Untangling Life

Weekly Menu

2012-02-12T17:51:00.001-05:00

Saturday: Halibut Street Tacos, fruit, & green salad
I forgot to buy fresh halibut at the grocery store so I used some frozen salmon fillets instead. These were DELISH. I'll include the recipe with my changes below.
Sunday: left-overs
Monday: Chicken with Balsamic Cherry Tomato Sauce, Chipotle Focaccia with Garlic-Onion Topping, & salad
Tuesday: Conga Lime Pork & Corn Bread (GG's secret recipe...also found on the back of the corn meal container)
Wednesday: Easy Southwestern Veggie Wraps, oven fries (I don't add the Parmesan cheese,) & fruit
Thursday: Chicken Cordon Bleu Calzones & Broccoli Mushroom Salad
Friday: Bunco for me and left-overs for the family
Saturday: pantry meal

~~Halibut~~ Salmon Street Tacos
adapted from Shape Magazine, August 2011
(my changes in red)

SERVES 6PREP TIME: 30 MINUTESTOTAL TIME: 45 MINUTES

1 jalapeno, stem removed, chopped
1 small yellow onion, peeled and sliced chopped
3 tomatillos, husks removed  1/2 green onion, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 
juice of 1 lime
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon plus 1 pinch sea salt, divided 
olive canola oil cooking spray
1 pound fresh halibut frozen salmon fillets, thawed
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 6-inch corn flour tortillas
1/4 cup nonfat sour cream fat free Greek yogurt (Matt used tartar sauce)
2 cups shredded green cabbage
1/4 cup chopped scallion omitted 
2 radishes, sliced


1. Place jalapeno, onion, and tomatillos over high heat
on an outdoor grill. Roast turning occasionally, for 10
minutes or Saute chopped jalapeno, onion, and green pepper over medium high heat until soft 8-10 minutes, until soft. Set aside to cool.
2. Chop the grilled ingredients. Toss with cilantro,
lime juice, chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt
to make a salsa.
3. Coat a small foil-lined baking sheet with cooking spray, then spread
fish on it, making sure no pieces overlap; season with
pepper and remaining salt. Put baking sheet on the grill,
close the lid, and cook fish for 6 to 9 minutes or until white.  Bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 min. (18 min.)
4. Remove pan from heat and place tortillas on the grill for
1 minute per side or until warm. Remove tortillas from grill
and wrap in a cloth napkin to keep them warm
while you assemble tacos.  Right before assembling tacos heat each tortilla in microwave for 12 seconds.
5. Top each tortilla with a dab of sour cream Greek yogurt, a piece
of fish, a dollop of salsa, and a handful of cabbage;
sprinkle with scallions and radishes. Fold tortillas
in half and serve.

These were great and I think the salmon probably added more of a flavor boost than the halibut would.

Valentine's Day Cards

2012-02-11T20:53:00.000-05:00

It's time for a new post. I'm over my Silent Migraine and Silent Panic Attack. Everything is okay but I will mention it to my doctor the next time I go in for my annual check-up. Thanks for your comments, e-mails, and phone calls. (both of you Moms!)

So let's move on to something Sweeter.

VALENTINE'S DAY!!

It is fast approaching and both L and T have their V-day school parties on Tuesday.

Since we are doing fancy schmancy (Pinterest inspired) Valentine's cards...

we started the project early.

Last week, I took a picture of both L and T with an outstretched fist...and focused on the fist.

I decorated them via Picnik and printed them out into 3x5 inch photos.

Today, Tyler and Lauren both filled out their envelopes with their classmates' names.

Matt used a box knife to add a couple of slits to the outstretched fist in the photo.

Insert a Sucker and Out Comes...

a Pretty Awesome Valentine!

P.S. While I was typing this post, ABC news interrupted the children's "Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown" TV show to break the devastating news that Whitney Houston died today at age 48. Although I wasn't a big fan of hers recently I find myself really upset by this news. She was my first record and cassette tape and my first ever singer/songwriter crush. What the heck?!

Silent Panic Attack

2012-02-06T20:54:00.001-05:00

I see this blog as a family diary of sorts. I have no problem recording the kids' significant/embarrassing/scary/gross/"omg they'll kill me for posting this" moments

but I rarely write about mine. (of course they rarely happen...of course...rarely)

Today, however, I seriously (yet silently) freaked the heck out and for some reason feel compelled to share.

This morning Matt and I were watching Good Morning America after the kids went to school. All of a sudden in the middle of "pop news" it sounded like Lara Spencer started speaking through a voice distorter. Her voice became muffled and I had a hard time understanding what she was saying. I looked to Matt to see if he noticed but he had dozed off. I'm not normally a crazy person but I just couldn't find a way to justify what I was hearing. So then I FREAKED OUT. Heart rate sky-rocketed, blood pressure went through the roof, and I seriously thought I could be having a stroke. (I was also embarrassed and still trying to justify it so I kept this little panic attack to myself.) I started reciting nursery rhymes to convince myself that my cognitive function was still there and this wasn't a stroke (silently in my head of course so as not to alarm Matt.) Finally I got up to walk it off and while walking it off I saw the "aura" and knew exactly what it (probably) was. A Silent Migraine.

I get these about once a month. I don't have any pain but I see flashing lights and "sun spots" which in the time span of about an hour move across my vision from left to right.

The following pictures pretty accurately describe what I see (and can't see) during a silent migraine.

Once I was able to justify what was going on I searched the internet for "silent migraine" and lo and behold another symptom is "disruptions in hearing." I just never had that happen before. I eventually told Matt what had happened. (partially to vent and partially so he knew what was going on if it was a stroke after all, and he had to talk to the paramedics...lol)

An hour later, I was just fine but I hope to never have reason for another panic attack again. It really freaked me out.

Sporty Weekend

2012-02-05T16:28:00.002-05:00

The kids had their LAST basketball game of the season on Saturday.

Unfortunately, both Lauren and Tyler played at the same time.

I tried to sit in the middle but since Matt was coaching Tyler's team I made sure to sit on Lauren's side.

I love Tyler's coach (my husband) but I need to say I really loved Lauren's coach too.

He was always positive and full of enthusiasm. He would jump up and down in excitement no matter what the girls did.

And he was exactly the type of coach Lauren needed.

She always said she had fun after every practice and every game.

World's Best Coaches

Proud Basketball Mom

Tyler's End of Season Celebration

The Upward LIONS

2011-2012

Immediately from the basketball game we went to the tee-ball and softball registration.

We're all about the baseball now.

Today, we are enjoying the gorgeous weather and playing with friends while we wait for the

Super Bowl.

Hope y'all had a great weekend!

Weekly Menu with a Fun in the Sun Bonus

2012-01-29T19:38:00.000-05:00

We love our family, old friends, and our Pacific Northwest roots

....but....

we also love Winters in the South.

Sunny and January and 60+ degrees = Perfect

***Fun in the Sun***

Weekly Menu
Sunday: La Parrilla's Charro Beans and tacos (browned ground turkey w/ taco seasoning, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, olives, cilantro & salsa wrapped in a flour tortilla.) We ate these tonight...Delish!
Lunches for me this week: Double Mushroom Soup This is still simmering in my slow cooker and smells great.
Monday: Sweet Potato and Chickpea Shepherd's Pie
Tuesday: pantry meal
Wednesday: Meyer Lemon Chicken & green beans & brown rice
Thursday: Pizza Margherita
Friday: Shrimp with Bok Choy and brown rice
Saturday: Pie-Style Spanakopita (scroll down for recipe,) pita bread & store bought hummus dip
Sunday: Super Bowl (FINALLY!!) and Bacon Double Cheeseburger Dip (I pinned this to my Recipe board on Pinterest.) .i.love.pinterest.

I am blessed

2012-01-25T21:20:00.003-05:00

I am blessed.
Sometimes I get frustrated, sad, angry, and jealous but never do I take for granted all that I have. I am truly blessed. My children are healthy and happy. My husband is a loving and caring father/spouse. He's a proud provider for our family which allows me to stay home to take care of our children and make our home a warm and happy one.
I need to appreciate all that I have today because tomorrow it could all be taken away.

It almost was 2 years ago.

Matt's battle with Sepsis.

I have been reminded recently to appreciate all that I have.

A friend of a friend's 6-year-old daughter died last week due to a pellet gun accident.
http://www.thecitizen.com/articles/01-24-2012/no-charges-pellet-rifle-fatality-ptc-girl-6

Another friend recently told me about her friend from college who has a terminally ill 2-year-old child. Her story breaks my heart.

And to top it off, while watching the Atlanta news today I recognized the building where Matt works (and shares office space with the Israeli consulate.) It was surrounded by yellow tape and officers in full bio-hazard protective gear. Full story here. Although nothing came of it, I'm thankful Matt is working out of town this week.

Life can change in an instant so today and everyday I'm going to try my best to consciously love on and appreciate my family. (And my friends as well.)

Adventures of a Room Mom: Valentine's Day Craft Idea

2012-01-23T20:15:00.000-05:00

Lauren's school Valentine's Day party is just 3 weeks away and I need to come up with a craft.

My idea: A Chalkboard Valentine for Someone Special

I'm on a chalkboard spray-paint kick plus I have some on hand.

What do you think?

I went to Lowes and bought a 10 cent 4x4 inch tile to try it out.

I painted it with the chalkboard spray paint.

(3 coats, let dry in between, wait 24 hours after final coat)

additional supplies:

chalk, glue,

squares of tissue paper, and the flat end of a pencil eraser

For my demo I used blue squares of tissue paper for my heart

(yes, it's a heart (like this heart)...when the glue dried I shaped it into a more defined heart)

I added a personal message and we have a

Chalkboard Valentine for Someone Special

(and I believe it's at the 2nd grade level too)

I hope it is because I went ahead and bought enough 10 cent tiles for the whole class.

The chalkboard paint is drying in the basement as I type.

CamWow Fun

2012-01-22T17:38:00.000-05:00

At Bunco on Friday (Mom's Club Bunco) us ladies had fun with the CamWow app on our iPhones. I knew my kids would love it so I downloaded it and we had a CamWow party last night. We laughed so hard our sides ached. Please enjoy...

(CamWow tried its best but I just do not take a bad photo. lol)

(3-eyed, 4-legged Lauren and what if Jay Leno were her father)

(T as a 2-headed peg-leg and what if a Vampire were his father)

(my faves: cyclops Lauren and a hilarious pic of Tyler in the middle)

(the Matt's looked on from the sofa while Lauren asked for a pregnant picture)

(When I have "the talk" with her I'm going to show her this scary picture.)

With the CamWow app L and T were happy to have their picture taken. I guess I'll start telling them I'm using CamWow whenever I need a photo. That might work ~~for awhile~~ once.

Go download the app. It's free side-splitting entertainment for the young ones...and also for the old ones playing Bunco.

Exercise or Social Time?

2012-01-18T20:37:00.002-05:00

This morning, like most mornings, I went to the gym. Normally I take a group fitness class (i.e. Step, Kick- Boxing, Cycle etc.) but today I didn't feel like taking the class that was offered (a weight lifting class) so I did a solid hour of cardio on the treadmill. 5.5 miles in 60 minutes I felt great physically, but afterwards on the drive home I felt something was off. Although I had a great workout I really missed getting to chat with my workout buddies and I felt a bit lonely. Weird huh? The daily exercise is vital for a healthy lifestyle but so is the social interaction.

Luckily I was able to get some social interaction with my family after they were done with school and work.

Here's what happens after L and T use up their two "segments" of screen time.

(Not sure if I've already mentioned the current screen time guidelines but on school days they are allowed two 20-minute segments.)

Lauren plays (animatedly) with her Barbies.

Tyler (creatively) builds a castle with his blocks.

In the future when they whine and complain that there's nothing to do (other than screen time) I will show them these pictures.

While they played I prepped our dinner.

The ingredients for Thai Shrimp Curry

base for Egg Flower Soup

I brought the broth to a boil, added 1 1/2 t. soy sauce then took it off the heat and drizzled in one egg slightly beaten. Easy Peasy.

Ignore the lighting, but the final product tasted pretty darn good.

Ask anyone but Tyler

(he's still working on liking other dishes besides Mac-n-Cheese.)

Speaking of Tyler...
He may, one day have problems in English class which will be completely my fault.
For example:
Today he said he needed a piece of "destruction paper" (construction paper) and I didn't correct him. How cute is that?! He's also mentioned in the past he wants to be a "destruction worker" when he grows up. Ahhh...
He also pronounces the past tense of almost every word. examples: I laugh-ED. I bounce-ED. I run-ED.
Ahhh...
I'm going to keep that boy 5 years old as long as I can.

Happy Birthdays!

2012-01-16T19:51:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Brian!

My littlest brother turns 26 today.

Here he is on his high-school graduation day.

--Class of 2004--

(Brian: 18, Me: 26, Lauren: 3 mos., Matt: 30)

wow, time sure flies!

How cool is this?!

My brother shares a birthday with some pretty awesome and influential people.

The one and only Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (would be 83) and also Dr. Laura (65)!

Have I mentioned that I listen to Dr. Laura's radio program every single day?

In honor of her birthday I thought I'd link to an essay she recently spoke about on her radio program.

The Death of Pretty

This essay really resonated with me (as a parent) and I wanted to share.

I sincerely hope my daughter will grow up wanting to be "PRETTY" (inside and out) versus "HOT."

And I hope my son will grow up to recognize the value of a "pretty" girl over a "hot" one.

Happy Birthday Y'All!

Moving Upward and Onward

2012-01-16T16:59:00.001-05:00

I've been in a funk lately. It may be the weather (although it's been quite mild so far this winter) or it may be the length of the NFL football season...and me being jealous of it because it gets to see my husband more than I do. Or maybe both.
Either way I've decided to get over it this weekend. Positive thoughts from here on out.

So...Moving Upward:
I took great pride in watching both Lauren and Tyler play their Upward basketball games this weekend. They both surprised me with their aggressiveness on offense and defense. I was one proud Mama.

(L is #1)

Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures of Tyler's game. I wish I had because it was a very interesting game. One of the referees obviously wasn't used to the kindergarten game level. He called multiple personal fouls (on the 5 year olds!) and even let the clock tick down while he had all the kids tuck in their jerseys. Matt, as the coach, kept his cool. The half time show made it all worth while though. Matt Stinchcomb (who formerly played football for UGA, the Raiders and Tampa Bay) gave the devotional.

Moving Onward:
Sunday we had a house full of kids. It's the NFL playoffs and while the Dad's watched football in the basement the kids all ~~trashed the~~ played upstairs. I love that they chose to play school. I printed out some Mad Libs for "the teacher" (in the blue shirt) to do with the kids. They got a kick out of that.

Dinner last night was Slow Cooker Turkey Chili and green salad. Since we had such a full house I made this for the adults and then some chicken nuggets and raviolis for the kids. Mr. Mike said it tasted healthy (it was) but that didn't stop him from eating two servings and taking the left-overs home.

According to the weekly menu I was supposed to make corn bread to go along but I was feeling adventurous and decided to make bread bowls for the chili instead. This was my first attempt at bread bowls but they turned out GREAT! I didn't apply the egg-white wash until a crust formed (after baking for 5 minutes.) Other that that I followed the recipe exactly. (I only made the bread bowls not the vegetable soup.)

Super Bowl Bread Bowls

I hope you all enjoyed your weekend. And for those of you ladies who are lukewarm NFL football fans like myself......there are only a few weeks to go (20 days exactly) until we get our husbands back. =)

Weekly Menu

2012-01-13T17:58:00.001-05:00

It's been awhile since I've posted a Weekly Menu.

It's also been awhile since my two angels have played nicely together.

(Not really but that sounded like a good intro. My two usually play very well together)

Photo evidence of L and T having fun with a Lego Spaceship:

Weekly Menu: (focus is using up the large amount of condiments I have in my refrigerator door)

Friday (Today:) left-overs for Matt and the kids...delicious neighborhood Bunco dinner for me

Saturday: Subway (the restaurant) Tyler has basketball pics at 4pm and a game at 6pm. Dinner will be on the run in between. I have Subway coupons.

Sunday: Slow Cooker Turkey Chili & GG's sweet corn bread (secret family recipe which also happens to be on the back of the cornmeal container I bought at the grocery store)

Monday: Chicken and Sausage Gumbo & fruit (condiments: Worcestershire, minced garlic)

Tuesday: Boca burgers from the freezer & salad (condiments: ketchup, mustard, mayo, relish etc.)

Wednesday: Thai Shrimp Curry & chicken broth soup from freezer (condiment: red curry paste)

Thursday: left-overs, buttery noodles, green beans (condiments: ??)

Friday: mom's club Bunco, Matt and kids on their own

Saturday: Heinz 57 Meatloaf, mashed potatoes & corn (condiments: Heinz 57, Worcestershire)

Sunday: Sofrito Marinated Chicken sandwiches & tater tots from freezer (condiment: Sofrito, lime concentrate)

Today

2012-01-12T19:13:00.002-05:00

Today: Matt went to work (he had a good day...finally, he got caught up,) the kids went to school, and I took a Kick Boxing class at the gym.

Today: I went to lunch with some good friends. We ate at Athenas (obviously a Greek restaurant) and I had a Chicken Gyro. Yumm!
L and T both had school lunch and I'm not sure but I think Matt went out to lunch with his co-worker.

Today: I tried the Diet Dr. Pete flavor for my SodaStream. It was pretty good...a little more vanilla-y than Dr. Pepper. I added a half pull of carbonation beyond the recommended amount and loved the extra bubbles.

Today: While Lauren was making clay figures at Art Club, Tyler finished up his 100 Days of School "quilt piece" project. The Kindergartners are making a 100-piece quilt out of paper and Tyler was in charge of number 43. He used colorful bendy straws to make his number and a cotton ball, 2 stars and markers to complete his square.

He's pretty proud of his work (as you can tell by his stoic smile.)

Today: I made a tasty dinner. Matt, Lauren and Tyler all approved.

Lasagna Soup

(originally posted on the Closet Cooking blog...this dude only posts delicious recipes...seriously)

Today: I finally remembered where I found the recipes for the fantastic dinner we had last Friday.

Honey-Mustard Roasted Salmon and

Barley, Grape Tomato and Arugula Saute

(from the Weight Watchers Kitchen Companion iPad App)

(not sure if you have to be a paying member to access the recipes...if so message me if you're interested)

Today: I'm writing this post in peaceful quiet because Matt took Lauren to basketball practice and Tyler wanted to go too because he's made friends with one of L's teammate's little brother.

Tonight: It's super windy. The walls sound like they are taking a beating. (the weather radio didn't go off so I'm not worried) The Arctic Air is finally here. Maybe I'll change out of my tank top and into some winter PJs.

I hope you all had a good day TODAY.

move over Martha

2012-01-12T18:21:00.003-05:00

I always said "when I grow up I want to be artsy ~~fartsy~~." In fact I said that just last week. And looky loo I must have done growed up because I did something artsy. And I came up with the idea all by myself. Well, strike that last incomplete sentence because I copied it completely from my friend Nicole. She's the genius behind the BEAN Blog and, next to Martha, the queen of artsy-~~fartsy~~-ness.

Chalkboard Wine Glasses

I bought some chalkboard spray paint from Walmart

and dusted off 2 wine glasses from the back of my cupboard.

Then I taped the heck out of them.

(of course Nicole only taped a teeny area but I knew I would go overboard on the spray paint)

I sprayed 3 coats and let dry for 24 hours.

Today I took the tape off and...

had some fun with chalk.

Our friends are getting married in Key West in March.

Maybe this will be a part of their wedding gift.

Easy, Simple and what a gosh darn great idea.

Thanks Nicole (via Pinterest!)

SODA (or Pop if you prefer)

2012-01-11T20:59:00.002-05:00

I love Soda.

(I grew upcalling it "pop" but somewhere in my teens I decided "soda"sounded more sophisticated.)

(I'm sure youcare)

With the price ofsoda going up

(I refuse tospend more than $2.99 for a 12-pack)

I was delightedto receive a SodaStream for Christmas.

(thanks Mom!)

Unfortunately,when I opened the box it was missing the 12-pack Taste Sampler (the sodaflavoring.)

BUMMER!

I thought aboutreturning it to the store but decided to e-mail the company to ask if they wouldjust send me the Taste Sampler instead. I e-mailed SodaStream on Christmas Day and received thisreply just a few days later.

Dear Christine,

We apologize for theinconvenience. We went ahead and shipped out a new Sodamix Variety 12 sample packand a MyWater 3 pack to you. Yourorder number is XXXXX, we would like toinform you that this order will not be delivered until the week of January 16thdue to our year-end inventory. Once this order leaves our warehouse you will benotified with tracking information. If you have any questions please contactour customer support line at 1-800.XXX.XXXX, representatives areavailable to assist you 24/7.

Thank you

"K" (Ichanged the name)

SodaStream Customer Support

I LOVE customer service such as this! (Itmakes me want to tell the world...or at least post about it.)

Today, January 11th (ahead of schedule) Ireceived this package on my doorstep:

It included the 12-pack TasteSampler...

and also the bonus mywater 3-pack

Immediately, I got out my SodaStream and easily followed the directions...

(try not to focus on the folded clothesand junk in the background...the kitchen table is my catch all during the day)

and made my firstbatch of Soda Water!

I added 1/2 t. ofthe raspberry flavor "mywater" sample to my soda and itturned out great.

It was just whatI wanted. Bubbly soda water with a light but not too sweet raspberryflavoring.

Tomorrow I'll tryone of the actual soda flavors.

(SodaStream did not influence this blog post inany way other than by their spectacular customer service. I had a greatexperience with them and simply wanted to share.)

Back to School

2012-01-11T17:21:00.001-05:00

Back to School and Back to Structure

I didn't go to the gym ONCE during winter break. Why? Because I like to sleep in when I can. However, if I don't make the 8:30 or 9:30 class at the gym then I simply don't go.

Although I don't particularly enjoy waking up at 6am to get everyone ready for school I do like being up early and ready to start my day (at the gym.)

With that said I've been back at the gym in full force and the children have really hit the books.

Tyler read his first book to me. "Hot Dog" He did great sounding out the the words. He was so excited to read his first book he even took it to bed so he could read it again before he fell asleep.

Lauren had her first REACH day on Monday. After "specials" (either library, PE, music, art or computer) she went to a different class for the remainder of the day. She learned about Medieval Times. Her homework is to study and be able to locate Iceland, Norway and Sweden on a map and also learn and be able to spell their capitals. Reykjavik (wreck-ya-vick,) Oslo and Stockholm. She also needs to write a letter to the admissions office to join (the fictional) King Arthur's Academy. She has a week to complete her homework since REACH is only on Mondays.

I love being Back to School and Back to Structure.

Here are a couple of "by the ways" for you:

BTW: Today I had a meeting with the speech pathologist at L's school. I always thought she wasn't pronouncing her "r"s correctly and was happy her teacher referred her for extra help. The speech pathologist, Mrs. C said gave Lauren the standard test and said she does have a slight problem with her "s" and "z" (not sharp enough) and also some difficulty pronouncing the "r" but only the "er" "r" sound. (I guess there are more than one "r" sounds.) However, she did not feel it was enough of a problem to give her speech lessons. Instead she gave me a handout to help Lauren enunciate the "r" correctly and if she still has a problem in 3rd grade then we'll address it then. I was actually hoping L would get the extra help this year but hopefully it will work itself out.

BTW: Last night was a long night...
I went to bed at 9:45pm, woke up when Tyler came in at 1am saying his PJs were wet (poor guy wet the bed.) Luckily he has a top bunk with clean sheets so up he went and I just stripped his bed, used some cleaner on the mattress and went back to sleep. Then at 4:45am I woke up again to house shaking thunder followed shortly by the arrival of two whimpering kids who were "afraid of the lightening." The four of us pretended to sleep side by side until the alarm went off at 6:00.
Last night reminded me of my nursing days. =)

Winter Break Recap: Monday

2012-01-06T18:27:00.001-05:00

Monday, 1/2/2012
(yes, I know you're bored with the day by day but the grandparents enjoy it)

Glow in the Dark Miniature Golf

(again thanks to free passes handed out at school)

L and T had more fun climbing on the scenery than actually golfing.

Lauren went ahead of us and just putted her way through 18 holes on her own agenda.

Tyler did pause so I could snap a photo of his first ever Hole in One!

The whole 18 holes took us just under an hour so we hit up Five Guys for lunch to prolong our outing.

Lauren ate a "cheeseburger" while the rest of us had "little cheeseburgers."

She's a cheeseburger eating machine.

Winter Break Recap: Saturday

2012-01-06T17:31:00.001-05:00

Saturday, New Year's Eve 2011

We spent New Year's Eve at a friend's house. (Nelson and Julie's house if you were wondering.) I met Julie through the Mom's club as I did a lot of my friends and have to say she's pretty cool. She kind of reminds me of Snooki. (just kidding Julie!)

Tyler and Lauren are dressed down and ready to go.

(I decided we'd sport the PJs to save time when we got home.)

I made Coke Cake and used real peanuts (ewww.)

(the jar said Pecans but c'mon now all nuts taste the same)

(but let it be known I actually Baked! and used Nuts!)

(for some reason I thought I should clarify that the Coke in the cake is Coca-Cola)

We all had a good time. The guys chilled (froze) around the fire-pit on the patio, us ladies chatted and snacked in the kitchen and the kids ran wild all over the place.

Tyler partied so hard he was out by 9pm.

Someone needs to tell him he should NEVER be the first one to fall asleep at a party.

Finally the moment we've been waiting for.

Happy 2012!!

(check out the date stamp)

At New Year's thirty (12:30am) we headed home. Matt and I slept in until 9am but the kiddos woke up at 7am as usual. Luckily! they are old enough to entertain themselves in the mornings.

Winter Break Recap: Friday

2012-01-06T15:59:00.004-05:00

Friday 12/30/2011
(are you getting bored with my recaps yet?)

We went Bowling!!

The kids had free passes from school so we only had to pay $26 for shoe rentals and Matt and my games.

When did bowling become so expensive?

L and T both used the bumpers and also the Roller Bowler.

Needless to say I lost.

Tyler is pointing to his score which is higher than anyone elses.

He ends up winning the game.

They had such a fun day that they vowed never to fight with each other again

and sealed it with a hug.

HA!!

Winter Break Recap: Wednesday and Thursday

2012-01-06T15:42:00.001-05:00

Wednesday 12/28/2011 and Thursday 12/29/2011

We had a couple playdates with Tera and big Tyler and one at Harrison's house (Tyler's friend from school.) However, I did not take any pictures.

I did take plenty of pictures of our family time though.

We all watch as Daddy plays Paper Mario.

Matt really likes it when I take pictures of the back of his head.

He's always surprised at how much his "cul-de-sac" (more like "pan-handle") has grown.

Love You Babe!

As usual Tyler tries his best to not take a good picture.

Lauren doesn't mind the camera at all.

Pictures don't lie...

Sometimes I still get snuggle time with the kiddos.

Winter Break Recap: Tuesday

2012-01-06T14:07:00.001-05:00

Tuesday 12/27/2011
We played with our Christmas toys non-stop for two whole days. By then it was time to get out of the house! Matt had to go into the office for a couple of hours so we went into Atlanta with him and had him drop us off at the Children's Museum.

I was afraid they might be too old for the Children's Museum but after our initial walk-through and them not liking anything they finally relaxed and enjoyed themselves.

They really started having fun when they found a friend to play with. This girl they befriended was quite a character. She was playing the cashier at the store exhibit and when two other kids pretended to rob her (hey...this is Atlanta) she grabbed a pretend baguette, jumped over the counter and chased them down giving them a southern mouthful the whole time. I'm thinking she's heard her Mama talk that way? Lauren thought this was absolutely hilarious.

Sadly this may be our last visit to the Children's Museum. (sniff) I'd recommend it for 2-6 year olds. 7 and older will enjoy only a small part of it and I don't believe the $12.50 per person entrance fee is worth it for the older kids.

Say Cheese

2011-12-28T15:45:00.003-05:00

When did "Say Cheese" go from this:

to this?:

(Tera said to shake their heads so it would make the picture blurry.)

Often times they just plain ignore me

and/or cover their faces.

With photo saboteurs such as these, it won't matter how great my camera is!

Stinkers!

Christmas Prep and Landing (part two)

2011-12-26T23:18:00.000-05:00

Christmas Landing

We woke up Sunday morning to find Santa had paid us a visit.

This year he brought the usual stocking stuffers but also Razor scooters!

After we tore through Santa's gifts it was off to the presents under the tree.

(clockwise: Dippin Dots Maker, Ninjago Lego set (one of many), Angry Birds on Thin Ice, American Girl Doll Trundle Bed)

For the most part I really enjoyed watching L and T open their gifts but to be completely honest I did reach a point where I thought they were not especially appreciative. If one opened a gift the other wanted than the other would pout. If one perceived the other had more gifts than the one would throw a fit. Perhaps it was because they were hungry (we had not eaten breakfast yet) or they were just being normal kids but I'm also thinking I went a little overboard on the gift giving.

fun with presents

(to be noted: After breakfast it was a completely different story. They spent the rest of the day and the following day playing with and appreciating all of their gifts. I feel much better now but I think I will still try to scale it down next year.)

Not only did the children receive gifts but so did the rest of us.

Matt and his new frying pan and Chloe and her cat-nipped mice.

My new SodaStream is on the left and the blue rectangle next to my iPad is my new Jawbone Jambox wireless speaker.

Matt and I also got a new digital camera. The Canon PowerShot SX230 HS.

Pictures should be spectacular from now on.

Maybe we all got a bit too much this Christmas but we sure did enjoy spending time together as a family.

In fact, Matt remarked today that he usually feels the evenings fly by when he gets home from work but the past two days have been very laid back and relaxing.

Here are some more pictures of us enjoying our gifts and spending time as a family.

Lego Creations

Tyler's Alien ship and Lauren's house

modeling their new skull robe and PJs

Hot Wheels wall track and all our new video games.

(Wipeout for the Wii is trending as our family favorite)

Acrobatics with Daddy.

Christmas has Landed!

Christmas Prep and Landing (part one)

2011-12-26T22:28:00.000-05:00

Christmas Prep

I want my children to grow up to have wonderful childhood Christmas memories.

Maybe it is because we live so far away from any family but every Christmas I worry I'm not doing enough to instill those memories.

I do have some "traditions" that we tend to do every year...

and this year was no different.

We prepped for Santa by making:

and baking:

and preparing:

(we also made Cinnabon for the bread machine Cinnamon Rolls and frosting - not pictured)

Christmas Prep: Accomplished

(We may eventually outgrow some of these "traditions" so I'm anxious to hear new ideas.)

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T17:00:00.000-05:00

It's Christmas Eve!!

Matt is out with Mr. Mike doing some last minute Christmas shopping and the kids and I made our traditional Christmas Eve cinnamon rolls.

(Let it be known Lauren does not like cinnamon rolls nor the vanilla icing but she does like to help make them.)

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas as we celebrate Jesus' birthday.

Question: What are your Christmas Eve and Christmas traditions? I need some more ideas.

Christmas Break 2011

2011-12-23T19:36:00.000-05:00

School is out for the year!

Tyler is SO! excited.

(I asked him to smile nicely and this is what I got.)

Today we had Tyler's classmate Ford over to play. (You remember Ford right?) Although Tyler and Ford were a bit shy at first they quickly warmed up and all three of them (Lauren, Tyler, and Ford) had a great time.

I also, had a great time enjoying some adult conversation with Ford's Mom.

We're all looking forward to many more play dates with Ford.

With two more days until Christmas we are chilling out.

The Santa Clause movie is in our immediate future.

Adventures of a Room Mom (Assignment #2)

2011-12-22T19:16:00.001-05:00

Tuesday was Lauren's school Christmas party and as the Room Mom I was in charge of putting it together. Her teacher told me she wanted it done in 4 stations and the children would rotate stations every 15 minutes. She gave me a $50 budget for supplies (money our class earned earlier in a fundraiser) and let me have at it. I'm seriously not a party planner but I think I pulled it off. (I don't want that to get out so don't tell anyone.) I'm also very lucky to have a great group of parents who were beyond generous and helpful.

The four stations:

1. Christmas Brunch

2. Decorate Ginger Bread Houses

3. Craft

4. Another Craft

Lauren decorates her "gingerbread house"

(milk carton)

The details: (since I'm sure you're dying to know)
1. Christmas Brunch
I sent an e-mail out to parents with a list of Brunch items and asked them to contribute. And ho boy did they contribute. We had 2 quiches, sausage balls, Chik-Fil-A nuggets, bacon, pigs in a blanket, muffins, biscuits, jams, juice etc. etc. One of the classmate's older sister works for Chik-Fil-A and actually served the brunch.
Station #1 = HUGE SUCCESS

2. Decorate Ginger Bread Houses (milk cartons)
I didn't ask for any donations for this, or the other crafts, but I used part of the $50 to buy all the supplies. Icing, Graham crackers, peppermints, marshmallows, M&Ms, sprinkles, gummy bears etc. etc. This was a fun station and the children really enjoyed decorating their houses. There was a sprinkle mishap but a parent cleaned that up quickly with a broom.
Station #2 = HUGE SUCCESS

3. Craft #1
A Google search for "easy ornament crafts" turned up these Layered Christmas Tree Ornaments. I cut all the felt pieces out ahead of time and also prepared the popsicle sticks. Lauren painted them brown and I hot glued a string bow to hang them. All the kids had to do was glue on their felt cut-outs. This was a cute and easy craft but they finished it in 5 minutes or less and then ~~waited patiently~~ went stir crazy until it was time for the next station.
Station #3 = SUCCESSFUL BUT TOO EASY FOR 7-8 YEAR OLDS

4. Craft #2
Stamped Gift Bags based on (this craft)
With the left-over party money I bought a piece of Styrofoam and made my own stamps (like this.) I also bought paint and let the kiddos decorate and stamp paper bags so they could put their tree ornaments in them. This was by far the messiest station. Paint was all over and the stamp shapes turned out to be a little abstract on the gift bags. 2nd graders aren't huge fans of abstract art yet.
Station #4 = MESSY, a bit SLOPPY but FUN = SUCCESS (next time I'll skip the homemade stamps and let them use markers.)

A parent volunteered to work every station so I got to bounce around them all. Almost every child had either their Mom, Dad, or Grandparent there. Everyone was a great help. If someone could guarantee the same group of parents every year than I'll gladly be ROOM MOM every single year.

My next "official" Adventure as Room Mom will be the Valentine's Day Party. If you have any suggestions please send them my way. I'm already stressing about it.

Dinner Idea...If You Dare

2011-12-19T21:35:00.000-05:00

Tonight I made an interesting looking soup for dinner. Due to the unappetizing dark greenish brown color I didn't snap a picture. (you're welcome) I also didn't have high hopes my family would eat it so I gave Matt left-over Jambalaya and made the kids chicken nuggets. BUT...the soup tasted great and I can feel the healthy just oozing out of my pores. I recommend you give it a shot...in fact I Dare You.

Herb, Chard and Feta Soup
(adapted from Bon Appetit magazine January 2012 edition)

Ingredients:
1 T. olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 bunches swiss chard (I used 1 bunch red stalk and 1 bunch white stalk), coarsely chopped, about 10 cups
3 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 T dried parsley
3/4 c. fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 c. fresh mint leaves, chopped
1 T. dried mint
1/2 t. nutmeg
1 T. fresh lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste
5.3 oz. plain Greek yogurt
4 oz. feta, crumbled, divided

Directions:
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring often, until translucent and soft, 8 minutes or so. Stir in chopped chard, broth, parsley, cilantro, fresh and dried mint, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until chard is tender, about 20 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and season to taste with salt and pepper. Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender ~~put one on your Christmas list immediately~~, in batches, puree in a blender until smooth and return to pan.

In a medium bowl add 1/3 of the Greek yogurt. Add 1/2 c. of warm soup: whisk until smooth. Repeat process twice more. Whisk yogurt mixture into soup in saucepan. Stir in 1/2 of the feta cheese. Salt and pepper to taste.

Ladle into serving bowls and top with remaining feta.

Serves 4.

Mint, Cilantro, Swiss Chard and Feta....all delicious and even better together when made with this recipe. I promise it is not overly minty and for you leafy green phobes...you can't taste the swiss chard at all.

I Double Dare You.

Whirlwind of a Weekend

2011-12-18T21:43:00.001-05:00

I'm glad Christmas break is only three school days away because this has been a whirlwind of a weekend.

Friday:
Tyler had his school Christmas party. We had brunch, decorated cookies, us parents chatted and the kids danced and acted crazy until the teachers had enough and quickly, yet politely told us parents to GO. A successful Christmas party in my book.

Friday night I had neighbor Miss Shirline come over to baby-sit the kids. (Miss Shirline, her sister and parents moved into Lea's old house.) After she was settled in I drove into Atlanta (let it be known I despise driving in Atlanta) met Matt at his office and then we went to dinner at Kyma for his office Christmas party. (His office consists of himself and one other employee so it was a fun and relaxed dinner with just the four of us...John and his wife Mary, Matt and I.) You can't really tell but I dressed up for the occasion. Here's a head shot.

Saturday:

We slept in until 9:15. That was a first! (since having kids) Then it was off to Walmart to grab a few things (omg...Do Not Go To Walmart the weekend before Christmas. MaDnEsS!) and then basketball. Lauren and Tyler both won their games or maybe they didn't...they don't keep score but they both had a F-U-N! In the middle of Lauren's game Tyler and I had to leave so we could make it to a classmates birthday party. It was a fun party with a scavenger hunt, rolling contest (with toilet paper,) pinata and of course, cake and ice-cream. We had a chilly good time.

When we got home from the party I found these waiting for me.

Matt had said he was craving Lobster Bisque and I told him I would make it for him. All he had to do was find me some cooked canned or frozen lobster. Well he couldn't find that so I had to learn how to make Lobster Bisque from fresh Cold Water Lobster Tails. This YouTube video helped a lot. I completely forgot to take a picture of the finished product but it was Perfect (Matt's words.) I used this simple recipe.

Sunday:
I did my usual (the family knows not to bother me) 1. Read the AJC (newspaper) front to back. 2. Cut coupons 3. Prepared my weekly menu and grocery list.

While I did that Matt took pictures of our Christmas tree.

One of these things is not like the others. Can you see it?

Chloe's eye shines in this one.

The crazy cat is obsessed with the tree.

Sunday 1pm:

FOOTBALL! Matt and his friends headed down to the basement for the rest of the afternoon and Lauren and Tyler played with any kids who accompanied their football watching parents.

Lauren and Tera reluctantly smile for me below.

Tyler and big Tyler are up to no good (I'm sure) out of sight.

While the kids played I prepared dinner (Jambalaya) and also my healthy lunches for the next week. I've been watching what I eat lately since my original plan of exercising like crazy but also eating that way was not helping me lose weight. Next weeks lunches will consist partly of Cheesy Cauliflower soup. (despite the name it's really tasty!)

On a positive note...After two weeks of watching what I ate, I wore a size 8 jeans today. (yeah!)

Monday will be here soon enough so I better get a move on. It's been a Whirlwind of a Weekend and now it's time to relax with some T.V. time (the Season Finale of Survivor. Go Team Ozzie.)

a quick and funny Tyler story

2011-12-15T18:24:00.001-05:00

My children do not normally volunteer a lot of information about school but if I ask specific questions they are more than happy to chat.

Today I asked Tyler who he played with on the playground and instead of hearing the usual, "Harrison." He told me he played with "Ford." I couldn't help myself and I had to clarify so I asked him,

"Is there really a Harrison and a Ford in your class?"

He said, "well yeah" (in a "well duh" tone of voice)

He does not know how cool that is!

"REACH"ing out

2011-12-12T20:52:00.000-05:00

A couple of months ago I mentioned that Lauren's teacher sent home a parent evaluation for the REACH program at her school. I filled it out very honestly and sent it back to the school. I than had a one on one with Lauren and let her know someone was going to talk with her about REACH (test her) in the next few weeks. I told her it wasn't a big deal and to just do the best she could. She immediately told me she hoped she would get in because all the smart kids go to REACH. (The kids are already talking!) I reassured her she was smart no matter what.

Well today Lauren brought home an envelope containing the REACH results. I'm happy to announce that Lauren was deemed eligible into the program. Congratulations Lauren!!

I'm a bit anxious as well since we will be "REACH"ing out of our comfort zone and learning a whole new program. (a program with many benefits though)

PS.
It's a bit of a coincidence but I was also tested for the REACH program when I was in 2nd grade. (Back in the day we called it TAG.) However, after the first day of testing they told me I didn't need to test anymore. I soon found out that meant I didn't pass. I still remember the whole experience vividly. And that says a lot since my memory is definitely sub-par.
(I did eventually get into the TAG program in the 7th grade.)

I'm glad Lauren got in because hanging onto a memory like that is just plain silly and irrelevant.

PPS.
More about the REACH program:

REACH: Relishing Education And Conquering Heights

Program for Gifted Students K-12

"A gifted student is one who demonstrates a high degree of intellectual and/or creative ability(ies), exhibits an exceptionally high degree of motivation and/or excels in specific academic field(s) and needs special instruction and/or ancillary services to achieve at levels commensurate with his or her abilities."

Education Program for Gifted Students State Rule 160-4-2-.38, effective August, 1998

What is the REACH Program?

REACH provides differentiated instructional services in core academic content areas to eligible students in grades K-12. These services are based upon the system's aligned curriculum and checkpoints, with instruction presented in an accelerated and interdisciplinary fashion. At least five (5) segments of differentiated instruction weekly (or its annual equivalent) are available for eligible students. To continue receiving gifted services, the student must maintain an overall "B" (80) average in the subjects of mathematics, science, language arts, social studies and foreign language, if such language study is included in the student's records. The student must also maintain a "C" (71) average in each gifted class attempted. In grades 6-12, the student must also have no semester grade below a "C" (71).

a Proper playroom table

2011-12-11T16:54:00.001-05:00

When Grammy visited last month she spent a lot of time playing Legos in the playroom.

After many hours in the playroom and many Lego masterpieces she decided the tables they used were quite inadequate and very much outdated.

(the old train table & a plastic Ikea kids table with a blanket over it)

Next she took to the Internet to do some research for a Proper playroom table.

It wasn't long after she left for home when boxes started showing up at our door-step.

(for a grand total of 8!)

Slowly but surely we Matt started to put the pieces together.

And today (before football started) Matt finished and L and T immediately started to enjoy the new

Proper playroom table.

Even Chloe likes it.

Then it was out with the old and in with the new.

(Anyone (local) want to buy a train table & a bunch Thomas the trains? Let me know.)

Legos now have their own bins!

Introducing....

. A Proper playroom table that looks amazing in there!

Many memories will be made with this new table.

Thanks Grammy (and GG and everyone else who unknowingly took part in the purchase!!)

Our playroom looks so sophisticated now.

(and Lauren can't help but pose like a princess anytime a camera is around)

Upward Basketball FUN

2011-12-10T19:27:00.001-05:00

Today was our second Saturday of basketball games. Wait, What? I didn't even tell you L and T were playing basketball? How could I let something so FUN slip past this blog?

Well...They practiced once a week in November and their games started the first week of December.
Our children (possibly? due to their Mom and Dad's genes) are not very aggressive nor super out-going. Because of their personality style we chose the Upward program for basketball. Upward is a Christ-based program which focuses more on teamwork and having fun than being the best and winning. I think we made the right decision because after every practice and every game Lauren and Tyler have both said they had fun. FUN! I want them to play sports (because that is what I did growing up and it is good exercise) but mostly I want them to have FUN! Well I won't just talk about it. Let me show you video from their first basketball games ever.

Tyler: Coach Matt (aka Daddy.) Playing for the Lions. Age: Kindergarten
(I love that Matt is coaching because it reminds me of my Dad who coached just about every team my brothers and I ever played on.)

Tyler is the yellow #3 with the tie-dye undershirt.

Lauren: Coach Tommy. Playing for the Penguins. Age: 1st and 2nd Grade
(Coach Tommy is wonderful! He always and only points out the positive and he always has something positive to say. Our Penguin girls are very blessed to have him as our coach.)

Lauren is the yellow #1 with the long-sleeved green undershirt.

Christmas Light Madness

2011-12-10T18:39:00.001-05:00

Thanks Uncle Brian for the sarcastic comment just now on my last post.

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas.

(touche by the way)

Well I'm bringing Christmas back tonight with our crazy, out of this world, Christmas light display that Matt spent two hours setting up. Like he does every year he debated whether or not he should get the big ladder out and put lights up on the roof. Like he does every year he decided (wisely) that he is too old to be up on the roof. We are thinking we may switch it up next year. Maybe wreaths on the windows instead?

why is my front door open?

it's 45 degrees outside

Christmas Light Madness

(you may have to look away...one can only absorb so much splendor)

Shrinky Dinks

2011-12-09T18:12:00.001-05:00

Apparently these have been around forever but thanks to Grammy (via Uncle Kevin & Aunt Mili) we just discovered the wonderfulness of ShrinkyDinks. If someone at ShrinkyDinks corporate wants to provide me with some free product I'll be glad to write a glowing review. Oh wait...I guess I'm going to write that glowing review anyway.

While she was visiting Grammy ordered the kiddos the ShrinkyDinks Christmas Tree set. It arrived after she left but upon arrival we got right to work. First they colored the *dinks. (*I made this word up. I'm guessing that is what they are called before they are "shrinky'd")

(still growing her bangs out)

colored *dinks waiting on non-stick tin foil for their visit to a 350 degree oven

Three minutes later they turn into ShrinkyDinks!

it's really cool!!

After they cooled I hooked them up and turned them into ornaments for the Shrinky Dink tree.

Then Lauren and Tyler (well mostly Lauren) hung them on the tree.

Aren't they CUTE?!!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2011-12-05T20:38:00.001-05:00

You couldn't tell by the weather (t-shirt temps again (yay!)) but it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at our house. I finally got my decorations up. I don't do much because I prefer a homemade/handmade look and as the children grow it is a work in progress. Here is an inside look at our Christmas 2011 decorations:

the mantel

(cornucopia painted by Lauren)

Lauren added a note to Santa in case he didn't know she had sealants put on her back teeth and is not supposed to eat hard candy.

the coffee table

book shelf

*Twelve Days of Christmas*

*The Official Guide to Christmas in the South

or, if You Can't Fry It, Spraypaint it Gold*

*countdown Santa painted by Grandma Jan*

the tree

(the fake tree that is)

L and T really enjoyed decorating it.

Chloe was happy to join in the fun and be left alone.

(black mass on the red tree skirt)

I even got some easy smiles for pictures.

(that should tell you how much fun they had)

I really enjoy this festive time of year and I hope you are enjoying it as well.

I (finally) ordered my Christmas cards today.

I think they are cute, clever, and funny....Matt wasn't so sure.

We'll see what you think when they get here.

(P.S. No DVD again this year...sincere apologies)

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-27T17:07:00.001-05:00

Grammy's Visit Part Three (of three)

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all!

Not only did Grammy join our Thanksgiving table but so did cousin Kelly who is currently attending UNC at Chapel Hill. Dinner was delicious as was the company.

We are blessed.

the company:

Matt, Tyler, Christine (Me)

Tyler, Me, Kelly

(hey I just said he's attending UNC, by no means does he need to wear their attire!)

Go Ducks!

Lauren, Matt, Tyler's arm

Tyler (but you can't see him, his eyes are shut,) Me, Kelly, GRAMMY!

the food:
Herb Seasoned Turkey (roasted in foil according to this recipe)
Mashed Potatoes and turkey gravy
Chicken Sausage and Herb Stuffing
(I used pork sausage instead so I'm sure that throws the Skinny part out the window.)

Candied Sweet Potatoes or Yams

(sliced instead of quartered)

Skillet Creamed Corn (crowd favorite)
Roasted Parmesan Green Beans (these were over-cooked and not a crowd favorite)
Cheese-Garlic Biscuits
can of cranberry
pickles and olives

the dessert:
Pumpkin Pie (recipe on back of can)
Irish Chocolate Mint Dessert (Grammy made this delicious dish...YUMM!)

the turkey broth to last a lifetime:
(loosely based on this recipe)
We simmered half of the left-over turkey carcass (and chopped veggies & seasoning) in a stock-pot for 4 hours and the other half was done in a crock-pot over night. Turkey broth heaven.

Thanksgiving was a fun and seriously stress-free event. Mostly thanks to the Grammy below.

She flew home yesterday and we all miss her very much.

We Love You Grammy (Mom) (Gloria)

See you in March!

Charleston, South Carolina

2011-11-27T15:54:00.001-05:00

Grammy's Visit Part Two

I love to travel and Atlanta is driving distance to many destinations both fun and fascinating but also rich in history. Grammy's visit and the fact it coincided with the week-long Thanksgiving break from school provided the perfect excuse and opportunity for a quick four day road trip to Charleston.

Fasten your seat belts and enjoy the ride.
(I promise Grammy went with us, she just spent a lot of time behind the camera. Most of the photo credits go to her.)

Boone Hall Plantation

"America's oldest working plantation"

Slave Street

I thought this was the most interesting (and heart-breaking) part of the plantation.

(Lauren saw it more like an episode of House Hunters. She chose house number 2.)

Fort Moultrie

important from the Revolutionary War up through World War II

Lauren and Tyler enjoyed running through the underground passageways.

Sullivan's Island water front

you can tell Tyler is forcing a smile here

by this time Tyler was not having any of it

(another pic to submit to awkward family photos)

Charleston Water Front Park

It was a new day so Tyler was ready to smile again. See?! Grammy really was with us.

South of Broad Neighborhood

We toured the first house: Edmondston-Alston House

and I'd like to buy the second house.

(just a cool 9 million or so.)

Folly Beach

(a trip to Charleston MUST include a visit to the beach)

The water was a little bit cold for my liking but Tyler was just fine in shorts and a t-shirt, Lauren needed a jacket and the friend they met was warm enough in her swim suit! They had a blast.

Thanks for a great time Charleston!

Grammy's Visit Part One

2011-11-17T20:37:00.001-05:00

(A blog post so all y'all can quit reminding me that it's been too long since I've posted. Let it be known, I love that you care!)

My Mom (Grammy) is visiting over the Thanksgiving Holiday. She flew from Portland, OR to Atlanta, GA on Saturday last week. And wouldn't you have it, Matt had to fly from Atlanta to Portland that Sunday for work. With Matt working ~~clear across the country~~ out of town, it sure has been nice having Grammy around. We have kept ourselves busy....

The obligatory "reading books" pictures.

Field Trip with Lauren's 2nd grade class to the Junie B. Jones "Top-Secret Personal Beeswax" performance at the local community theatre.

Legos!!!!

(we love our LEGOS)

Spelling Homework

American Girls

(3 out of the 4 are dolls)

The "waiting for the school bus" Crew

Tomorrow we start Grammy's Visit Part Two. We'll be heading South of Broad. (Charleston, South Carolina) I love that city and Grammy has never been. Can't wait.

All Washed Up

2011-11-05T21:07:00.000-04:00

RIP: Kenmore 80 series washer

If you are friends with me on Facebook (and assuming you read my occasional and boring status updates) you know my washer quit working last Tuesday. We had the appliance repairman out and he said the transmission blew but he could fix it for $300. I painfully wrote him a check for $55 and thanked him for coming to look at it. $150 was my limit to fix the Kenmore.

Desperate and with laundry piling up I turned to my facebook friends for suggestions for a new washer.

I posted:

"My washing machine broke yesterday and today I'm looking for recommendations for a new one (and possibly a dryer if the husband lets me replace our fully functional one so they match.) Please tell me if you love (or hate) any in particular. Top load or no?

Yours Truly, Domesticated and Drowning in Dirty Clothes

My brother Brian replied with my favorite (yet most useless) comment:

"I recommend Matt's abs."

Everyone else gave me great advice which helped me decide that at this time I do not need to buy a top of the line washing machine with all the good-looks and eco-friendly gadgets. (nor do I need a matching dryer)

I'm sure my Mom will be a little disappointed because she always taught me "you get what you pay for." But if my Dad were still alive he would be proud. He always told me, "don't listen to your Mother." =)

Without further adieu (and before you nod off) I present to you my new Maytag washer. Which was dirt cheap and 10% off of that! It will be delivered tomorrow between 11am and 1pm. (Guess what I'll be doing while Matt is watching football all afternoon?)

P.S.

Lauren oh Lauren...I love her so.

I go to the YMCA to exercise just about every school day after the kids get on the bus. So every morning I wake up, put on workout clothes and throw my hair into a make-shift pony-tail. I'm going to sweat so I don't put any make-up on. Lauren has let me know that she doesn't like this look. "Momma, you look MUCH better with your hair down." (yeah I do kid...now go to school!)

Yesterday I dressed up to go out to dinner in honor of a dear friend who's moving to Charlotte, NC. I did my hair and make-up as well. Before I left Lauren brought me this special note. Perhaps she thinks positive reinforcement will get more results

I sure love that kid.

Halloween 2011

2011-11-05T19:44:00.002-04:00

Halloween 2011

Our neighbors invited us over for their annual Chili and Hot Chocolate Friends and Family get-together. It was a great "on the chilly side" Halloween. While Matt and the kids went out trick-or-treating with the big group I stayed by the fire and handed out candy to the other trick-or-treaters. Lauren and Tyler both got a ton of candy which should most definitely last us until next Halloween since they only eat one to two pieces per day.

a couple of my favorite pictures

Robot Skeleton and a Vampire with red contacts that seriously freaked me out.

Hope everyone had a great Halloween.

Conference Swag

2011-11-03T18:31:00.003-04:00

I miss work trips and conferences. To be more precise: I miss Matt's work trips and conferences. Before children and right up until they started school I traveled with Matt on his business trips as often as I could. I've been all over the world (Canada, Brazil & Italy = the whole world) and all over the United States (Northwest and the Southeast.) In the beginning, the conferences were lavish with top dollar entertainment (Huey Lewis and the News once played at a conference in Florida) and heavy on the swag (weekend get-a-ways, stereo systems, GPS units.) Then the economy took a dive and the entertainment disappeared and the swag at conferences really took a hit (LED key chain lights, pens, stickers, and bouncy balls.)

Things might be looking up though (at least for the Biomass industry.) Check out the swag Matt came home with from the conference today.

His "Northern" co-worker from Michigan won this sweet Southern Set of Deliciousness.

She didn't want it (or didn't want to pay extra baggage fees to take it home) so she gave it to Matt

(Matt = ME!)

SCORE! The cast-iron (pronounced "cast-arn") skillet is heavy! on the quality.

l-r: alaBAMA jellys & peanut butter, tea (must add sugar,) Mr. P's Lemon Pepper, Dale's Steak Sauce, Sticky Fingers Carolina Classic BBQ Sauce, Angel Hair Slaw and Salad Dressing and you can't forget the Fish-Fri.

Matt also swagged himself some real life trees (aka biomass?) The one on the left is a Eucalyptus and the one on the right is (I spaced the name.) He said they are both slightly tropical trees so they will spend the Fall and Winter indoors with us.

Wish them luck!

He said he could have brought home a lot more trees but he could only fit the two in his car.

(the highfalutin, in demand '92 Honda Civic that it is)

Funny Story

2011-11-02T20:33:00.001-04:00

Don't worry all, I'm working on a Fall and a Halloween and even a Sleep-Over post but Matt came home with a story today that needs to be told first.

Matt (being the important guy he is) attended the Southeast Biomass Conference & Trade Show in Atlanta. I know you've heard about it since (I imagine) all the big wigs attend it. Like the big wig he is Matt valet parked his car.

The conference was I'm sure, informational, great, ground-breaking and all that good stuff I have yet bothered to ask Matt about.

After the conference he picked up his car and on his valet ticket stub he saw this:

the guy even left his phone number

Why wouldn't some random valet guy ask to buy his car?

Check it out!

even in the shade it's full of awesome

(and 3 out of 4 doors (and an equal number of windows) open)

check out the gas loving mold...it thrives!

the head shot

Who wouldn't want to buy this car?

Matt said he texted the guy so we'll see what happens.

P.S. Although I jest in this post I have to say we LOVE this car. We got it at a great price (Thanks Grandma Jan) and it has been a very reliable source of transportation in its long 1992 Honda Civic life.

Not-a-lot-a

2011-10-25T20:25:00.000-04:00

There's Not-a-lot-a to say but I thought I'd update anyway.

We are holding on to our warm Fall weather and enjoying every day the temps remain above 70 degrees.

It looks like the cold front comes in this weekend.

(I need to find out where it is 75-85 degrees all year round. I would happily live there.)

incoming!

We've had a hit and a miss for dinner this week.

Monday's Pizza Pasta was a hit.

The grown-ups as well as the kids loved it.

(The Spinach Mushroom Enchiladas...not so much. Hence, no picture of tonight's dinner)

Today was crazy hair day at school.

Tyler requested a Mohawk.

Lauren slept in curlers last night but could not decide what she wanted to do with her springy curly hair. (Hence, no picture)

A teacher at her school, however, asked if she was wearing a wig.

"No Ma'am, that's really my hair."

Hope you all are having a good week.

Happy Birthday to my very special Grams, whom the kids call G.G. (short for Grandma Great)

78 years young today.

We Love You!

Weekly Menu 10/24/2011

2011-10-24T16:19:00.000-04:00

Monday: Pizza Pasta & steamed green beans
Tuesday: Spinach Mushroom Enchiladas (Taste of Home, Nov. 2011,) fruit & tortilla chips
Wednesday: Roasted Potatoes, Chicken Sausage and Peppers & rolls
Thursday: left-overs or pantry meal
Friday: Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta with "Alfredo" Sauce and Asparagus (scroll down) & Edamame, Red Pepper and Ginger Salad (both from the Sunday AJC newspaper)
Saturday: probably Pizza delivery
Sunday: Easy Ropa Vieja Stew (Taste of Home, Nov. 2011) & tortillas

Adventures of a Room Mom (Assignment #1)

2011-10-23T21:39:00.002-04:00

Why am I "Room Mom" to Lauren's 2nd grade class?

I am not overly outgoing and I absolutely detest asking anyone for help. (Just ask Matt, he'll attest.)

But with that being said I did agree to be the "Room Mom" and I successfully completed my first assignment.

Assignment #1: With donations from the parents, prepare a basket to be auctioned off at the Fall Festival.

Behold: The Money Tree basket

(estimated value $165)

Let's hope it sells!

Roller Skating Party

2011-10-23T21:21:00.000-04:00

Lauren went to a classmate's birthday party at the Skating Rink today. I didn't even know there was a skating rink in our area. I should have though because the ATL is known for its skating rinks.

(statement solely based on the 5 out of 10 stars movie, ATL.)

Needless to say this was Lauren's first time on 4 wheels. She did greater than great! At first she held my hand at all times. Then she started skating by herself but wanted me within arms reach.

A little later she was comfortable with more distance.

Towards the end of the party she told me I could go sit with the grown-ups.

There's my girl clear across the rink skating with the birthday boy. A very proud Momma took this picture.

Someone else may be noticing how special Lauren is.

Her teacher sent this parent evaluation home last week.

It's a preliminary screening for the REACH program (formerly known as TAG.)

We'll see where this goes but whatever comes of it Lauren has already REACHed beyond my wildest dreams for a daughter.

remember Thomas?

2011-10-22T19:54:00.000-04:00

Remember the Train Table during our 'We Love Thomas the Train' stage?

No? Well refresh your memory with the sweet picture below from May 27, 2008.

We still have the train table but the Trains and Tracks have long since been banished into the side drawers. In their place we now contain all of our Legos. All of our gazillions of little Legos.

Today however, someone (either L or T,) discovered where the Thomas the Train toys were being held captive and brought them out to play.

***I was so excited to see them play with Thomas again. When I think of Thomas I think of L and T at the age in the picture above (2 and 4 years old.) Sometimes I just want to hit the pause button because these kiddos are growing up way too fast.***

I quickly grabbed my camera, sneaked into the play room and snapped a photo.

As soon as she heard the click of the camera, Lauren immediately blurted out, "this better not go on the blog because I DO NOT like Thomas the Train." Then she tried to hide.

***I miss my babies but I also enjoy each and every stage (well most of the stages) they go through as they get older and become more like their grown-up selves.***

Fire Pit...check

2011-10-16T17:59:00.001-04:00

On our way to a birthday party I asked Matt to stop by Home Depot.

(and he did)

I said I wanted to buy a fire pit.

(and we did!)

I think I'm on a roll here.

Next I'm going to ask for the patio to be poured and stained.

Tyler and the statuesque Lauren pose in front of the new fire pit.

Daddy and Lauren are ready to roast some S'mores.

Tyler being a total boy.

(S'more in one hand and what's that? in the other?)

We had a fun family Saturday evening making s'mores by the fire and watching Rio (the movie.)

P.S. The birthday party we went to was for L and T's good friend Troy. His mother (who is a year younger than me) is the one who had a stroke in her brain stem last March. She was at the party in her wheelchair and had her iPad to communicate since she can't speak yet. It was pretty emotional for some of us adults (myself.) I had to hold back choking sobs when complete strangers came up to her and asked if they could pray over her. The first time I met her was one year ago at Troy's last birthday party. And the last time I saw her was at Tyler's birthday party about a week before her stroke. So much can change in 365 days. Cherish every moment!

Santa, do you read my blog?

2011-10-15T18:50:00.000-04:00

Lauren started her Christmas list today. This is for Santa and also anyone else who may be reading and wanting to give her a Christmas gift. =)

(click on the pictures for a closer look)

she's so worried about the price Santa may pay

Tyler saw what Lauren was doing and decided to make his own list.

The Tyler-list breakdown:

Left: the whole picture once again.

Middle (l-r:) Zhu Zhu Pet, iPod, cat, flip flops

Right (l-r): basketball, lantern, airplane, bomb, eraser

In case you didn't catch it from the picture above...

My son requested Santa bring him a BOMB for Christmas.

He told me the girls at school had pink ones but he wanted a blue one.

(?????)

should I be worried?

Later this evening Lauren was still in a creative mood so she made up her own game. She did this all on her own. (I only told her how to spell some of the words) You roll the little pink teddy-bear and whatever she lands on you have to do. (My favorite is the top-just-left of center: "say I love you to Mommy")

I heart my life: Kids and Hubby and all.

Tyler and his Pearly Whites

2011-10-13T20:13:00.002-04:00

Tyler had his six-month cleaning at the Dentist today.

He did great. He received a lot of compliments on his tie-dye shirt and was told his oral hygiene is perfect.

He replied, "Yeah, well I brush for 3 minutes every time."

That's my boy!

Check out his glowing review!

I thought it was just default to check the lines for "more thorough brushing..." and "flossing daily."

Speaking of Tyler:

He was pretty cute at bedtime last night. Matt has been working out of town (a lot lately) and Tyler has really been helping me out. For example, yesterday evening he rolled the garbage can to the curb for today's trash pick-up. I really talked it up that he's helping me since Daddy is out of town. Later that evening he said that since he's "kind of being Daddy" that maybe he should sleep on Daddy's side of MY bed. I told him that wouldn't be fair to Lauren but he said Lauren could sleep in the middle. I tell you what...with Tyler and Lauren sharing my little queen size bed I would be the one with the unfair deal. Needless to say we all slept in our own bedrooms last night.

Sneak Peak

2011-10-11T20:45:00.000-04:00

The kids had Monday and Tuesday off from school this week.

I was tired of being cooped up in the house and playing the screen time police so today we took off in search of our Halloween Costumes.

Three stores later and drizzling (Oregon-like) rain the whole time...

We have our costumes!

(Well, the kids do at least. Matt and I need our own for a grown-up Halloween party ...any ideas for us?!!)

Introducing the Snow Princess and the Robot Skeleton (argyle socks and all)

They had to put their costumes on as soon as we got home.

(Tyler is the Robot Dog here)

I have to admit his costume is a bit spooky.

And since we're still on our Picnik kick here are the costumes through the children's eyes.

Lauren's creation:

(she wants you to know the red is supposed to be blood)

Tyler's:

Remembering Yesterday

2011-10-10T20:12:00.000-04:00

We all seem to have a different memory from yesterday.

I remember Tera spent the night and

the three musketeers had a blast.

Lauren remembers this:

And Tyler remembers a whole lot of spooky details.

(We are having a lot of fun with Picnik!)

Weekly Menu

2011-10-09T19:32:00.001-04:00

Monday: l/o Colorado Green Chili (to be used as burrito filling)
Tuesday: Potato-Crusted Chicken Fingers & steamed broccoli & buttery noodles
Wednesday: Vegetable Dal (from Sept. Oct. 2011 Weight Watchers Magazine...if it's any good I'll post my version of the recipe) & pita bread & fruit
Thursday: use up the half bag of shrimp in the freezer. Recipe TBD
Friday: Bunco (Matt and kids on their own)
Saturday: Grilled Buttermilk Chicken, Green Beans & Creamy Potato salad with Bacon
Sunday: Falcons Game/pizza for kids (I'm considering giving up my ticket to one of the football guys...how nice of me, no?!)

Colorado Green Chili

2011-10-09T19:19:00.001-04:00

Tonight I made Colorado Green Chili and Chili Corn Bread. The chili was pork-a-licious. Matt said "this isn't good...it's great."

It takes awhile (close to 4 hours) but since the men watch football All. Day. Long. I have plenty of time to whip up a great batch of 4 hour chili while L and T play with their football friends (sons and daughters of the men watching football.)

Colorado Green Chili

based off of this recipe

Ingredients:
3 lbs. pork roast (or tenderloin)
1/4 cup flour
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1 lb. reduced fat ground pork

2 medium onions, chopped into large sections
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 jalapenos, diced
2 c. chicken stock, divided

3 (7oz) cans chopped green chilis
1 t. cumin
1 t. oregano

Directions:
Cut pork roast (or tenderloin) into 1/2" cubes and coat with flour, salt and pepper.
Cook in skillet with small amount of oil until pork is well browned. Remove from skillet and place in a large pot.
Brown ground pork in same skillet. Remove from skillet and place in the large pot.
Add onions, garlic and jalapenos to skillet, cook on medium heat, covered, to sweat the onions (release their juices.) About 8 min.
Add one cup chicken stock to deglaze the skillet.
Add skillet mixture to the pot along with the remaining ingredients.
Bring to a boil then simmer for 3 hours.

Serve with grated cheddar cheese.

Serves 8-10

Chili Corn Bread recipe here.
(I omitted the corn because I was (frozen) fresh out.

S'mores and S'friends

2011-10-09T16:27:00.001-04:00

Last night Dave and Susan invited us and some other friends over to make S'mores in their backyard.

The children are all bundled up, not because it was going to be cold but to protect themselves from bug bites.

We all had a great time.

The grown-ups talked with grown-ups and made sure no children fell in the fire.

The children sprinkled some potato chips around the yard in hopes of baiting Big Foot (he didn't show, thankfully) and then got down to playing and having fun.

(check it out, I finally used Picnik to make some photo collages)

going, still going, and just about gone

(digital proof that Tyler still occasionally snuggles with me)

Thanks for having us Dave and Susan!

(let it be known, I have added a fire pit to my wish list)

what's with the STAIRS?!

2011-10-07T20:39:00.000-04:00

We have a pretty big house.

(4000 square feet)

My husband says it's way more than we need.

If it's more than we need why do our children feel the only place they can play with their toys is on the stairs?

the Battlefield turns into Barbie land on the landing

apparently the Barbie Townhouse is 9 stories (stairs) tall.

How no one breaks their neck navigating around our house is beyond me.

(gosh, I sound like my Mom (or your Mom) with the "break their neck" line.)

Cavity Schmavity

2011-10-04T21:20:00.000-04:00

Enjoying the "Happy Air"

(nitrous oxide)

Lauren had her cavity filled today and it was a piece of (sugar-free from now on) cake. I had her go to school before her 10:15am appointment and she told me she was super nervous at school. However, at the dentist's office she was very stoic and the perfect patient. Even the dentist said so. He wants her to come back and teach all his other patients how to do it.

He told her he was going to give her some "Happy Air" which would make her feel like she is on her "favorite ride at Six Flags." After putting on her mask I kept waiting for her to cry, freak out, convulse, have a major adverse reaction but she just calmly laid there. She told me later she felt like she was "a statue in space." She even told me she "wished it would have taken longer because [she] was so relaxed." She knew they gave her two shots but "they didn't hurt." Next time I have any procedure done I'm going to ask for some "Happy Air" first.

While Lauren was a "statue in space" the hygienist and dentist sealed her four molars and used "air-abrasion" (no drill!) to clean the decay from her cavity. He then filled the cavity with white composite. When they were done they let her breathe plain oxygen for a couple of minutes so she wouldn't leave feeling like this viral video. (he must have had an I.V.) The whole process took only 35 minutes. She walked out of the office feeling fine except for her numb lip...which stayed numb for 90 more minutes.

Despite the annoying numbness, I'm positive she will not be traumatized by today's cavity filling.

Here's the 8-part reason why:

#1 The exceptional (and painless) job done by the dentist.

#2 Since her lip was numb and annoying her I let her stay home from school the rest of the day.

#3 I gave her yogurt and chocolate pudding for lunch. (lip was still numb so I was afraid she'd bite it by chewing anything solid)

#4 We watched Baby Geniuses together on Netflix via the Wii.

#5 I still let her go to Art Class (she drew the pumpkin in the picture below)

#6 She built a habitat for her blue plastic crab (a prize from the Dentist) and I said she could keep it on the kitchen table "until the next day." (seen in the picture below)

#7 I made her all time favorite dinner: Buttery Penne Noodles with a dash of salt, pepper, and a heavy dusting of Parmesan cheese.

and finally

#8 She told me repeatedly "this is the best day ever."

many components of a "Best Day Ever"

I realize this post is all about Lauren and her cavity but I hate to leave Tyler out. So if any of you are still reading this long post about a cavity then you won't mind reminiscing with me about Tyler on the TEN-FOURS. (get it? 4th day of the 10th month? October 4th over the years or as close to 10/4 as I could get it?)

6 months

cat-6 years, Tyler-18 months, Me-30 years

2 1/2 years

3 1/2 years

4 1/2 years

Tyler goes to the Dentist for his 6 month cleaning next week. Let's cross our fingers for a "clean teeth bill of health!"

Monday Madness

2011-10-03T18:57:00.000-04:00

Is it bedtime yet?

These two have been at each other since the moment they got off the school bus.

Somehow I got them to hold still while I took a picture.

minus the blanket

notice his new hair-cut?

Lauren gets her cavity filled tomorrow morning.

Wish us luck!

Wing It Week

2011-10-02T19:11:00.000-04:00

This week we are going to wing it.

I still have a couple of recipes left-over from last week:

Chicken Creole & Chili Corn Bread Wedges

Chicken and Dumplings (Taste of Home magazine, October 2011)

The main reason we are winging it is because Tyler's milk was dumped all over my refrigerator TWICE today. The first time was caused by Tyler trying to put it back into the fridge and not noticing he wasn't setting it on the shelf. The second time was caused by one of Lauren's dear friends. She was looking for a cheese stick and knocked it over in the process. (Unfortunately, she didn't tell me what she did. I found the milky mess 30 minutes later.)

I'm so tired of cleaning milk off of all the jars and containers I have in the fridge that I just want them gone. My goal this week is to make a huge dent in my fridge, freezer and pantry. Wish me luck because "Winging It" is not in my comfort zone.

In other news, I put the patches on Lauren's new Girl Scout Brownie vest just in time for her first official meeting. (I'm not sure if exposing her troop number is dangerous in anyway but I like to play around with the Paint Program sometimes.)

She had a blast today. Girl Scouts is one of her favorite activities.

(Lauren is the blond in the brown brownie vest)

Have a great week everyone!

Cruise by Anytime

2011-10-01T19:12:00.000-04:00

Look who "cruised" by for a visit last week.

Why it was Grandma Jan and Grandpa Michael, of course. (this is only a surprise if you skipped my last post...shame on you.)

They were on their way home from their cruise on the Allure of the Seas out of Ft. Lauderdale and ~~knew that anytime they make it as far as Florida they better make a quick stop~~ took some extra time to visit us in Georgia.

As the pictures show:
We spent our entire time READING.

(different outfits = different days)

Well, we actually did do more than just read but what we didn't do was spend much time with Matt. Unfortunately, Matt was in Colorado on a business trip during most of their visit.
Fortunately, my in-laws are great and very easy to entertain.

Last night they had to fly back home but we'll be seeing them soon. We're planning a big family vacation in Destin, FL for April.

in other news:

Yesterday was the FIRST day of jacket weather according to Lauren.

(the temp dropped below 80 degrees)

Today was the Mom's Club Fall Festival! (the temp was a comfortable 68 degrees)

It was a Chili Cook-off and I'm happy to say Matt and I (who both worked on this dish) took 2nd place (out of five.) I'm okay with this but Matt is still sulking. He really wanted to win.

Here's the recipe for you to try at your next get-together. It will not disappoint.

The kids enjoyed, among other activities, painting pumpkins, pillowcase races, bobbing for apples but most of all - time with their friends.

Tonight we'll be enjoying family movie night.
I can't wait to watch E.T. with my kids. I hope they like it.

Weekly Menu 9/26/2011

2011-09-26T21:13:00.000-04:00

Monday: Grilled Gruyere and Olive Tapenade Sandwiches & Chicken Club Soup

Tuesday: Black Bean and Cheese Enchiladas with Ranchero Sauce & yellow rice

Wednesday: Blue Cheese-Stuffed Pork Chops with Pears & Honey Roasted Red Potatoes

Thursday: Chicken Creole & Chili Corn Bread Wedges

Friday: Girls Night Out (this reminds me I better let Matt know about it) & left-overs

Saturday: Mom's Club Fall Festival and Chili Cook-off (I'll be judging not cooking)

Sunday: Chicken and Dumplings (Taste of Home magazine, October 2011)

Grandma Jan and Grandpa Michael are visiting for a couple of days this week after their Allure of the Seas cruise. You can't take a cruise in Florida and not come visit us! In honor of their visit I found some breakfast recipes to make up for them. (Normally, I don't do breakfast other than cereal and toast.)

Monkey Bread Cooking Light, Oct. 2011
Brittany's Breakfast Bites Taste of Home, Oct. 2011
Sausage Breakfast Pockets Taste of Home, Oct. 2011

Chattahoochee Bend State Park

2011-09-26T19:55:00.003-04:00

Since Sunday's are now full of Red Zone Football for the grown-up menfolk we try to do something fun as a family on Saturdays. This Saturday we met our friends at the newest state park in Georgia.

The Chattahoochee Bend State Park

I was impressed by the hiking trails and numerous camp sites.

The kids were impressed by the playgrounds.

After playing for awhile we ventured out on the hiking path. The kids did great with zero complaints about being tired. I'm thinking the zero complaints had something to do with their hiking companions.

Kaden and Kylie

We are loving our Saturdays. It's always "the best day ever" according to Lauren.

Monday: The Good and The Bad of it

2011-09-19T21:34:00.000-04:00

I always choose the Bad News first (to get it over with) so here we go...

Lauren had a dentist appointment today and the Doctor found a CAVITY.

I was crushed. Even though Lauren brushes her own teeth, at age seven her health and well being are still my responsibility and I feel I failed her. Lauren, however, had no idea anything was out of the ordinary. The Dr. talked to me privately and suggested I say nothing to her. "This will make the filling of the cavity much less stressful." (Do you agree with the Doc?)

I was sent home with the paperwork for our next appointment in a couple of weeks.

White Filling, Sealants for her healthy 6-year-old molars (standard procedure,) and Nitrous Oxide.

S'cuse me? NITROUS OXIDE?!?!

I've never had the "laughing gas" and I'm crushed my baby is going to get it.

Hopefully, I can keep myself together enough to comfort her during her next appointment

I'm getting myself upset again so now on the the Good News...

"Great News!" actually

Lauren is the Cub of the Week (Student of the Week)

She (we) put together this collage to tell her class all about her.

Picture of Herself: Lauren riding her bike

Family Picture: top right corner

Picture of Pet: Chloe opening the door to the garage

"What I like best about me:" I like being a Girl.

Favorite Food: Strawberries

Favorite Book: Diary of a Wimpy Kid series

Favorite Color: Pink

"When I grow up I want to be...:" a Teacher

"I am special because...:" I was a Preemie, Just look at me know.

"I want to visit...:" LegoLand California

Favorite Sport: Basketball

Favorite TV Show: Fetch with Ruff Ruffman

Way to go Lauren!

In addition to the Good and the Bad of Monday here's a little bonus information:

the latest inDemand computer game is:

Bloon Tower Defense 4

Our 9 year old neighbor comes over to just to play.

(don't worry I time their computer time)

Meal of the Week

2011-09-18T20:22:00.002-04:00

I like just about EVERYTHING food related.

You suggest a restaurant? I'll go and I'll like it.

You make me a dinner? You betcha I'll like it!

I make a different dinner just about every night and pretty much every time I do...gosh darn, I Like It.

I'm the perfect (easy) dinner date let me tell you.

Since I like most dinners I don't, however, think of them as anything special.

Today though, I tasted SPECIAL!

This just may be one of my favorite dinners yet.

(ask Matt, he'll confirm)

Crock Pot Kalua Pork

(based from this Skinnytaste recipe)

Ingredients:

3 lb pork shoulder blade or pork butt roast (not the pork shoulder picnic)

1 T. liquid smoke

1 T. sea salt

2c. cooked rice

AWESOME GRAVY

Directions:

Spray crock pot with cooking spray (the clean-up crew will thank you.)

Place pork in crock pot and stab all over with knife or fork. Rub sea salt all over pork. Drizzle with liquid smoke. Set crock pot to low and cook 12 to 16 hours (I let it cook all night and into the next morning.) After 12 hours check temperature. Once thermometer reads 160 degrees it is done. Let rest 15 minutes and then (easily) shred. Reserve juices for an AWESOME GRAVY and store shredded pork in the fridge until ready to eat.

20 minutes before dinner (or 50 minutes for brown rice,) make the white rice (follow directions on bag.) Warm up the kalua pork in the microwave and make the AWESOME GRAVY!!

Awesome Gravy:

My crockpot yielded about a cup of juice from the pork butt. Set the reserved juices to a simmer on the stove-top and once simmering add a mixture of 2 T. flour and 3 T. water. Whisk together and continue to simmer. Add by (awesome) spoonful to the warmed up kalua pork and rice.

BOOYAH! Recipe of the Week!

Weekly Menu 9-19-2011

2011-09-18T16:44:00.004-04:00

Monday: White Bean Soup and Fall Vegetable Paninis
Tuesday: Pork Chops with Caribbean Rub with (jarred Mango Chutney from the fridge) and Lemon-Parmesan Broccoli
Wednesday: Mashed Chickpea Pitas and Spinach, Pasta, and Pea Soup (Will this many chickpeas make us gassy...we'll find out.)
Thursday: Bacon, Tomato, and Arugula Pizza with fruit from the fridge
Friday: Tortilla Meatball Soup and chips
Saturday: potential cook-out with friends...if you read this Diane, are we on?
Sunday: Quick Pastitsio and Quick Italian Bread

Have a great week. Temps here are going to be in the 70s and 80s. I love the Fall.

Tyrone Founders Day Festival

2011-09-17T20:46:00.000-04:00

Today was a good day. Matt suggested we get out of the house and let the kids ride their bikes.

--Great Idea--

We opted for the bike path around the lake in Tyrone.

Lucky for us, today was Tyrone's Founder's Day Festival. We biked to the main street just in time for the parade.

We used the kids' bike helmets to hold the mass-load of candy they scored from the parade.

Not a bad turn-out. Well done Tyrone!

Lauren said, "after my birthday, this is the best day of my life."

(As parents we LOVE to hear this!)

When the parade was finished we did 3 laps around the lake.

(each lap is a half mile)

I love this picture of Matt holding Tyler's hand.

Lauren did great. We put her training wheels back on her bike and she gained a lot of confidence. She also got a great muscle workout on the (slight) hills.

She's a cutie for sure.

After exhausting ourselves at the bike path we headed over to the Tyrone Carnival. Among other rides we enjoyed the swings...

the dragon spinners...

and the carousel...

take one: darn pole

take two: darn horse

take three: well we'll take it

We came home just in time to listen to the Oregon vs. Missouri St. game on XM Radio (since our Direct TV did not televise.). The Oregon ~~slaughter~~ win just complemented our Best Day Ever.

School Picture Day

2011-09-12T20:00:00.002-04:00

Today was Picture Day (yes, already!)

Lauren is wearing her own outfit she specifically picked out for Picture Day.

Dress from Justice, Leggings from Old Navy and Twinkle Toes (the shoes)

Tyler is wearing a shirt from Carters, shorts from OshKosh and Mossimo flip flops from Target.

He's hiding in the corner because that's where he goes to mess up his hair immediately after I wet it down and comb it. He also secretly snuggles with his blanket. (Don't tell but I'm obviously onto him.)

After school neighbor Joshua came over to play.

He's in 4th grade but L and T love to play with him.

After they played on the computer for 20 minutes I kicked them off and made them play something else.

I suggested tag or something out doors but they chose a board game.

Operation: Toy Story

After losing the game, Lauren did her best to bother them.

("maybe they won't notice if I slide my hand under the game and give it a big bump every so often")

I'm looking forward to seeing how their school pictures turned out.

P.S. Tyler said something funny last night that I want to record so I don't forget.

Last night as I tucked him in I did the usual hug, and nose kiss (he won't let me regular kiss him anymore.) I told him I Loved Him and waited. He didn't say "I love you too, Momma" (like he usually does) so I repeated myself. He didn't say it once again so I called him on it. He then told me that he did say it but " I said it in my brain." I'll take it! Love that boy.

Buffalo Chicken, Blue Cheese Smashed Potatoes and the Weekly Menu

2011-09-12T19:27:00.000-04:00

Buffalo Chicken (breast pieces) and Buttermilk-Blue Cheese Smashed Potatoes

Lauren loved the Buffalo Chicken. She's my hot sauce gal. I used Frank's Original RED HOT sauce. Yumm. The smashed potatoes were too subtle in my opinion. Next time I'll add more blue cheese. Tyler is the only one who didn't LOVE tonight's dinner. Before he even took a bite he asked me if I remembered the time he threw up his mashed potatoes. He never threw up but after his initial comment I didn't have high hopes for the boy. Maybe next time. (He did, however, eat enough of his dinner to get a snack.)

Weekly Menu:
(mostly ~~stolen~~ deliciously borrowed from Skinnytaste.com)

Tuesday: Easiest Pasta and Broccoli Recipe & l/o ciabatta bread (from the freezer)
Wednesday: Root Beer Sloppy Joes (scroll down) & salad
Thursday: Thai Chicken and Pineapple Stir-Fry
Friday: Mom's Club Bunco so Matt and kiddos are on their own (pantry meal)
Saturday: Bangin Good Shrimp & Egg Flower Soup (from a packet I will buy at the store)
Sunday: Crock Pot Kahlua Pork (rice and lettuce roll-ups) & fruit

FOOD and FAMILY

2011-09-11T21:28:00.000-04:00

FOOD:

Sweet Tooth Mix

(the kids loved this for days)

the veggies which inspired the

Mexican Inspired Vegetable Soup

(the end product is so delicious!)

soft TACOS!

(my favorite!)

This is one of the only dinners I don't rely on a recipe.

browned ground beef w/ taco seasoning

simmered, fat-free refried beans

shredded cheese

lettuce

tomato

olives

cilantro

tortilla

YUMM!

Angie's Egg Biscuits

(love these!)

I froze what we didn't eat so these breakfast muffins of deliciousness will be enjoyed again very soon.

We ate well these past few days but we also had a lot of fun outdoors.

FAMILY:

Hiking at Line Creek

(pay no attention to me but focus on the cute half-pints with me)

T-Ball in the Yard

Lauren has a pretty good swing!

barefoot in the field

Nice swing Big T!

Today has been a nice balance of Food and Family.

I love them both!

Nine Eleven, Two Thousand Eleven

2011-09-11T20:56:00.001-04:00

I didn't plan on writing a post about 9/11/01 but I found myself working on another post for 9/11/11 and I thought it would only be right to share something in memory of the event. Here is my insignificant experience of the tragedy from 10 years ago

9/11/2001

5:45am (PST): I woke up for work as usual, turned on the radio and hopped in the shower.

6:00am (PST): I got out of the shower and heard the local radio DJs saying they are "speechless and there are no words to describe."

6:01am (PST): I was extremely curious so I turned on the TV news to watch. I don't know if I watched it live or not but I remember watching the second plane fly into the tower. I thought "this is surreal."

Not long after: I called Matt (my husband for less than a month) in Texas where he was working. He hadn't heard anything yet so I had him turn on the TV.

The Next Few Days: I went to work (at Holt International) and everyone was in shock. We went through the motions. Matt tried to come home but all flights were grounded. His company ended up chartering private planes to get their employees home or as close to home as possible. Matt and I lived in Eugene, OR at the time and the closest his company could get him was Los Angeles, CA. After two days of waiting and a 15-hour car ride, Matt was finally home. I remember needing him to be home with me.

9/11/2011

Today I watched the 10 year Remembrance of the 9/11 attack. I cried like a baby, my stomach physically ached when I watched the real life stories of the families who lost loved ones. I cried the hardest when I saw the segment on all the babies who were in utero when they lost their parent (father) in the attack. They were all almost 10 years old. I can't believe it has been 10 years.

I remember the morning it happened so vividly and forever.

Chicken Rollatini

2011-09-07T20:24:00.000-04:00

Tonight's dinner was from one of my favorite blogs. SkinnyTaste (She gives WW points with each of her recipes.)

Chicken Rollatini Stuffed with Zucchini and Mozzarella

I accidentally added almost twice the mozzarella cheese. (however, no one complained)

cheesy chicken all Rolled a tini and ready for the oven

sliced cutlet with side of random frozen bag of veggies

Dessert tonight was Skinny Minty ice-cream.

Question for the Masses:
I'm wondering if it is a Southern Accent thing or not... The darlings pictured above will often answer me in the negative with a "No-wah" instead of a simple "No (ma'am.") Do you (y'all) get a two-syllable "No" from your children?

In response to their "No-wah," I always tell them that No-ah built the Ark. =)

10 Years!!

2011-09-06T21:42:00.000-04:00

August 26, 2001 - August 26, 2011

Holy Cow! I've been married for TEN years!

TEN Years and TEN (or so) Photos

2001
Wedding at Chateau Lorane

My Dad walking me down the Aisle.

My new Husband!

Honeymoon

(Grand Cayman)

(holy thin-ness!)

2002
4th of July, Crouch, Idaho

2003
4th of July, Lake Tahoe, Idaho (or was it California?)

2004
me and my preemie
Baby Lauren, 6 lbs 1 oz., born at 36 weeks

2-month-old Lauren on Uncle Brian's High School Graduation Day

2005
my 10-year High School reunion
(HS-BFFs: Jayme, Heather, Audra, Me, Jennifer)

the circus moves to Atlanta
(cats: Jack and Chloe in the carriers, Matt in the middle, Lauren in her car seat and me, pregnant with Tyler, taking the picture)

2006
Baby Tyler
(full term)
9 lbs, 12 oz!!

my babies

Super Dad!

2007
Cabo San Lucas
(first vacay without the kiddos)

August 5, 2007
(my 56-year-old father dies from a Heart Attack)

(Lauren and I are to the left)

2008
Disney World, Orlando, Florida
(with Aunt Mili while Uncle Kevin took the picture)

2009
North Georgia Mountains
(Deliverance territory)

2010
with cousin Madison (who obviously adores me) in Boise, Idaho

2011
beautiful family, beautiful life

August 26, 2001 - August 26, 2011

Wow! These last TEN years have been AWE-MAZING. I went from a young adult, to a wife, to a mother, to a suddenly grieving daughter (I think about and miss my Dad daily) to a perpetually improving wife and mother and sister and daughter and friend.

Bring on the next TEN years!

(Thank you Matt for choosing me as your one and only. Happy 10 year anniversary.)

Weekly Menu

2011-09-06T19:23:00.001-04:00

(This post is dedicated to Leslie W. who told me via Facebook and in person today that she expects some sort of blog post ASAP. We took kickboxing together at the gym today and I saw her moves...I don't want to piss her off!!)

so without further ado, here's my...

Weekly Menu

Monday: Crab Cakes and Spicy Mustard Sauce & Salad

Wow those crab cakes look huge!

They were hugely delicious as well.

(even the harshest critics (Lauren and Tyler) devoured them)

That looks better with them next to my salad.

(Don't tell my family but I added a can of solid albacore along with the canned lump crab.

No one noticed a thing. Not even Matt who is a huge restaurant crab cake snob.)

Tuesday: Cheese Ravioli with Pesto & left-over biscuits & applesauce (not pictured)

Yumm!

a hit with the kiddos as well

(I omitted the pine nuts)

Wednesday: Chicken Rollatini Stuffed with Zucchini and Mozzarella & frozen veggies (long-time residents of the freezer)

Thursday: left-overs

Friday: neighborhood Bunco - so Matt and kids are on their own

Saturday: Stuffed Cabbage Rolls & Honey Roasted Red Potatoes

Sunday: Buffalo Chicken & Buttermilk-Blue Cheese Smashed Potatoes

Others:

Angie's Egg Biscuits (to have on hand for breakfasts and meals on the run)

Mexican Inspired Vegetable Soup (my favorite "lose-weight" lunch)

Sweet-Tooth Mix (kid snack for school-lunches and after-school)

Good Eatin' Y'all!

(Thanks Leslie for your ~~threats~~ encouragement. This post wasn't all that hard to do.)

Still Here

2011-08-30T20:44:00.000-04:00

We're still here. The kids have been back to school for three weeks now and they are loving it. I wish I had something exciting to write about but we've just been doing the normal day to day and I'd hate to bore y'all. I'm working on a 10 year anniversary post but it's slow in the making. In the meantime you might enjoy this Taylor Swift song that brought me to tears this afternoon. Seriously, I heard it for the first time today and teared up.

I'd love for my kids to Never Grow Up.

Taylor Swift - Never Grow Up lyrics

What Have I Done?!!

2011-08-22T20:57:00.002-04:00

Look what I've gotten myself into:

The volunteer coordinator at the Elementary School called last week while I was at the gym. In her message, she said she was looking for a Room Mom for Lauren's classroom and would I be interested?
I conveniently took my time getting back to her thinking she'd find someone else.
(I am SO NOT Room Mom material. I've come to terms with the fact that I am not a leader nor one of those Type As like Room Moms are supposed to be.)

This week, while I was at the gym, the volunteer coordinator called and left a message AGAIN.
She was still having trouble finding a Room Mom and would I please consider it and call her today to discuss.
She got me thinking: I may not have the confidence but I certainly do have the time.
I'm lucky enough not to have to work outside of the home.
My one and only reason for not working is to be there for my kids..

So I called her back and said, despite it being out of my comfort zone, I'll be Room Mom to Lauren's class.
Very much relieved, she reassured me everything would be okay and she'd give me more direction at the Room Mom meeting tomorrow evening.

When Lauren got home from school I told her I was going to be her class's Room Mom. I told her I was nervous because it was something I had not done before and it was the same feeling she gets when she does new things.
She told me I should cry a lot then because that is what she does when she is nervous.

I felt an immediate shift in my thinking when I heard her say this.
It went from being about (poor) me to about being a good example to her.

Although I may be nervous and out of my comfort zone I'm going to give it my all, do my best and have fun.
Lesson to learn:
It takes courage to go out of your comfort zone but the rewards will be worth it.
(I hope!)

signed:
Lauren's 2nd Grade Room Mom

Oh My Weekend

2011-08-20T20:00:00.000-04:00

Oh My Goodness.

This has been quite the weekend and we are only half way through.

Lauren is at her absolute BEST* right now.

*said with sarcasm!

Last night she attended her first birthday party of the school year.

It was a Slumber Party but from what I heard there was not much Slumbering done.

Host Mom said they went to bed around 2am and woke up at 7:30am.

~~Lauren said she had the BEST time and can't wait to have her friend over for playdates.~~

I'm happy for her but Lauren and only FIVE hours of sleep is not a good combination.

She's already lost 50 cents for saying bad words.

---> "Be Quiet Tyler!" <---

(said with the same meaning, sass and emotion as "SHUT UP" so treated with the same punishment)

((yes, her parents are soooo mean))

Bed time coming up shortly!

In other Oh My Weekend news:

14 cars were broken into in our neighborhood the other day.

We have about 100 houses total.

I know we're close to Atlanta but I like to pretend, being the distant suburb we are, that we are free and clear from Atlanta's crime.

Thoughts are this was an inside (inside the neighborhood) job and that one juvenile has been caught.

Matt was working out of town when this happened but now that he's back I had him put up a motion sensor light by the garage. It's a cool one with bells and whistles and timers and dimmers. I can't wait for our first trespasser!

Dinner tonight was fantastic.

I love it when Matt makes sounds as he's eating. This tells me it is good and should tell you to most definitely try it! =)

Stuffed Cuban Pork Tenderloin

(I used kite string to tie it together)

Served with sliced apples, oranges and Smoked (fingerling) Potato Salad.

Oh My Weekend...

Despite Lauren testing everything, everyone and my very last nerve right now... it's been fun.

More fun to come tomorrow.

We have a Mom's Club Fiesta Party to attend.

Time to put the grouches to bed.

Night Y'All.

tin and aluminum

2011-08-17T21:31:00.000-04:00

Matt and I are quickly coming upon our 10 Year Anniversary!

August 26, 2011 will be 10 years of wedded bliss.

(all Bliss...right Matt?!)

((He said right! well I'm sure he'll say "right!" when he reads this post.))

I've had the best 10 years of my life so far.

(of course I had a great childhood...so Mom, Kevin and Brian...don't feel left out)

When I was young and silly (last year?) I thought we'd celebrate our 10 year anniversary with the traditional gift of "tin or aluminum" or the modern gift of "diamonds."

However, I am much wiser now.

Unbeknownst to Matt I bought my own 10 year anniversary gifts:

an actual composter

(my neighbor's will thank me for getting rid of my see-through compost bins)

and some new workout gear

So instead of the "traditional" gift of Tin and Aluminum I'm quite happy with my 10th anniversary gift of

Dirt and Sweat!

(Of course, I won't say no to a date night with Matt as well.)

Happy almost Anniversary Matt.

I love you.

wonderful wednesday

2011-08-17T20:14:00.000-04:00

Look what greets me everyday after school.

(It makes missing them all day worthwhile.)

All the way up the drive-way Tyler is shouting, "Momma, Momma!" He can't wait to tell me about his day. (especially who was naughty, crazy or wanted to marry him.) Even Lauren chirps in now and then. I love hearing about their day and am so happy they still want to tell me about it.

BFF Weekend

2011-08-15T21:25:00.000-04:00

We all survived the first week of school.
It was a big adjustment for all of us.
(In addition to separation anxiety, getting up at 6am again is hard.)

To celebrate the first weekend of the school year we all had a fun and relaxing weekend with our BFFs.

I played Bunco.

Matt played Tiger Woods (on the PS3 with the glow wands?)

But, most importantly Lauren and Tyler played almost constantly with their BFFs.

Tera and Lauren
at the park

BFF picnic at the park

Tera & Lauren

Big Tyler & Little Tyler and Me

Tyler & Troy

in the sandbox

The weekend eventually came to an end and we're back to our weekday schedule now.

The kids are back at school, Matt is back to work and I'm back to making tasty dishes to eat.

Sunday dessert was:

Bourbon Glazed Peaches with Yogurt

(the picture looks funky but they were delish)

Dinner tonight was very kid centered (since Matt is working out of town.)

We had Baked Mozzarella Bites, Kid-tastic Pizzadillas, steamed asparagus and green salad.

It was a Kid-tastic Hit!

(Matt texted to say he had Chicken Fried Steak...I'm still thinking our dinner was better.)

I hope you all had a great weekend and spent some quality time with your BFFs just like we did.

Another Knot Untangled

2011-08-10T22:13:00.000-04:00

When I had kids, no one ever sat me down, looked me in the eye and told me that my children would really, actually, one day grow up to be their very own person. Their life path was so knotted and twisted (and intertwined with mine) that I naively didn't think it would ever Really work its way out. However, since the day they were born their self experiences have been working through the knots and Untangling themselves to tell their very own (separate from my) life stories.

(I'm sure it gets worse as they get older but I'm already feeling it this week.)

So with that said, school is back in session and since Tyler is now in Kindergarten (All Day Long) I'm getting used to the mostly empty and very quiet house. I made myself a schedule to keep busy and to not dwell on things.

I'm back at the gym daily (after taking about 6 weeks off this summer.) Already my back feels better but my muscles sure do ache from the new workouts. I also have a Zone cleaning schedule for the house. (You know, clean one area each day and eventually the house gets clean)

I thought I would be a total wreck now that my BABY TYLER was at school all day. However, the fact that he LOVES it and comes home bursting with great stories makes me feel a lot better.

Unfortunately, some of his stories involve a girl on the bus. She's a first grader and Tyler calls her "the crazy one." He told me today she said she wanted to marry him and she even tried to kiss him.

As cute as he is I don't blame her but I told Tyler to tell her and anyone else! that His Momma said no one was allowed to kiss him....Until I Say So! (or at least 20 years from now.)

Needless to say, Untangling my Life is an exciting journey! I'm glad you're here with me. Lord knows I need the support.