Wordless Wednesday

                               Two furry cousins on Squirrel Patrol

Thankful Tuesday

331. Sleeping in my own bed. Loved being in Iowa for a week but nothing like my own bed.
332. Warm weather in December. Yes, please.
333. Treatments. Celebrating with #13 of 2014 today!
334. Family dinners.
335. Stockings! I love our family Christmas tradition of stockings.
336. Christmas in Iowa. There is nothing and no feeling like going home to Iowa to Mom and Dad's at Christmas. It's one of the only times we are all home. There is nothing like HOME.
337. My dad's garage vacuum. So handy and necessary when your dog pees in the car.
338. Bowl Games. If only ISU was going to one.
339. Holiday weeks. Nothing like time off during the holidays.
340. Being able to set the "out of office reply" on my email.
341. A new year approaching.
342. Fires in the fireplace even when they make the house too hot. So pretty.
343. Games! So excited to get Scattergories for Christmas! Now to find some friends to play with me!
344. Productivity.
345. Freezer Meals. I made 11 over the weekend and will love having them after long days at work.
346. Clean smelling Ries. She hates her bath but oh how she smelled after our week in Iowa and runs with her Gramps!
347. Christmas cards. Did I say this last week? I love receiving them.  I save them each year and pull them out as I address my cards.
348. Taking down the decorations. As much as I love having up my Christmas decorations there is something so refreshing about taking them down.
349.  Hometown service. Thanks Bob's Automotive. They always take care of me!
350. Casey's breakfast pizza. Snuck a piece on my way out of town.
351. Cheap gas.
352. President Obama. Lowest employment rate in 11 years, growing economy, affordable healthcare and cheap gas. Thank you!
353. My health. After I finished watching the Inside Pediatrics series on KMBC I realize it could be so much worse.
354. A clean house.
355. Early bedtimes.
356. 2014

I intended to write a thankful post every week. Didn't quite make it but made sure I had one thing for each day. Thanks for putting up with me. Still thinking about what some of my daily themed blog posts will be for 2015. Suggestions? Ideas?

Bleu Cheese Rolls

My friend Susan introduced me to this recipe of Bleu Cheese Rolls a few years ago and they are so good! If you aren't a fan of Bleu Cheese you may not think they are delish however.  They are so easy and change up the usual "dinner" roll at a family gathering or party.

Bleu Cheese Rolls
1 or 2 packages of frozen dinner rolls based on the amount you want to make
1 container of bleu cheese crumbles or you can buy bleu cheese and slice it
1 stick of butter

Let rolls rise per package.  Once they have risen you will want to put a slice of butter either between each roll or on top. Then spread the bleu cheese crumbles on the rolls as desired.  Bake per directions on the bag.  Eat and enjoy!

In typical fashion I forgot to take a picture of the finished product but hopefully you can imagine it!

Feel Good Friday

Merry Christmas

The Invisible Belt

This morning I lost my invisible belt. What you ask, my invisible belt. I brought it to Iowa and forgot where I packed my Invisible Belt. Pretty hard to find things that are invisible I guess. At any rate, I had heard about the Invisible Belt several years ago and when I got a birthday coupon at Two Chic Blvd decided to snag one up. The Invisible Belt helps keep your jeans up when you really don't want the bulk of a real belt. It's actually pretty genius when you have on a long shirt but still need a belt.

Wordless Wednesday

                                      

This is called operation re wrap all my Christmas gifts because Oh Precious One decided to pee in my bag of Christmas gifts enroute to Iowa on Sunday. 

   

Field Trip

                           

My mom and I went on a field trip yesterday to Cantril, Iowa to the Dutchman's Store. What a great adventure!  Cantril has a population of 222 and I think half the town was there when we were. The Dutchmans store carries bulk products and local produce. I got several bags of pasta and oatmeal and oats. My mom got several stocking stuffers and cookie decorating jars. So much fun to look at all the spices and cooking ingredients. For my BIL, they even had Almond Paste. As we were enroute home I told my mom the only thing that would make this field trip better would be a stop at a winery but she reminded me the Amish probably don't do wine.

Thankful Tuesday

312. Home. Love being home or at my parents cozy home.
313. Humor. You've gotta have humor in this life. Like when your dog urinates in your bag of wrapped Christmas gifts.
314. Christmas goodies. New Year will bring a focus on taking care of the pounds from the Christmas goodies but oh boy are they good.
315. Lazy mornings. No rush to be anywhere.
316. My siblings. I cannot wait to see them tomorrow.
317. Royce White's article on mental health. Stunning. Please read.
318. Adventures with my mama. Like to the Dutchman's store yesterday. So much fun!
319. Cyclone basketball. Football is my first love but hey Cyclone Basketball is kind of fun right now.
320. And speaking of basketball, who isn't thankful for Temple this morning? :)
321. My mama's spinach spaghetti. So yummy!
322. Giving gifts. I LOVE to give gifts. I shop year round for my Christmas gifts and only two more sleeps until I get to give them away.
323. Sunshine. I said this last week but seriously sun, where are you?
324. And speaking of, if it's gonna be so dreary, who doesn't love a white Christmas? Just snow already!
325. I'm thankful for email responses confirming donations to the MGA Triple Crown Run raffle! Woo hoo!
326. Volunteers. We had a new volunteer step up and help us revamp our MGA Triple Crown website. So thankful for Susan!
327. Also thankful for people who speak out against crazy Michelle Duggar. Another great read (if you have time!)
328. Traditions.
329. Checking things off the to-do list.
330. Planning. Thankful for some time off to plan for bigger and better things in this next year!

Invisible

This week on the local ABC channel a special has aired, Inside Pedatrics which has featured stories about patients at the local children's hospital, Children's Mercy. One of the stories was about a pre teen girl battling a chronic pain disorder which debilitated her life to the point of being barely able to walk.  Through her tears she announced that teachers at her school didn't believe she was in pain and they would continue to push her. She's from Marion, IA by the way. I cringed. I know that feeling.

Myasthenia Gravis is somewhat of an invisible illness. It's chronic. It cannot be cured. There are times when your body is so full of tired and your muscles ache to the core but you keep battling or in my case I worry about the stuff I will miss if I give in and take a nap or a break or what people will think. Yes, I'm concerned with what others think of me. But I think the truth of the matter as I watched this young girl being featured is to face what you are battling. It's ok to say, "hey I need a time out, I'm tired" or "my muscles hurt and I can't do that right now." 

As with most things in life, some days are better than others and you've got to learn to respect your body, listen to your body and ignore your critics. As I watched this young girl learn to cope with her pains and manage them through different techniques I thought,  I want to be more like her. It's ok to say no and to embrace what you are facing, the right way. As many times as I want to "be normal" and "hide" what's going on with my majorly screwed up immune system, nerves and muscles, whose kidding cause, there is no hiding. Invisible or not. 

                                          

              

Christmas Vacation

Cue in the rendition of the song heard on National Lampoons Christmas Vacation.  God, I love that movie. And God, I love breaks from work.

It's like an automatic 100lb weight lifted off your shoulder to know you are virtually on vacation until 2015.  I went to bed early last night, got up early, worked out, ran some errands with oh precious one so she could get her toenails clipped and partially got the car packed to go to Iowa. I am ready and I am excited.  It's something about going home that always brings a smile to my face.

It's been a great December and I'm even more excited for 2015.  There is renewed hope for meeting goals and striving to be your best, do your best and reach your highest potential. I heard a quote recently that the best gift you can give at Christmastime is your "presence." To spend a week with my family is definitely the best present I will receive.  And hopefully oh precious one will not leave any "presents" on Grammy and Gramps carpet!

The presents are wrapped, cookies baked, cards mailed and I'm ready to head home. XOXO

                       

        

Feel Good Friday

Wordless Wednesday

This.Cracks.Me.Up. Oh precious one went to meet Santa. She was terrified. She starred and then she wiggled to get away and kicked Santa in the mustache. He wasn't too pleased and neither was she and I was doubled over laughing. God Bless her.

HamBINGO

Last Wednesday about 75 people attended HamBINGO at Hamburger Mary's to benefit the MGA Triple Crown Run. It was great fun, lots of laughs, lots of naughty and lots of great prizes. And we rocked and rolled it, raising over $1250 for the run. Yippee! We are full speed ahead with fundraising and run preparations.  Thank you for your support.

And sorry for the photo quality- bad lighting and just an iPhone! Great times! And for your reference Hamburger Mary's does charity bingo 3 nights a week to donate to their favorite charities! Check it out!

Thankful Tuesday

301. Gift giving. I  love giving gifts. I love that Christmas is approaching. All of mine are wrapped tightly and under the tree and I can't wait to give them! Who wants to open their gift??
302. Volunteers. We have some amazing volunteers working on the MGA Triple Crown Run this year. PS. Check out our new website!!
303. Generosity. I am blown away every year at the generosity when I send out the requests for sponsorships for the MGA Triple Crown Run.
304. Calm, cool, collected Freddy Hoiberg. Who isn't thankful for Freddy?
305. Sunshine. After days without sunshine in KC, as it peaks out a little today I am thankful.
306. Christmas cards. I love receiving Christmas cards. So fun to get the mail this time of year.
307. Secret Santas. Love the little game we play at work and can't wait for our celebration on Thursday!
308. Productivity. Down to the wire on work for the year and enjoying checking things off the to-do list!
309. Warm winter days. Although cloudy, thanks for being 60 Sunday. Enjoyed the fresh air.
310. Savers. Went in there to get an ugly Christmas sweater and came out with 5 new to me sweaters!
311. Hot showers.

No Elf on My Shelf

Ok, so I don't have kids and that's the entire point of the Elf on the Shelf. But that damn little Elf on the Shelf, I hate it. It is plastered over  all social media and Pinterest and  seriously, gag me.

Whatever happened to bringing in the Christmas season with an Advent calendar as we prepare each day for the birth of Jesus? Yes, a little old fashioned, and I know generally I am one of more liberal ideas. But this damn Elf on the Shelf, er creepy figure with red lipstick, represents presents, nothing to do with the real reason for the season. 

As I was thinking of my hatred for this little creature I googled "I hate elf on the shelf." Oh prepare yourself, hilarious my friends! I guess I am not the only one.  For example, this blogger has similar thoughts.  

In a world where our lives are busy enough, over extended, going a mile a minute this is just one little thing that represents nothing but a fad and to me Christmas isn't a fad. It's much, much more and kids need to know that. It has nothing to do with a naughty, creepy little elf.

Grandma's Spaghetti

It's funny the things you remember about people. Like my Grandma McCreedy, her spaghetti, delish! I requested this from my mom when she was in town this past week for my monthly Plasmaphersis treatment.  She paired it with my Grandma's famous mustard bread. SO Yummy!

Marilyn's Famous Spaghetti Sauce

2 lb hamburger
1 large chopped onion
1/8 teas chopped garlic
2 T dried parsley
dash of Italian seasoning
dash of salt and pepper
1-2 large cans of tomato sauce
1 can tomato paste
Season with garlic salt
Brown hamburger. Drain. Cook onion and garlic in oil. Add other ingredients. Simmer covered at least an hour. Stir occasionally. It will be very thick. Serve over cooked spaghetti.

Feel Good Friday

Feel Good Friday

Save the Date

Thankful Tuesday

291. Alaskan Airlines. Overall they rock. Direct flight to Seattle. Yes, please.
292. Family. Oh what I wouldn't do to have them all closer to me.
293. My new Ugg sweater boots. They may not be the most beautiful but oh they are precious feeling on my feetsies.
294. Social Suppers. I bought a Groupon and made some freezer meals a few weeks ago. So.nice.to.have.
295. Momiji Sushi. Going to Seattle. You MUST go here. Mouth still watering.
296. My new bed sheets. Thanks Mom for the hand me downs after oh precious one destroyed my other favorites. These are quite comfy and I guess they will work!
297, Memories. Holiday times make me think so much about family memories. I love being able to relive a memory.
298. Gogoair.com
299. Chupa. Nepdog #2. He's the bomb.
300. Muling spices. I forgot about them and saw them recently at the store. Oh my house smells so good!

#givingtuesday

It's #givingtuesday! Did you Black Friday Shop or Cyber Monday Shop? Now is the time to give! Click here to support the 5th Annual MGA Triple Crown Run! Individuals who donate $250 or more become sponsors which includes special perks such as run registration and special recognition based on how much you give. We appreciate every little bit! And every little bit counts!

Apple Cinnamon Water

So I am not much of a water drinker. In fact I pretty much just want a diet coke. But am trying to drink more water. I came across a pin on Pinterest for Apple Cinnamon Water so I tried it yesterday. Pretty good if I do say so myself. Lemon water grosses me out, recall my fear of fecal lemons but apple water that I prepared. Thumbs up!

MG Reminder

It's that time of year. You've got the sniffles, a sore throat, a cough or the dreaded stomach bug. People with Myasthenia Gravis have a much harder time fighting illness than the normal person due to their compromised immune system. So be nice and keep your germs away!  They will thank you later! 

Thanksgiving Brunch Ideas

A few days ago I posted about a sorority sister who recently wrote and published a children's book about grief and loss of her young son, well I came across this today. Another sorority sister who writes the food blog, Perfecting the Pairing had a recipe featured in the Huffington Post. So cool.  I always knew Gamma Phis were going to achieve great things! :) Her recipe looks fun for a family brunch. Might have to check it out!

       

                   

So Fun Seattle

A Thanksgiving trip to Seattle provided time to escape work, the hustle and bustle of life in KC and counting my blessings with family.  While the main entertainer had 4 legs and unforgettable ears, we can't forget the feast which took G&C all day to prepare, the many glasses of vino, all the fresh seafood and shoe purchases! No trip to Seattle is complete without a shoe purchase. Perhaps one of these times I will learn to take the correct pair. As the weekend closes, looking forward to 4 short weeks and more family time in December! Here's to the holiday season!

                       

       

Layered Taco Bean Dip

There are many variations of this type of dip but my moms recipe is the best, dare I say! Sometimes it is so good you may want to even take a spoon to it. Easy prep and great for a family feast appetizer!

Ingredients

1 can refried beans

12 oz sour cream

8 oz cream cheese

1/4 to 1/2 cup of salsa or taco sauce

Shredded cheddar cheese (enough to cover top)

1 onion, diced

1 tomato, diced

1/2 bag of shredded lettuce

Spread beans all over a plate or platter. In a bowl combine sour cream, cream cheese, salsa and onion.  Spread mixture on top of refried beans. Top with lettuce, tomato and cheese. 

Pee Shoes

I started this post months ago and as I'm flying this afternoon from Seattle home I thought I'd finish it up. After all, while in Seattle I didn't bring appropriate shoes and ended up buying a pair of rain boots. So much for cute fashionable fall boots with no traction. But it's gotten me thinking about walking a mile in your shoes. Your shoes tell a story about where you have gone. I know I've written about this before however as I prepare to part with my pee shoes I thought they needed a tribute.

Commence May 2005, Memorial Day weekend I believe. My sister was living in Dallas and I was driving down to see her. I-35 between Dallas and KC can often become a parking lot and that it was on this day. Just over the Texas border I had been in 3 mile per hour traffic for some time and my bladder was nearing eruption. Like the kind of eruption where if you move a little might slip out. Proactively, I had undone by belt and pant buttons to be ready for when I got close enough to exit. Finally, after seriously considering peeing in a cup, I creeped up to a rest stop. And let it be known I am one person who does NOT do rest stops, whether it's due to my friend Lindsey's story about when she was a DA and she prosecuted a case where a person was beheaded in a northern Missouri rest stop or just the terrible stench of everybody and their dog using a random building for no other purpose but to relieve themselves.  On this day there was no choice.  I slammed the Jeep in park and inched myself out of the drivers seat, slowly turned and grabbed the door handle to push it open. Slowly as to not have any leakage and exited the car. With my body shift I was able to regain control of my bladder and I bolted inside the rest stop. As I flew through the women's restroom door to my feet were surrounded and warmed by a couple of inches of "waste" everywhere on the floor. There was NO way to avoid stepping in the pee and there was no way I could quit running at this point. Barely making it to the toilet to get my business done,  I started laughing. I was literally wading in that rest stop in other peoples urine. Hence the pee shoes being named. A brand new pair of flip flops from American Eagle that cushioned my feet just perfectly, ruined. A solid pee shoe cleaning later ensued.

I made the mistake of telling my sister the story and then the pee shoes were not welcome in her house in Dallas and her later homes in Minneapolis and Chicago. The pee shoes made trips to Fairfield and the grimace on my mothers face still makes me laugh.  The pee shoes helped me perform yard work, cheer on the Cyclones, walk Ries, help sleepily get me home for treatments, up and down the stairs at the lake, the beaches in Aruba, San Diego, and I'm pretty sure they even made some trips to Seattle.  They started getting worn, losing some rubber and this past summer while babysitting I looked up and a baby had them in her mouth. Eek. 

As my brother announced his Hawaii wedding, my mom told me in August that the pee shoes could not make the trip. Talk about bursting my bubble. The pee shoes have walked many miles, made lots of memories and probably know more things about me than I do.  So a new pair of basic flip flops have been purchased. They will never replace the pee shoes or be of the same comfort or have half the story the pee shoes did but the time has come. Ode to the pee shoes.                                                        

    

PS. Mom this does not mean I am throwing them away. I'm just getting one step closer.    

Feel Good Friday

Happy Thanksgiving

                 Happy Thanksgiving! 

Home Runs in Heaven

A sorority sister of mine has written a lovely book explaining grief and loss for kids. Her book is based on the story of losing her infant son. Check it out Home Runs in Heaven here.

#woofoutwednesday

                           This. Oh precious one is ready for winter. 

Feel Good Friday