Dear Man-at-grocery-store-who-asked-to-borrow-my-pen:
Although I generously and graciously gave you my pen that you asked for to write your check and although you promised to give it back when you were done, thank you for NOT giving me my pen back.
As I stood behind you in line and glanced at the items in your cart I noticed you had several disturbing items. For instance the many bottles and boxes of "lice killing" items along with the lubricants and condoms, not to mention vegetable oil and whipped cream in a can (no doubt you were cooking a great dessert when you got home) were all a little bit odd considering there were no real food items to speak of. Then as you started putting the items on the conveyor belt I noticed you also had some hemorrhoid cream and wipes and a tube of anti-itch cream.
So dear sir, thank you so much for not keeping your promise to return my pen. I can live without it.
Hope your evening was splendid and I just wonder if your "date" knew about all the items you bought?
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Meal Plan for the week of August 28 - September 3
SATURDAY:
Breakfast - Eggs / toast / bacon
Lunch - Quesadillas / fruit
Dinner - grilled burgers / fruit salad / chips
SUNDAY:
Breakfast -Cereal
Lunch - eating out
Dinner - Spaghetti / garlic toast / salad / cake for dessert
MONDAY:
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - Pizza rolls / carrot sticks / graham crackers / apple slices
Dinner - Cabbage rolls / cottage cheese / green beans
TUESDAY:
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - Parmesan noodles / cucumber slices / fruit roll-up / apple slices
Dinner - Pancakes / bacon / eggs
WEDNESDAY:
Breakfast - Pancakes
Lunch -BLT wrap sandwich / chips / orange / cookie
Dinner - Au gratin sausage skillet
THURSDAY:
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - Spaghetti / carrot sticks / fruit / graham crackers
Dinner - Goulash / corn / bread
FRIDAY:
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - Turkey sandwich / fruit / chips / cookie
Dinner - Eating out
Breakfast - Eggs / toast / bacon
Lunch - Quesadillas / fruit
Dinner - grilled burgers / fruit salad / chips
SUNDAY:
Breakfast -Cereal
Lunch - eating out
Dinner - Spaghetti / garlic toast / salad / cake for dessert
MONDAY:
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - Pizza rolls / carrot sticks / graham crackers / apple slices
Dinner - Cabbage rolls / cottage cheese / green beans
TUESDAY:
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - Parmesan noodles / cucumber slices / fruit roll-up / apple slices
Dinner - Pancakes / bacon / eggs
WEDNESDAY:
Breakfast - Pancakes
Lunch -BLT wrap sandwich / chips / orange / cookie
Dinner - Au gratin sausage skillet
THURSDAY:
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - Spaghetti / carrot sticks / fruit / graham crackers
Dinner - Goulash / corn / bread
FRIDAY:
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - Turkey sandwich / fruit / chips / cookie
Dinner - Eating out
Friday, August 27, 2010
3 days in
Lady Bug has been in kindergarten since Wednesday. The first day she was a little nervous, but no tears. She came home super excited to go back the next day and carried on about how much she loves her teacher!
Thursday morning after breakfast I sent her up to get dressed. I could hear her sobbing in her room so I went in to check on her. She said she didn't want to go to school. When I probed her some more she said she just wants to be with the boys. I said that I knew the boys were able to see her throughout the day and then she said "well, I just want to be WITH you guys." I explained I would be going to work and the boys would be at the school with her. Nope, that didn't fix it.
Then we walked over to the school and she cried the whole way, with each step she cried a little harder and clung harder to my leg. By the time we got to the place her class lines up, she was in full blown hyperventilation and crying! The teacher literally had to pull her off my leg! I felt horrible. The teacher called me at home last night and told me that Lady Bug had a great day and had stopped crying by the time they got into the classroom. When we picked her up she told me what a great day she had and told me everything they did {of course recess is a huge hit!}
This morning there wasn't one tear and she marched right up the line and waved goodbye!
Now with the weekend in the way I am hoping Monday goes smoothly!
Thursday morning after breakfast I sent her up to get dressed. I could hear her sobbing in her room so I went in to check on her. She said she didn't want to go to school. When I probed her some more she said she just wants to be with the boys. I said that I knew the boys were able to see her throughout the day and then she said "well, I just want to be WITH you guys." I explained I would be going to work and the boys would be at the school with her. Nope, that didn't fix it.
Then we walked over to the school and she cried the whole way, with each step she cried a little harder and clung harder to my leg. By the time we got to the place her class lines up, she was in full blown hyperventilation and crying! The teacher literally had to pull her off my leg! I felt horrible. The teacher called me at home last night and told me that Lady Bug had a great day and had stopped crying by the time they got into the classroom. When we picked her up she told me what a great day she had and told me everything they did {of course recess is a huge hit!}
This morning there wasn't one tear and she marched right up the line and waved goodbye!
Now with the weekend in the way I am hoping Monday goes smoothly!
Friday Recipe - Breakfast Piggies
My kids love these. I love them because they are easy and I can make them and as everyone gets up and about they can grab one or two or three - sometimes we are grabbing them as we are rushing out the door! Good school day breakfast.
Breakfast Piggies
INGREDIENTS:
1 (10 oz) refrigerated crescent rolls
1 (16 oz) pkg breakfast sausage links
Breakfast Piggies
INGREDIENTS:
1 (10 oz) refrigerated crescent rolls
1 (16 oz) pkg breakfast sausage links
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a large baking sheet. Separate crescent rolls. Wrap sausage link into triangle crescents. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
My weighloss journey
I have tried SO many things to lose weight, but the truth of the matter is that I LOVE good food. And by "good food" I mean all the bad stuff - cheese, french fries, potato chips, soda, etc. I have always told myself I would NEVER go up in my pants size and when that day came I would have to figure something out.
Well folks, that day came. At the beginning of summer I pulled out all last year's summer stuff and ... well, ummmm... nothing was fitting the same. About 5 of my skirts wouldn't go up over my hips. WHAT? That dumb dryer must have shrunk these things. Ok, ok, I knew that couldn't happen. So that meant I needed to figure something else out because I would NOT be going up in my pants/skirt size. Not going to happen.
I started doing "Portion Control". I used a salad size plate and took my smaller portions of food and when it was gone I did not allow myself seconds. I also cut back on pop and sugary foods. This was the hardest for me I think. I love having a pop with my lunch. I didn't cut it out all together or I feared I would binge on it or something later. So I just tried to have more water and once in a while have a soda. I up'd my intake of whole grains and cut back on the pastas and breads (I LOVE both of those and that was extremely hard on me.)
I will not tell you my beginning weight because that isn't a number I want to share on the world wide web, but I will tell you that so far I have lost 12 pounds in 4 weeks. I lost it slowly, but lost it nonetheless. It was hard not to get discouraged when I felt as though I was starving myself with the small portions and yet nothing was going away. {For the record I was in no way starving, but I sure did miss my cheese and pasta and bread - to the point of dreaming of cheese pizza and grilled cheese sandwiches!) But I stuck it out (thanks to supportive friends and family) and eventually it started dripping off little by little. In the 4 weeks I have been doing this I have also been exercising. I walk 3 miles every day or I do the walk three times per week and then do a video at home two times per week.
I am still sticking to the portion control and all that until I reach my goal weight.
I will keep you posted.
Well folks, that day came. At the beginning of summer I pulled out all last year's summer stuff and ... well, ummmm... nothing was fitting the same. About 5 of my skirts wouldn't go up over my hips. WHAT? That dumb dryer must have shrunk these things. Ok, ok, I knew that couldn't happen. So that meant I needed to figure something else out because I would NOT be going up in my pants/skirt size. Not going to happen.
I started doing "Portion Control". I used a salad size plate and took my smaller portions of food and when it was gone I did not allow myself seconds. I also cut back on pop and sugary foods. This was the hardest for me I think. I love having a pop with my lunch. I didn't cut it out all together or I feared I would binge on it or something later. So I just tried to have more water and once in a while have a soda. I up'd my intake of whole grains and cut back on the pastas and breads (I LOVE both of those and that was extremely hard on me.)
I will not tell you my beginning weight because that isn't a number I want to share on the world wide web, but I will tell you that so far I have lost 12 pounds in 4 weeks. I lost it slowly, but lost it nonetheless. It was hard not to get discouraged when I felt as though I was starving myself with the small portions and yet nothing was going away. {For the record I was in no way starving, but I sure did miss my cheese and pasta and bread - to the point of dreaming of cheese pizza and grilled cheese sandwiches!) But I stuck it out (thanks to supportive friends and family) and eventually it started dripping off little by little. In the 4 weeks I have been doing this I have also been exercising. I walk 3 miles every day or I do the walk three times per week and then do a video at home two times per week.
I am still sticking to the portion control and all that until I reach my goal weight.
I will keep you posted.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
My baby is in Kindergarten
I dropped off little Lady Bug at school for her first day of Kindergarten. She was SO ready! She marched in with her back pack and as we stood outside she kept asking me when she could go to her classroom. As we walked closer towards the classroom after the school bell rang, she looked a little nervous, but she never cried or anything.
The teacher had all the kids sit on the carpet square. Then she talked a little bit about attendance and calling a student in absent and a few of her classroom rules. Then she asked all of us parents to go to the cafeteria for "Kleenex & Coffee". {which is funny because I started this event last year and also coordinated it again this year}.
Kleenex & Coffee is a nice event because parents can go have a cup of coffee (Thanks to Starbucks for their help with that donation!) and grab a donut (thanks to our local grocery store for help with the 6 dozen donuts!). We have some of the district "mental health" staff available to talk to parents and help them with this momentous time in their lives. I noticed lots of mommas crying (and even a couple dads too). The parents can ask general questions (so many of them don't understand where to pick up their child, or even what time school lets out, some had questions about lunch time and the before/after school program) so there are a few staff members available. It is a really nice event and I am pleased to be coordinating and hosting it each year. I plan to do it again next year as well, and the year after that and the next year too!
Because I was hosting this event I didn't really cry that much until after I was driving away from the school, then I had a melt down! I also got weepy over my lunch hour talking with some friends about it. Lady Bug just doesn't seem big enough to be heading off to kindergarten, but I guess she is!
This momma is watching the clock for when I get to go get the kids from school, and especially can't wait to hear about Lady Bug's first day!
The teacher had all the kids sit on the carpet square. Then she talked a little bit about attendance and calling a student in absent and a few of her classroom rules. Then she asked all of us parents to go to the cafeteria for "Kleenex & Coffee". {which is funny because I started this event last year and also coordinated it again this year}.
Kleenex & Coffee is a nice event because parents can go have a cup of coffee (Thanks to Starbucks for their help with that donation!) and grab a donut (thanks to our local grocery store for help with the 6 dozen donuts!). We have some of the district "mental health" staff available to talk to parents and help them with this momentous time in their lives. I noticed lots of mommas crying (and even a couple dads too). The parents can ask general questions (so many of them don't understand where to pick up their child, or even what time school lets out, some had questions about lunch time and the before/after school program) so there are a few staff members available. It is a really nice event and I am pleased to be coordinating and hosting it each year. I plan to do it again next year as well, and the year after that and the next year too!
Because I was hosting this event I didn't really cry that much until after I was driving away from the school, then I had a melt down! I also got weepy over my lunch hour talking with some friends about it. Lady Bug just doesn't seem big enough to be heading off to kindergarten, but I guess she is!
This momma is watching the clock for when I get to go get the kids from school, and especially can't wait to hear about Lady Bug's first day!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
You can't call him Your Honor
My boss heard back already today that he did not get the judgeship (he applied for 3 positions and only interviewed for one so far). This is good news for me.
Business has been a little slow however, so he cut my hours from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday to a somewhat wonky schedule: I will now work M-W-F 9:00 am - 3:00 pm and Tu-Th 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. This means that I will be able to pick up my kids 3 out of the 5 days per week! This is exciting for all of us! My boss did indicate that the hour change may be temporary and when business picks back up he will resume my regular schedule again.
This cut in hours doesn't affect my take home pay, necessarily, because I will be saving money from not having to pay for after-school care. It basically will be a wash in the end. IF he ends up and needs to cut more of my hours then I might need to get worried, but so far so good.
Business has been a little slow however, so he cut my hours from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday to a somewhat wonky schedule: I will now work M-W-F 9:00 am - 3:00 pm and Tu-Th 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. This means that I will be able to pick up my kids 3 out of the 5 days per week! This is exciting for all of us! My boss did indicate that the hour change may be temporary and when business picks back up he will resume my regular schedule again.
This cut in hours doesn't affect my take home pay, necessarily, because I will be saving money from not having to pay for after-school care. It basically will be a wash in the end. IF he ends up and needs to cut more of my hours then I might need to get worried, but so far so good.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Back To School
Well, summer is over (it went by just a tad bit too fast if you ask me!) and the kids head back to school today - well, the boys do and Lady Bug starts on Wednesday.
The school hours changed this year so instead of starting at 8:00 and going until 2:30, they will start at 8:45 and go until 3:15. The boys are excited that they get to sleep in a little this year and I am excited that they get out a little later. 2:30 seems to come so quickly after 8:00! :-)
Spirit is going into FOURTH grade....eek - where did all the time go? Didn't he just start kindergarten? Wow. Lefty is starting THIRD grade - I will say it again, time moves way too quickly! Then there is Lady Bug, who is excited and a tad scared all at the same time to be starting kindergarten!
We had back to school night on Friday and got to meet the teachers and see the classrooms. It was neat to have a little one-on-one with each teacher and see where the kids will sit, etc.
In 1st grade Lefty had a best bud, but they got separated in 2nd grade and we discovered that they are in the same class again this year so Lefty is very excited about that!
Here's hoping for another GREAT school year!
P.S. - I will probably be shedding a lot of tears on Wednesday as my baby starts kindergarten - I am trying not to think of that right now.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In Other News:
My boss has an interview today for ONE of the judge positions he applied for (he applied for 3 total). So I may or may not know more about my job in the next couple of weeks -- I will keep you posted.
The school hours changed this year so instead of starting at 8:00 and going until 2:30, they will start at 8:45 and go until 3:15. The boys are excited that they get to sleep in a little this year and I am excited that they get out a little later. 2:30 seems to come so quickly after 8:00! :-)
Spirit is going into FOURTH grade....eek - where did all the time go? Didn't he just start kindergarten? Wow. Lefty is starting THIRD grade - I will say it again, time moves way too quickly! Then there is Lady Bug, who is excited and a tad scared all at the same time to be starting kindergarten!
We had back to school night on Friday and got to meet the teachers and see the classrooms. It was neat to have a little one-on-one with each teacher and see where the kids will sit, etc.
In 1st grade Lefty had a best bud, but they got separated in 2nd grade and we discovered that they are in the same class again this year so Lefty is very excited about that!
Here's hoping for another GREAT school year!
P.S. - I will probably be shedding a lot of tears on Wednesday as my baby starts kindergarten - I am trying not to think of that right now.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In Other News:
My boss has an interview today for ONE of the judge positions he applied for (he applied for 3 total). So I may or may not know more about my job in the next couple of weeks -- I will keep you posted.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Meal Plan for August 21 - 27
SATURDAY:
Breakfast - Overnight Bubble Bread / Smoky bacon wraps / fruit / eggs
Lunch - Chili dogs / fruit
Dinner - Crock pot black bean salsa chicken / rice
SUNDAY:
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - Beenie Weenies / Fruit salad
Dinner - French Dip/ corn / applesauce
MONDAY:
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - Orzo salad
Dinner - Cabbage Buns / green beans / cottage cheese
TUESDAY:
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - Turkey Pita sandwiches / chips / fruit
Dinner - Grilled chicken / steamed veggies / twice baked potatoes
WEDNESDAY:
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - Left overs
Dinner - Spaghetti / salad / garlic toast
THURSDAY:
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - Grilled cheese / chips / fruit
Dinner - Waffles / Bacon / Eggs / Fruit
FRIDAY:
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - Spaghetti / cucumber slices / fruit
Dinner - F.F.Y. - Fend For Yourself (This is where momma cleans out the fridge! No more left overs! Which means we may all end up with a different looking plate to empty out those left over containers!)
Breakfast - Overnight Bubble Bread / Smoky bacon wraps / fruit / eggs
Lunch - Chili dogs / fruit
Dinner - Crock pot black bean salsa chicken / rice
SUNDAY:
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - Beenie Weenies / Fruit salad
Dinner - French Dip/ corn / applesauce
MONDAY:
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - Orzo salad
Dinner - Cabbage Buns / green beans / cottage cheese
TUESDAY:
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - Turkey Pita sandwiches / chips / fruit
Dinner - Grilled chicken / steamed veggies / twice baked potatoes
WEDNESDAY:
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - Left overs
Dinner - Spaghetti / salad / garlic toast
THURSDAY:
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - Grilled cheese / chips / fruit
Dinner - Waffles / Bacon / Eggs / Fruit
FRIDAY:
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - Spaghetti / cucumber slices / fruit
Dinner - F.F.Y. - Fend For Yourself (This is where momma cleans out the fridge! No more left overs! Which means we may all end up with a different looking plate to empty out those left over containers!)
Friday, August 20, 2010
Friday Recipe - Mexican Pizzas
We tried these a few months ago and they were really good. Mr. Man actually came up with this, only he rolled them up. The problem with rolling them up is you can't fill them as full or they rip and fall apart so then we decided to cut them into triangles and eat them flat. We also have made two layers which works well for the adults, but it is a little too much food for my little one, she just gets one layer.
Mexican Pizzas
INGREDIENTS:
1 (16 oz) can refried beans
1 lb ground beef
1 (1.25 oz) package taco seasoning mix
1 Tbls vegetable oil
corn tortillas (figure on 1-2 per person)
TOPPINGS - such as cheese, sour cream, chopped tomatoes, chopped green onions, sliced jalapenos (the jarred kind used for nachos), avocado slices, sliced black olives, salsa
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Warm up beans in a saucepan.
In a large skillet, brown ground beef, then stir in seasoning packet following packet directions.
Place a small amount of oil in a skillet and heat the oil. Place one corn tortilla in the skillet. Cook for 15 seconds then flip and cook another 15 seconds. Repeat for all tortillas. Drain on paper towels.
Arrange cooked tortillas on a foil-lined (for easier clean up) cookie sheet. Spread a thin layer of beans, then beef and cheese. If doing a double layer one, add a second cooked tortilla on top of cheese and add beans, beef and cheese.
Bake tortillas in preheated oven for 20 minutes. Add whatever toppings you'd like and then eat up.
Mexican Pizzas
INGREDIENTS:
1 (16 oz) can refried beans
1 lb ground beef
1 (1.25 oz) package taco seasoning mix
1 Tbls vegetable oil
corn tortillas (figure on 1-2 per person)
TOPPINGS - such as cheese, sour cream, chopped tomatoes, chopped green onions, sliced jalapenos (the jarred kind used for nachos), avocado slices, sliced black olives, salsa
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Warm up beans in a saucepan.
In a large skillet, brown ground beef, then stir in seasoning packet following packet directions.
Place a small amount of oil in a skillet and heat the oil. Place one corn tortilla in the skillet. Cook for 15 seconds then flip and cook another 15 seconds. Repeat for all tortillas. Drain on paper towels.
Arrange cooked tortillas on a foil-lined (for easier clean up) cookie sheet. Spread a thin layer of beans, then beef and cheese. If doing a double layer one, add a second cooked tortilla on top of cheese and add beans, beef and cheese.
Bake tortillas in preheated oven for 20 minutes. Add whatever toppings you'd like and then eat up.
Monday, August 16, 2010
A little of this and that!
* We still haven't found the camera. :-(
* I have been dieting and exercising and have lost 10 pounds in 3 weeks! YAY! I say "diet", but really I am watching portions and paying more attention to what I eat. I have been walking 3 miles nearly every day too. Only 14 pounds more to go until I get to my goal weight!
* I am on vacation from work this week! We didn't have daycare for this week so I am using vacation time to stay home. It works perfect because the kids start school next week and so I plan to use this week to prepare for next week, we are readjusting bedtime routines so we are going to bed at a decent hour and we will organize all the school supplies, etc. We also made a "to-do" list for this week of things the kids want to do with me! Today we are going to see a movie! Good times!
* In the last week we have deep cleaned and rearranged the family room a little bit, I love how it feels in there. We also deep cleaned Spirit's room - looks awesome! Over the weekend we deep cleaned and rearranged Lefty's room and I made the bottom bunk of his bed into a fort -- it looks awesome (wish I had a camera to show you pictures). This week I am going to work on Lady Bug's room and one thing I plan to do with her is switch dressers with her. The one she has is just so big for her tiny room, so I will take it and give her the one I have been using. Hopefully that opens up her room a little bit for her.
* Due to no camera, I guess I will be asking for a new camera for Christmas. :-(
* I am enjoying the cooler weather we are having - cool mornings and cooler evenings! I just love it.
* We had a garage sale this past Saturday and really did quite well! I didn't think we would do as well as we did! At the sale I made a comment about using the money to buy a new chair for our family room and Spirit said "Mom, maybe you should buy our school supplies." - Since when did he become so practical?
* I have been dieting and exercising and have lost 10 pounds in 3 weeks! YAY! I say "diet", but really I am watching portions and paying more attention to what I eat. I have been walking 3 miles nearly every day too. Only 14 pounds more to go until I get to my goal weight!
* I am on vacation from work this week! We didn't have daycare for this week so I am using vacation time to stay home. It works perfect because the kids start school next week and so I plan to use this week to prepare for next week, we are readjusting bedtime routines so we are going to bed at a decent hour and we will organize all the school supplies, etc. We also made a "to-do" list for this week of things the kids want to do with me! Today we are going to see a movie! Good times!
* In the last week we have deep cleaned and rearranged the family room a little bit, I love how it feels in there. We also deep cleaned Spirit's room - looks awesome! Over the weekend we deep cleaned and rearranged Lefty's room and I made the bottom bunk of his bed into a fort -- it looks awesome (wish I had a camera to show you pictures). This week I am going to work on Lady Bug's room and one thing I plan to do with her is switch dressers with her. The one she has is just so big for her tiny room, so I will take it and give her the one I have been using. Hopefully that opens up her room a little bit for her.
* Due to no camera, I guess I will be asking for a new camera for Christmas. :-(
* I am enjoying the cooler weather we are having - cool mornings and cooler evenings! I just love it.
* We had a garage sale this past Saturday and really did quite well! I didn't think we would do as well as we did! At the sale I made a comment about using the money to buy a new chair for our family room and Spirit said "Mom, maybe you should buy our school supplies." - Since when did he become so practical?
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Meal Plan for August 14 - 20
I know I haven't posted a meal plan in ages, but with summer we ate out a bunch or we were eating light or eating in shifts and so it just got so hard to even plan my weekly menus that I knew there was no way I could post anything!
But now that summer is winding down and things are settling down in the house too I think I can post our weekly menu again, at least for the time being! I love summer and all the activities it brings but I also enjoy when we slow down again. School will be starting up for us in about a week - the 23rd the boys start and Lady Bug starts on the 25th!
So, here we go with this weeks menu plan - the first of many more to come!
SATURDAY:
Breakfast - Eggs Italiano / fresh fruit / blueberry bundt cake
Lunch - Gazpacho / crusty bread / strawberry pie
Dinner - Grilled Chicken breasts / au gratin potatoes / bacon wrapped asparagus
SUNDAY:
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - Left overs
Dinner - Grilled shrimp pesto salad / crusty rolls
MONDAY:
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - Gazpacho
Dinner - Mac n cheese / peas
TUESDAY:
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - Sandwich wraps/ fruit
Dinner - Pasta bake / garlic bread / salad
WEDNESDAY:
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - Chili dogs / fruit
Dinner - Sausage, potato and bell pepper medley / fruit salad
THURSDAY:
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - Left overs
Dinner - Grilled salmon / steamed veggies / rice
FRIDAY:
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - Sandwich wraps / fruit salad
Dinner - Spicy mango chicken with sweet potatoes (new recipe)
But now that summer is winding down and things are settling down in the house too I think I can post our weekly menu again, at least for the time being! I love summer and all the activities it brings but I also enjoy when we slow down again. School will be starting up for us in about a week - the 23rd the boys start and Lady Bug starts on the 25th!
So, here we go with this weeks menu plan - the first of many more to come!
SATURDAY:
Breakfast - Eggs Italiano / fresh fruit / blueberry bundt cake
Lunch - Gazpacho / crusty bread / strawberry pie
Dinner - Grilled Chicken breasts / au gratin potatoes / bacon wrapped asparagus
SUNDAY:
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - Left overs
Dinner - Grilled shrimp pesto salad / crusty rolls
MONDAY:
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - Gazpacho
Dinner - Mac n cheese / peas
TUESDAY:
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - Sandwich wraps/ fruit
Dinner - Pasta bake / garlic bread / salad
WEDNESDAY:
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - Chili dogs / fruit
Dinner - Sausage, potato and bell pepper medley / fruit salad
THURSDAY:
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - Left overs
Dinner - Grilled salmon / steamed veggies / rice
FRIDAY:
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - Sandwich wraps / fruit salad
Dinner - Spicy mango chicken with sweet potatoes (new recipe)
Friday, August 13, 2010
Friday Recipe - Eggs Italiano
This is a tasty and filling breakfast using poached eggs and fresh veggies over an English muffin.
Eggs Italiano (serves 4)
INGREDIENTS:
4 eggs (I actually made more because I made 2 eggs for Mr. Man)
1 medium yellow summer squash, cubed
1 medium green zucchini, cubed
1 small onion, diced
1 tomato, seeded and diced
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 tsp olive oil
basil
salt and pepper to taste
1 avocado, sliced
Parmesan cheese
4 whole wheat English muffins, toasted
Heat olive oil in skillet. Add in garlic, squash, zucchini and onion. Cook until veggies are tender, but not too soft. Add in tomato and cook only long enough to warm up tomato.Season with salt and pepper and a little basil. Remove skillet from heat.
To poach your eggs: In a tall sided skillet add 2" of water. Bring water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add in 1/4 c of vinegar and reduce heat to a simmer -- the water should be steaming and small bubbles should come up from the bottom of the pan. Crack each egg into a small bowl, cup or soup ladle and slip them one at a time into the simmering water, taking care not to break the yolks. Cook for 4 minutes for soft set, 5 minutes for medium set and 8 minutes for hard set. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the eggs to a clean kitchen towel to drain.
Place the 2 halves of the English muffin on a plate. Top with the veggies. Place eggs on top of veggies then add your slices of avocado. To finish this off sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top.
I like to serve this with ham on the side and a little coffee cake to wash it all down with! This is a great brunch meal.
**NOTE: You could also serve this with fried eggs if you prefer.
Eggs Italiano (serves 4)
INGREDIENTS:
4 eggs (I actually made more because I made 2 eggs for Mr. Man)
1 medium yellow summer squash, cubed
1 medium green zucchini, cubed
1 small onion, diced
1 tomato, seeded and diced
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 tsp olive oil
basil
salt and pepper to taste
1 avocado, sliced
Parmesan cheese
4 whole wheat English muffins, toasted
Heat olive oil in skillet. Add in garlic, squash, zucchini and onion. Cook until veggies are tender, but not too soft. Add in tomato and cook only long enough to warm up tomato.Season with salt and pepper and a little basil. Remove skillet from heat.
To poach your eggs: In a tall sided skillet add 2" of water. Bring water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add in 1/4 c of vinegar and reduce heat to a simmer -- the water should be steaming and small bubbles should come up from the bottom of the pan. Crack each egg into a small bowl, cup or soup ladle and slip them one at a time into the simmering water, taking care not to break the yolks. Cook for 4 minutes for soft set, 5 minutes for medium set and 8 minutes for hard set. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the eggs to a clean kitchen towel to drain.
Place the 2 halves of the English muffin on a plate. Top with the veggies. Place eggs on top of veggies then add your slices of avocado. To finish this off sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top.
I like to serve this with ham on the side and a little coffee cake to wash it all down with! This is a great brunch meal.
**NOTE: You could also serve this with fried eggs if you prefer.
Monday, August 9, 2010
My Marriage
I saw this on a friend's Facebook page and thought it might be kind of fun to post on my blog.
About My Marriage
1. When was your "engagement" anniversary?
January 2000. I remember when he proposed and how when we selected the wedding date it gave me 18 days to plan the ceremony!
2. When is your "marriage" anniversary?
January 29, 2000
3. How long have you known your spouse?
We always argue about this, he says it has been 13 years (and unfortunately for me he has proof that it is 13, I always want to say 14 or 15 years)
4. How long did you date before you were engaged?
About 3 years
5. Where did you meet your spouse for the first time?
At a friend's house. I had gone to her house to pick her up to go to a BBQ (which happened to be at my now Mother-in-law's house) and Mr. Man was at this friend's house helping her with her deck (he was in construction at the time). Mr. Man ended up going to the BBQ also, but we didn't all ride together. He had originally said he wasn't going, but when my friend and I pulled up to the BBQ his truck was there.
6. Do you have any children?
Yes.
7. How many?
We have 3 children - 2 boys and 1 girl. In addition to these 3 wonderful children we have an angel in heaven - in 2003 we delivered a still born baby boy also.
8. Do you have any house pets?
Currently we just have a few fish and frogs. Our dog ran away a few weeks ago and the beta fish died this past weekend, but we have a tank of about 6 or 8 fish and 2 frogs.
9. How many places have you lived?
We have only lived in one state, but in our 10 year marriage we have lived in 6 houses in 4 different cities!
10. Do you live in the country or city?
City
11. What is one of your favorite activities together?
Taking walks.
12. Do you have a favorite vacation spot?
We love the mountains.
13. How many siblings (including in-laws) do you have?
I have 3 sisters and 2 brothers, Mr. Man has 4 sisters.
14. Do you attend church?
Yes.
15. Is this the church you were married in?
Not sure how to answer this one - we occasionally attend the church we were married in. We were married in my father-in-law's church (where he preaches), but we don't attend there regularly.
16. Do you work or stay at home?
I work but have a nice schedule so I am able to be with the kids more than some working moms I know which I am very grateful for!
17. Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Estes Park, Colorado
18.Who drives when you go out together?
Mr. Man does
19. How long did you know each other before you started dating?
After the BBQ I had seen him a few times with mutual friends but these weren't "dates" and so I guess we knew each other a month or so before dating.
20. Who asked who out?
He asked me out
21. How many years apart are you?
He is 13 years older than me
22.Whose siblings do you see the most?
Mr. Man's
23. Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple?
Probably dealing with finances. We see things so totally different and sometimes it is hard to come to an agreement on where we should spend money or what the financial priorities are.
24. Did you go to the same school?
No.
25. Are you from the same home town?
Yes.
26. Who is smarter?
Well, dah.... ME of course! I am kidding. He is a whiz when it comes to math and I am NOT! I am very good with spelling, grammar and writing. When it comes to helping the kids with homework, I take the literacy/writing part and he always is given the math and science stuff! I will often go to him for answers about things, because I think he is a very smart man!
27. Who is more sensitive?
Oh geez, this is a hard one. He has a very tender heart, but I am the dork who cries at McDonald's commercials so I don't know who is more sensitive - might be a toss up!
28.Where do you eat out most as a couple?
When it is just the two of us we will try someplace new or go somewhere we know the kids hate.
29. Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?
Washington, DC
30.Who has the craziest exes?
Mr. Man with out a doubt!
31. Who has the worse temper?
We both have a temper!
32. Who does the cooking?
I do most of the cooking but he can cook some yummy pork tenderloin sandwiches and he also makes the BEST salsa I have ever had!
33. Who is more social?
He is by far. There have been plenty of MY office holiday parties that I am sitting at a table perfectly content to people-watch while he is off chatting with everyone!
34. Who is the neat-freak?
We both are.
35. Who is the more stubborn?
We both have a little stubborn streak but I would say his is definitely more than mine!
36. Who hogs the bed?
Definitely him! Sometimes I will wake him up to scoot over because he is not only laying diagonally, but he is also in the middle of the bed crowding me out.
37. Who wakes up earlier?
I do. I am a morning person and he is definitely NOT!
38. Where was your first date?
We went to park to walk around and then out to dinner.
39.Who has the bigger family?
He does. In our wedding photos when they took a picture of us with his side of the family the photographer had to pull so far back to get everyone in - and that side has grown a lot more in 10 years!
40. Do you get flowers often?
Actually I do!
41. How do you spend the holidays?
Together as a family and often meeting up with all or parts of his family.
42. Who is more jealous?
Probably me- as much as I hate to admit that.
43. How long did it take to get serious?
Looking back I think I had fallen in love with Mr. Man immediately but didn't recognize the feelings right away. I had never felt the way I felt when I was with him with anyone before. We took it slow for awhile though - we dated for 3 years before he proposed so that says something!
44. Who eats more?
I could out-eat him anyday, but I don't! I am trying to lose some weight so I let him eat ALL he wants!
45. Who does the laundry?
I do most of the laundry, but he helps out when I need him to.
46. Who is better on the computer?
We both know the way around a computer
47. What is something special he does for you that you really appreciate?
He is always supportive of whatever crazy idea I may have - no matter WHAT the crazy thing involves! He is always supportive.
48. Do you do something special for him in return?
He needs more sleep than me so when I know he is worn down I allow him to sleep in or take naps or whatever he needs.
49. How old were you when you got married?
I was 26 and he was 39.
50. What is one piece of advice you could give to other couples:
Don't let things bottle up inside. When something is bothering you, hurting you, frustrating you...whatever it is talk about it as soon as possible. Don't talk about something when you are angry though, wait until you have taken a few deep breaths then approach your spouse in a calm voice. When you let things build up then a little thing can cause you to explode and the problem is bigger than it needs to be.
About My Marriage
1. When was your "engagement" anniversary?
January 2000. I remember when he proposed and how when we selected the wedding date it gave me 18 days to plan the ceremony!
2. When is your "marriage" anniversary?
January 29, 2000
3. How long have you known your spouse?
We always argue about this, he says it has been 13 years (and unfortunately for me he has proof that it is 13, I always want to say 14 or 15 years)
4. How long did you date before you were engaged?
About 3 years
5. Where did you meet your spouse for the first time?
At a friend's house. I had gone to her house to pick her up to go to a BBQ (which happened to be at my now Mother-in-law's house) and Mr. Man was at this friend's house helping her with her deck (he was in construction at the time). Mr. Man ended up going to the BBQ also, but we didn't all ride together. He had originally said he wasn't going, but when my friend and I pulled up to the BBQ his truck was there.
6. Do you have any children?
Yes.
7. How many?
We have 3 children - 2 boys and 1 girl. In addition to these 3 wonderful children we have an angel in heaven - in 2003 we delivered a still born baby boy also.
8. Do you have any house pets?
Currently we just have a few fish and frogs. Our dog ran away a few weeks ago and the beta fish died this past weekend, but we have a tank of about 6 or 8 fish and 2 frogs.
9. How many places have you lived?
We have only lived in one state, but in our 10 year marriage we have lived in 6 houses in 4 different cities!
10. Do you live in the country or city?
City
11. What is one of your favorite activities together?
Taking walks.
12. Do you have a favorite vacation spot?
We love the mountains.
13. How many siblings (including in-laws) do you have?
I have 3 sisters and 2 brothers, Mr. Man has 4 sisters.
14. Do you attend church?
Yes.
15. Is this the church you were married in?
Not sure how to answer this one - we occasionally attend the church we were married in. We were married in my father-in-law's church (where he preaches), but we don't attend there regularly.
16. Do you work or stay at home?
I work but have a nice schedule so I am able to be with the kids more than some working moms I know which I am very grateful for!
17. Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Estes Park, Colorado
18.Who drives when you go out together?
Mr. Man does
19. How long did you know each other before you started dating?
After the BBQ I had seen him a few times with mutual friends but these weren't "dates" and so I guess we knew each other a month or so before dating.
20. Who asked who out?
He asked me out
21. How many years apart are you?
He is 13 years older than me
22.Whose siblings do you see the most?
Mr. Man's
23. Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple?
Probably dealing with finances. We see things so totally different and sometimes it is hard to come to an agreement on where we should spend money or what the financial priorities are.
24. Did you go to the same school?
No.
25. Are you from the same home town?
Yes.
26. Who is smarter?
Well, dah.... ME of course! I am kidding. He is a whiz when it comes to math and I am NOT! I am very good with spelling, grammar and writing. When it comes to helping the kids with homework, I take the literacy/writing part and he always is given the math and science stuff! I will often go to him for answers about things, because I think he is a very smart man!
27. Who is more sensitive?
Oh geez, this is a hard one. He has a very tender heart, but I am the dork who cries at McDonald's commercials so I don't know who is more sensitive - might be a toss up!
28.Where do you eat out most as a couple?
When it is just the two of us we will try someplace new or go somewhere we know the kids hate.
29. Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?
Washington, DC
30.Who has the craziest exes?
Mr. Man with out a doubt!
31. Who has the worse temper?
We both have a temper!
32. Who does the cooking?
I do most of the cooking but he can cook some yummy pork tenderloin sandwiches and he also makes the BEST salsa I have ever had!
33. Who is more social?
He is by far. There have been plenty of MY office holiday parties that I am sitting at a table perfectly content to people-watch while he is off chatting with everyone!
34. Who is the neat-freak?
We both are.
35. Who is the more stubborn?
We both have a little stubborn streak but I would say his is definitely more than mine!
36. Who hogs the bed?
Definitely him! Sometimes I will wake him up to scoot over because he is not only laying diagonally, but he is also in the middle of the bed crowding me out.
37. Who wakes up earlier?
I do. I am a morning person and he is definitely NOT!
38. Where was your first date?
We went to park to walk around and then out to dinner.
39.Who has the bigger family?
He does. In our wedding photos when they took a picture of us with his side of the family the photographer had to pull so far back to get everyone in - and that side has grown a lot more in 10 years!
40. Do you get flowers often?
Actually I do!
41. How do you spend the holidays?
Together as a family and often meeting up with all or parts of his family.
42. Who is more jealous?
Probably me- as much as I hate to admit that.
43. How long did it take to get serious?
Looking back I think I had fallen in love with Mr. Man immediately but didn't recognize the feelings right away. I had never felt the way I felt when I was with him with anyone before. We took it slow for awhile though - we dated for 3 years before he proposed so that says something!
44. Who eats more?
I could out-eat him anyday, but I don't! I am trying to lose some weight so I let him eat ALL he wants!
45. Who does the laundry?
I do most of the laundry, but he helps out when I need him to.
46. Who is better on the computer?
We both know the way around a computer
47. What is something special he does for you that you really appreciate?
He is always supportive of whatever crazy idea I may have - no matter WHAT the crazy thing involves! He is always supportive.
48. Do you do something special for him in return?
He needs more sleep than me so when I know he is worn down I allow him to sleep in or take naps or whatever he needs.
49. How old were you when you got married?
I was 26 and he was 39.
50. What is one piece of advice you could give to other couples:
Don't let things bottle up inside. When something is bothering you, hurting you, frustrating you...whatever it is talk about it as soon as possible. Don't talk about something when you are angry though, wait until you have taken a few deep breaths then approach your spouse in a calm voice. When you let things build up then a little thing can cause you to explode and the problem is bigger than it needs to be.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Friday Recipe - Veggie Pizza
I think this comes from Pampered Chef but there are several versions of the recipe out there. I don't believe I follow the exact Pampered Chef recipe but this is the way I like it and have made it this way for a few years now. Even Mr. Man really likes this pizza (and he is more of a meat and potato kind of a guy!)
Veggie Pizza
INGREDIENTS:
1 pkg. crescent rolls
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1-2 Tbls sour cream
1/2 pkg. Hidden Valley Ranch dressing (envelope)
Veggies of your choice (I usually do chopped broccoli, shredded carrots, diced tomatoes, sliced zucchini, but you can really do any kind of veggie)
shredded Mozzarella
Roll crescent rolls out flat on pizza pan (square or round). Follow heating instructions on package. Don't let them brown too much. Set aside to cool. Mix cream cheese, sour cream and dressing mix in bowl. Spread cream cheese mixture on crescent rolls. Top with veggies and end with cheese. Cut into small sections and enjoy!
**If using a round pizza pan put the smallest part of the crescent roll triangle toward the center of the pan, overlap the triangles slightly.
Veggie Pizza
INGREDIENTS:
1 pkg. crescent rolls
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1-2 Tbls sour cream
1/2 pkg. Hidden Valley Ranch dressing (envelope)
Veggies of your choice (I usually do chopped broccoli, shredded carrots, diced tomatoes, sliced zucchini, but you can really do any kind of veggie)
shredded Mozzarella
Roll crescent rolls out flat on pizza pan (square or round). Follow heating instructions on package. Don't let them brown too much. Set aside to cool. Mix cream cheese, sour cream and dressing mix in bowl. Spread cream cheese mixture on crescent rolls. Top with veggies and end with cheese. Cut into small sections and enjoy!
**If using a round pizza pan put the smallest part of the crescent roll triangle toward the center of the pan, overlap the triangles slightly.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Can I get that in pink?
Lady Bug asked me if she could play soccer. I was surprised because I didn't even know she knew about the sport, or any sport for that matter! And for her to suggest it out of the blue just shocked me!
But, I said we could look into it. I got online. I knew one of our friends just signed up their daughter for a local league and I was looking around on that website. Lady Bug was looking too. She saw the boring black and red uniform and said "Can I get that in pink?"
That girl cracks me up sometimes!
But, I said we could look into it. I got online. I knew one of our friends just signed up their daughter for a local league and I was looking around on that website. Lady Bug was looking too. She saw the boring black and red uniform and said "Can I get that in pink?"
That girl cracks me up sometimes!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Our weekend in review
Friday night we went out to dinner and had a really great time! Saturday morning we got up and the kids went with a friend for the day (and she ended up keeping them overnight too). Mr. Man had to work and I headed out - little did I know that my errands would keep me gone for most of the day.
I went to a hair appointment. Left there and had grocery shopping and a little other shopping to do. Took my groceries home and put everything in its rightful place and back out the door I went. This time I went to the farmers market to get our veggies and fruits for the week. It was packed, and hot but I sure had a good time taking my time looking at all the goodies!
Got back home to take a quick shower and make a fruit salad to take to a BBQ that we were invited to with one of Mr. Man's co-workers. Hurriedly got that finished and off to the BBQ we went! Had a fabulous time at the BBQ but didn't get home until late (I think it was about 11:00pm - which is late for me!)
Sunday morning I woke up with the worst stomach ache. Ended up in the bathroom for most of the morning, either laying on the floor curled up in a ball or sitting on the toilet. By 11:00 I was feeling better. No more stomach ache and although my stomach wasn't ready for food I agreed to go meet a couple friends for lunch (Every year 2 of my friends and I get together for a birthday lunch, our birthdays are all fairly close so we do one lunch for us all). I ate carefully and light and seemed ok. Had an enjoyable time, laughing and all that good stuff... by the time I got home my stomach was in knots again. I took a warm bath and took a long nap. When I woke up it was about time for my kiddos to get home. I was once again feeling dandy and ready to go. I ate a light dinner with the family and did ok this time.
Mr. Man is on vacation this week and so he is at home cleaning carpets for me while I came on in to work. I was feeling great until I got here and suddenly my breakfast doesn't want to stay in my stomach. Not sure how long I will make it here at the office, I suppose only time will tell.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Still can not find our camera and I am devastated. I had taken some photos of my sister's birthday present that I made for her and I wanted to post about that on here and also some of some necklaces I made I wanted to show off. I am so sad! **Fingers crossed it will still show up somewhere**
I went to a hair appointment. Left there and had grocery shopping and a little other shopping to do. Took my groceries home and put everything in its rightful place and back out the door I went. This time I went to the farmers market to get our veggies and fruits for the week. It was packed, and hot but I sure had a good time taking my time looking at all the goodies!
Got back home to take a quick shower and make a fruit salad to take to a BBQ that we were invited to with one of Mr. Man's co-workers. Hurriedly got that finished and off to the BBQ we went! Had a fabulous time at the BBQ but didn't get home until late (I think it was about 11:00pm - which is late for me!)
Sunday morning I woke up with the worst stomach ache. Ended up in the bathroom for most of the morning, either laying on the floor curled up in a ball or sitting on the toilet. By 11:00 I was feeling better. No more stomach ache and although my stomach wasn't ready for food I agreed to go meet a couple friends for lunch (Every year 2 of my friends and I get together for a birthday lunch, our birthdays are all fairly close so we do one lunch for us all). I ate carefully and light and seemed ok. Had an enjoyable time, laughing and all that good stuff... by the time I got home my stomach was in knots again. I took a warm bath and took a long nap. When I woke up it was about time for my kiddos to get home. I was once again feeling dandy and ready to go. I ate a light dinner with the family and did ok this time.
Mr. Man is on vacation this week and so he is at home cleaning carpets for me while I came on in to work. I was feeling great until I got here and suddenly my breakfast doesn't want to stay in my stomach. Not sure how long I will make it here at the office, I suppose only time will tell.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Still can not find our camera and I am devastated. I had taken some photos of my sister's birthday present that I made for her and I wanted to post about that on here and also some of some necklaces I made I wanted to show off. I am so sad! **Fingers crossed it will still show up somewhere**
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