Trying to avoid getting stepped on by the horse

This exercise thing is really the bane of my existence (well bills are too, but that is another story). Why is it that I can exercise on a strong, consistent basis for 5 weeks and then I fall off the horse? I thought three weeks was the time to create a habit?

I think part of my problem is that I simply don't like it. I know - wah, wah, wah! A lot of people I know start off not liking it and then learn to love it; why can't that be me???? Even when I was exercising regularly (because IT'S GOOD FOR ME and I NEED TO LOSE A FEW POUNDS), I didn't learn to love it. I love how I feel when I am done - that is it! And I love the feeling I had at the end of the Hot Chocolate 5k - knowing that I had run the whole time without stopping. But it took every fiber of my being to self-talk myself into moving forward and not walking.....can you hear me 'stay at your own pace' 'ignore the people passing you' 'just run to the street sign' 'oh, that wasn't so bad now run until you pass the dude in the blue shirt who is walking'; 'look, you passed him now run to the signal'; 'say Thank You to the police officer, now pick another sign to pass'; 'you are more than half-way done don't quit now'; 'this is the farthest you have ever run, don't quit now'; 'a hill? are you kidding me?'; 'why is my left foot completely numb?'; 'almost there, don't stop or you will be so mad'; 'oh look, there is the finish -- sprint to get a better time!'....my race in a nutshell. Am I the only person who thinks this way?

And I am certainly not one to spring out of bed in the morning to hit the road or the gym -- I tried, I really tried. I joined a Saturday morning group and did it at 7am for a few weeks. It was freezing cold and miserable; I like the company but that was it. I like sleep and my bed much better. I'm not going to lie and pretend. And my family will attest that I am not a morning person. We all have our limitations. So, I will have to figure out a better way.

A better way currently is mostly with diet - I am averaging one soda per week (if that), fast food once a month, and I have given up chocolate for Lent. I am bringing snacks/lunch for days when I work to avoid getting any junk (I really do eat an apple a day!). I have even cut back significantly on the amount of gluten I was consuming; just finding some alternatives feels better. More water; lots of fresh fruits and veggies; avoiding processed. Trying to make it a lifestyle change not a diet per se. BUT still have to figure out this exercise thing.

Currently, I am finding inspiration from outside sources (shout out to Audrey Percival, Jennifer Smith, and OneFitWidow). Everyone has their own obstacles and goals but these ladies continue to find a way to be better. I am inspired to be better. Now I just have to find that fire within.

So, back on the horse I go -- got 2.2 miles in with 20 jjacks, 20 sit-ups, 30sec. plank, 10 wall push-ups, some arms with mini-weights and a 30 sec. wall sit....better than a sharp stick in the eye, I guess. Or, in the spirit of this post, better than a swift kick in the head from a horse.

Figuring it out one chore at a time

Like many Moms I know, I often hear 'I don't know how you do it.' Truth be told, I really don't know either. There are some days were I feel like I have it all together and I can conquer or embrace the obstacles in my way. However, there are many days were I feel like my head is underwater and I am happy if I get everyone where they need to be on time much less fed and happy. I think the key to those all together days are the ones with a plan --dinner meal is planned so I know what to thaw the day before; a plan/schedule about who needs to be where and when; a plan about what errands to run/ am I working that day/ is it a volunteer at school day; etc. But where does that leave the housework/chores?

Over the years, we have had many charts, routines, rotations, etc. regarding chores. Nothing has really stuck. As the kids grew older (and busier) I let more and more things slide to being 'my job'. It was easier to just do it myself (and not be a martyr, thanks Flylady) -- that way it got done; done the way I wanted it done; and I didn't have to constantly nag about it. And, yep, you guessed it. Everyone got used to me doing it all with minimal help from them. It was a madness that I created and contributed to. Well, I have come to my senses!!!! There has to be a better way....a way where everyone can contribute; do a good job; and I become a more sane 'all together' person.

Cue a new chore system:

Thanks to my amazing friend, Kelda I was motivated to figure out what to put on the lists and how to organize it. With six kids (my four + two extra teens), it was easy to spread the chores to a minimal amount for each person daily while getting it all done. For examples, today Maggie had to empty the main kitchen trash (&replace the bag) and feed Fritz (&fresh water); Ian had to wipe the boys' bathroom counter & sink and empty the daily recyclables from the pantry to the big bin.......all stuff I have been doing. Everyone did their chores and no one complained! Yes, I know it is new but everyone seems happy about the way it all separated out so I will be happy and hope for the best. Even though I did help finish the kitchen and wipe the counters/stove (because no one had that job today), it was a refreshing change instead of them scattering like cockroaches when I ask for a volunteer to load the dishwasher.

 

So, for today, I feel 'all together'. It's been a good day. And even though I have a cake baked and ready for icing, tomorrow I don't think I will be 'all together.' My heart is breaking because my baby will be 10; no more single digits.

Ahhhh, the sweet sound of rain

I have always loved the rain....especially if I can stay home under a blanket and just enjoy it. Add a great book and a hot cup of coffee and that is bonus. Maybe even pjs and slippers? scrapbooking? You get the drift. Right now, dinner is rolling; a crackling fire is burning; music is on; and I am uploading pics. While it rains, rains, rains. Ahhh!

Since I am uploading recent pics I thought I would share a few:
Mag got a medal for her UIL solo

Sean turned 14

my god-daughter is getting married at the end of April; her New Orleans bridal shower was last week (her fiance, Mike, is from Chalmette - they met in Witchita, crazy, huh?)

the French Quarter on a beautiful 'spring' day 

(this guy was right outside the Cathedral and he was mesmerizing)

There were many days were I stepped off the school bus into a torrential downpour and there was nothing more awesome than heading home to warm clothes and the sound of thunder rolling outside. I am hoping Sean and his friends who are out playing football in this downpour are creating fond memories. A warm dinner will hopefully add to his day. Fritz, however, is not fond of the rain or thunder and needs a Thundershirt.

March means spring right?

One of the reasons I was excited about moving to Texas was to experience more of a change of season. SoCal is beautiful but there is something to be said for seasons. Feeling the cool crisp air as fall settles in, to wear coats and gloves in winter because they are necessary, to hear the birds chirping and geese on the pond as spring nears.....it is refreshing. The stifling heat in summer isn't necessarily refreshing but makes you really appreciate the other weather.

One thing I hadn't thought about was school closures because of weather. I grew up in hurricane country so unless the storm was approaching we went to school. I have vivid memories of the parents lined up with umbrellas as we got off the bus in torrential downpours. Cancelling school wasn't something they did very often, if ever. Today the kids have their third weather day school closure of the school year. Because of ice.....not much in reality, but ice. Two days ago it was close to 80*. In 24 hours, we had heavy ice/sleet with thunder and about 15*. Crazy! It is March right?

So with the crazy weather keeping us in, yesterday I made a birthday cake for a sweet 17 girl; some banana chocolate chip bread; played a game of Monopoly (didn't stand a chance against Collin as usual); and got the March meal plan done. But the kids are home today too. I have work scheduled; groceries to get; laundry to finish....and they are home. I need to get stuff done - ice or not. So while they lounge in their pjs, I will march on.

March on with hope that this is the last of Texas winter and spring is right around the corner.

14 in a flash!

So I've started off slow in the blogging department for 2014; life just gets in the way. And even though I might think a topic/event might be fun to blog about, the kids wouldn't think it was nice of me to be 'over-sharing' to the world about them so my posts may be limited to food and randomness. They share plenty on their own social media but there is a line that I need to respect. With that being said, I will blog about Sean and his birthday.

Happy 14th Birthday .... the days fly by.....just yesterday he looked like this, right?

Some things never change -- he has always loved the beach, sports, and being on-the-go. He has always been up for adventure and will give it everything he has (including extreme fingerpainting).

 

Last year, I posted about the things that I love about him. He is still all of those things and more but now he is about 5'9" and 135lbs and talking about high school schedules, weight training, etc.

 

After a dinner of chicken wings and chocolate cake, this evening we are taking him and five other teenage boys to Speed Zone for go-cart and other adrenaline filled things. Sounds like the perfect evening for him .....food, friends, and adrenaline.

 

I hope it brings him as much happiness as he gives me. Happy Birthday Toot! Stay awesome.

 

Resolution? Got it covered

How are you doing with your New Year's resolution?
It's only January 17th; did you quit what you started....it's not too late to start again toward that goal. Simply take day by day and start again.
Having good results and still going with the resolution/goal? Awesome; it takes 3 weeks to form a habit so keep up the good work.

For me, I didn't quite start exercising right away on January 1st. I started January 4th so I've got some work to do to really hit the three week mark of routine. BUT this will be my 3rd Saturday in a row of committing to regular exercise. Last year I blogged about hating the scale and hardwork; and in the spirit of keeping it real - the scale still haunts me, even though I know that it shouldn't. I am also using MyFitnessPal daily for food journaling. It REALLY IS a great tool. So I guess you could say that behind Facebook and Instagram my favorite apps are MyFitnessPal and MapmyRun. After tomorrow's run I will have logged close to 13 miles this week.....with my feet alone! Add in some home exercises after my runs and that is a huge deal for me since I still don't see myself as a runner but I am able to run a little over 1-1/2 miles without stopping now. I need to appreciate these milestones more. Hot Chocolate 5K is February 8th and I am hoping to run at least two miles of it non-stop; I mean, really, they are going to give me hot chocolate at the end along with some chocolate fondue....that will make anyone run faster :)

And eating better is going hand-in-hand with this exercise craziness. I allow myself ONE soda per week/ drinking lots of water daily doesn't really leave room for other stuff but rest assured coffee is still my friend. And even more crazy - I haven't had ANY deep fried food since before New Year's. That is pure insanity for this Southern fried food loving girl, but I'm doing it. Just yesterday I ate lunch with Amanda and brought her McDonald's; I had a grilled chicken salad with 1/2 pack of dressing (and wasn't remotely tempted by the fries). What I am tempted by is the Girl Scout cookies that my kids are wanting to buy. And the ice cream in my freezer. And desserts. Again, keeping it real.

So if I have a 1/2 cup of ice cream (yes, I will measure) while I catch up on Grey's Anatomy, I need to let go of the guilt. I am working out 6 days a week; eating approx. 1500 calories a day with lots of water; and I'm not eating deep fried food. If the scale doesn't move because of a random portion of ice cream occasionally then it's not going to move. I am getting healthier overall so I'll kick the scale and just keep reality in check.

Best foot forward

A fresh start. They always feel good. A New Year brings resolutions for many. Last year I was pretty good in the resolution department so this year I will try to focus on the one that was lacking last year......exercise. It plagues most people I know. I did ok for a while but plantar fasciitis pummeled my left foot. It still isn't really 100% better but I have to figure out other options. So perhaps this will be the year of no excuses?

Stepping off with my right foot (because it's the better one), I am happy to say that I have completed the meal plan for January. I successfully planned 9 out of 12 months in 2013 (April was a bust with the move and Nov. & Dec. were chaos, even moreso without the plan) and, as a whole, the family runs smoother with the plan. Here is the plan for January:

1st - corned beef, cabbage, black-eyed peas (luck, money, and health!)
2nd - smoked sausage sauté, summer squash casserole, fruit
3rd - herb-baked chicken, broccoli casserole, corn
4th - chili, cornbread
5th - skillet stroganoff, stmd. broccoli & cauli.
6th - chicken parmesan, salad, garlic bread
7th - ham, mac n' cheese, peas
8th - macadamia nut chicken, spinach salad, pinenut couscous
9th - chef salad
10th - tilapia piccata, stmd. carrots, roasted red potatoes
11th - steak, green beans, risotto
12th - pecan-crusted chicken tenders, rice pilaf, peas
13th - spaghetti (w/Italian saus.), salad, garlic bread
14th - chicken cordon bleu, ranch potatoes, green beans
15th - turkey pot pie, fruit
16th - sloppy joes, stmd veggies
17th - stuffed green peppers (turkey), fresh fruit
18th - bbq chicken, coleslaw, baked beans
19th - *catch can/leftovers/pizza?
20th - fettucine alfredo w/chicken, broccoli
21st - smothered pork chops, brown rice blend, crmd corn
22nd - chicken stir fry, fried rice, orange chicken (frozen)
23rd - Tex-Mex pulled pork (w/Hawaiian rolls), sautéed greens, fruit
24th - meatloaf, creamy polenta, soybeans
25th - garlicky shrimp scampi, asparagus, brown rice
26th - chicken enchiladas, pinto beans (slow simmer)
27th - homemade vegetable soup, grilled cheese
28th - ghoulash, salad
29th - tuna patties, green beans, pasta salad
30th - baked potato soup, salad
31st - shepherd's pie, crusty bread

So hard to be creative, yet make things that everyone will eat AND keep it somewhat healthy. I keep telling myself it is better and cheaper than fast food. Now to conquer the grocery shopping with my best foot forward.

Good-bye 2013!

2013 has been quite the whirlwind for us overall. I thought I would take some time and make a video montage of our year. I am happy to report that I accomplished TWO of my New Year's resolutions from January.....I did take a photo a day (sometimes capturing the mundane things like dirty dishes but I did it) AND I managed to blog more than I have in almost four years. I will admit to shedding a few tears while I created, edited, rearranged, and added pics to this year in review. Tears of joy shed that remind me how blessed we are with great friends and family whether near or far. Tears of happiness for fond memories traveling many, many miles (and blocking out the random meltdowns after many, many hours of road-tripping).
Our Year in Review (via One True Media)

Looking forward to more travel and memory making in 2014.....hoping to add Mardi Gras and Virginia to our lists along with visiting family in Georgia and an extended CA visit (maybe) in the summer. My new camera is ready for lots of use; I hope to share more our craziness with you in 2014.

Genius moment

Sometimes in life Most days I feel like I'm doing an adequate job at this Mom thing. I try to teach my kids right from wrong and how to make positive choices all the while knowing they are going to do their own thing. I try to teach them about healthy eating and nutritional choices despite the bombardment of fast food and advertising of crap around us. I don't pretend to live in a Pinterest perfect world or have a house that is pristine. I try my best and that is all I can do.

BUT as hard as I have tried over the YEARS, my children still use an ungodly amount of cups on a daily basis. Yes, cups. My dishwasher overflows with their madness. I know they are capable of using ONE cup per day (they do it at other peoples' houses) but no matter how much I ask, harp, preach, nag, and scream they DO NOT get it. Sooooo, I have to outsmart them.

Amanda got her blue-lidded Tervis for her birthday from a friend. That is when I had my lightbulb moment. Everyone needs their own cup.......one they can call their own, one that they cannot blame on someone else when left randomly all over the house, one they can reach for and then remember that they love it because it keeps their drink hot/cold. Even Collin got a large sized Saints/Camo Tervis. Score one for MOM! I have my Starbucks straw cup so we all now have an insulated style cup to help minimize the dishes.

 

I am happy to say that so far it is working. I highly recommend the splurge for Tervis. There are not many things that I pay extra for but I am glad that I didn't skimp on these (grateful for the sale though). 

 

Now, if I could figure out a better laundry solution. Any genius Mom ideas out there?

Holiday Hoopla!

These days it feels like I'm jumping through hoops. Here are my thoughts in a few random sentences ---

1. Wrapping presents in code is fun. Sean can't stand the temptation of gifts with his name on them so this year each child gets all his/her gifts wrapped in the same paper; the kicker is that they don't know who has what paper. They love it. Sweet.

2. Working retail, especially toys, is pure madness this time of year.

3. Peppermint brownies, sugar cookies, butterscotch cornflake candy, chex mix muddy buddies, check! Still on agenda - fudge attempt #2 (REALLY need to get that candy thermometer!) and choc. chip cookies.

4. Cannot commit to doing gingerbread houses this year. They are just as happy with a handful of candy. And I hate the fact that they destroy eat them within minutes of decorating them. I am a Grinch when it comes to this.

5. Some day I will get to sleep in, right?

6. NO Elf-on-the-shelf for us. I think it's creepy. We've had magical elves for YEARS (copied form my sister-in-law).....they are always watching. And they leave a little something in the gift bags outside their bedrooms on the nights of the 21, 22, and 23 if the kids have been good. I thought they were too old for elf checks, but much to my chagrin to my surprise they were asking about the elves last week. Creative mini-gifts is hard enough work without having to go overachiever with a creepy doll for a month.

7. Watching loads of Christmas shows and movies when the opportunity arises. I hope we remembered to DVR The Polar Express.

8. Looking forward to seeing Saving Mr. Banks over the Christmas break. Any other must-see movies out there?

Merry Christmas! May this holiday hustle and bustle slow to a gentle pace and allow us all to savor the blessings in our lives.

It's beginning to look at lot like Christmas

And feel like Christmas too!!! Welcome ice storm whatever-your-name-is ---the Texas version of frozen tundra I suppose. The layer of ice has crushed the outdoor decorating possibilities of Clark Griswold Collin. However, it has brought the kids' dreams alive with a cancelled day of school this past Friday and the possibility of one more day off tomorrow. They have enjoyed many hours of ice play complete with using corrugated boxes, Rubbermaid storage lids, cookie sheets, and pool floats for sledding devices. Oh to be young again -- I risk life and limb just trying to get to the trash can without falling.

 

I have a new appreciation for the importance of a MUD ROOM and desperately wish I had one at this point. My front entry looks like the entire neighborhood dumped their gear before attempting to thaw with hot chocolate and Christmas shows.

We have been productive - the Christmas tree is up! (I think it needs ribbon garland though)

and I ordered the Christmas cards today (and I count this blog post as productive too!)

 

Other words or phrases that describe our last few days --- fireplace, donuts, pajamas, ice, treacherous (and successful) shopping with Collin, blankets, Christmas movies, ice, street skating/sliding, wet gloves, Christmas carols on the piano, ice, ice, ice.

 

I still need to get the fall decorations put away but I need some of them to thaw first.

So for today I will enjoy our Thanksgiving dinner that we are making today so we can enjoy some leftovers this week. And I will cheer on the Saints in front of our cozy fireplace but I suppose I should shower and change my pajamas first.

 

 

Food - talking about it yet again!

I am failing this month......failing at meal planning......and it makes me feel awful. The annoying 'what are we having for dinner?', 'do I have anything I can defrost?', 'do I have all the ingredients?' thoughts roll through my brain constantly and I hate it. Yet, I haven't sat down and done it. I WILL do one for December, NO MATTER WHAT!

But, meal planning, hasn't been the only food matter boggling my mind lately. I have heard/read about two stories recently that have my mind boggled: 1) a Canadian preschool sent a letter home saying that sack lunches were no longer acceptable unless there was a doctor's note for medical necessity and 2) a preschool (Canadian too?) fined a mother, who provided a perfectly acceptable lunch, for not providing a grain/ they provided garbage Ritz crackers and sent her the bill.

My reaction: ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING, ME?????? SERIOUSLY?????

I know the overall idea is schools provide meals to kids because sometimes it is the child's only 'healthy' meal. Let's all feel good about that. However, I am here to tell say what they provide overall is GARBAGE. Gone are the days of hot food cafeterias with funny lunch ladies in silly hair nets; gone is the fresh prepared food; gone are the trays with silverware and the clanking of the dishwasher. After working at the elementary level for three years, I saw what Irvine (a good district) provided for hot meals........prepackaged, plastic wrapped need-to-be-reheated entrees that were along the lines of chicken nuggets, cheeseburgers, bagel pizzas, taco sticks, and occasionally fried chicken and mashed potatoes; vegetables that were rarely taken (or just tossed in the trash), sometimes fresh fruit but mostly prepackaged fruit cups, and milk or juice. If you are vegetarian, you are stuck with a random mac-n-cheese or plastic wrapped quesadilla with little to no nutritional value.

So, I ask WHY and HOW it is acceptable for the school to tell ME what I can and cannot do with my childrens' lunches. How dare they? So many thoughts run through my mind:
1) What if my child needed a special diet - nut free/ gluten free/ dairy free/ egg free/ vegetarian/ paleo/ low-carb or whatever-the-hell the new rage is.....they should not have to have a note about it. What about kids with texture issues? It is what they eat, period. I have packed it; let them eat in peace.
2) Why is it the school's business what I give my kids to eat? I promise that as skinny as Ian is, he isn't malnutritioned. You have NO RIGHT to tell me what or what not to feed my kids. Even if I asked for lunch assistance, you are feeding my kids mostly crap. Don't deny it. If I am doing well, my kids will get veggies and fruit along with the sandwich on whole wheat bread, string cheese, potato chips, and granola bar. If I am having a bad morning, need groceries, simply not being motivated, or JUST BECAUSE, they will come with peanut butter and jelly (maybe even on white bread, the horror!), a few wheat thins, perhaps some cereal in a bag, and an applesauce. You got that???? Some parents send their kids with lunchables everyday but who am I to judge? I won't give my kids that, but why is it ok for the schools to decide what my kids have. I have seen some multicultural lunches in Irvine; I promise the homemade sushi rolls a lot of those kids get are way better than anything the school is serving.
3) How do schools have time or energy to micromanage lunches? I have worked at preschools too. At the preschool, we were supervising and helping open containers/packages, but we let the kids choose what they ate, when they ate it, and how much was consumed. I was more concerned about keeping them in one place and preventing choking than about Johnny eating his sandwich first. If Mom sends in chocolate pudding, etc. it is not my place to tell them to eat the sandwich first. That is Mom's battle to fight at home, but I promise if you send a 3yr old. with cookies or pudding they are eating it first. (Heck, my favorite saying is Eat Desserts First!)
4) Lastly, it is not about providing nutrition. It is about more control. It is not about preventing childhood obesity. If it were, then why are they providing processed garbage and cutting PE time.

Things like this really bring out the Momma Bear in me. I will continue to provide my kids with packed lunches that include homemade chicken noodle soup, chili, or gumbo; whole grain crackers; homemade chicken salad; leftover pot roast; hard-boiled eggs; sandwiches (nothing better than pb&j on Sunbeam bread!); pudding cups; Little Debbie cakes; granola bars; and whatever the heck I want.
Maybe adding nutrition to curriculums and not cutting PE time (or art/music programs that foster brain development) might be a better investment of time and energy.

And while they are busy staying out of my kids lunches and focusing on the important stuff, maybe they will realize that Common Core isn't all that great either. But that's another rant for another day.

Motherhood is a dirty job

I try to keep a clean house; even more so since we moved. My house is not a museum but overall it is clean. Bathrooms are clean; dusting occurs regularly; dishes get done; floors get mopped and vacuumed. However, some projects simply get delayed, and then procrastinated. Today I jumped into conquering the oven; it was time especially after Collin's latest batch of deer jerky.

Here is my latest cleaning tip for oven racks and gas burner stove grids.....

I thought I was pretty clever. They soaked for two hours while I scrubbed, wiped, rinsed, and scrubbed some more-- the oven and the stovetop. I have a self-cleaning oven but I hate the smell it emits so I decided to use the good ol' fashioned way - elbow grease. I worked for 2-1/2 hrs. and there was still room for improvement but the tub trick worked.

Gross, huh???? You can see the tub USED to be clean in the first pic but now this is the gross disgusting mess. The stovetop isn't perfect but much improved. (How does it get that bad anyway when I wipe it down daily?) Like most cleaning adventures, this puts me into 'if-you-give-a-mouse-a-cookie cleaning mode', first the oven, now the tub, then? It's like crazy pregnancy nesting, but I'm not pregnant!

 

This cleaning project is a lot like motherhood and life. Life is messy. It gets dirty even if you do your best to maintain things. Then you reach a point where you have to stop procrastinating and pull up your bootstraps (or your cleaning gloves) and work hard. No one likes to do the dirty work but dealing with it and making it things better is rewarding. The new situation may not be perfect but hardwork pays off.

 

 

Time is flying....

How is it that I haven't posted in over a month? But even more mind boggling is the fact that we have been in Texas for 6-1/2months!!! (and some of our Irvine friends have moved to Austin too!) The last month has been a blur but I did have a few random notes to blog about so here is a sample of life:
1) Fall is HERE.....regular rain, cool temps, and changing leaves. The geese have arrived on the pond. It is so nice to actually have a change of season. And weird dry Santana winds aren't involved.
3) The clear blue sky here is simply beautiful, yet sometimes blinding. My body had forgotten what a sky looked like after being hidden in a layer of smog for 20 years.
2) Scrapbooking is good for my soul. I am happy to say that Sean's school album is completely up to date. He is officially in 8th grade. Ian, on the other hand, is still in preschool. Small victories, right?
3) Sick pets SUCK. No polite way to put it. Fritz had a terrible bout of pancreatinitis and many $$$ later he has recovered thankfully. But, I can't imagine if he gets sick again. Our finances can't handle it.
4) School projects are bad enough but the overachieving parents need to just STOP IT already! Stop doing your kids work for them please; you aren't helping them become successful. Let them earn their own grades. Unless you plan do their work projects when they become adults, teach them now how to plan and meet deadlines. Thanks :)
5) Pumpkin bread and pumpkin muffins make my family very happy; maybe as happy as a pumpkin spice latte for me.
6) I have started Christmas shopping. The reality that it is less than two months away is crazy. I get confused because as far as retail goes I think they started with Christmas decorations in July.
7) Why is there such hysteria over the 'What Does the Fox Say?' I still think I have been punked and these guys are making money over this insanity. What happened to real music? And why does this song get stuck in my head?
8) However, the dog teaser video that went viral on YouTube is beyond funny. Here it is if you haven't seen it....our family now uses this reaction for everything..blahhhhh! Much better than real whining.
and last but not least
9) Enjoy this bit of great performing. Band has really been a great (albeit exhausting) experience for Maggie. They are busy with football games and competition season. Here is there show performance. They won the Classic on the Lake but yesterday they didn't qualify to go to state to represent our area. I think they are awesome and should be really proud of their hardwork: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFmKNJoXg0g;

Food for thought

It's no secret that I think about food a lot --- I like to cook; I meal plan; I pack my kids lunches daily; I pack a snack cooler for my husband; I try to bring snacks if I have a drive between work locations so I don't get tempted by fastfood; I love coupons; I LIKE TO EAT; I have a sweet tooth.

 

But, the other day, I was eating some sautéed eggplant with dinner and my brain immediately jumped into MEMORY mode. You know the kind of memory I'm talking about. The one that comes from deep within your soul and brings you back to another place in time. I started talking about how sautéed eggplant brings me back to my Granny Frances's house in Big Spring, TX; I only visited there during my childhood but I can remember her kitchen and her sautéed eggplant; and how I loved it so much. I guess I will carry a little piece of my Granny with me always.

 

And what is even more bizarre is the food memories that are BAD!!! Here are a few of mine:

1) spaghetti O's -- NOOO....didn't really ever like them but ate some; woke up puking in my sleep; to this day I can't even stand the smell of them. shudder.

2) watermelon -- I'm sure it was a super fun 4th of July. I remember running all over the neighborhood and eating loads of watermelon and Fruit Stripe gum. I swallowed all of the gum. When my body revolved that night and I woke up sick, I was ruined for life. To this day, I am a 'watermelon snob.' If it is remotely mealy and not sweet, I won't touch it. I always make my kids taste it before I will try it.

3) Orange Soda -- four traditional glucose preganancy tests were bad enough but then I had a 3hr. glucose test. UGH. Only on a rare occasion would I have wanted an orange soda; now I will never drink one ever again. Monster-type drinks are in this category too. I tried a sip once at the beach and I almost threw up right there.

4) and maybe the grossiest of all --- BAD milk. Too many bad milk cartons from random school lunches over the years I guess. I will sniff any and all milk before I attempt a sip. Scarred for life by milk.

 

Let's switch bad to the GOOD stuff before I ruin my/your day:

1) Roman Meal bread - my Grandma Parks always had it in her little house. And I was always intrigued by the orange bag and begged for a piece of her special bread. Simply delicious.

2) And popcorn balls -- this memory is close to 40yrs. old but I can remember my Grandma and Grandpa (he died when I was 4)  making popcorn balls in their kitchen. How incredibly sweet and delicious they were. And then someone in our neighbor gave homemade ones out on Halloween - the smell wafted for hours on end while they made batch after batch. Kettle corn ain't got nothing on my grandparents :)

3) coconut custard pie --another Texas specialty by my Aunt Mac -- Christmas meant Aunt Mac's pies! And chocolate silk and lemon meringue and pecan. Oh my sweet tooth. A special Christmas memory that seemed so routine at the time but means so much now.

4) Toast with butter and grape jelly --Camp Abbey summer camp. Not necessarily warm either. So yummy (out of the stainless steel bins) especially since some of the food was strange (like powdered milk).

5) Ice Cream Man - Drumstick was the ONLY choice on the rare occasion that my Mom let us get it.

and

6) Cherries and Creole Tomatoes - not eaten together but when purchased from the road-side stand in Raceland, LA they were heaven on earth.

 

I'm hoping that my children are already developing some random good food memories. Maybe corn casserole on Thanksgiving; Dad's bbq'd ribs and the smell of the smoker; and maybe even Mom's chicken salad on the beach (let's hope that's not a bad memory because of any random sand that got mixed in). And Coney Island hot dogs when we visit Mansfield, OH when visiting Grandma Hall.

 

Now that I'm hungry for creole tomatoes I guess I'll venture out to see if I can find some.

 

 

 

 

Because it's really all about FOOD, isn't it!

MEAL PLAN ALERT: It's that time again.....sharing the plan :)
I'm thinking I should get a new crockpot since I am planning to use it this month....

Sept 15: bbq brisket, corn-on-cob, beans
9/16: brisket soft tacos (leftovers), corn&black bean mix, tortilla chips (Sean-football game)
9/17: lasagna, baked eggplant, garlic bread (PTA mtg.)
9/18: chicken pot pies, fruit
9/19: grilled fish, risotto, peas
9/20: chicken enchiladas, Mexican rice
9/21: hamburgers, baked fries, melon
9/22: London broil, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans
9/23: red beans & rice with sausage, rice, salad
9/24: crockpot roast (carrots, potato, turnip), crusty rolls (Sean-football game)
9/25: stuffed chicken breast (spinach & cheese), Stove Top stuffing, asparagus
9/26: breakfast for dinner (pancakes, bacon, eggs)
9/27: spaghetti w/meatsauce, salad (FHS game)
9/28: smoked pork roast, parsley red potatoes, sautéed squash
9/29: shrimp, potato salad, sautéed spinach
9/30: chicken stir-fry, fried rice
Oct. 1: white beans & ham (freezer), rice, salad (Sean-football game)
10/2: baked potato bar (chili, cheese, broccoli, chives, sour cream), fruit
10/3: tilapia piccata, green beans, ranch red potatoes
10/4: Boboli (pepp., sausage, cheese, green peppers, olives)  (FHS game)
10/5: bbq chicken, baked sweet potato, coleslaw
10/6: chili, cornbread, sautéed greens
10/7: Babe's.....out for Amanda's birthday!!!
10/8: ham steaks, mac n' cheese, peas (Sean - football game)
10/9: tuna melts, fruit salad
10/10: pork chops, perogies, sautéed sugar snap peas
10/11: sloppy joes, salad (FHS game)
10/12: fried catfish, mac n' cheese, soybeans  (did I really plan mac n' cheese twice in one week???   guess I will double batch from Tuesday)
10/13: crawfish etoufee, stmd. broccoli & cauliflower
10/14: meatloaf, stmd. carrots, couscous
10/15: shake n' bake pork chops, stmd. broccoli, wild rice blend
10/16: baked ziti w/Italian sausage, salad (Sean - football game)
10/17: NOT cooking ---- my birthday :)
10/18: tacos/quesadillas, refried beans (FHS game)
10/19: calzones, salad

Now if the weather would cool off, I would be thrilled to add some yummy soups and assorted fall dishes. But still waiting for below 75 for that.

Happy Eating :) ..... off to Sean's first game as an 8th grader....

Thursday thoughts

Just some random thinking for a Thursday:
1) Band season is in full swing. We experienced our first Friday Night Lights late week when we attended the Homecoming game. Band was great; football was awful. Hoping it was just a bad week for the team.

2) Sean made the 'A' team for 8th grade football. He is pretty excited about it. We are proud of him and all his hardwork. Rolling out of bed at 6am for early morning practice is gnarly but at least it isn't in the blazing TX heat. His first game is Monday and we can't wait!

3) Yesterday was 9/11.....I really need to stop watching all the dedications and such. I had no idea 12 years ago how sad the entire history making episode would still be. I have never been to NY; didn't know anyone in the towers; cannot even grasp the enormity of it all (still!). And it still makes me cry. We will never forget.

4) And as 9/11 passes, it means Amanda's birthday is approaching. I remember being a month away from my due date. How is she almost 12?

5) And that means Christmas shopping is upon us. (It's been Christmas season at Costco and Hobby Lobby for a month!) I will admit I have one small gift and three stocking stuffers so far. But that hardly makes a dent in reality. Sean is easy - he just wants Beats headphones and a pool table, um what????

6) On Sunday, Fritz was SICK. Poor little thing could hardly walk and barfed projectile vomited on the carpet. He didn't move for hours and could barely lift his head to his bowl for water. Then after about 6 hours he started emerging back to life. So weird; wonder if he ate one of the baby (one-inch long) lizards we keep finding in the house. Side note: vinegar and water works wonder on carpet!

7) Currently we are going through about three loaves of bread a week. GAH! That's 25 sandwiches for lunches (Sean has two) + any I might eat and random toast for breakfast. Good heavens.

8) I added on another merchandising job. So currently I'm up to sunglasses for two stores and jewelry at one, all Targets. With other small projects added on here and there I am making about 65% of what I did in CA; not bad on 15hrs. or less a week. I worked about 28/week in Irvine.

9) Ian got his cast off yesterday. Woot! He is in a boot for a short bit though. Based on what was under his cast (leaves, grass, etc.), the doc thought we should give him a reminder that he is nursing an injury and that he can't go crazy again just yet.

10) And one final note, it's not hump day, but the commercial still makes me laugh everyone single time!

Hoping your Thursday is filled with something that makes you laugh too!

End of an era

Almost 10 years ago, I got a new Suburban for my birthday. I LOVED the Burb; so roomy with four kiddos and the assorted gear. We took road trips to San Francisco, Arizona, Big Bear, Santa Barbara and more. We spent countless hours at the beach with some adventures to Bass Lake with a boat in tow and all. It was a good, reliable vehicle. A bit of a gas guzzler but I really loved that car (despite my poor ability to park it).

143K miles later.....This past week we bid it a fond farewell. In our attempt to cut costs, it was time to sell it.
It was time for it provide reliability, safety, and adventure to another family. Goodbye Burb - goodbye extra insurance payment.

What's cooking?

Well if the question were WHO is cooking, the answer would be me :) What about you? Cooking is cheaper, healthier (overall), and can even be fun. And I want my kids to 'come home' for home cooking when they get older so I'm trying to set the tone now. I know they will really be looking for laundry help and Collin's bbq but I like to pretend sometimes.

Here's the latest meal plan (going back a bit so because I use these posts for reference later):

Aug. 18 - leftovers; soup & quesadilla
Aug. 19 - gholash (gr. beef); salad
Aug. 20 - roasted chicken; mash. potato&gravy; salad
Aug. 21 - pork chops; polenta; green beans
Aug. 22 - hamburgers; fresh fruit
Aug. 23 - lasagna; eggplant; garlic bread
Aug. 24 - smoked pork roast; twice-baked potato; corn on cob
Aug. 25 - salmon; quinoa; brown sugar carrots
Aug. 26 - tuna steaks; couscous; stmd.broccoli
Aug. 27 - stuffed bell peppers (beef&sausage, leftover quinoa); cantaloupe.
Aug. 28 - enchiladas (leftover pork, green chiles, cut corn off cob); Mexican rice
Aug. 29 - leftovers; soup & quesadilla
Aug. 30 - baked fish; risotto; peas
Aug. 31 - crab cakes; ranch red potatoes; asparagus
Sept. 1 -   steak; coleslaw; baked beans
Sept. 2 -   fettucine alfredo with chicken; stmd. broccoli
Sept. 3 -   tuna melts; fruit salad
Sept. 4 -   tacos (beef &turkey), refried beans (make guacamole)
Sept. 5 -   chef salad; strawberries
Sept. 6 -   take n' bake pizza; Caesar salad (*homecoming game for Mag/ Mom helping)
Sept. 7 -   bbq country pork ribs; whole wheat pasta salad; asparagus
Sept. 8 -   herb grilled chicken; crockpot applesauce; baked sweet potato
Sept. 9 -   white beans & ham (w/ rice); salad
Sept. 10 - sausage sandwiches; cantaloupe; stmd. broccoli
Sept. 11 - grilled tri-rip; polenta; green beans
Sept. 12 - hot dogs; fruit salad (sometimes you just have to do this, lol)
Sept. 13 - meatloaf; mac n' cheese; peas
Sept. 14 - stuffed pork chops; salad

Happy Cooking! (and Happy Eating)
P.S. We have dessert on Sundays. This past week I made a butter pecan cake. HOLY MOLY!!! It was simply a recipe I saw on Facebook at some point and googled it. I made the Taste Of Home one. It is three layers so it makes a lot but it is soooooooo good.

Back to School.....so poetic

'Twas the first day of school
And Mom was up early
there are lunches to make
and kids growling, surly

First up is Sean
Football is calling
his carpool arrives
and his gear he is hauling


Then comes Ian
with smiles and a cool shirt
breakfast is done
and he's quite alert

Amanda is yawning,
6th grade is dawning,
she's ready to roll as quick as a flash
and off to the bus with a short little dash


Maggie's last to roll out the door
now she's off to be a sophomore
Band, theater, and ASL to do
a busy year for her and the FHS raccoon crew


There are chores to be done
in this little house
And Mom is happy
because it's quiet as a mouse.

Happy 2013-14 school year everyone!!!!