two, what could have been but wasn't meant to be

I think about how things could be have been different and how things are now. What I am missing and what is right in front of me. I can't believe some days that he is really here. I said that to Trevor probably a hundred times right after Rance was born. Not sure we could make it to that point. But he is here. I just can't help but wonder. The timing for Sunday morning's sermon was impeccable. But isn't that how it works? So much lost and at the same time so much gained. But I still can't help but wonder. I have read about genetic accidents. Maybe? And 1 in 1000 chances. Really? Wait at least 4 months. Ok. Everything turned out clear and no worries for Gtd. Relief?! Another 3 months, another loss, but he is here. I am heartbroken for two, and enraptured by one.

He was meant to be.

I like to watch him sleep.

Genesis 29:35

Genesis 38:27

21 Months

Rance has started his terrible two's, two years that is. One of his favorite places to get caught is at my desk. If he can find a pen, he uses it. Mostly on my calendar or checkbook. Another is in his siblings things which neither of them appreciate. He has learned to climb the highchair signaling when he thinks it is time to eat. If the chair is behind the couch, he likes to go head first over the back and land on the cushion, and while falling he says, "whoa!" Then giggles and runs back around to do it all over again.

What I have been up to

When I am not sick of course. It has been a while since I posted anything on the wet bar so here is an update. Trevor finished wiring the walls and I have been busy doing a skip trowel technique with the joint compound. I need to put another coat on and pick a paint color. I have some samples but still haven't decided which one yet.

I also picked out some recessed lighting to replace the 70's lights that are in the ceiling. When they are on, it reminds of the warming lamps at McD's. I think I have some red bulbs around here some where.

I hate, hate, hate....(kinda graphic, read on at your own risk)

*update* As most of you know, Trevor got sick Sunday but is feeling better and went to work today.

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...to throw up probably more than I hate crying. Yes, I have been sick and so has everyone else thanks to this little guy:

It all started Tuesday night with Rance upchucking 3 times and was fine. No fever, nothing. Woke up the next morning just fine. Even though Trevor did hazmat training in the army, it seems like I end up doing most of the decontamination. So, I was the first to get it, very early Thursday morning, say around 3:30AM. I had a low grade fever and achey. Prayed repeatedly not to get sick but it wasn't meant to be. I finally gave in to the porcelain bus. Stayed in bed pretty much all day. Called Marci to let her know I probably wouldn't make it to Revolve this year. Holding out hope. Nada. Bri gets sick Thursday night and stays in bed pretty much all day Friday. Definitely not going now. Around 2:30AM Saturday, Colton's bathroom light comes on and sure enough he is leaning over the oval bowl. Fortunately he made it to the bathroom this time, usually he makes it to the side of the bed. He had eaten a whole Totinos pizza for supper! Trevor also complained of not feeling well but never lost his meal. Go figure? Anyway, of course we don't blame Rance seeing as he can't help it but it makes for good blog material.

Sorry to those of you who continued to the end of this post. You were warned.

Ike in Star Harbor

Above is a clip of the boat ramp. The visibilty is low across the lake. On a normal day, you can see clear across to the west side of the lake.

Driving on Shoreline, on the north side of the city, where most of the waves were hitting.

A wave clip of the old marina.

This is a picture of Surfside Beach. The debris is covering the road in front of the house we stayed at back in March at Spring Break (outlined in the box). The pink house on the beach side across the street was not livable then either b/c of Rita. I am surprised it is still standing.

Another view from the opposite direction.

Skillet Tamale Pie

1 lb. ground beef

1 pkg taco seasoning mix

1 can -8oz- tomato sauce

1 can -14 oz- kidney beans, undrained

3/4 c water

1 pkg -8oz- corn muffin mix

1 c shredded cheese

1/4 c sliced green onions

Brown meat in large skillet on m-h heat. Drain fat. Stir in seasoning mix, tomato sauce, beans and water. Bring to boil.

Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 10 minutes.

Meanwhile prepare corn muffin mix as directed on package. Drop small spoonfuls of batter over meat. Cover, cook on low 15 minutes or until cornbread is cooked through. Sprinkle with cheese and green onions. Cover, cook on low until cheese is melted.

Everyone really liked this one. I got it out of the Brookshires in store paper. I forgot the cheese when I took the picture but you get the idea. Make sure you read the muffin mix ingredients when buying everything. This recipe is basically chili and cornbread all in one.