De-Ja-Vu

Good morning Stinker Winkers!!!!!

I am PLUMB FULL of energy this morning. (just kidding) It doesn't matter though, I have lots to do. My Aunt Cake (as we have lovingly coined her) has suggested a couple more blogs to me (because you can never follow too many blogs) She recommended "Chickens in the Road". I looked at it ages ago and wasn't feeling it, but I thought I would try again. (only because I have nothing else to do {wink}) I found a recipe for Grandmother's Bread. It looked simple enough that even I couldn't mess it up. So I made it. Guess what, the monkeys like it!!!! I had a request this morning for another batch. So guess what I will be doing today. I cannot resist watching people moan and groan over my cooking. It is my weakness. So, my friends, you can rest assured, I am PLUMB FULL of somethin'!!!!!!

Last night we loaded up in the car and headed to Hamilton, MO. This is my hometown, my home school, my home gym. Boy let me tell you, it was strange! I felt like I was visiting a very familiar, yet somehow forgotten, world. The same parking lot where I parked my car every day. The same school where I walked the halls and chatted with my friends. Lots of memories. I even showed Gracie a picture of myself that hung in the commons area. (I'm not so amazing of a person that they decided to erect a photo of my shining face. It was the entire class of 93'.) Did I just say my graduation year? Ohhhhh, the cat's out of the bag!!!!!

Wow, how did I make that last paragraph about me. I was supposed to be telling you about Ryan's first middle school basketball game that was held in HAMILTON, MO!!!!!!

Do you mind if I brag a bit?

This monkey was amazing!!!!!! This momma's face was beaming. He did a wonderful job. He scored 8 points and made 6 rebounds. Ahhhhhhhh!!!!

He didn't get this from me. I cannot walk and chew gum at the same time.

Notice the ref on the right. His name is Jim Dickey. He was my Jr. High science teacher. He had to also give my class the "birds and bees talk". Ewww!!!!!

The guy on the upper right. (not the ref.) is Ryan's coach. His name is Mr. French.

Well I better get head out. I just realized that Gracie-Lou-Who forgot her homework on the counter. Guess I'm going to town after all!!!! That's OK. I also have to repair a tire, sign Ian up for basketball, get the oil changed, go to the bank, and buy a diamond at Lauhoff's (just kidding honey)! Then come home and feed puppies, doctor the crazy dog, make Grandmother's bread, and clean the house.

Who says "stay at home" moms, stay home?

I thought I would leave you with two angel pictures. Who are those gorgeous children? It couldn't be MINE!!!! Ahem!!!

Ian, you're such a ham!!!

Spinning in Circles

I hit the ground running today. Ugh. I'm exhasted and cranky. Really, I have been going mock 9 all week. Between a ridiculously high maintence dog, a large home that never stays clean, puppies that need lots of TLC, three children who go three different ways every evening, and a hubby, I'm fried!!!!

You know what I need? This..........

this........

and this.......

I can imagine the sound of the waves hitting the beach, warm rays, and a fruity drink. Ahhh, doesn't that sound nice. I have an idea, PACK YOUR BAGS AND LETS GO!!!!!

Darn, I forgot for a minute that I had a high maintence dog, a large home that never stays clean, puppies that need lots of TLC, three children who go three different ways every evening, and a hubby.

Maybe a dip in a hot bathtub will tide me over?

I helped make 30 pies this morning. 30 pies!!!!! Did you hear me? Let me tell you again. 30 pies!!!!! I've made more meringue and pie filling today than I have made in 33 years total!!!!

Now my brain hurts. That happens when you read too many recipes. It's called recipe-itis. It makes you tired, cranky and want to pack your bags for Hawaii.

Then I helped take pictures for an upcoming Church event called "It's Not Your Birthday". I think that is a clever title, don't you. After all, most act like Christmas is OUR birthday. Hopefully this will keep my family on track this year.

The pictures I took are for a slide show presentation that will be narrated. Each picture represents Christmas through the eyes of a child. (This is why the Bishon Frishe is posed with the Shepherds. Do you think he resembles a lamb? Well that was the idea anyway. I think it's darling.)

The Three Kings follow the star. (Gracie is on the far right)

The Shepherds are surprised when the angel appeared to them. Notice their astonished expressions.

Then, the Kings present gifts to baby Jesus. The REAL birthday boy!!!!

Well I better hit the sack. Rick is going hunting early in the morning. I bet it's pretty hard to sleep while I'm peckin' at the keyboard.

I will leave you with the latest pictures of our babies.

Ummm..... how cute is this?? Pretty darn cute, if I say so.

I call this one Boomer

That sure is an arm load!!!

Lord have mercy!!!! I will need strong medicine when they take these sweeties away. How can you resist falling in love with this?

The Cone of Shame

Oh my friends!!! Oh my dear, beloved friends!!!! This has been a wild, crazy roller-coaster couple of days.

#1. I accomplished less than half of what I was supposed to (nothing new).

#2. My dog looks like an alien!!!! Let me say that again in case you didn't understand. MY DOG LOOKS LIKE AN ALIEN!!!!

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, Gus had something strange happening with his eye. It turned cloudy and bright blue. Not usually a good sign. I noticed it yesterday evening when I was making supper. Of course, I panicked. That's what I do best. Rick looked at him and shrugged his shoulders. Neither of us could figure out what it was or how it happened.

So, six minutes after the vet's office opened yesterday morning, I made a phone call. They could work me in within the hour. They did an initial diagnosis (which wasn't promising to me). They said they would put a button on his eye lid, then remove the ulcer. I nodded my head like I knew what they were saying, but people, this meant nothing to me. They might as well have told me they were taking him to the Mother Ship at O- 19 hours to meet the snowbunnies. I was clueless!!!! I trusted them as I always have. This was going to be okie-dokie.

You might imagine my dismay when I showed up at 4:30 pm to pick him up and this is what he looked like!!

GASP!!!! then GASP AGAIN!! I then started praying in my head that this was one of those silly dreams I have. I once dreamt that I was inside a Super Mario Bro. game. That's the kind of dream I mean. The, "thank God that wasn't real" dream. OH, but it wasn't a dream!!!! This was undeniably and certifiably real. I was sitting (and I was so happy that I was) when they TRIED to hand his leash to me.

Come on......REALLY? PEOPLE....THERE IS A BUTTON IN HIS EYE!!!!! I guess I didn't know what to expect. When they said button, I thought that was a "vet term" for some little (UNNOTICEABLE) trinket. No, no, no.....this was a button. The kind that keeps you pants on. A BUTTON!!! Do you understand what I'm saying friends? Oh, I could just cry!!!

I hear you guys asking me...."Is this going to have to stay on his eye for the rest of his life"? The answer is no. Only 7 to 10 days. I have to apply a salve three times a day INSIDE (gag me) his eye. Then to top it all off, he has to wear the CONE OF SHAME.

So, after the initial shock, I am finally starting to see the humor in all this. Gus is frustrated to the point of saying four-letter-words. He cannot eat, drink or climb steps without assistance. Since he is built a little like a cinder block, this is not an easy task. He made sounds similar to Chewbacka when he couldn't turn around in his usual resting spot. Then let's not forget that he cannot get into his cage, which he strangely loves.

Then, Congo the cat, who normally wouldn't choose to be within 50 feet of the dog, is wanting to stalk him. Congo has figured out that Gus can no longer see behind him. This poses as an advantage to the sneaky bully. He is creeping behind Gus, then startling him. Meowing, pawing his back or whatever he can do to irritate him. I would punish Congo but I'm afraid that he owes Gus a few scares. Sorry if that seems cruel.

Look very closely in the background. The stalker has been caught in action!!!!

Again........

and again!!!!!

It really isn't fair. I'm so sorry Gus. I might want to gag when I see you, but I do love you. I understand that you are really peeved right now. When this is over, I will buy you a greasy double cheeseburger from Mickey D's.

I may write a memoir about you. Instead of Marley "the world's worst dog", you would be Gus, "the world's most expensive dog". Good thing Rick loves you too, he's footing your bills!!!!

Our Family Get-Together (and the food)

Our babies are now eating a pureed mixture of Science Diet and milk. They are super messy. However, even messy, these sweeties are precious!!

UPDATE:

Before I tell you about our scrumptious family dinner Saturday. I must let you know how Gus-Bus is doing. I took him to the vet around 9:00 am. They said that he had an ulcer in his eye. We think that he may have poked it somehow. Not sure on what. They took him into surgery and I am still waiting on the report. I am supposed to call around 3:00 or 3:30. They assured me that this isn't a life or death issue. Just mainly an inconvenience and maybe even cosmetic. But if you know Gus at all, there isn't much foo-foo to him. What you see if what you get. I would still appreciate your prayers. This big guy has stole my family's heart and we love him dearly.

Our family has a tough time getting together for the holidays. Everyone has separate obligations and responsibilities. It just gets difficult to coordinate every one's schedule. So we agreed to meet before the holidays and have a yummy feast.

This is two of four tables. Oh, the food. The yummy, tasty, delectable food! Let me pause for a minute in remembrance............................................................................................................................ still remembering.....................................(sigh) there. At least our family thanks God for it before we devour it.

My family sure knows how to set up a spread!!!! Cakes, pies, turkey, ham, potato's, casseroles, noodles, homemade rolls, and enough desserts to fill an entire table. Wow!!!!! I was stuffed...... sleepy......... happy. Ahh, even talking about it makes me want to nap.

My family can also do some serious damage to a table of food. Here is the evidence.

My signature white chocolate raspberry cheesecake..... gone!!!

Grandma Charlotte's famous pies...........gone!!

Sweet potato souffle........ gone!!!!

Heather's cheesy potato's......... gone!!!

and last but certainly not least, my Uncle Tom's (can't eat just one.....or even two) angel rolls.

The motto at our family dinners is, "Get what you want on the first trip (and lots of it) because it probably won't be there when you go for seconds." NOTHING WILL BE WASTED!!! WE ARE VERY HUNGRY PEOPLE!!!! I miss my family and their food. I wonder if we can arrange another "get together" next weekend?

After dinner this is what the women get to do........

and this is what the men do. Humm. Interesting. Very interesting?

I still love them.

Needin' prayers

Just a quick note before I head out the door.

We have started a new blog for our babies. I thought you might want to check it out (or buy one {wink}).

http:\\rockyridgefarmmastiffs.blogspot.com

Check it out.

Also, if you have a minute, send up a prayer for my Gussey. We are headed to the vet now. His eyes clouded over yesterday. I'm not sure what it is. Hopefully it's something super easy. But, as you can imagine, I'm worried.

I will update you as soon as I can.

I've lost my MO-JO!!!!!!

Whew...... what a bad blogger I am!!!

I decided to take a little hiatus to...... hum, what's the word? Decorate? Yes, I have been busy decorating. You ask, "How is it coming, Mandy"? Not well, but thanks. My creative juices have stopped........ checked out......... left the building. I am adorned with glitter (from my glittery ornaments), I have the Christmas music cranking, sweets baking in the oven. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME PEOPLE!!!! If you have an answer please help. If you don't, I may huff and puff, till I blow this house in!!!

A few new things this week.....

Rick's new gun safe. I told him that he couldn't bring another gun into this house until he purchased a safe. I meant it too!! God love him, he shoves them underneath our bed when he's finished. Did I mention that he has 1,235,094 guns? So guess who stubs her toe-sies!!! Ahem....me!!!! The wife. The one who doesn't give a flippin flute about the guns. In case your wondering and I'm sure you are, the guns are unloaded. If I ever lose a foot to accidental kicking of the guns, I will take them all (plus the husband) to the pawn shop.

I am making Sweet Potato Souffle. It's in the oven as I'm talking to you. It's beginning to smell delish in the kitch. I was wondering how something as ugly as this.....

Can taste as wonderful as this.....

I am also wondering how in the world I am going to finish decorating my house? I probably better hop to it. I will do better this week about writing you. It's not the same unless we can visit, is it?

Later Alligators!!!!

Little bits of nothing much

I'm in a WHY mood!!! Please whine while you say WHY. For extra effect, draw out the W like this. WWWWWHY! In certain situations you may need to say this word through your nose.

So I have a few WHY's for you this morning....

1. Why can't chubby be in style? I think that thin has ran it's course, don't you?

2. Why doesn't healthy food taste as good as fattening food? Wouldn't it be easier if cinnamon rolls were DIET food?

This is my prayer to God....

Dear Lord,

I was wondering. Since I'm going to be sharing heaven with you for eternity, would it be possible to make cheesecake a healthy food. You said we will all have a heavenly body, right? Well....... can my body look like Britney Spears'?

With love,

Mandy

P.S. I'd also like a tricked-out pair of wings too. You know, really feathery, with bling!!!!

Moving on......

I know the answer to my third WHY. I'm going to ask it anyway though.

3. Why do my children and pets hover over me while I'm eating? It's bad enough that they take all my time and patience. Now they are taking my FOOD TOO! Lord, have mercy!!!!

So, now that I have that off my chest, let's move on!

I am decorating my house for Christmas. I have never seen so many tubs of ornaments in my life. Something HAS to be done people. I've had some of my decorations since Cain and Abel were around. That means much of it is going in one of two places. The burn pile or Goodwill. I will let you know soon what makes the cut.

I usually dangle snowflakes and bling from all the light fixtures.

I am loving anything vintage right now. These are antique ornaments that I've had for years.

Two things that I am anxious for:

One of my favorite bloggers has released a new cookbook. She is coming to Kansas City for a book signing soon. She is so down to Earth and I love her wit and charm. Her name is Ree Drummond (a.k.a. Pioneer Woman).

and...........

I'm getting so pumped up about the second movie in the "Twilight" series, "New Moon". I bought the Soundtrack the other day. If you buy this CD, I guarantee it will lower your blood pressure 20 points. It's so mellowing. The song by Lykke Li is my favorite. If you have read the series, this is the part when Edward leaves Bella. (my heart is thumping)

Toy Stories

Today I am thinking about when my babies were young. Those were crazy, busy, frazzled, beautiful days. Some were better than others. (On the good days I brushed my teeth and changed out of my pajamas). The bad days were just scary. I may have resembled this...

Those were the times I hid when the doorbell rang. I have always felt blessed that I was able to stay home with the kids. That has become a rarity nowadays. It was never far from my mind how lucky I really was.

I went upstairs this morning to lay out Gracie's clothes for school. I found pony (that's it's name) in her American Girl doll bed.

I took a mental note of it. Mostly because those are the things that you forget. I may forget someday that Gracie had two ponies that she played with more than any others. One has eyes and the other one doesn't.

For a couple years this one had just one eye. Now the other eye is missing. It didn't matter that it doesn't have eyes. She gives it equal time to the other. I have bought her expensive and realistic horses, but she prefers these. They are floppy, worn and loved.

Fluffy is Ian's teddy bear. We made her at Build-a-Bear when he was just a little guy. We made her, named her, and dressed her. He chose everything.

Her first outfit was a pink and ruffly ballerina outfit. Dad about had a fit! But fluffy was a girl and she couldn't wear BOY stuff! Golly!!! We still have that outfit but her clothes have changed to a more "gender neutral" couture. For instance, this Cardinal uniform that she has on. Boys or girls can be baseball fans, right?. Fluffy happens to be a girl teddy bear....who loves the Cardinals. We have made other animals since then at Build-a-Bear for Ian. However, none capture his heart like Fluffy. His sock monkey and Ugly doll are close seconds, but Fluffy is #1.

Ryan watched "Toy Story" at LEAST once a day for a what seemed like 20 years!!! I could recite the dialog of that show frontwards and backwards. "Say goodbye to the wife and tator-tots!" He would stand on the arm of the couch and jump off. Just like Buzz Lightyear.

My mom and dad bought Ryan these dolls for Christmas when Toy Story 2 came out. Ryan had a heart stopping moment when he saw them. They also bought the Buzz but I'm sad to say that he is no longer with us. I'm not sure it happened in the move or what. Buzz simply disappeared! So sad:(

As you can see in these photos, Woody and Jesse weren't put on a shelf for display. They have watched T.V. with us, ate out at fancy dinners with us, went on airplanes with us. They were, and always will be, special.

One day when Gracie was little (yet old enough to manipulate a pair of scissors), she cut off Jesse's hair. Not an inch or two, ALL OF IT. She bawled and bawled after she did it. I found Jesse in the trash can. When I asked Gracie why she did that she said, "because she is ugly now". I pulled her out, cleaned her up and put her away. (I even saved the hair.... is that weird??)

Woody used to say, "There's a snake in my boot", along with many other things. But his voice box wore out and he would skip every other word. Then one day, the pull-string on his back came off. Now Woody is silent.

These are Gus' favorite toys. YOU KNOW THAT I COULDN'T LEAVE HIM OUT!!!

One of Gus' toys doesn't have eyes either (froggie).

Blue and Blue and Blue

Today, I will tell you three stories about blue. Although they may have three different meanings.

I've been working my tail off getting my Halloween put away. I have a couple goblins hanging from the deck. Other than that, it's all put away.

NOW, I'm ready for Christmas!!!!! There are some that say you shouldn't decorate this early. They believe that the day after Thanksgiving is the time to bring out the Nativity. I understand this view.

But for me, I will decorate the week after Halloween.

I have two reasons......

I love Christmas decorations!

I have tons of it!!! It will take me every bit of a week to put it all up. If I'm going to spend all that time on it, I want to enjoy!!!

I have brought out the first decoration. The rest will have to wait until next week.

I am loving this blue!!!! I can see lots of silver, baubles, clear ornaments, and this superb shade of blue.

I'm dreaming of snow...... and Christmas music...... and hot cocoa.......... and my family playing a board game............... and fudge.............. with nuts................. and maybe a trifle!!! Golly, I feel like putting on my stretchy pants just from blogging this.

Can I confess a secret to you? (whispering) I have already been listening to Christmas music!!!

Well on to another love in my life.

My Gus has been feeling a little blue.

He has taken second place to four little bundles of fur. He has been awfully pouty and sullen. I'm sorry Gus. Just remember that they will be gone in 6 weeks and guess who won't. YOU!!!! I promise to make it up to you. Please bear with me in the meantime. You know that you'll always be my "TOP DAWG"!!!

I love you Gus. More than those puppies.

Speaking of puppies. They have opened their eyes. Guess what color they are? BLUE!!!!

The best Halloween ever!!!!hi

Rick and Ryan got up at the crack of dawn Saturday morning. This has always seemed so crazy to me!!! 5:15 am those boys were bundling up. At 5:15 am, I was zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Rick has tried to trick me a few times over the years. (surprised? I doubt it!) I sometimes get phone calls or texts saying that they have shot a deer. Or he comes home and says, "Let's go out and see the deer", when there is no deer. I guess what I'm trying to say is that, I never know when to believe him. So, when I got a text from him at 9:00 that morning that said Ryan shot a buck, I didn't believe him. I actually sent him a text back that said, quit joking around. An hour went by and I had no response from him. I called his parents to see if they heard anything. NOPE!! Rick called later and said that Ryan shot a buck but they jumped him twice. They were going to round up a couple friends to help track him. OK, I believed him then. Rick, have you ever heard the story of the boy who cried wolf? You are that boy!!!!!

So, Ryan did shoot a nice buck. See?

I'm glad that you guys do this together. Even though I complain about it sometimes. I'm still glad.

You might remember that Ian was under the weather Friday. He had fever, cough, etc.. Something amazing happened through the night. My boy was healed!!!! I believe that it was his strong desire to go Trick or Treating. But, maybe not?

Anyway, he decided to go hunting with Grandpa (since his Daddy was already in the field with Rick). Ian isn't as picky as Ryan about what deer he shoots. He'll shoot the first thing that walks in front of him. He even told me that he would shoot a opposum if that was the first thing he saw. I liked that (made mommy laugh).

I may not have mentioned that Rick upgraded his phone a couple weeks ago and Ian got his old one. Ian is a texting machine. I can't GET Ryan to carry his phone. Ian ALWAYS has his. So, EEE and I are texting while he is hunting. The conversation went a little like this... {I am going to write this exactly as he did}

Ian: I saw the first deer and there is two.

Me: Did u shoot?

Ian: Not yet to far away

Ian: I shot a doe and she is down

Me: Awesome!!!

Ian: Grandpa says dad needs to come with the fourheeler (his spelling) because he can't lift it

Me: OK. He is getting around. Is she dead?

Ian: I shot five times because the first time I only hit her back legs

Me: (while laughing at his last text) At least u got her! I would have shot my foot.

Ian: I got a huge not (his spelling) on my head

I hope this is as funny to you as it was to me. I was rolling!!!!

He wasn't lying, he shot the deer five times!!!! Why? I'm not exactly sure. He said she kept raising her head. What do you do if a shot deer raises her head? I guess you shoot her again. And again and again. You get the idea!!!! I have ALWAYS taken pictures my boy's deer. As I did this one. But people, you really don't want to see it. She looks a little like furry swiss cheese. Sorry for the visual, but really, I just cannot post it. If you feel really brave, send me your e-mail address and I will send it to you. Just know this..... one of the shots I could put my fist through. Ugly, ugly, ugly!!!!

Moving on....

We went to Grandma and Grandpa's for Halloween. She made delish veggie soup and chilli as she promised. We trick or treated, passed out candy, visited with Fontella and Dana. All in all, we had a wonderful evening!!!!

And Ryan played his last baseball game of 2009 yesterday. :( I'm gonna miss those rascals!!!!!