Catching Up

I'm SO behind on my journaling. So here's what's been going on.

First, last month Rick cut down some brush near the house. Each weekend he had "fun" burning the piles off.

Secondly, Jerry did make it home from Cambodia. He loved the RV and has been getting it stocked and road ready. It's really looking like a little home on wheels.

Thirdly, this past week was a hard one for the school district. RIF areas were announced and five employees lost their jobs.

Earlier in the school year, there had been an incentive retirement program. Eleven employees took the plunge and incentive money. The good news is Marilyn took it. She will be retiring in May. I know it was a hard decision for her. But I also know -- from experience -- there will be blessings ahead. I am so excited for her!

Finally, Rick has had a hard couple of weeks. After his thee-month checkup, his neurosurgeon decided it was time to take some action. We've made several trips to Southwestern Medical in Dallas. He's had appointments with not only his neurosurgeon, but also a radiation oncologist, a cornea specialist and an ocular plastic surgeon. This past week he had a procedure to partially close his bad eye to prevent further complications with it. On Wednesday, he will have gamma knife radiosurgery on the tumor. This is to try to destroy the tumor's DNA to prevent future growth.

If anyone happens to read this, prayers are appreciated! There just might be a miracle around the corner!

Jonah's Broken Arm

I'm a little slow documenting this, but during the afternoon of January 24, Jonah fell off a slide at a playground. He broke his left arm at the elbow. He was in surgery that night at Children's Medical in Dallas. The doctor had to stabilize it with three pins. He was such a trouper through it all. Thankfully, he got to go home the next day! Such a concerning thing for parents.....and Nanna! And Papa. And........

Although he has been running some unexplained low-grade fever, he is doing well. Praise!!

The "break"

Pre-surgery

(trying to smile for the camera)

Post surgery

(Glory sent Curious George to the hospital.)

Jerry's Dream ... Now a Reality

Jerry left here eight years ago to live around on the other side of the world. After teaching in a university a couple of years in China, he officially retired to just, as he says, bum around and experience the countries. He has traveled and lived in too many places for me to even remember. I just know it seems he has seen all of Asia.

Now the dream... to someday return and hit the road in an RV to just travel the roads of the USA.  

Rick had been helping us keep our eyes on the internet for a good deal on something that would be perfect for him.

BAM!

This past weekend, this little number appeared. It seemed perfect for him. After several phone calls, Skypes, and emails sharing pics, he jumped out there and gave the "go" to get it for him. Let me clarify...he bought it. We just drove to Houston to get it. 

He will be returning to US soil for good (I think!) in a couple of weeks. He does have a current driver's license. So after he can prove to us he can drive it, we will let him hit the road. Not sure when that will be.......he likes to go REAL slow and drive on the shoulder when he's here!

HA HA ..... Jerry, I would say I'm kidding. But I'm not.

Remember.....

to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and the strong---because someday in life you will be all of these.

 Not sure where I read this but something to remember!

Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

This recipe worked great when I needed a quick dessert to share with someone.

Makes 40 brownies 

1 box of your favorite brownie mix
1/2 cup peanut butter chips
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray or grease 40 mini-muffin cups.

Prepare boxed brownie mix as directed. Spoon batter evenly into muffin cups (about 1 heaping teaspoon). Bake for 13-15 minutes or until top is set and a toothpick inserted into center comes out slightly wet. After brownies are out of the oven, wait for centers to fall. This will happen upon cooling. If not then tap the centers with the back of a teaspoon to make a hole for the peanut butter.

Place peanut butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 45 seconds then stir. While brownies are still warm spoon about half a teaspoon of peanut butter into the center of each brownie. Top with semi-sweet chocolate chips and peanut butter chips. Cool completely in pan.

My comments:

* I got this off Pinterest.

*I used what I had on hand...a brownie mix that was for an 8 x 8. So I just reduced the other amounts.

*Good!