Going To Grandma's

I had been telling Grandma for a few years that I was going to come for a visit. The only thing that kept me from keeping my promise was the 9 hour car trip. Well, that and my relentless habit of procrastination. It's been over a month since I made good on my promise and I'm just now blogging about it. Just one more piece of evidence against me in the procrastination case. Like any more was needed. ;)

We really had a great time visiting with family and catching up with everyone. We stayed at a really nice hotel in Baton Rouge, just a 30 minute drive to Grandma's house. We spent most of our time just visiting and eating, but that's what families do when they're together, right? Well, that's what our family does!

Uncle Mike took us to see the house he just purchased. It is beautiful and huge, with so many closets and rooms we almost needed a map to find our way out. It is in a wonderful location with great big trees in the front yard and a constant breeze sweeping over the sugar cane field that lies across the street, bringing much needed relief from the usual heat.

Uncle Ronnie took us out on his boat for an alligator hunting trip. Maybe I should call it an alligator search, as hunting might give the wrong impression. None of us had any guns (that I know of) lol. We really just wanted to see these magnificent creatures in their natural environment. They are very elusive animals, not to be seen, unless they want to be seen. We did see a baby with just his eyes and snout peaking up out of the water but nothing else. The whole trip was something memorable though. Just being on a small boat, exploring the winding arms of the bayou, seeing it change from big open water, to tiny green swamp land and back again and back again, all the while secretly hoping Ronnie knows the way back to the boat ramp. Amazingly, he knew exactly where we were at all times and pointed out the places where they hunt and camp.

We toured a beautiful Southern Plantation, The Nottoway. The weather was unseasonably cool which allowed us to tour the grounds at our leisure. It was such an experience to get a tiny glimpse into history like that. Even the kids enjoyed it!

I didn't get to take as many photos as I would have liked, but here are a few of the ones I did get.

7 Weeks

May 11- And Trent's cast is off. He had anxiously waited for this day for weeks,but I don't think he expected it to be such a stressful experience. He was a little concerned about the saw used to cut his cast off, especially since the nurse had to try several times in different spots to cut it all the way through and the sight of his arm being so skinny and frail looking was almost enough to send him over the edge. As we walked back to the holding room (for lack of a better term) to wait to talk to the Dr, Trent informed me he was feeling ill and might need a bathroom. I had him lay down and breathe slowly and deeply. He was really shook up, but thankfully did not end up needing a bathroom. He cried a little as we were leaving to go to our car, but it didn't take him long to start feeling a little more optimistic. A Sprite from Sonic and a trip to Kyle's was just what he needed to get his mind off of his current state.

On a good note, the Dr said his bones had healed nicely and everything looked good. He just asked that Trent were a brace on his wrist during periods of activity for the next four weeks. Trent has gotten so used to having something on his arm that he's glad to wear the brace.

Decatur Grasslands Nature Walk

May 04- Katina and I decided to drop everything and take the kids for a nature walk. We're always so busy just trying to meet our responsibilities it seems that the extra stuff, the fun stuff, always gets put off. This day we decided not to worry about our houses or laundry or any projects we had hanging over our heads. We loaded up and drove to the Grasslands in Decatur and just enjoyed nature, each other's company and our children. It felt really good to slow down for a little bit!

Our Way of Welcoming Spring

It has become our tradition to visit the Bedford Boys' Ranch every year at the conception of Spring. It started a few years ago as we studied a couple of Five in a Row books: Make Way for Ducklings and The Story About Ping. The main characters in both books are ducks so after reading these stories we had to find some real life ducks to observe.  We enjoyed it so much, that every year the kids ask to do it again.  Spring doesn't seem official until after our visit there.  

We usually start the day off at our favorite Chinese restaurant and end it with ice cream cones, but this year, our day was too full. We weren't able to do Chinese food, but we managed to fit in everything else.

We took our time feeding the ducks and exploring the grounds. The kids found a creek across the street from the pond and a small playground with swings. The boys spent a good deal of time swinging and seeing how far they could jump out of the swings, measuring their success by the footprints in the gravel, while Kristen sought out the shade of the nearby trees and the cool of the creek.

Art Show

The kids were so excited about the Art Show at their school on Thursday April 30th. Even with the threat of Swine Flu, I couldn't resist taking them. It was worth the trouble too. It is such a satisfying feeling to see your hard work on display and I know it made the kids feel proud. I was sure proud of them.

I made this page to showcase some of their art that was on display. I think it's kind of neat to combine my art with theirs. The fact that it cuts down on the clutter hanging on the refrigerator is just a bonus.

Family Get Together at Mom and Dad's

We made the 11/2 hour drive to mom and dad's this weekend. We don't get to go nearly as often as I'd like, but I'm thankful for each and every time we go. Each visit I'm reminded of the wonderful family bond that we've been so blessed with. The ladies spend their time in the kitchen preparing the food and even after we've eaten, we sit around the table laughing and catching up. While the men usually sit in the Living Room flipping the channels between the History Channel and whatever sports game is on. The kids busy themselves playing in the bedrooms designated for them and exploring Mimi and Poppa's back yard.

Here are some photos of the kids playing on the porch. The first one is blurry, but I think that shows the movement of the game they were playing. Tyler was giving the signals for Red Light Green Light.

Dylan, Jarrod, Isaac, Ethan, Trent and Morgan

Ethan, Dylan, Morgan

Jarrod

Isaac

Ethan

Emilee

Dylan

As Tammi was getting ready to leave, I asked her if it was a good time for us to see her new house. She's been living there for several months, but it never seems to work out that I'm able to go there from mom and dad's. She said that it was fine with her, so we loaded up and drove there.

She has a beautiful home. It's all the things you would expect from Tammi- warm, cozy and spic and span. They have beautiful acreage with a pond, ducks and chickens, a wide front porch complete with rocking chairs and a more modern touch- a swimming pool surrounded by a beautiful wooden deck.

Tyler, Jarrod and Trent

Mom

Natalie

Never a Dull Moment

Trent has a way of livening things up. He takes the most mundane tasks and turns them into something we all enjoy. He's really silly. But he's more than that; he's funny, comical and witty. One day last week, he was running around the house with his coon skin hat tucked into the back of his pants, with only the tail sticking out pretending to be a raccoon. I'm sure Davy Crockett would be proud. lol

A few days ago, for our math lesson I was reviewing the months and seasons with him using a Disney work book. There were 4 pictures on the page each one representing one of the four seasons. Of course he got all the seasons correct until we got to the final picture featuring Bambi. When I pointed to the picture and asked him what season the photo was, without batting an eye, he said "deer season". It took me completely off guard, which really tickled him. He loves surprising us with his wit and humor.

Our Spring Garden

I wish I could say that I love to garden. Sometimes I even think I do. Like yesterday when the kids and I got out there with our shovels and garden rakes and played in the dirt for a few hours. I love the smell of the freshly broken ground and the hopes that we have when we put those tiny seeds in the ground of the rewards of our labors that we are sure to reap. I always start out with high hopes and good intentions. I'm going to stay on top of the garden, not letting the weeds take over and making sure the plants are watered and fed according to their needs. But too many times, when summer's sun begins to bear relentlessly down burning with a fierce, merciless heat, I find my self retreating in the comfort of my home far way from the sun and my poor vegetable garden is left to its own defenses. 

I know I say it every year, but this year I'm hoping that I will be able to overcome and keep my resolve through the summer. Maybe by posting this confession online, I will be spurred into action. Maybe now that the kids are older we can bolster each other up and encourage ourselves to stay with it. In the mean time, I'll keep hoping and dreaming of the wonderful, bountiful harvest that is sure to come if only we continue to work hard through the summer and nature cooperates with us. Sometimes even when you do all you know to do, nature refuses to cooperate. I've had times when my tomato plants refused to grow even though, I watered them and cared for them like a mother for her newborn baby. Let me also say in my defense that I have had successful gardens in the past. Some years, I have had more squash and zucchini than I could give away. One year I had more tomatoes than any one else. But more often than not, by midsummer my plants are wihtering and the weeds are taking over. Here's to hoping for better gardening this season!

Here are a few photos that I took between raking and planting. They are not at all as good as they should have been, but I'll blame it on my dusty hands and my aching back. Hopefully, I'll remember next time to close down the aperture so that the entire photo will be in focus! 

Today's Blast from the Past--Chocolate Gravy

The first time anyone hears the words chocolate and gravy together, they wince and proclaim "Chocolate Gravy"? And with good reason. I love chocolate and gravy, but the idea that they could be one and the same, does take some getting used to. Even my adventurous kids weren't real excited about the prospect, but all three were converted instantly with the first bite.

Many Saturday mornings, my mom would make homemade biscuits, chocolate gravy and bacon. And let me tell you, it is a wonderful combination! There's something so good about soft, buttery biscuits, covered in hot, rich chocolate gravy with crispy, salty bacon for a side. It is the quintessential Southern comfort food combination.

Today I made the entire meal for the kids and all three loved it! I was afraid that it wouldn't be as good as I remembered it. A lot of things are for more enjoyed in the memory than they are relived, but not this time. The chocolate gravy was every bit as good and as scrumptious as I remembered.

Food Memories Too Good Not to Share

I've been thinking lately about how my kids are missing out on some of the food pleasures that I enjoyed as a child. There are a lot of things that I ate on a regular basis growing up that my kids are totally missing out on. We were poor, but mom was a really good cook and always made sure we had something warm, filling and yummy to eat. It just wouldn't be right if they grew up and left this house without eating a single fried potato (tater) sandwich or trying a fried bologna sandwich.

I have many fond memories of roasting hot dogs on a fork over the flame on mom's cooktop. My kids would love to be able to do that, but it's quite impossible with my electric range. We've roasted them over the fire in the fireplace, but it's just not the same. But there are some things that I can make sure they have the opportunity to try. In the next few months, I plan on making some of the things that I remember mom making that for whatever reason I don't make now. Here's the list I've compiled so far (if any of my family members want to remind me of something I've left off, please do so). I'm sure there's more, but this is all I can think of now.

Fried Potato Sandwiches
Fried Bologna Sandwiches
Sandwich Spread (I loved this stuff as a child. Do they still make it?)
Bread Pudding
Jelly Roll
Chocolate Gravy

Celebrating 34 Years

I guess it's time to officially end my birthday party this year. It has been over a week that I've been celebrating. Well, I didn't celebrate the entire minute of every day, but I've had several small bouts of festivities that have really helped me to embrace the beginning of my 34th year.

It all started the Friday before my birthday, let's see that was April 3rd. Janie kept the kids over night, which was a huge gift in and of itself, so that Justin and I could go out for a night on the town. If you know me, you know that that would consist of being gone by 5 and home by 9. I am by no means a party animal! lol My idea of a night on the town starts with dinner, an early dinner preferably, and in this case at one of my all time favorite restaurants. It's on the expensive side so we don't go unless we have a good coupon, which I did, a free dinner! It doesn't get any better than that. Of course we had to pay for Justin's dinner and the two slices of chocolate cake that we ordered, but it didn't really average out to be all that bad and birthdays only come around once every year or so, right?

After our lovely dinner at Texas De Brazil, we walked to Barnes and Noble. It's only a half a dozen blocks from the restaurant and a very nice walk. I love downtown Fort Worth. It's so perfectly alive with people walking to and fro, trees lit up with ornamental lights lining the vintage brick roads and a live bands playing at corner grills. Fort Worth is a mixture of old world charm and every modern amenity imaginable.

We spent some time at B&N browsing the books, found a couple we wanted to view a little closer, and located some cozy chairs overlooking the Bass Performance Hall across the street. We took turns looking at our books and watching the people in and around the Bass Hall. From there we walked back to the truck and went home. I think we made it before my bed time. It was such an enjoyable evening!

My actual birthday, April 7th, was filled with things that I love: baking, trying new recipes, long chats on the phone with friends and family, sweet e-cards full of birthday wishes, and a perfect ending to it all, dinner at Posado's.

I made Chocolate Covered Coconut Macaroons that were divine! With the egg yolks that were left, I decided to make a Chocolate Cream Pie for John, as a thank you gift for tilling my garden. We also dipped Strawberries in the ganache that was left over from the Macaroons. That was Kristen's idea. She wanted to surprise me with it, but decided it would be better if she had a little help- Smart girl!

The next and final little celebration took place on Saturday. I didn't plan it, but being the opportunist that I am, when I heard that the kids' Sunday School teachers planned an outing for the kids in town that day, I figured I may as well spend the $100 Janie gave me for my birthday. I've been in a food mood lately (surprise) and Williams Sonoma is a short drive from the church. I probably wouldn't have another chance like this for quite some time.

The crowds must get a late start on Saturdays because we were able to park right in front of WS with plenty of empty spaces all around. We browsed WS, then walked down to Crate and Barrel. By the time we finished there we were famished. We decided on Italian. I think it had something to do with the spice-filled aromas coming from the restaurant. Like a hand, they reached out and grabbed us, forcing us to come in.

We enjoyed another great meal. Justin ordered a grilled pork chop with mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus. I went with the lasagna. It was all very good. They have the cutest, tiniest desserts served in espresso cups. There was several to choose from and since I couldn't make up my mind, I asked the waiter for a recommendation. He said if it was him, he'd go with the Key Lime Pie. I followed his advice and wasn't the least bit disappointed. It was deliciously rich, creamy and tart enough to draw your face up into all kinds of contortions, everything you'd expect from a good Key Lime Pie.

Our last stop was WS to make the purchases that I mulled over while we hit the other stores. I ended up with a brand new Pepper and Salt Mill set. I have a cheap set that I bought from Bed Bath and Beyond a few years ago, but they don't work that well. I wanted something that works like they work in the restaurants when the waiters grind a little for your salad. They came highly recommended by the ladies who work at WS, as well as by a very wise friend of mine.

I fell in love with a cook book entitled, Southern Cakes by Nancie McDermott while I was there, but after comparing it to the price on Amazon, I figured I could wait a couple of weeks for it. I've already ordered it and should get it some time this month, I hope. I ordered another cookbook, A Homemade Life: Stories and Recipes from My Kitchen Table by Molly Wizenberg, a few weeks ago from Amazon, but it has yet to arrive. I don't think there's a single picture in it, but it sounded so interesting, I couldn't resist.

Wow, I feel really spoiled after this week. 90% of what I did to enjoy myself revolved around food. 2 new cookbooks, a fancy Pepper and Salt Mill and 3 awesome meals that I didn't have to cook! This has been a really, really nice birthday week. Getting older is a GREAT thing!

Here are some photos of the things I picked up Saturday as well as one of the macaroons and the strawberries the kids and I made on Tuesday.

Here is an All About Me page that I made to show where I'm at in life at 34 years old. It says, "I love to read, to cook, and to take pictures. My family is the most important thing on this Earth to me. I'm far from perfect, but with God's help, I'm still trying." I really feel like the word strips sum up the things that I've had on my mind lately.-- pressing onward for the prize, becoming more, faith hope love.

Trent Finally Got a Cast

He had to wear his arm in a splint for 8 days before he could get in to see the orthopedic surgeon. His appointment was Monday morning and everything went very well. There was no need for new XRays, no need to set the bone and no need for surgery! Thank God!!

He has to wear his cast for 6 weeks and it's scheduled for removal on May 11. We're already counting down the days! In the meantime, he's having fun letting everyone sign and draw pictures on it. I feel very privileged, as I was the first one to sign it! You can see my "I Love U, Mom" signature towards the front, close to his hand.