Papa & Uncle

We were blessed to have Papa Richardson (Jimmy's Dad) in town for over a week. It was so nice to spend time with him. The boys of course loved having someone to play with and dote on them besides me and Jimmy! Jimmy and I also got to get away several times to workout and go to church together. Papa, thank you for playing with us, reading us books, giving us baths, taking us on walks, playing on the swing set with us, snuggling with us and loving us so much...love, Bryce and Drew.

We were at a museum...isn't this a cool shot?
Uncle Jeff also got to come for a few days from DFW. The boys had lots of fun playing with him too! Thanks for coming to see us Uncle...love Bryce and Drew.

"The Boys" Poem

About a month ago, my dear friend Leilanni wrote the sweetest blog about her 2 year old (in a few days) daughter. Leilanni had been given the advice to "Always tell your child their story. Tell them and tell them often - make it theirs." So, she wrote "Ellie's story" and shares it with her frequently. I, of course, would love to do this for each of my boys, but have not taken the time to do it. But, it reminded me of a poem that Jimmy's sweet and witty Great Aunt Nadean gave me as a shower gift while I was pregnant. I think it's a great "Bryce and Drew story!"
Bryce and Drew with their Great, Great Aunt Nadean! (summer 2007)

THE BOYS

When Jimmy and Karen decided to have a baby

They thought it would be easy and also kind of fun.

They weren't strangers to the drill;

They knew how it was done!

But days went by, then weeks and months,

Their efforts were in vain.

It might have started to seem like WORK,

But still no baby came.

They'd set high goals in their lives,

Who knows how far they'll go?

With this their most important one,

They couldn't, wouldn't accept a "NO!"

With God's help to Jimmy and Karen

And to their Doctor as well,

It wasn't too long before Jimmy's chest

And Karen's tummy had good reason to swell!

Imagine their excitement; their dream was coming true.

Just what they'd been wanting - a baby on the way!

They thought, "What could be better?"

But wait! "What did the Doctor say?"

TWINS! TWO babies on their way,

TWO BOYS, coming in the spring!
Their joy knew no bound -

They couldn't want another thing!

Except for Karen to stop hurling,

And the boys to wait their turn.

Hurling continued, bed rest required, Grandmas needed early,

Karen, those boys you did EARN!

Now the time has almost come

For Jimmy and Karen's arms to be as full as their hearts.

BRYCE MATTHEW and DREW JAMES -

You're the lucky boys - off to a wonderful start.

WELCOME to the boys!
CONGRATULATIONS to their Mom and Dad!
It will be the grandest experience that you have ever had.

We love you all! Aunt Nadean, March 5, 2006

Request

My Mom is going through withdrawals and has requested some updated photos of her boys! Here's some for the grandparents!

Silly boys

Flight jackets and tigger planes

Our new "no-no." Opening the floor vents and cramming them full of toys, food or anything else that looks appealing!

Hmmm...I wonder who broke Mommy's sunglasses? This is why I buy cheapos from Wal-Mart!

A little Valentine's kiss - just between brothers. I can never get the camera to snap at the right moment - ugh, so frustrating!
The boys had so much fun on their recent trip to Toys R Us.

They would have pushed these poppers all over the store if we would have let em!
And drove these cars for hours!

The boys' Great Grandma knitted these darling, hooded sweaters. Drew kept himself entertained for quite awhile playing peek-a-boo in his hood!

I've Been Pimped!

For Valentine's Day, Jimmy gave me money to get my blog designed. What do you think? Jennisa is so creative. If you need a fresh, new look for your blog, check her out. She was inexpensive and easy to work with! http://www.jennisajoy.blogspot.com/

My 3 Sweethearts

Since today is Valentine's Day I thought I would share what I love most about my sweetheart. Jimmy and I started dating in the 9th grade. He told me then that he wanted to marry me someday. Thankfully, he held to his promise. We married 2 months after graduating college and celebrated our 13th anniversary this past August. Jimmy, I love you so much and I'm so thankful that your are my husband. These are the things I love about you most.

1. I love that Christ is at the center of our marriage and that you pray for us, our boys and our family every day.

2. I love that you are the "man of our home." That you lead by example. You set goals for our family, you think about our safety, our financial security and our comfort and peace.

3. I love that we are a good team. When I'm weak, you are strong, and vice versa.

4. I love that you are a good listener (when the tv is not on!) and you give really wise advice.

5. I love that you appreciate me, and praise me for being your wife, the mother to our boys, and that you love my cooking!

6. I love you for being the Daddy that you are. I love the way that you play with Bryce and Drew, the way that you smile at them and say "I am honored to be your Daddy!"

7. I love that you always look for the best in others. That you have a true interest in others and sincerely care.

8. I love that you are not afraid to show your emotions - even if means crying.

9. I love that you are so passionate about life. You give everything you do 100%. You are a man of your word and you have integrity in all you do.

10. I love it when you tell me "I adore you and I'm honored to be your husband."

Of course, I must include the other 2 sweethearts in my life! Bryce and Drew, Mommy loves you so much. I am so thankful God gave you to me and your Daddy to raise. You bring joy, laughter and smiles into our lives every day. You are good little boys and I'm so honored to be your Mommy.

1. I love it when we sit down at the table to eat, you both stretch out your hands to hold our hands while we pray and how you shout loudly, "AAAAAAMENNNN!" at the end.

2. I love that you throw your hands in the air and say "Yay, Mommy!" when you eat something really good I've fixed you.

3. I love when you hug and kiss each other without us asking you to!

4. I love when you wrap your arms around my neck and squeeze really hard!

5. I love when you give me kisses and blow me kisses.

6. I love that you love each other so much.

7. I love your smiles and giggles.

8. I love to see your excitement when you open a present.

9. I love that you say "moon" when you see the Nike logo!

10. I love that you both crawl up on my lap to read books even though it's so crowded!

Here's some funny video from a few weeks ago. The boys were really sick and had fevers...it's my only explanation for this one!

SWEET!

My sweetheart loves chocolate. I usually make him chocolate covered strawberries for Valentine's Day but I thought I would try something new this year. I hope he enjoys these Oreo and Nutter Butter Truffles!

These are so simple to make. They look like truffles but taste like chocolate covered oreo and PB cheesecake!

Oreo Truffles

1 package oreos

1 8oz package cream cheese (at room temp)
1 package almond bark

1 square chocolate bark for drizzling

1. In a food processor, finely grind up all the oreos and then add cream cheese until well combined.
2. On a baking sheet, roll mixture into 1 inch balls. Refrigerate overnight or until very firm.
3. Melt almond bark according to directions. Using 2 spoons, dip each ball into chocolate, let excess drip off and then place onto parchmant or wax paper.
4. Once the almond bark has hardened, drizzle the tops of the truffles with the chocolate bark. Just spoon the chocolate into a small ziploc bag, snip off the end and drizzle. Best when chilled in the fridge.



Nutter Butter Truffles

Follow the same directions as the Oreo Truffles, except using Nutter Butter cookies and dip in the chocolate bark and drizzle with the almond bark.

My other sweeties, Bryce and Drew, are getting a BIG bag of their favorite sweet treat for Valentine's Day. I discovered these little goodies at my local health food store. They are a healthy version of M & M's! You can get them at http://www.sunspire.com/ or at your local health food store or health section of your grocery store.

Family Food Faves

I made these scrumptious little appetizers for the Super Bowl game. Oh so easy and tastey!

Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Jalapenos

Start with fresh jalapeno peppers (2-3 inches long), bacon and cream cheese(at room temp)

Slice peppers lengthwise and remove seeds (this is where the HEAT is!) Make sure you wash your hands really well afterwards or if you rub your eyes or touch your skin it will burn. Then spoon in the cream cheese.

Cut bacon into thirds and wrap a piece around each pepper. Use a toothpick to hold it in place. Place wrapped peppers onto a cooling rack on top of a baking sheet to catch bacon drippings.

Bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes until the bacon is cooked and crisp.

I found this recipe in a fitness magazine so it's healthy and well-balanced, unlike the one above!
Curry Chicken Salad with Roasted Red Peppers
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp curry powder
1 garlic clove, minced
2 T. EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
2 cooked chicken breasts
1 stalk celery, chopped
1/3 cup chopped roasted red bell peppers
1/4 cup cashews
1/4 cup raisins
Dressing: whisk together mustard, vinegar, curry and garlic in a small bowl, adding EVOO slowly.
In a larger bowl combine remaining ingredients and mix in the dressing.
Eat in a pita pocket, wrap, on salad greens or on its own.

Hearty Chicken & Noodle Casserole
1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
1/2 cup milk
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1 cup frozen vegies (I use peas and corn)
2 cups cubed, cooked chicken
2 cups medium egg noodles, cooked and drained
1/2 cup cheddar cheese
Stir soup, milk, pepper, Parmesan, vegies, chicken and noodles in a 1 1/2 qt. casserole dish. Top with cheddar cheese. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 min or until hot. Stir.

Deployment

My brother Eric is in the Army and will be deploying to Saudi Arabia tomorrow for 1 year.

On one hand he's ready to get to Saudi, to get his one-year clock started and to find out his exact orders. Afterall, this is his career and what he's trained to do. However, it does not make it any easier for him to leave his loved ones and his life in the US for that extended period of time. His wife Donna and 2 daughters Logan (10) and Jordyn (2 days older than my boys) and all of his family and friends will be anxiously awaiting his safe return.


Bryce and Drew love their Uncle Eric!

PLEASE pray for Eric's safety during his long travels and for his protection and safety in his job. Also, please pray for Donna and the girls that they will be safe while he's away and that all will be comforted during this difficult time.

I LOVE YOU BRO. Please be safe! WE ARE ALL SO PROUD OF YOU!