Yay!! Brrrrr and Yum . . .

Ok, I've just gotta post about what appears to be a miracle product today!

I was fortunate that, as newborns, none of mine ever screamed for hours on end.

There's nothing much worse than knowing your child hurts and there's nothing you can do about it.

A single mom of newborn twins that I know, is dealing first-hand with

the nightmare of newborn colic.

Fortunately, it's just affecting one, which I guess is sort of like saying

'Oh. I only got stung by one hornet, not two . . .'

She's alternated baby swings, vibrating seats, gripe water, different formulas (also a nursing mom),

sleeping positions, laying for hours with a screaming baby on her chest,

an intense lack of her own sleep (twins, remember??) and yet has somehow maintained her sanity.

I realize now that I took many peaceful hours of sleeping babies for granted.

But when all else fails, Google it, right??

So I came across this stuff.

I know, I know. Like a bad info-mercial nightmare stalker . . .

But after watching video after video (like the one below - not her baby)

I ordered it (Amazon), took it to her last night, and it worked!! 

And just to 'toot the horn' of the product a little more . . .

* FDA Regulated and Registered Medicine, unlike common dietary supplements

* Safe and All Natural      * No Side Effects

*Manufactured in the USA using only the highest quality natural ingredients.

*Completely free of alcohol, sugar, simethicone, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda),

herbal oils and extracts, citric acid, wheat, gluten, soy, dairy, and animal products.

Now, obviously, this post is not a guarantee that it will work for everyone.

And yes, she had tried 'other' brands of gripe water.

But I think if you were to ask this little mama this morning . . .

she'd say the proof is in the pudding!

Adorable, huh?? :)

Now, on another note.

Yeah, so by now everybody knows I despise cold weather. No big secret.

So naturally it's safe to say that after an entire week of my kind of weather (70's to 80's)

today feels like winter has arrived - with a vengeance! 

 For those not in Clarksville . . . those are high's people!

Not a happy camper . . .

Then, along with the cold wind and rain that swooped into town,

came the annoying tap, tap, tapping of a rosebush against our bedroom window ALL NIGHT LONG.

(y-a-w-n . . .)

Ohhhh yeah. Somebody's getting pruned today!!

So I'm really wishing I had planned accordingly and left a big ol' crock pot of chili cooking for dinner.

But since I didn't, I may just have to try this speedy little version . . .

Shortcut Chili
(serves 4)

1 lb lean ground beef

2 tsp chili powder

1 (16 oz) jar of fresh salsa (refrigerated produce section)
1 (15 oz) can of kidney beans

Brown beef with chili powder in a skillet.

Stir in salsa and beans (with liquids) and 1 cup water.

Reduce heat to medium and simmer 10 minutes.
Smash some of the beans with a spatula to thicken chili.

Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve :)

I mean, how easy is that??

or ??

Simple Shepherd's Pie

(no pun intended)

(serves 4)

1 lb lean ground beef

1 can Mexican-style corn, drained
1 (14.75 oz) can of cream-style corn

1 tsp ground chipotle chile pepper or chili powder

2 1/2 c prepared mashed potatoes (Bob Evans! - deli case)

Salt and black pepper (to taste)



Preheat oven to 375°F.
Season ground beef with chipotle chile pepper (or chili powder).
Brown beef in skillet (optional - add a little oil).

Add both cans of corn.

Add salt and black pepper, as needed.

Pour into baking dish.

Top with mashed potatoes, spreading to cover.

Bake until bubbly around edges (15-20 min), then broil 2-3 min until top is browned.

Hmmm . . . Mr. Sheppard may be getting Shepherd's Pie ;)

We actually have a low-key weekend planned, and I'm hoping it stays that way.

Since we're responsible 'four-legged family member' owners, the spaying is over and done with

and sweet Miss Bella finally gets her stitches out tomorrow.

Look at that face!

And other than a trip to Sam's with Priss, my Saturday will be spent staying in and staying warm!

Sunday morning we hope to witness a friend's baptism at Grace.

We're super excited to be a part of that.  :)

Then a 'lively' afternoon will be spent with a long overdue play-date for Bella and Jaxon.

Well sort of . . . 

(This man seriously needs a grandbaby . . . wink ;)

And I'm not sure what Mrs. Forbes will be feeding us for dinner . . .

but I'm sure it will be delicious :)

Hope your weekend is as warm, relaxing and cozy as I plan for mine to be.

Until later ;)

What I'm Loving Wednesday - MY kind of Fall

Absolutely thrilled to link up with Jamie and Priss today for

What's NOT to love! Right??

This is totally my kind of fall. I love the trees.

Normally by this time the cold rains have swooped down into the Tennessee hills 

and ripped them from the limbs.

So get outside! I hear they're coming this weekend! :(

But until then . . .

Welcome beautiful Indian Summer!!

I mean, if I hadn't snapped these shots myself, even I'd think they were painted.

(Porter's Bluff area for you yocals :)

Add the fact that anyone who knows me

knows I'm all about some warm temps

and you'll understand why this week has been beyond gorgeous for me!

I'm loving this Wednesday because my handsome son and his Kristina

are heading North (brrrr) to visit her family.

And while I'm guessing he might be a tad bit anxious, I know that she is extremely excited. :)

I'm loving Wednesday because our small group meets again tonight.

I absolutely love these guys.

I came across this photo earlier in the week.

It reflects that awkwardness I'm sure most of them felt at that very first meeting . . .

It's funny how my life would feel so completely abnormal without them now. :)

I'm loving this Wednesday because just 2 short months from today will be

Christmas Eve!!

 Say what????

Yep! Our house will be filled with kids (the grown kind :)

noise, laughter, board games, junk food and excitement . . .

All the things I wish I could just bottle up and save.

Priceless!!!

I'm also loving Wednesday because crock pot recipes and pumpkin desserts are abundant!

Got a new one for you to try.

And trust me. For my 'beans and taters' guy to request a do-over says it all!

Taco Stew

Ingredients
1 Pound of Ground beef, browned and drained
15 Ounces of Pinto Beans, drained
15 Ounces of Ranch Style Beans, drained
10 Ounces of Rotel
14.5 Ounces of Diced Tomatoes
1 1/2 Cups of Corn

1 small onion, chopped
1 Package of Taco Seasoning Mix
1 Package of Ranch Dressing Seasoning Mix

Combine all ingredients in 6 qt crock pot. Cook on High for 4 hours or Low for 6+ hours.

(Even better warmed up the next day (or two!). YUM . . .

And last but not least, I'm loving this Wednesday because my Advocare shipment arrived.

I've been so bad lately :(

So it's time to Spark it up . . .

With that being said, I'll close with something I read today . . .

'Working out after dinner has long been considered a no-no by sleep docs.

But -- surprise!! -- it may actually help you snooze better.'

Works for her.

Great . . . there goes that excuse . . .

Until later :)

Perspective . . .

You know perspective is everything . . .

October 9

YOU HAVE BEEN on a long, uphill journey, and your energy is almost spent. Though you have faltered at times, you have not let go of My hand. I am pleased with your desire to stay close to Me. There is one thing, however, that displeases Me: your tendency to complain. You may talk to Me as much as you like about the difficulty of the path we are following. I understand better than anyone else the stresses and strains that have afflicted you. You can ventilate safely to Me, because talking with Me tempers your thoughts and helps you see things from My perspective.

Complaining to others is another matter altogether. It opens the door to deadly sins such as self-pity and rage. Whenever you are tempted to grumble, come to Me and talk it out. As you open up to Me, I will put My thoughts in your mind and My song in your heart.

“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” JEREMIAH 31 : 25

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe. PHILIPPIANS 2 : 14 – 15

Until later :)