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.

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.

-------------------------------------------------

...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.

20 Months

One year ago, at 8 months.
Two years ago this month while on vacation, we were telling Bri and Colton they were going to have a new baby. It was a trip we will never forget.

First Week of School

Every year since Bri started school, I have taken a picture on the first day.

Bri starting 8th grade! Yikes! 2 more years till she starts learning to drive, & 5 more years till she starts college.
Colton starting 2nd grade. He wasn't even 1 yet when we first moved here. Time?!?!
T.V. break after school with bubba.

After I dropped Colton off last, Rance watched him climb out as we said our "love you's" and "have a good day", he said, "Coco gone." As I drove off, I replied tearily, "yeah, Coco's gone, it's just you and me." (OK, tearily isn't a word, but it sounds good)

Fortunatley, I got a call Wednesday from a new friend, Jennifer, to go walking with our little ones. I enjoyed talking and getting to know her. Hope she isn't as sore as I was. :) Guess I need to do some more walking.

And to round off the first week, Rance is sick. I went to get him up Thursday morning to take the kids to school and he had thrown up in his crib. He had fever and was shaky. Thankfully I have such good friends to rely on in time of need. I called D'Ann and she had Gary come by and pick the kids up for school. So....I spent part of the day sitting with Rance, watching Sesame Street, Curious George, and so on and playing cars. I hate it when they get sick, but I love the snuggle time we get when all he wants to do is have mommy sit and hold him.

Hope every ones week was a good one.

Emeril's Chicken Stir-Fry with Green Beans

One of my favorites!

6 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, very thinly sliced 1/8-inch thick
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3/4 teaspoon Asian spice blend
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 pound green beans, stem ends trimmed, cut into 3-inch lengths
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/4 cup roughly chopped cashews
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon lightly toasted white sesame seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons roasted garlic-red pepper sauce (recommended: Sriracha)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Chopped green onions, for garnish

In a bowl, combine the chicken, 4 1/2 teaspoons of the soy sauce, and Asian spice blend. Toss to coat and let sit for 10 minutes.

In a large wok or saute pan, heat the oil over high heat. Add the chicken and stirring constantly, cook until brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the beans and stir-fry until wrinkled, stirring, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 10 seconds. Add the cashews, hoisin, remaining 3 teaspoons of soy sauce, sesame oil, sesame seeds, red pepper sauce and red pepper flakes. Stir to coat, and cook for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and serve immediately, over white or basmati rice. Garnish with green onions.

If using frozen beans, thaw and drain before adding to chicken.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Inactive Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

This is a fairly simple dish to make. To get the chicken thin enough, be sure and let it thaw slightly when slicing, just not completely thawed. Also, hoisin is a thicker teriyaki sauce but can be substituted.

Colton's acting debut