Tuesday's With Uncle Steve...

...Chicken Taco Stoup w/sour cream & lime!

Ingredients:




EVOO (twice around pot)
4 cloves fresh minced garlic
1 can crushed tomatoes
1 pkg thick center cut bacon
1 red onion chopped
1 Spanish onion chopped
1 block extra sharp cheddar cheese
2 large boneless chicken breasts cut up bite size
1 pkg taco seasoning mix
4 cups chicken stock
1 lime
tortilla chips

Directions:


In large soup pot on medium heat, go twice around bottom of pot with EVOO.
(extra virgin olive oil)


add fresh minced garlic & brown being careful not to burn!


Add whole pound of bacon cut into bite size pieces.


once bacon has browned up (ten minutes) add both onions.
(Spanish & red)


Pepper to taste.
(I don't add salt as the bacon is salty enough as is...)


Stir & cook about ten minutes until onions are slightly transparent.


Add boneless chicken breasts & stir. Cook about ten minutes or so.


Then add can of crushed tomatoes.


Then add 4 cups of stock, stir well.


Now add your packet of taco seasoning.


Let simmer another ten minutes until mixture comes to a low boil.


Reduce heat & add the zest of one lime.
(save the actual lime to be juiced over each bowl prior to presentation)


Now it's time to prepare bowl for serving:


In bottom of bowl, crush a handful of tortilla chips of your choice.



Now crumble a handful of freshly grated extra sharp cheddar cheese on top of those...


...ladle one full heap er of the stoup on top of the tortillas & cheese.
(soup will be very hot, thus melting the cheese on contact)


Finish off with a generous dollop of sour cream in the center & two tortilla chips for garnish.
(squeeze fresh lime juice over entire bowl)




& SERVE!

Then, if you're lucky enough...


...you'll be enjoying THESE for dessert!
*drool*


After all, who doesn't like to taste the rainbow?
hehehe
Ruby & Bear wish everyone a
GOOD NIGHT!

*pray for sleep*

That which doesn't kill us...

...is supposed to make us stronger, right?

What most of you do not know is that prior to leaving for NC, I went on two separate job interviews with the local YMCA to be a teachers assistant in their infant/toddler room.
The pay wasn't much but it was a job & it was right up my alley.
1st interview was to chat with the director...
...2nd was to spend actual time with the kids, over two hours to be exact.

Phone just rang, they'd like to thank me for my interest but are going with someone else.

Se La Vie'

As of Feb 1st, my $ has run out & we'll be living on a wing & a prayer, or two.

...just keep us in your thoughts & pray that either I find a job,
or one finds me soon because now it's just getting scary.

Serenity Now...

I don't for one second regret at all going to visit our friends & enjoying what was quite possibly,
the most fun 2year old birthday party celebration ever, hands down.

I do, however, regret that in doing so, I've set my child's progress back some.
My girl, to anyone who knows her, is the most chill, relaxed, sweet heart of a kid.
Honest, she just is.

Now?
She's timid, scared, cries alot more, is clingy & can't do a THING unless Velcro'd to my side.
Literally.
I used to be able to leave the room & let her play independently with whatever toy it was that had her undivided attention...

Now?
Not so much.

I even so much as think about leaving the room,
FIRST
I have to convince her that it's ok to get down from my lap for just a little bit because,
"Momma has to potty"
or
"Momma has to take a shower"
etc...

THEN (assuming I was successful at talking her 'down')
I attempt said necessity with little to no success.

I really am convinced that this recent trip scared her into thinking that she was being abandoned again, which clearly is not the case... but just try convincing a 2 year old who has been through that horror twice already in her little lifetime of that.
Not so easy.

She used to go down at night without a hitch...

Her own bed, her own room, no problem.

Now?

The pack & play (she calls it her 'nappy') in MY bedroom
& since returning home,
not
one
solid
night
of
sleep
yet.

I say yet because I was told to not expect that right away as clearly she's showing signs of regression, ok fine, I'll give you that.
So she's regressed, nothing we can't work through with time & patience, right?

Obviously the answer to that is 'right, yes, no problem Amy... time & patience.

But what I want to know is, what about 'healing'?

How many times do I have to look into her beautiful eyes & say to her over and over and over;
"Ruby, Momma loves you so much & I'm not going anywhere, ever.
You're stuck with me baby..."

This morning, after breakfast & after much crying because I got up from the table to wash my hands... through tears, my daughter said to me "stuck me baby, stuck, stuck..."

So, I guess it's getting through to her, slowly.

If only I could be sure of the 'surely' part of that saying...

Already tonight she's been up several times,
each abrupt screaming match worse than the last.

I know that this experience has made me realize that neither Ruby nor myself will be flying anywhere again, anytime soon, period.

GOD, grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
the courage to change the things I can;
and the wisdom to know the difference.

Please.
(no comments on this one, just venting for my own sanity & still hoping for a little serenity...)

Just keep us in your prayers, thanks.

Home...

...is where Ruby wanted to be & I needed to be.

Wonderful to see friends & celebrate together
but even better to be home safe & sound.
More later, my bed is calling me to curl up in it & drift off
while listening to the soft sounds of my daughter's peaceful sleep.

G'night.

P-A-R-T-Y!

Safe & Sound...

...& already in my 'fat pants' & sans bra.

Uneventful flight, happy to be on solid ground, Ruby's a trooper & quite possibly the best kid in the WORLD!

We're all doing fine & Ruby, Gwen & Julia are all enjoying their together time.

More later, oh, and I didn't bring my camera so you'll have to be patient & wait for any/all pics that Karen takes & uploads to make it to the blog.

*hugs* to all!

-Us
(just a little south of normal)

Dreaming of...

...chicken & dumplins'!

Have Cheerios...

...will TRAVEL!

We leave in the morning & will arrive in NC shortly before noon
& will be enjoying a week's worth of much needed 'de-stressing' with our
beloved friends, Karen & Gwen & a host of other friends who just simply,
light
up
my
life.

More blogging from the south people... CIAO!

ps. Karen, that's your scarf hangin' on that bag... I'll be wearing it down!
*grin*

Easiest Recipe Ever...

...nuff said?

*laughing*

WOOOO HOOOOOOO
Sometimes, Tuesday's with Uncle Steve were meant for
BREAKIN' ALL THE RULES!


Man do I love Munchkins!
(Is that politically correct to say that? I don't think I can say that?? Am I supposed to call them "little donuts"? AHHHH SO CONFUSING!)
hehehehe
YUM!

Finally...

...remember a while back when I blogged about this?

Well, I only heard them talk about it that Oprah episode
yet never managed to get around to viewing it for myself...

...despite always having good intentions to do so.

Well, today as miss Rubes took her daily nap,
I curled up to a little 'on demand' &
FINALLY caught this amazing movie!

To say that it's a love story is an understatement...
...it's a soul mate story.
A forbidden love affair that tugs at your every heart string
until the instant the credits roll.

I was moved through the entire film & at the end was brought to tears.
Heath & Jake were flawless, period.

This, is a film, I absolutely intend to own,
just as soon as I find a job & can afford it.

Trust me, if you've never seen it, make a date night whether with someone else
or just with yourself, but one way or another, plan to see this movie very soon, if not tonight.

I only hope that I experience passion like that
at least once in my life.

Smiles & Cheeks...

Have Bangs - Will Travel...

Lazy Saturday Morning...

...one girl,

one bear,

& one couch.

Good times...

Reflections after 'Wit'...

...100 years from now, who knows what will be in this exact spot.
If this house will even still be here & if not, what will be in it's place?
Who really cares honestly, I won't be here, hell
most of the people I know probably won't be here.


Ruby & I will be together in an afterlife, who knows what it will be like
but I imagine that as long as we're together with our beloved Ebenezer,
we'll be fine regardless of time or circumstance.

Things have a way of working themselves out like that...

It's weird to think that the cemetery across the way, that is currently filled to capacity,
is but a drop in the bucket compared to 100 years from now.

Some of the oldest houses in this town are over 200 years old, twice as long as my 100 year ponderings... & hard to swallow such knowledge.

What did the people who lived in this house, in my house, over 200 years ago, what did they think? Did they ever sit & wonder what would become of this house so many years off into the future? I lay on my couch & wonder that exact same thing tonight.
What will happen?

All my things, well they're just things, so I imagine they'll be long gone.
Only a bleep on the map that is/was/will reflect,
my life.

It's funny, I have days when my MS hits me like a freight train.
Like an unstop able force determined to plow straight into me & leave me for dead.

Tonight, is one of those nights.

Cancer, sadly, is very much the same I imagine...

No cure, nothing to do but treat it, hope, pray & hope some more...

...& wonder.

I do alot of wondering these days.

I wonder how long I'm going to live...
I wonder if I'll live long enough to see Ruby blossom into a beautiful young woman with a life & a passion all her own that she can completely throw herself into & smile every day because of it.
Like me,
first with nannying...
...now, with mothering.

I cannot imagine another job so complete as to be Ruby's Mom.
It is my purpose, my reason for living.
My air & take into my lungs every day,
has her name on it.

I wonder if in the years I still have left in front of me, if I'll do right by her.
If I'll leave her enough of myself behind whether it be in writing,
or movies,
or stories,
or memories,
or recipes...

It's odd knowing that the thing you live with on a daily basis will most likely be the way you leave this place.
I'm not trying to be morbid, so you'll forgive me if this is how it's coming across but truly, I am reflecting on the movie I just saw, one of my favorites...

Wit with Emma Thompson.

Amazing film.
Heart wrenching story.
True guts tale of the persistent yet futile battle with an incurable disease.

Simply, Amazing.

Made me do alot of thinking tonight...
...100 years from now is quite a ways off & although it's inevitable, it's just as inevitable that in order to reach those 100 years, there are many steps that must be taken between here & then.

Steps that I myself must take.
Hopefully with my daughters hand in mine.

I am hopeful for many more years to proudly call myself Ruby Cate's Momma.
I am hopeful for a bright & happy future for my child filled with much love & laughter.
I am hopeful that perhaps, if not in my lifetime, but in my daughters, there will not only be found a cure for MS, but for Cancer as well.
Two little girls
(one clearly being my daughter)
might find those moments to be proud ones for them & especially,
for their mothers.

All we can do as humans, is to do our best to show our love.
Say what we feel, FEEL what we say, and always hug one another.
Always say I love you & MEAN it.
Always hold hands...
...always smile.

Life's too short to let stupid things get me upset.
I guess I'm emotional tonight not because I'm sad,
obviously I'm sad but it's more than that, I'm emotionally charged with an overwhelming feeling of hope for my daughter's future.
For my future.

For all of us that we leave our mark in the world, because truthfully...

...100 years from now it will not matter the type of car I drove or the amount of money I made, but what will be remembered is the difference I made in the life of a child.
And in this case, that child is my own.
I sure as hell don't want to mess that up.

Momma loves you Ruby.

To the moon & back,
and the Sun & back,
and the Stars & back...

... and to China & back.

XoXoXo

Men In Trees Deserve CHOWDAH...

...ESPECIALLY THIS ONE HOLY CHRIST SO GOOD!

Bacon, Veggie & Potato Chowdah!

Ingredients: 1/2 lb bacon chopped (I buy the low sodium bacon)
5 lg potatos cubed small
3 stalks celery chopped
2 T butter
1 Lg onion chopped (I use spanish onions)
3 T all purpose flour
2 & 1/2 cups milk
4 cups chicken stock
1 10oz pkg frozen mixed veggies of your choice
ground thyme
&
salt & fresh ground pepper to taste



Directions: In a large soup pot over medium heat, melt butter



& add bacon & celery.


Cook celery until slightly transparent, (a few minutes) then add onion & pepper.



Cook until onion now becomes slightly transparent & add few shakes of ground thyme.




Add flour in bottom of pot & create a roux.
(a thickneing agent to make it thicker, if it seems a bit dry, you may add more butter)
Slowly stir in milk & stock & blend well.



Cook & stir constantly until mixture comes to a boil. (12-14 minutes)
Add potatos & frozen veggies & continue cooking until next full boil. (8-10 minutes)



Reduce heat to low & cook stirring often until potatos are fork tender. (6-8 minutes)



Shut off heat & let sit for about 15 minutes before serving.



We served ours with 'tastefully simple wheat beer bread' OMG SO GOOD!
& so COMPLETELY EASY TO DO!


(that's right, you KNOW you're JEALOUS!)

Normally I take a final shot of the finished dinner but you'll forgive me if tonight I was so hungry that I forgot to do that cuz I was too busy EATING IT! hehehe

Enjoy!
(& happy MEN IN TREES everyone!)
Mmmmmmmmmm JACK!
*drool*

MRI Results...

...as told to me from my neurologist earlier today on the phone.
(I typed it as he told me so it's probably messy & all over the map but I can type fairly fast
so you all will have to just try & get the gist of it... enjoy!)

first MRI in June of 04 had large enhancing lesion (something that is active at the time) that is now gone.

there is another lesion that is new that is in front of that that is not enhancing that it came sometime between then & now but it's not currently active.

and it's smaller in size.

the size of the ventricles in the brain are slightly bigger, that's not good. that means that my brain is shrinking a little bit
some of the previous lesions now actually look smaller but that's because where they were before, that part of the brain is shrinking because of the old MS lesions that weren't active in June of 04 are shrinking.

this is not normal and it's one of those things we look at in MS to try to determine how we're doing with treatment, sometimes there's nothing we can do about it but when investigators are looking at MS they look at a lot of things, how I'm doing , my MRI scan etc... & one of the things they're looking for is if the brain is shrinking & if it's not, they consider that good.

the shrinkage usually occurs where there are old lesions (old scar tissue) it's getting smaller cuz it's contracting a little bit, so it's area of previously damaged brain where there were old abnormalities & the fluid space next to that area gets a little larger.

It often happens with MS & when we have a medication that's working we expect to see less shrinkage then you would have if you were on no medicine.
So it's now a question of how much shrinkage.

It's in the area where there were old lesions & it's probably expected shrinkage, it's unfortunate but expected so not really to worry & nothing to do about it.

continue on the same meds

goal was to keep the new lesions down & have no new inflammation
so the medication is working but there is one new spot.

the one new spot means that the rebif is not working 100$ but that's not a surprise cuz we know that the meds never work 100%.

with an MRI we try to determine whether or not the spots are worrisome, & we don't think these are but we'd rather not see any obviously.

so overall synopsis: keep the same course & I'll see you in may.

My CC'd Copy Of A Letter To Anorexic Bitch From:

The Commonwealth Of Massachusetts
Executive Office Of Health And Human Services
Department Of Social Services.

Dear Madam, (Anorexic Bitch)

As you know, I have talked with you about the recent report of suspected child abuse and/or neglect in your family which was received by the Department of Social Services. After visiting with you and your children on December 28th, 2006 and talking to other people who know your family, THE DEPARTMENT HAS FOUND NO REASONABLE CAUSE TO SUPPORT THE ALLEGATIONS THAT YOUR CHILDREN HAVE BEEN ABUSED AND/OR NEGLECTED.

If the report about your children came from a person who is required by state law to make this type of report (this could be a doctor, nurse, teacher or other professional), I will be informing her/his of this decision. If you would like to know more about any services which the Department can offer you or if you would like to apple for services, please contact:
Cape Ann Area DSS at (***) ***-****

If you have any questions about this letter or want to talk to me, please call me.

Sincerely,
Woman whose time you completely wasted.
Cape Ann Area Office
Blah blah blah street
Massachusetts.

The ABC's of Amy...

* A - available or taken: Available
* B- best friend: Jen
* C- cake or pie: Cake
* D- drink of choice: Water
* E-essential item you use everyday: Glasses
* F-favorite color: Red
* G-gummy bears or worms: Neither, don't eat candy
* H-hometown: Beverly, MA.
* I-indulgence: M&M's
* J-January or February: Both, I love WINTER!
* K-kid's names: Ruby Cate (Nearly 2 & 1/2 years old!)
* L-life incomplete without: My daughter, family & friends.
* M-marriage date: TBA
* N-number of siblings: One younger brother, Adam. He's 31
* O-oranges or apples: Apples
* P-phobias or fears: Heights
* Q-favorite quote: "In the lottery of my life, my daughter is the six numbers- and the bonus..." -Unknown
* R-reason to smile: Every moment spent with Ruby
* S-season: Fall
* T-tag 3 people: Open Tag, you wanna play, go for it, if not, so be it.
* U-unknown fact about me: I can & have talked to dead people... long story.
* V-veggie I don't like: Cabbage
* W-worst habit: I talk too much.
* X-xrays: MRI's every six months courtesy of MS.
* Y-your favorite food: Lobster when it's in season, OMG SO GOOD! (boiled with butter please!)
* Z-zodiac: LEO

FL. Kris is right...

...listen with your heart to this one, as many times as it takes to 'hear'.

Amen...

...just Amen.

& What Would Tuesday Night Be...

...without some after dinner ENTERTAINMENT!

*grin*


*Music is TOUGH WORK!*

Tuesdays With Uncle Steve...

...Chicken in Creamy Mushroom Sauce over Chive Egg Noodles!
(click above for RECIPE!)

OMG SO GOOD!

For real, if Rachael Ray wasn't already married,
I'd PROPOSE because the woman is a FREAKIN' GENIUS IN THE KITCHEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was so busy making this dish I didn't take the 'progress pics' I normally do, but I DO have the finished product & BOY WAS IT FANFRIGGENTASTIC!

For your viewing pleasure:

HYSTERICAL!

You know you are a child of the 80's if...

1. Your first date took you to the roller rink and you held hands for "Couples Only" skate.
2. You wore a banana clip at some point in your youth.
3. You carried a big colored comb in your back pocket.
4. You know what "Push Up" ice cream is.
5. You know the profound meaning of "Wax on. Wax off".
6. You know who Tina Youthers is.
7. You wanted to be a Goonie.
8. You know who Max Headroom is.
9. You ever wore fluorescent or neon clothing.
10. You could breakdance or wish you could.
11. You wanted to dress like the Hulk or She-Ra at Halloween.
12. You believed the "By the power of Greyskull," you had the power.
13. Partying "like it was 1999" seemed sooo far away.
14. You thought that Transformers were more than meets the eye.
15. You wanted to be on Star Search.
16. You remember Michael Jackson when he was still black.
17. Your first Walkman weighed about as much as a brick.
18. You owned a doll with "Xavier Roberts" signed on its butt, or knew someone who did.
19. You knew what Willis was "talkin' 'bout".
20. You HAD to have your MTV.
21. You hold a special place in your heart for "Back to the Future."
22. You know where to go if you "wanna go where everybody knows your name."
23. You thought Molly Ringwald was REALLY cool.
24. You actually thought "Dirty Dancing" was a REALLY good movie.
25. You have heard of the "Garbage Pail Kids" and possibly owned and traded them with friends.
26. You got a Little Professor calculator for Christmas.
27. You knew "The Artist", when he was humbly called "Prince".
28. You stared a SLAM book or wrote in one.
29. You remember when ATARI was a state of the art video game.
30. You own any cassettes or records.
31. You were led to believe that in the year 2000 we'd all be living on the moon.
32. You remember and/or owned any of the CareBear glass collections from Pizza Hut.
33. Poltergeist freaked you out.
34. You carried your lunch to school in a Gremlins or an ET lunchbox.
35. You have ever pondered why Smurfette was the ONLY female Smurf.
36. You wore biker shorts underneath a short skirt and felt stylish, or know someone who did.
37. You ever had a Swatch Watch, and a Swatch Guard for it.
38. You had a crush on one of the Corey's (Haim or Feldman).
39. You had to stay after class to scrub your desk because your silver Outliner pen leaked through.
40. You remember when Saturday Night Live was funny.
41. You were in Cub Scouts or Girl Scouts but now you have no idea what all the badges you got were for.
42. You know what a "Whammee" is.
43. You had a crush on Jon Bon Jovi, or know someone who did.
44. You thought eating Reeses Pieces would attract your own alien.
45. Your name is Jennifer or Jason.
46. You have ever called 867-5309.
47. You had a poster of Rob Lowe, Kirk Cameron, Michael J. Fox or Don Johnson on your wall.
48. You held the top score on PacMan.
49. You had MALL Hair.
50. You owned a T-shirt that said, "I shot J. R. " or know someone who did.
51. If you ever said "I pity the fool".
52. Your dream car was either: the A-team van, KITT or The General Lee.
53. You knew who Max's boss Jonathan Hart was.
54. You were sad when the "Where's the Beef" lady died.
55. You remember when Ricky Martin was a member of Menudo.
56. You wore a feather roach clip in your hair from the local carnival because you didn’t know what it really was.
57. You remember when cellular phones weighed 15 lbs. and had to be carried over your shoulder.
58. You had to come in the house when the street lights came on.
59. You still know the Big Mac song. "Two all beef patties, special sauce…"
60. You own a real Rubik’s Cube
61. You think there should be a Kids Incorporated original cast reunion.
62. You used to own a Snoopy Sno Cone Machine.
63. You have a tendency to turn the collar up on your Polo shirts.
64. You know what the "P" in Alex P. Keaton stands for.
65. You remember exactly where you were when you heard the space shuttle had exploded.
66. You know all of the words to at least one of the Schoolhouse Rock songs.
67. You could go through a case of Aqua Net hairspray in a week.
68. Your first computer was a Commodore 64 or an Atari 800.
69. You thought being a latch key kid was completely normal.
70. You were disappointed when an episode of 3-2-1 Contact didn’t include a Bloodhound Gang segment.
71. There were days that the homework just had to wait until the ABC Afterschool Special was over.
72. You know what movie the phrase, "Number 5 is alive!" is from.
73. You remember when Molly Ringwald was on Facts of Life.
74. You tried a can of clear Pepsi but hated it like everyone else did.
75. You wore the little bootie socks with the colored balls on the back.
76. You wrote your boyfriends name on the side of your canvas Keds.
77. You just had to have a Trapper Keeper to stay organized at school.
78. You remember when McDonald’s served their burgers in styrofoam boxes.
79. You remember when you could buy half cans of soda (great for field trip days!).
80. You like the guy who played Freddy Kruger better as Willie on "V".
81. You hid out behind the gym during recess to read "Are you there God, it’s me Margaret?" with your friends.
82. Four-square was THE playground game.
83. You were afraid of the Sleestacks on Land of The Lost.
84. You know who Derek Wildstar, Mark Venture, Captain Avatar, Nova and Desslock are.
85. You chewed Dr. Pepper bubble gum.
86. You remember Dirk Benedict as Starbuck long before he played Face.
87. You know who played Uncle Ned, Elyse’s brother, on Family Ties.
88. You skipped school on the day Luke and Laura got married on General Hospital.
89. You never thought they’d be able to top the special effects in TRON.
90. You freaked out a little when you realized you fall into the "26-50" category of most surveys.
91. You played with Lego’s when they were just blocks of various sizes, not any of the special little parts.
92. You made Star Wars shrinky dinks in your oven.
93. You know who Spuds McKenzie, The Noid, and Joe Isuzu are.
94. The TV movie "The Day After" still scares the heck out of you.
95. Pierce Brosnon will always be Remington Steele, not James Bond.
96. You owned at least one Choose Your Own Adventure book.
97. You watched Mary Lou Retton win the gold.
98. The Dark Crystal is still one of your favorite movies.
99. In many of your childhood photos you are wearing something plaid.
100. You still love to play Pong!

The following entries came from an e-mail I received from a friend entitled "Girl of the 70's". A lot of these apply as well so I thought I would add them to the list.

1. You owned a bicyle with a banana seat and a basket.
2. Your roller skates had metal wheels.
3. You begged Santa for the electronic game Simon.
4. You had homemade ribbon barrettes in every imaginable color.
5. You wore the Little House on the Prairie inspired high neck, ruffled, plaid shirt in at least one school picture.
6. You can sing at least one song from "Annie" by heart.
7. You would tape songs off the radio by holding your portable tape player up to the speaker.
8. You wore friendship pins on your tennis shoes.
9. You had the shoelaces with the rainbow or heart designs.
10. You wanted to be a Solid Gold dancer.