Puddle Jumping!

Price might be the only 4 year old boy who gets elated when it rains! He watches from the windows in the sunroom. The more it rains, the more excited he gets. He will run into the kitchen giving me reports on what he observes..."Mom, it is REALLY raining out there! Is that great or what?" Of course it is not the rain itself that brings him so much joy, it is the puddles that the rain leaves behind!

When the rain stops, we get geared up for a "puddle jumping" outing. With rain boots, jackets and an umbrella (just in case it starts to rain again), we head out for an adventure! Today's shower left us with some awesome water to romp in. Price and I had a great time and he got very wet! Here are some pics.

TASTY TUESDAY

TATER TOT TACO SALAD
1 bag tater tots (the flat round ones)
1 lb ground beef
1 pkg taco seasoning
shredded cheese
shredded lettuce (shred by hand or buy it already shredded)
taco sauce (salsa)
1 small can sliced olives
fresh tomatoes, diced (I like using grape or cherry tomatoes and cutting them in halve)
sour cream
guacamole

Preheat oven and cook tater tots according to directions on the package. Meanwhile, brown and drain hamburger meat. Add taco seasoning (follow directions on pkg). When tater tots are done, divide them onto the plates. Top with shredded lettuce, cheese, meat mixture, and other goodies. You can also add green onion, jalapenos or whatever makes you happy!

This is a fresh take on a taco salad. So easy and kid friendly...what child doesn't like tater tots? Add all your toppings and enjoy a hearty "salad" that will fill up your man too! Enjoy and if you have any questions or feedback, email me at whitney4ou@gmail.com

Upside down apple pie

Last night I was feeling quite domestic, so I put in an apple pie to bake just after dinner. The house was filling up with the perfect aroma of warm apple pie. I cleaned up the dishes from dinner, folded some laundry and put Price in the tub. When the timer went off on the oven, I proudly walked over with mitts on my hands, opened the oven door and reached for the pie. The pie was on a baking sheet (without edges) and as I pulled the tray out of the oven, the pie slid backwards; and I swear it happened in slow motion... the pie hit the back of the oven then tipped over and dumped into the bottom of the oven!!! I stood there in shock watching the insides of my apple pie bubble and sizzle on the bottom of the oven! The racks were dripping with apple goo. Jon took the racks outside and hosed them down. I could tell the whole time he was trying not to burst into laughter. It was quite funny! I mean, what else can you do, right? I salvaged the pie pan that had just enough pie left in it for Jon and I to enjoy a few bites; with whip cream even!
I let the oven cool, then scooped up the spilled pie with a spatula and cleaned the inside of the oven with hot water and dish soap! What a mess! LOL!

28th Birthday

So yesterday was my 28th birthday! My dear husband woke me up with birthday wishes and a sweet song "On the day that you were born, the angels got together and decided to create a dream come true...." We went to breakfast and came back home to plant flowers and work in the yard. It was a beautiful afternoon. Price spent some time with grandparents while Jon and I went to dinner. We fell asleep on the couch while watching a movie (Ha! We are such a lively pair!) I don't expect pomp and circumstance for my birthday, just a simple day in the sunshine with the family works great for me!!!
Price was so cute about giving me "presents." He would kiss my cheek and say "Happy Birthday Mama, you are a real princess!!" (he did this 3 or 4 times) He gave me some of his race cars and dinosaurs as birthday gifts. I got lots of hugs too!
I can't believe the years go by so fast! I have never been someone who dreads turning another year older. The truth is, I feel more comfortable in my skin every year! I am so very blessed to have the people I have in my life. I guess that is what a birthday is all about...hearing from all the people who are thankful for the day I was born! Thank you to all who mailed, emailed, texted, facebooked and phoned in birthday wishes! I had a great day!

Summer is coming!

On Tuesday, Jon came home and was working in the backyard. He mowed the lawn and I was working the flowerbeds. Because the weather was gorgeous, we decided to go ahead and uncover the pool! I love our pool cover, though expensive to have put on every fall, it is worth it when the pool cover comes off and it looks just like it did the day we covered it!

I think I have a crush on our pool! My heart went pitter patter when the cover was pulled back! Turquoise water, the sound of the pump running and the smell of chlorine....ahhhh! Now my mornings will consist of making several trips around the pool with the net, cleaning out the bugs, pine needles and grass; sweeping the liner, turning on the pump, checking the skimmer, cleaning the filter....then sitting on the steps with my feet in the water, drinking a cup of coffee (all before Price wakes up)! Oh my goodness! I love it!

This weekend, we are planning to spray paint some of our deck furniture, get some new umbrellas for the tables, pot some flowers around the pool and maybe add some lighting for that nighttime glow around the water! Summertime is coming!

Master Bedroom Redo

We removed the wallpaper and border, primed and painted the trim, painted the walls, took down the ceiling fan and replaced it with a chandelier. We turned the bed to go under the other window (less open floor space, but we can fit enough furniture in so Jon and I can both have all our clothes in one room). Yay! I am glad this project is over! I am pleased. On to the next one!

Four years ago today....

Four years ago today, I was nine months pregnant. My due date was April 20, 2005; I woke early April 15 with cramps in my lower abdomen. Waiting to see what would happen; I watched the clock and felt the same thing about 45 minutes later. I got up, took a shower, put on make up and had breakfast. I notified Jon of the way I felt and told him I would call him at work if things progressed.

At 9:30 a.m., he got the call….”Babe, I am pretty sure this is it!” He said “I’ll be right there.” He was home within 20 minutes. We waited about another hour before we headed to the hospital. We called family on the way there. My parents and Jon’s parents met us at the hospital. I was dilated to a 2 and the nurse confirmed that I was indeed in labor. After another hour, I had not dilated any more, so they gave me an Ambien and told me to go home and rest!! Rest? What? I left the hospital feeling nervous about going home, knowing I was in labor. I tossed the Ambien in the flowerbed as I walked out of the hospital. It was about 12:30 p.m.

Our parents met us at our house in Edmond. I laid on my bed for awhile, breathing through every contraction. My mom was there, holding my hand. When the contractions got worse, I walked around in the backyard. I would stop and lean over on my mom while she tickled my arms and helped me focus on breathing properly. My mother-in-law rubbed my back. Jon was nervous and very attentive. Around 4:00 p.m., we decided it was time to go back to Mercy hospital.

I was dilated to a 5. I got my epidural about 30 minutes after arrival. The nurse who sent me home apologized for do so. We talked with friends and family. I kept my eye on the little warming unit that would soon hold our baby boy. Around 9:00 p.m., Jon and I turned out the lights and took a nap! The nurse came in and woke us up around 10:45. I was a 10! The room bustled with blue paper sheets flying through the air uncovering all the delivery equipment. Bright lights were shining on me and they were disassembling my bed like a transformer!

When the doctor arrived she was so cute and cheerful! “Are you ready?” she asked. After three pushes, Price was here!!! I had Jon and my mom at my side. My sis in law, Julie ran the camera (only G rated footage)! Price was born at 11:15 p.m. weighing 7 lbs 14oz. 20 in. long! Price Riley had a head full of dark hair, eyes wide open and my little birdie was ready to eat! It was clear from the beginning that he looked just like Jon, dimples and all!

I will never forget seeing his sweet face for the first time. My life and my heart has never been the same. He is by far the best thing I have ever done. Our precious boy is funny, creative, cuddly, entertaining, sincere, outgoing, athletic, energetic and is full of spunk! The last four years have been the best of my life. Happy Birthday to our wonderful boy! Price, you are priceless!

I could not stop looking at him!

Jon was SO PROUD!

We could not wait to take him home! We spent the next hundreds of hours studying the miracle of our baby boy!Jon asked my mom to come stay with us! She was there for 2 weeks! It was awesome!!! I balled like a baby when she left!

TASTY TUESDAY

BBQ HAMBURGERS
1 lb ground beef
1/4 cup chopped onions
3 tsp ketchup
1tsp salt
1 egg
1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs (I use italian seasoned bread crumbs)
18 oz bottle of favorite BBQ sauce

Combine everything but BBQ sauce. Mix well. Form into 4 patties. Brown both sides lightly in a skillet. Place patties in crock pot. Pour BBQ sauce over patties. You don't have to use all the BBQ sauce, you may want to reserve some for dipping with bread. Cover and bake on low for about 6 hours. So tasty with baked beans, baked potatoes and sweet tea! Enjoy!

Birthday Invitation!

Price is turning 4 years old on the 15th of this month! I can't believe it! He is getting so big! I passed out his birthday party invitations yesterday at school. Here is what they said....

Price, like so many girls and boys,

has oodles of books and tons of toys.

At our request, we ask you bring

not a gift for Price, but another thing.

Bring an item from the list attached;

any size, any brand.

Lets give to those

who need a helping hand!

If you love animals,

be a good helper!

Our items will benefit the

Chickasha Animal Shelter.

(attached was a list of items needed by the local animal shelter)

Some items include: Dawn dish soap, bleach, towels, toys, treats, cotton balls, Q-tips, blankets, cat and dog shampoo, rawhide bones, paper towels, metal bowls, unscented baby wipes, latex gloves, glass cleaner, dishwashing detergent and Pine Sol...

The shelter gets most of their kibble food donated from Wal-Mart and Atwoods when the bags are punctured or torn, so they actually have enough food.

If you too love animals and would like to help donate, bring your items by our house or to the party! We would love to show up with a trunk load of goodies for the precious animals waiting for a home.

Sunshine in a cup!

So yesterday was so much fun! Well, simple fun, but isn't that the best kind? I did housework while Price was at school. I opened the windows to the sunroom and let the cool breezes come in! At noon, I picked up Price and we went to Mazzio's for pizza. We do this every Wednesday with Jon's parents, Jon, me and Price.
After lunch, we met my cousin Evva and her sweet baby girl Alli at the park. Price played HARD; climbing trees, swinging, sliding, running, chasing and playing games with other kids. We loved seeing Alli and were glad to share her first experience being at the park (she is only 2 months old, so not eventful for her, but fun none the less).
When we left the park, Price and I got a snow cone!!!!!!!! We love snow cones! Price wanted a "yellow" one, so I had to name a flavor and ask if it was yellow. I am not a fan of banana, so we got pina colada! YUM! All the way home, we talked about how much we like snow cones and all the reasons why! We decided snow cones make us happy because it is the taste of summer. They are cold and refreshing with happy cheerful colors! SNOW CONES ARE SUNSHINE IN A CUP! We spent another hour or so playing in the yard, drinking up sunshine!

We love Harley!

I have mentioned Harley in previous posts, but since he is a member of our family, I want you to know more about him. Harley is a little 5lb Yorkie who is almost 7 years old. Jon bought him for me about 3 months after we were married. From the start, Harley has been more than a pet. He sleeps with Jon and I and always has. He paws at the top of the covers until one of us lifts up the blanket. Like a little mole, he makes his way to the bottom, then turns around and comes back to the top of the bed. Then just like a human, he lays with his body under the covers and his little head sticking out the top.

While I was pregnant with Price and Maggie, Harley would rest his head on my tummy. When the babies would kick, he would lift his head and cock it to the side keeping his eyes on my tummy. It is was cute!

We were worried that Harley would be jealous when Price was born. We brought home blankets and clothes that Price wore in the hospital, hoping Harley would feel like he had a good "heads up" that baby was about to come home. Turns out Harley was very accepting and even protective of Price. When Price would cry, Harley would make his way to my lap and check out the situation, making sure Price was okay. He sat outside of Price's bedroom when he napped and would come running to me at the first sign of Price waking up. Often I would see him resting under the crib when we would be playing on the floor in the nursery. He was just overseeing things.

Harley is a lap dog. Every time Jon, Price or I sit down, he is there, not intrusive or demanding, just there to cuddle. He wants to sit by us, with us, on us. He is so loving. If something like a laptop or other item is blocking his way, he does "the silent bark." He moves his mouth like he is barking. It sounds like a barking whisper, but he hardly makes a sound. It is quite funny!

Harley is very playful too! He likes tennis balls the best. He is not the least bit reserved at using his bark to get our attention for this! He barks and barks and barks; a shrill and squeaky bark! At times it can be down right nerve racking! I love that he still wants to play though, so I try to keep at it as long as he wants to chase the ball. Harley also has a "girlfriend." Even though he has been snipped, he still has the urge. It is a running joke with Jon and I. If we tell Harley "go get your girlfriend," he comes trotting back with the lavender stuffed hippo that gives him the "love" he needs. Harley also likes to chase squirrels. Just saying the word "squirrel" will send him to the back door jumping up and down waiting for someone to let him outside.

He is very protective. If the doorbell rings and Jon is not home (if its just me and the kids), Harley is relentless! This little dog sounds like he is about to take someones head off! He will not let up! If Jon is home, he may bark a little bit, but will quiet down and mellow out very quickly. I don't yell or get mad at him because I know he is trying to protect us and he takes his job quite seriously! We take Harley for walks with us. Price will ride his bike and Harley tries to keep up with him. If Price stops, Harley prances toward him and sort of checks him out to make sure all is well. When I cry, Harley sits directly in front of me (on my lap, if he has access), ears pulled back in humility with concerned little black teddy bear eyes. If I make eye contact with him, he slowly moves toward me to give kisses.

We love our Harley! He goes with us everywhere we are allowed to take him. He rides on the console between the two front seats and watches the road. He comes with me to pick Price up from school. Price usually gets a face full of kisses when he gets in the car! He goes with us to Lake Tenkiller and rides like a champ on the boat! Harley always knows when we are about to leave because he follows us right at our heels around the house. If we are going somewhere that he can't go with us, we say "We'll be back Harley" and he turns around and walks slowly to the couch and lays on the back cushion, just under the window and watches us leave. If he can go with us, we say, "Let's go" and he bolts out the door, to the car, hops in and sits on the console! He is such a good boy!

I know this is a lengthy post, but Harley is worthy! I could give so many more examples of how Harley has comforted, protected, humored and loved us. I know that Jon, Price, Maggie Beth and I can all say that at some point or another Harley has been "man's best friend" to each of us! He is a member of this family and our lives have been blessed by having him as a part of them! I hope we get to enjoy his company for at least another 7 years!

TASTY TUESDAY

HOMEMADE CHICKEN POT PIE
2 cans all white chicken, drained and shredded
2 cans veg-all, drained
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup French's dried onions, crushed (add a little more if you like)
1 can cream of potato soup
1 tub crescent rolls (8oz)

Mix first 6 ingredients in 9x13 dish and cook 20 minutes at 350. Remove dish from oven. Separate rolls into rectangles and place on top in a single layer. Return dish to cook another 15 minutes or until crescent rolls are browned! Yummy with fresh green salad on the side.

My dad is a big fan of this meal and Price eats it up like crazy! Thank you to my BFF Molly for sharing this delicious recipe with me! My family always loves it!

The Stand Off: A Lesson in Telling the Truth

Yesterday morning, while I was getting ready in my bathroom, Price comes around the corner and says with wide eyes "Mom, I have to show you something." He said it in a way that made me wonder what was up. I followed him to the kitchen. "Look what happened" he said, seeming surprised by what he saw.... there was sugar...everywhere! All over the counter and on the floor. The lid was off of the sugar jar and the stool pushed against the cabinets. It doesn't take much detective work to know what had happened!
Trying not to go into "fix it" mode, I asked, acting bewildered, "Oh my goodness, what happened?" Price raised his eyebrows and his shoulders and said "um, well, I think... Jackson did it." I was particularly surprised by this because we don't even now anyone named Jackson. I told Price to sit in the naughty chair and try to remember what happened; that I would be back in a few minutes and I wanted to hear the truth. After about 3 minutes, I returned and kneeled down in front of Price. "What happened with the sugar jar?" I asked. Price paused and said "um, see... well... Harley climbed up on the cabinet and he was barking. The breath from Harley's bark made the sugar fly out everywhere." I was trying so hard NOT to burst out in laughter! Yet, at the same time, I was so sad that again, he was lying.

I asked "Price, what does telling the truth mean?" He replied "saying what is right." "what is lying?" I asked, and he said "saying something that is not right." "You are correct, Price. God made mommy really smart and I know that you are lying. You get to sit here a little longer. When I come back, I want to hear the TRUTH." He cried...loudly for the next 4 minutes, mostly because he was mad to have to sit in the naughty chair for another round.

I returned and said "Are you ready?" He nodded his head. "what is the truth, bud?" In a burst of REAL tears, he said "I did it! I blew in the sugar jar and it went everywhere!" I hugged him and said "thank you for saying what is right." He pulled back and locked his eyes with mine (tears puddled in his huge brown eyes), and he said "I am still lying." "Okay. Do you have something else to tell me?" Sobbing he said "I put my hands in it too!" I tried not to chuckle.

I have to admit, when Price first lied and said that "Jackson" did it, I wanted to simply tell Price to stay out of the sugar jar, just go ahead and clean it up and head on to school. I could have. I wanted to. I knew addressing the issue and taking time to discipline would be an ordeal, and it was. We were 30 minutes late to school. But, I figure if I can get Price to understand the importance of telling the truth over what happened with the sugar jar at 4 years old, when the consequence is only having to sit in the naughty chair, it would be a lot better than when he is 11, 16, or 22 and the consequence of lying cost him much more. God instructs us as parents to train our children in the way we want them to go. My prayer is that God give me the discernment to see opportunities to teach deeper values and principles. I want him to know God's standard.

Will Price ever lie again? It is likely. He is human, afterall, complete with a sinful nature. I can at least rest assured that the line has been drawn, and he will know when that boundary has been crossed. A standard has been set to fight our human nature to deceive and instead"say what is right."