It's been awhile

It has been a busy summer for the Loepers. In June, we went to Arizona for a Loeper family reunion. It was a blast to see all of my in-laws. The boys really enjoyed the plane rides too. In July, the boys, my mom and I went to the beach for a long weekend. The boys absolutely love the beach. Christopher did not want to leave the water at all. I can't wait to take them back again. August has been quiet for us. Christopher had a small birthday dinner. He got a watertable that looks like a pirate ship. The boys love it and play in it almost everyday. Bryan will be going to Japan at the end of September. He will be gone for three weeks. It is a wonderful opportunity for him, and we are so excited. He also might get a promotion in the next couple of months that will involve him travelling around the world more. Bryan is really hoping to get this job and so are the rest of us. I am going well. My next class will begin in a little over a week. The boys and I are getting out more. I am hoping to take them to an apple orchard next week to pick apples. I make yummy homemade applesauce and the boys love it.

I will try to update more often. :)

French's recipes

Here are two recipes using yummy French's products. I hope you enjoy.

Zesty Ham Glaze
An easy glaze to finish the ham or turkey. Serve extra for dipping.

Prep time: 5 minutes

1/2 cup French's spicy brown mustard
1/4 cup French's Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup light brown sugar

1. Mix all ingrediants in a small bowl. Brush mixture on ham frequently during the last hour of baking.

2. Baste on ham frequently during last 30 minutes of baking.

3. Good with roast turkey or chicken.

makes 1 cup


Chicken and Rice

3 chicken thighs
1 cup uncooked rice
1 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
1 10.5 0z can of water (just fill up the empty soup can)
1 cup broccoli
1/2 cup French's french fried onions
salt
pepper

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a 9x13 pan pour in rice, soup, and water. Stir together.
3. Add in broccoli and slowly stir together
4. Place chicken on top of rice mixture and salt and paper to taste.
5. Bake for 1 hour
6. Pour French's french fried onion on during last 15 minutes and continue baking.

This makes enough for 3 adults or two adults and two toddlers. You can substitute more chicken or different pieces to your liking.

settling in

Things have been pretty laid back the past few weeks. Bryan is working hard at work and with school. He is making As in both of his classes. We are very proud of him. Especially since he has been working a lot of hours. The boys playing more together and enjoying the warmer weather. Christopher is going to move to the toddler bed soon, and he is super excited. Marcus is my big helper. He fetches stuff for me and helps me take care of our dog. I am so proud of my big boy. I am starting my last leg of recovery before I can walk on my own. I am in a boot right now and will be in it for the next four weeks. I am slowly working towards walking in the boot without my crutches. It will be a few more weeks before I am able to do that though. It is exciting to not have the cast on anymore. My x-rays look great, and you can barely see the break. We have a nice little routine that we are enjoying. I just hope this continues.

Maintaining

Nothing really new to report. I am able to get around the house more. The pain is managable, and I am able to do more with the boys. Next week I am on my own, so I will see how much I can get done. Bryan started school this week. So far he is doing well, but the classes are not very interesting for him. Marcus is getting into his why phase. He asked why all the time now. I am hoping this will be a short phase. Christopher is talking more and starting to copy what you do. It is really adorable. I had forgotten how much I love this stage.

We don't have any major plans for Easter. We will dye eggs, do an egg hunt and have Easter baskets. I have a paper due that night, so I am hoping to have most of it done before the Easter bunny comes.

Next week will be more interesting because Heather is coming for a visit, and I am going on my annual weekend trip with my mom. Heather is joining me, so I am super excited. Until then, I hope everyone has a great Easter and week.

New adventures

Well, my ankle is healing very well. The bone is all lined up and looking great. I am in a cast now and will be in this for a few weeks. The cast is uncomfortable, but I am trying to get used to it. I am excited to be a member of the metal implants club. I have a membership card too. I kind of feel like Wolverine with the metal all along my bone.

School is going well for me. I am really enjoying my theory class. Bryan starts classes on Monday. I am so proud of him for starting school again. The best part is that we will both graduate in 2011.

The boys are trying to adjust to the changes since my ankle broke. It is hard for them, but they are trying so hard. My mom is helping out a lot by taking them out on weekends. With the cast on I am able to be around them more without worrying they are going to hurt my incision. I hope next week we can play lots and enjoy Easter.

On the road to recovery

I had hoped to be feeling better by this weekend, but that didn't happen. On Wednesday, I got a second opinion on my ankle and found out that it was broken. On Thursday, I went to see an orthopedic who said I needed surgery to fix my ankle. On Friday, I had the surgery. I am in a lot of pain, but I am trying to stay positive. Bryan has taken more time off of work to help me. My mom is able to help some too. We have had lots of support from the ward, family and friends. We are so thankful for everyones help.

I think I am going to end my roller derby career. I can't handle another injury like this one. I miss being able to play with the boys and do the simple things. I will just have to find a safer hobby. I am hoping the recovery will go well. I am doing everything I can to make sure that the doctor's orders are followed. I go back this coming Friday. I hope he has some good news for me.

Life just keeps getting crazier

Well, I was hoping for a better March, but that isn't what we are getting. I sprained my ankle two Sunday's ago, so things are pretty crazy around here. Last week, Bryan took off as much work as he could to help me out. The Relief Society was called in too because I couldn't do much of anything. Bryan was swamped with work, on call and now having to do my work plus his own. It was a very stressful week for us all. To make matters worse, everyone got the stomach bug.

This week is starting out better. I am more mobile now, even though I am still on crutches. Everyone is over the stomach bug, so we are back on real food. Bryan is not on call this week, so that makes things better. We are just taking things a day at a time right now. Hopefully by the end of this week my ankle will start feeling better. I would like to be walking soon. I really miss being able to do things on my own.