Do I need a belt?

Parker is growing so fast! He is quickly growing out of most of his 18 month clothes and into his 24month. His long upper body makes even some 24 month t-shirts too short. He needed some play things, so I just purchased some 2T long sleeved shirts. His pants though are all too long in the 24 month size. This picture shows another problem too. He is so long and lean that some 24 month clothes are to big in the waist area.

I had to take this picture. I did not realize, until he ran from me, just how big these jeans were. It was very funny when his daddy arrived home from work. Parker and Alex played chase. Alex easily caught him, because Parker could not hold up his "britches" while running. He kept tripping over his pants. He finally asked us for new "pents"

We are working to get ready for the bonfire, Saturday night. We have all chipped in and worked inside the house and out. Today Parker and I cleaned the dining room which for a temporary time turned into a total gym room. Mom, you will be happy to know it has been moved. I just hope you don't mind sleeping on it when you visit. HEHe! We also dusted, swept, etc. Parker loves to dust. Actually he just loves to do whatever anyone else is doing.

Alex tried using a cheap bow saw to cut the tree limbs for the fire. Well, that did not work to well. So, he tried to use his skil saw. Needless to say we went to Walmart tonight and purchased a chain saw. Alex has never used a chain saw, so ya'll say a prayer for us.

Cool & Crisp

This is my favorite time of year. The weather is cool and the air is crisp. This is something we in MS long for...no humidity. I also love the food that is more frequently cooked during the fall months. Last night, I cooked a wonderful Chicken & Wild Rice Soup. I'm not sure where my mom got the recipe, but it is a family favorite and now a Parker favorite.

Alex is working eight hour days now, and who knows when his schedule will change. However, I do like him getting home at about 3p.m. everyday. It gives us daylight to work in the yard or to play outdoors with Parker.

Today I finished a necklace that is different from my others. I wasn't sure if the beads I selected would work together, but I think it just might. Alex says it is his favorite.

Here is the recipe for the soup in case you want to give it a try....I realized after I had started that I did not have any chicken broth...thank goodness for bouillon cubes! It turned out GREAT!

Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

1 pkg. Uncle Ben's Long Grain Wild Rice
2 cups boiling water
2 cans boned chicken or 2 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 can mixed vegetables (drained)
2 cans chicken broth ( or 3 1/2 cups) ---I used 4 buoillon cubes & 3 1/2 water
1 tall can evaporated milk (Pet or other)
2 T dehydrated onions or 1 whole sauteed onion
1/4 cup flour mixed until smooth in 1/2 cup cold water
1/2 stick butter or margarine
1 T minced garlic
1 can sliced mushrooms

Mix Uncle Ben's Rice & Seasonings into water that is boiling in a large pot. Stir well. Add chicken broth, cover, reduce to simmer and cook 20 minutes. Stir in all other ingredients adding the flour/cold water mixture slowly while stirring. Simmer 15-20 more minutes until rice is tender and flour mix thickens soup. Serve hot; is great with pimenot cheese or grilled cheese sandwiches.