Prayers for Nana

I have a new prayer request. Dan's grandmother, Luria, has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. She's meeting with a surgeon tomorrow to start talking about a course of treatment. She has a lot on her plate right now....dealing with this new diagnosis and Daddy Doe's declining health. Will you please join us in praying for complete healing for Nana?

A Walk in the Woods

Yesterday we visited one of our favorite walking spots. It was a beautiful cool day to go trekking through the woods. We had rain the end of last week so there was a little bit of mud. Of course, the kids couldn't walk...they had to run and play tag. I think Jaelyn was the only one who ended up on her butt. We went further than we've ever gone before before turning around. We did a mile maybe and the kids didn't start to whine until we were almost back to the car. Next time, we are going passed the fallen tree!

Love my camera's timer. I can't wait to get my twisty legged tripod for Christmas that Dan ordered me. It's on his closet shelf and he'd give it to me today if I asked, but I'm determined to wait!The kids crossing the creek ~ No one fell in today. That was a plus. Dan complained that I always cut off his head. Sorry...maybe he should be in charge of the camera some!

And last, I can't resist this pose whenever we are walking like this. I have a similar picture framed in 8x10. They look so sweet and loving towards each other, don't they?

Fall is Around the Corner

The Power of a Red Pill

After having a headache for 5 days, my doctor prescribed this little miracle pill...no more headache!

Jedi Wars

$1.41 at the thrift store this afternoon for a Darth Vader helmet equaled hours of priceless fun!

My Heads Been Hurting

I'll post again one day. I've been sick - swimmy headed (my medical term) and have had a headache for the past 5 days, pretty much since I've been home from Florida. I went to the doctor today and he gave me tension headache medicine that has helped the headache, but I'm still slightly light headed. I'm not sure what's the matter with me. No fever or aches so it's not swine flu, no congestion or drainage so it's not allergy...maybe viral??? Who knows, I'm just planning on sleeping and letting Danny take care of me until I feel better or he has to go back to work, which ever come first.

Caden's 1st Day

What can I do with these? Guacamole!

My Cantaloupe

Coming Home

Pensacola - Time to Play

Once I had all the family visiting out of the way, it was time for me to play a little. My mom and I did a little wandering on our own Friday afternoon. Then I drove to Malbis Friday night to meet my friend Sarah for dinner. She hit traffic so I had a chance to do a little shopping by myself. I totally scored on a new bathing suit and sandals - 70% off. I'm ready for next summer. Sarah and her family have 1 more year in Mobile before they move on to who knows where so we won't have too many more opportunities to sneak off together when I'm visiting. We had a great dinner (Welcome to Moes! Delicious). It's always wonderful to see Sarah. She has an awesome heart and has been such a great friend during Dan's deployment, calling every few weeks to check on us.


Saturday was by far my most looked forward to day. Unfortunately, I woke up sick. I was really light headed and had a horrible headache. I perservered though and just made a little change in plans (Jennifer drove to Destin instead of me).

Jennifer and I are creatures of habit and neither of us like change. Therefore, we had lunch at McAllister's Deli. There's a funny story about our first trip to Destin involving a Subway, a construction worker and McAllister's that I won't bore you with, but needless to say I think about it everytime we hunt for the deli because we never can remember exactly where it is. We thoroughly enjoyed our lunch, including McAllister's world famous tea. I keep wondering how they got that title. How does something become "world famous?" Anyway, it's good SWEET tea!

Our massage appointments were at 1 and we made it in plenty of time to enjoy the spa amenties.

Me pouring water over the coals in the dry suana. There's something fun about hearing the hiss when the water hits them.

Not to be outdone, Jen decided to see what would happen when she poured the whole bucket on the coals.

(not really - she just posed for the camera)

The massage tray! I picked coconut oil. I smelled good.We chose PF Changs for dinner. We were seated at 3:55 just in time to order the before 4 pm lunch bowls! Yummy! It was a great day and just what I needed! Thanks, Jen!

Serenity

Visiting Daddy Doe

Pensacola - The First Few Day

I can't begin to tell you how excited I've been about this trip. I've been looking forward to seeing my family, obviously, but more than that, I've been looking forward to escaping and being Kelly for a little bit rather than Mommy.

My trip to Florida was pretty uneventful. I had an hour in Atlanta, and my flight from Baltimore actually landed early so I had plenty of time. My Uncle Clifford was sitting at the gate in Atlanta waiting for me. He didn't have such an easy time (airport employees apparently changed the gate 3 times before I landed) so he got to visit terminals B and C :p.

Thursday, Grandma Molly turned 90 and we celebrated with a party. Mom invited several members of her Sunday School class and her neighbors. It was a really nice day and I think my Grandma enjoyed it. She's doing much better. Except for a case of laryngitis, she's on the road to recovery. I made Grandma a Snapfish photo book of her party if you want to see the rest of the pictures.

Thursday was a long day with the party and we were starving. My mom is more into take out these days than cooking so she and I stopped at Krispy Kreme for dessert while my Dad and Clifford picked up dinner. I miss hot melt in your mouth KK donuts. There's nothing like them.

Since trips are all about eating out, I met Dan's parents and Nana at Cracker Barrel for breakfast on Friday before going with Nana to see Daddy Doe at the nursing home.

Daddy Doe has definitely lost weight, but I thought he looked good. He knew who I was and joked with me some. The nursing home where he is is nice. It was clean and the staff seemed respectful of Daddy Doe and were very kind to Nana. It's hard seeing him like that when I think of the personality Daddy Doe had when I first met him. It's still there, just dimmed and a little more tired.

Krispy Kremes

I can't go to Pensacola without stopping for a hot, melt in your mouth Krispy Kreme donut!

Happy 90th Birthday, Grandma Molly

Traveling

I couldn't decide on the picture for today so I'm posting 2.

Traveling Companions

The clouds were phenomenal on the way from Atlanta to Pensacola. Dan thought I was crazy when he saw my 20 pictures of clouds.

Flying Away on a Jet Plane

Today's the day! My bags are packed. Treats are sorted (to leave and take). I'll head to the airport after lunch and fly to Atlanta where I'll meet...wait for it...the greatest half grandest uncle I've ever had (happy?). We'll land in Pensacola right around dinner time. I've already instructed my dad that we'll be detouring to Krispy Kreme and Fire House Subs on the way to their house (and yes, I might eat dessert first!). Yummy! Thursday is all about my Grandma Molly's 90th birthday. Friday morning, I'll see Dan's family. Friday evening I'll see my friend, Sarah, in Mablis. Saturday is the day I'm most looking forward to! Jen, Destin and Serenity by the Sea - can you say relaxation any better than with a massage and some giggling, girlfriend time? Sunday, I'll come home to my beautiful family and a happy, clean house (I can dream, can't I), recharged and ready to take on whatever comes my way!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Temptation

Chicken Marsala

I found this recipe months ago and have been waiting for the opportunity to make it. Well, actually, I've been waiting for the Marsala wine and the opportunity. I asked Dan where the Class Six (liquor store) on the base was last week and he brought me home a bottle of wine yesterday. So thoughtful. I made him Chicken Marsala for dinner tonight as his reward. The recipe is a copycat from Olive Garden's dish and I'd say it was pretty close. I won't be making this every week or even every month for that matter because of the butter and oil, but oh was it good!!!!

Chicken Marsala

4 chicken breasts - boneless, skinless
1/4 cup cake flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp pepper
4 tbsp oil
4 tbsp butter
1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup marsala wine

Combine flour, salt, pepper, and oregano in a shallow dish (I used a gallon ziplock). Heat the oil and butter in a skillet until it begins to bubble lightly. Dredge the chicken in the flour, coating evenly. Cook the chicken on medium heat for about 2minutes on the first side, until lightly brown. As you flip the breasts to the second side, add the mushrooms around the chicken pieces. Cook about 2 more minutes, until lightly browned on the second side. Stir the mushrooms. Once the second side is lightly browned, add the wine around the pieces, cover the pan and simmer for about 10 minutes. Transfer to plates and serve.