The reason why the Safeway shopping carts stink!

For my loyal readers, you will know my beef with the Safeway shopping carts. If you have no idea what I am talking about, read the post from 11/29/09.

This week, Michael and I were on our morning jog and going north on Venturacci when all of a sudden this fellow pulled in front of us. He was on a bike, towing a shopping cart down the road. DUDE: This cart is not meant for you to steal and take on the roads of Fallon!

I am convinced this is the reason why all of the carts are in horrible shape and (almost) unusable!

There is my rant for the day...

So much for our road trip

Well, I guess we won't be heading down to Pasadena for the BCS game. Tough game tonight, but "in all kinds of weather, we all stick together, F.L.O.R.I.D.A!"

Go Gators!

Hug tight the ones you love

I got word this week of the passing of an old co-worker of mine. It is beyond heartbreaking as he was only 42 years old with three young children and a beautiful wife.

P.C. was instrumental in helping me get adjusted to working at Merck when I started back in 2001 in the Gainesville/Jacksonville, FL territory. We spoke on the phone a lot as co-workers. We peddled the same products and he had a lot of knowledge of the market that was so helpful. He was always willing to lend a hand and offer advice.

He was also one of the most devoted Christian's I have ever met. He and his family were very involved with their church. I remember him asking me questions like: "Do you believe in the theory of evolution or the theory of creation?"

I'm sad for his wife who is now raising 3 beautiful children without him. And I am sad that he will not have the opportunity to walk his daughter down the aisle for her wedding one day or see any of his kids graduate from high school or college. But I am taught to believe that he will see these things from a different view. From up above. It is still not the same for us down here though.

There is that saying that "only the good die young." I am thinking there may be some truth to that.

Last night's dinner convo

Molly: Michael told me he wants a sibling.

Chris: And how exactly did he tell you this?

Molly: We were at Target and he told me by the way he looks at other kids. He wants a pal to play with.

Chris: Hmmm, well. You know Michael looks at the dogs that same way.

Molly: Oh, you're right. Well, maybe we should get another dog?*

*No, for the record, we are not getting another dog. We already have two and we don't want to be known as that crazy couple with a million dogs. Plus, dogs are more work than babies. My Mother warned me of this, and of course, she was right.

Happy 20th Anniversary to Mom and Jack

Today would have been their 20th Wedding Anniversary. I will never forget the day they married. My sister, brother, and I were all in the wedding. I was 11 years old.

I remember standing out in front of the condo that Mom owned in Georgian Park. We took pictures in our dresses, we were all fancied up. (Read: hair had LOTS of hairspray). My sister and I got to pick out our own dresses for the wedding. Mine was all white, bright white. Lace covering over a white dress down until the knee, then satin below that. Where the satin began there was a big, thick, red bow. I was into bows back then. I would wear them any chance I got. Just ask my cousin, G-dogg. She used to call me Gumby because of all the bows I wore. I don't remember Gumby wearing bows, but oh well.

My sister found a dress she liked from Laura Ashley. Her's was very sophisticated, long and dark red. But she had the big hair too!

I'll never forget my dear God Parents showing up and surprising us all! That was a wonderful treat, for sure.

It was a fun day. After the ceremony, we had a little reception in the parlor of the church then my brother and I took shaving cream and we got to decorate Jack's Lincoln Town Car. What fun that was! We threw the rice and off they went!

It was a beautiful day! I hope they are celebrating in heaven like they would here on earth!

Bittersweet

So today, Michael is 9 months old! We just got back from his check up at the Pediatrician's office. He was smiling for all the nurses there! I know it sounds cliche to say "time flies" but it really does. I can't believe it has been 9 months! I have LOVED every minute of being home with him. (I am so grateful to be employed by a company that allows for extended maternity leave). I would not trade this time for all the money in the world.

Last night, I spent a good part of the evening packing up his newborn gear. I made a trip to U-Haul and bought a wardrobe box, figuring it should be big enough. Chris disassembled the swing for me and I began to pack away all the gear that we used after we brought him home from the hospital. It was sad to be packing it all away, but happy because this means he is growing and developing as he should be! And I know one day, down the road, I will be unpacking all of it again for the next baby.

The box is super full: the swing, the Bumbo, the floor activity mat, the Baby Bjorn's, the papasan, the crib mobile. All of these items were priceless to us in the first few months. I've attached a picture of Michael in his papasan seat. He was about 3 months old here.

Who ever invented the Crock Pot is a genius

I tend to use this kitchen appliance more in the winter because of the recipes that I have for it. But every time I use it, I love it!

It makes the house smell great all day and come dinner time, it is a snap to put dinner on the table.

We started our routine of putting Michael in his high chair and feeding him solid foods at around 6 1/2 months old. Prior to that he was just not interested. I found that he ate better when we were sitting down to eat at the same time. So dinner, every night is at 6:00 pm. Sharp.

Tonight's dinner: My Mom's Pot Roast. I can smell it stewing in the Crock Pot right now. It is just so yummy! Come 6:00 pm, I will pair it with some dinner rolls and voila! Dinner is served.

Here is the recipe:

Emily's Pot Roast
4-5 lb. rump or shoulder roast
1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 C. water
1 medium onion, chopped
4 carrots, chopped
2 baking potatoes, cut into 2" pieces

Combine all ingredients, except potatoes, into crock pot and set on low for 8 hours. 2 hours prior to serving, add potatoes.
Serve with warm, crusty bread.