Hurry up Spring Break

This is what you get when you tell Ford to smile!!!!!!!  And yes, that is absolutely a bottle that you see in his hand. If you have forgotten I am up for “Mother of the Year.”

Now please bear with me throughout this blog.  You must remember that my computer has a virus and is still acting extremely peculiar. 

Ford needed a spatula to eat his muffin with yesterday morning. 

Photo shoot while watching Barney.  Barney is something I swore my child would never watch because he is the most annoying thing that has ever come along, but Ford really has a high regard for the purple dinosaur so I tolerate him. 

Ford will be getting a hair cut during my spring break.  That is high up on the agenda.  Trey has put his foot down for months about me cutting his hair.  He got butchered back in September and I haven’t been allowed to cut his locks since then.  I have been given permission to cut it this week. 

Tomorrow is day 28 since the pipe burst in our house.  We haven’t made tremendous progress on getting things back to normal, but it’s better than nothing.  We got new floors this week.  They still have to come back and sand them and put 2 coats of stain down.  We also need new baseboards and paint.  I hope that if nothing else I ever say sticks with you that you will at least remember to cover your outside water faucets each winter.  I think I may leave mine covered 12 months out of the year. 

Ford was sweeping

Taking his bath tonight

People always say that teachers have it made because we get so much time off during the year. I guess 2 months in the summer, a week at Thanksgiving, 2 weeks at Christmas, and a week at spring break is a perk to being a teacher. However, those breaks come after much hard work and dedication to the job. I think I would lose my mind if I didn’t have next week off. I am being serious. I am completely worn out and exhausted from wearing the many hats of a teacher. I am a nurse, counselor, police officer, drill sergeant, referee, maid, weather forecaster, hair dresser, snack vendor, ketchup opening, coat zipping, earring fixing, pencil sharpening, shoe tying, Neosporin and band-aid having, homework giving, kind of teacher. At the end of the day all I want to do is go to bed. I don’t want to talk anymore (which upsets Trey) I just want to lie down and go to bed.

Speaking of going to bed... Ford has been waking up in the middle of the night. This is something that happens about once or twice a week. It’s getting old. I have been so exhausted with school lately that I can’t even make myself get out of bed. I poke Trey and tell him to close the door and then we turn off the monitors. Again… “Mother of the Year.” Any advice on this issue would be greatly appreciated!

I am off to bed.... Until next time!

If it's not one thing....

Have you ever heard the saying “If it’s not one thing, it’s another?”  My parents even have a pillow on their couch that my grandmother gave them several years back that says “If it’s not one thing, it’s your mother.”  Well, as you all know our house was slightly flooded 3 weeks ago due to a busted pipe and we are still under construction here some 23 days later.  And if all that isn’t fun enough our computer caught a virus on Monday to add to the excitement around here.  Luckily, Trey’s uncle is computer savvy and he has spent many an hour over here trying to give this old thing a boost.  I know all 5 of my readers would be devastated if I couldn’t blog anymore.  Hopefully it’s back to normal now. 

I just think this picture is funny. He was mad at me and crying and I decided to take a picture of his performance and he couldn’t decide if he should laugh or cry.

 Snack time

 Sharing chips with Delta  (you like that plywood floor in the background don't you!)

 Mad at momma

This weekend was kind of busy for me.  I helped host a baby shower on Saturday and as soon as I got home Trey wanted to drive to Oxford to watch the last basketball game.  Decisions like that always throw me for a loop because I have to plan every detail to a T and make sure it fits Ford’s schedule.  I gave in and we headed to the game.  As soon as we walked into the building Ford’s head slammed on my shoulder and he locked his legs tightly around my waist.  The little man isn’t a fan of loud noises and it was rocking in there for sure.  Eventually he warmed up to the idea and thoroughly enjoyed the Rebelette dancers.  Every time they went to sit down he said “Girls come back.”  He then informed me that he could see their belly buttons.  He is “slightly” obsessed with locating everyone’s belly button.  I think he likes the ladies at a young age. 

Trey went outside to trim the bushes and Ford needed to know exactly what was going on.  We followed him from window to window to see what was happening.

 His favorite cereal "Lucky Charms"... they are my favorite too!

We are still taking our antibiotics for the double ear infection 

I went ahead and prepared supper for tomorrow night and put it in the frig.  I love when I go ahead and cook the night before and am only left to put it in the oven.  Tomorrow night we will eat one of my mother in law’s recipes.

CHICKEN ENCHILLADAS


1 tbs butter
1 onion
1 4 ½ ounce chopped green chilies
1 8 ounce cream cheese
3 ½ cups chopped cooked chicken
8 inch flour tortillas
1 8 ounce bag Monterrey Jack cheese
2 cups half and half
Melt butter and add chopped onion. (I used a large skillet) Sauté for 5 minutes. Add chilies and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in cream cheese. Add chicken. Stir. In a 9 x 13 dish fill tortillas with about 3 to 4 tablespoons of mixture and a little cheese and place seam down. (My dish held 6). Pour half and half over tortillas and sprinkle the remaining cheese. Bake -covered on 350 for 45 minutes


Brushing up before bedtime

I can only hope and pray that this week passes by quickly and spring break gets here super fast.  Pray for my sanity this week. 

The News Is Out

As promised, I am letting the cat out of the bag and spilling the latest Lamar Family news.  NO, we are not pregnant, but my sweet husband is about to venture into politics....



TREY LAMAR ANNOUNCES CAMPAIGN FOR MISSISSIPPI HOUSE SEAT

     It is only after careful considerationand with great pride in our community that I humbly announce my candidacy to serve the citizens of Tate County as your Representative in the Mississippi Legislature.

     Recently, Senatobia was named as one of the finest places in the country to live and raise a family. As an individual with the privilege to call Tate County home, I know this is true. However, I believe that Tate County also faces serious challenges as we strive to meet our tremendous potential. Some of my goals for the future of our community include a renewed focus on conservative government, economic development, job growth and education while providing a prudent and common sense watch over the taxpayers’ money.

     In order to achieve these goals and reach our potential, I know that strong leadership in Jackson is essential. We will not reach our goals overnight, but with your help, I aim to provide the leadership necessary to keep Tate County and Mississippi on the right path toward a more prosperous future.

     It is for these reasons that I humbly request your support and vote in this year’s election for the District 8 Seat in the Mississippi House of Representatives. I look forward to meeting and visiting with you during the next few months to hear your concerns. Thank you and may God continue to bless Tate County and Mississippi.

WHO IS TREY LAMAR?

Christian

• Active member of the First Baptist Church of Senatobia

Family Man

• Married to Jill Anthony Lamar, teacher at Senatobia Middle School
• Father to Ford Lamar
• Son of John and Ann Lamar of Senatobia

Hard Worker

• Engaged in the general practice of law with the Senatobia law firm of Lamar & Hannaford, P.A.
• Adjunct professor at Northwest Mississippi Community College

Servant Leader

• Rotary Club of Senatobia, member
• Tate County Economic Development Foundation, Treasurer
• Statewide elected Director of the Mississippi Bar Young Lawyers Division

Educated

• Magnolia Heights School
• The University of Mississippi – Bachelor of Business Administration
• Mississippi College School of Law – Juris Doctorate
• Washington University in St. Louis School of Law –
Master of Laws in Taxation

Thank you for your consideration, your support and your vote.

Sincerely,

John T. “Trey” Lamar, III
 

The above will be seen in our local newspaper on Tuesday.  Sorry to disappiont anyone who thought we were adding on to the family tree... one day, but just not now.  In the mean time, we have a campaign to run!!!!  See you on the campaign trail!!!!!

News to come....

Since the last post our living room still looks the same. The insurance adjuster is coming tomorrow so hopefully we can get our house back to normal before the end of the week (fingers crossed).

Ford ended up being a sick little man. He ran fever most of Wednesday afternoon and night until I (genius that I am) realized that I had been giving him Tylenol when Motrin is really the only thing that can get his fever down. The doctor said he had another double ear infection and possibly strep. I don’t think he had strep and neither did Gran. No strep test was given because the antibiotic for the ear infection would also cure the strep she said. By Thursday afternoon he was acting more like my child and not falling asleep on the couch anymore!

Asleep on the way home from the doctor

 Helping Momma make muffins on Saturday morning

 "I stir Momma"

The toilet paper holder fell off the wall.  Ford needed to fix it.

 Hiding so he won't have to take a nap

I have read several people’s blogs lately where they have pictures of, or talk about riding bikes.  I really want a bike.  I have pretty much been begging Trey for once since before we got married.  We are going on 6 years now people.  I told him I could get a seat on the back and Ford and I could go for rides and it would be great exercise for me.  He said something like that would be expensive and we have a lot of stuff coming up soon.  I told him to cancel some of the things.  He wanted to know how me getting a bike would allow for us to spend quality time together.  I told him he could chase after Ford and me as we went for a spin.  He didn’t laugh.  I did!  I am not giving up on this bike idea either.  I need one for Mother’s Day.  I argued that I don’t hunt, fish, play golf etc. like he does and I need a hobby.  He has lots of money invested in all his extracurricular activities and I need the same kind of treatment.  I will let you all know how this ends up on Mother’s Day! 

Sometimes there are things that need to be done at our house that I like to “put off.” It’s one of those deals that I say I will do it, but never actually get around to. Well, it’s just about March and we still had a pumpkin on our back porch. I know that is sick and you all probably think a lot less of me, but I don’t care. Trey decided it was time to get rid of the pumpkin this weekend. I agreed.  

Stuck to the table

Trey cleaning the roof off.  The gutters were pretty nasty. 

 Ford was concerned

 I told him he looked ridiculous giving the "peace sign."

 STUFF ABOUT FORD:
Everyday after I get Ford from his baby sitter’s house I ask him what kind of day he had. His response: “A good day.”
We also talk about if he was a sweet boy, if he took a nap, and what he ate for lunch. Every single time I ask him what he ate his response is: “Crackers, cheese, ham, and hotdogs.” I could ask him when he wakes up from his nap today what he ate for lunch and he would tell me those 4 things… he didn’t eat any of that today. He is such a mess!
He can spell his own name without any help.
He is recognizing several colors now. His favorite one to call out first is blue.
He knows cars very well. He can spot anyone’s car (that he knows) driving by our house, in a parking lot, or if they pull into our driveway. I think he got this talent from his momma. I have (used to be better) always been good about knowing different kinds of cars and could even tell you what kind of car it was just by looking at the hub caps. One of my many talents I am proud of. Ha ha ha!!!
At night when we rock Ford prefers for me to hum “Silent Night” or to sing “Baby Jesus” which is “Jesus Loves Me.”


Walking to see the tractor

His entourage following

 BoomPa decided to ride too

 Playing in the park

 Gran making sure he didn't fall

 Getting ready for bed.  He has my headband around his neck I wear when I was my face

We have some big family news to share with you on Tuesday.  Check back to find out what it is…

The Reserve Ran Out

If you are wondering, no, our house is not back to normal. It looks pretty much the same as the picture in the last post except after 6 days we don’t have those loud fans anymore. It was almost creepy coming home Monday afternoon from work and my house being so quiet. I am guessing it could be at least another week before the insurance adjuster and contractor people can fix us all back up. It’s been a situation… and I am not even lying.

On Sunday I had the bright idea to go 4-wheeler riding. Trey agreed that it was a good idea and wanted to stop by our new land and future home site first. Ford was not having much of that business because he knew we were supposed to be going to the farm to ride 4-wheelers. Driving Daddy’s truck did help his feelings a little bit though.

Falling down in the tall grass.

Trey and Ford looking at the horses.

Being red-neck and riding thru creeks and lots of mud

After we had been riding about 5 minutes I inquired about the gas situation.  Trey told me that we had plenty of gas and if we happened to run out then 4-wheelers have a thing called reserve.  It wasn’t 2 minutes later that Trey announces that we were about to run out of gas.  I told him it would be a good idea to turn around because we were already a good long ways from his truck.  He insisted that we continue on our nature ride.  I began to threaten him that I would not be happy if we ran out of the reserve gas and I had to carry Ford nearly 1 mile through thick woods.  He laughed at me.  WHAT do you think happened?  We broke down!!! 

Trey calling for help 

 My mad look

 Ford pretend driving... we were stranded

 Me calling 911.... not really but I was getting help

 Trey and Ford doing manly things... probably looking for "deer rubs" or "tracks"

I picked Ford up from his sitter today and thought he felt a little bit warm.  When we got home we walked around outside for a few minutes and I completely forgot about thinking he felt hot.  A little later I went to change his diaper and took his temp.  The first thermometer said 103.2… I decided it was wrong and grabbed another one that read 102.8.  Yep… he’s sick, AGAIN!  I am guessing it’s the ears.  It’s always the ears.  I should have seen the signs… he has been SUPER fussy the last 2 days and has gone to bed before 7:00 both nights.  I will be home with him tomorrow and we will go to see what old doc says in the morning. 

(Notice the trailer... that is our old living room floor).  So sad

I called my mom to tell her how sick my baby was and Ford literally fell asleep in my lap during the 4 minute phone conversation.  Then I laid him on the couch and he slept like this for 30 minutes while I made all kinds of noise in the kitchen.

.


My mother in law made this spaghetti recipe a while back and I thought it was really good. I asked her for the recipe and she couldn’t remember where she found it. I have attempted to make my own version of what we think might have been in there. We had this Monday night.


SPAGHETTI
1 ½ pounds ground beef
½ to 1 onion
1 (16 oz.) jar spaghetti sauce
1 can petite diced tomatoes
1 small carton sour cream
1 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 bag of shredded Mozzarella cheese
(I also add a little Cheddar cheese)
thin spaghetti noodles

Cook meat, drain, and pour in a bowl. Saute onion in a small amount of butter and add to meet. Cook noodles and add to meat and onion. Pour the remaining ingredients (not the cheese) in the bowl and stir. Pour in a large casserole dish, top with cheese and bake at 350 until bubbly.


It’s really easy and makes a lot. We usually eat on it for 2 nights and then I freeze the rest.


My mom is also a great cook and fed us good growing up. Tonight I cooked one of her dishes.


CHEESY CHICKEN
Boneless skinless chicken breasts (enough for however many people you are feeding)


Bake in the over until done. In a bowl mix up 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 small can of evaporated milk, and some (not an entire bag) mild or medium shredded cheese. Pour mixture over chicken during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Serve sauce on top of white rice as well.