A New Journey

Today starts a new journey for Lil Bit. She went to her first day of Kindergarten. We had taken her last Thursday to find her classroom and meet her teacher, Mrs. K, so she was somewhat prepared. So this morning Baby J took half a day off from work so we could both take her to school. Traffic wasn't as bad as I expected. We got a spot to park and made our way into the school. Lil bit was holding my hand and the closer we got to the front door the tighter she was holding on. When we got inside Mrs. K told us to take Lil Bit to the classroom to put her backpack in her locker and then come back to the foyer to go see the playground. After going to the classroom Lil Bit didnt want to get in line. There were 3 girls in line and we introduced them to Lil Bit and they scooted over so she could stand in line by them. We said our goodbyes and out of the school Baby J and I went. All I can think is how time has flown. Really seems like this child was just born!

Baby Girl turns 4

Preschool Graduation

Santa!!!

I just got home from taking the girls to the ENT. Well Baby girl had a a followup appointment and Lil Bit tagged along. After a little kicking and a lot of crying Dr. N saw Baby girls ears looked great! While we were there Dr. N says "Wow Momma! is your neck always that big?" And the rest of the conversation goes like this... Me: well today it does seem a little swollen but I just had a radiation treatment about 6 weeks ago for hyperthyroid. Dr. N: Ooohh! And how long have you had that? Me: About 9-10 years. Dr. N: And they are just now doing something about it? Me: For a couple of years I was prescribed PTU but for the last 3 years I have taken nothing. Dr. N: Hhmm So how have you been feeling? Me: Most days, ok. But then there are days that I am very tired. Dr. N: I hope all goes well for you. We have a family friend that is in her early 20's and she had this as well. She was a college student attending on scholarship. She gained a lot of weight and then lost some weight and then she gained some more weight. She was so tired and weak that she started missing classes. Her hormone levels were like a rollercoaster, up and down and all over the place. She ended up losing her scholarship over this. It has now been about 3 years and she is finally leveling out. Me: O wow! Well I'm glad she is finally feeling better. I hope to not go thru all that. I go to the doctor next week to get my levels checked so i guess we'll see. During this conversation Baby girl has gotten out of my lap and Little Bit was now sitting with me. So I ask if he had a minute could he check her right ear. She has been saying it was bothering her. So he kindly looked for us. Little Bit is very good at the ENT. You see she has practically been raised with people looking in her ears for either infections, followups, hearing test, or check ups. This time was no different. She was very good. Dr. N said the tube in her right ear was still in place and the ear drum looked good although had considerable scarring. As for her left ear the tube was angled and appeared to still be in tact but he could not see past the tube to the eardrum. He also mentioned she had titanium tubes and had asked when and where she had them put in. I told him she has had them a little over a year and had them put in at Children's. I also asked if he knew of any headway for correcting enlarged vestibular aqueduct. Unfortunately he said no. But I will continue to ask in hopes that one day there is a fix! So the girls got suckers to go and I dropped them off at daycare so they could join class time, lunch and nap. I can't wait to pick them up. Tonight we are going to see Santa or as Baby girl calls him "Sanda". After Santa they have open house at dance class and we have invited my Mom to come watch with us! I LOVE watching my girls dance! I think I will go take a nap now to prepare myseld for tonights events! And I know I haven't mentioned Peanut lately but he is doing fine! He is ready for Christmas. He has been lifting weights in off season football and he is getting so big. AND so handsome! If I had to guess he is probably about 5'6" so that would make him bigger than me!!! Man how time flies. Seems like that kids was just born.

Cupcakes

Today we made cupcakes.....

Are they done yet???

Then we decorated them.....

And ate them!!!

Soup!!!

Here in Arkansas we have a lil German restaurant located in the small city of Altus named Wiederkehr's. It is a peaceful drive off the interstate thru yards and yards of grape vineyards. The restaurant is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and for years has been voted "Most Romantic" and "Best Ethnic" by the readers of Arkansas Times magazine. Baby J and I go there every year for our anniversary. I love that place! I usually order petite sirloin, with German potatoes. MMMMMM my mouth is watering! Every meal is served with a a loaf of bread, salad and soup. This restaurant should be known for its soup! It is like no other! I was given this recipe by a co-worker and thought to myself, there is no way this could even be close to the real thing but it actually is! So I wanted to share it with all of you! I do believe it is missing something, I just can't figure it out. So if you know, be sure to tell me! Here it goes....

4 Tablespoons Butter
1 small onion chopped
4 or 5 Beef Bouillon Cubes
6 Tablespoons Flour
5 Cups hot water
salt & pepper
Swiss Cheese
Melt butter in saucepan. Add onions and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly so mixture does not scortch. Blend in flour. Then add water and cubes. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Adjust seasonings to taste using salt & pepper. For thicker soup use less water. In each serving bowl put about 2 tablespoons shredded Swiss cheese and pour hot soup over it.

I only use four cups of water, 5 bouillon cubes and not quit that much flour. This is the closest thing to Wiederkehr's soup I have ever had! Hope you enjoy this recipe and let me know if you find the "missing" ingredient!