CHEER UP SWAP

Sooooo HEY THERE -

I just have one thing to say....

Hospital stay = me way behind!

Daughter behind in Geometry = me way behind!

New Android means getting addicted = me way behind!

Tax season & work = Me way behind!

I look behind me and the ol' bum is dragging so far back there... I can't see it any more.

Recently I took part in a Cheer Up Swap that Brandy and Sheila hosted.

They paired me up with Stephanie over at Thoughts From Cali.

If you don't follow any of these 3 blogs.... YOU SHOULD.

Really

Go check them out and follow them now...

 For the swap we sent packages to our partners.

Mined Rocked!

There was an adorable necklace that my daughter is already trying to steal...

Some yummy treats, gardening gloves, seeds, and flower pot decorations....

A little make up bag, some lip stuff and smell good stuff.

A trinket with Steph's personal touch of the beach, an adorable picture frame and an adorable scrap booking package.

More yummy treats, a little note pad that I am already making good use of...

Foot lotion that smells awesomtastic and fluffy soft socks.

SCORE!

Thursday Thoughts

So there are so many different things happening right now...

First off, I am HOME from the hospital.  There are still medicines and tests and treatments... but YEAH! I am home.

Waiting for me at home was the new scent of the month from scentsy - Jumpin' Jelly Bean.  OHHHH  MY!! LOVE IT!!  As always... if you need anything SCENTSY - you can click on my logo over there on the right side of the page... or click HERE.  Everything is 10% off this month.  Plus stock up on the plug ins-the price is going up March 1st.

We went for Kobi to take her driving permit test yesterday.  Waited 3 hours to test - REALLY? 3 hours?... only to find out there was a problem with her social security card/number.  So off across town we went to wait another 2 hours to get that taken care of.  Frustrating and to make things worse... she was having a hard time being patient and understanding.-Life changing event here for her...but nothing was going right.

After yesterday, we figured out the ropes and got back to the testing center.  This time we only had to wait an hour at the testing center and we were at the tag agency to get her permit before they even opened. SCARY- because now she drives.

We took her car so she could drive back to school. REALLY? I may need some Valium for this.

What a great feeling it is to come in this morning and find out that my blog was featured at the CBC- Casual Blogger Community today.  YEAH! You should go check them out!  It is actually an awesome way to find new bloggy friends :)

My hubs' company started offering cell phone service recently.... we got new phones.  There was an issue porting numbers though... so I have had a new android in my hands... and haven't been able to use it yet. Crossing my fingers today will be the day.

I also got flowers from The Minute Man's Wife.... I will actually blog about that soon.  While you are waiting on me... you should REALLY go check out her blog.  She is a riot!

OK, so off to work I go.  I am really scared at what I may find when I get there!

Food Glorious Food

So yes. 

I am still being held prisoner.

Things are going well though.

I was told today that I could have food.

So guess what.

I ate.

YEAH!

I was going to take a picture of the best hamburger ever... and french fries.... but they were gone in about 2 minutes.

Supposed to stay away from veggies and fruit for a bit?

(So I left them on my plate)

Maybe will get to go home Tuesday afternoon.

Yeah!!

Scalloped Chicken

Still in the hospital... still can't eat. But I can still share recipes!

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
salt and pepper
3 cups cooked rice
3 cups cooked diced chicken
2 cups sliced sauteed mushrooms
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1 jar (4 ounces) chopped pimiento, drained
buttered bread crumbs

Melt butter over low heat in a medium saucepan; stir in flour, blending well.
Add chicken broth, milk, salt and pepper.
Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened.
Butter a 2-quart baking dish. Spread half of the rice in the bottom of the baking dish; top with half of the chicken, half of the sliced mushrooms, half of the slivered almonds and pimiento.
Pour in half of the sauce. Repeat layers; sprinkle with buttered bread crumbs.
Bake scalloped chicken at 350° for 45 minutes.

Not As Planned

So work has been busy. All week long. CRAZY busy. Plus Saturdays.... we work during tax season.  56 hour work weeks aren't to bad in small doses.

Things don't always go as planned though.

2am - shooting pain.

I'm okay - toss turn try to sleep.

4am - 4 ibuprophen... try to sleep

Toss n turn

7 am - Wake up The Hubs to "talk" options.

Options:

wait to see my regular doctor on Monday

go to an "after hours" clinic

go to ER

We took the last choice.

Arrival time : 8am

Departure from the ER and directly into a room upstairs.... oh about 2:30ish.

Here's the kicker.  I am full of energy and feel fine.  I just have this dang pain in my side when I move.

They gave me one of these:

From what I know... This is going to be my friend for 3 days. 

3 long days of hard-strong antibiotics

YEAH ME

NOT!

Diverticulitis

I had plans for tonight too. Dang It!! 
OH AND Here is the kicker... liquid diet.
I am starving here people!!!!

Good news is... I can catch up on blog stalking :)

Friday Confessions

I confess, I am ready for the weekend, even though I have to work on Saturday.

I confess, I would love to smack my teenage daughter upside the head, just to jolt the brain a little… maybe she would remember that her momma does know what she is talking about.

I confess, I need to focus and be more productive.

I confess, I totally agree with this teacher… http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41618492/ns/us_news-life (hince the reason for confession #2)

I confess, I am totally scared for what life is going to be like when I am old and gray in 30 years and the teenagers of today are taking care of us… the elderly.

I confess, I think I am starting to get to serious in this blog so I am going to go now….

PS:

I try not to use this blog to “advertise” or “PUSH” but hey, every once in a while I like to send out a little reminder…. I am a Scentsy Independent Consultant… If you need anything, please go to http://www.nicelyscented.com/ to order! We are having a 10% off sale this month! It will ship directly you! Our plug – ins will be going up in price next month, so stock up while they are super duper cheap.

CHICKEN & WHITE BEAN CHILI

This is totally suppah YUMMO  - You should try it.... seriously

2 lbs. boneless chicken cut into 1" pieces

1 (1.25 oz.) pkg. chili seasoning mix.

2 tbsp. oil

1 small red onion,chopped

1 small green pepper, chopped

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 (4.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes w/ jalapenos

1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste

2 (15 oz. each) cans cannellini beans, rinsed, drained

1 (11 oz.) can mexicorn, drained

1-1/2 tsp. sugar

3/4 tsp. salt

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Toss chicken pieces with chili mix, reserve. In pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken in batches, cooking, and turning until browned but not fully cooked. Transfer to plate. To pot, add onion, pepper and garlic, over medium heat, cook, stirring for 1 minutes. Add tomato with their juices, scrape up brown bits from pot.

In bowl, whisk together 2 cups water and tomato paste, add to pot. Add beans, corn, sugar, salt, and chicken. Bring to a simmer. Cook, over low heat until chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat, add cilantro.

Wednesday Weirdness

I am totally tired and can’t catch up. Getting enough sleep… just not enough mental down town. You know that time in the evening to “destress”.

Did you know…. It’s only 61 days until tax season is over?

I have been a total slacker on blogging the last few days. In ALL areas. Sorry I suck. I did go mail my cheer up swap package today. 

Kobi gets part one of cavities taken care of today…. Part 2 comes in a couple weeks. This appointment has been canceled/ rescheduled 4 times now. The hubs is taking her… it’s his day off.

I love that the hubs works 10 hour days on Mon-Tues --- Thurs-Fri. This gives a mid week break to catch up on laundry, housework and running errands. YES, he does all those things for me…. Be jealous. VERY jealous. AND NO, you can’t borrow him. I don’t share well.

Next Wednesday Kobi gets to go get her driving permit. Where does time go? This is not right I say!!

The weather has been WONDERFUL. I really only got to enjoy it on Sunday – while I was picking up my neighbor’s dog poo out of my yard and off my porch. OK… so I did set outside at my friends’ house and visit a little.

We live in the back of the neighborhood. Our street is pretty much secluded. (thank goodness) We are friends with a lot of our neighbors. We even “vacation” with some. (not the ones that leave dog poo in my yard) Anyhow… One of the men folk is home until mid-late march due to heart issues. Another of the men folk is home for a little while due to a recent surgery. 2 men folk work from home…. I think my hubs is so jealous… he broke his hand… so he will get to stay home with them. OK I am just kidding.  It was deemed carpel tunnel. We will find out in 3 weeks what they will do. (the first doctor said it was broken) He may still get to stay home…

Today has been another day from you know where. I wanted to jump across the counter at the little shipping store across the street and strangle me some clerk. I have always shipped from there and no problems. Today he told me they did not offer the service I was wanting. Although their website advertises it and I have always shipped that way with them. I “must be mistaken”. What a total waste of my time. UGH!

What Happened?

What happened to picking up the phone and calling someone.  Texting is taking over the world it seems and the phone call is becoming obsolete.

We as a family are guilty.  Sometimes it's easier to pick up the cell phone and text someone... even though they are in the other room. Within ear shot....  A good "HEY" would get them to come listen.... but no.  We text. 

As I was cleaning my messages out of my phone, I ran across these:

Come get your laundry.

Clean your bathroom.

Can I squeeze your boobies while you kiss my cheek?

Dog wants his food.

Hey MOM, can you come here when you get done with your bath? 
     OH  and bring a roll of toilet paper, I am out....

Your nice neighbor's dog is pooping on your porch.

What's for lunch?
   Poop Casserole


All because we are to lazy to speak.  I know, crazy isn't it?

Can't Hurt...

Well, I figured it could not hurt to try....

Try what?

To be sneaky. 

It didn't work....

OK, it was only a 50% fail...

So maybe it worked a little.

The hubs and Kobi both HATE meatloaf.  I love it. Soooo I thought I would try a new recipe and make meatballs. The hubs liked it.  Kobi took a bite and was like ewwww MOM this tastes like meatloaf.

I took this recipe from the pioneer woman cookbook.... modified it just a little.

Meatballs

1 1/2 lbs hamburger

3/4 cup Quick Oats

1 cup Milk

2 teaspoons salt

2 teaspoons pepper

3 Tablespoons Onion Powder

1/4 Parmesan Cheese

Cooking Oil

1 Cup flour

2 Cup Ketchup

5 Tablespoons Sugar

5 Tablespoons White Vinegar

4 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce

4 Shakes Hot Sauce or Tabasco

3 Tablespoons Onion Powder

First mix the first group of ingredients together.  Roll meat into balls and place on a small cookie sheet. Place the cookie sheet in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350.

Place about 1/4 inch oil in a frying pan.

Roll the meatballs in the flour then brown and place in a casserole dish.

Mix the last group of ingredients together and pour on top of the browned meatballs.

Bake in the oven  for 45 minutes.

YUMMY!

Random TuesdayThoughts

The UN MOM over HERE does this random Tuesday thing that some others that I stalk follow participate in.... like Brandy and  Lindsey... Looked fun, so I thought I would play too.

Last week we had a winter storm here in Oklahoma.  I know... I know.... we don't hold a candle to you people up North.... BUT  this is Oklahoma and dang it, we are NOT supposed to have this kind of stuff! *insert pouty face* Guess what?? We get another storm tomorrow?  OHHHHHH GOODY! Second verse, same as the first. JOY.

The temps got above freezing the last few days.... so alot of the snow has melted.

I totally FAILED as super mom this morning.  I forgot to wake Kobi up so she could get ready for school.  I called and woke her up about 20 minutes before her ride got there.  She made it - THANK GOODNESS! 

I am totally having fun coming up with ideas for my swap partner. I have totally been snooping checking out her blog and think I have some awsomtastic ideas.

We totally did nothing for the super bowl this year. It was kind of nice. No mess to clean up.  We don't really get into PRO football anyhow.... just college ball. I have to say though... I think I may be jealous of Pennie though... I think it looks like she had a FUNTASTIC party with lots of good FOOD!

I am totally taking a TON of work home with me tonight. I am not going to be stuck at home without being able to work.  Most people would love that thought... but you see, I would be using paid time off.  THAT is time off I can have when it is warm and we can be lakeside.  I am not about to waste it on some silly snow...

I am totally thinking I may have to do these Tuesday Thoughts things each Tuesday.  They totally appeal and agree with the ADHD in me.

So, everyone in bloggy land is talking about responding to comments. 

What do you all prefer?  Do you like it when someone emails you back and responds to your comment?  

OR

 Would you rather have that person stop by and leave a comment on your own blog?

OR BOTH?

Just curious.

PS.... am I TOTALLY stuck in the 80s today?  I totally do not think I could have said "totally" any more than I did.

PPS - Please be patient with me the next few months.  It is totally tax time = 60 hours at work each week = odd blogging times=may be delayed in responding and stalking you all....

MckLinky Monday

Pet Peeves…

5 of them….

Linking up to RHOK....

That’s all I can list???

Fine.

Lazy People. I hate lazy people. I am a mover and a shaker. Some what. If something needs to be done… THEN DO IT! Don’t sit on your behinney and whine. If you are a SAHM of older children that are in school full time… it peeves me to see your maid showing up once or twice a week. Don’t complain you have 15 loads of laundry. I have 1 less child and work outside the home 40+ hours a week. Really you are backed up 15 loads? Get off your behinney and do some laundry.

WOWZASCHANOOZLES that felt good!! NO That felt GREAT!!

Traffic (stupid drivers). We all already know… if you read my blog. I hate stupid drivers. Especially SLOW drivers in the FAST lane.

Gum Smacking. Really? If you can’t chew gum quietly…. Spit it out. PLEASE!

Drives me INSANE when someone is watching what I am doing....What are you looking at… stop staring at me.  I am okay watching someone… but please don’t watch me. It annoys the crap to have someone stand behind me and watch me…. OR for someone to look over my shoulder at what I am working on. Just go away. You bother me.

Teenagers that know it all. Just not even going to go there. That’s it. I’m done.

Mr Dog

We have a Mr. Dog. 

Now, Mr. Dog is also called many other things, it all depends on the day and event....

Jasper (his real name)

Fluffy Butt (after bath)

Poopy Dog (when going potty)

Spunkmiester (when arriving home)

Poopsicle (when having to take him out in the cold)

Old Man (when he is slow pokin')

Sir Stinky (when he needs a  bath)

Nappy Dog (when he needs a hair cut)

The poor thing will actually answer to about anything after 13 years.....

I used to be able to take pictures of Mr. Dog so easily.  I swear he would stop and look pretty any time he saw a camera.

Houston we have a problem now... he is blind (and toothless but that's beside the point)

He does not see the camera.

So this is what it is like trying to get a cute pic...

First I have to get him out of bed.... he likes to sleep under the covers when it is cold...

Next I have to try to convince him I have a camera and get him to not act all camera shy....

Then we get this.....

Or this.....

Or this.....

FINALLY!!!

It will have to do.... Momma gives up.

PS  Please excuse his messy mop of a do right now.... it's just to cold to give him a bath.

Thursday Thoughts

So I feel I have totally lost 2 days of my life and I have no idea where they went.  Well - kind of.  I need more time in the day to accomplish what I feel needs to be done. It's only going to get worse with tax season knocking pounding on my door. 

Yesterday the hubs and I shoveled the driveway-there went 4 hours. I am so out of shape my shoulders and arms are screaming at me today. (hot bath coming soon)

Kobi had a friend over and we convinced the neighbor with a 4 wheel drive to take us up to the driving range at the country club to sled.  Didn't think about it was only 10 degrees outside.

They had fun - who cares if you can't feel your hands, feet or face...

They were OUT of the house! 

Today I decided I could make it to work. How foolish was that!  Here is a pic from my office window....

Yes, the two little trucks had to pull the semi out, because he was stuck blocking the intersection. 

I can say I made it.  AND made it back home safely. 

What is normally a 25 minute drive home... took me an hour and a half. PLUS on the way home I had to try to find a store that had toilet paper AND had their lot clear enough for my car to get in and not get stuck.  That was challenging.  Thank goodness I finally found one.  I wasn't looking forward to using newspaper had I not found said store.

Now.... onto that hot bath. Maybe I will be less of a mental mess tomorrow. But then again.... maybe not!

SNOW-K-L-A-H-O-M-A

Hey you all know they had a rally here today to protest global warming... RIGHT? 

Sorry I couldn't resist!  

All kidding aside.... holy mother of schnikes batman! 
It is flippin' colder than my first mother-in-law out there!!

Seriously I like a good snow, but it is so cold that the snow doesn't pack well, so no snowman.  The wind chill is -15 so no going out to sled.  Sheesh - what fun is this stuff?

This is what I woke up to this morning....

 

 The ring around the tree and flower bed are 3 land scaping bricks tall.  So, the snow is a foot deep out there. Not going to lie, I didn't even go shower to get ready and try to go to work.  My car sets way to low to try that. A little later in the day, the snow blew up and onto the front patio...

I went out and around the house.... the drifts around the neighbors car was bad and the front walk way was about 2 1/2 feet deep in snow.

Soooooo the snow is a few feet deep in front of my garage door. Yup, not going to make it to work in the morning either.  Guess I will be making up some time this weekend!  Yeah Me!

Can't Stop!

I am sooooo sick of making the same things to eat around here.  This past weekend I dug out a couple of cookbooks.  I am not one to really follow a recipe, so I combined a few and put my own pizzzazzzz on it.

The guys in the neighborhood were shooting pool in the garage and I took a plate of these babies out there hot and fresh and ohhhhhh they couldn't stop eating them.  Plate was empty in no time.

Simple Sliders

What you need:

1 Package of french bread dinner rolls (you can use hoagies)

1 cup sliced mushrooms

1 cup diced/sliced onions

2 sticks of butter

1 family pack of cube steak

1/4 cup worcheshire sauce

2 Tablespoons Tabasco Sauce

1 Cup Cheese

Easy Smeezy to make:

First I slathered my buns with butter and toasted them in a large skillet. (the package of buns/rolls, not actually my own) Then set those aside.

Next I put a stick of butter in the skillet with the mushrooms and onions and cooked until they were tender and brown. Then set those aside.

You will want to slice up the cube steak(against the grain).  I placed that with the left over butter in the skillet along with the Worcheshire and Tabasco and cook until browned.

Next you just assemble the sandwiches with meat topped with the onions and mushrooms and sprinkle the cheese on top.  I then stuck them in the microwave long enough to melt the cheese.

I also cut the sandwiches in half to make them more "slider" style.

If you would like to join me in sharing a delicious dish today please link up! You can also post my button and link back to this post. You will find the code over to the right.