What a Stinker!

I've had the potty chair out again. Hoping to make some progress on this potty training deal.  Scarlett is a smart girl. I know that when she finally goes on the potty she will like it and the training will go alot easier.  Bad thing is, she is still afraid to go on the potty.  She loves to sit on the toilet and her potty chair but she is scared to go on it when she actually needs to.  I was so excited yesterday.  She told me she had to potty and wanted me to take her diaper off. She sat on the potty.  She sat and sat and sat.  And then she gets up and squats beside the chair.  Mid pee I hurry back on to the potty.  She wouldn't finish.  She then asked for her diaper.  I think she just doesn't understand what exactly she is supposed to do on the potty.  I was thinking about getting her a doll similar to a Betsy Wetsy. That way she can see that when her baby drinks and you sit her on the potty her pee pee goes into the potty.  Not sure what else to try.

We had a pretty good few days. Visited Daddy at the hospital. Scarlett was upset to leave yesterday but once we were gone she was fine.  Today she was upset over the fish when we left.  I think I see a fish from Santa in the near future!  Lane is still doing good.  He's trying to laugh now.  He can't quite get it out though. He loves to sit up. He's liking the bouncer more over the swing because he can sit up more and look around. Lane & Scarlett are still best friends! She keeps him very entertained while I clean. She's a big help!

We also painted Daddy a picture yesterday! Here's a picture of the "finished prodcut" LOL

The WhistleStop

Today was a pretty good day.  I started out feeling like a horrible Mommy this morning though.  When Scarlett woke up I put her in my bed to watch cartoons.  She was ready to get up but she didn't get into the right position and she fell off the bed. She hit her back on the side boards of the bed from.  There is a soft knotted bruise.  I felt so bad. I did call the pedi's office and ask them what to watch for in case I needed to bring her in.  They said to watch for the bruise and bump to get bigger or for blood in her urine. Either of these two things could mean that she bruised her kidney.  I watched her closely all day but she was fine.  Her happy little self.

I took the kids to the park this afternoon.  It was cloudy out but still warm, 70s, and a south wind.  I went ahead and put a light jacket on Lane.  I figured he's still pretty little and needed it.  Lane loved being outside. He did end up falling asleep on us though.  Scarlett had a blast.  She found one wavy slide that she had to do over and over again.  Everytime she would slide down she would hold up one finger and tell me "one more".  The funny thing, she holds up that one finger on each hand everytime she tells me something lately. No clue where she got it from but it is the cutest thing!  She was scared of the tunnel slides.  She would climb all the way to the top and look into the slide. I would tell "Ok Scarlett, slide down."  And she would tell me "NO" in a whiny voice with a little bit of attitude. Hilarious! She sounded like when you tell a teenager to go clean their room or something.   She also had fun driving the train and truck there. Oh and let's not forget the swing.  She wanted to sit in the chair swing so that Lane could sit with her.  I did put him in it for a minute but it's probably not the safest so it was only long enough to snap a picture and satisfy Scarlett.  There were a few other kids her age but she wasn't really interested in playing with them.  She would chase after them and laugh. But then she would just stop and go back to what she was doing.  Guess she was having much more fun on her own. Silly Girl!

We went and visited her Daddy tonight at the hospital.  She always enjoys seeing him and we're always there just in time for supper.  Everytime they bring in his food tray she jumps up on his bed and hollars "I EAT!"  We weren't there very long tonight.  Rassie was pretty tired.  They gave him an ambien last night to help him sleep and it didn't kick in until today! Strange I know.  That's ok though.  Scarlett was ready to come home anyways.  She had given him hugs and kisses and told him byebye before we ever planned on leaving.  And everytime we leave she has to run over to the fish in the rehab lobby.  Kiss and hug the fish tank and tell all of the fish bye bye.   I was taking in the double stroller but on days with nice weather I let her walk.  It does slow us down a little, especially with the fish, but why not let her enjoy being out and about.


So that's about it.  Tomorrow we may make a trip to the Mall's soft play area or grocery shopping if the weather permits.  Its supposed to be rainy and cool so we'll see.  Happy Hump Day Everyone!

Days Go By

The days seem to be flying by here lately.  I hate it.  I wish everything would just slow down.  My babies are growing way too fast.  In less than a week Lane will be 3 months old. I can hardly believe it. It seems like just yesterday I was in labor and delivery holding him in my arms for the first time.  He is such a happy baby. He really loves when you lay him on your tummy. He just looks up into your face smiling and cooing.  I would do anything for that sweet little face.   And Scarlett, she'll be 2 in January.  I was just looking at pictures of her from last year and she has grown and changed so much. I can't believe my baby girl is becoming more and more of an independent toddler everyday.  She says the silliest things.  From "I'm Fine" "I'm Ok" "You ready?....VROOM!"   She has even started the all time "WHY? WHY? WHY?"  She really cracks me up sometimes.

Scarlett and Lane are going to be best friends. I can see it already.  Scarlett is so in love with her baby brother.  When he cries she will say "cryin!!!!  I check him."  Then she will run to him, put her hand on his cheek and say "don't cry".  And the amazing thing, Lane stops crying.  He just looks at her with his big, beautiful eyes and smiles.  If that's not love, I don't know what is.

This past weekend I had my cousins bridal shower here at the house.  It wasn't the biggest turn out but it was still a good shower.  The wedding is in 2 weeks on Rassie's birthday. I am really hoping he gets to be out of the hospital that day if he isn't already discharged.  *fingers crossed* I want him to be able to spend time away from the hospital for his birthday and to be able to go to the wedding.

I haven't made it to the pumpkin patch with the kids yet. I just have not had time.  For the past 2 weeks I have spent everyday at the hospital.  I go less now then I did at first. Mainly because he has rehab all morning and afternoon.  So we only go in the evenings. I have been able to do a little more at home and the kids are able to play and relax.  I was hoping Rassie would be able to go to the pumpkin patch with us but I will just have to take extra pictures while we're there to share with him.

As for trick-or-treating.  The kids and I will probably go to my mom's and hit the neighborhood there.  Small towns always have plenty of Halloween to go around.  I might also take the kids trick-or-treating at the hospital. They usually have a day where you can go around to all the receptionists' desks.  I am hoping that if we do this Rassie will be able to wheel around with us so he doesn't miss out on Lane's 1st Halloween completely.  Scarlett's going to be a Princess and Lane is going to be a baseball player.

Ok, enough of my ramblings. I am sure I have jumped around enough for the night!  Have a great week.

Thursday Already?

Bloggin' right along. This week hasn't been too bad. Spent lots of time visiting Rassie at the hospital.  He enjoys the company considering there's not much he can do.  The kids are pretty well behaved while we're there.  Scarlett is just too funny.  She thought it would be cool to sit in daddy's bed and have breakfast.  I guess the CNA did too because she put clean sheets and blankets on the bed and then brough Scarlett some cereal and juice. All I could think is "you have no idea what kind of mess you are in for"  Luckily there wasn't much mess but that's probably because Scarlett didn't care too much for the Raisin Bran.  Oh well.

Lane liked Daddy's bed too.  He just layed there and cooed and smiled, having a blast.  I can't believe how fast he is growing.  He really likes when you talk to him so he can 'talk' back. He's my funny guy. Especially when he wears Scar's shades..too cute!

This morning I gave the kids a shower.  Yep, I give them showers. I find it so much easier to jump in the shower while Scarlett plays in the water. Wash myself, then her then Lane and get us all out.  This morning I got Lane and I out and dressed. I asked Scarlett if she was ready to get out of the shower and she said "I'm fine". LOL  Oh my goodness I can not believe how smart she is geting and the things she picks up on.

Scarlett got her first package in the mail today. Her Aunt Judy bought her a halloween costumer she found on sale for $2.90 at Toys R Us.  She is going to be a Barbie Princess and just adorable.  Lane is going to wear his baseball sleeper and be a baseball player.  Not sure just yet what we are doing for Halloween but we still have a little time to decide. For now all is good.

Wow I'm Good!!!

*knock on wood*

3 nights in a row and my little prince and princess are both in bed before 9. Of course Scarlett's always in bed around 8 but getting Lane to follow suit not long after has been amazing! I thought it would take months. Well, I guess it kind of did. He is 2 1/2 months already.  He has been taking one long afternoon nap too which has been awesome!! Obvisouly he takes more than one nap a day but that really long one is sooooo nice!

Scarlett's new saying - " I'm OK "   .. She is such a clumsy girl.  I am constantly asking. "are you ok" because she is falling, running into things, and all of the sorts.  So now as soon as she falls or bumps into something she yells " I'm OKAY "   I absolutely love it. She is just too darn cute for her own good!

So that was my quick update of the day. Hope you enjoyed!

Easy Frito Pie Chili Recipe

I don't know about all of you out there but I am not too fond of canned chili.  I always feel like I find something weird in it.  So I came up with my own simple chili recipe and it works great for Frito Pie

Chili

1 lb      ground beef

1 can    ranch style beans

1 can    tomato sauce (the small can)

1 pckg  chili season (found near taco season)

1-2       jalepenos, optional

1/2       diced onion, optional

Brown and drain beef.  If using jalepenos, dice and fry with meat.  Add in remaining ingredients and simmer until heated through,  Serve over Fritos and top with cheese and onions for a Tasty Frito Pie!!

Quite the Weekend

We spent most of the weekend at the hospital visiting Rassie.  What can I say. I miss my hubby and the kids miss their daddy.  But Saturday, Scarlett and I made a trip from the 5th floor to the ER triage.  She spilt hot coffee on herself.  The nurse had brought it in while I was feeding Lane and sat it on the windowsill. She no sooner turned around to walk off reached up and grabbed it. I couldn't say or do anything fast enough to prevent the spill.  Oh how I wish the nurse would have known better than to sit it there!  But being a mom I reacted in super speed.  Laying Lane on the bed between Rassie's legs.  Stripping Scarlett's shirt off and getting her in the bathroom sink with cold water.  Poor baby screamed and cried.  Aside from the coffee burning her she was scared to death of all the comotion.  At first her face, neck, chest and ear were completely red.  But the more I put cold water and damp cloths on her the red went away.  The burns didn't look that bad but the nurse insisted we go to ER and be seen.  (I think this is because she realized it was partially her fault and didnt want to get in trouble if something serious happened).  So they looked my sweet baby over in triage and we all came to the conclusion she would be just fine.  The spots on her that were still red might blister is what the doctor had said but today they are almost all gone.  Thank God.  I know he was watching over her. I could not imagine what the hot coffee could have done to her precious little face and chest.  Before long she was back to her normal self, playing and giggling.

My mom came up to check on us.  We had lunch at Corona's. Oh how I love their enchilladas! I went for the chicken enchilladas this time.  I was stuffed before I could even finish my plate.  So was mom.  Scarlett of course, gobbled up foor like she hasn't eaten before. She loves the mexican food. I can't say I blame her, it's my favorite!  Lane snoozed through lunch.  That was a treat. He usually wants to wake up and be fussy right when its time to sit down and eat. 

For the past 2 days Lane's been on a schedule. It's nice.  I started feeding him 6oz bottles because he was wanting to eat every 3 hours with 5oz bottles and I didn't want to over stuff him.  The 6 oz is working great!  He has been taking a bottle about 10 am.  goes down for mini nap and then at 1 goes down for a long nap sleeping until almost 4.  Then he takes a bottle between 8 and 9 and goes down for the night.  It is so nice!He does still get up twice a night for a feeding but its not bad because he goes right back to sleep.

Scarlett has been sleeping really well but I am sure its because she is worn out with not being home.  It's not like we do much visiting Rassie in the hospital. But it adds to her being tired.   My house is filthy in my opinion. I have a bridal shower I am supposed to help host next Saturday, here at my house. So everytime I am home I am trying to get things cleaned up.  I just don't have enough time between tending to the kiddos and getting back to the hospital to see Rassie.  Starting tomorrow I will probably stay home until after nap before we visit daddy.  I hate leaving him alone all that time but he understands that the kids and I need some home time too.

Ok, I'm going to end this because I seem to be rambling on and on. And Lane is asleep on my shoulder so I need to get him in bed. I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend!

My Babies Tickle Me

My babies make me laugh and laugh and laugh!   First thing this morning, I give Scarlett cereal for breakfast. This isn't an everyday thing. She loves her cereal and does ask for it often.  She didn't ask for it today but I was in a hurry and it was a quick fix. So into the highchair went Scarlett with a bowl of cereal.  She whines and fusses about it.  I tell her 'you need to eat so we can go see daddy'.   She then tells me ' I don't like it '  WHAT?!  So I tell her that's all she's getting.  She goes on with 'want chicken'.   Oh my goodness.  Nope, no chicken for breakfast eat your cereal.  I continue on with normal stuff, getting diaper bags and such ready.  I guess she realized I wasn't giving her anything else to eat because the next thing I knew she was putting the cereal that she dumped back into the bowl and eating it!  Crazy girl.  I made up for it at lunch though and fixed her popcorn chicken.  She ate all of it. 

...and Lane. Oh boy!  He's such a little toot.  Just about everytime he gets fussy and I pick him up he just looks at me and smiles and coos.  It's like he's say "I got ya mom! I knew you'd pick me up.  I just knew you couldn't stand to hear me cry"  Yep, he's got me wrapped around that finger good!  And he makes me laugh every time.  Scarlett was so laid back and easy going. She was content just about anywhere you put her but not Lane. Oh no! He thinks he needs to be held all of the time.  He is definetly a momma's boy!

And did I mention that these babies who give me so many laughs are also the ones that give me the biggest messes?  Yep, that's right.  It started off with Scarlett dumping her chocolate milk all over herself (she needs new sippy cups, her's leak) and ended with Lane leaking poop out the side of his diaper and all over his blanket it and then scrunching up his legs and getting his socks all in it!  I'm glad he was laying on a blanket though. That saved me from having to take apart the swing and clean it and from having to scrub the floor because I didn't make it to the changing table today.

I can no longer imagine a day without my two great kiddos in it.  It's hard to remember what I ever did with my time before I had babies.  Those days could not have been as near as interesting as my life is now.  What kids will do to you! Oh how I love my babies!

The kiddos and I spent the morning visiting Daddy at the hospital. He is in acute care and seems to be doing better. If you would like more of an update on Rassie you can click here. We are all happy to finally have him at a hospital in town with faster more efficient care and a staff that actually has a little bit of compassion.

Worker's Comp is finally stepping in and doing their part.  They have agreed to cover all medical bills. If I receive any in the mail I am to let them know immediately.  They will also make up for lost wages and pay him once a week.  It will only be a percentage of his regular pay but at least it is something.  I am going to try to get something worked out so I can work and make up the difference.  We will see how that goes.

Scarlett is doing good. She has a stuffy/runny nose again.  I am pretty sure it has something to do with the nasty weather because Lane has somewhat of a stuffy nose too.  He's doing well also with the exception of always wanting to be held.  I don't hold him all the time but he sure thinks I should.  Don't get me wrong, I love holding him but I have Scarlett and a house to take care of the same time and he makes it hard at times.  It's ok though, I still love him :) I guess I shouldn't have talked about him because now he is up and crying..lol  gotta go get my sweet pea

Today is finally over

I am so happy today has come to an end. I can't wait to take my shower and crawl into bed.
I finally got a sigh of relief with a phone call saying Rassie was coming home! Well to the hospital here in town anyways.   There were initally going to send him home home but the nurse case manager for workers comp stepped in.  They were going to send him home knowing he could not get out of bed on his own and without any pain meds or muscle relaxers etc.  And without an appointment set up to see a doctor here in town for a follow up and treatment.   Go figure.  Things changed quickly and they did a hospital to hospital transfer.  It took a while because they had to wait for a free ambulance so they could do transport.   He finally made it to S&W around 9ish.  You have no idea how happy I was to hear his voice say " I made it, I'm here"    My honey is almost home!  I can't wait to see him tomorrow and I know his babies miss him too.
We can also get back on track and reschedule an oncologist appointment and get things taken care of with that whole situation.  These past few days have been very hectic and overwhelming. I know I have cried numerous times.  But I try not to do it in front of the kids so mainly at nap and bedtime.  I still have many worries but I have faith we will get through this.  We're still having a few problems concerning worker's comp but I am hoping to get some answers tomorrow so that we can get things worked out.  I did contact a lawyer and he sent us a contract to sign if we want to use him.  He only gets paid if we recover so that's good because we can't really afford to hire a lawyer right now.  As far as that goes, we will make our decision tomorrow once we talk to the workers comp claims adjuster.    Oh the nurse case manager is also sending me paperwork to sign to release Rassie's medical records from the hospitals where he was seen for his accident.  But the doctor at JPS already told her everything, down to he has leukemia and is on medication for that.  I am pretty steamed because he violatd HIPA laws.  Rassie is under the influence of pain medication and cannot consent to anything without being free of those pain meds for at least 4 hours and I was not there to give consent.  Talk about a shocker, who would have thought, a doctor violating privacy laws. Sounds about right, huh?    I am glad they didn't need consent for some type of medical procedure. I guess they would have just done it illegally.  Oh well, it's done with for now and we will get it all worked out eventually.  I'll update when I know more. I hope everyone has a wonderful rest of the week!

Taco Soup

Taco Soup

1 lb                   ground beef, browned

1 15 oz can       ranch style beans

1 10 oz can       rotel tomatoes

1  15oz can       corn, drained (you can use frozen also)

 2 1/2 cups        water

1 pckg              taco season

1/2 pckg           ranch dressing mix (if you do not have you can substitute one squirt around the pan of ranch 

                                                        dressing)

Brown ground beef on med/hi.  Add in all other ingredients, stir well and bring to a boil.  Lower heat to medium and simmer for 5-10 minutes.   Top with crumbled  tortilla chips and cheese of your choice.  Takes less than 30 minutes.  Rassie and Scarlett love this fast and simple meal!

My picture is missing tortilla chips! We were out of them tonight but it was just as good!

What a weekend

Rassie had a work accident Sunday morning.  To read what I initially wrote about that click here.  For today's update... well that is what I am blogging now...

JPS actually got Rassie in for an MRI last night and he got to se a nuerosurgeon today. He has a chronic slipped disk in his back. They let him take off the neck brace and sit up. They are also feeding him finally. It's about time. I know he was starving. Today is the first day he has had anything to eat or drink since Saturday. Yesterday they finally gave in and let him have a few ice chips but other than that he was getting nothing but a saline drip.


The nuerosurgeon suggested transferring Rassie to Scott & White because his recovery will take 4-6 weeks and it would be better if he were closer to home. Because if they do let him come home he will need extensive physical therapy and we can't drive back and forth 2 hours one way everytime he has a pt appointment. But, once Rassie get's here to Scott & White their treatment may be different than what JPS would do. So it's just a wait and see situation. Right now we are waiting for the transfer to be approved. It is a whole process of JPS calling S&W and getting a doctor here to accept Rassie as a patient. Getting dishcharge papers from JPS getting and ambulance transport in between 911 calls and finally the trip down here. We are pretty sure since it's already 8 pm that the transfer is not going to happen tonight but are really praying it does tomorrow. So keep us in your prayers for an approved transfer and a safe drive down here.

Rassie's employer is also giving us trouble and saying Rassie was admitted to the hospital due to a personal illness and not because of his injury at work.  We are trying to get that worked out and are considering talking to an attorney.  We already have a few picked out that we are going to call for a consult to see if we want to go any further.  Maybe just the consult will get his employers on the right path and stop them from denying him workmans comp during his recovery. 

Birthday Party Fun

For the 3rd day in a row now, I was able to get out of the house with the kids.  I am on a roll!  I was worried that Scarlett might be cranky because she took all of a 45 minute nap today. Actually, I do not think she fell asleep at all but I can't be positive. She was quiet for 45 minutes though.

The Birthday Party wasn't until 5 p.m. So for most of the day we hung out around the house.  We didn't do much other than play.  Scarlett put her baby in the high chair and we moved it to her kitchen.  She had a blast playing mommy.  She also colored a picture for Daddy but I forgot to snap a photo of it. Oh, and let's not forget that she insisted on calling Grandpa.  When she finally got him on the phone all she would do is giggle.  Towards the end of their conversation she asked him what he was doing, told him bye bye and said love you and love you too.   She really does love her Grandpa!

Getting Ready for the Party

At about 4:45 we headed to the birthday party.   It was a pizza party and my cousin was turning 3.  Scarlett had lots of fun playing with the balloons and noise makers.  She wasn't too interested in the other kids.  I thought that was strange but then againe she had balloons and that made everything else disappear. She had so much fun that she barely took 2 or 3 bites of ice cream and cake.  But that's ok with me.  She did eat a little bit of salad, cheesy bread, a couple bites of mac & cheese and a taste of pizza.  She was just too busy and interested in everything else going on.  She was pretty well behaved and I am so proud of her for that.

Playing at the Party

Lane stayed awake for the entire party and was past around from relative to relative.  He only fussed once or twice and that was only because they layed him in their arms like a baby.  2 months old and he thinks he is a big boy already.  He likes to be in an upright position on your shoulder or supported sitting against.  What a little stink butt he is.

Being his lazy, drooling Self

Scarlett did get upset once the party was over.  She wanted to go home with grandma.  She was happy once I gave a balloon in the car.  She played with it the entire way home.  Lane finally passed out.  Once we got home Scarlett through a fit to have her balloon untied from her sippy while I was getting Lane out of the car.  I untied the balloon and tried to put it on her wrist but she was not having that.  Needless to say the balloon made an escape through the trees and off into the grey sky above.  Scar was not happy.  But lessoned learned, well for me anyways.  Scarlett will never remember not to let go because she rarely gets a balloon.

Scarlett was overly tired. So after feeding Lane a bottle and getting her into pj's I put her in bed at 7:30.  By 7:40 Lane was in the bassinet sound asleep too!  Wow! Two nights in a row and both babies in bed at the same time.  How I have managed this I have no idea but I am so proud of myself!

Now I am just sitting around relaxing.  Editing a few photos and about to snuggle up in my bed with a good movie and call it an early night.

An edit of my Brother's Fiance and my Nephew

Another Fun Filled Day

We managed to get out of the house for a second day in a row.  It really helps to pass the time with Rassie not being here.  We always start our mornings with milk in bed and some cartoons. Then we play.  It rained all morning long so we played by the sliding doors and watched it.  We were even under a flash flood warning.  The weather guys were expecting 4 in between 7 am and noon.  I am not sure we got that much because it stopped raining.  But it sure is making my grass look 'purty' !  I managed to vacuum the floors today. They are already in need of a steam clean job again.  I wish I had something other than white carpet.  It is nice carpet though.  It was recently installed right before we bought the house.  It's just that white and kids don't go together :)  But that's ok. I would have to say I have done a darn good job and keeping it clean.  So much so that Scarlett started immitating me scrubbing the carpets when she was like 9 or 10 months old. Sad I know. LOL 

Both babies went to nap at the same time today.  It was so nice and peaceful. I folded a load of laundry I missed from yesterday and then relaxed on the couch for a bit.  When Scarlett got up she had vegetable beef soup for lunch. She loves that stuff.  I usually rinse off all the broth and just give her the solids.  I was really disappointed in this can. there were only TWO ...yes I repeat TWO pieces of beef and a gazillion potatos.  It usually has tons of carrots and green beans, peas and beef. But nope, not today.  She liked it anyways.  Then I gave her the last slice of key lime pie for dessert.  It was daddy's and since he's gone to work I didn't want it to go to waste.  Lane slept a long time today.  I ended up waking him to change his diaper and feed him before we left the house.

We went to visit my aunt and my cousin Casey who is the bride to be. She wanted to show me pictures she had take for her bridal portrait.  She had a ton. They were all really beautiful and it was hard to pick which one I liked best.  But she pretty much had it narrowed down to 6 shots to choose from.  She is going to make such a beautiful bride!  My aunt was watching my cousin Shawn's kids. They are 3 and 5 I think.  Scarlett had a blast playing with them.  And then all of a sudden they were gone and she didn't know what to do with herself.  My cousin and his wife had come home from work and picked them up.  I guess Scarlett didn't realize when they left because she was such a busy body.   She was ok though and played for a while longer.  Before I knew it was 6 pm and so we packed up and came home.

I cheated on supper tonight. I made us pizza pockets with a side of potato chips.  Not a healthy choice at all but I really didn't feel like cooking.  Then it was bath, pj's and bed.  And  believe it or not both babies were in bed at 8 pm.  I feel so accomplished with that.

Oh, one quick Scarlett story today.  We are always going over animals, mainly farm animals: cat, dog, horse, cow, chicken, duck and we throw in a monkey and a bear every now and again.  But tonight she was looking at Lane's jungle animals on his outfit and she pointed and spit out 'elephant' ! I am so proud of her. She has a book with an elephant in it but its not one that we read very often so I was very surprised.  And she melted my heart for the second night in a row with a "Luv ya".

I just love my babies so darn much!

A Pretty Good Day

Other than Rassie being away at work and stressing over his worries, Wednesday turned out to be a pretty good day.  The kids and I started out the morning with breakfast and cartoons.  While Lane lounged around in the swing and stroller and Scarlett played I managed to do a few loads of laundry and the dishes.  Before I knew it it was time for lunch so I threw some popcorn chicken and potatos in the oven.  Scarlett ate really well.  She's not a big lunch eater until after naptime usually but yesterday she really chowed down. She ate 5 or more of the popcorn chickens and a ton of fries plus her fruit cup for dessert.  Then she washed it down with an entire sippy of iced tea. That's right! My country girl loves her sweet tea.

While the kids were both down for nap I watched my soaps and got some things together to go to my moms.  My cousin is getting married and needed a place for a bridal shower so I agreed to let them use my house.  Little did I know I would be volunteered to be come hostess of this shower!  It's already Oct. 9th, the shower is Oct. 24th and the invitations have yet to be sent out.  So Mom and I worked on getting everything written out and addressed last night. Hopefully today or tomorrow we will get them all mailed or hand delivered (the ones that we can).  This shower is so last minute. I am not even sure what we're going to do.  I have to go pick out and order a cake soon.  I have no clue what it should say or what colors to use.  Her wedding is all different pastels and I don't want the cake to look like a birthday cake!   I am thinking of going the easy route for snacks and just having finger sandwiches, nuts and those little wedding buttermints.  My mom and aunt have decided they want to do the sherbert punch as the drink.  Sounds good to me. It's simple enough and super easy to make.  I lucked out with decorations, my cousin had already bought the ones she wanted to use so know I just have to figure out how to put them up in  my dining room.  I am thinking of getting a few simple games together but not sure which ones yet.  Any cute suggestions are welcome.

Other than working on bridal shower stuff I let the kiddos play.  Scarlett jumped on the trampoline a little.  It didn't last long. It was crazy windy outside and mom and I were afraid she might fly off.  She ran around on the back deck with my 4 year old nephew for a while after that.  The wind wasn't so bad there.  Later they walked up and down the drive way with a wagon and a Tonka Truck.  I was hoping it would wear Scarlett out.  She did sleep really well last night so I guess it did the job.   Lane 'played' in the floor with his cousin Rylan.  They are so cute.  I can not believe they are about 2 months apart and pretty much the same size. 

Oh, it's homecoming in my hometown.  At 7 last night my 3 nephews (6th grade, 5th grade and kindergarten) all decided they wanted garters to wear to school today.  My mom still had a box of homecoming ribbons and decoration.  Luckily there were 3 flowers in the box!  We used elastic instead of a garter because we didn't have any of those.  I fixed up 2 homecoming garters in nothing flat.  I really miss doing that stuff. I remember how my sister and I would make mums every year for homecoming!  And we would go all out and make the really long ones with tons of ribbons and bells and big flowers decorated with lace around them.  LOL You get the picture. I am sure you all know what a mum looks like.

Finally I had to get my 2 fussy kids in the car and head home. It was alraedy 8 and past Scarlett's bedtime! I thought she would fall asleep on the way home but nope, instead she sat in the backseat (carseat) reading her storybooks. In the DARK! Silly Girl.  She did go right to sleep when we got home though. Chnaged the diaper, put the pjs on and she was out like a light. 

Scarlett really cracked me up all day yesterday. I want to share a few short stories..!

1. Scarlett is still having a hard time learning she has to be gentle and nice when playing with Lane.  She doesn't always listen to Mommy.  After getting onto her several times I finally popped her butt on the diaper.  She looked at me with the biggest smile and said "Like It"    She liked her spanking! It took all I had not to laugh at her.
2. After reading to her on the sofa I needed to get up.  Scarlett put her and on me and in a calm voice said "sit back".  I guess she gets that from me always telling her to 'sit back so you don't fall'
3. She has started singing the commercial on TV that sings 'Take Me Home'  except it comes out more like 'hay he hooooo'  I LOVE HER to death for that song.
4. Lane and Rylan were laying in the floor and she walked up. pointed to them and counted "1....2....babies"  I was so proud of her.  We are always counting things like blocks and her purses and fruit, etc! but this if the first time she has done it on her own.  Even if it was only to 2!
5. When I put her in bed last night she told me "luv...night night"  She never tells me love you! It is only Lane and Daddy who get the I love you's.  Let me tell you, it really melted my heart to hear those sweet words come from her mouth.

Anyways, before I keep rambling on I am going to end this!

Skillet Pork Chops

I made these a couple of weeks ago and had a few people ask for the recipe so I thought I would blog it.  This is the full recipe.  Since its just Rassie, Scarlett and I....I usually half it so there's no waste.

Skillet Pork Chops

6 center cut pork chops ( you can use any cut of about the same size)

1 Tbsp veggie oil           (EVOO can be substituted)

3/4 cup chopped onion - I used white

2 cloves of garlic, pressed   (you can use garlic powder or minced garlic if needed)

1 can (14.5oz) chicken broth

1 cup original BBQ sauce

2  15oz cans Ranch Style Pinto Beans w/ Jalepenos drained.

First you want to heat the oil in a larger pan that has a lid on med/hi.  Sear pork chops on both sides until brown and then remove them and place to the side. It takes about 5 minutes.  Then you want to throw in your onions and garlic and let them cook for about 5 minutes.  Add in your broth, BBQ sauce and beans.  Bring to a boil.  Return pork chops to skillet.  Reduce heat: cover and simmer 50-60 minutes stirring sauce and turning chops occassionally until meat is fork tender.  Makes 6 servings

They were SUPER YUMMY!  My only recommendation is to use low sodium broth.  I don't cook with salt and so these tasted a little salty to me.  Rassie gave his approval and has asked me to make them several times!   The pinto beans end up tasting like BBQ beans and I leave the onions long instead of chopped. Oh, and the jalepenos that come in the beans are NOT hot but add for great flavor.  Even Scarlett loved this dish. 

ENJOY!

Keeper of the Yard

I have to admit I let our yard get a little out of hand.  Rassie isn't really the type to do yard work but I am.  So I am usually the one doing the mowing, etc.   The front yard didn't look all that bad. I got it mowed last week while it was sprinkling.  It was a race to get it done before it actually rained.  It never rained.  I got the bushes in the front yard hedged and Rassie actually helped weed eat.  In my opinion the front yard is looking pretty darn good.

I should have mowed the backyard at the same time.  It is or I should say was a jungle!  Its only 85 today but with the humidity I am sweating my butt off! Not to mentin the dog poo I have found a few times. The mosquiotos and nats that won't leave me alone and the over grown plants along the fence line that I have to fight back to mow the edges.   But the end result is paying off.  I do think I'm getting rid of some of the plants along the fence.  We bought the house from an old lady who paid someone to do her yard.  With the two babies it is just too much for me to get out there all the time and do ALL of the yard work.  I think I'm going to keep the bushes, some of the pretty flower trees (?) and a few of the other plants but I just can't keep them all. It's too hard.  Not to mention a lot of them are half dead because they are so old so what is it really going to hurt to get rid of them!

My next project, taking a chain saw to the trees!  There are some overgrown limbs that are getting too heavy and hang way too low to the ground.  I felt like I was doing the limbo trying to mow parts of the yard.  :)

Wishes For Rassie

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with the battle against Leukemia.

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*For God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.*

                     ~Psalms 46:1

Catching Up

Rassie made it home for work alright.  He came home with swollen feet and bruising so he decided to see the doctor.  He was diagnosed with CML- Leukemia.   We were all in shock.  We didn't think the symptoms he had would ever come back as something so serious.   Rassie is doing well, feeling fine and is on a medication for the meantime.  He is still able to go about his every day life, continue with his activities and work.

After being in the hospital from Friday - Tuesday we finally got to spend some real family time together.  We went out for dinner at our favorite local mexican food place, Corona's.  We took Scarlett to a few different parks.  We visited my mom and the kids (nephews).   We worked in the yard.  Well I did most of the work. Rassie helped out with the weed eating.   I still need to get the backyard cleaned up as well.  It can wait!

We were planning a trip to Oklahoma around the 24 of this month but looks like our plans have changed.  Rassie has lots of labs and doctors appointments coming up so we have to schedule our plans around them.  They have most of them set up for Monday's but we're trying to get them changed to Wednesdays. 

We haven't started on our 2nd round of potty training yet.  Scarlett is a little jealous of Lane getting his diapers changed so I decided to hold off just a little longer. I don't want to wait too long though, 2 years is coming up pretty quick.

Scarlett is doing great.  She is so smart. She surprises me everyday with the things she says and does. I had no idea she would grow up so fast.  I love her so much.  Lane is doing great also!  We just had his 2 month well baby.  He is 13 lbs 23.5 in.  Growing like a little weed!  He is smiling and cooing quite a bit these days.  He just melts my heart.  I am so proud of both of my babies.