thankful for friends

I am so thankful for all the friends I have in my life. I am thankful that I was able to eat lunch with the kindergarten team today(minus Susan who I really missed). I love being out of school but miss seeing the girls everyday. I am thankful that Nana kept Hunter for me and that he loves going to her house. I am thankful that Mrs. Sharon kept Hannah all day and did fun things with her. She had a great time!!! I am thankful for all the people who have called/text/emailed to check on Kyle today. His surgery went well and he will hopefully feel much better soon. Thank you to all the wonderful friends I have in my life, I could not make it without you all.

oh happy day!!!

I got my toes done!!! Thanks Papa and Nana for watching the kids.
Hunter got to play with all the parts to Uncle Kyle's leg.
Hunter enjoyed sticking his fingers in the holes in the shower seat.
He is working hard to move the heaviest part. He loves to play with the crutches, but I did not get a picture of him doing that.
Hannah got to swim with Uncle Kyle. She has been asking since his wreck almost a year ago when she could swim with him again. She had a great time. I think he might of enjoyed it as well.


Hannah and Hunter were very happy to see Papa and Nana today as well, but I did not get any pictures of them with the kids today. They will be here through the weekend so I will be sure to get some pictures.

We have all had a good day!!!!

Southwest Zucchini Boats

Just in case you would like to try these here is the recipe.

4 medium zucchini
1 lb. ground beef
3/4 cup salsa
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 cup (4oz) shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
Sour cream, optional

Cut zucchini in half lengthwise; cut a thin slice from the bottom of each with a sharp knife to allow zucchini to sit flat. Scoop out pulp, leaving 1/4 in. shells. (You can save and freeze pulp to make zucchini bread later, if you would like.)

Place shells in an ungreased 3 qt. microwave safe dish. Cover and microwave on high for 3 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Remove from the heat; stir in the salsa, bread crumbs, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper and 1/2 cup cheese. Spoon into zucchini shells.

Microwave, uncovered, on high for 4 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Microwave 3-4 minutes longer or until cheese is melted and zucchini are tender. Serve with sour cream if desired.

I hope you enjoy. Derrick and I thought they were very yummy!!!

a first for Hunter

This is him enjoying the corn dog for dinner last night. He loved it!! Too bad it did not love him.


Last night about 11pm I heard Hunter crying. I wanted a minute to see if he had just lost his paci, but he kept crying. I went and got him out of bed. I rocked him and he calmed down. I noticed that he was burping a lot. I put him back to bed and he cried a second then went to sleep. I went back to reading my book. About 11:30 he started crying again. I told Derrick I thought he had a bellyache. Derrick got the Mylicon drops out and we were reading the bottle to see how much to give him. We heard a terrible noise over the monitor and went running to his room. When Derrick got to the hallway door he said, "Gross I smell throw up!" I knew it was coming. Poor buddy was sitting in a puddle of throw up crying. I gave Derrick the choice of cleaning the bed or Hunter. He picked Hunter. I think it scared Hunter. It took a few minutes to calm him down. Derrick let him play in the bathtub while I changed his sheets and sprayed to get the horrible smell out of his room. After a nice bath, clean pj's, blanket and paci he as ready to go to bed. He did not make another sound all night. I think the corn dog and banana milkshake were a bit much for his little tummy. He slept until almost 9am this morning. He woke up in the good mood, ate a good breakfast and played hard until nap time. He and Hannah both took great naps today. They napped from 1:30 until 5pm. Yesterday must have really made them tired. I am so thankful that Hunter did not get sick anymore and I think he will be a while before I feed him another corn dog or let him have a banana milkshake.

a busy, but fun Sunday

We had a full day of fun. We started the day by eating breakfast at Panera, then went to church. I love going to church. After church we went to lunch with some friends. Aunt Debbie took Hunter home with her so we could take Hannah to see Toy Story 3. Thanks Aunt Debbie, Jacqulin and Luke. We had a little time to waste after lunch before the movie started so we went the half price book store. I found some good books. When we got to the movies there was a really, and I mean really long line inside. We had already bought our tickets but had to wait in that really long line. It was the line of people waiting to get in the see the movie. The lady who worked there assured us that the theater sat 500 people and there were not 500 people in line. We got good seats. Hannah and Cooper did really well. I heard both of them say, "Look its the castle!" when the movie started. The movie got a little long for Hannah but she did great. It was such a good movie. After the movie we went to pick up Hunter. We visited with Aunt Debbie, the Bert, Luke and Jacqulin for a little while. It was nice to visit with them, we never get to see them anymore because we are all so busy. Derrick decided to take the "country" way home. Since it was almost 7pm we stopped at Sonic to get dinner. Hannah was asleep and Hunter was not happy because he was hungry. As soon as we got our food Hannah woke up. Hunter scarfed down this corn dog and some of Derrick's banana milkshake. He held on to the cup so tight that he poked a hole in it. He loves some food. I shared my burger with Hannah while Derrick went in Kroger to get milk, bread and bananas. We came straight in and got ready for bed. We put both kids to bed and neither one went to sleep right away. I think they are both too tired. I think tomorrow we will just take it easy and rest.

a very short trip to the zoo

All wet!!!!
All dry!!


Sharon and I tried to take the kids to the zoo tonight. We got there around six. Ty and Hannah wanted to jump in the bouncy thing so we went and did that after looking for the monkeys. While they were jumping we heard it thunder. I told Sharon I think it is just that one big cloud we should be fine. We went on the see the elephants and giraffes. We watched the zoo keepers put the giraffes away and started to walk back to the bouncy things. First it was just a few drops of rain, then the bottom fell out accompanied by thunder and lightening. We headed straight for the cars. We were SOAKED!!!! Hannah thought it was great fun, Hunter was not really sure and a little unhappy that his blanket was soaked, and I hate to get wet in my clothes. I also hated driving home soaking wet. We got home and went straight to the bathtub. Hopefully we will not get wet next Saturday when we try to go to the zoo again.

Patrick's Party

Hannah did not want to loose her spot in the rocking chair so once she sat down to eat lunch she did not get up until she was finished with her cake and ice cream. She is too much!!!
Hunter was into everything. His shirt is wet because he decided to squeeze the juice box and he had been eating/playing in the bucket of ice. He had fun!!!

We had a fun morning at Patrick's 3rd birthday party. The kids had a great time playing outside, eating a yummy lunch, playing inside, and have cake and homemade ice cream. Thanks Patrick for inviting us and Happy Birthday.

a whole day at home

We did not go anywhere today. That is unusual for us. Derrick had to make a trip to Home Depot, but he did that while the kids were napping. We had fun playing outside for a while and then we moved the fun inside. Hannah fixed my hair for me and then wanted to take a picture of her beautiful work. Hunter did not want to be left out of the picture. Derrick was by far the most productive today. He built the cabinet for the bathroom in the basement. He still has to make the doors and stain it, but it looks really good. We are going to hopefully grout this week. Brings back memories of working in our old house.

just another day in the Hood's house

I cooked something new for dinner and it was yummy, if I must say so myself. They are called Southwest Zucchini Boats. Thanks Christin for getting me this great magazine. I am trying to cook two new things a week during the summer.
Hunter was rearranging the recycle bins and thought it would be easier if he climbed in. The climbing did not work so well and he go stuck. That is his help me face.
Thanks Nene!! I think Hannah looks so cute in this little outfit. I think she will wear it to church on the 4th since we have a picnic that day.
Hunter knows how to make the lawnmower go. As soon as Derrick buckled the seat belt he reached for the handle and started pushing them forward. Looks like Derrick is going to let me take over soon.
I made him put his hat on to ride the lawnmower. He left it on the whole time. I think he looks so cute in it.

fun day with no pictures

We had a busy day today. We went to the zoo this morning so Hannah could play on the playground before it got too hot and crowded, Hunter rode the carousel then we walked around with Landyn and Owen, and their moms, to see a few animals before leaving. Hannah was not too worried about seeing the animals. She said we can go back another time. She is right, we are going back Saturday night.

We left the zoo and went to drop the recycling off. From there we headed to story time. We made a quick stop by McDonald's to get some drinks because it was very hot. Hannah was good during story time, but it went a little long for Hunter. I am glad Derrick was with us so I could take Hunter out. Not that she could not have stayed with Mrs. Sharon.

When we got home from our busy morning Hannah was not tired enough so she asked to play in the pool for a little while. Hunter that it was a good idea too.

We enjoyed lunch outside. It was not unbearable on the porch, thank goodness. While the kids napped I went to the doctor and the grocery store. I have a sinus infection and an ear infection in my left ear. Fun!!

When I got home the kids were up and wanted to play in the pool again. I couldn't think of anything better to do, so in the pool they went.

We had a great day, but I am really tired. I am sad that I did not take one picture of all the fun we had today. It is getting too hard to wrangle Hunter and take pictures. I am very glad that Derrick had the day off and was able to spend it with us.

baking a cake

We finally got out the Easy Bake Oven. Hannah thought it was the neatest thing. She wanted to make a cake and put icing on it. I think she is going to want to make herself some "zert" every night now.

the many faces of Hunter

He thinks it is funny to pull his tongue.
Look at all those teeth!!! He now has 12.
I left the can of snacks close enough for him to reach and he thought he was something. Every time I could hold the camera up to take his picture he would close his eyes. He is a mess!!!!
I think this is his tough guy face. He is thinking go ahead and try to take my snack.

free dinner

They are all watching the crazy Sonic guy!!


We needed to go to Costco so we decided to use our birthday kid meals we get from church. We went to Sonic first since it was getting to be a little passed Hunter's dinner time. The poor girl taking our order was either new or having a really bad day. When the guy brought our order it was not right. We told him what we had ordered and he fixed most of it and did not charge us for Hunter's grilled cheese. Derrick wanted diet coke with cherry and lime, like a cherry limeade with diet coke instead of sprite. They never got it right. We were very entertained by the workers at Sonic. The guy told us to have a Magical Monday. I asked Derrick if we were still at Disney.

a new pet

Derrick found us a nice little snake while he was cutting grass. Hannah did not like it and Hunter was tapping the glass and "talking" to it. After letting the kids see it and taking this picture Derrick let it go. I think it was glad to get away from Hunter.

Happy Father's Day

I am so thankful that Hannah and Hunter have the best Dad in the world, other than my Dad. Hannah and Hunter both LOVE being with their Dad. Hunter cries if he hears the door close and knows that Dad went outside or downstairs without him. Hannah just takes off after him. Today Derrick was working the hallway while holding Hunter. Hunter was not big on either of us being our of his sight today. (Maybe he thinks we are going to leave for a long time again.) Thanks Derrick for being the best Dad in the world to our precious children. We all love you so much and appreciate all you do for us.

I am thankful for my Dad. I have always been a Daddy's girl. I am glad that he has and still is always here for me and my family. I talk to him everyday. Thank you Daddy for being such a great Dad and setting such a good example for me always.

I am thankful for my Papa and Charlie. I feel very blessed to still have two of my grandparents. They are both great men and they make me smile just thinking about them.

I am also blessed to have two father-in-laws who treat me like their own. We were glad to get to see Grandpa Mike on Father's Day. We wish we could have see all of the Dad's/Grandpa's today. Know you were all in out thoughts and that we hope to visit with each of you soon.

Happy Father's Day!!! We love you all!!!!

fun times

I think I have our trip recorded well enough for Hannah to relive it when she is older. We had a great time. I was really sad to be away from Hunter for so long, but know he was well taken care of which allowed me to relax and have a great time. We loved sharing this experience with the Bussell's. Hannah and Cooper were great. They are good kids and even with all of the Disney Magic they still behaved well and got along great. When we got home Hannah keep calling Hunter Cooper. Thanks Bussell's for helping plan the trip, doing so much research about what to do, and for going with us. We had a great time!!!!

a prize for buddy

Hannah wanted to get something for Hunter. She told us the first day she wanted to get him a Simba and the day we took her to get him something she still wanted to get it. She said she wanted to get it for him because he can roar like a lion. She hugged it as soon as she gave it to him. She was right he did like it. We were all three happy to see him. He smiled so big when he saw us. We sure did miss him and can't wait to take him to Disney when he is a little older.

are you ready to go home?

no, lets just stay here some more. That is what Hannah told Derrick when he asked. Derrick told her if we stayed forever it would be called life and not vacation. We slept in a little then went to eat Mickey waffles before we checked out of the hotel. We took our luggage to the Custom House to store it until the bus came to take us to the airport. That was an adventure in itself. We had some time to wait so we went to the arcade and the food court area to help pass the time. On the way back to the Custom House we realized that Hannah did not have her little backpack. Not good. Thank goodness Derrick found it and then held it. When we got to the airport Hannah had a complete meltdown because Derrick let Cooper have a turn riding on the suitcase. It was not pretty. She finally quit crying and then we waited in a forever long security line. Next stop, lunch. I hoped that would make us all feel better. It was short lived for Hannah. She got upset again when we boarded the plane because she wanted to sit with Cooper and watch a movie. We wanted them to rest on the plane so we did not let them sit together. She got over that melt down a little faster. Thank goodness, because I did not want to listen to her cry the whole flight. She finally decided she wanted to play with the toys in her backpack to help pass the time. When we were close to landing I let Derrick sit by her so he could show her things as we landed. She was excited to see Target and my school from the air. We were very happy to see Grandpa Mike. All the tiredness caught up with her before we were out of the airport parking lot good.

Magic Kingdom one more time

We went back to Magic Kingdom to do the Buzz ride there and to ride anything Hannah and Cooper wanted to before we left. While we were eating dinner Hannah said she was cold and wanted her jacket. I gave it to her and 2 seconds later she was asleep. We let her sleep for about 30 minutes then she was good to go. Good thing because we stayed really late. Hannah wanted to ride Thunder Mountain again but it was broken down. She said she would like to ride Small World again, so that is where we went. While we were riding Small World waiting on our Fast Pass time for Peter Pan Cooper fell sound asleep. We went on an rode Peter Pan but he never woke up. Hannah wanted to ride the carousel one more time before we left. We did a little last minute shopping then headed to the bus. She did not fall asleep on the bus but it did not take her long once she got in the bed.

just a few more Hollywood Studios pics

Hannah and Cooper had the best time playing. They were good at keeping each other entertained for the most part. They never got tired of each other. One night a lady asked Hannah if her brother would like some stickers as well. She said he is not my brother he is my friend. They could pass as brother and sister.


We walked passed this at least 800 times today. Hannah says these is his Halloween hat.