Family Pictures

FINALLY! Found someone to take family pictures and give us the pics. I got them downloaded yesterday, and I'm mostly happy with them.
Here's a sneak peak! I'm just giving you a glimpse...not the best by any means!

Halloween

I'm only about a month behind. Wade decided he wanted to be a rock start his year for Halloween. His dad decided he would participate as well.
Shane's sister and two of her kids came to visit Halloween weekend. It was a beautiful day and the kids (including Shane) got out and rode our ATC and dirt bikes...Love this picture!

It's been a while

June 8? That was a LONG time ago. Update:

Summer should have been relaxing and was not. It was filled with mom's estate and doctor appointments. Mom's house was overwhelming. I had the help of my husband and two of mom's dear friends, and my friend Holly. Otherwise, that's it. We hauled out xmore than twenty bags of clothes. It was a sad undertaking for me. I don't know that anyone really gets that, but I was going through my mom's life piece by piece.

We did fit in a couple of trips to Knight's Action Park. We got season passes last summer and have them for next summer already.



Doctor's appointments increased in July when my OB found a spot on Case's lung. That began the journey of perinatologist appointments and regular OB appointments and echo-cardiograms and MRI. Case has a CCAM (http://mnneo.org/info_CCAM.php?thisPage=parents). It could have been severe or mild, but we wouldn't know until birth.

Then of course, school started.

Once school started I still had weekly and sometimes twice a week dr. appointments. That was time consuming and overwhelming.

October 21, Case Russell arrived via repeat c-section. Since then, that has been my life. BABY. He is probably colicky--like Wade was. All in all it is bittersweet to not have Case know my mom or her know him. I'll probably forever be sad that she won't know him and he won't know her.


I share the picture of me and Case even though my face is HUGE. The dr. gave me Toradol...which is part of the aspirin family. I am allergic to aspirin. So my first four hours of Case's life were spent with THAT!

Summer time

Usually summer is a time of relaxation and rejuvenation for me.

This summer is isn't going to be either, I don't think. Mom's house needs to be cleaned out. Many of the items I have NO stinking clue what to do with. I have hauled out bags of trash and bagged up bags of clothing and linens. Now what do I do with the rest of her life? Most of it is not worth much, so who will want it? Some of the bigger pieces need to be sold...but again, how do I go about doing that? There isn't enough for an estate sale.

The list of things I have to do as executor is exhausting. I spent 2+ hours in Jacksonville running errands yesterday. Banks, insurance office, vet, lawyer, funeral home, etc. Then I spent another 3 hours at her house bagging up clothing and linens. It seems to be a never ending battle. I think many items will go to the garbage. I'm donating a lot to Goodwill/Salvation Army.

I'm thankful for my friends and cousins for helping me clean. Without them, I wouldn't be able to do it. It shows me who my real family is.

Don't feel sorry...

As you know, my mother recently passed away. It was tragic and quick...pretty much. The accident happened on Friday and she passed away on Sunday.

On Saturday night (10:30 or so), my husband called me to tell me that Red Cross would be calling me about getting a message to my younger brother Lucas in Afghanistan. Apparently, someone had given them Shane's number instead of mine. I was thankful for the 5 minute warning since I was on the edge of a very disturbed sleep.

The Red Cross needed a doctor's statement saying mom was in critical condition and may not live. As Medical Power of Attorney, I was the only one able to release that information to them. I seriously contemplated it for 10 minutes or so with the woman on the phone. My granddad and mom both said that, "He didn't give a damn about me when I was living, he won't give a damn when I'm dead."

And they were right. My brother came home from Afghanistan and was in the US on Thursday. Mom's service was on Friday. I haven't heard from him or seen him. He has most likely gone back to Afghanistan...but I didn't see him in the 10 days of leave I gave him. He did go to my uncle's funeral...I didn't, I couldn't handle another funeral. I guess that makes him the prodigal child for going to that one when I didn't.

I think what hurts me the most that I know my mom reached out to my brother and he didn't even reply. I found emails and facebooks messages. I have also found journals; those journals talk about wanting to take her own life because of the way her sons treated her. In her words, if it wasn't for her brother John and Sarah, I wouldn't be here anymore.

It's sad that my brother is so selfish that he hurt my mom so much. Yes, this is written in anger and hurt, but I

Realization

I knew that when my parents divorced in 2005 my family would never be the same. I see how true that is now that my mom is gone. I did many things with and for my mom. Now that she isn't here any more, I am pretty sure my brothers and I will float even farther apart if that is at all possible.

When my parents divorced (because my dad had an extramarital affair), my brothers essentially sided with my dad; me, with my mom. Since that time, my relationship with my brothers has more than deteriorated. I talk to my younger brother every few years. My older brother not often at all. And I don't see that getting any better. If anything, it will get worse.

I sent my younger brother a Red Cross message to bring him home from active duty in Afghanistan. He did not show up at the memorial service for whatever reason...though he was in Jacksonville around that time (according to a couple of sources). I'm pretty angry about that. Once my mom told me that "he doesn't care about me when I am living, he won't give a damn when I am gone!" (Grandpa also told me this same statement.) I guess they were both right. I should have left his happy ass in Afghanistan and not released the information needed for him to come home for 10 days to not come to the memorial service no contact me in any way.

I am a vindictive hateful witch when prompted to do so. Anything that is in my mom's estate is staying there. I don't care who it belongs to, it stays. I'm burning pictures and whatever else I feel the need to dispose of. Pretty much, my brother is dead to me. I've written him off several times in the last few years, but this is/was the final straw. I'm done, he cannot hurt me anymore.

Spring is HERE!

We are all happy Spring is here. That means OUTSIDE time! When Shane was mowing for the first time, Wade was directing him...like an airplane. yes, those are corn cobs.




Wade had an Easter egg hunt at school. He was the only one who would go up to the bunny for a picture. It was quick, but a good one!


Finally, last Wedneday (4/20/11) we had one heck of a storm. We sat by the back sliding glass door and watched it rain and hail. No basement to sit in...and the hail wasn't that big. I love a good storm, and I want Wade to too! I don't want him to be afraid!

Easter Get-Away

Shane and I are pretty much homebodies. We like our own bed, or own house, our own little world. For Easter this year, we decided to make a journey to the Quad Cities for a couple of days to see my dad. When we first talked about this, I went in to research mode. I found a couple of adventures we could go on. The mighty Mississippi crested yesterday or today, so we got to see the flood waters on the rise.

We took off on Friday morning to take the mutt to my mom's. Visited with her a bit. Then to my mother in law's to visit her and have lunch. She had a knee replaced about 10 days ago, so we needed to check in on her anyway. Then the 3 hour drive to East Moline commenced. Wade was a trooper. We stayed in a hotel (smoke and cats are my nemesis). Wade got to swim with both Shane and I. He LOVES the water.

Saturday morning we took off for the zoo. The Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley, Illinois was a little treasure. Lions, tigers, elephants and the most beautiful giraffes! I'd never been so close to a giraffe! They are elegant and beautiful!



My dad went with us and explored with us. He and Wade got a close up look at a bald eagle. They are so regal.



We also went to the John Deere Pavilion in Moline. Wade got to climb on some tractors. We are red tractor folks, but it was an adventure. Also went to the World's Largest Truck Stop on I-80 in Wolcott, Iowa. That was fun too.

On the not so exciting side...I went to see my Uncle in hospice. He has congestive heart failure. He is emaciated. He was a bear of a man at well over 6 foot tall. Now he is shrunken and withering away. He was in advertising for John Deere in his hey day. Industrial Advertising...and I'm sure he was amazing. It's sad to see him fading away. He was very with it when I was there, which made me happy. That will not be my fondest memory of him, but it will be a good one to know he knew who I was and was happy to see me.

I also got to see my 97 year old grandmother. She isn't as spry as she used to be either. It was good to see her and chat a bit too.

We are all happy to be home in our environment!

Choices

Why does it matter so much to me what choices other people make? Their choices, their life.

One person in particular has made me wonder. He chose to have an affair while married. His wife chose to not trust him and that pretty much killed their marriage (yet I fully blame him for the infidelity to begin with). He chose to move out. He chose to file for a divorce. He lost his job which caused more drama. He moved 3 hours away. The judge ordered them to spend their children's college money on their second mortgage and lawyer fees. WTH?

Now he has sold his only transportation to get out from under car payments. Now he is pretty much "borrowing" a vehicle from a friend...and she will never get a dime for it or see any gratitude. He's a louse!

Ok. vent over. Next post will be full of joy!

Foot splint

When I was in high school, I did some damage to my ankle. Probably a combination of prior years of tumbling and many years of playing soccer. I had surgery on my peroneal tendon (girls--think the one you shave on the outside of your ankle.)

We went to one quack of a doctor in Jacksonville who said it was all in my head. My ankle would swell to the size of a softball. He casted my foot and said it would get better. My dad forced him to take it off when my toes swelled and turned blue/purple.

Then off to the amazing Dr. Daniel Adair. He did the surgery that relieved me of the pain for that time.

Skip to 15 years late. Now I have super flat feet to begin with. Add to that the nerve damage from the surgery and tarsal tunnel AND plantar fasciitis. With all that I have to wear a night splint like the one seen below.



I've had my current splint for about 4 years. I wear it EVERY night, or I get up and walk like I'm 80. So it is a bit worn out. I was dreading making a podiatrist appointment JUST to get a brace. $40 copay, plus the cost of the brace. A day off work because you take an appointment when you can get it.

I decided to google it. LOW AND BEHOLD...AMAZON sold the same on I have. For $24.95 plus shipping. Even with shipping it is cheaper than going to the dr.

I'm anticipating my new brace coming soon. My foot is ready for it!

It's been a while!

I guess life got busy and tiring. My mom came to visit a few weeks ago with her new puppy: Jasmine or Jazzy. I think Jasmine works better. She is a black miniature schnauzer. She's a ball of fur at this point. I think mom said she weighs four pounds.




That was also about the time I had my first flowers bloom. My crocus. Little and don't last long, but it was a shout out to spring. Of course we've had two light snows since then, so I'm sure they may be about to die. I am So ready for spring! My boys are too.

Not much else new at this point!

No wonder

Two nights ago I got out my sinus rinse to try and bust through some of this snot in my head. When I used it, I thought I had burst my ear drums. I went to Prompt Care tonight to get my head checked out. I've had cough/snot/drainage/etc. and couldn't handle it any more. Less than 15 minutes in the building and I get a diagnosis of double ear infection and sinus infection.

Dr. was great. She said if I hadn't had the ear infections, she wouldn't have given me the drugs. Glad I have the ear infections...cuz antibiotics are the only thing that will get me over this crud! SUCKS!

Getting crafty

One of my good friends is having a baby here in a few weeks. I helped throw one of her baby showers. She had quite a big turnout between her 3 showers, so I didn't feel bad making her a couple of things instead of buying off the registry.

First are burp cloths. I think I could have bought them on Etsy or Ebay cheaper and may go that route if I ever decide to do it again. They are SUPER cute, but cost about the same as purchasing them!




Second is I decided to crochet an afghan. My grandma Grace taught me when I was 8 or so...so 27 years ago. I've always known how to do it, but never really done it. I picked up a how to book from walmart and some yarn. Then I found an EASY pattern online. It took longer than I expected...but it was pretty stinking cute!

New food #7--2011

Apple Baked French Toast



Ingredients:
1 loaf of french bread cut into 2 inch squares
8 eggs
3 cups milk
4 tbs sugar
1 tsp vanilla
4 tbs butter melted
cinnamon and sugar

5 apples peeled, cored, diced
1/2 cup sugar
cinnamon

Place bread pieces in to a lightly greased 13x9 pan. Mix eggs, milk, sugar and vanilla. Pour over bread and stir. Refrigerate for 6-36 hours. Bake at 350 for 50-55 minutes. (I would mix twice during that time.) Baste the top with the melted butter then sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Return to the oven for another 15 minutes.

Mix apples, sugar and cinnamon. Warm up in oven for 2-4 minutes. Mix well.

Serve warmed apples over french toast bake! YUMMO!

New food #6--2011

Tuna Boats--err chicken boats
The recipe calls for four 5 ounce cans of tuna...I used chicken instead!



Ingredients:
2 big cans of chicken drained
1 can cream of chicken soup (I used lowfat)
1/2 cup of milk
Garlic/pepper to taste

Enough pieces of bread for how ever many you and yours need.

Mix chicken, soup, milk and seasoning together. Simmer over low heat until combined.

Fold each piece of bread together by the corners and stuff into a muffin tin. Bake at 350 for 7-10 minutes or until crispy.

Serve creamy chicken mix over toasted bread boat.

I added quite a bit of garlic and salt and pepper. Next time, I think I'll mix in broccoli and cauliflower into the chicken soup mix. Or use broccoli cheese soup!

Four years old

It is so hard to believe my little boy is four. Yesterday was his officially birthday, but we have been celebrating for a couple of weeks.





He amazes me with the things he can do himself (even if he thinks he cannot sometimes). He is independent to a fault, but still my little boy in so many ways.

He has become scared of the dark for some reason. He won't go to the bathroom alone if the light is not already on. He says the shadows scare him.

He loves fiercely and gets angry easily (wonder where that comes from?). He still likes to snuggle at times, and other times he hates to be touched.

He had his first surgery last week. I took my camera, but wouldn't let myself take a picture of him in such a bad state.

I hope this year brings as much happiness as the last four.

New food #5--2011

Pizza Roll Up


Ingredients:
Pillsbury thick pizza crust
Pepperoni
Mozarella Cheese
marinara sauce

Roll out pizza crust and stretch to the size of a jelly roll pan. Sprinkle with cheese, then lay out pepperoni. Roll up and place seam on the bottom. Pinch ends together. Bake at 425 until brown. Slice and dip in marinara sauce.

It is YUMMY. Add other meat or toppings to your likings. I usually do ham, pepperoni and mushrooms and TONS of cheese!

New food #4--2011

This is a recipe I have eaten before...many times! It's a go-to recipe that is relatively healthy and YUMMO!

Ingredients:
1 can pumpkin
1 box spice cake mix

Mix together. Make into muffins. Should make 18 easily. Bake about 25-30 minutes or until centers are done. Serve with fat free cool whip as a topping. Good for a dessert or even a quick on the go breakfast.

Quick meal I LOVE

Easy Ham and Potato Bake

You can easily adjust this to fit your family.

Ingredients:
sliced potatoes
ham
onion
cheese

Sprah a 9x9 (or 8X8) pan with cooking spray. Layer ingredients twice. Cover with foil. Bake for 45 minutes at 350 or until potatoes are tender. Uncover and cook for another 10 minutes.

LOVE this one! My boys are not as fond, but they will eat it normally.

New Foods #2 and #3--2011

Today we tried something called Ritz chicken (#2) and steamed edamame (#3).

Ok, so the edamame was easy. It was an 8 oz steam packet from Sam's. It was an adventure. Wade thoroughly enjoyed popping the beans out of the pods. AND he ate a TON of it! It'll be on our menu regularly.

Ritz Chicken

1-2 lbs. Split boneless chicken breast halves--I used breast tenders
2 eggs lightly beaten (added a splash of milk)
1 tub of Ritz crackers crushed (in the food processor)
salt/pepper/garlic powder to taste.

Pound chicken breasts until about 1/2 an inch thick. Coat with egg, then dredge in cracker and seasonings.

Bake at 350 for about 25 minutes or until cook through. Top with a muenster cheese and bake for 5 more minutes.

~I made about 10 breast tenders this way. Cooked about 30 minutes total. We only ate about half, and the rest will be turned into Chicken Parmesan on Sunday!

New Food #1--2011

My friend Miranda has inspired me to try new foods. She vows to try so many new foods in a year. Last year, I think she went for 50. She surpassed that amount and vows to do more this year.

I am starting with an E-mealz meal.

Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

Ingredients:
4 c. frozen hashbrowns
1 lb. ground beef
1 c diced onion
10 oz pkg frozen peas
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 c. milk
1 c. shredded cheese
1/2 can french fried onion rings
salt/pepper

Directions
Heat oven to 350. Spray 9X13 pan with cooking spray. Cover bottom of pan with hash browns. Brown hamburger and onion; drain. Spread meat on top of hashbrowns. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add peas. Mix soup and milk; pour over meat and peas. Top with cheese, cover with aluminum foil. Bake 45 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with FF onions, return to oven for 15 minutes; bake uncovered.



~my changes--left out the diced onion since my beloved husband won't eat them. I used shredded hashbrowns and wonder if cubed/o'brien hashbrowns would have worked better.

It was pretty good as a leftover today! I'm not sure how often this will appear on our menu. I may add peas and carrots instead of just peas. May bake the hashbrowns uncovered to get rid of the mushy-ness.

Enjoy!

E-Mealz

Last winter Shane and I went through Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University at Taylorville Christian Church. One of the programs Dave promotes is E-Mealz. In December we decided to try it out.

The plan isn't perfect for our family, but we have found some new meals that do work well. We were getting tired of the same ole same ole meals. This quickly fixed that.

For $15 for three months, you get a weekly menu AND shopping list. You can pick one of several stores to use for your plan. We chose the Walmart plan, but I have friends who are doing the Aldi and Any store points plan. We are sharing menus. I'm not sure if we will do more than 3 months. May skip a few months, then try again.

Check out emealz through the link on this page or the link below! I get points for referrals!
E-Mealz