Oh. No. She. Didn't.

Mrs. Nurse Boy here.

So, yesterday, she said it. Right there in the comments of my last post. She said IT. I tried to ignore it, but I couldn't. I tried to pretend I didn't read it, but I had.

Right there in black and white.

What did she say? Who said what, you ask?

If only it were that simple.

Most of my adult life people have said, "Don't I know you?" "Really, I DO know you from somewhere." "There is something so familiar about you." "Are you sure we haven't met before?" "Oh, we HAVE met before. I recognize you." "Not sure where we have met, but I know we have." "You look so familiar, maybe I know your mother?"

But, I don't know any of them. Not a one. Nope. Not even when they argue with me, do I remember ever having met them. Not a single one of them. I have moved around so much throughout my life, it is almost impossible for me to even run into someone I once knew from high school, much less middle school. You see, I don't know them and they don't know me. Really, they don't. But, they feel like they do.

It is because I apparently look like someone famous. Well, mildly famous. Famous in the world of Christian music. I think she is my mother's age and, frankly, she looks more like my mother than my very own real life mother. Go ahead, go SEE for yourself!

I know, I know. I look like Sandi Patty. Trust me, I DON'T sound like her. Not one little bit, thus confirming that I am not of her flesh and blood. But, it took me several years to figure this one out. One of my friends finally told me how much I looked like a younger Sandi Patty and that she noticed it the very first time we met. Then I started to wonder about the simple fact that I must look so ordinary that everyone and their mother seems to think they know me. Maybe it wasn't because I looked so ordinary, after all. I looked like someone famous. After that, when someone started the creepy dialogue of how they really do know me and they must figure out how our paths crossed in a "previous lifetime," I bust out with the whole Sandi Patty theory. I usually hit the nail on the head.

Sandi Patty is OK. Surprisingly, I am not familiar with her music. I wasn't raised in a Christian home and we never listened to Christian music. She looks alright. Yep, I got her nose. Nothing to brag about there. Yep, we both dye our hair some form of blonde/light brown. Boring. Yep, we both seem to share the same figure flaws. Ya know, not fitting into a size 2 now or ever. Not in her lifetime, not in mine. (And, I am being kind to the both of us on that one.) She is alright. (I am sure she is an awesome Christian woman who desires to glorify God in all that she does. THAT I wouldn't mind be mistaken for...EVER.)

But, honestly? Ya all want to mistake me for looking like SANDI PATTY?!?! Not someone hot, young, and sexy? Not, Jennifer Aniston or Angelina Jolie? I'll even take Christie Brinkley, Cindy Crawford, or ANY model on the cover of any parenting magazine? Yeah, I know I am lying to myself. But, this is not something I brag about. Nope, we just keep it under wraps. Now that I have shared this with all of you, we must never speak of this again.

Got it, Lisa?

Never again. ;0)

Monday's Random Musings

Today is a special Father's Day Edition.

I am married to the best father. I couldn't have chosen a more perfect father for my children. Nurse Boy is loving, kind, thoughtful, patient, and fun when it comes to our kids. When he is around, our family is complete. He is the fun, spontaneous one of the two of us. Most evenings you can find him squeezing in some time for wrestle mania with Dimples and Bruiser before he hits the books. Sweet Pea is usually on the sidelines cheering them on. Some nights she refuses to be left out, only to find herself in the middle of mayhem and foolishness.

Sure, it always ends with someone crying. Or something getting broken. Or me yelling. (But, I NEVER yell, so I am pretty certain it seldom ends that way. Stop laughing, Nurse Boy!) But, the kids LOVE spending time with their Dad. I am positive that they will remember the wrestling and not the broken lamp. (We won't talk about what I will remember.)

I am so proud of the father Nurse Boy has become. I pray that one day Dimples and Bruiser will look to their father when it is time for them join in the game of parenting. I also hope that Sweet Pea will look for a husband with similar qualities that I found in Nurse Boy.

Happy Father's Day, Nurse Boy!

Some random reasons why Nurse Boy is loved so much around here:

Dimples says:

He cares for me. Some kids don't have dads who care for them, but I do.

Every time he sees me, he always has a smile on his face.

He takes me fun places that I like to go.

He spends lots of time with me.

He is really fun. He even has fun with my friends when they come over.

Bruiser says:

He does fun stuff with me.

He takes me to the pool.

He lets me watch him work on stuff and lets me help him.

He is the best dad in the whole world.

Sweet Pea says:

He dances with me.

He hugs and kisses me all the time.

He is really lousy when armed with a comb and a ponytail holder.
(So, maybe she had a little help with this...)

Happy Father's Day to Papa and Grandpa as well! My children are blessed with caring and loving grandparents on both sides. Thanks for all of your love and support!

I hope everyone had a Happy Father's Day and had a father or role model to spend it with.

Friday Fare!

Mrs. Nurse Boy here.

So, my last post inspired me to take another trip down memory lane. But, you came here for dinner ideas? I'll get to that! Trust me.

It was the summer between 3rd and 4th grade. I was going to change schools. I wasn't happy about it. I thought it was going to be a boring summer. We weren't even going on vacation. I was driving my mother crazy. My father was very busy with work. Poor me.

Wow! THAT sounds just like my Dimples.

He will be going to a different school next year. Not at all his idea. (I will most likely blog about that later. You will most likely be bored.) He already thinks his summer has been boring. We aren't going on a traditional vacation. He is driving me a little crazy. His father is very busy with work and school. Poor him.

Not really. But, I'll humor him from time to time.

My mother's solution was to sign me up for a "Kids In Our Kitchen" class at our local community hospital. I didn't know another soul. It was an entire week, 2 hours each morning, where we were taught everything we needed to know to make some of the basics SAFELY in the kitchen.

Truth be told, I had a little chip on my shoulder and did not think this class would spice up my summer. My mother didn't care. I thought she was crazy. I now think just like her. Go figure!

Anyway, I learned how to cook that summer and my mother found a little more freedom. Sometimes she would ask for my help in the kitchen and I was actually helpful. Other times she would ask if I wanted to cook dinner. Of course she helped a little, but I really could cook.

A few years later she would find herself working some evening hours and I think she was a little relieved that I had some skills in the kitchen. My father is a HORRIBLE cook. Always has been and I think he is determined to remain. The man can clean and do laundry, though, so we cut him some slack. But, what he does to chicken breasts should be a crime. So, I was able to help out and most of our dinners were eatable.

Still today, some of my favorite recipes require me to dig out my "Kids in Our Kitchen" cookbook. Today I will share one of my family's favorites. This recipe is so easy, Nurse Boy has even been known to whip up a couple of batches all by himself.

And, that IS saying a lot.

(We are still holding out hope for my father.)

Oven Pancakes

Ingredients:

3 Tablespoon butter or margarine

3 eggs

1/2 cup flour (I normally like to use wheat flour, but the white flour really is the tastiest in this recipe. But, you CAN use wheat. It will just have a different texture.)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup milk

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Beat the eggs well.

2. Next, add flour and salt. Beat until smooth.

3. Melt the butter in the microwave and pour it into the egg mixture. Add the milk and beat until smooth.

4. Pour mixture into a large, well greased oven-proof frying pan or dish. (I use a deep pie plate.)

5. Bake for 15 minutes at 450 degrees, then turn the temperature of the oven down to 350 degrees and bake for 10 more minutes.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar! (You can also top with honey, jam, or syrup.) Cut into wedges and enjoy. So good for ANY meal!

Maybe I should sign Dimples up for some classes? I really COULD use a break around here...

Because Everyone Should Own a Baby With a Signature On It's Rump

Mrs. Nurse Boy here.

Today I am "chiming in" with my friend Lisa over at BoondockRamblings.com.

The topic? A toy from childhood.

Let me begin by saying that I am a child of the 80's. Or, should I say the 90's? I remember the 90's the most. Actually, I don't know which decade best describes me. I graduated from high school in 1992, so I think that makes me a late 80's, early 90's kind of gal.

I actually did a little googling to see which decade describes my childhood. I discovered it was in the 80's that they decided seat belts were good and smoking was bad. Like, duh! The 80's were also known for shoulder pads and big hair. Now we're talking! I was queen of the BIG bangs. Can you say, "Aqua Net?" Oh, yeah. Good times. And, good thing I knew smoking was bad, because I could have caught my hair on fire in, like, 2 seconds flat!

But, I did tease my hair and made sure my shoulder pads were properly placed on my way to watch 90210 with a group of friends every Thursday night.

THAT was so 90's.

And, let's not forget about watching Seinfeld and Friends in my college apartment. Nurse Boy and I were so Ross and Rachel. Until he cheated, that is. (Ross, not Nurse Boy.) But, Nurse Boy wasn't as nerdy as Ross and I wasn't as pretty as Rachel. And, we were college students living in Bloomington, IN. Come to think of it, never mind.

My point...and, believe it or not, I do have one...I think I am a child of both the 80's and the 90's, but was born in the 70's.

I was entering my preteen years when our nation entered the Cabbage Patch Kid craze. It was a time when the stores couldn't keep them in stock. It was a time when women and children were willing to trample anyone or anything that might prevent them from purchasing one of those treasured dolls with a signature on it's plush rump.

Of course, I wanted one. Had to have one, in fact. I had a doll collection and it seemed only natural to add a Cabbage Patch Doll to the mix of plastic faces on display in my room.

I got my doll in 1984. My parents payed $28.88. That was a lot of money for a doll in 1984. Frankly, I think you can buy them for a lot less today.

I know, I know. It's not the same.

Plus, you don't have to trample anyone to buy one. Bummer.

My doll came with the name, Genevieve Kacie. She stayed in her box until last weekend. Yes, you read that right. Remember, she was a part of my doll collection. I decided to keep her in excellent condition in hopes that she would increase in value over time. Maybe she would pay for my first car.

Hey, I was young. Don't laugh. It was my first "investment."

Last Saturday I took Baby "Gen" out of her yellowed box and handed her to Sweet Pea. Sweet Pea's entire face lit up and the two of them have been inseparable ever since.

I think Baby Gen is thrilled to be out of her box. It turns out she WAS worth more than I thought.

After all, 25 years later, she put a smile on my daughter's face.

My Little Loser

Mrs. Nurse Boy here.

We have some exciting news! VERY exciting news! At least Bruiser thinks so.

The other day we were eating lunch. For some bizarre reason, I started snapping photos of the kids. Here you can see that Bruiser was getting ready to take yet another bite of this juicy peach. (You'll also notice, by his messy face, that he was indeed "enjoying" his peach. You gotta love a boy that "enjoys" his food. And, I would, but I have to do his laundry.)

Next thing we know, THIS happened! He finally lost his first tooth. He couldn't contain his excitement! He was BEAMING!

Even though there was some blood. (He is usually terrified at the sight of blood. He will NOT be our next Nurse Boy.)

STILL BEAMING!

That is simply the cutest smile EVER!!!!

Monday's Random Musings

Mrs. Nurse Boy here.

Is it Monday, already? Really? But, I never had a chance to get some extra sleep, or deep clean the house, or meal plan for the week. I guess I know what I'll be doing today...except for the extra sleep part...I am thinking I can catch up on that in 2020. Here's hoping!

On to my random thoughts of the week...

* Paper plates are my new best friends. I am not a fan of using paper plates on a daily basis, (or even a regular basis) but I found a huge package on clearance and I AM IN LOVE. Now to get the kids to pick them up at the end of a meal and throw them away before they run off to the sandbox for the 33rd time that day. Seriously, it is a 3 foot walk. How hard can that be?

* Don't answer that.

* Now I need to invest in disposable clothes and work myself out of a job around here.

* We survived our garage sale. Barely. Why does it always wipe me out? But, we made a pretty decent amount considering we sold our JUNK. Our basement looks so much better. Now, nothing new can be brought in. Ha! (You and I both know I will be the one to break that rule.)

* Sweet Pea did part with some of her old toys. The toys that she hasn't played with for months. Until she saw a price tag on them last week. She gave a few little girls the "evil eye" as they skipped down our driveway with their new found treasures. Hey, I didn't say she did it joyfully.

* Dimples got a new bike from Bubby and Papa this weekend. Is it stupid that I want to cry? When did my baby turn into a 9 year old? His bike is almost as big as mine. I am pretty certain that he will be taller than me by next year. He is growing up and I am not ready.

* The other day Sweet Pea said something funny at dinner. It was so funny that Nurse Boy and I were crying through our laughter. Bruiser, not missing a beat, shouts, "Mom, you should put that on your blog!"

* Hi, my name is Mrs. Nurse Boy and I am addicted to blogging.

* Bruiser has also asked me if he can have my blog when I die. That is about 8 kinds of wrong.

* On a more mature note...is that possible around here? We became members of our new church this weekend. I cannot describe how good that felt. I am excited for our future there...whatever it will be. It feels good to be plugged back in and to know that we are where we are supposed to be. It has been a big step for our entire family. A painful, difficult, exciting, positive, eye opening step. It is a relief that the decision is made and we are adjusting. Actually, it is refreshing.

Happy Monday!!!

Friday Fare!

Mrs. Nurse Boy here.

It is Friday and we have had a long week. Sweet Pea started the week off with a GI bug that wore the both of us out and then we ended the week with yet another garage sale.

I just love it when I can make money on my JUNK! It simply makes my day. Plus, I love to purge. I hate to fill the basement, garage, and closets with things we "might" need in the future. Nope. Not going to do it.

I remember a sermon from a long time ago when we discussed that one might own too much stuff if you can't maintain everything you own. Honestly, I think that is a tall order since my van seems to always resemble a dumpster on wheels, but it is time to get rid of the stuff that has remained dusty all year.

On to dinner for tonight. I need something easy and simple. Today I am using BEEF. After all, it's what's for dinner! I kind of stole this from Rachel Ray, but I simplified it. She rambled on about homemade dough, some sort of egg wash, and certified organic ingredients.

Whatever.

She doesn't have three kids who are certain they are STARVING once she starts to cook dinner.

What does she know?

Cheeseburger Roll Up
Ingredients for one Roll Up:
About 1 lb of lean ground beef
Ketchup
Mustard
Relish
Grated Cheese
Pizza Dough in a tube--how is that for easy, Rachel Ray?

First, brown your ground beef. While it is cooking, add whatever you would normally add to flavor your burgers. For me, that is dried parsley, dried onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Once it is browned, remove from heat and drain any fat that might be left in the pan.


Next, add ketchup, mustard, and relish to taste. Mix well. Go ahead! Taste it!

Now, roll out your dough and cover it with about a pound of the prepared beef, leaving about an inch all around. I know, you can tell I am no Rachel Ray by looking at the picture. Can you say, "IN A HURRY?"

Add cheese. YUMMO! Tuck the top and bottom. Now, roll from left to right until it looks like this:

This is where she rambled on about some egg wash. I just put two slits in the top and made sure the seam was on the bottom.

Bake according to the instructions on the tube you just threw in the trash.

That's right.

Go dig it out of the trash can.


Here is the finished product. We had it with roasted veggies. It really tastes like a cheeseburger. You can even make extra and freeze a roll up or two!

Now I am hungry. Hope you all have an awesome weekend!