Photographic Evidence for the District Attorney

So this time, when the UPS truck runs us over on our jog, we will know it was on purpose.

A Romantic Getaway Weekend....

That's what we were supposed to have this weekend in honor of our anniversary. We had reservations in Hot Springs; "had" being the operative word.

Yesterday afternoon Beau got home from the gun range, took five steps in the door and almost fell to his knees. Out of nowhere we had horrible back pain. It went on all night and was so bad that he couldn't walk. My husband is a tough cookie who never complains from pain so I knew he had to be hurting for him to act that way. As we were about to leave for the E.R. he thought it had gotten a little better and decided to go to bed and rest versus sitting in a waiting room for hours. This morning it was no better, maybe a little worse, so we headed to the hospital.

To our surprise there was no one in the waiting room when we arrived. So remember that 8 a.m. is a good time to visit the Saline Memorial E.R. My friend Sara E. could appreciate this after spending close to six hours in the waiting room there one night:

http://next-on-my-list.blogspot.com/2010/10/done-visit-hospital-twice.html

We were quickly taken back to a room where Beau was issued a typical hospital gown. See:

I didn't capture his face for the picture- it would have been just too cruel on my part. The doctor saw Beau a few minutes after we got in the room and quickly determined, just from Beau's description of where the pain was and how bad, that he had strained a particular region in his lower back. Apparently these types of strains are excruciating when they occur. After a urine sample confirmed that Beau did not have kidney stones the doctor officially diagnosed the strain, gave Beau a pain shot (not gonna lie, I almost passed out during that part), wrote prescriptions for an anti-inflammatory, pain medicine and a muscle relaxer and sent us home.

Beau is doing much better tonight after being rendered unconscious from the medicine although he is still in a good deal of pain. I'm so relieved that everything is ok, even if we did have to cancel our weekend plans. We were able to get a full refund from the hotel after I shared the sob story. We will try to reschedule in a couple of weeks.

Nurse Mamie has not left Beau's side all day. However, being a caretaker can be exhausting.

At least I hope that is why she is passed out... Unless she got a hold of a muscle relaxer???

Three

Today is our third wedding anniversary. I thought I would share a few wedding pictures.

These are random but were on my computer in the office (where I am writing this post instead of a press release.)

I am so blessed to have Beau in my life. Marriage is never easy but it has been a great three years. In fact, it has been the difficult times that have allowed us to grow together and work as a team.



These are the gorgeous flowers Beau sent today with a very sweet note. He certainly did good.

Thank you, Lord for my husband. I think I'll keep him around.

Seriously.

This is how Mamie fell asleep last night:

Can't make sense of it?

She is laying over Beau in the bed.

Beau eventually (once she started snoring) put her at the foot of the bed because he was afraid she would flip over onto the floor. Mamie quickly wormed her way up the bed and in between us. By the time my alarm went off this morning her head was on my pillow.

I only wish I was making this stuff up.

Weekend Project(s)

Even though it was freezing in the garage, I decided work on a few projects that I've wanted to do for a while. I had several projects going on simultaneously but this one is completely finished.

I got this sad little chair at a flea market for a couple of dollars. As always, Mamie forced her way in the picture. As you can see in the background, Beau was always working on a project in the garage; cleaning.

Here is the completed chair.

It's in the guest bedroom and is a nice splash of color.

I'll be posting more project pictures soon.

Don't Be Fooled

This face may look as if it belongs to a sweet dog but there has been nothing sweet about Mamie Eisenhower lately. In fact, this picture is blurred because it was taken during the first movements before her lunging at me to bark in my face.

She has been on her best behavior since Christmas but that has since ended. Two days ago she got out of bed, our bed, and had a look of ornery. Just so you know, in case I ever dump her off at your home with her bags packed, the look entails slicked back ears and eyes that say, "I think I'm going to pounce on you now."

I'm not even going to list everything she has done but these few highlights should sum it up:

• Running mindless laps around the house.
• Nipping Beau on the chin twice (once for no reason and then again as he was fussing at her for nipping him the first time.)
• Diving snout-first into a Chick-fil-A milkshake of Ryan's, Beau's best friend, in an effort to retrieve the cherry and whipped cream on top.

I'm afraid we are in the midst of the pre-teen years with our four-legged child and no amount of spankings or shaming can deter her behavior.

Stuff It, Starbucks!

I'm a semi-coffee addict. And by "semi" I mean "total". I truly try not to spend large amounts of money on coffee because it is simply not economical so I was thrilled to receive a Keurig from my husband for Christmas.

It is amazing!! I swear I've used it every day, twice (and thrice) a day since I got it. The best thing is that I have yet to purchase coffee from Starbucks or any other coffee selling establishment. I think the coffee I make every morning is better than Starbucks. I force company to request a cup of coffee just to demonstrate the Keurig's sheer wonderment. Every cup is perfect! You simply place a K-Cup (pictured below) in the machine, hit start and enjoy your perfectly brewed cup of coffee.

There are over 200 varieties of K-Cups and include hot chocolate, apple cider, hot tea, and also iced drinks. That's right, I said iced! You can make iced tea and coffee.

The possibilities are endless. I am afraid that I may be slightly over-caffeinated, however. It may even be apparent in this post that I've had more caffeine today than the Good Lord intended.

A Recipe for Your Tuesday

What is this? Two posts in two days? Is the end near?

I know, I know, I know! I'm trying.

Last night I made a delicous recipe I got out of Paula Deen's magazine. Mom gave me a subscription for Christmas. In true Paula fashion it was highly unhealthy yet delicious. I jogged a little extra yesterday in preparation for dinner.

First, add a little butter in a skillet and saute several chicken breasts for about 4 minutes on each side. Place breasts in a greased baking dish. I always like to make enough for leftovers that Beau and I can take to work the next day.

Next, add a little butter to a skillet (again) and add a cup of sliced baby bella mushrooms and a half cup of chopped green onions. Cook for 5 minutes or until mushrooms soften.

Add 1 cup of white cooking wine and cook for another five minutes.

Then add 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 cup of heavy whipping cream and 8 oz of cream cheese.

Salt and pepper.



Pour over chicken and cook in oven on 350 for 25 minutes.





Here it is out of the oven. It smelled amazing!




Serve over rice. You will not be disappointed.

In order to make up for lastnight's unhealthy meal we will be having grilled tilapia with brown rice and baked asparagus tonight.(I hate fish but try to force myself to eat it. I attempt to mask the taste with an insane amount of lemon juice.)


Happy Tuesday!!

Snow!!!!

In a freak weather occurrence, we got a good amount of snow last weekend. At our house we had around seven inches. It was beautiful and we had a blast playing. Especially Mamie.

Someone, although I won't name any names, was more interested in romping in the snow than posing for pictures.

I did get her here with Beau. Of course it's only because I yelled, "TREAT!!!"


Here is Beau in his cold weather garb sent from Chase, his brother. Chase is stationed in Minot, ND with the Air Force and has become an expert in warm clothing. He sent this to Beau for hunting but it came in handy for the snow.

Our house. So pretty in the snow.

And because Beau is a male with 4-wheel drive he needed to prove we could drive in the elements.

The neighborhood.

This is the land behind our house the day after the snow.

And this would be a bird's worst nightmare. She is in mid-lunge after a sparrow. It would have ruined my snow day had she caught the poor thing.



"Queenie" was worn out after her big day in the snow.

A Big Ole Update

I realize that I am so late on updates. I swear to be better from now on.

I'm going to try to update you all on the Christmas happenings.

Beau and I visited Garvan Woodland Gardens a few weeks before Christmas. As usual, it was gorgeous.

The one picture of us. Horrible.

Yours truly


I took Carson to the Christmas carnival at his church. He ice skated (really we just ran on those skates.)

I love that little boy!!

Next, Court, Irish, Anna Kate (Court's little girl) and me visited Iron Mountain. The docks on the lake are all decorated in lights.
This tree on the dock was amazing!!!

The girls!



I made Christmas goodies. Really I just wanted an excuse to wear my Christmas apron.

YUM!!!

Our tree. Sigh.


I really stunk at taking pictures at Christmas but I got a few:

Carson and "Unka Beau" playing with the computer toy we gave him.

And sweet Hudson and his favorite toy, a box.


Beau's aunt, uncle and cousin from Texas came up after Christmas. We love, love, love them!! I wish they lived closer. His Uncle Rick took some pictures with his new camera so I hope to steal some from them to upload to here.

Beau's little brother Chase and Aubree also were in town. Chase is stationed in Minot, North Dakota with the Air Force so it was nice to see them.

They have a new puppy, Linus.

Isn't he a doll????

We had such a wonderful Christmas and are so blessed with amazing families!!