Happy Birthday, Mandy!
Today is my Mandy’s birthday. I’ve always enjoyed having Mandy’s birthday the day before mine, but this year, it’s extra special.
Mandy’s been sick this year, struggling with hospital visits and physical weakness and all manner of other things since her diagnosis with MS earlier in 2009. At various points, I wasn’t sure if she would be with us for her birthday… or would understand what was going on for her birthday.
Thankfully, neither of those unpleasant options are what Mandy’s birthday is this year. In the last week, it’s as if Mandy has come alive again, moving better, speaking better, being generally more alert and aware. She’s done really well in PT and went on a short road trip with Josh to pick out Easter dresses for herself and their toddler, Olivia.
I don’t know if Mandy’s enjoying her birthday or not, but I know that her doing better is an amazing birthday present for me.
She is strong and principled and loyal and determined. She is the ultimate champion of the underdog, of the overlooked. I am always humbled by her strength and work ethic, by her fierce protection of those she loves. I am honored to be among those she calls ‘friend.’
Happy birthday, Mandy Lou.
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Menu Plan Monday
Every so often, I decide to see how many meals I can make without going to the store… everything has to come from the pantry, fridge or freezer. It’s usually a creative week, to say the least, but it’s also a good opportunity to weed through some of the things I’d forgotten about in the back of the pantry.
This is one of those weeks, I think. 
Sunday - Mexican rice - steamed flavored rice with Ranch beans, Boca crumbles and cheese (I can do anything with some rice, a little taco seasoning and some Ranch beans.)
Monday - pancakes … We’re having a food day at work on Tuesday, and my contribution is blondies, so I’ll be making those after dinner.
Tuesday - Mandy’s birthday! - fettucini alfredo with sausage and broccoli
Wednesday - turkey burgers (my birthday! Normally, we’d do something more fun, but Mike’s got to teach his night class & won’t get home till 9:30 or so.)
Thursday - I’m hoping we’ll go out for a late birthday dinner.
Friday - Chuck and Stacy are taking the kids for the night for my birthday, so Mike and I will probably go out. I’m looking forward to a date night with Mike.
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Happy Birthday, Jerry!
Today is Mike’s dad’s birthday. I’ve mentioned before about his unfailing love. He is quite simply the personification of selfless love. He took such good care of Mike’s mom when she was ill, and now he’s enjoying his retirement with his lovely second wife, Donna.
When I asked Eliza what her favorite thing about Pawpaw Jerry was, she said, “I don’t know, everything!” Not a bad description, I think.
Happy Birthday, Jerry!!
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Happy Birthday, Mike!
Mike’s family didn’t celebrate birthdays big like mine did, and I can remember how surprised he was that I made a big deal out of his birthday when we were first together. But he went along with it and seemed to enjoy himself. That’s kinda the story of our lives together… I do things, Mike goes along & seems to enjoy himself.
I am blessed beyond measure to have him in my life. He was pretty wonderful at 20 when we first met, but he’s beyond wonderful now. Mike wears his age well. He’s settled into himself, into what he believes and what he wants. Age looks good on him.
He requested this year that we not get him any gifts. I cheated a bit, of course. The kids got him a creeper - one of those things you lie on to work under a car… you know, like the Fonz was always lying on in the garage. Griff selected their gift after lying on the ground last week to help Mike replace the radiator on the truck.
And I promised Mike that I would stop saying anything bad about myself (he told me yesterday that I pissed him off… that was a hint that maybe I’d gone too far with the beat-Chel-up theme of late). So that’s his present from me… nothing but happy Chel talk.
Enjoy it, sweetie. I love you like nothing else.
I love this photo of Mike and his brother, Chuck, at Spring Training. Mike’s standing with his best friend (you know, other than me), watching his favorite team with his whole family with him. A nice spring day, a little baseball, a little fun. For him, this is heaven. And seeing Mike happy and content makes me very happy.
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Menu Plan Monday - All New, All the Time
Ok, I’m tired of the meals we’re having, so I’m going to make all new things all week. I’m also going to try to add more out in the open veggies (as opposed to the sneaky kind the kids don’t know they’re eating). We’ll see how it goes. (My apologies to Org Junkie… I had already made my menu when I discovered it was family favorites week. Oops.)
Sunday -Bacon Roasted Chicken (thanks to All Recipes.com) with mashed potatoes and fruit salad
Monday -Brinner - Sausage and Bacon Kabobs (care of Sandra Lee @ Food Network) with hash browns
Tuesday - Prosciutto-wrapped chicken breasts (from this month’s Real Simple magazine) with Yummy Carrots and green salad (which will be a challenge as my kids HATE salad).
Yummy Carrots — baby carrots, butter, brown sugar, salt, pepper
Add all ingredients in a pan and simmer till the carrots are soft. Right before serving, turn the heat up to reduce the liquids. It’ll turn into a sweet glaze.
Wednesday -time to get my hair colored - Mike & the kids will have leftovers
Thursday - Turkey Fried Rice (an adaptation of a recipe from “The Dinner Doctor” cookbook - lots of veggies and leftover turkey from the freezer)
Friday - dinner out with Chuck, Stacy & the kids for Mike’s birthday (Sunday). After dinner, the kids are going to spend the weekend with the cousins.
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