Friday Fare!

Mrs. Nurse Boy here.

It is finally Friday and I THINK we have rid our home of a very weird stomach bug. Sweet Pea's stomach bug seemed to only hit her at 3 AM. She would be fine all day long, only to wake up screaming at 3 AM every night to announce that the stomach bug has struck again.

My hands are raw from cleaning everything that doesn't move and my washing machine has been working overtime.

But, last night was a silent one. Silence really is bliss!

So, I have a recipe to share with you. It isn't a dinner recipe, but a special treat. After the week I have had, I deserve a special treat! Plus, I have had several requests for this recipe lately, so I thought I would share it with all of you as well.

The Best Peanut Butter Cookies EVER!

This recipe only requires FOUR ingredients!!!

1 cup Crunchy Peanut Butter (I prefer to use Natural)

1 cup sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

(Yes, that really is all. No flour is needed!)

Mix the ingredients together. Roll into balls and gently smash each ball with a fork to flatten. Bake at 325 degrees for 15-20 minutes. (I like mine a little moist, so I only cook them for 15 minutes.)

These cookies have fabulous flavor! I will NEVER make any other peanut butter cookie since I have found this easy and tasty recipe!

Have a fabulous and stomach-bug-free weekend!!

Things That Make Me Smile

Mrs. Nurse Boy here.

So, it is no secret that we have some cute kiddos. At least, I think so. I may or may not be a little partial. (OK. I am VERY partial, but facts are facts people.) What you may or may not know is that we have some sweet kiddos. No, not all the time, but most of the time.

The other day I caught some sweetness on camera that put a huge smile on my face.


OK, I laughed out loud.

My ultra "cool" 4th grader was having a tea party with his sister. Complete with ice cold water, imaginary rainbow cake, and all things pink. And, let's not forget the baby dolls and ponies that happily joined them. I just love how this kid can ever-so-carefully choose his outfit, meticulously comb his hair, and search around for his cheap cologne each and every morning, yet come home and happily let his little sister boss him around at the tea table.

She is crazy about her big brother and so am I.


Now, that makes me smile!

Bring On the Lysol

Mrs. Nurse Boy here.

Last night was one of those precious nights that every mother delights in. After dinner, we all put on our PJ's, grabbed some blankets, and spent some time together in the living room. Bruiser and Sweet Pea both climbed into my lap and huddled under my blanket. Sweet Pea was sitting peacefully in my lap, Bruiser was reading a book to me and amazing me with his ever-improving reading skills, and Dimples was on the couch with his football cards spread out for miles. It was one of those moments when you take a mental picture.

Pretty soon they will all be too big to be in my lap or, worse, they won't want to be in my lap. Pretty soon football cards will be juvenile. Pretty soon Bruiser will be reading chapter books all by himself. While I often joke that one day I would like to go to the bathroom all by myself, I do realize that I just might be lonely when the opportunity arises. Last night was peaceful and relaxing. It warmed my heart.

That is, until Sweet Pea ran into our bedroom at 3 AM screaming at the top of her lungs.

After my heart palpitations returned to normal, Nurse Boy and I tried to understand what she was saying. Just when I thought she had had a bad dream, she threw up into her hands.

Yeah, I am NOT going to miss those wake up calls. Not one bit.

Things That Make Me Smile

Mrs. Nurse Boy here.


I noticed that Bruiser was feeling down in the dumps lately. Not sure why, but he wasn't himself. So, something had to be done to cheer him up. Honestly, I felt like he and I needed a night away. A night to just enjoy one another. A night to connect and just have fun.


Right before dinner, I whispered to Bruiser to grab his coat. His whole face lit up as he ran to put on his coat. He was quick to ask if anyone else was coming with us. They weren't. We left the house, leaving behind Sweet Pea, Dimples, and Nurse Boy to fiend for themselves for the night.


Once we were in the car, I announced that we were headed to a new restaurant. We went to a restaurant that has a train deliver your meal. You couldn't wipe the smile off of Bruiser's face!

This was how we spent the rest of the evening. It felt great to just focus on him.

Here he is "accepting" our train delivery.


Nothing like some wholesome food to cheer you up. Ha!

He really is a great kid!

Of course, we had to end the evening with sundaes! He practically took a bath in his! :0)



A little ketchup, sugar, and some alone time with mom makes everything better!

Our evening together made us both smile... for a long time!

Response to Monday's Post

Dear Mrs. Nurseboy,
First I want to say thank you for the post yesterday. As you know my love language is words of affirmation and that post made me feel very loved. I did not cry because because I am dead inside, but I did manage to wipe away a few imaginary tears like Jake from the Bachelor. I want everyone who reads this to know that everything that Mrs. Nurse Boy said is true. Every last nice thing. Before you get mad at your spouse because he is not perfect like me, you should know that she caught me being good like 10 times over the last 13 years and included every one of those times in that post.

Mrs. NB, Thank you for noticing those times though and remembering them. I of course have a lot of flaws. Fortunately you make up for most of them. I am so blessed to have a wife who wants to work with me not only at home but in our entire life. Our kids are fortunate to have parents on the same page because you make sure we communicate about them. We are fortunate to enough to have a great marriage because our marriage is a priority to you. I am successful at work because you support me and make it so I have flexibility to go the extra mile when needed. I am not saying I have nothing to add to those things, but we are a partnership and I appreciate what you bring to the table.

You are the love of my life and I am proud to be your husband.

So now that is done and people can go on to reading this blog without feeling nausea.

Monday's Random Musings

Mrs. Nurse Boy here.

It is Monday, but there will be no groaning over here. Today the kids and I are staying home for President's Day. It will be all about sleeping in and getting caught up on a little cleaning and organizing. I am actually looking forward to a lazy day with my crew.

Today's post is inspired by Valentine's Day and the love of my life. Next to God, of course.

Nurse Boy and I met back in 1992. It was our senior year in high school. Yes, I am showing our age. We dated all through college and were married a couple weeks after Nurse Boy graduated. (I graduated a semester before him, since I am an overachiever and all. ;0) We have known each other for 18 years now. He inspires me to be a better woman, wife, and mother each and every day.

Here are some of the random reasons I love him (in random order) :

** He is handsome both inside and outside.

** He willingly cleans the kitchen after a 12 hour work day.

** He watches Project Runway with me.

** He scrubs the tub like no one's business. (He may or may not get bleach all over my fuzzy bath mat and shower curtain, but he helps me clean. For that I am thankful!)

** When it snows, he shovels the walkway and stairs for me before he leaves for work. In case you didn't already know this, he gets up before God most work mornings.

** He lovingly tucks the kids into bed every night so I can enjoy a little peace and quiet in the evening.

** He is passionate about his faith and wants our kids to grow up with the same passion.

** I love his eyes. And, his long eyelashes.

** He can say a lot to me just by using his eyes. Those glances are meant only for me.

** I love the way he praises the Lord. Uninhibited.

** I love it when he reaches for my hand at church during praise and worship and gives me a special squeeze.

** He always listens to my worries and concerns. Trust me, I have a lot of them. Most of them rear their ugly head late at night. It doesn't matter the time, he is always there for me while I over analyse everything.

** He recognizes our marriage as a covenant. Even in our worst fights, I never fear that either one of us is going to give up. The goal is to grow closer to one another and to God. We both find so much security in knowing that the other one is in this forever. With God, all things are possible.

** He is an AWESOME father. He is hands-on and so much fun!

** He cleans the cat box. And, the cat hair all over the stairs. And, the cat barf. (Hey, Mocha is old. He creates quite the mess.)

** He makes me laugh. Every. Single. Day.

** He supports my desire to stay home and constantly reminds me to not over commit myself. (I may or may not always take this advice, but it is full of wisdom.)

** He always has my back. He knows my hurts and wounds. He knows my dreams and desires. He knows the real me. And, he still loves me. Just as I am.

** He doesn't judge me. Or say I told you so. Even when he would have every right to.

** We are a team. Truly. In EVERYTHING.

My list could go on and on. I am so thankful that I have someone supportive, fun, and encouraging by my side through all of life's ups and downs. There is no one else I would rather spend it with!

Thanks, Nurse Boy!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Mrs. Nurse Boy here.

So, today is Valentine's Day. I made a special little treat for my 3 sweet little valentine's. It is a "healthy" take on an all time favorite. Only 2 ingredients are required!

All you need is a box of funfetti cake mix and 1 can, or 1and 1/2 cups of diet cream soda.

Mix well and cook per the directions on the box.

I chose to frost it with Cool Whip Free, plus I couldn't resist some festive red, pink, and white sprinkles.

It was a hit!

Happy Valentine's Day to my special little guys!


And, Happy Valentine's Day to all of you!!!

Friday Fare!

Mrs. Nurse Boy here.

So, it is almost Valentine's Day. We have been swimming in construction paper, heart stickers, and those nasty sugar cubes otherwise known as Conversation Hearts. (Who eats those things anyways? They remind me of flavored chalk. YUCK!)

Today I am sending my children off to school with a bag of all that is pink-n-red-n-full o' sugar.

Did you just hear that? That was me letting out a big sigh of relief.

Except, I just remembered that they will be venturing home with ANOTHER bag of all that is pink-n-red-n-full o' sugar. Rats.


Oh, who am I kidding? I have great kids. I am sure this will be a delightful evening. I am certain that my kids won't be asking for candy every 3 seconds, there most certainly won't be any whining, and they will be the definition of kind and CALM. Yes, of that I am certain.


(NOT!)

Maybe they should spend some time at Bubby and Papa's tonight?!

So, today I am going to share a simple recipe you can make for your Valentine! I made it last week and I am considering making it again this week.

Mexican Chicken

INGREDIENTS:

3-4 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 can rotel

1-2 cups cheddar cheese

12-14 corn tortillas

Tear the tortillas into small pieces and line the bottom of a 13x9 pan. Mix together the soups, rotel and chicken and pour on top. Top with cheddar cheese. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.

Seriously - it's that easy!

Happy Valentine's Day! May your children be calm and delightful. Here's hoping mine will be.

(But I'm not holding my breath!)

Things That Make Me Smile!

Mrs. Nurse Boy here.

It's that time of year.

The only time of year that pink and red actually go together. No, make that BELONG together. And, hearts aren't cheesy, but show someone you care.

Especially if they are filled with dark chocolate. But, I digress.

I love Valentine's Day when I watch it through the eye's of my children. They love that they can create with stickers, candy, paper, and TAPE. Boy, do they LOVE tape.

I talked them into making homemade Valentines this year, since Martha Stewart and I are long lost best friends.

Stop laughing, Nurse Boy.

OK, I am NO Martha Stewart. Not even close. But, I like to play her on my blog.

Once I embraced my patient side and the boys got their grubby little hands on their often forbidden friend, Mr. Scotch Tape, it was pure heaven.

We had three different Valentines that we made.

"You're a JOY to be around." (With an Almond Joy.)

"You make me laugh." (With a Snickers.)

And, "Be cool, Valentine!" (With a mint.)

Add some stickers and the project is complete.

Even Dimples had fun.

Yep, homemade Valentines make me smile!

(And, so do chocolate covered strawberries... I'm just saying.)

Let the Good Times Roll...

Mrs. Nurse Boy here.

This week our family took a step back in time. I guess you can say we went retro. We ventured into a place where Micheal Jackson's Billy Jean could be heard at full blast and the smell of stale popcorn filled the air. When we were handed some "vintage" tan roller skates with orange wheels and frayed laces, I felt like a fourth grader all over again.

Only, Doug Dorothy was no where to be found.

Yes, we went to the All School Skating Party. It was everything I remembered. There was the black carpet decorated with nauseatingly busy neon designs, disco balls were spinning out of orbit, little twerps were zipping around the rink, the place was filled with zitty preteens, and I even spied some creepy young adults who were much too old to be hanging out at the roller rink. Oh, and let me not forget the Limbo Line. I couldn't do it then and I wouldn't even think of trying it now.

Truth be told, Sweet Pea and I just observed. Dimples and Bruiser put on roller skates for the very first time. Nurse Boy bravely joined them after about a 25 year break.

It was a sight to behold.

I laughed until I cried.

More than once.

Dimples was playing it cautious and cool. He is, after all, a fourth grader. He was hoping to keep his dignity. Let's just say, he wasn't very successful. Thankfully, neither were most of his friends. They were dropping like flies all night.

Bruiser was certain he would lace those bad boys up and everything would come naturally. This was not the case. His feet were moving 100 miles per hour while each foot would venture into opposite directions. He did the splits more times than I can count.

Nurse Boy was hopeful that his body would remember all the right moves. I kindly reminded him that he was not allowed to injure himself since he is the sole provider for our family. He laughed, grabbed Bruiser's hand, and skated off for a full 30 seconds before they were both on the floor. Thankfully, there was no need for me to dial 911. But, don't think I didn't have my cell phone ready.

Honestly, Nurse Boy rocked that roller rink. He left the boys in the dust and tried out all of his old tricks; however, this time he wasn't trying to impress an awkward fourth grade girl. But, I have a feeling that he may have made an impression on some muscles he didn't even know he had.

I am certain that my fourth grade self would have loved to hold Nurse Boy's fourth grade hand during the couples skate. I am pretty sure Doug Dorothy had nothing on Nurse Boy. Too bad we didn't know each other then. Something tells me that he used to rock the roller rink in his acid washed jeans with his collar standing up while sporting a Swatch watch. I certainly knew how to rock the banana clip. Plus, my teased, Aqua Net bangs helped me glide through the rink at a rapid speed.

But, it would have never been. Girls had cooties and boys were gross back then. Not too mention, Doug Dorothy WAS quite the catch. (He was the only boy in the fourth grade that didn't pick his nose or pass gas at the lunch table. Hey, my demands were simple back then.)

Let's just hope Dimples and Bruiser weren't humiliated by their father, who may or may not have uttered, "In your face!" as he sped past some of Dimples' classmates.

Maybe some things shouldn't be revisited after all.

Colts 17 Saints 31

I need prozac!

NB

Friday Fare!

Mrs. Nurse Boy here.


It is Friday and they are calling for snow. It has become a four letter word around here. Yes, I know it really does have four letters, but I mean four letters in that it must NEVER be uttered in my presence. Especially by some bald headed man in a suit mocking me through the TV screen as he sings the praises of a winter wonderland.


Ain't nobody singing in our home. They wouldn't dare. It will send me over the edge.


And, we won't even discuss Groundhog Day, K? I see my shadow all the time and all it tells me is that I need to lose weight. Maybe good old Phil needs to go on a diet and stop predicting that spring will never be upon us.

So, are you ready for a simple and yummy recipe with my favorite ingredient (chicken)? It will fill up your tummy; however, it doesn't promise to be kind to your breath. But, it is worth it. Really.


I noticed that I had some cans of these weird french fried onions laying around after the holidays:

I had two choices. I could find a way to use them now, or throw them away. I am pretty sure they shouldn't sit around for a year. I have only used them in my green bean casseroles for Thanksgiving and/or Christmas. While I do enjoy a tasty green bean casserole during the holidays, I almost never make it any other time.

After a little research, I found a recipe that was a winner.

Crunchy Onion Chicken~
(Not EVER Meant For a Date Night)

Ingredients:

2 cups (4 oz) French fried onions

2 Tablespoons flour

4 boneless chicken breasts

1 egg, beaten

1. Crush the onions with flour in a plastic bag.
2. Dip chicken in egg and then coat in onion crumbs.
3. Bake 20 minutes at 400 degrees until cooked through.





This stuff is very tasty and so simple. Now I just might have to buy some more of these french fried onions before the holidays of 2010.


Happy Friday everyone!

Things That Make Me Smile

A WORKING microwave!!!!

This week we received a refund check from Nurse Boy's university. I know, it was a miracle! Universities don't usually part with money so easily. (We kind of overpaid-- long story.)

We thought the check would only cover about half the cost of a new built in microwave and instillation. We were wrong.

The microwave was on sale for a FABULOUS price AND the salesman told Nurse Boy how to install it himself. We had money left over! (I say HAD, because the left over money reminded me just how gross some of our drinking glasses were looking. So, basically, I was like a kid with a dollar in my pocket. I couldn't stand wasting it's beauty in my deep, dark pocket. Nope. I had to wave it around and buy something. I am such a good example for my kids.)

Nurse Boy did have some help. My dad came to the rescue and helped out.

I am going to get in trouble for posting all of these shots of their bald heads. Ha!

I would say it was a cinch, but Nurse Boy did shed blood. Twice.

Sweet Pea was super helpful. At least that's her story and she's sticking to it.


Now, THAT brings a smile to my face!

Monday's Random Musings

Mrs. Nurse Boy here.

Sigh. It is Monday. We have been pretty busy and I have had a bad case of writer's block. I have had a few things weighing a little heavy on my heart the last few weeks. Thankfully, nothing serious. Just life. So, in honor of Monday and keeping things light....

Have you ever had one of THOSE weeks? Well, I did!

* We ran out of bar soap in the shower. (Seriously, it feels like I am at the store every other day. How can I repeatedly forget the bar soap until it is nothing but a sliver of yuck?)

* My built in microwave died. In the middle of one of my cooking marathons.

* Extra bills and a determination to remain debt free means I can't run to the store to buy a new one right away.

* I never realized how much I used that thing until it became an over sized timer for my kitchen.

* I thought my oldest child had made a really poor choice this week.

* Of course, I was told about my son's poor choice by another mom when he was sound asleep for the night.

* Am I the only one who can't sleep when that happens? By the sound of Nurse Boy's snoring all night long, I am guessing the answer is, "Yes."

* I am getting a cold. Plus, I can't seem to sneak a nap to save my life.

* Bruiser has been congested for about 3 weeks. We finally took him to the doctor for them to tell us he has a cold. Silly me, I was looking for new information.

* Nurse Boy is finally feeling my pain and wants to figure out how to purchase a microwave before Superbowl Sunday.

* The men in my life are VERY excited about the Superbowl.

* In case you live in a cave, the Colts are playing in the Superbowl.

* Since we are originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, we apparently bleed blue and white and must teach all of our offspring to trash talk anyone who is not a Colts fan.

* I say "apparently", because on Superbowl Sunday I will be celebrating the END of football season! (Just like I do every year.)

* Oh, and that sleepless night over my son's poor choice? It was a big, fat waste of time. (Nurse Boy was right after all!) Turns out, after MUCH investigation, my son had actually made several smart and intelligent choices during a difficult situation.

* So, instead of beating myself up as a parent, I will thank God that Dimples had a sound mind to make smart, mature decisions.

* Being a parent is by far the hardest thing I have ever done or ever will do!

* Being a parent is also the most rewarding thing I have ever done or ever will do!

Have a fabulous Monday... if that is even possible on a Monday ;0)