A little late posting,

but Rance is 22 months as of the 27th! and one year ago.
If you look closely, you can see his small curls on the one side of his head.

Give thanks to Him in everything!

Through good and bad.



Psalm 106:1

Praise the Lord!
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.



Psalm 66:19-20

19 But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer.
20 Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw his unfailing love from me.

On my way to get a shot

UPDATE @ 1:45P: double whammy! I got two for one. One for tetanus of course and my annual flu shot. Now I have two sore shoulders. At least I didn't need stitches, just an antibiotic in case it gets infected.

I thought about including a pic of my booboo but didn't want to gross anyone out. When I mentioned it, Trevor said I was addicted to blogging. Hey, it's good material.

Thanks Jen for keeping Rance, I owe ya!

________________________________

And who knows what else. The puncture wound doesn't really hurt to much but it looks really bad.

I hate needles.

Hebrews 11:1

1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.


(New Living Translation)

Perth, Australia

Now I know some of you are wondering what this post could be about. I have never been to Australia. I have always wanted to visit there and also Italy. I have never been out of the US before. From the pictures I have seen and articles I have read over the years, both places look spectacular. But for now, I will be happy knowing that someone in Australia cares enough to think about others, including myself. I came across a blog a few months ago. Another person who has a story. Another story with heartbreak. Another story of strong faith in God and family to help them persevere. And in all of this, still takes the time to do for others. I was brought to tears when I opened my email the other day and saw this:

Photos from Burns Beach in Australia.
This photo is for the ones I never saw but hold close to my heart.

While about to take the photo, a little ladybug landed on one of the hearts.

I looked up ladybug and found a correlation to the Virgin Mary. Etymology says this: probably from its seven spots being considered a symbol of the seven sorrows of the Virgin Mary.

I know, I am no way comparable to Mary, but I know how she must have felt.

These photos were taken by Carly. She has been doing this task for so many others who have lost a child or children or know someone who has. She sets aside time 3 days a week to venture out to write names in the sand for people she has never met and probably never will. So if you will, please visit her blogs:

http://scarletriver26.blogspot.com/

http://www.namesinthesand.blogspot.com/

Salisbury Steak With Mushroom Gravy

1 1/4 pounds ground beef sirloin
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, eyeball it
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon steak seasoning blend or coarse salt and pepper
EVOO, 3 tablespoons, 3 turns of the pan
Half a package of sliced mushroom, chopped-optional
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef stock


Combine meat, Worcestershire, onion and steak seasoning or salt and pepper. Form oval patties, 1-inch thick.

Preheat large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add a tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil and the meat patties to a hot pan. Cook meat 6 minutes on each side until meat is evenly caramelized on the outside and juices run clear. Remove meat and cover with loose tin foil to keep warm. Add 1 more turn of the pan extra-virgin olive oil and butter to the pan, then the mushrooms. Season mushrooms with salt and pepper and saute mushrooms until tender, 3 to 5 minutes. To mushrooms, add a sprinkle of flour to the pan and cook 2 minutes more. Whisk in stock and thicken 1 minute.


I served mashed potatoes, peas with butter, and spinach as sides. Another winner!

Rance's first trip to Kiddie Land

Nana and Rance enjoying the carousel,

painted by someone named Katherine.

Rance not enjoying the carousel.

(Actually, he wanted to switch horses in the middle of the ride)

Trevor, Rance, and Bri watching Colton ride the boats. Rance couldn't ride b/c he kept leaning over trying to stick his hand in the water.

Rance and me on the Rockets.

Bri going down the Super Slide.

(I broke my tailbone going down this slide when I was 15. I 'flew' off the last hill about 2 feet above the slide and landed on the rail. OUCH! Who knew I could slide that fast sitting on wax paper under my bag. And yes, I have gone down it since.)

The best kids in the world riding the train at Broken Toe Junction.

Daddy and Rance checking out the scenery.

We had a good time in Waco, visiting family and friends. I was able to attend a wedding reception for a really good friend from high school. I haven't seen her in years. OK Jennifer G., if you are reading this, start a blog soon!

Shogun Japanese Restaurant

We started off with house soup,
and salad with ginger dressing.
Our chef entertained us with an onion volcano while he prepared everyone's meal.
Trevor and I shared some salmon sushi, it was really good.
I ordered the chicken and fried rice.

The food was excellent.

Sunset

On our way to Waco.