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 ;)