Last night I officially finished going through some old Taste of Home
magazines, cutting out recipes I'd actually try, and recycling the rest
of the mag. I've been on a mission to organize my random recipes - sorting by type, laminating them, and putting them in a binder. Sounds easy enough right? I have A LOT of random clippings from magazines, recipes I've printed, and old magazines.
I found this gem in a stack. It comes from a Jan 2005 edition of Redbook (No, I don't have THAT many magazines laying around, but I did obviously cut this out awhile ago!). I had about three helpings of the salad the other night and M requested the chicken again for lunch the next day. Can't go wrong when my picky eater loves it!
Chicken Milanese with Organe-Arugula Salad
*Note from my sub list that this is not an exact science for me! :)
Orange-Arugula Salad
1/2 tsp grated orange zest
3 Tbsp fresh orange juice
1 Tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil (I used my fancy-pants hubby's avocado oil)
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
Half of a fennel bulb, stalk, and leaves removed, halved lengthwise, cored, thinly sliced crosswise (1 c) --- I did not go out to get fennel. Instead I used celery! :)
3 small oranges, peeled, in sections
1/2 c thinly sliced red onion strips
2 c baby arugula leaves (another sub! I just used a baby greens mix in one of those rectangular cartons)
Chicken Milanese
1/3 c plain dry breadcrumbs (I used panko)
1/3 c grated Parmesan cheese
3 T chopped parsley (oops, thought we had some of this, but didn't. Instead I grabbed some basil I think)
4 (4-oz) thin-sliced chicken breast cutlets
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground pepper
Flour, for dredging
1/4 c fat-free egg substitute (I cracked two eggs!)
Olive oil cooking spray
1. Orange-Arugula Salad: In a medium bowl, whisk zest, orange juice, oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until blended; stir in fennel, orange sections, and red onion. Place arugula on top (do not toss).
2. Chicken Milanese: Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and parsley on a plate to blend. Season the cutlets on both sides with salt and pepper. Dredge cutlets in flour, patting off excess, then dip in egg substitute, letting excess drip off. Coat cutlets with breadcrumb mixture.
3. Spray a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray; place skillet over medium-high heat until hot. lightly spray cutlets with cooking spray (I just sprayed pan... not cutlets). Fry cutlets 1 1/2 to 2 min. per side (I always do a little more... I get worried about cooking meat all the way through!!), until golden and just cooked through. Drain on paper towel.
4. Toss salad and enjoy!
Daddy, Mommy, Big Sis, Big Bro, and baby #3!
Monday, June 30, 2014
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Sunday Sillies
C was upset that I couldn't carry him and M said, "Well, Mommy has a BABY in her tummy!" He looked to Daddy and declared, "And Daddy has a puppy in his!"
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Watch out, this one's a rant!
I think most people would say I'm a fairly positive person. I sure try to be anyways, but I'm ready for a little blog rant. I'll blame it on the pregnancy; this poor sweet baby sure makes a great scapegoat!
First of all, since I mentioned the baby: setting up my OB appointment. Let's see. Basically when we found out where we were moving to in March, I started soliciting advice from area ladies (via my sweet SIL LJ) about local OBs. I chose one and in April I called a local hospital to start the process. (At that point, we did not have a place to live yet; JJ was making a trip to ND at the end of April/beginning of May, but we did know which hospital JJ would be working at, so it seemed natural to deliver there.) So anyways, back to the phone call. The gal said they would not be able to do anything because I didn't have a local address and also because they didn't have my records. Ok, fine. I finished out my OB appointments in KS and had my files transferred to the new doctor. A short while later (while we were still in KS), a gal from the local office called and said, "This is so weird. We have your files here, but don't have you in the system at all. Do you have an appointment here or something??" WELL, gosh, I sure would've liked to be in your system and would sure have liked to have an appointment, believe me! Then, when I said who I preferred to see, she got a little huffy and said, "There is NO way you'll get in to see her with such little notice. You would've needed to call earlier to set up an appointment with her. You could see a NP, but that's about it for your first appointment here." That's the EXACT reason why I called in April, you dodo foofy! (term stolen from C). Then, a nurse called to talk to me about my preggo history, etc. etc. to add to my file. I indicated that time that my doctor in KS had requested that I have an ultrasound at my first appointment in ND because I would be over the 20 week mark by then. She said that was no problem and said she left that note in my chart. At my appointment, the nurse said they can't order that and wasn't sure how that happened... SO... long story short, I had to come back a week later for my ultrasound, at 22 weeks. It wasn't that big of a deal, really, especially since I've been feeling so good and since we weren't finding out gender anyways, but at EACH step, I felt like I was trying to be proactive, was stopped, and then was basically told I should've done what I actually HAD done!! Phew. That felt good. Thanks for listening.
Rant #2: a little road rage. It has taken me some getting used to our new city's interstate system. I have found it pretty easy to get around EXCEPT for one thing. All of their on ramps are in screwy locations!! Basically, if I want to head west (left), I'm pretty much guaranteed the exit ramp will be on the east side (right). Pretty much. Except when I remember this rule, of course! :) And then, the on ramps USUALLY turn into off ramps, which means people just getting off want to get over and people in the right lane might not want to move over because their exit is coming up. UGH! Do you SEE the dilemma people?! I know I'll get used to it, but until then I WILL grumble, grumble, OK??!
Rant #3: my face. Ugh. This pregnancy has been really weird. For my head. I have constant breakouts coupled with the fact that I seem to be allergic to my old used-forever-and-never-had-a-problem shampoo/conditioner. Granted, it's the cheap kind, BUT STILL. I've never had a problem. And now my head itches. The end.
First of all, since I mentioned the baby: setting up my OB appointment. Let's see. Basically when we found out where we were moving to in March, I started soliciting advice from area ladies (via my sweet SIL LJ) about local OBs. I chose one and in April I called a local hospital to start the process. (At that point, we did not have a place to live yet; JJ was making a trip to ND at the end of April/beginning of May, but we did know which hospital JJ would be working at, so it seemed natural to deliver there.) So anyways, back to the phone call. The gal said they would not be able to do anything because I didn't have a local address and also because they didn't have my records. Ok, fine. I finished out my OB appointments in KS and had my files transferred to the new doctor. A short while later (while we were still in KS), a gal from the local office called and said, "This is so weird. We have your files here, but don't have you in the system at all. Do you have an appointment here or something??" WELL, gosh, I sure would've liked to be in your system and would sure have liked to have an appointment, believe me! Then, when I said who I preferred to see, she got a little huffy and said, "There is NO way you'll get in to see her with such little notice. You would've needed to call earlier to set up an appointment with her. You could see a NP, but that's about it for your first appointment here." That's the EXACT reason why I called in April, you dodo foofy! (term stolen from C). Then, a nurse called to talk to me about my preggo history, etc. etc. to add to my file. I indicated that time that my doctor in KS had requested that I have an ultrasound at my first appointment in ND because I would be over the 20 week mark by then. She said that was no problem and said she left that note in my chart. At my appointment, the nurse said they can't order that and wasn't sure how that happened... SO... long story short, I had to come back a week later for my ultrasound, at 22 weeks. It wasn't that big of a deal, really, especially since I've been feeling so good and since we weren't finding out gender anyways, but at EACH step, I felt like I was trying to be proactive, was stopped, and then was basically told I should've done what I actually HAD done!! Phew. That felt good. Thanks for listening.
Rant #2: a little road rage. It has taken me some getting used to our new city's interstate system. I have found it pretty easy to get around EXCEPT for one thing. All of their on ramps are in screwy locations!! Basically, if I want to head west (left), I'm pretty much guaranteed the exit ramp will be on the east side (right). Pretty much. Except when I remember this rule, of course! :) And then, the on ramps USUALLY turn into off ramps, which means people just getting off want to get over and people in the right lane might not want to move over because their exit is coming up. UGH! Do you SEE the dilemma people?! I know I'll get used to it, but until then I WILL grumble, grumble, OK??!
Rant #3: my face. Ugh. This pregnancy has been really weird. For my head. I have constant breakouts coupled with the fact that I seem to be allergic to my old used-forever-and-never-had-a-problem shampoo/conditioner. Granted, it's the cheap kind, BUT STILL. I've never had a problem. And now my head itches. The end.
Friday, June 27, 2014
Solving the "I Wanna Watch a Show" Conundrum
My kids' default, probably not unlike many of their peers, is to want to watch TV. My default is NO SCREENS. Especially not in the summer! Moving back home means we need to soak up these rays, people! At my kids' ages (5 & 3), they are not totally independent, so we decided to come up with an "Activity Jar" (actually made from my hubby's pottery when we took Ceramics together in college... awwww for cute!). We brainstormed our favorite activities and put them on slips of paper. Then if my kids need ideas of what to do, we pull a slip. So far we haven't decided on any hard and fast rules - like you HAVE to do that activity for a set amount of time - if they want to put it back and draw again, that's ok at this point! :) So far, I'm sure in part to the novelty factor, they are in love with pulling an activity from the jar and do the activity with enthusiasm.
Here is our activity list:
Brain Quest cards
Activity Book
Dance Party (a family favorite! Disney Pandora and we are SET!)
Lace Ups
Trains
Take a Break (Quiet time on the couch -- C-man put that one in -- interested to see what happens when that one is pulled!)
Play Princess (Or any dress up)
Pretend Play (like House or Kitchen)
Paper Airplanes
Puzzle
Read
Go to Library
Bake Something
Playdoh
Go for a Walk
Board Game
Color/Draw
Legos
Hide and Seek
I Spy
Do a Chore (one of my inputs! But seriously, they enjoy wiping down pretty much any surface from the table to the sink!)
Watch a Show (there is a bonus slip of this in there! I do have to say I enjoy most of their shows and feel good about them watching things like Magic School Bus and Wild Kratts!)
What are we missing? What are some of your kids' favorite activities?
Happy Playing!
Here is our activity list:
Brain Quest cards
Activity Book
Dance Party (a family favorite! Disney Pandora and we are SET!)
Lace Ups
Trains
Take a Break (Quiet time on the couch -- C-man put that one in -- interested to see what happens when that one is pulled!)
Play Princess (Or any dress up)
Pretend Play (like House or Kitchen)
Paper Airplanes
Puzzle
Read
Go to Library
Bake Something
Playdoh
Go for a Walk
Board Game
Color/Draw
Legos
Hide and Seek
I Spy
Do a Chore (one of my inputs! But seriously, they enjoy wiping down pretty much any surface from the table to the sink!)
Watch a Show (there is a bonus slip of this in there! I do have to say I enjoy most of their shows and feel good about them watching things like Magic School Bus and Wild Kratts!)
What are we missing? What are some of your kids' favorite activities?
Happy Playing!
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Cooking Win (yay!)
Alternate title: You mean these kids eat at least three times a day, every day?!
JJ officially started work this week (so far 3 days on payroll... but who's counting?) and I am the chief cook and bottle washer. Sunday night I completed my meal plan for the week and added to the grocery list a few breakfast and lunch staples.
I am just not a great "on the spot" cook. Maybe I just don't have my "kitchen legs" yet, but I can't do what JJ can do, which is throw stuff together without prior planning or a recipe, and it tastes good. Jerk. I mean... awesome! SO, what is the point of this? I had a WIN the other day with an on the spot lunch that was a hit!
I had used up our bread making french toast the other day (and forgotten to take the next loaf out of the freezer [did I mention we just recently reuppped our Sam's Club membership?]), but we did have frozen tortillas. I got out the fryin' pan, warmed several tortillas up on low (one at a time), smeared them with pb & j, and rolled them up. Viola! PB & J Rollups! Add in peaches and cottage cheese and tater tots and by golly, my kids survived another meal made by their mother!
JJ officially started work this week (so far 3 days on payroll... but who's counting?) and I am the chief cook and bottle washer. Sunday night I completed my meal plan for the week and added to the grocery list a few breakfast and lunch staples.
I am just not a great "on the spot" cook. Maybe I just don't have my "kitchen legs" yet, but I can't do what JJ can do, which is throw stuff together without prior planning or a recipe, and it tastes good. Jerk. I mean... awesome! SO, what is the point of this? I had a WIN the other day with an on the spot lunch that was a hit!
I had used up our bread making french toast the other day (and forgotten to take the next loaf out of the freezer [did I mention we just recently reuppped our Sam's Club membership?]), but we did have frozen tortillas. I got out the fryin' pan, warmed several tortillas up on low (one at a time), smeared them with pb & j, and rolled them up. Viola! PB & J Rollups! Add in peaches and cottage cheese and tater tots and by golly, my kids survived another meal made by their mother!
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
New year... new post
Today I turn... more than 30... ;) [I even updated my profile... no longer the typical 20-somethings...] and I think I might jump start this blog thing again. Our lives have had some big changes:
*JJ graduated from Med School (woot woot!)
*We moved across the country for Residency (to our home state- yay!)
*We are expecting Bambino #3 in October
*I finished out the school year, but will be staying home for a while (double yay!)
*We're gearing up for MVJ's first year of elementary school - that's right - Kindergarten is just on the horizon!
So let me reflect a little bit. I loved LOVED our time in KS. It was an awesome adventure and really the only downfall was lack of family within 10 hours of driving. But, it was a big downfall. I also loved teaching. I really enjoyed what I did, and more than that, I enjoyed the people I worked with and the kiddos I got to interact with (sorry for those dangling prepositions... I am back home, dontcha know). But I am thrilled about this new enterprise of being home. Armed with a background in Education, a new subscription to a cooking magazine on my Kindle and hardcopy (from JJ for my bday!), Pinterest, my own crazy brain, and lots and lots of prayer, ready or not, here we go!
*JJ graduated from Med School (woot woot!)
*We moved across the country for Residency (to our home state- yay!)
*We are expecting Bambino #3 in October
*I finished out the school year, but will be staying home for a while (double yay!)
*We're gearing up for MVJ's first year of elementary school - that's right - Kindergarten is just on the horizon!
So let me reflect a little bit. I loved LOVED our time in KS. It was an awesome adventure and really the only downfall was lack of family within 10 hours of driving. But, it was a big downfall. I also loved teaching. I really enjoyed what I did, and more than that, I enjoyed the people I worked with and the kiddos I got to interact with (sorry for those dangling prepositions... I am back home, dontcha know). But I am thrilled about this new enterprise of being home. Armed with a background in Education, a new subscription to a cooking magazine on my Kindle and hardcopy (from JJ for my bday!), Pinterest, my own crazy brain, and lots and lots of prayer, ready or not, here we go!
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Giveaways Got Me!!
I just love getting free stuff...
1. National Geographic: My kiddos love the National Geographic magazine they get. They loves animals and getting their own mail! Online, I liked the "Little Kids" section.
2. Purex: I shared this with the millions of people who read my blog and are friends with me on facebook. Not really that many, but at least a dozen or so... :)
3. Custom Art Prints: I'm a huge fan of these types of art.
4. Pillsbury Grilling: This one would definitely be for the hubbs!
1. National Geographic: My kiddos love the National Geographic magazine they get. They loves animals and getting their own mail! Online, I liked the "Little Kids" section.
2. Purex: I shared this with the millions of people who read my blog and are friends with me on facebook. Not really that many, but at least a dozen or so... :)
3. Custom Art Prints: I'm a huge fan of these types of art.
4. Pillsbury Grilling: This one would definitely be for the hubbs!
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
I'm baaaaack!
Ok, so... it's been almost a year. But, the kids are in bed, the dishes are done, and J has the channel changer (which means I must divert my attention lest I have a seizure due to his constant changing of the channels).
A quickie update-
Me- Loving life as a wife and momma. My kids are so busy, but it's fun seeing their personalities develop. Loving life as a middle school sped teacher. I really do love my job- craziness and all. (but really--- show me a job that isn't crazy) I was "evaluated" the other day with my assistant principal watching a lesson. Afterwards, she said that was her favorite observation. ever. I wish I could tell you more about the kiddos in the class. They are hilarious and I love starting my day with them. New obsession? Making hair clips!!
J- On rotations as a third-year med student. Boo-ya! We're getting to the light at the end of the tunnel---for me, that is known as.... the moment he starts getting paid. YIPPEE! Sounds bad to focus on that, but then I'll be able to stay home (for at least a while... we'll see...). The place J is at right now is... basically full of white trash patients. He's seen quite a few interesting cases, and knows he does not want to be a family physician (not just because of this one rotation, by the way). I'm so proud of him--he's SO stinkin' smart- and learning more things every day. His patients love him too.
M- Oh my biggie big girl. Latest obsession? Being a horse. This became a problem because she insists on wearing "clippity-cloppity shoes" and the other day, she ended up kicking C in the face. Goodness gracious. She has a mind of her own, but is become a very helpful girl. She does a few chores and MOST of the time, is on the lookout for how she can make C happy. We have a four book cap at bedtime because she LOVES to read. She still loves projects, but is sort of "over" kiddie ones and only wants to do what I'm doing... which sometimes means Mommy's crafting goes on after bedtime! She says the absolutely FUNNIEST things on a daily basis- sometimes multiple times a day. She has become a picky little eater, and I hate suppertime battles. I am just NOT ok with jelly sandwiches every night. She loves Cubbies but at gymnastics lately she has said, "I just want to play with YOU." We may discontinue them after this month. She's been in them since September, so I think we're good for a little break.
C- C's health issues are enough for another post. But, we'll just do a quick summary with about 10 ear infections SINCE tubes last year. Tubes out, new tubes in plus adenoids out last week... currently on antibiotics for a double ear infection he had WHILE he was finishing up antibiotics for a previous ear infection. Awesome. Currently in conversations with a group to possibly begin Speech therapy. Sweet boy can't help but be delayed from all these ear troubles. He is turning into a CRAZY Boy (with a capital B). Just today in the tub, I had to stop him in a drowning attempt on either himself or his sister probably about 10 times. He loves all things ball- favorites seem to be footballs and golf balls currently. But, he DOES also enjoy J's wood baseball bat as well...
A quickie update-
Me- Loving life as a wife and momma. My kids are so busy, but it's fun seeing their personalities develop. Loving life as a middle school sped teacher. I really do love my job- craziness and all. (but really--- show me a job that isn't crazy) I was "evaluated" the other day with my assistant principal watching a lesson. Afterwards, she said that was her favorite observation. ever. I wish I could tell you more about the kiddos in the class. They are hilarious and I love starting my day with them. New obsession? Making hair clips!!
J- On rotations as a third-year med student. Boo-ya! We're getting to the light at the end of the tunnel---for me, that is known as.... the moment he starts getting paid. YIPPEE! Sounds bad to focus on that, but then I'll be able to stay home (for at least a while... we'll see...). The place J is at right now is... basically full of white trash patients. He's seen quite a few interesting cases, and knows he does not want to be a family physician (not just because of this one rotation, by the way). I'm so proud of him--he's SO stinkin' smart- and learning more things every day. His patients love him too.
M- Oh my biggie big girl. Latest obsession? Being a horse. This became a problem because she insists on wearing "clippity-cloppity shoes" and the other day, she ended up kicking C in the face. Goodness gracious. She has a mind of her own, but is become a very helpful girl. She does a few chores and MOST of the time, is on the lookout for how she can make C happy. We have a four book cap at bedtime because she LOVES to read. She still loves projects, but is sort of "over" kiddie ones and only wants to do what I'm doing... which sometimes means Mommy's crafting goes on after bedtime! She says the absolutely FUNNIEST things on a daily basis- sometimes multiple times a day. She has become a picky little eater, and I hate suppertime battles. I am just NOT ok with jelly sandwiches every night. She loves Cubbies but at gymnastics lately she has said, "I just want to play with YOU." We may discontinue them after this month. She's been in them since September, so I think we're good for a little break.
C- C's health issues are enough for another post. But, we'll just do a quick summary with about 10 ear infections SINCE tubes last year. Tubes out, new tubes in plus adenoids out last week... currently on antibiotics for a double ear infection he had WHILE he was finishing up antibiotics for a previous ear infection. Awesome. Currently in conversations with a group to possibly begin Speech therapy. Sweet boy can't help but be delayed from all these ear troubles. He is turning into a CRAZY Boy (with a capital B). Just today in the tub, I had to stop him in a drowning attempt on either himself or his sister probably about 10 times. He loves all things ball- favorites seem to be footballs and golf balls currently. But, he DOES also enjoy J's wood baseball bat as well...
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Pinterest Adventures
I've seen a lot of people posting about pinterest, so I'll throw one out there too! I heart Pinterest. I also love that I can hang out with the kids and browse at my leisure. hehe At first I just was overwhelmed with amazing ideas. Now I've started to actually use some of my pins. I hope that is a trend that continues. The first thing I used that I pinned was cutting up letters from cereal boxes and other containers that would be thrown away anyways. I have an old wipe case on a kitchen counter and just throw 'em in there whenever I have new letters. I hope M (and C down the road) enjoys recognizing, sorting, rearranging, making words ?! at some point, but I figure that I'll be ready for that day!
Then I made 7-layer dip - one of my favorites. The recipe I pinned is basically the same one my family uses, so it was pretty much just pinned to remember to make it every once in a while.
The THIRD thing I made is the reason for this post. JJ had a midterm Monday. Add that to studying for the boards, and basically we haven't seen daddy in a while. In a conversation about feelings Sunday, M made the comment, "Sometimes I'm sad when I can't see my Daddy." I decided we would go on an adventure and bring Daddy and his study buddies dessert! So. much. fun. But what dessert?? I had made cookies recently and wasn't feeling it. SO! I turned to my faithful pinterest and found a Better than *you know what* cake. Mmmmm. Since it was my first time making it, PLUS I had two kids keeping my busy while I was supposed to be making it, PLUS I had a very tight schedule to make it (bring it to Daddy AND get home at a decent time), I decided it may not be better than s-e-x, but it was AT LEAST better than studying! My Better than Studying cake turned out to be a major success and it was way fun to visit Daddy. M loves some of JJ's buddies and she was delighted that one of them humored her and took her up and around the building, on the elevator, etc. numerous times!
A few other funnies:
M was sitting on the couch watching a movie, when all of a sudden, I heard *a noise*.
Me: Honey! Do you need to use the restroom?
M: No Mommy! That came out of my mouth!
M: Oh, I'm just teasing, like my Grandpa.
Then I made 7-layer dip - one of my favorites. The recipe I pinned is basically the same one my family uses, so it was pretty much just pinned to remember to make it every once in a while.
The THIRD thing I made is the reason for this post. JJ had a midterm Monday. Add that to studying for the boards, and basically we haven't seen daddy in a while. In a conversation about feelings Sunday, M made the comment, "Sometimes I'm sad when I can't see my Daddy." I decided we would go on an adventure and bring Daddy and his study buddies dessert! So. much. fun. But what dessert?? I had made cookies recently and wasn't feeling it. SO! I turned to my faithful pinterest and found a Better than *you know what* cake. Mmmmm. Since it was my first time making it, PLUS I had two kids keeping my busy while I was supposed to be making it, PLUS I had a very tight schedule to make it (bring it to Daddy AND get home at a decent time), I decided it may not be better than s-e-x, but it was AT LEAST better than studying! My Better than Studying cake turned out to be a major success and it was way fun to visit Daddy. M loves some of JJ's buddies and she was delighted that one of them humored her and took her up and around the building, on the elevator, etc. numerous times!
A few other funnies:
M was sitting on the couch watching a movie, when all of a sudden, I heard *a noise*.
Me: Honey! Do you need to use the restroom?
M: No Mommy! That came out of my mouth!
M: Oh, I'm just teasing, like my Grandpa.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
J family: Where have we been??!
Ugh. I know. I know. BUT I have a few good excuses.
So, we moved. We bit the bullet and bought a house. While I was a little less eager than JJ to move, I'm so very happy with our house. I guess it was time to put on my big girl pants and suck it up.
November was pretty much a blur of packing, organizing, ear infections and, oh yeah, moving and unpacking and organizing! Phew! We absolutely couldn't've done it without my parents and some of our amazing friends. A bunch of people from JJ's school helped us out and that meant so much to me - he really has a great group of buddies. A coworker and friend's hubby were also recruited, and everyone appeared to still be moving even after all was said and done! : )
My parents came to help us unpack and celebrate Thanksgiving with us in our new house! The weather was amazing and we hit up the park on a walk - which doesn't always happen in November. At least not where I'm from - last November, M was getting her first taste of snow!
December was fabulous. More nice weather plus starting to feel settled equaled a great combination. The C-man got tubes, which was such a crazy-fast procedure it was insane. He did SO WELL, only fussing that we couldn't feed him from midnight on. We were the first ones scheduled for the day, so he didn't have to wait too long and drank 10 oz pretty much as soon as we got to see him - still a little sloppy from anesthesia!
Oh yeah, that was another development. Much to Mommy's UNhappiness, C pretty much weaned himself at the end of Nov-early Dec. : ( I attribute it mostly to stress and working full time, but I could not keep up with his needs - even pumping at work I never had a storage for him like I did with M (well her nursing was another whole story...). I had no choice but to supplement, and you know how that can be a slippery slope. Anyways, it's not the end of the world, and I know that I got him as much boobie juice as I could. : ) hehe
My parents came for Christmas, and this time we felt like we could relax a little bit more! We enjoyed having them back so much! We were totally spoiled with not having to travel for the Holidays. I'm pretty sure A and L J aren't going to let us get away with it next year though... ; ) We did miss them and are so glad they're coming to visit in February!!!
The boys, (two of JJ's bro-bros), CP and B surprised us and visited us for New Year's! P called saying B bought a new car and was itching to test it out on the highway, which I translated as: we miss our little brother. : ) We were so happy to have them, and the best part of that trip was beating both of them in scrabble... huh... they haven't played since... funny thing... ; ) Oh, and I WAS up at midnight, even if I had a nap on the floor for about an hour that evening. : )
Enough of this update - can't wait to share a few recent funny stories!
So, we moved. We bit the bullet and bought a house. While I was a little less eager than JJ to move, I'm so very happy with our house. I guess it was time to put on my big girl pants and suck it up.
November was pretty much a blur of packing, organizing, ear infections and, oh yeah, moving and unpacking and organizing! Phew! We absolutely couldn't've done it without my parents and some of our amazing friends. A bunch of people from JJ's school helped us out and that meant so much to me - he really has a great group of buddies. A coworker and friend's hubby were also recruited, and everyone appeared to still be moving even after all was said and done! : )
My parents came to help us unpack and celebrate Thanksgiving with us in our new house! The weather was amazing and we hit up the park on a walk - which doesn't always happen in November. At least not where I'm from - last November, M was getting her first taste of snow!
December was fabulous. More nice weather plus starting to feel settled equaled a great combination. The C-man got tubes, which was such a crazy-fast procedure it was insane. He did SO WELL, only fussing that we couldn't feed him from midnight on. We were the first ones scheduled for the day, so he didn't have to wait too long and drank 10 oz pretty much as soon as we got to see him - still a little sloppy from anesthesia!
Oh yeah, that was another development. Much to Mommy's UNhappiness, C pretty much weaned himself at the end of Nov-early Dec. : ( I attribute it mostly to stress and working full time, but I could not keep up with his needs - even pumping at work I never had a storage for him like I did with M (well her nursing was another whole story...). I had no choice but to supplement, and you know how that can be a slippery slope. Anyways, it's not the end of the world, and I know that I got him as much boobie juice as I could. : ) hehe
My parents came for Christmas, and this time we felt like we could relax a little bit more! We enjoyed having them back so much! We were totally spoiled with not having to travel for the Holidays. I'm pretty sure A and L J aren't going to let us get away with it next year though... ; ) We did miss them and are so glad they're coming to visit in February!!!
The boys, (two of JJ's bro-bros), CP and B surprised us and visited us for New Year's! P called saying B bought a new car and was itching to test it out on the highway, which I translated as: we miss our little brother. : ) We were so happy to have them, and the best part of that trip was beating both of them in scrabble... huh... they haven't played since... funny thing... ; ) Oh, and I WAS up at midnight, even if I had a nap on the floor for about an hour that evening. : )
Enough of this update - can't wait to share a few recent funny stories!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
You know you're moving when...
...you're EXCITED to use up your favorite shampoo (and cereal for that matter) just because it's one. less. thing. to. pack.
...your husband is your hero, not for taking good care of the kids all day (which he did do because he's got about two weeks off!), but for packing TWO MORE boxes!
...you suddenly become less and less attached to the precious and adorable clothes your children outgrew.
...your new favorites at work are the gal who just moved and gave you all her boxes, wrap, and packing paper and the awesome janitor who keeps bringing you paper boxes (LOVE those boxes).
...which brings on another one - you start to have favorite boxes -- paper ones.. oooh... and diaper ones! PERFECT sizes.
...you're EXCITED it's finally fall -- pack up all those summer clothes. Done and done.
...grocery shopping becomes trickier -- what do we need JUST this week -- no stocking the shelves for me!
...you can't really think farther than the closing date. Just gotta get to that closing date.
...cleaning becomes easier -- boxes are covering the floor -- no need to vacuum!
...you suddenly have new family rules -- especially once something is in the box it DOES NOT and I repeat does NOT come out. That one was made especially for M, who suddenly becomes attached to each and every blessed thing going in the box.
...as you sit on the computer and type this all you can see in the house is more stuff that could be grouped together and fit into x, y, and z box.
...your husband is your hero, not for taking good care of the kids all day (which he did do because he's got about two weeks off!), but for packing TWO MORE boxes!
...you suddenly become less and less attached to the precious and adorable clothes your children outgrew.
...your new favorites at work are the gal who just moved and gave you all her boxes, wrap, and packing paper and the awesome janitor who keeps bringing you paper boxes (LOVE those boxes).
...which brings on another one - you start to have favorite boxes -- paper ones.. oooh... and diaper ones! PERFECT sizes.
...you're EXCITED it's finally fall -- pack up all those summer clothes. Done and done.
...grocery shopping becomes trickier -- what do we need JUST this week -- no stocking the shelves for me!
...you can't really think farther than the closing date. Just gotta get to that closing date.
...cleaning becomes easier -- boxes are covering the floor -- no need to vacuum!
...you suddenly have new family rules -- especially once something is in the box it DOES NOT and I repeat does NOT come out. That one was made especially for M, who suddenly becomes attached to each and every blessed thing going in the box.
...as you sit on the computer and type this all you can see in the house is more stuff that could be grouped together and fit into x, y, and z box.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Update
I was so planning on this being more regular than it has been! : )
Quite updates:
C-man has taken to food little-by-little. Praise God! Not that we were overly concerned at this point, but just that it's so much easier when kiddos want to eat! He's been a bit fussier than his normal happy self lately, which we are attributing to teeth. Those darn teeth sure terrorize the whole body. He's napping now, but it's been like every three hours at night for the past couple of nights and that just is tough on a Momma. Especially tough is when the big sister has trouble, too. Last night she must've had a weird dream because she came into our room - no crying, no words at all - and laid down on our floor and slept the rest of the night. She did crawl around and slept just about every available square inch of our floor though! I was too tired to put her back to bed and she slept, so whatever. But back to the C-ster. He continues to love being outside and also enjoys his exersaucer, but MOSTLY just wants to be held every waking moment! He watches EVERYTHING big sister does!
M is just our biggest girl. She has been getting better at using kind words, which we love! She also has been a huge helper lately. She will bring C a toy, play more independently, help clean up, and go potty on her own --- in fact --- the other day we were playing outside with our neighbors (oh, they are so wonderful! We are loving getting to know them!) and she was squirting away (her continued favorite activity from when she went to M's house last year) when all of a sudden she ran inside. I thought she needed more water or something, so I slowly made my way after her - turns out she just had to go potty and had come in by herself, went potty, wiped, flushed and was washing her hands when I got to her. Proud moment! It's the little things people! She also LOVES letters and "writing". GOOOOOO SCHOOL!
JJ is at the tail-end of his Neuro II section -- praise God! Neuro just isn't his all-time favorite subject - it's not bad information to know, it's just that it's not his fav. Neuro II has proved to me a lot of psychiatry stuff, too, which definitely isn't something he's interested in pursuing. BUT Friday he had to present a neuro case to a panel of three neurologists and got a 100% on his presentation. Woot! That's my little doctor! I'm so proud of him. I poke fun a little with calling him my little doctor and whatever, but seriously words can't express how fascinated I am by how much he knows and is able to do even now, with two and a half years to go before even residency. I've told a lot of people this, so sorry if you've heard it, but I'm living in this juxtaposition (huh... just looked it up and that's not the actual word I mean... I'll describe what I'm thinking and maybe you can help me out with the word!). It's like on one hand I revere doctors and believe what they tell me 100%. In my world they are completely on a pedestal because they hold the key to health, which is something I truly value. AND on the other hand, does JJ REALLY need to know every stinking detail of this, that and the other thing?? : ) Know what I mean?
And me? Let's see, I'm very happy at my job in the middle school. I have a somewhat dicey parent situation in the works, but have total support from my principal/VP/school psych, etc, so I'm not too worried, it just makes for some tense moments. And if you know me at all, you know that I score about a -10 on the confrontation meter. I'm not confident with confrontation and I hate it when I'm in sticky situations through no fault of my own! I dealt with the mother lode of sticky situations last year so when I was chatting with a gal from district about my current one, she was just like, seriously do NOT go to the casino. I don't know how these things happen to me! : ) What else? I've tried a few new recipes - some of them total flops (I'll be the first to admit that!) and a few that have made their way to the regular rotation! Even with JJ super busy, I've just really enjoyed the last week with my kids. I go back to a conversation I had with my Grandma on her birthday -- I sometimes get caught up in what life might be like for us in 10 years when JJ is practicing as a physician... but my goal is to be present in the now and making the most of our lives NOW.
Yada, yada, yada! That's us in a nutshell right now!
Quite updates:
C-man has taken to food little-by-little. Praise God! Not that we were overly concerned at this point, but just that it's so much easier when kiddos want to eat! He's been a bit fussier than his normal happy self lately, which we are attributing to teeth. Those darn teeth sure terrorize the whole body. He's napping now, but it's been like every three hours at night for the past couple of nights and that just is tough on a Momma. Especially tough is when the big sister has trouble, too. Last night she must've had a weird dream because she came into our room - no crying, no words at all - and laid down on our floor and slept the rest of the night. She did crawl around and slept just about every available square inch of our floor though! I was too tired to put her back to bed and she slept, so whatever. But back to the C-ster. He continues to love being outside and also enjoys his exersaucer, but MOSTLY just wants to be held every waking moment! He watches EVERYTHING big sister does!
M is just our biggest girl. She has been getting better at using kind words, which we love! She also has been a huge helper lately. She will bring C a toy, play more independently, help clean up, and go potty on her own --- in fact --- the other day we were playing outside with our neighbors (oh, they are so wonderful! We are loving getting to know them!) and she was squirting away (her continued favorite activity from when she went to M's house last year) when all of a sudden she ran inside. I thought she needed more water or something, so I slowly made my way after her - turns out she just had to go potty and had come in by herself, went potty, wiped, flushed and was washing her hands when I got to her. Proud moment! It's the little things people! She also LOVES letters and "writing". GOOOOOO SCHOOL!
JJ is at the tail-end of his Neuro II section -- praise God! Neuro just isn't his all-time favorite subject - it's not bad information to know, it's just that it's not his fav. Neuro II has proved to me a lot of psychiatry stuff, too, which definitely isn't something he's interested in pursuing. BUT Friday he had to present a neuro case to a panel of three neurologists and got a 100% on his presentation. Woot! That's my little doctor! I'm so proud of him. I poke fun a little with calling him my little doctor and whatever, but seriously words can't express how fascinated I am by how much he knows and is able to do even now, with two and a half years to go before even residency. I've told a lot of people this, so sorry if you've heard it, but I'm living in this juxtaposition (huh... just looked it up and that's not the actual word I mean... I'll describe what I'm thinking and maybe you can help me out with the word!). It's like on one hand I revere doctors and believe what they tell me 100%. In my world they are completely on a pedestal because they hold the key to health, which is something I truly value. AND on the other hand, does JJ REALLY need to know every stinking detail of this, that and the other thing?? : ) Know what I mean?
And me? Let's see, I'm very happy at my job in the middle school. I have a somewhat dicey parent situation in the works, but have total support from my principal/VP/school psych, etc, so I'm not too worried, it just makes for some tense moments. And if you know me at all, you know that I score about a -10 on the confrontation meter. I'm not confident with confrontation and I hate it when I'm in sticky situations through no fault of my own! I dealt with the mother lode of sticky situations last year so when I was chatting with a gal from district about my current one, she was just like, seriously do NOT go to the casino. I don't know how these things happen to me! : ) What else? I've tried a few new recipes - some of them total flops (I'll be the first to admit that!) and a few that have made their way to the regular rotation! Even with JJ super busy, I've just really enjoyed the last week with my kids. I go back to a conversation I had with my Grandma on her birthday -- I sometimes get caught up in what life might be like for us in 10 years when JJ is practicing as a physician... but my goal is to be present in the now and making the most of our lives NOW.
Yada, yada, yada! That's us in a nutshell right now!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
One of these is not like the other one...
At M's Open House for Preschool, we were chatting with our Pastor (her school is at our Church!) and he asked if C is just like M was when she was a baby and that got us thinking about our kids' similarities and differences. So at the risk of sounding like a middle school paper, let me take a minute to compare and contrast my beautiful babies.
How are they alike? Let me count the ways. Because they are limited. (Disclaimer - this is their mother talking.) They are both a-dorable babies. They are both cuddlers (although M would sleep on people, or in bed with us (shhh! Don't tell Uncle A!) much more than baby C. When he's tired, he pretty much wants to be laid down. Now. They both love their strollers, going for walks, and being outside. Praise God! They both have also loved their carseats (YAY!) and are great travelers (YAY YAY!). They both have had their stints as Poopetrators (although C seems to be to a somewhat lesser degree, though he certainly has his moments!). They both have loved baths. They have each had times that make me want to pull out my hair. They both melt my heart and bring purpose and focus to my life.
But I think the most lengthy right now are the differences. C is still not sleeping through the night and I'm almost POSITIVE M was by the time I was back at work. C is a paci (and bottle) man, while M refused both. However, on a side note, she swears she DID need a paci when she was a baby and reveres them now. :) C is much quicker to smile than M was - she was a little more on the reserved, curious side. C is such a lazy baby... put me on my tummy, fine... put me on my back... fine... I'll just hang out and fuss when I want something changed. M was a mover and shaker from day one (really -- she was even more active in utero)! Food is a huge difference as well. M LOVED baby cereal and most every food available to her since then. C just isn't a fan. No thanks, guys. He will be exited for the first bite, realize what it is and pretty much try every trick to not eat from that point on. It is the same way with medicine, come to think of it. **Ready for the funny M story of the day??** Just the other day, JJ was giving M her meddies and she sighed contently and whispered sincerely under her breath, "I love this stuff." For C, on the other hand, I have to use the baby medicine dropper thing AND a spoon to scoop everything back up because I KNOW it won't be staying in his mouth for any length of time if he has any choice in the matter.
How are they alike? Let me count the ways. Because they are limited. (Disclaimer - this is their mother talking.) They are both a-dorable babies. They are both cuddlers (although M would sleep on people, or in bed with us (shhh! Don't tell Uncle A!) much more than baby C. When he's tired, he pretty much wants to be laid down. Now. They both love their strollers, going for walks, and being outside. Praise God! They both have also loved their carseats (YAY!) and are great travelers (YAY YAY!). They both have had their stints as Poopetrators (although C seems to be to a somewhat lesser degree, though he certainly has his moments!). They both have loved baths. They have each had times that make me want to pull out my hair. They both melt my heart and bring purpose and focus to my life.
But I think the most lengthy right now are the differences. C is still not sleeping through the night and I'm almost POSITIVE M was by the time I was back at work. C is a paci (and bottle) man, while M refused both. However, on a side note, she swears she DID need a paci when she was a baby and reveres them now. :) C is much quicker to smile than M was - she was a little more on the reserved, curious side. C is such a lazy baby... put me on my tummy, fine... put me on my back... fine... I'll just hang out and fuss when I want something changed. M was a mover and shaker from day one (really -- she was even more active in utero)! Food is a huge difference as well. M LOVED baby cereal and most every food available to her since then. C just isn't a fan. No thanks, guys. He will be exited for the first bite, realize what it is and pretty much try every trick to not eat from that point on. It is the same way with medicine, come to think of it. **Ready for the funny M story of the day??** Just the other day, JJ was giving M her meddies and she sighed contently and whispered sincerely under her breath, "I love this stuff." For C, on the other hand, I have to use the baby medicine dropper thing AND a spoon to scoop everything back up because I KNOW it won't be staying in his mouth for any length of time if he has any choice in the matter.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
The Wheels on the Bus!
M has started school. SUCH a big girl! She has done so well with this big transition and I'm assuming things are going well. I haven't gotten any phone calls yet anyways! : ) I'll have to grill her teacher at Church. Yes, I probably will be that Mom. Maybe not quite to the point of one of my kiddos' parents, who had this to say the first time I met her: "I'm a helicopter mom, but I'm harmless." I was a little worried by that statement, even with the bit of sugar at the end, but it couldn't be more true. She is one of the sweetest ladies ever with her kiddo's best interests at heart. ANYWAYS!
Every school day, M comes home with a sticker of what her job was for the day. She's been a table washer, snack helper, flag holder, you name it. I love this little conversation starter. She's also brought home some really cool artwork, like a homemade "Chicka-chicka Boom Boom" tree, complete with letters cut out of a magazine. It is WAY too cute!! M has also had show and tell already (Oops - I was the Mom who forgot to send something her first turn...). She decided on a cupcake out of her "Magic Princess Baking Set" from Grandma and Grandpa!
I don't know if this has to do with school time, or what, but M is also a little infatuated with buses. She is scared to actually ride them, or the first time she saw one up close, but when we're driving in the mornings, she is on. the. lookout. She's also started this hilarious thing. So... with that... here's the
Funny M Story of the Day:
M has started awarding prizes for finding a bus. I have no idea where she picked this up from. I actually was probing her about where she heard it, and she got a little defensive and said, "M said it!!" Monday, she declared, "If we see a bus we get TEN MINUTES!!!" Maybe it's that whole rushing out the door that makes her value ten minutes? Tuesday it was "50 MILLION DOLLARS!" And today, when I saw a bus? TWENTY DOLLARS!
Hey, what happened to the millions?? Anyways, she just cracks me up all the stinking time.
Every school day, M comes home with a sticker of what her job was for the day. She's been a table washer, snack helper, flag holder, you name it. I love this little conversation starter. She's also brought home some really cool artwork, like a homemade "Chicka-chicka Boom Boom" tree, complete with letters cut out of a magazine. It is WAY too cute!! M has also had show and tell already (Oops - I was the Mom who forgot to send something her first turn...). She decided on a cupcake out of her "Magic Princess Baking Set" from Grandma and Grandpa!
I don't know if this has to do with school time, or what, but M is also a little infatuated with buses. She is scared to actually ride them, or the first time she saw one up close, but when we're driving in the mornings, she is on. the. lookout. She's also started this hilarious thing. So... with that... here's the
Funny M Story of the Day:
M has started awarding prizes for finding a bus. I have no idea where she picked this up from. I actually was probing her about where she heard it, and she got a little defensive and said, "M said it!!" Monday, she declared, "If we see a bus we get TEN MINUTES!!!" Maybe it's that whole rushing out the door that makes her value ten minutes? Tuesday it was "50 MILLION DOLLARS!" And today, when I saw a bus? TWENTY DOLLARS!
Hey, what happened to the millions?? Anyways, she just cracks me up all the stinking time.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Big Boy!
No, not the deliciousness that is a brown cow (you Bizzo-ites are following me right?). I'm talking about my big boy! The C-ster is a big six month old and had his big appointment today. How many times can I use the word big? Somebody get this girl a thesaurus!
Ok, anyways!! The results?
Weight: 18 lb 2 oz --> 59th percentile
Height: 26.5 in --> 49th percentile
Head Circ: 43.5 cm --> 40th percentile
No vaccines, BUT a Rx for amoxicillin... and a diagnosis of a double ear infection. Arrg... Poor guy, he tugged on his ears a little bit, but was not super fussy - and when he was we assumed teeth (two more coming in on top!).
Funny M story of the day:
While I was talking to the doctor I set M up with some crayons and a coloring page (thanks to our wonderful and thoughtful daycare gal). I was answering questions and estimating milk intake, hours of rest, you know just crunching the numbers, when Dr. W says, "Oh honey, let's not color there." M had taken it upon herself to start coloring on the walls -- something she has never done before! (Tables, YES, walls, no.) Of COURSE why not start in public?? M got superduper embarrassed and started all out bawling. Dr. W felt absolutely terrible, but I maintained that M a) needs to not be coloring on walls! and b) needs to be ok with being corrected - especially so kindly by any adult. Sweet thing did eventually calm down. When we talked about it later in the car, she said, "I was crying because I just REALLY wanted to color on the wall!" Well, I guess at least she was honest!
Ok, anyways!! The results?
Weight: 18 lb 2 oz --> 59th percentile
Height: 26.5 in --> 49th percentile
Head Circ: 43.5 cm --> 40th percentile
No vaccines, BUT a Rx for amoxicillin... and a diagnosis of a double ear infection. Arrg... Poor guy, he tugged on his ears a little bit, but was not super fussy - and when he was we assumed teeth (two more coming in on top!).
Funny M story of the day:
While I was talking to the doctor I set M up with some crayons and a coloring page (thanks to our wonderful and thoughtful daycare gal). I was answering questions and estimating milk intake, hours of rest, you know just crunching the numbers, when Dr. W says, "Oh honey, let's not color there." M had taken it upon herself to start coloring on the walls -- something she has never done before! (Tables, YES, walls, no.) Of COURSE why not start in public?? M got superduper embarrassed and started all out bawling. Dr. W felt absolutely terrible, but I maintained that M a) needs to not be coloring on walls! and b) needs to be ok with being corrected - especially so kindly by any adult. Sweet thing did eventually calm down. When we talked about it later in the car, she said, "I was crying because I just REALLY wanted to color on the wall!" Well, I guess at least she was honest!
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