February 3rd

Yes, it is a sad day in Patriot Land. However, Rose is glad she can take the Patriot banner down and just have the painting in the living room. We went down to Rose & Joe's for a Superbowl party. I brought cheesecake. It's the first time I have ever made cheesecake and it actually was good! Unfortunatly it is all gone so now I guess I'll have to make another cheesecake! Lol!

February 2nd

Arthur and I had a good day today. We didn't really have to do anything so we rode around and looked at some neighborhoods in Wendell and then tried to find a junk yard (to get a side mirror for Arthur's car). He spotted this beaver dam in our travels. Arthur had praise and worship practice and then we went out to dinner to Cinelli's. He wanted their Antipasta and I was craving their Chicken Monachina. It's been awhile since we have been out with just the 2 of us! BTW, Arthur has lost 24 lbs and Dan's lost 18 lbs.

January 31st

We fixed this pampered chef recipe for lunch at work today. One of the fortunate thing about working in a place with a full kitchen is actually being able to cook for lunch.

Chicken and Broccoli Braid
6 servings
2 cups diced, cooked chicken (Nancy used a can of chicken)
1/2 cup red bell peppers, chopped
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
2 teaspoons dried dill weed
2 tablespoons slivered almonds
2 cans refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1 egg white, beaten
1 cup fresh broccoli, chopped
1 clove crushed garlic
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup diced onions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.In a large bowl, toss together chicken, broccoli, red bell pepper, garlic, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, dill weed, salt, almonds and onion.Unroll crescent roll dough, and arrange flat on a medium baking sheet. Pinch together perforations to form a single sheet of dough. Using a knife or scissors, cut 1 inch wide strips in towards the center, with the cut strips forming a fringe down each side. Spread the chicken mixture along the center strip. Fold the side strips over chicken mixture, alternating strips from each side. Pinch or twist to seal. Brush braided dough with the egg white. Bake in the preheated oven 25 to 28 minutes, or until golden brown.

January 30th

We had a pot luck after work today for the residents.

January 29th

Fire!

January 28th

A new angel that Andy & Christine gave me for Christmas

January 27th

Sammy

January 25th

If you look at the picture of me playing pool, you'll notice that it looks much better! A friend from RI, lightened up a couple pix for me. I can't believe how much better they look! I'm going to go back through and switch some of them out. Thanks Dave!

Good or Bad

One of my loopy friends asked a question on her blog ( http://emilys5blessings.blogspot.com/ ) - Should blogs show only the "good"? It is an interesting question. Looking back, last year was rough. We sent Ben to Iraq, my job became unbearable, Arthur lost his job, which then caused financial stress, Sierra moved out under less than ideal circumstances, I was really sick for a bit with my stomach infection, and most of you have seen my occasional meloncholy over my children growing up and leaving the nest. I think we would have been off the charts on one of those "stress" tests! Yet, I don't see this as a "bad" year. We have grown in faith and trust through everything, good and bad. Sharing some of our concerns allows our friends and family to pray for us through these times and is also a record of God's provision for us. He will meet all our needs, even when we don't know what they are. He is in control of everything: nothing is too small (or Big). So when things don't seem to be going the way I think they should, I can look back and be reminded of God's hand in our lives.



"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. " Jeremiah 29:11

January 21st

No, I did not go play pool today. Andy and Christine called and complained that I didn't put any pix of myself playing pool. I told them it was because the picture was dark but they requested it anyway. So here you go guys!

January 19th

We went to Joe & Rose's 25th anniversary party tonight. I don't know if we ever mentioned that Joe and Rose are our parallel people. We are both from RI but never knew each other until we moved to NC. We got married the same year and went to the same honeymoon spot, and even stayed at the same hotel! Our kids are the same age (except for their last son who is 8). We moved to NC the same time, bought houses on the same street and have the identical floor plan. Now Rose and I work together and do the same job. It's a bit creepy!

January 18th

We almost had a new puppy! Someone abandoned this little guy at my apartment community. It has been freezing here. So Daniel brought him home for the night while we found him a home. We considered keeping him until we found out that Sam was terrified of him! I have never seen Sam so upset - he jumped over Arthur's chair to get away and even onto our bed! Fortunately, Daniel's boss was thrilled to get a new puppy so he's all set. I don't understand how people can get a dog and not take care of it. How could anyone leave this cute little puppy outside?

January 16th

This is some artwork that Dan did for his Art final. He only got a "C" on the pen and ink drawing!
I don't know much about art but I thought he did a good job.

January 15th

And the visit is over... Sigh. We had a wonderful time though. We went to Comedy Worx on Andy's birthday, went to the movies, I learned how to play pool, went to the Farmer's Market, and just spent time together. We got a chance to get to know Christine and see the two of them together. I commented a long time ago that I prayed for Christine - and I did. I earnestly prayed that God would place the "right" young woman into Andy's life and after spending 5 days with them, I know He answered my prayers. I can not think of a negative thing to say about her and they are wonderful together. It is such a joy to see your child happy and settled. Now we just need to pray that they decide to move to North Carolina. Hey, stranger things have happened...I'm here right!

January 14th

More random shots of the kids just goofing around.