Falling....& Rising

Falling and rising....that can take on so many different meanings. This week, it was a literal thing....as in I fell...but I rose...with lots of help...physical and emotional help! Let's back up to Sunday night/Monday morning....2:47a.m. to be exact! As I was getting out of bed for potty time, I stepped on the charger for my cell phone that was plugged into an extension strip...felt my foot start to roll as I slid off the bed....couldn't stop myself as much as I tried. Down I went in slow motion (so it seemed) hyper extended my knee and ended up on my butt! Several not so nice words came out of my mouth. I sat there trying to collect myself knowing I could not get up alone. I was able to reach my cell phone...called Rene' who was asleep on the couch praying he would hear his phone. He did....thank God. He was there in an instant saying "What the hell did you do"? Then the tears started. As you all know I am not a little person so I knew he would not be able to help me up alone...my knee was hurting way too much to even attempt getting up on my knees then letting him help me up...no not that simple!! Plus the last thing I needed was for him to hurt his back! He called Jordan and with reassurance from him (that they would not drop me) the next thing I knew I was on my feet. How I did not pee on myself...I will never know. I walked to the bathroom just fine with Rene' and Jordan hovering in the hallway to make sure I was okay and made it back to bed okay!! My leg and knee hurt so bad but I was just so glad to be up on my feet and walking okay that I ignored the pain. I fell back asleep after some tears and praying. I made it to work Monday but was just so upset all day. I was mad at myself...humiliated that I could not get up on my own and just plain disgusted! My girls at work were so sweet..giving me hugs...even crying with me (sorry I made you cry Dorian). Once I got home, I was so sore and down in the dumps, I let my boss know that I would not be in on Tuesday and knowing I was already off Wednesday, I would have time to rest and re-coup! BEST decision I ever made...I really think that made all the difference.I felt ready to conquer the world on Thursday (sort of) I got lots of hugs arriving to work and those damned tears started again! It was just overwhelming the sweet words of encouragement I got from my girls...I am not sure if they will truly know how they lifted me also! Thanks ladies! Yes I am still sore and the bruises are a nice shade of purples...

but I rose!

Between my 3 sisters and my brother, we have all had our share of falling and rising in the last few weeks. From passing out and having 11 stitches in his head...to having cardiac issues...to a badly broken ankle that is giving her 3 kinds of hell...to a broken rib that is hurting like hell...to having some anxiety, shortness of breath to more cardiac workup....we seem to be falling apart! No we aren't young anymore, but we aren't old either. Its just a bump in the road...some of our bumps larger than others. As functionally dysfunctional as we are...and as many times we have agreed to disagree...we have come together and helped to lift one another...no matter what we are there for one another....and that is such a good feeling. So after a total messed up week...I have to say....

I love you Becky, Roxane, Randy & Renee'!

 We rose...and we will continue to!

SUMMER 2016....begins

Poor little neglected blog! 

The last posting was when school was beginning last August! And now here we are, school is letting out for the summer once again. I really need to be more attentive to this little blog! Not sure where my blogging "meaux-jeaux" has gone, but I will dig deep and try to find it once again. When I first started this thing called blogging, it was supposed to be a release of my thoughts...just like I used to journal, just not on paper anymore. It was much easier on paper...probably because what I wrote down were my thoughts for my eyes only, whereas in the blogging world, anyone could see/read it. I found myself having problems writing some of my true feelings...in fear of hurting someone else? Not sure, but I do know that I need to learn to be true to myself and if I want to get something off my chest, then so be it. I would never intentionally hurt anyone...but at my age (none of your business) I do have to be true to myself and my own feelings. 

So let the blogging begin....once again!

It has been a year of many changes in our lives. Addie has become a full time Mommy to the sweetest little girl and she does a wonderful job at it. She loves Kylee so much...we all do and are so happy to have her as a part of our lives! 

Jordan has been working in Trinidad for a few months now. Do I like it? Heck no, but he had to do what was best for his family. They are adjusting really well...we just really miss him when he is gone for 28 days and this Momma hen worries like there is no tomorrow....it's my job! As you all know the oil industry has taken a nose dive and there is no recovery soon in site...Addie and Brenan are both out of work and looking...prayers that they find something soon. Rene' has been working out of town quite a bit....he hates it and so do I, but again, you do what you have to do to survive. 

Me? I am beginning to see just a glimmer of retirement in my future!!

 Joshua and Kylee both just graduated from Pre K and Kindergarten. They are both growing so quickly...time needs to slow down just a bit! We try to savor each day and spend as much time together as we can.

We recently added a nice big patio and we spend most of our weekends outdoors...from morning until evening! We also put up a huge pool for them to enjoy. LOVE having my chickies nearby...so for the most part....life is good! We are blessed!

STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE SALAD

  Ingredients

1 box (3.4 oz.) cheesecake or white chocolate pudding mix
12 oz whipped topping
3 (6 oz) containers strawberry yogurt
1 lb fresh strawberries, sliced
3 bananas, sliced (add just before serving or they brown)
3 cups miniature marshmallows (optional) 
  Instructions

Place the whipped topping, pudding mix and yogurt into a large bowl. Whisk together. Cover and refrigerate until just before serving (at least an hour).
When you are ready to serve, slice the strawberries and bananas.
Remove whipped cream/pudding mixture from refrigerator and gently fold in strawberries, bananas and marshmallows, and stir gently to combine.
Serve immediately.

Hurricanes & Chocolate Crack

I can remember back when I was in school, our summer vacation seemed to linger on forever. Now these kids only have a little over 2 months of summer vacation and it seems to fly by...at least for me. Everyone is back in school and we are anticipating fall...my fav time of the year! But first we have to make it thru August and September hurricane peak season! We joked at work about it the other day with me saying "If only we could get just a mild hurricane...just enough to have an extra day or 2 off without the loss of electricity of course! And BAM there is hurricane Danny out in the Atlantic! It is way too soon to predict where it will eventually end up, so we just keep a close eye on it. Just as we are approaching the 10th anniversary of hurricane Katrina! I remember the aftermath of her so very well. We volunteered at our local church which was the only shelter that was allowing people and their pets! It was a heartbreaking time and made you feel so very thankful for your home and family. I will never forget some of the stories we heard and the sad and anguished look on many faces. I was honored to be able to play a small part in helping those people feel safe and cared for...even for a short time. The house of God...open and welcoming all...even the pets! As it should be!

Last weekend we surprised Joshua with a trip to Lake Charles to see JURRASIC QUEST. 

Let me just say we had one excited little boy...his face just lit up and I don't think the smile left his face once all day long!

well maybe once or twice...but he was still SO excited!

 

It was definitely an adventure for all of us . I learned several things about dinosaurs that I never knew...from a 4 year old!!!

And even once back in the hotel room...it was still all about dinosaurs...

Josh and Poppa watching The Flintstones!

Making memories...God is so good!

It has been a summer of making memories. Doesn't get much better than that!

Here is a super easy recipe for all you chocolate/peanut butter addicts!

CHOCOLATE CRACK

 

60 ounces milk chocolate, chips or coarsely chopped

    2 cups of crushed potato chips

    1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter

    3 tablespoons water

    22 squares of carmel (5.8 ounces)

    2 tablespoons heavy cream, warmed

    1 (12.25 ounce) jar caramel ice cream topper, warmed

Line a 17.25 x 11.5 x 1-in. cookie sheet with either tin foil or parchment paper. Set aside.

Place whole potato chips in a zip lock bag. Using a rolling pin, roll over chips until chips are in small pieces. Set aside.

In a medium sauce pan over medium-low heat add peanut butter and water until melted and combined. Add caramel squares and heat until smooth, stirring frequently. Turn off heat and stir in warm cream until well incorporated. Set aside.

In a large heat proof bowl add chocolate and melt over boiling water (the pot rim needs to be smaller then your bowl slightly so the pot will keep the bowl suspended above the boiling water). Continuously stir until chocolate has reached between 115 degrees to 118 degrees F. Once chocolate reaches proper temperature immediately remove from heat. Fold in crushed potato chips until well incorporated. Pour onto prepared cookie sheet. Smooth out evenly over cookie sheet and add large dollops of peanut butter mix. Drizzle 1/2 to whole jar of caramel ice cream topper over chocolate and peanut butter. Using a butter knife, pass over chocolate several times over the length of the pan (going up and then down). Repeat, passing the knife over the width of the pan (going back and forth). After somewhat incorporating toppings over the chocolate, pick up the pan and firmly tap the bottom of the pan on the counter (don't just let go when dropping pan, or else you'll have a mess). This will help to smooth out any rough areas in the chocolate. 

Place in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let set.

 Cut into squares and serve.

 Yield: 100-160 individual squares.

http://recipesnobs.com/2011/11/02/chocolate-crack/ 

FORGOTTEN BLOG AND LEMONADE PIE!

WOW six months since I have blogged! That is terrible! It's not that I didn't have anything to blog about...just other things got in the way, one called LIFE! Time just seems to get away from me lately. Like for instance, July is almost over! Really? How did that happen??? Before you know it, it will be Christmas <gasp> yes, I said it, CHRISTMAS! Not that I am ready for it, but I sure am ready for cooler temps! It has been brutal the last few weeks. I thank God daily that I don't have to work outdoors and I also thank Him daily for my poor husband to survive the heat each day...from 5am until 7pm! He has no energy for anything else and I can't say I blame him. So bring on the cooler temps....soon!!

We took a weekend vacation to Biloxi at the end of June...had a great time. Spent some time visiting a couple of the casino's and just did some relaxing.  We didn't win any big money but we did okay...enough to keep us playing. It was my first time visiting the Beau Rivage and I must say I really enjoyed it...beautiful place. Had a wonderful FREE buffet at the IP and it was delicious! 

Last weekend we had a wonderful time seeing Garth in concert! We surprised the kids with tickets as birthday gifts to them and had such a great time. It made me feel so good to see them enjoying themselves so much. And Garth....WOW he put on an amazing show. If I could have, I would have gone back on Sunday night!!!One of the best concerts I have ever been to....ever!!!

So after the last couple of weekends, this one seems so boring. Yet it's nice to sit and do nothing. It much to hot to go and sit outside, so inside it is...with a nice cold adult beverage!! Ahhhh yes, life is good.

Here is a nice sweet cool summer recipe for you.

FROZEN LEMONADE PIE

 

1/4 cup water
1/3 cup COUNTRY TIME Lemonade Flavor Drink Mix
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed
1 ready-to-use graham cracker crumb crust (6 oz.)

Add water to drink mix in large bowl; stir until mix is dissolved.
Stir in milk. Add COOL WHIP; stir gently until blended.
Spoon into crust. Freeze 6 hours or until firm.

GEAUX GREENBAY & EASY KING CAKE!

So today I was a cheesehead...meaning I was rooting for Green Bay to beat the pants off of Seattle. Well not literally but you know what I mean! Of course I would much rather be rooting for my Saints but yeah...we won't go there!!! I so would have loved to see GreenBay make it all the way to SuperBowl champs...boooooo Seattle!

We are finally getting some decent weather here, still a little chilly, but sunny and dry for a change! I am sure that will change as the week goes on so enjoy it while you can!

Unlike "most" people, we are not off tomorrow...UGH! It would be nice to have a Monday off but then Tuesday would become Monday..the folks that work with me knows what I mean. To all of you who are off...whatever!

Soon Mardi Gras will be upon us...."throw me something mister" ! I used to love Mardi Gras when I was younger. Rene' and I used to take off for NOLA when he would get off of work and make as many parades as we could...sometimes 3-4 nights in a row! Now you would not catch him near NOLA for Mardi Gras. Me? if there was a bathroom close by...you bet I'd be there. Ahhhh signs of getting old...plotting out where the nearest bathroom is! Last year we did not go to 1 parade...not even local. Can't say I missed it...it was cold and rainy if I remember right. This year...not sure yet!

...the house is finally all de-Christmas-ized and most of it put away. I kind of miss my tree being up. Thought about keeping it up and decorating for each season...Poppa said Ummm no. Thats okay, I'll just keep decorating my mantle.

 

Have a wonderful week!

20 MINUTE KING CAKE-(AKA KING CAKE MONKEY BREAD)

4 tubes refrigerator biscuits
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 3/4 cups sugar, separated
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup evaporated milk
3/4 cup butter

Mix the cinnamon with 3/4 cup sugar. Cut each biscuit into 4 pieces and roll in sugar cinnamon mix. Layer with nuts in tube pan. Mix 1 cup sugar, brown sugar, evaporated milk and butter in saucepan; bring to boil and pour over the biscuits. Bake at 350 degree F. for 30 minutes or until it looks done.  Remove from the oven, allow to cool for 2-3 minutes, then invert onto a plate.

For the Icing:

4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
Colored sprinkles (purple, green, yellow)
Mix the sugar, cream, and vanilla together. Spread over warm monkey bread. Sprinkle with colored sprinkles. Serve immediately.

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS!

Wish I could get excited about the NFL playoffs but without my Saint's in there, it's hard to get motivated! I am happy that Green Bay won today because that used to be my brother's fav team and now my nephew Alex thinks that GB is the best...so we root for GB!!

One of my blogger friends sent out a challenge to list a few of your favorite things....so being I am so totally bored today I decided to take the challenge!

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS....

1. My latest new perfume obsession is called Laila..the Essence of Norway. When we went to DisneyWorld in December...we were in Epcot and walked into a shop in Norway and the smell in there was devine. I knew whatever it was, I had to have it...so I bought some. 

It smells heavenly...clean...fresh...pure!

LAILA ESSENCE OF NORWAY 

2. I don't know about your skin in this crazy cold weather, but mine has been terrible...dry, flakey...terrible. Someone suggested using this Gold Bond Soothing lotion...I even was able to find it in a fragrance free lotion. It makes your skin so soft and not greasy at all...just soft and supple!

 I use it all over!

GOLD BOND ULTIMATE 

3. As for my face...I have used this for quite a while..it exfoliates and leaves your face feeling so clean and soft. Its called Aveeno Positively ageless daily exfoliating cleanser.  

LOVE it!

AVEENO 

4. O M G I stumbled upon this Pumpkin Pie flavored Pop-Tart and I can tell you, if you like pumpkin pie, you will love this pop-tart! Its not super sweet but tastes yummy! I know it was a seasonal item, so I kind of stocked up...don't judge!! There was a ginger bread one also but I didn't buy any. 

I had too many Pumpkin Pie ones in my buggy!!!

POP-TARTS

 5. About 6 months ago I found the best website that sold really cute and different things. I just had to have these measuring cups!!! They had the measuring spoons to match but were out of stock! :-(  Then I happened to find these really cute vintage measuring spoons...so I bought those too! 

Aren't these finds just so darn cute?

 

WORLD MARKET

And last but certainly not least..my most favorite thing in this world!

He has my heart...and Minnie's!

What are some of your favorite things?

2015 AND FRUIT COCKTAIL CAKE

2015 - how in the heck did that happen?

 Seems like we just celebrated 2014! Although 2014 was not a wonderful year, I am still here, waking up each morning...so I am not complaining.

6 things that I did not like about 2014...

1. Way too much family turmoil...broke my heart.

2. Too much drama at work...no teamwork..too much backstabbing!

3. I did not keep my resolution to lose some weight and get healthier...all my own fault.

4. Witnessed some people that I love very much, in so much pain, and not knowing how to help them.

5. Seeing my husband struggle with a broken leg....so hard to keep him in one place!

6. I turned 60 !

I guess that list isn't too bad...

6 thinks I did like about 2014....

1. Seeing my girl happy again with a smile on her face! Thanks Brenan!!

2. Witnessing the magic and mind of a 3 year old and all the sweet things he does!

3. Being able to take not 1 but 2 vacations...to the beach and to Disneyworld!!!

4. Having all my chickies close by...one in my back yard and one 2 streets away!

5. Seeing healing begin in my family...on many levels!

6. I turned 60 with an amazing surprise birthday party!!!!

So I guess bring it on 2015...it can only get better from here on out right? I guess the saying is true..it's all about the attitude! 

What are your wishes for the new year?

If you like fruit cocktail then you will love this cake! Jordan made this for a competition when he was in 4-H many many years ago and won a blue ribbon!!

FRUIT COCKTAIL CAKE

 Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (16 ounce) can fruit cocktail
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
                           
Directions:
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease one 9x9 inch square baking pan.                            2.Combine the flour, white sugar, egg, baking soda, vanilla and undrained fruit cocktail. Mix until blended. Pour batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the top with the brown sugar.                           
3.Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 40 minutes or until golden brown and firm.