Catch-Up

I haven't blogged in over a week, but with good reason. Tuesday while heading home from work, I started really not feeling well. I ate very little dinner, and went to bed early, only to wake up a few hours later - sick. I won't share the graphic details but, it was violent. I ran a high fever all night and most of Wednesday. I was still sick Thursday. I planned to go back to work Friday, but I woke up Friday morning with excruciating pain in my left, lower abdomen. After an hour of back and forth, my Mom over-ruled me and said "We are going to the ER." Her first thought was appendix. [FYI - we learned the appendix is on the right side.] I spent upwards of 8 hours in the ER Friday. After blood tests, scans, ultrasounds the doctor came back in to inform us that I'd had an ovarian cyst burst and cause some bleeding in my abdomen. He said it was very likely that is what was making me so sick, but I could have also just had "bad timing" and had a stomach bug and the cyst burst at the same time. No way to know for sure. So, they pumped me full of as much morphine as I could handle, wrote me a prescription for more pain killers and sent me home. I had to take the pain killers the rest of Friday and all day Saturday. By Sunday the pain was gone but I still felt so drained. I sat outside in the sun for an hour or so, hoping that would help. Monday, at little better but still just no energy. Same story yesterday. Today, I am really starting to feel better. I know Ryan was really disappointed that our 3 day weekend we had been so looking forward to was spend mostly on the couch or in bed. But - at least its a short week!

In other news, WW is going well. I lost 5 lbs that first week then none the second. When they weighed me at the ER I'd lost 7 lbs [yes, SEVEN] last week, but my Mom and I decided it was because I didn't eat for 3 days. Once I started eating again, I gained 3 lbs practically over night, so my total loss for last week was 4 lbs. That's 9 lbs in 3 weeks. Not too shabby. I'm finding more and more I can eat and will start posting the good recipes/meals soon. Although, I have days where I think "Do I really want to be skinny?" because all I want to do is eat fast food and dessert. Dessert is the hardest to resist. Of course, the answer to that question is always "Yes." And really, its less about skinny and more about healthy. But, I'll take skinny too.

Was that on purpose?

As I was walking through my office building yesterday, texting while walking, a lady stopped me to tell me how cute it was that my iPhone matched my outfit and asked if I had a case to match every outfit. I looked down and to my dismay - I did match. Then, on my was out of the building to head home, another lady stopped me, pointed at my phone and then my clothing and asked "Was that on purpose?" Sigh. I must have looked like such a tool. So, I stepped into the restroom and snapped a picture, because I wanted to share my embarrassment with all of you.

I really like black and lime green together, so I guess I just need to keep my phone in my purse when I wear this again...

Not really a Weekend Wrap-up...

...cause we didn't really do much this weekend.

Oh Monday, why must you come so soon. I.am.tired. I didn't get enough sleep this weekend and Ryan & I both tossed and turned all night long last night. Then we had to get up WAY before the sun this morning so I could drop him off for yet another week long business trip. [He also worked Saturday and will work again this coming Saturday.] I miss my husband!!!

I dropped my Jetta off yesterday at the body shop to get the damage from being hit in the parking lot fixed. So, I am driving Ryan's Jeep all week. This has it's pros and cons. I really like his Jeep, but more as a passenger. It doesn't handle the same way the Jetta does so it always takes me a few days to get used to driving it - especially in heels. But it does have a much better sound system, it's faster and I like being higher up so, there is all of that.

I had a total weight loss fail this past week. As previously mentioned, on Weight Watchers, you have a set number of points every day plus "flex" points you can use if you go out to eat. Well, I used about 1/2 of my flex points and I didn't lose a single pound this week. Oops. Since Frankie's bday was Wednesday, we had cake. And I had a couple 1/2 pieces in the days after. Plus, I ate fast food several times. Its my own fault and I'm pissed at myself. I am going to a WW meeting tonight. And I am back in the right mindset and will be strict this week to make up for it. ::Shakes head in shame::

But - there is a light at the end of the tunnel...in the form of a 3 day weekend.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRANKIE!

Today, my baby brother turns 23. He has really come into his own over the past couple of years and has accomplished a lot in 2009.

In case you are one of the few that hasn't already had this shoved down your throat ;) check out his music here!! He wrote all the songs you will hear, except for Call Me When You Hit Chicago, which was written by a good friend of ours, Andrew Tinker. Frankie has a real knack for writing "storytelling songs". In fact the last track is appropriately named "Story Song".

Frank-Beau, I love you SO much. I don't think you really even know. You have been my best friend since May 13, 1986 and I cannot imagine how empty my life would be without you. This story has been told by my Mom a lot over the years, but it's very relevant today. I was 2 when my Mom told me I would be a big sister. From that moment, I prayed every.single.night that God would give me a little brother. I think most little girls want a sister - not me. I wanted a brother. And boy oh boy, did God bless me!! I could not have asked for a better brother than Franklin Wylie Silverman!

Weekend Wrap-up!

Friday - I rushed home from work, swallowed my SmartOnes meal whole and my Mom & I headed out to Denton to see my friend Mandy in the MTD production of Crazy For You! Traffic was bad but we got there just in time. But MAN was it worth the drive!! I was so impressed. And it really made me miss my theatre days. Mandy was FANTASTIC as Irene. And many of the other cast members really stood out to us, too. For us, besides Mandy, the best part of the show was the amazing tap dancing!

Saturday - Ryan was starting to get sick and I wasn't feeling 100% either. We were supposed to go to my cousin's 1st birthday party but Ryan went to CareNow and they said he had a contagious throat infection. I decided to stay home too.

Sunday - I spent the day with my Mom, went to the grocery store and did house work. Ryan was feeling worse. :( I told him he needed to go ahead and call in to work for Monday. Pretty sure it's not just a throat infection, but a nasty cold. I also weighed myself yesterday...and I lost 5 lbs last week!!!! I know that I won't lose that much every week but it felt GREAT to look down and see a smaller number!!

I'm at work on this rainy day...wishing I could be home with my sick hubby. Although, it's probably best I avoid him...! ;)

Well, the good news is...

...I get to spend Mother's Day with my Mom.

The bad news is...it's because she was "let go" at work today.

I really think this is a blessing in disguise. I know there is something better out there for her. The tough part will be finding it right now.

Prayers are appreciated!!!

And to all my Mommy friends - HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!!

Happy Half-versary!!

TGIF!!! Today is our half-versary!! In other words, we have been married exactly 6 months today!! I don't really know why this is such a big deal to me. Ryan's response was "It's not a year." LOL! But, for whatever reason, it just feels really exciting to me!

So, just for fun we will take a quick look down memory lane. This is a picture taken shortly after we started dating in 2002.

Man, we were both so much thinner...!

Here we are on Ryan's 21st birthday. I really, really love this picture!

Awww the night we got engaged! Ryan has the "OMG I might puke" look on his face. ;)

And just for fun, a couple of pictures from the wedding day. :)

The pastor should have said "You may kiss the Groom" instead of "the Bride." Hehee.

Happiest day of my life, so far. I love you Hubster!!

Everyone have a GREAT weekend!!! :)

Someone distract me!

PLEASE!! I'm starving. No matter what I eat, I'm still hungry. Yesterday, I didn't feel 100% and so I didn't much of an appetite. I actually had left over points at the end of the day! Today - it's like I'm making up for yesterday. Who's stupid idea was this weight loss thing?!?! GEEZ!

In other news...on Sunday night Ryan asked me what I was doing Saturday. I said "Well, I have to buy the American Idol Tour concert tickets, then I have a hair appointment at 11am but then nothing until Akina's 1st birthday party. Why?" All he said was "I have a surprise for you." Well, I dropped it. He always blows his surprises before they happen so I didn't want to push my luck. Well, yesterday I was looking at the bank account online and noticed a fairly large debit from one of the accounts we don't usually touch. I asked "What was $xxx for?" He got the saddest little look on his face! Then I realized...that's what he used to pay for my surprise! I still had no idea and he totally could have just kept it a secret still but instead he blurted out "It's an iPhone." !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT?! I've been drooling over his since he got it, but I never thought he'd buy ME one!!! I am SO excited. But...how am I EVER going to top that? ;)

And if you were wondering, changing the subject from food to iPhones did NOT help the hunger. Everyone keeps telling me it takes a week or two to stop feeling so hungry. Well, two weeks needs to be up. Like, now preferably.

I wonder what's for dinner... ;)

Day 2 - A day for insight

Disclaimer: This is the longest blog entry I've ever written. Sorry...

I survived Day 1 of Weight Watchers [WW from now on]. I'm not going to lie, I was hungry most of the day but I did pretty well regardless. I went over my points a little, but because I am hypoglycemic I think my body is having a harder time adjusting than most. For those of you who are not familiar with WW, you get a set amount of "points" you can consume everyday based on your height and current weight. Each food has a certain number of points based on calories, fat grams and fiber content. Then as you lose weight, the points go down. But you also have "flex" points you can used over the week. So, if you want to eat out, have a "bad day" or if, like me, you have your cousin's 1st birthday party to go to over the weekend and you want a piece of cake! ;)

As my friend Ashley said in an email today, WW really teaches you how you are supposed to eat. Americans in general over-eat, and I am definitely guilty of this. That's what I was so hungry yesterday, and why hunger is starting to creep up on me today. By learning what to "spend your points on", you are really learning what's best for your body. [For example, a lot veggies are 0 points and many fruits are only 1 or 2.]

But, our over-eating conversation led me to an intervention on myself. So here goes: Hi, my name is Rachel and I am an emotional eater. There. I said it. I'm about to do a lot of personal sharing so, if you don't care, skip to the next paragraph. :) Ok- growing up I was never over-weight. I mean, I had a chubby year in 2nd grade but a lot of kids do. Then I started growing like a weed and was skinny until 2004 or 2005. Anyway, I don't remember when food became a "tool" but it happened. I suffer from severe anxiety. [Another admission you may not have wanted to know.] As a child it was crippling. I literally shut down for a few years of my life. The only time I felt calm was at home with my family or on stage. [Weird, I know.] Middle school was one of the worst times of my life, anxiety wise, and I actually stopped eating anywhere but home. I ate one meal a day usually - dinner. I was scary skinny. Border line mal-nourished. [My doctor later said the lack of food those years may have thrown my hypoglycemia into hyper-drive.] Ok, moving on. For those years, I emotionally DIDN'T eat. But once I got a grip on my anxiety, I did a total flip. Suddenly, food was my "tool". My security blanket. In high school it wasn't so bad. I did the normal, "OMG I broke up with my boyfriend, let's eat ice cream and doritos" thing, and every summer I gained a little weight from bored-eating, but I was so active with dance, theater, choir, etc it didn't make a difference. The weight would just fall right off. Well, after high school my life started falling apart at the seams. I'm not going to go into too much detail to protect my loved ones but, my family fell apart, my best friend died, I lost Ryan [got him back though ;)!] and suddenly I was a lost puppy with no direction. So I ate. And ate. And ate. I thought it was making me feel better. I went back into counseling and got a better handle on my emotions, worked hard and lost most of the weight I'd gained. I had those few pounds that would creep on and off and I was curvier than high school but ok with my body. Fast forward to 2006. February of 2006, Ryan came back into my life. Life was good. So we ate. And ate. And ate. I over-eat no matter the emotion. Happy, Sad, Angry, Stressed, Bored. All of them! My biggest struggle will be conquering this. So, I looked in the mirror and said out loud, "I will not eat emotionally." And I plan to do this everytime I start to.

So, as I prepare to eat my carefully planned and measured lunch, I still feel confident that I CAN do this. I CAN lose all this weight. I CAN keep from eating emotionally. I CAN!

To bring this novel of an entry to a close, I want to thank all of my friends, family and my husband for supporting me. I need it. To all you who emailed/Facebooked ideas, encouragement and wisdom my way - Thank you. And a special thanks for Ryan. His diet idea was "Go from a triple to a double and get it without bacon." Cute babe.

I appreciate and love all of you!!! xoxo

Today is the First Day...

...of the rest of my life. Today, I started Weight Watchers. I will probably blog about this weight loss process quite a bit. Even if no one reads it, it helps me to get my thoughts, feeling, struggles out there.

I think starting out, the biggest challenge for me will be hunger. Everyone has warned me that that first week is the hardest. While my body adjusts to eating so much differently than I have been, I'm going to be hungry. A lot. But that by next week it will get easier.

This has been a long time coming. I was skinny most of my life. In middle school I was TOO skinny. All through high school I was the right amount of skinny. College years...it slowly started to slide. I wasn't over-weight. Just a bit curvier but comfortable with my body. 2006 was when it all went downhill. When Ryan & I got back together, we ate. A lot. He is such an amazing cook, we ate the most fattening stuff. I gained a lot. Then when we got engaged I lost 25 lbs before the wedding. I felt so much better. He lost even more than that. Well, we both fell back into bad habits. I called it "the honeymoon phase". We ate out a lot, and ate in but not healthy. A few weeks ago I stood in front of the mirror [naked] and all the sudden I was starring at this fat person. In my head I was freaking out; "OMG. I'm fat. OMG." I knew that was the end. I waited until today to start for several reasons. We were moving and eating like crap out of convenience. Also, I am one of those people who really loves the "bad for you" stuff. I wanted to give myself one last chance to really indulge in all my cravings. So, totally mentally prepared, I started today.

I ate 1/2 a grapefruit, 1/2 an English muffin and coffee at 6:30am. At 8:30am I ate the other 1/2 of the grapefruit and 1 tbsp of peanut butter. It's 9:30am and I am starving. I'm trying to wait until 10am to eat my yogurt. [Sigh.]

It's been a week...

...since my last post! We had a hectic weekend moving and honestly, I just haven't had much to say. I'm super tired right now, although I am embarrassed saying that within an earshot of my friend OperaWife. ;) Moving wore me out [sad, I know], and I just haven't caught up. Plus, Ryan is out of town [again] and I never sleep very well when he isn't next to me.

This weekend is going to be a fun one!

Tomorrow is FRIDAY!!! Ryan comes home! AND speaking of OperaWife, tomorrow is opening night of the musical she is in [and the reason she wins the "tired" contest] Crazy For You!! My Mom and I are going. I love opening night.

Saturday - We are going to the first showing of the new Wolverine movie! [YAY for Gambit!!] It's also Derby Day [a HUGE deal in my Kentucky-bred family] and we will be going over to my cousin's house to eat Derby food, drink Mint Juleps and watch the race.

Sunday - I plan to sleep as late as possible. [Do you hear me Ryan?! DO NOT wake me up unless your life is in danger! ;) ] Then onto the normal Sunday stuff - groceries, laundry, errands. Sunday is also my last day eating all the junk I love so much. Come Monday...I start Weight Watchers. [More on this Monday.]

And a day late Happy Birthday to my Dad! You're getting old, Pops!! ;) But I love ya and I'm glad you're still kickin'.

Dad & I, in the good ol' days. And yes, he still has all that hair...its just silver now.

I'm not a very good Texan

I'm not a very good Texan. I don't love most of the stuff that "good Texans" love. What is said "stuff", you ask? I'll give you an example:

5:03 pm, I am getting in my car to head home from work. I am sweating from the 45 second walk from the building to my car. The a/c is on full blast. It's April 22 and it's on the 90s. My car was 96*, but the temp outside was only slightly lower. I.hate.Texas.summers. I really, really do. I hate the heat. I hate feeling like an elephant is sitting on my chest when I get into my car bc the air is so think and hot I can't take in a full breath. I think April is way too soon to be this hot out. I live in the wrong state. Ryan feels the same way, luckily. Maybe someday we will work up the nerve to move...

Chloe is the cutest!!

This post is totally self-indulgent. I just think my cat is so darn cute!

While doing through old boxes in the storage unit, I came across all of my old Beanie Babies. I sorted through them and organized them in an attempt to sell them. [Still working on that...] Anyway, two of them didn't make the cut. The little pig has a ripped tag [and was my first one so I'm cool with keeping it a little longer] and Pooh Bear cause it's not a real TY Beanie. [So lame, I know.] Ok - stay on track Rach - I pulled those two out of the protective plastic case and lay them on top of the box. The next day, I got home from work to find Chloe has dragged them off the box and had the pig in her mouth, tossing her into the air, then swatting at it. SO CUTE. I am telling you all...she is a dog, trapped in a cat's body!

I tried to snap a picture in mid swat, but was a little late. This is the best I could do...




She had also kidnapped Pooh, but she was being much sweeter with this one. This is Chloe, curled up on the mound of blankets on the couch with Pooh. How stinkin' precious?!



And asleep with Pooh.

Awwww our little furbaby!

Thanks for letting me gush :)

More Polar Bear Attacks...

Polar Bears are still my favorite animal ever...


These are pictures of an actual polar bear attack
in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada .


These pictures were taken while people watched and could do nothing to stop the attack! For some reason, not a single person tried to help the victim during this struggle.

Fortunately, reports from the local newspaper say that the victim will make a full recovery.


Beware...it's scary....

















Tee hee hee. All together now....Awwwww!!! :)

Ryan's Jeep - Vent

So, Ryan's Jeep has been having some starting issues. It has a new starter in it but if we run errands in it, after the 4th or 5th "stop and start"...it gladly stops, but then wont start. We have to sit there for 20+ minutes waiting for it to stop throwing its tantrum and get us home. Other than that little issue, its one of the best cars we've ever had.

Ok - on to the vent. Ryan is out of town for work again this week so we used this as an opportunity to take it to the shop. And wouldn't ya know it...the car is running like a dream. It will not "duplicate" the issue!! They have been starting and stopping it all day. No problem. GRRRRR!!!! Our wonderful mechanic of going on 10 years [shameless plug - Kane's Auto Repair in Lewisville] said he would keep at it tomorrow. Sigh. Really, oh Jeep of ours? You pick now to be reliable?

Ryan is gonna be pissed at you when he finds out...

[A Slightly Delayed] Weekend Wrap Up

It was a busy weekend. And it went by much too fast.

Friday - I got off work a bit early [YAY!] just in time for Ryan to call and say he was back from his business trip. I got to pick him up, which I love. I feel like a giddy school girl when I drive closer and closer to his office. So silly! Anyway, I planned to try and make it to church with my Mom but she had a job interview [PLEASE pray she gets this job!!!!!!] and it ran late so Ryan & I stayed home and spent time cuddling on the couch. Bliss.

Saturday - I had a spa appointment with my Mother-in-Law at the Coldwater Creek Spa in Flower Mound. [And, I know you are wondering...NO I do NOT usually visit the spa. I'm generally to cheap, broke, whatever to go, but I had a generous gift card from said Mother-in-law, so we went together.] I had the most amazing pedicure of my life. Seriously. If you ever have the extra cash...do it. The Essential Pedicure. Wow. It's worth the $50 plus tip. [I know, I know. I had a gift card, remember?!] They sit you in this huge recliner and soak your feet. Then they put an aroma-therapy neck wrap on you. Then they lay you back in the recliner, put a warm and wonderful eye press on - and pedicure away!
Ok anyway, after the pedi we had brunch, then I had to run some quick errands. Then we headed out to my cousin's house in Dallas for dinner. It was delish and great catching up with them. Frankie gave us a little acoustic show, and my cousins were blown away. I don't think they knew how good he is. Mike [one of my cousins] video taped some of it...I'll post links when I get them.

Sunday - Easter!!! I love Easter, for all the right reasons. And our beloved Pastor Tom gave an amazing sermon. It's his last Easter at our church [Methodist ministers move churches ever 5-8 years] so we all paid especially close attention. ;) Ryan, Mom and I met Ryan's family for lunch. Then we worked on my Mom's house some [we move in less than 2 weeks!!] then Ryan, Mom, Frankie & I went to dinner at Outback.

In other news, Ryan JUST discovered this blog. Even though I talk to him about it. Apparently, he does not listen. The good news is, when he stumbled across it, he didn't complain about it. YAY! ;) [For those of you who know my darling husband, you will understand why it's a miracle he didn't have some snide remark about blogging.] Maybe I can even convince him to blog someday!! What? That's pushing it? Oh - sorry dear. ;)

xoxo

My Latest Obsession

You may remember, Ryan got me a Nintendo DS for Christmas, along with a few games. [Brain Age, Personal Chef Cooking and Tetris.] Those are my favorite kind of games...the thinking ones. Recently, a new game called Professor Layton and The Curious Village came out. [Recently, as in...like a week ago.] I told Ryan that I really wanted it, thinking my birthday is in a few months.

Ok, so on Sunday, Ryan took off with out telling me while I was busy cleaning, packing and doing laundry. I was pissed. He finally came home and after about 30 minutes on the couch with him looking at me and me giving him dirty looks ;) he said "I need you to drive me to Radio Shack. I'm low on gas." Of course I sharply replied "Well, why don't you just go GET gas." After a few minutes of back and forth I gave in.

I get into my car and what do I see?! Professor Layton and The Curious Village staring at me!!!! He found it on sale since it just came out and bought it for me!!!! [He also moved my XM to a more suitable place in my car!] I couldn't believe it!!! So - he is out of town for work this week, which means I've had some good quality time with the Professor. This game is SO much fun!! It's a 9 chapter mystery and you have to solve all these riddles and puzzles along the way to crack the case. This game was made for me.

Here's the premise : "In the curious village of St. Mystere, townsfolk greet each other with riddles, lock their doors with sliding puzzles, and hide their secrets within brainteasers. When a wealthy baron passes away, his will reveals an elusive treasure hidden someplace inside the village. Now it's up to Professor Layton to untangle St. Mystere's riddles and puzzles, find the hidden treasure, and crack the case."

Thanks Hubster!!!! And if you have DS - at least RENT this game!!!

xoxo

Weekend Wrap-Up!!!

I totally blame my friend Courtney for getting me started on the Weekend Wrap-Up. ;)

As you all know from Friday's blog - Frankie had his first gig at R Bar in Denton on Friday night and it was a HUGE SUCCESS!!!! He did amazing, sounded incredible and really worked the stage and the crowd!! He sang several originals and a few covers, including the surprise he'd kept from me, "Lola" by The Kinks [one of my favorite songs], which we later joked made us think of "Yoda" the less-well-known spoof by Weird Al. Anyway, so many of our friends came out and I want to THANK YOU ALL!!! It meant so much to both of us!! Here are a few pics from the show. I'm such a proud big sister!!

He's just so cute!!!

Saturday, we got a late start, as we stayed out until 2am [!!!!!!!] which is SO out of character for us. When we finally rolled out of bed, we both had a hard time actually getting anything done. We pretty much laid around and watched TV most of the day. I fell asleep at like 2:30p and woke up 45 minutes later with a random burst of energy, so I ran a couple of quick errands. We also went grocery shopping around 8p...then came home and crashed. Haha. We are so old!!! OH!! And at the grocery store Ryan decided he'd tortured me enough with his nightly snoring and he bought some Breathe Right strips. Much to my surprise, they really seem to work!! YAY for not having to roll him over 10 times a night!!

Sunday, I woke up with a killer headache, thanks allergies, but once I kicked it, we did a good amount of packing and cleaning since we move in a few weeks! [Yikes!] We also did laundry, yay.

So now, it's Monday [BOOOO] and I am simply counting the minutes until 5p. We are both really tired...which is so lame, but are "schedules" got all messed up this weekend. But it was SO worth it. :) Anyway, Ryan leaves tomorrow morning for another week long business trip. He thinks I like the "alone" time when he's gone, and in 5 years I might, but right now I really don't like when he travels. Luckily, I have Chloe to keep me company. ;)

xoxo

Frankie hits the stage TONIGHT!!!!

Today's blog is for FRANKIE!!!! :)

My uber talented brother hits the stage tonight with one of his best bud's George. He is playing at R Bar in Denton. In case any of you are in the area with nothing to do...Doors open at 9p and he takes the stage between 930-10p!!

I am just so stinking proud of him!!! YAY Frankie!!!!

I cannot wait...he has kept most of it a secret from me because he said there are "surprises" that I have to wait and see. EEEEE!!! I am so excited!!!!!

I DID IT!!!!!

Ok, let me preface this blog by saying, I don’t cook. My Mom is convinced that I CAN cook, but most of what I try, Ryan doesn’t like. But, he is a tough critic. He was chef in a couple different restaurants before he started his current career. He has a gift. He is one of those people who can dig through the pantry and throw 6 random ingredients together and make it delicious. I, however, do not posses that gift. I must have a recipe. [I kind of wonder if it’s on OCD thing?] He does 99% of the cooking at home. Every woman on my Mom’s side [and my Gram on my Dad’s too] can/could cook. And they do/did it well. My Mom says it’s cause I haven’t had much practice. Let’s just say, my confidence is lacking. Well, until last night that is…

As you may know from a prior blog, I dove into the world of coupons and with it, have come across lots of recipes. I had printed a few out, but hadn’t had the confidence to try them on my foodie husband yet. Well, last week I saw one of the recipes I’d printed out on my friend Christina's blog so I decided, what the heck. I’m doing it.

Last night, I made Ranchero Beef Taco Casserole from the Campbell’s website. YUM!!!! It was so good!!! Usually, if I cook, Ryan takes a few bites and I can quickly tell by his face that it’s lacking. Well, last night, I timidly watched him take a few bites…and then a few more. After a moment I asked “Well…?” And he broke into a smile! I DID IT!!!!! I made something my husband likes!!!! Now I know I can do it…I just need to try more. And I think he rather liked being able to sit on the couch watching TV and unwinding while I made dinner.

Here is the recipe: [I plan to tweak it a little…next time I will use Fritos or Tortilla chips instead of regular tortillas to add some crunch.]

Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
3 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 cup Pace® Chunky Salsa
3/4 cup water
8 corn tortillas (6-inch) OR 6 flour tortilla (8-inch), cut into 1-inch pieces
2/3 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions:
Cook the beef in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until the beef is well browned, stirring frequently to break up meat. Pour off any fat.

Stir the soup, tomato paste, chili powder, garlic powder, salsa, water, tortillas and half the cheese into the beef. Spoon into a 2-quart shallow baking dish. Cover.

Bake at 400°F. for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbling. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.

YAY!! :) I felt very domestic - and I loved it!!

xo

Good News is GREAT on a Monday!!

As many of you know [and some may not] my Dad was diagnosed with Throat Cancer in 2007. It happened so fast it still makes my head spin. He never felt bad, just one day he had a little bump, which rapidly grew into a softball size lump, growing under his skin on his neck. It was one of 3 tumors he had removed in an emergency neck dissection only a few days later. He then had to undergo both chemo and radiation. It was very rough. And terrifying.

OK - on to the GOOD NEWS!!!! He goes in for follow ups every 6 months now, and he met with his oncologist and radiologist today and they both concluded that he is still CANCER-FREE!!! Every time he has a good check up, they push back the next appointment, so he doesn't have to go back for 8 months! I'm not sure exactly when they will get to call is "remission" but I am just soooo happy to hear my Dad say the words "cancer-free"!!!!

Praise God!! HE is Good!!!!! :)


My Dad with me, Ryan & brother Frankie at our wedding!


I love this picture. My Dad seeing me for the first time on my wedding day...it brings tears to my eyes everytime...he so easily could have not been there...but by the Grace of God - HE WAS!!! I love you Daddy!!

Prayers for Stellan

http://www.mycharmingkids.net

My prayers and thoughts are with you, Mck family.

xoxo

I love "gifts for no reason"!!

I really do love them. You know, when you get a gift out of the blue just because. They make me all warm and fuzzy inside. Well, I got one last night.

Ryan had gotten XM radio in his car and I was growing increasingly jealous. ;) I mean, there are SO many stations to chose from and they are 99% commercial free!! Well, he had told me about this fancy new one that has a color screen [no other model has had this prior] and the ability to save songs and artists to a "play list". I was drooling.

Skip to last night. He ordered me one!! It got here yesterday and he installed it for me!! It.is.awesome. I'm in love. He is excited that I finally share a tiny little part of his obsession with electronics. ;) Anyway, here are a couple of very blurry camera phone pictures of my new XM radio!! YAY!!






Thanks Hubbs!!! :D

So Exciting!!

What, you ask, is so exciting?! Well, Ryan & I met with DeVry University [yes, it is an accredited Univ.] last night and Ryan is ready to start school!!! I've been encouraging him for years and he finally feels like it's the right time. We did tons of research before meeting with them, comparing all our options for him to complete a degree. We chose DeVry for lots of reasons. Mainly, Ryan is NOT a "sit in a lecture, tons of pre-reqs" kind of guy. He wants as few of the "pre-reqs" as possible and he wants hands-on. That is exactly what DeVry is. He will have to take about 5 pre-reqs like Comp 101, Public Speaking and College Algebra but he can test out of any of those he wants. After that, it is purely Engineering classes.

He knows it will be hard. The advisor must have said it 20 times during the 2.5 hours we were there. But, Ryan is smart, especially in this field. [By the way, "this field" is Electronics Engineering Technology.] Essentially, he will be getting a 4 yr Bachelors in a 3 yr accelerated program.

I simply could not be more proud of him. Hopefully all the other pieces will fall into place and he'll be able to start in April!!!

xoxo

Case of the Mondays

Yup. I've got a bad case of the Mondays.

I don't feel 100% . Pretty sure it's just allergies. It really makes me hate Spring.

I don't like to start the week with negative emails from the boss first thing. Starts my week on a sour note.

And the biggest one...Today marks the 6 year "anniversary" of one of my best friend's death. Emett Bolin was killed in a motorcycle accident 3/16/03...exactly one month and two days before his 20th birthday. I hate calling it an "anniversary" but, that is what it is. I am trying really hard not to be sad but I've been fighting back the tears on and off today. I am trying to celebrate the 19 years he did get. But, maybe it's because it was sudden and he was so young...I can't help but still feel sad. He was an only child, and his Mom passed away from cancer one year ago January...so really, the sadness I feel is probably thinking about his amazing dad, Tom.

This is my favorite picture of Emett & I. Probably shouldn't have posted this...might cry now. [Deep breaths, right Mom?] But, I never want to forget his face. I am blessed that Ryan knew him too, in fact Ryan was the only guy Emett ever thought was good enough for me, because he [kind of] understands what a special friend he was. Like my big brother...that kind of friend. RIP Emett..."I know you're smiling. I know you're singing. and I know that you're in a better place where angel's wings caress you but, I still miss you." 4/18/1983-3/16/2003

After work, I plan to hit the couch and not move until I hit the bed. The day is 1/2 over. I just need the strength to make it through the other 1/2.

Sorry for being such a Negative Nancy. It's just one of those days.

xoxo