And It’s Not Even My Birthday

6:59 AM ByFiled UnderEverything Else, Nathan

I remember when Nathan and I were meeting with the pastor before our wedding and he gave us a couple of questionnaires to fill out and then had us tell each other a few of things that made us fall in love with the other.
Nathan said he loved that I wrote him little notes and surprised him at work with special lunches.
I want to continue the note writing, and yet 11 years later, those notes are far and few between.
Why?
Because life keeps coming along and sweeping me away in it’s tidal wave of dirty diapers, ant bites, growing pains, laundry, bathrooms and housework.

The power of the written word, just a small heartfelt note jotted on a napkin, is unbelievable. It can be a balm to the soul, a boost to someone a bit down on themselves, or a reminder that you are a gift, a blessing, a joy and treasure to someone special.

My husband turned what he loved about me 11 years ago, around on me.
The other morning I woke up and checked my e-mails, there was an e-mail that brought tears to my eyes, an e-mail that I never expected to see, ever.
You have to understand, my husband is about actions, not words.  He picks out cards by Hallmark that say it for him and then writes a brief note to me.  He tells me daily that he loves me with his actions, his words and his kisses.  I know his love language and his actions are more priceless than a notebook full of sonnets…
But then, I got this… for no reason at all, and I reverted back to being 20 and in awe, giggly, butterfly fluttery, twitterpated kind of ooey gooey, chocolate hearts and fizzy feelings.

My wife is beautiful, courageous and smart,

She is selfless and caring and has a big heart.

My wife is outgoing, and so loves to cook,

And after a long day, enjoys relaxing with a good book.

I have been blessed now for the past 11 years,

You have enriched my life and settled my fears.

You are a wonderful mother and our children are blessed,

You are molding their lives to endure many tests.

So know that I love you, more than my words could convey,

I am privileged to be able to come home to you each day.

I love you,

Nathan

This poem from my non-writing husband is enough for every birthday, mother’s day and anniversary to come.

Nathan, I love you more than words and I promise to try to be a bit more like that 19 year old girl that you fell in love with and asked to marry you.

You make me happier than I ever imagined.  I am more proud of you than you may realize.

Every cliche’d love song, every sappy card, every I love you.. then now and always.

15 Comments

The Ants Can Suck It Two by Two (and then some).

9:48 AM ByFiled UnderMonkey

New Title Courtesy of Casey because she’s awesome like that

the-face-in-the-hat

That face was not quite so happy last night.
Last night that adorable face crumpled into screams the likes of which I’ve never heard before; sobbing, shuddering, convulsive screams of pain and terror.
Last night at kickball practice Monkey’s two year old toes were attacked by huge (everything’s bigger in Texas) red vicious Fire Ants. Those fireants got trapped between his big toe and the little piggie that stayed home.
By the time I could get to him and remove his sandal and brush them off he was lying on the ground screaming and writhing in pain and from what I could see, they had bitten him 8 times.
His foot swelled up and the screaming continued.
The writhing in pain.
The convulsive, hiccuping sobs.
My heart breaking.
After an hour or more of crying, benadryl finally helped, orally and topically.

Thank y’all so much for all the suggestions via twitter!!

I’m sharing them with y’all here:

  • vinegar and water immediately will help
  • 9:1 water:bleach will help for days
  • Aloe or sunburn gel
  • benadryl if you have it
  • motrin
  • baking soda and water paste

If you have any more suggestions or remedies for burning, blistering fire ant bites, please share them here.  They’re like a plague around Texas during the summer.

The fever is gone today as is most of the swelling but he’s definitely clinging to me and much more somber than normal, so we’re going to go cuddle some more and spend the day running our errands with a Monkey (almost literally) on my back.

*I know that I’ve shared some bloody gory pics of my kids’ injuries before, but the swollen red, pus filled bites on his feet, are just awful to look at, so I’m sparing y’all.

33 Comments

Basic Guacamole Recipe

8:03 AM ByFiled UnderAppetizers, Mouthwatering Monday

How to Make Guacamole

With Cinco De Mayo peering it’s festive head around the corner, the twittersphere has been ripe with people chatting about Guacamole and Fajitas and Backyard Celebrations.
This got my mouth watering so off to the store I went to get some avocados and cilantro, so that I could make my own Guacamole.
The key to gorgeous, green, mouthwatering Guacamole is fresh ingredients.
When choosing your avocados they should yield to slight pressure, but not squish. They should NOT be hard and unyielding. Put down the greenish black rock and move on to the next.
Making your own guacamole is simple and you will be rewarded for your efforts, trust me.

Print
Making Guacamole at Home

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 avocados
  • 4 garlic cloves, pressed or finely minced
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 Campari Tomatoes, or 1 medium tomato
  • 1/4 tsp chopped cilantro leaves (or more or less, to your taste)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • dash salt
  • dash pepper
  • 1 finely chopped and seeded jalapeno

Instructions

  1. Slice your avocados in half and remove the pit, using a spoon, scoop the avocados out gently and put them in a bowl.
  2. Add in your chopped jalapeno, tomatoes, onion, pressed or minced garlic, cilantro, pepper, salt and lime juice.
  3. Mash together until it is as smooth or chunky as you like it.
http://asouthernfairytale.com/2009/05/04/making-guacamole-at-home/

See, it’s easy and depending on your preferences for cilantro, garlic and jalapenos, you can add more at will. Some days I like a good bite! So, I’ll add 2 jalapenos and not remove all the seeds, or chop them up too finely. Other days I’ll add in a few dashes of cholula or tabasco.

My favorite way to eat guacamole is with the Hint of Jalapeno Scoops and an ice cold Dos XX or Corona.

Put your Guacamole (if there’s any left) into a sealed dish in your refrigerator and use it later as a special addition to your chicken or steak fajitas, tacos, hamburgers, salads, wraps etc… your options are only limited by your imagination and tastebuds.

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