Crazybusy

With appointments and packing and kidstuff and errands and...we've been pretty busy as of late!

Hananh's thrilled to be going to Florida for two reasons: to see Papa everyday and to go to Disney World. She'd never seen a Disney move before so I took her out and let her pick out a princess movie--she chose The Little Mermaid. Now she's sooo excited to see Ariel. Is Ariel there?! I assume so. In planning for our expenses for this trip, I went to the Dinsey site to check out ticket prices. I was excited to learn that the kids are free (under age 3, free) and then choked when I read that our tickets are $76/each. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! How is Disney World NOT out of busines?! Who can afford that?! Dude, that is really expensive. But, we're going. Just to see the joy on our little Hannah's face. For $152. Not including lunch and everything else we'll get suckered into buying.

Just a minute...I have to switch computers...

Ok, well, I also unloaded the dishwasher, got Isaac out of bed, helped Hannah put her dollies in their car....

Hannah's best friend, Madi, is over now, too, and they are just too cute. Hugging and giggling and playing. I love to hear their little conversations!

Snowing here again. I think we're supposed to get a few inches today and tomorrow.

Isaac has a GI appointment today and I'm going to the dentist. Fun stuff!

Squirmy Isaac is about to squirm himself off my lap so I better get up and get moving.

Tiffany's Cooking Tips and More...

Is anyone else SO TIRED of Winter?! I just can't stand it anymore. And we go out quite a bit. I just want to start taking the kids for walks and going to the Y again.

So what do I do to calm the Winter blues (besides go to Target)? I make Smoked Sausage Gumbo. Did I post that recipe before? Well, even if I did, I'm posting it again. It's my most favorite thing to eat that I make (which isn't saying much). It smells delish and tastes even better.

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Smoked Sausage Gumbo--4 servings
1 can (14 1/2oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 C chicken broth
1/4 C flour
2 T olive oil
3/4 pound Polish or Smoked sausage, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 ribs celery, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
2 t dried oregano leaves
2 t dried thyme leaves
1/8 t ground red pepper
Rice

Combine tomatoes and broth in slow cooker. Sprinkle flour evenly over bottom of skillet. Cook over high heat without stirring 3 to 4 minutes or until flour begins to brown. Reduce heat to medium; stir flour about 4 minutes. Stir in oil until smooth. Whisk flour mixture into slow cooker.

Add sausage, vegis and spices to slow cooker. Stir well. Cover and cook on low 4-5 hours or until juices are thickened.

Prepare rice to package directions.

Notes: The flour/oil thing never looks "right" when I do it, but the gumbo always turns out. I also add more sausage, carrots and celery to make it go furthur, and it's fine.
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I've been waiting and waiting for the perfect side table for our very small dining room so I have somewhere to put our laptop. And, I found it! Pier 1! Jason bought it for me for my birthday (March 7). I'll be putting it together tonight after the kiddos are in bed and Jason's at a church meeting. BTW, have you seen the commercial for some cable company where the husband goes away and leaves his wife at home? She's on the internet, on the phone, eating ice cream in the tub...and when he calls she acts like she misses him...it's the most perfect commercial ever made. I miss Jason when he's gone, but I love it, too.

Isaac is still not eating as much as he has in the past. Still growing, though. I think he might be getting a little sick, too. With Hannah and Jason sick over the last few weeks, it's not surprising. Hopefully, it's short lived.

Found some things for UJE at Target today. Some clearance items and some $1 items. I love it. It's more fun for me to shop for other people than for myself.

Allright, well, I need to go find some families to send gift packages to. Have a great night! Love to all.

PS...I was going to add a few pics but it's not working. Grrr.

Our Sweet Clinton

A blog reader in Ohio just shared an article in the paper today about Clinton. I had to share it with all of you. Blessings.

Plain Dealer Article

Until Journey's End

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Happy Valentine's Day!

Jason and I had plans to go out tomorrow night to celebrate, but with trips to Florida and Ohio coming up, we cancelled our dinner plans and I bought some steaks, instead. No Gram, not baked potatoes and corn on the cob this time...although that is my favorite, right?! Asparagus and Red Potato Casserole, instead. I bought a bottle of cheap wine, too, like $5.00, I think. And it's our favorite.

Hannah is officially signed up for preschool this fall (at least they cashed our check). They even have a class hamster the kids bring home for the weekend. How adorable is that?! It's a play-based preschool that I think will be perfect for our little girl. They also go on field trips to area stores and parks. I love that they take the kids out into the community.

Isaac has had some feeding issues as of late but continues to thrive. As of this week he's 10 pounds 10 ounces. He's always smiling and loves to talk with me back and forth. He's also started reaching for toys held in front of him and tries to put them in his mouth. He's also been sleeping 11 hours a night for a couple weeks. He gets his last bottle and goes to bed around 7:30pm and wakes in the morning around 6am. Heavenly.

Off to hang with my hubby!