it happens in 3's

i didn't want to blog today. there is alot going on right now that is not happy normal Christmas stuff. but life isn't just about the fun easy going times, it's the good times & the bad times. the easy stuff & the hard stuff. so here it goes:

Popo had emergency hernia surgery this week at the age of 91 (he'll be 92 on dec. 19). i didn't know about the surgery until the next day........but that's okay. i would have liked to sit with him in the hospital, but i had a cold and probably would have stayed home anyway. he is at home and doing well or so i've been told. he has been resting everytime i call.

Colin will have his surgery on thursday. lots of butterflies about this one.....mostly because all our bedrooms are upstairs, along with the full baths. i'm sure we'll figure everything out, but i'm a planner & i'm stumped by those obstacles. also, the rehab period with be rough, but getting Colin back up and running with be worth everyday I have to drive him to physical therapy.

Dad will be having surgery, too. yep everything happens in 3's. this is the one that puts a lump in my throat. he has to have his thyroid removed, but it is very large and won't be the typical thyroidectomy. i will be very busy the next few weeks. i probably won't blog much.....

not quite the normal blog post? but life really is like a roller coaster and i'm up on one of those big hills.....you know all queasy and ready to vomit, but at the end of the ride i hope to be smiling~ please keep all of us in your prayers~

The Day After

The visit ended yesterday afternoon, and the house seems so very quiet this morning! Marty, Connor, & Riley stayed a day longer than Jeff & Evan........and I miss them all already! It is always busy when Marty is around, but with the triple digit heat we toned things back. No trip to the beach or outdoor exursions. The only thing we did outside, was swim in the pool! Boy did the kids love that......they swam all night!! Ron posing with R2 and C3PO at Space Center Houston. We spent Sunday checking out the George Lucas exhibit. They had all sorts of Indiana Jones and Star Wars stuff on display. Evan, Riley, & Connor......my boys refused to pose for a photo!! Connor on the obstacle course. Riley in the rocket simulator trying to lauch-off. All the cousins at the end of the trip. Eating baby back ribs poolside. Ribs are the kids favorite food......I was hoping that my boys might try them, but I had no luck with that wish!!! The best photo ever of Connor.......I usally get him with his eyes closed!! He has a great smile, and Marty looks Marvelous, too!!! The visit seemed to just fly by.........but they always do when you're around the people you love! I can't wait until we get to see them again. I guess Marty & Me better start planning the next trip!!!

Celebrating Good Times!

Well, We hosted Val's Graduation party on Saturday. I have to admit it was a little stressful for me. I admit to being "OCD" about party planning, and I'm one of those people that have to clean the house from every angle before a party. I know it's crazy, but that is just the way I'm wired! Here are some photos from that I was able to take during the day's festivities: These are the party favors that I made with Rose's help. They are altered pull top metal cans with maroon & white M&M's inside. The "V" I decorated for Val was also displayed with the cake.Val & her girlfriends looking at the scrapbook that I am in the process of putting together for her. There was no way that I could finish it in time for the party......I don't have a photo of her in her cap & gown yet!Everybody hung out around the pool, and some of us even got to enjoy a nice relaxing swim in the pool.

Here are the recipes for some of the favorites that I made:

Baked Potato Casserole

5 pound red potatoes, cooked & cubed

1 pound sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese(I only used 2 cups)
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon minced chives(I used 3 chopped green onions)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

In a large bowl, combine potatoes and bacon. In another bowl, combine the remaining ingredients; add to potato mixture and toss gently to coat. Transfer to a greased 4.5 quart baking dish. Bake uncovered at 325 degrees for 50-60 minutes or until bubbly and lightly browned.

Brownies

2 boxes brownie mix (I used the pilsbury ones)
3 large Symphony chocolate bars

Make the 2 brownie mixes according to the directions on the box. Spray the bottom of a 9X13 pyrex dish with pam. Pour half of the brownie mix into the pan, layer the symphony bars across the pan, then pour the remaining brownie mix on top of the bars. Bake according to the brownie mix instructions, adding extra time for the thickness of the brownies. I baked mine for about 40-45 minutes. The last 15-20 minutes I reduced the heat of my oven to 325 degrees to prevent burning. They are the yummies brownies I have ever ate!!!

Fun in the Sun

It was nothing but sunshine on Memorial Day, and we loved every minute of it!!! We decided to grill and invited Rose, Mike, Val, & Mellie over to join us. Except for the ants, the day was wonderful.....and if I ever figure out why we get those big ants in the pool after a heavy rain then maybe I can prevent the problem. I have been yet again dealing with doctors, dentists, and insurance companies this week. I met with Ethan's Orthodontist on Tuesday, and found out he will need to have 4 teeth pulled before his braces get put on. So, I have been calling oral surgeons and trying to find out if the medical insurance or dental insurance covers the procedure.

I did get to do some fun stuff today.....Rose came over and we finished the party favors for Val's party this weekend. I will take a photo of them tomorrow and post it. I also baked quite a few dozen cookies this afternoon. I'm hoping that there are still some around for the weekend!!!

A Nice Long Weekend to Enjoy

It looks like I'm playing catch up again. I guess that this might turn into a weekly blog, haha! Seriously, I have been quite busy and barely had time to check my e-mail. This always happens in May, it's my busy month. So what have I been doing?? First, I am getting all of my doctor appointments done before summer starts. Since I am fast approaching the big 4-0, I have to get my mammogram and see the GI doctor to possibly have another colonoscopy. Sound like fun doesn't it??? On top of that, I am still trying to get reimbursed for Colin's medical bills when he injured his knee at school.......that usually involves being on hold for a minimum of 30 minutes before I actually speak to a human being. Then I get transferred about three times before the phone gets disconnected from their end, yet another fun aspect of my life!! So I have been doing stuff, just nothing to write about on a daily basis. So, how about some fun stuff? Ethan had his field day on Friday. Field day was fun for him, but I HATE it!! It is always "Africa" hot and the kids run wild, and then there are the water events. Who created field day??? Some sadistic PTA mom with nothing better to do with her time? Well that's enough "negativity" from me. Like I said Ethan had a blast, just like all of the other kids, and here are some photos of him having fun: Ethan with his buddies. Ethan & Adam always dress in full GB Packers gear on any dress code release day. Love that they are both wearing Favre jerseys and GB ball caps!

Ethan mastering the rockwall. Yep, they have a rockwall at their field day. Nothing like when we were in school and had potato sack races, the 3 legged relay, and wheelbarrow races. My have times changed!

Another exciting event......this was a basketball game that all the kids loved! They were teethered by a cord and slung back after each basket. Just Ethan being himself. Don't have many photos of him, and his eyes look so blue and his hair is so wild that this might be my new favorite!

On Friday night Val had her last choir concert. It reminded me of Broadway Nights, and the kids are so talented. Now if you really look at the above photo you will notice something out of place. Do you see it?? That would be Colin, the little stinker!! He won't pose for a photo, but he'll sneak into one. He thought it was hilarious, and it was.......reminded me of the wanderer on SNL.

Here is the family shot, minus Colin!!

And we can't forget the cousins! Notice that in this photo, because I want them all in it together that Colin is partially hidden. Like I said, he is a stinker!!!

Well, I hope to sneak outside and relax by the pool. That is all I have planned for this weekend....R & R......doesn't that sound like fun???

What a weekend!

It was a whirlwind weekend of parties for us! Colin had two friends turn thirteen over the weekend, and then there were the graduation parties. Carie graduated on Friday from Texas A&M, and had her party on Saturday night. We were able to make the party, and had fun catching up with everyone. We left before the "ring dunk," but saw all of the pictures on facebook. Here are a few photos I took on Saturday....PopoCarie & Kenny Ron, Kenny, & JoelColin & KennyMe & Letitia Ethan & Letitia, his Godmother. It had been quite awhile since we'd seen Letitia & Joel. I'm so glad to hear that they are both feeling better!! We all agreed that 2008 was a year we didn't want to repeat!
On Sunday, we went to Brandon's Graduation party. The weather was beautiful, and it was nice to meet all of Brandon & Lindy's relatives. Then there was cute little Caden, he was full of energy all day long. I was very glad to see him put on his swim trunks and venture near the pool.......he so reminds me of Ethan at that age.

Now I'm off to work........it seems that there are never enough hours in a day to do all that needs to be done. I am looking so forward to the upcoming weekend!!! Nothing beats a THREE day weekend:-)

Baking Banana Bread

Don't those loaves cooling look yummy!! I had lots of ripe bananas and decided to make my favorite banana bread today. It is healthy & yummy!! Here's the recipe that I've tweaked to my own liking......

Rita's Favorite Banana Bread
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 cup splenda
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1/3 cup applesauce
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped walnuts, optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease 4 mini loaf pans. I use the pampered chef 4 loaf stone. Sift dry ingredients into a large bowl, and mix them well. In another bowl, mash bananas and add eggs, applesauce, and vanilla; stir to combine the wet ingredients. Mix wet ingredients into bowl of dry ingredients until well blended. Add walnuts, divide batter evenly between the 4 loaf pans. Bake for 35-40 minutes and then cool them on a wire rack. I have tried to make them in regular loaf pans but they just don't rise the way I like them......plus, I can share the mini loaves with family and friends!!!

Getting Back Into The Swing Of Things

It has taken me awhile to get back on schedule. I am finally feeeling like I have thing under control around here. Although, I forgot about the laundry until 11:00pm last night and was up to 1:00am finishing that chore! I have to say that it was nice getting away with Ron for the weekend. I was able to go to the Mall with Marty........yes, we always seem to find a Mall no matter what town we happen to be in!! Anyway, we both love Ann Taylor Loft and spent quite a bit of time there shopping. Ron was able to play golf with his brothers on Friday and Saturday. I think he enjoyed himself, although Dave told me that at one point Ron's ball hit a tree and almost hit him. Dave phrased it alittle differently, something along the lines of....."Ron tried to kill me on the golf course today!" The rehearsal dinner was delicious, and the Wedding was absolutely beautiful. So......here are those photos I promised to post:The flower girl dropped her basket and was the cutest thing all evening at the reception.Steve walking Michele down the isle to the altar. Amy having her escort carry a bouquet!
Steve & Michele during the father-daughter dance.....Ron & me just hanging out at the table between songs.The Legge Girls getting ready to start the party!! "We are family.......I got all my sisters with me!!!" Beth, Becky, & Marty sneaking some cake while everyone else was in the foyer watching Michele toss her bouquet!!!Amy & MicheleRon hanging out at the table with his mother.Jayme & BethThe lovely sister & mother of the Bride......enjoying the moment!!Jeff & MartyPhill, Becky, Dave, & Abbie in the hotel lobby before the wedding.My most favorite photo ever of Amy!!! Jayme captured her spunky personality in this photo.The future Uncle & Aunt........Phill & Abbie So there you have it.......it was lots of fun and went to fast!! Now I can only wonder who will be next to tie the knot????