Thursday, February 2, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
Grandma
My grandma collected cow knick-knacks. But not because she wanted to. She said someone gave her a cow, and then other people saw that cow and started getting her more cows. So, she had a cow-themed kitchen, but not of her choosing.
She crocheted. She made afghans for many of us grandkids. She quilted. She made clothes for her 13 kids when they were little.
She was madly in love with grandpa. They met while he was a medic in WWII. He was a friend of her brother in the 21st infantry. My 18-year-old future grandma wrote letters to a few of the boys, and to her brother. My grandpa wrote back. And they fell in love writing letters to each other. My mom, the 7th child, would often catch them necking in the kitchen.
She smelled like cookies and "Cool Waters" perfume. She was smooshy. When she hugged us, we were completely enveloped in her smooshy softness. When she laughed hard, she would put her arm on the closest surface, plop her head on her arm and laugh silently. She loved old gospel music and could play the piano. When I told her that I was dating a guy who was probably going to be a pastor, she said (in all seriousness), "But you don't play the piano."
One of her index fingers was a stub because, when she was 2-years-old, she lost the tip in a meat grinder. It was her first memory ever. And she could still remember vividly the image of her daddy standing in the doorway, white as a sheet, before whisking her up and tending to her finger.
She would rock me in her rocker until I was much too big to rock, and then she rocked my firstborn.
I miss her.
She crocheted. She made afghans for many of us grandkids. She quilted. She made clothes for her 13 kids when they were little.
She was madly in love with grandpa. They met while he was a medic in WWII. He was a friend of her brother in the 21st infantry. My 18-year-old future grandma wrote letters to a few of the boys, and to her brother. My grandpa wrote back. And they fell in love writing letters to each other. My mom, the 7th child, would often catch them necking in the kitchen.
She smelled like cookies and "Cool Waters" perfume. She was smooshy. When she hugged us, we were completely enveloped in her smooshy softness. When she laughed hard, she would put her arm on the closest surface, plop her head on her arm and laugh silently. She loved old gospel music and could play the piano. When I told her that I was dating a guy who was probably going to be a pastor, she said (in all seriousness), "But you don't play the piano."
One of her index fingers was a stub because, when she was 2-years-old, she lost the tip in a meat grinder. It was her first memory ever. And she could still remember vividly the image of her daddy standing in the doorway, white as a sheet, before whisking her up and tending to her finger.
She would rock me in her rocker until I was much too big to rock, and then she rocked my firstborn.
I miss her.
Friday, January 20, 2012
"Staging"
I <3 pinterest. Like everyone else, apparently.
It's a real time-suck. A pleasant time-suck. Buuut, we have officially listed our house, and in less than 2 weeks we have our first open house! Holy moses. How is it going to be possible to get the house clean enough for that? I have no idea. Especially with 2 babies and pinterest sucking me in. Not that I really have THAT much spare time. Right now, and for the next half hour, both kids are asleep! And instead of cleaning, I just want to take a little break! So, I will wait for J to get home. And then clean this weekend, with him here to tag-team it all with me.
Inspiration lately, as I "stage" the house:
It's a real time-suck. A pleasant time-suck. Buuut, we have officially listed our house, and in less than 2 weeks we have our first open house! Holy moses. How is it going to be possible to get the house clean enough for that? I have no idea. Especially with 2 babies and pinterest sucking me in. Not that I really have THAT much spare time. Right now, and for the next half hour, both kids are asleep! And instead of cleaning, I just want to take a little break! So, I will wait for J to get home. And then clean this weekend, with him here to tag-team it all with me.
Inspiration lately, as I "stage" the house:
Friday, January 6, 2012
My first Zumba
Holy Zumba.
I first have to admit, I've wanted to try it.
Today at MOPS, I was surprised to find out that we were going to be spending most of the meeting doing Zumba. I didn't get the warning email ahead of time.
But, maybe that was good! I may not have gone to the meeting if I HAD known.
Most of us were awkwardly flailing. I was laughing like crazy. At first. And then, I got more serious and focused, and was concentrating too hard to do more than smile a dry-mouth and panting smile where my lips stuck to my gums a little. Seriously, you want me to move my arms AND legs? At the same time? And fast? Ummm... yeah. Even while I got more focused, though, I really did like it.
I'm thinking I want to try the water Zumba. Hiding my movements in the water a little sounds good...
I first have to admit, I've wanted to try it.
Today at MOPS, I was surprised to find out that we were going to be spending most of the meeting doing Zumba. I didn't get the warning email ahead of time.
But, maybe that was good! I may not have gone to the meeting if I HAD known.
Most of us were awkwardly flailing. I was laughing like crazy. At first. And then, I got more serious and focused, and was concentrating too hard to do more than smile a dry-mouth and panting smile where my lips stuck to my gums a little. Seriously, you want me to move my arms AND legs? At the same time? And fast? Ummm... yeah. Even while I got more focused, though, I really did like it.
I'm thinking I want to try the water Zumba. Hiding my movements in the water a little sounds good...
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Day 3 - craft roominess.
Let's see... Master bedroom pretty much done. Nursery done. Spare bedroom and cluttered closet, done. Last night and a little today, I worked on the craft room. Holy Mary, it was crazy. I just cleaned it out this past summer and had about 4 garbage bags of donations, and about 2 bags of garbage/scraps. I just made another 3 garbage bags for Goodwill, and another bag of trash. It's the smallest room in the house, and by far has the most clutter! It's STILL not quite done, but it's getting there.
I have a hard time in that room cuz it's CRAFTS. You collect stuff for crafting. It is the antithesis to minimalism - crafting. And I like minimal. And I like making stuff. Scrapbooking, knitting, sewing, painting, quilting... seriously. It adds up, people. Today, I got rid of piles of batting that was filling all the shelves in the closet (as opposed to "filling" quilts. Ha.). Yes, I'll probably have to buy more batting someday. But it's such huge stuff, I couldn't keep it.
Today, A's had a tough time taking a nap. She woke up after an hour, crying. And just woke up (after a total of almost 3 hours) crying again. I'm wondering if she's getting sick. While she slept, and while I nursed and rocked E, I started reading "Forbidden" (Ted's new book! Just 2.99 for an ebook right now!). Guilt-free reading because I have to breastfeed is pretty awesome. And so I'm sleepy from sitting still. But not sleepy from the book itself! Pretty action-packed, so far.
Speaking of guilt and other negative emotions, I've been getting over that certain relative's words by just keeping on moving. And cleaning. And praying. And reading the Bible and a devotional. And blogging to myself.
Tonight, finish the craft room. Take the donations and trash out. Tidy the living rooms and kitchen? The realtor is coming TOMORROW night to see the house!! I'm nervous (what if the house is worth WAYYY less than we think? Or, when the house is inspected later on, what if the house has a super serious problem... sinking foundation... leaking roof...? What if it doesn't sell at all?). I'm also excited to get started.
Also, tomorrow am, a newish friend is coming over. And then, Friday am, MOPS time. I'm actually loving the busy-ness of this year so far! ...So far...
I have a hard time in that room cuz it's CRAFTS. You collect stuff for crafting. It is the antithesis to minimalism - crafting. And I like minimal. And I like making stuff. Scrapbooking, knitting, sewing, painting, quilting... seriously. It adds up, people. Today, I got rid of piles of batting that was filling all the shelves in the closet (as opposed to "filling" quilts. Ha.). Yes, I'll probably have to buy more batting someday. But it's such huge stuff, I couldn't keep it.
Today, A's had a tough time taking a nap. She woke up after an hour, crying. And just woke up (after a total of almost 3 hours) crying again. I'm wondering if she's getting sick. While she slept, and while I nursed and rocked E, I started reading "Forbidden" (Ted's new book! Just 2.99 for an ebook right now!). Guilt-free reading because I have to breastfeed is pretty awesome. And so I'm sleepy from sitting still. But not sleepy from the book itself! Pretty action-packed, so far.
Speaking of guilt and other negative emotions, I've been getting over that certain relative's words by just keeping on moving. And cleaning. And praying. And reading the Bible and a devotional. And blogging to myself.
Tonight, finish the craft room. Take the donations and trash out. Tidy the living rooms and kitchen? The realtor is coming TOMORROW night to see the house!! I'm nervous (what if the house is worth WAYYY less than we think? Or, when the house is inspected later on, what if the house has a super serious problem... sinking foundation... leaking roof...? What if it doesn't sell at all?). I'm also excited to get started.
Also, tomorrow am, a newish friend is coming over. And then, Friday am, MOPS time. I'm actually loving the busy-ness of this year so far! ...So far...
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Day 2 - Ahead of schedule! But also, feelings of deflated-ness.
Yesterday (day 1) the goal was to clean the bathroom cabinet and hall closet. I went on to clean out our bedroom and nursery! We took an entire trunk load of stuff to Goodwill, and threw away four or five grocery bags of junk not good enough for Goodwill (mostly expired beauty products)!
Holy cow, good day!
Today so far, I've cleaned out the spare bedroom closet. Which is a pretty huge walk-in. Now, I'm taking a little "me" time to sit here. (E is asleep and A will be awake any second!)
Thursday (which will be Day 4) we're meeting with a realtor in the evening. The guy we're meeting with has 25 years of experience, and sounded very personable and knowledgeable. I like him so far...
I've had a little wrench thrown in my attitude, which is that a relative-who-shall-not-be-named started wanting to "help", and now has sounded like she wants to take over and tell me what I need to do and where furniture needs to go...etc. Making me question the fact that I'm the 31-year-old clean freak/organizer that I am. And the questioning of self makes me lose all my momentum and the drive I've had going so far. She has invited herself over this Saturday to clean and then again next week. I feel the control slipping through my fingers. So, I will try to keep communication open, and keep (nicely) reminding her that I have a system. Her husband will be "helping" mine this Saturday, too. Poor mine. SHE suggested that my J is "laid back" or "slower" than hers and so to remind him not to get offended if her husband takes over a bit.
Just when I was really starting to get excited and make a dent in all this cleaning, I'm starting to now feel completely deflated.
Hence, the break.
Now, the task is two-fold. Clean/organize AND get over these inadequate/never-good-enough feelings. And get over those feelings FAST! I don't have time to be deflated and bummed out.
Holy cow, good day!
Today so far, I've cleaned out the spare bedroom closet. Which is a pretty huge walk-in. Now, I'm taking a little "me" time to sit here. (E is asleep and A will be awake any second!)
Thursday (which will be Day 4) we're meeting with a realtor in the evening. The guy we're meeting with has 25 years of experience, and sounded very personable and knowledgeable. I like him so far...
I've had a little wrench thrown in my attitude, which is that a relative-who-shall-not-be-named started wanting to "help", and now has sounded like she wants to take over and tell me what I need to do and where furniture needs to go...etc. Making me question the fact that I'm the 31-year-old clean freak/organizer that I am. And the questioning of self makes me lose all my momentum and the drive I've had going so far. She has invited herself over this Saturday to clean and then again next week. I feel the control slipping through my fingers. So, I will try to keep communication open, and keep (nicely) reminding her that I have a system. Her husband will be "helping" mine this Saturday, too. Poor mine. SHE suggested that my J is "laid back" or "slower" than hers and so to remind him not to get offended if her husband takes over a bit.
Just when I was really starting to get excited and make a dent in all this cleaning, I'm starting to now feel completely deflated.
Hence, the break.
Now, the task is two-fold. Clean/organize AND get over these inadequate/never-good-enough feelings. And get over those feelings FAST! I don't have time to be deflated and bummed out.
Monday, January 2, 2012
House for sale in 2 weeks!
Jan 2nd 2012 - DAY 1
The goal: clean the house and get it ready to sell in TWO WEEKS from now.
We were going to wait until spring, and use a chunk of our tax return to do some renovating. But now, we're listing it as it is. To be done with it.
Today's goal - clean and organize the upstairs bathroom cabinet/medicine cabinet and the hall closet.
The daily goal is to keep up with dishes and laundry.
This morning, E slept and A took a bath while I completed goal #1! I didn't think I'd have time until J got home tonight!
Now, time for dishes...
The goal: clean the house and get it ready to sell in TWO WEEKS from now.
We were going to wait until spring, and use a chunk of our tax return to do some renovating. But now, we're listing it as it is. To be done with it.
Today's goal - clean and organize the upstairs bathroom cabinet/medicine cabinet and the hall closet.
The daily goal is to keep up with dishes and laundry.
This morning, E slept and A took a bath while I completed goal #1! I didn't think I'd have time until J got home tonight!
Now, time for dishes...
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
MOPS so far
I joined MOPS this fall (Mothers of Pre-schoolers). It's a time to drop off your toddlers with the child-care workers and hang out with other equally-exhausted mothers. My favorite part of the entire time is afterwords. After listening to the great speakers, after chatting with the moms... My favorite part is watching (and joining) all the moms try and gather their children and get them loaded into the vehicles outside. Seriously, the chaos is amazing. It feels like there are hundreds of toddlers and babies in the hallways. There's the pleading with toddlers to get coats on, pleeeease, and then the carrying, pulling, schlepping all the diaper bags, purses, strollers, and children as fast as possible. Because for many, it's nap time and these mini-people are all on the cusp of absolute and very public melt-downs. And so are many of the moms.
It's great knowing that all these well-dressed women went to the trouble (and I mean TROUBLE) to do their makeup and hair, and get in their best semi-casual clothing. And get their kids ready, too. Our meeting is at 9am. It's a total miracle we all get there (mostly) on time AND smelling good. Seriously, can we just NOT worry about looking good for each other? How bout a jammie-no-makeup-bed-head day? That will very much not happen. It's nice getting having to get dressed twice a month, I guess.
It's great knowing that all these well-dressed women went to the trouble (and I mean TROUBLE) to do their makeup and hair, and get in their best semi-casual clothing. And get their kids ready, too. Our meeting is at 9am. It's a total miracle we all get there (mostly) on time AND smelling good. Seriously, can we just NOT worry about looking good for each other? How bout a jammie-no-makeup-bed-head day? That will very much not happen. It's nice getting having to get dressed twice a month, I guess.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Baby makes 4...!
Emmett James... born 10-11-11 at 4:42am (4 hours and 42 minutes past the due date!). 21 inches long.
I labored on and off the day before and was in hard labor the night before at about 8pm. I waited at home, not believing I was in labor! I timed the contractions at 10 minutes apart for 2 hours in bed until they hurt too much to wait any more. And when I sat up to relay this info to Jer, the contractions intensified even more and were instantly 2-3 minutes apart! Holy crap, I was in labor! It was 30 minutes to the hospital. HARD labor. Contractions on top of each other! Jer called ahead to make sure I would be able to get an epidural if I was already really dialated. They were ready with an IV when I got there, praise God. I was 7 centimeters, and within an hour or two (soon after the epidural), was 10 centimeters. We waited for baby to drop for a few hours. At about 4:30am, the midwife went to break the water, and the sack of water came out in tact. I had never heard of this and they had ONLY heard of it! Kind of cool. And less messy.
The room was dimly lit. Calm. Jer at my side ready to announce the gender. We saw at the same time (after barely pushing - and actually being told NOT to push most of the time). We both exclaimed "It's a boy!" at the same time, and I was holding him in my arms!
My sister was at our house sleeping so Ava could stay in her own bed. They came later in the am to meet baby boy.
I don't have much time (or energy!) to write more at the moment. Emmett is perfect. Ava is adjusting easily. I now have 4 piles of laundry to fold. And all is well...
I labored on and off the day before and was in hard labor the night before at about 8pm. I waited at home, not believing I was in labor! I timed the contractions at 10 minutes apart for 2 hours in bed until they hurt too much to wait any more. And when I sat up to relay this info to Jer, the contractions intensified even more and were instantly 2-3 minutes apart! Holy crap, I was in labor! It was 30 minutes to the hospital. HARD labor. Contractions on top of each other! Jer called ahead to make sure I would be able to get an epidural if I was already really dialated. They were ready with an IV when I got there, praise God. I was 7 centimeters, and within an hour or two (soon after the epidural), was 10 centimeters. We waited for baby to drop for a few hours. At about 4:30am, the midwife went to break the water, and the sack of water came out in tact. I had never heard of this and they had ONLY heard of it! Kind of cool. And less messy.
The room was dimly lit. Calm. Jer at my side ready to announce the gender. We saw at the same time (after barely pushing - and actually being told NOT to push most of the time). We both exclaimed "It's a boy!" at the same time, and I was holding him in my arms!
My sister was at our house sleeping so Ava could stay in her own bed. They came later in the am to meet baby boy.
I don't have much time (or energy!) to write more at the moment. Emmett is perfect. Ava is adjusting easily. I now have 4 piles of laundry to fold. And all is well...
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
College of Life?
There are days I miss college. But then I start to realize that I've continued on to Graduate school without realizing it.
To replace the fellow students and professors, I now have my little girl spurning me on to know MORE and be BETTER. And my husband to be that fellow student, sharpening me and making me think.
To replace the 80 pound textbooks, I have just-as-thick cookbooks and notebooks filled with recipes. And how-to-be-a-better-parent books, highlighted to their brims.
I still have the lack of sleep and late nights "studying" (a.k.a. meal planning, and worrying).
And now, there is more life under my belt. And my life feels deeper. More meaningful. And more relaxed. Knowing that we're all figuring it out as we go - especially we parents - makes me calm down and not worry so much about getting it all perfect. We'll be ok. In this new University.
To replace the fellow students and professors, I now have my little girl spurning me on to know MORE and be BETTER. And my husband to be that fellow student, sharpening me and making me think.
To replace the 80 pound textbooks, I have just-as-thick cookbooks and notebooks filled with recipes. And how-to-be-a-better-parent books, highlighted to their brims.
I still have the lack of sleep and late nights "studying" (a.k.a. meal planning, and worrying).
And now, there is more life under my belt. And my life feels deeper. More meaningful. And more relaxed. Knowing that we're all figuring it out as we go - especially we parents - makes me calm down and not worry so much about getting it all perfect. We'll be ok. In this new University.
MOPS, pumpkins, zoo, a wedding, and our anniversary!
No more renters in the house. Such peace! I haven't felt this homey in my house for a long time.
And it was all in time for our anniversary this weekend, and our soon-to-come baby!
Friday it was my first time at MOPS in the am. It was cute and so nice to chat with other mamas, and Ava got to play with tons of other kids her same age. And, in the afternoon, it was totally time for the pumpkin patch! We played and ate messy caramel apples, and it was a perfect day.
Saturday afternoon and night we hung out at a friend's wedding. It was in a park pavillion on a river, and was beautiful! Ava played all evening with the other kiddos at the little park and got good and messy! There are no pics yet, because we left our camera (moment of panic). It is traveling with the bride and groom on their honeymoon, and will be back Wednesday. Until then, phones are taking its place.
Yesterday, I made myself get up early with my Jer and our Ava at 6am. We chilled in the house for a bit, and then drove up to Oshkosh. It was breakfast at Golden Corral (better breakfast than I would've thought), then to the little zoo, and a quick stop at Goodwill. And it was time to drive 25 minutes back for Ava's nap.
The afternoon was relaxation, laundry, football, and moving our living room things into the actual large living room downstairs (instead of it all being in one of the upstairs bedrooms). A half-price Chicago-style pizza for dinner at home while we listened to the rain outside.
I'm feeling total urgency to do fun stuff before baby gets here. THREE weeks to go! (Less than that would be good, too).
What an amazing weekend with my little family. And so nice to come home to... no one.
And it was all in time for our anniversary this weekend, and our soon-to-come baby!
Friday it was my first time at MOPS in the am. It was cute and so nice to chat with other mamas, and Ava got to play with tons of other kids her same age. And, in the afternoon, it was totally time for the pumpkin patch! We played and ate messy caramel apples, and it was a perfect day.
Saturday afternoon and night we hung out at a friend's wedding. It was in a park pavillion on a river, and was beautiful! Ava played all evening with the other kiddos at the little park and got good and messy! There are no pics yet, because we left our camera (moment of panic). It is traveling with the bride and groom on their honeymoon, and will be back Wednesday. Until then, phones are taking its place.
The afternoon was relaxation, laundry, football, and moving our living room things into the actual large living room downstairs (instead of it all being in one of the upstairs bedrooms). A half-price Chicago-style pizza for dinner at home while we listened to the rain outside.
I'm feeling total urgency to do fun stuff before baby gets here. THREE weeks to go! (Less than that would be good, too).
What an amazing weekend with my little family. And so nice to come home to... no one.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
"I sad, mumma make me happy."
While we were pretending today,
Ava: "I sad. Mumma make me happy." (Totally being silly and pretending, but I flashed forward in my head to so many times that she'll be sad. And realized that I wouldn't be able to fix everything with a kiss and a hug and a silly joke.)
In my serious state of mind, I smiled: "Aww, mumma can't make Ava happy! You make Ava happy!"
I was a little somber. Poor kid. But she was fine and still pretending and silly. She kind of ignored my statement. Probably because it was a little beyond a 2 and a half-year-old. And, in her own way, she was like, "Mom, you're a dork. I'm just playing." :)
Ava: "I sad. Mumma make me happy." (Totally being silly and pretending, but I flashed forward in my head to so many times that she'll be sad. And realized that I wouldn't be able to fix everything with a kiss and a hug and a silly joke.)
In my serious state of mind, I smiled: "Aww, mumma can't make Ava happy! You make Ava happy!"
I was a little somber. Poor kid. But she was fine and still pretending and silly. She kind of ignored my statement. Probably because it was a little beyond a 2 and a half-year-old. And, in her own way, she was like, "Mom, you're a dork. I'm just playing." :)
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Saturday, August 27, 2011
polyvore creating
I found polyvore.com the other day, and, along with pinterest.com, it's my new favorite internet addiction!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
August food plans...
Soooo, I tried to alternate recipes with ones that took more preparation, and then ones that were super simple. I also tried to alternate meat types. I found that even the ones with more ingredients and prep didn't take me a crazy long time, though!
Weeks 1-2
1. Chicken, Spinach, Goat Cheese Quesadillas with Avacado sour cream.
2. Brats with bagged salad.
3. Creamy Burrito Casserole.
4. Chili Dogs, side of green beans. (Bought canned chili)
5. Steak and mashed potatoes (I sear the steak, and then cook it 4 min each side in a combo of 1/2 c. balsamic vinegar and 1/2 c. red wine. Sooo good.).
6. Pizza (canned sauce, wheat tortillas, mozzerella, and desired toppings).
7. Chicken Crescent Roll Casserole. (Very, very rich. And YUM!)
At this point, we didn't use any more of the planned meals, because we ate a lot of leftovers! Here are the rest of the meals I had planned for that week. I made the Fettuccine Alfredo the next week, and still haven't made the other two.
8. Fettuccine Alfredo.
9. Spanish Chicken and rice bake.
10. Beef Stroganoff.
Weeks 3-4
1. White Bean and Portobello Mushroom wrap. (LOVE. I grill mine on the stove at the end, too.)
2. Chicken Gyros. (Bought pre-made tzaziki sauce, and pan-grilled the chicken. Filled pita bread with those ingredients plus tomatoes. If you feel super ambitious, follow the link.)
3. Burritos. (In one pan: Ground beef, cooked instant white rice, black beans, refried beans, taco seasoning, tomato juice, salt, and anything else you want in your burrito. Cheese for top.)
4. Stuffed peppers. (I'm going to use same filling as for the burritos!)
5. Spaghetti.
6. Spinach and Cheese Strata. (I couldn't afford Gruyere Cheese! You can use swiss.)
7. Beef Stroganoff.
8. Frozen pizza.
* for snacks and sides, I made a big batch of hummus. And we eat lots of fruit. And I buy a big bucket of ice cream. And sometimes make cake or cookies from ingredients I have at home.
Weeks 1-2
1. Chicken, Spinach, Goat Cheese Quesadillas with Avacado sour cream.
2. Brats with bagged salad.
3. Creamy Burrito Casserole.
4. Chili Dogs, side of green beans. (Bought canned chili)
5. Steak and mashed potatoes (I sear the steak, and then cook it 4 min each side in a combo of 1/2 c. balsamic vinegar and 1/2 c. red wine. Sooo good.).
6. Pizza (canned sauce, wheat tortillas, mozzerella, and desired toppings).
7. Chicken Crescent Roll Casserole. (Very, very rich. And YUM!)
At this point, we didn't use any more of the planned meals, because we ate a lot of leftovers! Here are the rest of the meals I had planned for that week. I made the Fettuccine Alfredo the next week, and still haven't made the other two.
8. Fettuccine Alfredo.
9. Spanish Chicken and rice bake.
10. Beef Stroganoff.
Weeks 3-4
1. White Bean and Portobello Mushroom wrap. (LOVE. I grill mine on the stove at the end, too.)
2. Chicken Gyros. (Bought pre-made tzaziki sauce, and pan-grilled the chicken. Filled pita bread with those ingredients plus tomatoes. If you feel super ambitious, follow the link.)
3. Burritos. (In one pan: Ground beef, cooked instant white rice, black beans, refried beans, taco seasoning, tomato juice, salt, and anything else you want in your burrito. Cheese for top.)
4. Stuffed peppers. (I'm going to use same filling as for the burritos!)
5. Spaghetti.
6. Spinach and Cheese Strata. (I couldn't afford Gruyere Cheese! You can use swiss.)
7. Beef Stroganoff.
8. Frozen pizza.
* for snacks and sides, I made a big batch of hummus. And we eat lots of fruit. And I buy a big bucket of ice cream. And sometimes make cake or cookies from ingredients I have at home.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Pinterest. Bedrooms.
Pinterest.com
I'm a little addicted. Some bedrooms I've found there.
I'm a little addicted. Some bedrooms I've found there.
warm and cozy.
vintage cute.
Love.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
8 weeks to go, WI summer, and shielding my 2-yr-old from meanies.
I haven't felt very write-y.
But, I can't let that stop me.
8 1/2 weeks until my due date. It's felt like a short pregnancy. Maybe this is because much of my pregnancy was during Wisconsin's short-feeling summer. Summer is gulped here. Where people living in milder weather can spread their frivolity out over most of the year, we have about 4 months. Maybe. Resorts are booked all summer. As are any tourist towns. Wisconsin Dells and Door County are overrun with hoards of people needing to thaw the winter off of themselves. We usually do our getaways in spring and fall, desiring to miss out on the overwhelming-ness of the tourist season.
I suppose, though, no matter where one lives, summer is the time to have fun. Kids are out of school, and places of interest can charge double what they would in the "off" season. Maybe we Northerners just appreciate it a tad more.
Speaking of being prego. I'm out of breath easier, and I move slower, and I can't get super comfy at night. I've always lain on my arms - which are under my pillow. At this point in pregnancy, my arms fall asleep in this position now. Which is just annoying. I'm reach tiredness faster, too. But, other than those few things, I'm really loving being pregnant! I couldn't say that at all with pregnancy #1. This time, after about 14 weeks, the nausea faded. I had some severe emotional issues here and there. Maybe once a month or a little less. Now, since reaching the 3rd trimester, it's been pretty awesome. Oh. And heartburn. That too.
Ava. I've never been able to figure out how to record her awesomeness. I want to find words. And enough words to describe her. And how I feel about her. She's only been on this earth for 2 years, and it's ridiculous how much she impacts mine and J's life. And the lives of others! She brings light and joy wherever she is. I get so sad when her feelings get hurt now - this is a fairly new development, being aware of other kids' insensitivity. Older kids get annoyed with her sometimes. Or they want to boss her around. Usually other kids are pretty great, but there are moments... And she picks up on it. And she reacts with frustration. The other day, a boy about age 10 didn't want her to play with him at the park. He kept telling her 'no', 'don't', and 'I think your mommy wants you'. My heart just busted all apart. She was just saying 'hi' and waving and trying to play the wall-mounted tic-tac-toe with him on the playground. When she finally understood that he was annoyed, she plopped sadly on the ground. "Come here, Ava." I sing-songed sweetly. "No!" and she flopped her hands about, frustrated and hurt.
I can hardly handle it when these little things happen. I don't know what I'm going to do when there are far deeper emotions and hurts in her life. I want to shield her, and I also want her to face it all and learn to be strong, and rely on Jesus. Her truest Friend. Right now, I mostly want to shield her and keep her away from kids who don't appreciate her. And I want to tell kids how awesome she is, and that they just need to be kind and patient. That she's little, but she's not dumb. She's sensitive and feels their rejection. *sigh*
For now, I'm glad I get to be her best mommy-friend. She, once in a while and out of the blue will say "You're my best friend." And for now, I'm soaking it in. I'm loving being fully accepting of her (as I always will!), and praising her, and building her up. And disciplining her with lots of love. And just being glad that, if no one else truly knows her, I get to. For now.
But, I can't let that stop me.
8 1/2 weeks until my due date. It's felt like a short pregnancy. Maybe this is because much of my pregnancy was during Wisconsin's short-feeling summer. Summer is gulped here. Where people living in milder weather can spread their frivolity out over most of the year, we have about 4 months. Maybe. Resorts are booked all summer. As are any tourist towns. Wisconsin Dells and Door County are overrun with hoards of people needing to thaw the winter off of themselves. We usually do our getaways in spring and fall, desiring to miss out on the overwhelming-ness of the tourist season.
I suppose, though, no matter where one lives, summer is the time to have fun. Kids are out of school, and places of interest can charge double what they would in the "off" season. Maybe we Northerners just appreciate it a tad more.
Ava. I've never been able to figure out how to record her awesomeness. I want to find words. And enough words to describe her. And how I feel about her. She's only been on this earth for 2 years, and it's ridiculous how much she impacts mine and J's life. And the lives of others! She brings light and joy wherever she is. I get so sad when her feelings get hurt now - this is a fairly new development, being aware of other kids' insensitivity. Older kids get annoyed with her sometimes. Or they want to boss her around. Usually other kids are pretty great, but there are moments... And she picks up on it. And she reacts with frustration. The other day, a boy about age 10 didn't want her to play with him at the park. He kept telling her 'no', 'don't', and 'I think your mommy wants you'. My heart just busted all apart. She was just saying 'hi' and waving and trying to play the wall-mounted tic-tac-toe with him on the playground. When she finally understood that he was annoyed, she plopped sadly on the ground. "Come here, Ava." I sing-songed sweetly. "No!" and she flopped her hands about, frustrated and hurt. I can hardly handle it when these little things happen. I don't know what I'm going to do when there are far deeper emotions and hurts in her life. I want to shield her, and I also want her to face it all and learn to be strong, and rely on Jesus. Her truest Friend. Right now, I mostly want to shield her and keep her away from kids who don't appreciate her. And I want to tell kids how awesome she is, and that they just need to be kind and patient. That she's little, but she's not dumb. She's sensitive and feels their rejection. *sigh*
For now, I'm glad I get to be her best mommy-friend. She, once in a while and out of the blue will say "You're my best friend." And for now, I'm soaking it in. I'm loving being fully accepting of her (as I always will!), and praising her, and building her up. And disciplining her with lots of love. And just being glad that, if no one else truly knows her, I get to. For now.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Cafe. again...
I've been quietly pricing supplies and doing research on types of cafes, and business plans. Today, I took Ava for a walk (which I haven't done forever because it's too hot out for my pregnant-ness). Coincidentally, a neighbor down the way had tons of restaurant supplies for sale. Metal kitchen counters. Cash register. Pub/bistro tables and chairs. The things I've been secretly perusing online.
The other day, I saw this building for sale on Main Street, and I love it! Not my first choice of locations. And really, not gonna happen cuz I'm about to have a baby here. And we still have to sell our house. But, it's what I'm thinking about - apartment above, business below. On a busy corner. No parking lot, though. And no wheelchair access. But still. Close to what's in my head.
As I've gotten a little older, it doesn't seem so impossible. Why NOT? Right now, it's time for babies. And I'm loving that! Maybe as they get closer to school-age, and I MAYBE need to chase them less... we'll see.
Right now, it's fun to think about!
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