone With the Wind
Four books I could read over & over:
1. Roots
2. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
3. Redeeming Love
4. Gone With the Wind
Four places you have lived:
1. Tuscaloosa, AL
2. Champaign, IL
3. Abilene, TX
4. Waco, TX
Four TV shows you love to watch:
1. The Office
2. Grey's Anatomy
3. Oprah
4. Criminal Minds
Four places you have been on vacation:
1. England/Scotland
2. New England
3. American West
4. Bermuda
Four web sites I visit daily:
1. Drudge Report
2. My bank account
3. My blog
4. Other blogs
Four of my favorite foods:
1. chicken fajitas
2. steak
3. chocolate chip cookies
4. wedding cake
Four places I would rather be right now:
1. Cape Cod
2. In bed
3. Some place that acually has a winter
4. At a nice restaurant
1. HEB grocery sacker/checker/photo lab worker.
2. Actress in commercial (I have been in three).
3. Local gift store employee.
4. Speech-language pathologist with a local hospital.
Four movies you would watch over and over:
1. Napoleon Dynamite
2. Office Space
3. Princess Bride
4. Gone With the Wind
Four books I could read over & over:
1. Roots
2. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
3. Redeeming Love
4. Gone With the Wind
Four places you have lived:
1. Tuscaloosa, AL
2. Champaign, IL
3. Abilene, TX
4. Waco, TX
Four TV shows you love to watch:
1. The Office
2. Grey's Anatomy
3. Oprah
4. Criminal Minds
Four places you have been on vacation:
1. England/Scotland
2. New England
3. American West
4. Bermuda
Four web sites I visit daily:
1. Drudge Report
2. My bank account
3. My blog
4. Other blogs
Four of my favorite foods:
1. chicken fajitas
2. steak
3. chocolate chip cookies
4. wedding cake
Four places I would rather be right now:
1. Cape Cod
2. In bed
3. Some place that acually has a winter
4. At a nice restaurant
This week
I can't believe it is already Friday! Here are a few highlights from my week:
*Monday, I took Thomas and ME to the museum where we met some friends. We were watching a boat float by and ME said, "Bye bye, boat!" My baby's first 2-word utterance! The speech pathologist inside of my was very proud. Since then she has also said, "Hi, Mama." and "I want cookie."
*Tuesday was of course, the Globetrotters.
*Last night, I watched the Black Ninjas increase their record to 4-0. I love watching the boys play! Matthew has a very serious game face. I can't believe what an incredibly intense child he is. Thomas enjoyed defending and dancing around the court.
*Today has been a blessedly lazy day. The weather this morning was windy, cold, and rainy. ME stayed in bed until 10:30 so I enjoyed some quiet this morning.
We will be hanging around the house this weekend. A few weekend fix up jobs around the house and Matthew's best friend from school's birthday party. Should be fun!
*Monday, I took Thomas and ME to the museum where we met some friends. We were watching a boat float by and ME said, "Bye bye, boat!" My baby's first 2-word utterance! The speech pathologist inside of my was very proud. Since then she has also said, "Hi, Mama." and "I want cookie."
*Tuesday was of course, the Globetrotters.
*Last night, I watched the Black Ninjas increase their record to 4-0. I love watching the boys play! Matthew has a very serious game face. I can't believe what an incredibly intense child he is. Thomas enjoyed defending and dancing around the court.
*Today has been a blessedly lazy day. The weather this morning was windy, cold, and rainy. ME stayed in bed until 10:30 so I enjoyed some quiet this morning.
We will be hanging around the house this weekend. A few weekend fix up jobs around the house and Matthew's best friend from school's birthday party. Should be fun!
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Comfort Chicken Casserole
Well, I had such a great response to my Snip-It Salad post, that I thought about once a week, I would write a post about some of my very favorite recipes.
I could live in the kitchen! Cooking is theraputic to me and one of my most favorite ways to show my family how much I love them. I treasure my recipe book above almost all of the items in my house! I also love to hear stories that go along with recipes.
Now, about thatComfort Chicken Casserole....
Right after Bryon and I got married, we went to visit his parents. Bryon's mother doesn't cook often, but she made lunch after church on this particular Sunday. She was trying out a new recipe for Chicken Casserole. I took one bite of it and I swear, if there had been enough, I would have gone swimming in it!
I took the recipe home, and it was a staple in my newlywed kitchen. I made this and my grandmother's spaghetti (which I will write about soon) quite a bit! It was the first meal that I made for my parents, and I have made it many times for friends who have had babies.
Once a month, I double and freeze alot of meals so I can have them on hand during the weeks. This one is in the mix quite a bit, so without further ado...
3 lbs. chicken (I either stew or slow cook a whole chicken or bone-in chicken
breasts).
1 medium onion
4 celery stalks
1 lg can chow mein noodles
1 lg can evaporated milk
2 cans cream of chicken
2 cans cream of mushroom
2 1/2 cups Pepperidge Farm Herb Stuffing (I ALWAYS use more!)
1 stick of butter
*Cook the chicken and either shred or cube and set aside in a large bowl.
*Saute' onion and celery until onions are translucent. Now hold it there.... Part of the "comfort" in this casserole is the smell. Nothing smells homier than sauteeing onion and celery!
*Add to bowl. Also add chow mein noodles
*In small bowl, mix the next three ingredients and add to bowl. Mix well.
*Pour into 9X13.
*Mix stuffing and butter in a saute pan. When browned a bit, put on top of casserole. Again, I always use more stuffing. This is the best part!
Bake at 350 until bubbly.
Some variations:
Almonds and/or water chesnuts are a nice addition.
My friend likes to use turkey sometime instead of chicken.
This is easily doubled and frozen.
This is great served with green beans or a salad. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
I could live in the kitchen! Cooking is theraputic to me and one of my most favorite ways to show my family how much I love them. I treasure my recipe book above almost all of the items in my house! I also love to hear stories that go along with recipes.
Now, about thatComfort Chicken Casserole....
Right after Bryon and I got married, we went to visit his parents. Bryon's mother doesn't cook often, but she made lunch after church on this particular Sunday. She was trying out a new recipe for Chicken Casserole. I took one bite of it and I swear, if there had been enough, I would have gone swimming in it!
I took the recipe home, and it was a staple in my newlywed kitchen. I made this and my grandmother's spaghetti (which I will write about soon) quite a bit! It was the first meal that I made for my parents, and I have made it many times for friends who have had babies.
Once a month, I double and freeze alot of meals so I can have them on hand during the weeks. This one is in the mix quite a bit, so without further ado...
3 lbs. chicken (I either stew or slow cook a whole chicken or bone-in chicken
breasts).
1 medium onion
4 celery stalks
1 lg can chow mein noodles
1 lg can evaporated milk
2 cans cream of chicken
2 cans cream of mushroom
2 1/2 cups Pepperidge Farm Herb Stuffing (I ALWAYS use more!)
1 stick of butter
*Cook the chicken and either shred or cube and set aside in a large bowl.
*Saute' onion and celery until onions are translucent. Now hold it there.... Part of the "comfort" in this casserole is the smell. Nothing smells homier than sauteeing onion and celery!
*Add to bowl. Also add chow mein noodles
*In small bowl, mix the next three ingredients and add to bowl. Mix well.
*Pour into 9X13.
*Mix stuffing and butter in a saute pan. When browned a bit, put on top of casserole. Again, I always use more stuffing. This is the best part!
Bake at 350 until bubbly.
Some variations:
Almonds and/or water chesnuts are a nice addition.
My friend likes to use turkey sometime instead of chicken.
This is easily doubled and frozen.
This is great served with green beans or a salad. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
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