Today was Cheaters Lasagna!
I used left over ground turkey meat and left over egg noodles.
1 jar of spaghetti sauce
1 tsp of minced garlic
1 can of tomato sauce (small can)
1/2 small tub of ricotta cheese
2 cups mozzarella (part skim)
1 cup parm (possibly a little less than 1 full cup... I didn't measure)
heated sauce w/ ground turkey, garlic and tomato sauce
mixed 1 1/2 cups of Moz with ricotta and 1/2 of parm
preheated oven to 350
spread a ladle full of sauce into bottom of a 9x13
layered some egg noodles
more sauce
layer of cheese mixture (use it all)
more noodles
more sauce
then topped with remaining parm and moz
Bake for 30 minutes
At 15 minutes throw in a loaf of fresh Italian bread that has been doused w/ garlic and melted butter. (make sure to wrap in foil so it will not get too crispy)
Serve w/ salad and your favorite dressing. DELICIOUS! Next time, I hope to add in green pepper and baby spinach (to the sauce)... just to add a little extra nutrition!
Now for the rest of the week... I have another turkey tenderloin... this will be the meat for turkey tacos, enchiladas and bbq. I have turkey burgers. I have ingredients for sweet and sour meatballs. I have seafood ravioli and I have perogies. It should be interesting to see how far I can make all of this stretch. The lasagna will be around for another meal... that is for certain! Oh and I have chicken for baked chicken dinner and also for slicing over salad for another meal!
Stay tuned!!!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Cheaters Cobbler
If you've heard of dump cake... this is just a variation!
I use 2 cans of peaches (one in fruit juice and the other in extra light syrup)
1 box butter recipe yellow cake mix
1 stick of melted butter
1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark, doesn't matter, and I eyeball it, I never measure)
preheat oven to 350
dump the peaches in a greased 9x13
top w/ cake mix
evenly top with melted butter
sprinkle on brown sugar (you can add crushed nuts or some quick cooking oats to the brown sugar)
bake until bubbling and crust is lightly browned... serve warm... some would like this with vanilla ice cream... my poppy would have liked it with milk poured over the top
Toss in blueberries if you'd like! Or switch it up altogether and make up your own cheaters cobbler! (but be sure to share what you made)
I use 2 cans of peaches (one in fruit juice and the other in extra light syrup)
1 box butter recipe yellow cake mix
1 stick of melted butter
1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark, doesn't matter, and I eyeball it, I never measure)
preheat oven to 350
dump the peaches in a greased 9x13
top w/ cake mix
evenly top with melted butter
sprinkle on brown sugar (you can add crushed nuts or some quick cooking oats to the brown sugar)
bake until bubbling and crust is lightly browned... serve warm... some would like this with vanilla ice cream... my poppy would have liked it with milk poured over the top
Toss in blueberries if you'd like! Or switch it up altogether and make up your own cheaters cobbler! (but be sure to share what you made)
Chicken Stroganoff
I tossed 3 frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot with 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, doused it with 1/2 cup of chardonay and cooked on low all day. The chicken eventually fell apart, and I cooked up some whole wheat egg noodles and tossed them in the crockpot... stirred everything together. I spooned it all into a lovely serving dish. Served with a side of salad. Mixed reviews... I loved it, hubby loved it, kids loved everything but the noodles. Easy, inexpensive, tasty, and leftovers!
All the leftovers in my fridge will make their way to my mom's house tonight. Friday nights are dinner at Gammy's every other week. Tonight is just potluck... Spaghetti, Chicken Stroganoff, Pork Pot Roast, salad, whatever other sides Gammy has lying around, mac n chz, and then peach cheaters cobbler for dessert!
I, however, am going out for a GIRLS NIGHT OUT!!! :)
As for the left over egg noodles... I'll be making a cheaters lasagna! Perfect for a Sunday dinner. Need to pick up more salad, and some crusty bread to turn into yummy garlic bread!!!
As for Satruday... I think the kids will have a nuggets and fries day and the hubs and I will finally get around to having our Naan and Curry Chicken!
All the leftovers in my fridge will make their way to my mom's house tonight. Friday nights are dinner at Gammy's every other week. Tonight is just potluck... Spaghetti, Chicken Stroganoff, Pork Pot Roast, salad, whatever other sides Gammy has lying around, mac n chz, and then peach cheaters cobbler for dessert!
I, however, am going out for a GIRLS NIGHT OUT!!! :)
As for the left over egg noodles... I'll be making a cheaters lasagna! Perfect for a Sunday dinner. Need to pick up more salad, and some crusty bread to turn into yummy garlic bread!!!
As for Satruday... I think the kids will have a nuggets and fries day and the hubs and I will finally get around to having our Naan and Curry Chicken!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Quick Fix Meals meets Semi Homemade -- McGhan Style
So, I love to cook. BUT, I don't like complicated recipes. I like shortcuts, and I like to get a lot of meals out of one product. I like to see how cheaply I can feed my family, while making delicious and healthy meals.
Last week I made a fantastic discovery -- preseasoned TURKEY TENDERLOIN. It's $7.99. YIKES, that seems steep for my budget. I decided I'd buy it anyway and see how far I could make it go. The first night, we had turkey tenderloin w/ mashers and roasted veggies. Over half of the tenderloin was left. I decided I'd shred it up. When I shredded it, there was a lot there. I decided we could get 2 more meals out of it. I used 1/2 and mixed w/ our fav. bbq sauce. The other half I mixed w/ taco sauce.
The second meal was BBQ sandwiches w/ coleslaw and fruit.
Our third meal was tacos (crunch) w/ lettuce, salsa and fixins, and fuit.
All in all... our meals were UNDER $2.00 per person -- that would be under $10.00 to feed 5 people! Taco night was probably around $1.10 per person! THAT rocks my socks!
I also take a pound of ground turkey breast, and I stretch that out to 2 meals. Spaghetti with meat sauce and then something else... right now, the 2nd half of that meat is in the freezer waiting for inspiration.
Soon, I'll be making meatballs with the ground turkey. I can definitely get 2 meals out of meatballs... I can do italian meatballs with pasta and I can do sweet and sour meatballs with brown rice. The good thing is, I can make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze what I don't use.
Chicken goes along way at this house, and Schwan's just made it even easier, by having 5 lbs of chicken for $13.99 -- it feeds 20 people!!! Can you say, chicken salad, chicken casserole, smothered chicken, chicken pot pie, cheesy chicken and noodles? I thought so!
And now I have an itch to start gardening... when I saw the beautiful lettuce my mom picked at my sister's house last night, it REALLY made me want to grow my own veggies. I love veggies, but can't stand to pay so much for them, and if I grow them at home, there are no pesticides to contend with! I think I want to start with lettuce and herbs. We have a huge yard, so finding a spot to grow veggies shouldn't be that difficult. I also hope to grow some blueberries (for next year of course)... my kids can eat their weight in blueberries!
So anyway, I may be using my blog to discuss my adventures in cooking and gardening for a big family! I welcome ideas on frugal cooking for a large family!
Last week I made a fantastic discovery -- preseasoned TURKEY TENDERLOIN. It's $7.99. YIKES, that seems steep for my budget. I decided I'd buy it anyway and see how far I could make it go. The first night, we had turkey tenderloin w/ mashers and roasted veggies. Over half of the tenderloin was left. I decided I'd shred it up. When I shredded it, there was a lot there. I decided we could get 2 more meals out of it. I used 1/2 and mixed w/ our fav. bbq sauce. The other half I mixed w/ taco sauce.
The second meal was BBQ sandwiches w/ coleslaw and fruit.
Our third meal was tacos (crunch) w/ lettuce, salsa and fixins, and fuit.
All in all... our meals were UNDER $2.00 per person -- that would be under $10.00 to feed 5 people! Taco night was probably around $1.10 per person! THAT rocks my socks!
I also take a pound of ground turkey breast, and I stretch that out to 2 meals. Spaghetti with meat sauce and then something else... right now, the 2nd half of that meat is in the freezer waiting for inspiration.
Soon, I'll be making meatballs with the ground turkey. I can definitely get 2 meals out of meatballs... I can do italian meatballs with pasta and I can do sweet and sour meatballs with brown rice. The good thing is, I can make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze what I don't use.
Chicken goes along way at this house, and Schwan's just made it even easier, by having 5 lbs of chicken for $13.99 -- it feeds 20 people!!! Can you say, chicken salad, chicken casserole, smothered chicken, chicken pot pie, cheesy chicken and noodles? I thought so!
And now I have an itch to start gardening... when I saw the beautiful lettuce my mom picked at my sister's house last night, it REALLY made me want to grow my own veggies. I love veggies, but can't stand to pay so much for them, and if I grow them at home, there are no pesticides to contend with! I think I want to start with lettuce and herbs. We have a huge yard, so finding a spot to grow veggies shouldn't be that difficult. I also hope to grow some blueberries (for next year of course)... my kids can eat their weight in blueberries!
So anyway, I may be using my blog to discuss my adventures in cooking and gardening for a big family! I welcome ideas on frugal cooking for a large family!
Thursday, May 06, 2010
HauteLook -- for real
SO, if you love to shop, like I do... but you are on a budget... like I am... I just wanted to share this little website with you! http://www.hautelook.com/invite/LMcGhan566 you have to be invited to go to the site, so consider this your personal invitation! They have great sales... not all sales are equal though, so pay close attention! ie: Danskos sale was no better than the Danskos Outlet... but do your research! You can sometimes find wedding gifts for people for amazing prices! Or buy something for yourself... Just check it out and see if you might find a deal on something you've wanted for a long time. I belong to several of these... including some children only ones-- which The MiniSocial is my FAVORITE, so if you want to be included on any of those, just leave me a comment and I'll get you the details... On MiniSocial, I was able to get Maegs two pair of CUTE (not seen in stores around here) Crocs-- she's been wanting them for ages, but I didn't want to get her the regular ones... I was hoping to find some more feminine... and I did, FOR $10 vs. the $30+ you find the regular ones in the store for!!! WooHoo!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Too Early Miss Cait... way too early...
I am having some painful contractions this afternoon. I'm having to remind lil Cait that it is WAY too early for her to make her arrival. Stay put lil girl. We can't wait to meet you, but we'd rather wait, so that you are nice and healthy!!!
so much to do
So much to do and so little motivation... I should be SUPER motivated with Cait expected in 9 weeks. My motivation is just lacking. I've got to clear out the nursery, scrub it down, and get it ready for it's newest occupant. Meanwhile, I've got to get Mia prepared for her new room and bed. I've still got to finish cleaning out the toys in the kids rooms that are no longer being used... and that are not likely to be used by Cait. I need to get rid of all the boys clothes in the house that Wils isn't currently wearing or able to wear in the future. I've got to get rid of all the baby girl clothes that are the wrong season for Cait. I've got to clean out my room AGAIN. I've got to get the roof replaced (hopefully BEFORE Cait's arrival). I've got to get the kitchen painted, the nursery door repaired, my room painted and not to mention furniture purchases. We need to get new living room furniture, a new bedroom suit for our room, wooden pryamid bunks for the older kids rooms and new kitchen chairs (a whole set would be nice, but just chairs would suffice).
Then there is the whole BABY STUFF that is still needed for little Cait. Christmas of 2008 I gave away nearly everything (baby gear) to a family who was fostering three children. Then in the spring, what I had left, I sold in a yard sale. And the infant seat I was using, was in my car when I was rear ended. SO, now I've got to get a new travel system, a new travel lite pack n play, a new bouncy seat, (thankful to my sister for a swing!), and new infant/nb gowns.
Then of course, I'd love to replace the blinds in our house w/ these faux wooden blinds I found at WalMart-- they'd look SO much better than what we currently have, and would spruce up the look of our home.
SO, you see, much to be done. I think my lack of motivation is knowing that most of this can't be accomplished due to a lack of funds at this time. I know God is in control and I need to just let go and let God! Sometimes that is SO much easier said than done. And being overwhelmed makes me retreat, rather than become proactive. The cold weather (ridiculously cold) does not help with my attitude one bit!
I need to make myself a goal for each day... if I can accomplish ONE thing in a day, then maybe I can start to get some motivation and do a little more each day. It's worth aiming for. I can't remain in funky town forever... I have a family relying on me!
Then there is the whole BABY STUFF that is still needed for little Cait. Christmas of 2008 I gave away nearly everything (baby gear) to a family who was fostering three children. Then in the spring, what I had left, I sold in a yard sale. And the infant seat I was using, was in my car when I was rear ended. SO, now I've got to get a new travel system, a new travel lite pack n play, a new bouncy seat, (thankful to my sister for a swing!), and new infant/nb gowns.
Then of course, I'd love to replace the blinds in our house w/ these faux wooden blinds I found at WalMart-- they'd look SO much better than what we currently have, and would spruce up the look of our home.
SO, you see, much to be done. I think my lack of motivation is knowing that most of this can't be accomplished due to a lack of funds at this time. I know God is in control and I need to just let go and let God! Sometimes that is SO much easier said than done. And being overwhelmed makes me retreat, rather than become proactive. The cold weather (ridiculously cold) does not help with my attitude one bit!
I need to make myself a goal for each day... if I can accomplish ONE thing in a day, then maybe I can start to get some motivation and do a little more each day. It's worth aiming for. I can't remain in funky town forever... I have a family relying on me!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Funky Town
I'm living in Funky Town... and not in a good way. I'm in a FUNK. yuck! I think it is all this blessed frigid weather. I'm not meant to live in climates this cold. 50 degrees, FINE... under 40? Forget it! I've got 9 weeks until Cait arrives, and I have nothing ready for her arrival. I think I just may be the world's worst mom!
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
It's time again...
Matt's about to hit the road for another trip. I'm about this close (pinched fingers a fraction of an inch apart) from packing up the kids and going with him! This morning sickness stuff is really getting to me and I don't know how I am going to manage w/o him here in the mornings to help me get through!
Thankfully, Wednesday is a busy day with church activities after school... so I'll be able to handle that day pretty well, especially since Matt won't leave until after he drops Maegan at school in the morning. It's Thursday and Friday that are going to be a bit crazy. And that doesn't even include worrying about him driving alone from Richmond to Atlanta!!!
Pray for no pukies, no flu and NO accidents (for either of us)!!!
Thankfully, Wednesday is a busy day with church activities after school... so I'll be able to handle that day pretty well, especially since Matt won't leave until after he drops Maegan at school in the morning. It's Thursday and Friday that are going to be a bit crazy. And that doesn't even include worrying about him driving alone from Richmond to Atlanta!!!
Pray for no pukies, no flu and NO accidents (for either of us)!!!
Friday, February 20, 2009
It hurts... and I'm being a baby!
Yep, I'm being a baby. Let me whine. Leave me to it and don't tell me to suck it up. I want my pity party and I shall have it! Then I'll be done and move on. It's how I deal. My car, my sweet late model red minivan-- I call her big bertha (she's huge)-- I was driving along, after dropping Matt off at the airport, and I was thinking, I should really trade her in, now that gas prices are bearable, I really want my big SUV, I love the extra room in the trunk. So my jogger fits right in without any shuffling. Pack everything I need for the beach. Fit an extra person in for whatever reason... you know, I just want an SUV, I was spoiled by my Jeep, and I miss it... I want an SUV. So, I was thinking, right ow is the time to buy..,. prices are way low, incentives WAY high... it would be nice to get one. SO, I was thinking, my car is so cute and in relatively good condition... I bet I could fetch about $10K on it... adorable little thing. (big thing)
My next thoughts, as I am leaving the airport, I should really go get a new power adapter for my computer, I can't live w/o the computer while Matt is gone, and it's a business write off anyway, so I'll head to the apple store. I thought, hmm... I will go pick up Anthony (a friend from church, he's like a little brother to Matt and I), he can chill in the car with the kids while I run in and run out, and I'll buy him some Starbucks as a treat. The kids love Ant (my nickname for him), that would be perfect. Then I realize, he's probably got a lot of work to do at church and the pastors might not appreciate my taking him away for a half an hour. SO, I did what I didn't really want to do. I called my mom. "Mom can you watch the kids long enough for me to run to the Apple Store? I'll go there and then run right back, no stops between." She said sure, but I knew she was tired. I felt so bad asking... but I did not want to take ALL THREE into the Apple store, expecially when I did not have my double stroller with me. So, I dropped them off with mom, and I drove out to Short Pump Town Centre to the Apple Store. Ran in, got my power adapter, ran straight through Nordstroms, with blinders on, though I REALLY wanted to stop and look at handbags! Got in my car and headed for hom, quite proud of myself, because I knew I'd be home by 5:15, plenty of time for Mom to get herself fed and get to church for choir. I decide to take the "shortcut" by the cinema to the stoplight, avoiding the Broad Street Road traffic. This shortcut has FOUR stop signs and isn't even half a mile long! I stop, I go. I stop, I go. I stop. I take my foot off the brake, ready to go and I SCREAM, as my back tightens up and I hear a crack and my car lurches. It took a whole 2 seconds for me to process what has just happened. I put my foot back on the brake, and I think ... Was I just hit? I look in the rear view mirror and realize, that is EXACTLY what happened. I've never been hit before, panic set in BIG time. I didn't know what to do next. I was shaking.
OK Lisa, but the car in park. OK Lisa, *grumbling, trying not to curse, sending out a few mother F --without the last three letters, good girl* Get out of the car, more grumbling, some whimpering, I think I recall looking at the guy who hit me and saying, Why did you do this to me? Still shaking, get the cell phone, turn the car off, shut the door, look at the damage. Oh boy, worse than I thought. Bumper is cracked all the way across the back, back door smooshed in and down. Call mom, sister answers Dee I was in an accident, gotta go. Hang up, call nonemergency police number-- Firemen on the way (his car was leaking fluid). Hang up, call my insurance company, all the while exchanging info with the guy who hit me and realizing he used to be my trainer at the gym. I tell my company I'm filing the claim with HIS company since it was his fault that I was hit. He is perfectly OK with that. Call his insurance, file claim, chat w/ fireman. He says I wouldn't let my wife drive this home, you can't know what happened under the car, I'd get it towed. Still on phone with his insurance. Police arrive. Can't do anything about it because it is on private property, obvious what happened, but no ticket, which was fine by me, it was an accident plain and simple. Officer called two trucks for both of us. Officer stayed with us while we filed our claims. Officer left. We were in a parking lot, his ride arrived, I still didn't know if anyone was coming to get me. Matt texted while this was going on, saying he was on the plane about to leave. I texted back, I was in an accident. No response. I get back in touch with my family and ask if someone can please come get me. I remove car seats, then realizing they need to be replaced as now their safety/integrity has been compromised. BUT, I have no choice, the kids have to have something to ride in. I cry a lot. I try not to, because I didn't want to make Doug feel worse than he already did. Back really tense, pretty sore, but everything moves, so I think I'm OK. Tow truck comes and gets big bertha and off she goes... by car! I realize my strollers are in the car (my umbrellas, not the jogger)-- I cry some more, but just silently. Make small talk with Doug and his father as we wait for my family to arrive. They wouldn't leave me until they knew I had a ride. My sister picks me up. We head home. I'm tired and emotional. Matt calls. I wasn't very nice. I wasn't in the mood. I am still not in the mood. This is all on me, I'm not happy about that.
Yesterday, filled with attempts at getting things moving... not great. Got Maegan to school. Called Jeni, asked if she'd watch the 2 little ones, she said yes. drop them off with Jeni and I go to Patient First. Start having xrays of my neck and the xray machine breaks... it's the kids nap time, they let me leave, pick up kids get them down for nap. Try and figure out how to get to another Patient First to get xrays, gotta figure out how to get the rental, gotta get to 4 pm appointment with adjuster... Not gonna happen. Mom says she will help. Mom has her own crisis. 4pm comes and goes, no new xrays, no meeting, no car. 4:30, call Daddy beg him to help. He says no problem come get me. Get the kids ready and then Mom says she can do it. We head to the door and sister shows up. She keeps Maegan, we take Wils and Mia with us. I get my rental minivan-- it's similar to big bertha, but it's not the same, I miss my car. Mom takes the kids home, I head to Patient First... xray machine, still down. I get gas head to mom's house, call insurance guy, reschedule for today at 5pm. Am so tired. Have to go to a jewelry party with mom... had a nice time, good short escape. Bring kids home, line up a babysitter for today, so I can get to Patient First and try again. Sister says she'll keep kids for the 5pm meeting. Kids to bed everyone asleep by 8:30. Phone rings, ignore it, phone rings, ignore it, phone rings, ignore it, am in bed, not going to get up for anyone or anything (except the kids if need be)-- asleep by 10:30.
Now it is today. I'm doing housework. Mia has learned to climb the stairs. Have her in jail, she's not happy. I'm tried and sore. I want to sleep. I want to wake up and this never happened. Matt due home at midnight. He's taking a cab... this after I'd already arranged to have someone sit at the house with the kids. Canceled sitter. Will just chill here. Bed by 10:30 again, that felt good.
OK back to sweeping, vacuuming and laundry, just because I'm sore, doesn't mean housework stops.
My next thoughts, as I am leaving the airport, I should really go get a new power adapter for my computer, I can't live w/o the computer while Matt is gone, and it's a business write off anyway, so I'll head to the apple store. I thought, hmm... I will go pick up Anthony (a friend from church, he's like a little brother to Matt and I), he can chill in the car with the kids while I run in and run out, and I'll buy him some Starbucks as a treat. The kids love Ant (my nickname for him), that would be perfect. Then I realize, he's probably got a lot of work to do at church and the pastors might not appreciate my taking him away for a half an hour. SO, I did what I didn't really want to do. I called my mom. "Mom can you watch the kids long enough for me to run to the Apple Store? I'll go there and then run right back, no stops between." She said sure, but I knew she was tired. I felt so bad asking... but I did not want to take ALL THREE into the Apple store, expecially when I did not have my double stroller with me. So, I dropped them off with mom, and I drove out to Short Pump Town Centre to the Apple Store. Ran in, got my power adapter, ran straight through Nordstroms, with blinders on, though I REALLY wanted to stop and look at handbags! Got in my car and headed for hom, quite proud of myself, because I knew I'd be home by 5:15, plenty of time for Mom to get herself fed and get to church for choir. I decide to take the "shortcut" by the cinema to the stoplight, avoiding the Broad Street Road traffic. This shortcut has FOUR stop signs and isn't even half a mile long! I stop, I go. I stop, I go. I stop. I take my foot off the brake, ready to go and I SCREAM, as my back tightens up and I hear a crack and my car lurches. It took a whole 2 seconds for me to process what has just happened. I put my foot back on the brake, and I think ... Was I just hit? I look in the rear view mirror and realize, that is EXACTLY what happened. I've never been hit before, panic set in BIG time. I didn't know what to do next. I was shaking.
OK Lisa, but the car in park. OK Lisa, *grumbling, trying not to curse, sending out a few mother F --without the last three letters, good girl* Get out of the car, more grumbling, some whimpering, I think I recall looking at the guy who hit me and saying, Why did you do this to me? Still shaking, get the cell phone, turn the car off, shut the door, look at the damage. Oh boy, worse than I thought. Bumper is cracked all the way across the back, back door smooshed in and down. Call mom, sister answers Dee I was in an accident, gotta go. Hang up, call nonemergency police number-- Firemen on the way (his car was leaking fluid). Hang up, call my insurance company, all the while exchanging info with the guy who hit me and realizing he used to be my trainer at the gym. I tell my company I'm filing the claim with HIS company since it was his fault that I was hit. He is perfectly OK with that. Call his insurance, file claim, chat w/ fireman. He says I wouldn't let my wife drive this home, you can't know what happened under the car, I'd get it towed. Still on phone with his insurance. Police arrive. Can't do anything about it because it is on private property, obvious what happened, but no ticket, which was fine by me, it was an accident plain and simple. Officer called two trucks for both of us. Officer stayed with us while we filed our claims. Officer left. We were in a parking lot, his ride arrived, I still didn't know if anyone was coming to get me. Matt texted while this was going on, saying he was on the plane about to leave. I texted back, I was in an accident. No response. I get back in touch with my family and ask if someone can please come get me. I remove car seats, then realizing they need to be replaced as now their safety/integrity has been compromised. BUT, I have no choice, the kids have to have something to ride in. I cry a lot. I try not to, because I didn't want to make Doug feel worse than he already did. Back really tense, pretty sore, but everything moves, so I think I'm OK. Tow truck comes and gets big bertha and off she goes... by car! I realize my strollers are in the car (my umbrellas, not the jogger)-- I cry some more, but just silently. Make small talk with Doug and his father as we wait for my family to arrive. They wouldn't leave me until they knew I had a ride. My sister picks me up. We head home. I'm tired and emotional. Matt calls. I wasn't very nice. I wasn't in the mood. I am still not in the mood. This is all on me, I'm not happy about that.
Yesterday, filled with attempts at getting things moving... not great. Got Maegan to school. Called Jeni, asked if she'd watch the 2 little ones, she said yes. drop them off with Jeni and I go to Patient First. Start having xrays of my neck and the xray machine breaks... it's the kids nap time, they let me leave, pick up kids get them down for nap. Try and figure out how to get to another Patient First to get xrays, gotta figure out how to get the rental, gotta get to 4 pm appointment with adjuster... Not gonna happen. Mom says she will help. Mom has her own crisis. 4pm comes and goes, no new xrays, no meeting, no car. 4:30, call Daddy beg him to help. He says no problem come get me. Get the kids ready and then Mom says she can do it. We head to the door and sister shows up. She keeps Maegan, we take Wils and Mia with us. I get my rental minivan-- it's similar to big bertha, but it's not the same, I miss my car. Mom takes the kids home, I head to Patient First... xray machine, still down. I get gas head to mom's house, call insurance guy, reschedule for today at 5pm. Am so tired. Have to go to a jewelry party with mom... had a nice time, good short escape. Bring kids home, line up a babysitter for today, so I can get to Patient First and try again. Sister says she'll keep kids for the 5pm meeting. Kids to bed everyone asleep by 8:30. Phone rings, ignore it, phone rings, ignore it, phone rings, ignore it, am in bed, not going to get up for anyone or anything (except the kids if need be)-- asleep by 10:30.
Now it is today. I'm doing housework. Mia has learned to climb the stairs. Have her in jail, she's not happy. I'm tried and sore. I want to sleep. I want to wake up and this never happened. Matt due home at midnight. He's taking a cab... this after I'd already arranged to have someone sit at the house with the kids. Canceled sitter. Will just chill here. Bed by 10:30 again, that felt good.
OK back to sweeping, vacuuming and laundry, just because I'm sore, doesn't mean housework stops.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Just checkin in...
It's been a while. I'm still addicted to Facebook, I won't lie about it. It's a good thing I have no access to the computer during the day. I actually get house work done these days... amazing how that happens.
I'm so ready for the Super Bowl! We are having a party. Nothing fancy, just a few friends and their kids, and my family (those that show up). We are making hoagies, and serving various dips and appetizers and sweets. Matthew always makes the Super Bowl fun, so it doesn't matter if you have a favorite team or not. We have a TOP SECRET trivia game, that NO ONE (including myself) is allowed to see the questions prior to kick off, and NO googling for the answers. We also have a little number draw, he makes a little "scoreboard" on our game card, and we draw a number from a cup -- there is a cup for each quarter. This is where I usually score my points, I'm good at picking the numbers, or let's say I have been good in the past. Then there is a section for "during the game" where we have a list of qualities (ie: longest hair, most tattoos, biggest player, etc.) and we have to pick... the more people that MATCH the more points you get... we also get to pick our favorite commercial, and you just HOPE someone else picked the same one so you get the points!
The trivia game is the cooolest part of the game card. There are questions rated Touchdown and extra point or Field Goal. If you pick Touchdown questions, you have the option of answering the extra point question. If you pick the field goal, then you forgo the chance at the touchdown question. He usually has a pretty good list of these questions. He does his research for months prior to the Super Bowl. My dad always gives me a good run for my money, as he was a football coach and can recall mad stats. I just make educated guesses, because I'm an NFL junkie.
I really think that Matt should get intouch with NFL and see if he can get his cards made into a real Super Bowl game that people can purchase each year (updated for the current season). The cards are so cool, and so well thought out. Everyone should have these sweet party games at their Super Bowl party, because, even if you don't like football, it gets you involved and makes the party more fun. People often remember our SB parties because of all the work Matt puts into it. Football is our favorite sport. It is what I do every Sunday from August through the first week of Feb. Once the season is over, I'm pretty bummed. I'm so glad we can end our season with a great party, even though it is bittersweet. And even though our teams can't seem to make it to the SB here lately, we still find a way to have a great time.
I have many family and friends going for the Steelers this year. I must say, I can not jump on this bandwagon. I am going for the underdog in this game. The Cinderella team if you will... ARIZONA CARDINALS. And, I actually called this a while back... when we were headed into the playoffs, I said, ultimately, I'd love to see the Vikings in it, because I have a friend who plays for them, HOWEVER, I had a feeling that AZ was going all the way, and I was (and still am) VERY cool with that. My mom grew up on AZ, my sister went to college in AZ, it's time for AZ to win it. The cards have not gone to the SB in 61 years. I say GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ARIZONA!!!! I can't remember if I called Pitt as the other team in SB... if I could go back and figure it out, I'd let you know, but I think the conversation has been deleted! ughhhhhhhhh
So anyway, there is an update from my end!
I'm so ready for the Super Bowl! We are having a party. Nothing fancy, just a few friends and their kids, and my family (those that show up). We are making hoagies, and serving various dips and appetizers and sweets. Matthew always makes the Super Bowl fun, so it doesn't matter if you have a favorite team or not. We have a TOP SECRET trivia game, that NO ONE (including myself) is allowed to see the questions prior to kick off, and NO googling for the answers. We also have a little number draw, he makes a little "scoreboard" on our game card, and we draw a number from a cup -- there is a cup for each quarter. This is where I usually score my points, I'm good at picking the numbers, or let's say I have been good in the past. Then there is a section for "during the game" where we have a list of qualities (ie: longest hair, most tattoos, biggest player, etc.) and we have to pick... the more people that MATCH the more points you get... we also get to pick our favorite commercial, and you just HOPE someone else picked the same one so you get the points!
The trivia game is the cooolest part of the game card. There are questions rated Touchdown and extra point or Field Goal. If you pick Touchdown questions, you have the option of answering the extra point question. If you pick the field goal, then you forgo the chance at the touchdown question. He usually has a pretty good list of these questions. He does his research for months prior to the Super Bowl. My dad always gives me a good run for my money, as he was a football coach and can recall mad stats. I just make educated guesses, because I'm an NFL junkie.
I really think that Matt should get intouch with NFL and see if he can get his cards made into a real Super Bowl game that people can purchase each year (updated for the current season). The cards are so cool, and so well thought out. Everyone should have these sweet party games at their Super Bowl party, because, even if you don't like football, it gets you involved and makes the party more fun. People often remember our SB parties because of all the work Matt puts into it. Football is our favorite sport. It is what I do every Sunday from August through the first week of Feb. Once the season is over, I'm pretty bummed. I'm so glad we can end our season with a great party, even though it is bittersweet. And even though our teams can't seem to make it to the SB here lately, we still find a way to have a great time.
I have many family and friends going for the Steelers this year. I must say, I can not jump on this bandwagon. I am going for the underdog in this game. The Cinderella team if you will... ARIZONA CARDINALS. And, I actually called this a while back... when we were headed into the playoffs, I said, ultimately, I'd love to see the Vikings in it, because I have a friend who plays for them, HOWEVER, I had a feeling that AZ was going all the way, and I was (and still am) VERY cool with that. My mom grew up on AZ, my sister went to college in AZ, it's time for AZ to win it. The cards have not gone to the SB in 61 years. I say GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ARIZONA!!!! I can't remember if I called Pitt as the other team in SB... if I could go back and figure it out, I'd let you know, but I think the conversation has been deleted! ughhhhhhhhh
So anyway, there is an update from my end!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Oh I am still here, don't you worry your pretty little head!
Did you think I'd given up blogging? No, I just got sucked into FACEBOOK! It is so addictive. I love it. If you don't have a facebook account, you need one, and if you have one, you need to add me! I love being in touch with old friends that I haven't been in touch with in years. I love staying in touch with my friends who have left town (ie: Kirsten), it's so nice to have a way to keep up with one another. The chat feature is AWESOME! I love it. SO, that's where I have been. Stuck on Facebook. I post notes there occassionally. But, I am going to do better about blogging more often.
I hope all is well and that everyone is enjoying the NEW YEAR.
I hope all is well and that everyone is enjoying the NEW YEAR.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Happy Birthday, Jesus!
Is it REALLY Christmas? You wouldn't know it at my house. I'm the only one awake. Mom and Dad just called. They are packing the car and heading over. I'll wake the masses when they arrive. Although, I think Wils is beginning to stir. I've got to hold him off until they get here and I get his siblings up.
Who ever thought that 8:40 on Christmas Morning children would still be sleeping? My kids love their sleep. Thats for sure! Too funny. OK, well, Merry Christmas. Enjoy your day with your family or friends, and remember to give Praises to the King and maybe sing a little HAPPY BIRTHDAY to him! ;)
Monday, November 17, 2008
Opinions Please
SO, there is a box. The contents of this box have not been seen in FIVE YEARS (actually 5.5 almost)-- So, what do you do with the box? Do you just toss it, without going through it, because after all, if you haven't needed it in 5 years, then you must not be missing it. Do you go through it, because you never know there could be something of value in there? Do you keep it, and just deal with it later?
What's your opinion?
How about baseball cards... do you think that collecting baseball cards is a good thing, an annoying thing, serves a purpose, just creates more clutter? When should one actually part with ones baseball cards? Or should just hold on to them until you die and pass them down to the next generation?
How about toys? Should you keep toys to pass down? Should you purge them and give to less fortunate? Should you have an organized system for storage of toys?
Now about clothing... should you purge twice a year? Once a year? Should t-shirts have sentimental value and need to be kept until you pass and someone with no value attached tosses it for you?
I ask all of this, because, I want to do some serious purging. I'm so ready to just take a garbage bag and start tossing items. Now, I know I stand to receive great opposition from 2 in my family... Mr. Perfect and my first little princess. The prince and the littlest princess could care less.
As it stands today... toys are being purged. A trash pile, a charity pile, and a keep pile. With the littlest princess about to turn 1 and then Christmas being right on the heels of that celebration, it is high time to purge the toys and make some room. When I get paid next week, I'll be heading to Target for storage bins for all of the different toys that we are keeping. Everything is getting a label and getting put in a place. And hopefully we will get a nice system that we can all live with. My last system, no one paid attention too, and the mess is worse than ever. I can't take it much more. I don't like STUFF cluttering up my house.
And that brings me to my second portion of this Poll of sorts:
What do you want your children to receive for Christmas this year?
These are my leanings this year:
Daughter #1
A new, bigger bike, with training wheels
Barbie items and storage
Son
An arm chair for his play room
Hot Wheels/Matchbox cars and storage
Daughter #2
A Britax Marathon car seat
I have no clue what to get her for a toy!
All of them will get winter coats, hats and gloves, as well as clothing.
Now when people ask me what I want for my children for Christmas, that is a very tough question for me to answer. I don't want more junk. I want to control the amount of toys coming in the house, as I don't want to have a house overflowing with toys that don't get played with. So, when people ask, I am tempted to answer: money towards a family membership to the Children's Museum (a gift that gets used ALL YEAR LONG in our house), swimming lessons, movie tickets (for the oldest child)-- you know, things that my kids can USE that don't take up space in the house. I would think other mothers would agree with this. A gift card to Barnes and Noble is TWO gifts in one! They get to GO to the book store and leisurely peruse the books and then they get to pick on to take home. They love it! Granted, my kids have more books than their bookcase can hold, and we probably need to look at purging their too... but there is where my problem lies. I can't seem to let go of a book (children's books)-- I want to pass them down, generation to generation. I need to let go of that, and start giving these books to schools and hospitals that could really use them.
Well, lots to do today. Purging toys. Wish me luck. I'm ready to get this done!
What's your opinion?
How about baseball cards... do you think that collecting baseball cards is a good thing, an annoying thing, serves a purpose, just creates more clutter? When should one actually part with ones baseball cards? Or should just hold on to them until you die and pass them down to the next generation?
How about toys? Should you keep toys to pass down? Should you purge them and give to less fortunate? Should you have an organized system for storage of toys?
Now about clothing... should you purge twice a year? Once a year? Should t-shirts have sentimental value and need to be kept until you pass and someone with no value attached tosses it for you?
I ask all of this, because, I want to do some serious purging. I'm so ready to just take a garbage bag and start tossing items. Now, I know I stand to receive great opposition from 2 in my family... Mr. Perfect and my first little princess. The prince and the littlest princess could care less.
As it stands today... toys are being purged. A trash pile, a charity pile, and a keep pile. With the littlest princess about to turn 1 and then Christmas being right on the heels of that celebration, it is high time to purge the toys and make some room. When I get paid next week, I'll be heading to Target for storage bins for all of the different toys that we are keeping. Everything is getting a label and getting put in a place. And hopefully we will get a nice system that we can all live with. My last system, no one paid attention too, and the mess is worse than ever. I can't take it much more. I don't like STUFF cluttering up my house.
And that brings me to my second portion of this Poll of sorts:
What do you want your children to receive for Christmas this year?
These are my leanings this year:
Daughter #1
A new, bigger bike, with training wheels
Barbie items and storage
Son
An arm chair for his play room
Hot Wheels/Matchbox cars and storage
Daughter #2
A Britax Marathon car seat
I have no clue what to get her for a toy!
All of them will get winter coats, hats and gloves, as well as clothing.
Now when people ask me what I want for my children for Christmas, that is a very tough question for me to answer. I don't want more junk. I want to control the amount of toys coming in the house, as I don't want to have a house overflowing with toys that don't get played with. So, when people ask, I am tempted to answer: money towards a family membership to the Children's Museum (a gift that gets used ALL YEAR LONG in our house), swimming lessons, movie tickets (for the oldest child)-- you know, things that my kids can USE that don't take up space in the house. I would think other mothers would agree with this. A gift card to Barnes and Noble is TWO gifts in one! They get to GO to the book store and leisurely peruse the books and then they get to pick on to take home. They love it! Granted, my kids have more books than their bookcase can hold, and we probably need to look at purging their too... but there is where my problem lies. I can't seem to let go of a book (children's books)-- I want to pass them down, generation to generation. I need to let go of that, and start giving these books to schools and hospitals that could really use them.
Well, lots to do today. Purging toys. Wish me luck. I'm ready to get this done!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Wow, it's been a while.
OK I know I made a list a while back, of the things I needed to blog about. SO, here you go...
WAAAAAAAAAAY back in July, my little man turned 2! We had a birthday party the day before we left for the beach. Pizza and cake! Wils got firetrucks (his favorite), a lawn mower (bubble more favorite by far), and then his grandparents in Idaho sent him his very first set of GOLF CLUBS! (ok, seriously, THAT is the most favorite!) Wils just enjoyed himself to no end. We played outside and the kids just ran around, until they were literally too tired to keep moving! Our next door neighbors came over after most of the guests had left. Carrie asked for cake, and said she was "craving some cake" so I ran in and got her a piece. We sat out on the deck and chatted, and before she left, she said, "If you are wondering WHY I am craving cake, it's because ... I AM PREGNANT!" OMG, I am so excited for she and Josh. They came over last Friday night (October 0th) I'd been waiting to hear from her all day. I was holding Mia, and she grabbed Mia from my arms and squeezed her close and then looked at me and said, "I'm having one of these!" I could not be happier for them! Carlee Grace should arrive in late February!
So, the day after Wils' birthday party, we hit the road. Dee, Dawson, and Maegan all in her little car, Matthew, Me, Wils and Mia all in our minivan. Sand buckets, check! Boogie boards, check! suitcases, check! Diapers, check! Stroller, check! Pack n plays, check! Let's Roll!!!!!!!!!
We spent a week in Southern Shores, at a little cottage we go to every year, just steps from the ocean. Mom and Dad brought Grandma, and one of Dad's first cousins. My cousin Paul and his wife and their teenage sons met us down there. The first night, we just did a quick mexican dinner in the cottage and then played games. The next day we spent the day on the beach... in fact most of the week was beautiful, so we spent countless hours on the beach. Dee had promised to take Dawson mini-golf, and so she and Dad and Maegan and Dawson went one after noon while the little ones were sleeping. When they came back, they were SOAKED. Apparently, close to the last hole, the skies opened up and dumped buckets of rain on them. Maegan was not impressed.
During the week we had different visitors, some stayed over night, and some just stayed for a few short minutes. Paul and his family left on Tuesday. Then Ryan, Stephanie, Keriana and baby Riley came for their visit. They stayed until Friday or was it Saturday? Winston, Morgan and Casey dropped in for a quick visit. Winston, Daddy, Ryan and Matt played golf. Morgan and Casey went with Dee and Dawson and Maegan over to the ocean. I stayed in, because I had two sleeping babies. On Wednesday, Pamela and Adam came for the remainder of the week. And Uncle Geno came on Wednesday as well.
There was a cooking competition, Men vs. Women... or brother's (Matt (my husband, but Dee's bro in law obviously) and Ryan) vs. sisters (Dee and myself-- Steph's hands were full with caring for Riley). The men set the stage the first night of competition. They went with an island feel. They wore tropical shirts and straw hats while they cooked. We had Caribbean inspired foods, yams and plantains roasted, there were beans but they had meat so I didn't eat that, I can't even remember all they served, but I know this... they dirtied EVERY SINGLE DISH in the cottage! They made specialty drinks that were delicious! Then they served a tropical pie, which was similar to key lime, but WAAAAAAAAAAAAAY better!!! So yummy!
The next night brought out the women. We were very organized in our meal planning. We worked on a time line. The boys didn't have dinner set on the table to eat until after 8pm. We girls did NOT want that to happen with our meal. We prepared our salad early in the afternoon. We prepared our entree (Church Chicken), in the afternoon as well, assembled and ready to heat. I can't recall our sides, other than the salad, which we actually served as a first course. We, too, had special drinks. We made white wine spritzers with a strawberry in the bottom of the glass. Our dessert was toffee ooey gooey butter bars (recipe used by Paula Deen). Our dinner was hot and ready to roll by 5:30 pm! AND it was a hit!
The boys won on creativity and culinary skill. The girls won on taste, cleanliness and timeliness! I think that means that the girls took home the gold!!!
We did have a Karaoke night, but it flopped, in that, so many people signed up, that our song never got called! It was getting close to 1am and we were too tired to hang about anymore. But we did have fun.
I found my new favorite drink, while in the OBX. If you have the chance to go Aqua... you MUST, simply MUST get an Aqua Belini! O M G! Scrumdiddlyumptious! HOWEVER, I must forwarn anyone who wishes to try it, if you are a light weight, find someone to share this drink with. I'm a heavy girl, and one belini and I was lit up! The twist on this otherwise classic beverage... SKYY Vodka. Wooo, I'm a believer!
We played games all week, always fun. We enjoyed some fun times of soccer on the beach, boogie boarding, skim boarding (hilarity), and lots of Wii action. Even some Wii drama! I know there was more I wanted to say about the trip, but I can no longer remember. My brain is fried. My bed is calling my name!
More blogging later! ;)
WAAAAAAAAAAY back in July, my little man turned 2! We had a birthday party the day before we left for the beach. Pizza and cake! Wils got firetrucks (his favorite), a lawn mower (bubble more favorite by far), and then his grandparents in Idaho sent him his very first set of GOLF CLUBS! (ok, seriously, THAT is the most favorite!) Wils just enjoyed himself to no end. We played outside and the kids just ran around, until they were literally too tired to keep moving! Our next door neighbors came over after most of the guests had left. Carrie asked for cake, and said she was "craving some cake" so I ran in and got her a piece. We sat out on the deck and chatted, and before she left, she said, "If you are wondering WHY I am craving cake, it's because ... I AM PREGNANT!" OMG, I am so excited for she and Josh. They came over last Friday night (October 0th) I'd been waiting to hear from her all day. I was holding Mia, and she grabbed Mia from my arms and squeezed her close and then looked at me and said, "I'm having one of these!" I could not be happier for them! Carlee Grace should arrive in late February!
So, the day after Wils' birthday party, we hit the road. Dee, Dawson, and Maegan all in her little car, Matthew, Me, Wils and Mia all in our minivan. Sand buckets, check! Boogie boards, check! suitcases, check! Diapers, check! Stroller, check! Pack n plays, check! Let's Roll!!!!!!!!!
We spent a week in Southern Shores, at a little cottage we go to every year, just steps from the ocean. Mom and Dad brought Grandma, and one of Dad's first cousins. My cousin Paul and his wife and their teenage sons met us down there. The first night, we just did a quick mexican dinner in the cottage and then played games. The next day we spent the day on the beach... in fact most of the week was beautiful, so we spent countless hours on the beach. Dee had promised to take Dawson mini-golf, and so she and Dad and Maegan and Dawson went one after noon while the little ones were sleeping. When they came back, they were SOAKED. Apparently, close to the last hole, the skies opened up and dumped buckets of rain on them. Maegan was not impressed.
During the week we had different visitors, some stayed over night, and some just stayed for a few short minutes. Paul and his family left on Tuesday. Then Ryan, Stephanie, Keriana and baby Riley came for their visit. They stayed until Friday or was it Saturday? Winston, Morgan and Casey dropped in for a quick visit. Winston, Daddy, Ryan and Matt played golf. Morgan and Casey went with Dee and Dawson and Maegan over to the ocean. I stayed in, because I had two sleeping babies. On Wednesday, Pamela and Adam came for the remainder of the week. And Uncle Geno came on Wednesday as well.
There was a cooking competition, Men vs. Women... or brother's (Matt (my husband, but Dee's bro in law obviously) and Ryan) vs. sisters (Dee and myself-- Steph's hands were full with caring for Riley). The men set the stage the first night of competition. They went with an island feel. They wore tropical shirts and straw hats while they cooked. We had Caribbean inspired foods, yams and plantains roasted, there were beans but they had meat so I didn't eat that, I can't even remember all they served, but I know this... they dirtied EVERY SINGLE DISH in the cottage! They made specialty drinks that were delicious! Then they served a tropical pie, which was similar to key lime, but WAAAAAAAAAAAAAY better!!! So yummy!
The next night brought out the women. We were very organized in our meal planning. We worked on a time line. The boys didn't have dinner set on the table to eat until after 8pm. We girls did NOT want that to happen with our meal. We prepared our salad early in the afternoon. We prepared our entree (Church Chicken), in the afternoon as well, assembled and ready to heat. I can't recall our sides, other than the salad, which we actually served as a first course. We, too, had special drinks. We made white wine spritzers with a strawberry in the bottom of the glass. Our dessert was toffee ooey gooey butter bars (recipe used by Paula Deen). Our dinner was hot and ready to roll by 5:30 pm! AND it was a hit!
The boys won on creativity and culinary skill. The girls won on taste, cleanliness and timeliness! I think that means that the girls took home the gold!!!
We did have a Karaoke night, but it flopped, in that, so many people signed up, that our song never got called! It was getting close to 1am and we were too tired to hang about anymore. But we did have fun.
I found my new favorite drink, while in the OBX. If you have the chance to go Aqua... you MUST, simply MUST get an Aqua Belini! O M G! Scrumdiddlyumptious! HOWEVER, I must forwarn anyone who wishes to try it, if you are a light weight, find someone to share this drink with. I'm a heavy girl, and one belini and I was lit up! The twist on this otherwise classic beverage... SKYY Vodka. Wooo, I'm a believer!
We played games all week, always fun. We enjoyed some fun times of soccer on the beach, boogie boarding, skim boarding (hilarity), and lots of Wii action. Even some Wii drama! I know there was more I wanted to say about the trip, but I can no longer remember. My brain is fried. My bed is calling my name!
More blogging later! ;)
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Things I Want
This is not one of those entries, where I talk about things that would make me happy, or what have you... This is straight up, a material wants post. I'm putting in writing my wants. They are wants, not needs, so they aren't earth shattering. They aren't super important. They are just what I state they are... WANTS! They are in no particular order of importance. These are just things I desire, and I'm just blogging about them, well because I WANT to! heehee SO, here's my list...
WANTS FOR THE HOUSE
new mailbox (black metal w/ little red flag, pull tray inside that slides)
new mailbox post (white, would prefer one with a little cubby just under the mailbox for neighborhood information that gets dropped off from time to time)
new house numbers on the porch
new black shutters (vinyl would be nice)
new storm door for back door
new storm door for front door
kitchen fan replaced
new kitchen light remounted
new kitchen sink and faucet
new counter tops
cabinetry installed in utility room
new vanity tops and sinks in both bathrooms
new bathroom mirrors
new bathroom fixtures
new bathroom faucets (including sink and baths)
new bathroom floors (ceramic tile)
new carpet for stairs and upstairs
all wood floors refinished
renew the gas contract for my gas logs
new room size rug (Persian or Oriental type) for living room
new covers on my kitchen seat cushions
newly painted kitchen
new bedroom furniture for Wils and Maegan (double bunk beds and big dressers with mirrors)
new living room furniture (L shaped sofa with ottoman/cocktail table, club chairs with a chess table for bay window, new amoire with retractable doors... large enough for our tv)
new washer and dryer (front loading/energy efficient)
microwave over stove
kitchen island with storage
professional landscaping
Gift cards to Lowes and Value City furniture!!! (LOL)
WANTS FOR ME
eyebrows waxed
hair shaped up (maybe a touch of color?)
some new clothes
a gym membership
a pedicure
a facial (at Red Door)
Starfish book by Jett Beres and Ken Block
some cute new clothes
some new fun shoes
some good smelling bath gels! (Vickies or BBW-- I'm all OUT!)
some new make up
a cute handbag and a cute make up clutch (Kate Spade, Coach, Michael Kors, etc.)
some new clothes -- that actually look nice on me
gastric bypass ... NO really I don't, I'd rather the gym membership!
membership to Weight Watchers (aka The Fat Farm)
a full night of sleep
a Disney vacation
a Wii FIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
and some new clothes and shoes and a handbag or two and some sunglasses
Gift Certs to Target, Prime Outlets, Old Navy.com, etc.
WANTS FOR THE KIDS
new Dr. Martens for Wils
new Tretorns for Maegan
new Nikes for Wils
a fall wardrobe for Mia
Robeez shoes for Mia
some cute coordinating leggings and tunics for Maegan for school
some nice polos (long and short sleeved) for Wils, Maegan and Mia
Winter coats for all three
Snow gear for all three
A trip to DISNEY
a drum kit for Maegan and Wils (both of whom are extremely interested in instruments)
new bedroom decor for Wils and Maegan... and them to finally have their OWN rooms... bye bye playroom!
an organized spot for all of their toys
a new carseat for Mia (Britax Marathon Olivia)
FOR MATT
a mini cooper
an epiphany to clean out his drawers and such of clothes he's likely never to wear again
an epiphany to clean out his car
an organizer for the shed so the bikes can be hung up, so all sporting equipment can be hung up, so all beach chairs can be hung up, a place for all beach accessories to be stored, a golf bench for his clubs and accessories, and floor space for lawn tools, and a new power cord so we can mow the grass and trim the weeds! (You get me the power cord, Matty, I'll mow, it's FUN! -- except you have to mow by the shed, I'm scared of snakes being in the ivy!)
And well... there you have it, a pretty big representation of all of my WANTS!
OH and I forgot a category--
WANTS FOR MY MARRIAGE
a date
a babysitter that is local that we can trust and that can come over on weeknights (our current sitter is away at college and WE MISS HER)
a sister hazel concert
a weekend getaway to the beach
an NFL football game (2 tickets, cold weather, hot yummy coffee, and a good view--- Redskins tix preferred!)
OK, and I have to have a separate list for my kitchen---
I really really want some good EASY few ingredient cookbooks that I can "go to" on any occassion!
I want new plates (different color to go with the different color I want on my walls)
I want new cups/glassware
I want some fun kitchen gadgets
I REALLY want that collapsable strainer! That thing is positively awesome!
I'd really, also, like a stainless steal strainer, that when not being used as a strainer, would make a sweet fruit bowl on the counter!
I'd like a ziplock storage bag organizer for the pantry
I'd like some sweet serving dishes
OK really, I think my wants are getting WAY out of hand.
The only thing on this list that I really NEED, is my eyebrows waxed... post haste! Maybe I can get that done this weekend! Let's all hope that works out. I'm tired of walking around with "wooly worms" above my eyes as Danielle so sweetly pointed out. (I guess that's what a sorority sister is for!)
Carry on, OH and post your own WANTS list! :) I love reading and getting ideas! lol
My biggest WANT right now is a new home and our house to be SOLD! We are wanting to build in the near future, but we don't WANT that if it isn't what GOD has planned for us. Sometimes it is difficult to sit back and wait, to see what the Lord has in store... but I know HIS plans far out weigh our own and if we are patient and trusting He will lead us right where He wants us to be! And all in all... my desire is His will for my life!
WANTS FOR THE HOUSE
new mailbox (black metal w/ little red flag, pull tray inside that slides)
new mailbox post (white, would prefer one with a little cubby just under the mailbox for neighborhood information that gets dropped off from time to time)
new house numbers on the porch
new black shutters (vinyl would be nice)
new storm door for back door
new storm door for front door
kitchen fan replaced
new kitchen light remounted
new kitchen sink and faucet
new counter tops
cabinetry installed in utility room
new vanity tops and sinks in both bathrooms
new bathroom mirrors
new bathroom fixtures
new bathroom faucets (including sink and baths)
new bathroom floors (ceramic tile)
new carpet for stairs and upstairs
all wood floors refinished
renew the gas contract for my gas logs
new room size rug (Persian or Oriental type) for living room
new covers on my kitchen seat cushions
newly painted kitchen
new bedroom furniture for Wils and Maegan (double bunk beds and big dressers with mirrors)
new living room furniture (L shaped sofa with ottoman/cocktail table, club chairs with a chess table for bay window, new amoire with retractable doors... large enough for our tv)
new washer and dryer (front loading/energy efficient)
microwave over stove
kitchen island with storage
professional landscaping
Gift cards to Lowes and Value City furniture!!! (LOL)
WANTS FOR ME
eyebrows waxed
hair shaped up (maybe a touch of color?)
some new clothes
a gym membership
a pedicure
a facial (at Red Door)
Starfish book by Jett Beres and Ken Block
some cute new clothes
some new fun shoes
some good smelling bath gels! (Vickies or BBW-- I'm all OUT!)
some new make up
a cute handbag and a cute make up clutch (Kate Spade, Coach, Michael Kors, etc.)
some new clothes -- that actually look nice on me
gastric bypass ... NO really I don't, I'd rather the gym membership!
membership to Weight Watchers (aka The Fat Farm)
a full night of sleep
a Disney vacation
a Wii FIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
and some new clothes and shoes and a handbag or two and some sunglasses
Gift Certs to Target, Prime Outlets, Old Navy.com, etc.
WANTS FOR THE KIDS
new Dr. Martens for Wils
new Tretorns for Maegan
new Nikes for Wils
a fall wardrobe for Mia
Robeez shoes for Mia
some cute coordinating leggings and tunics for Maegan for school
some nice polos (long and short sleeved) for Wils, Maegan and Mia
Winter coats for all three
Snow gear for all three
A trip to DISNEY
a drum kit for Maegan and Wils (both of whom are extremely interested in instruments)
new bedroom decor for Wils and Maegan... and them to finally have their OWN rooms... bye bye playroom!
an organized spot for all of their toys
a new carseat for Mia (Britax Marathon Olivia)
FOR MATT
a mini cooper
an epiphany to clean out his drawers and such of clothes he's likely never to wear again
an epiphany to clean out his car
an organizer for the shed so the bikes can be hung up, so all sporting equipment can be hung up, so all beach chairs can be hung up, a place for all beach accessories to be stored, a golf bench for his clubs and accessories, and floor space for lawn tools, and a new power cord so we can mow the grass and trim the weeds! (You get me the power cord, Matty, I'll mow, it's FUN! -- except you have to mow by the shed, I'm scared of snakes being in the ivy!)
And well... there you have it, a pretty big representation of all of my WANTS!
OH and I forgot a category--
WANTS FOR MY MARRIAGE
a date
a babysitter that is local that we can trust and that can come over on weeknights (our current sitter is away at college and WE MISS HER)
a sister hazel concert
a weekend getaway to the beach
an NFL football game (2 tickets, cold weather, hot yummy coffee, and a good view--- Redskins tix preferred!)
OK, and I have to have a separate list for my kitchen---
I really really want some good EASY few ingredient cookbooks that I can "go to" on any occassion!
I want new plates (different color to go with the different color I want on my walls)
I want new cups/glassware
I want some fun kitchen gadgets
I REALLY want that collapsable strainer! That thing is positively awesome!
I'd really, also, like a stainless steal strainer, that when not being used as a strainer, would make a sweet fruit bowl on the counter!
I'd like a ziplock storage bag organizer for the pantry
I'd like some sweet serving dishes
OK really, I think my wants are getting WAY out of hand.
The only thing on this list that I really NEED, is my eyebrows waxed... post haste! Maybe I can get that done this weekend! Let's all hope that works out. I'm tired of walking around with "wooly worms" above my eyes as Danielle so sweetly pointed out. (I guess that's what a sorority sister is for!)
Carry on, OH and post your own WANTS list! :) I love reading and getting ideas! lol
My biggest WANT right now is a new home and our house to be SOLD! We are wanting to build in the near future, but we don't WANT that if it isn't what GOD has planned for us. Sometimes it is difficult to sit back and wait, to see what the Lord has in store... but I know HIS plans far out weigh our own and if we are patient and trusting He will lead us right where He wants us to be! And all in all... my desire is His will for my life!
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Remembering Ella
As you know, a while ago I posted about baby Ella. Ella passed away yesterday in her mother's arms, standing outside in the warm sunshine, while her daddy stood beside. Please read Ella's Story and keep her memory alive. It is a very positive and precious glimpse into the life of sweet Ella.
Monday, September 01, 2008
It's time...
Lunch has been packed in a new purple lunch bag. Snack has been packed in a second purple lunch bag. Her backpack with purple butterflies is sitting on the kitchen chair, waiting for her to find it. Papers have been signed. Clothes are ready to be put on in the morning. Shoes are waiting by the front door.
It's time. It's finally arrived. The day I have been so excited about, yet so in fear of, has come. My baby girl is starting Kindergarten, in a public school! I so wanted to home school. However, I know I am not organized enough to bring that to fruition, so it is up to the public schools now, to educate my daughter.
We've met the teacher. She's sweet as pie. We've seen the classroom. We've seen her cubby. We've dropped off school supplies. We've found the library and the cafeteria. There is nothing left to do, but to take my baby to the school in the morning. Take her there, open the car door, and watch her walk into the school like a big girl. Her life is going to change tomorrow. Her innocence will be somewhat changed.
This is the little baby who was determined NOT to come into this world by natural means, no matter what mommy did to help it along. This is the cute bald baby that would just grin at me while she was nursing. This is the sweet little girl who knew how to spell her name by the time she was 18 months old. This is the little girl who stayed by my side when I was pregnant and could scarcely get out of bed. This is the little girl who wanted a sister so badly and told everyone else that I was going to have a girl, and I did. This is the little girl who suddenly has grown up way too fast. This is my baby girl. This is my daughter that I wanted with all my heart. This is my littler girl who is growing increasingly more independent by the moment.
We've read the rules on conduct. We've talked about respecting people. We've discussed not trading food or taking food from others. We've had the chat I didn't think would come until much later... Do NOT accept medicine or pills or anything from anyone else at school and tell a teacher IMMEDIATELY if someone offers those things to you! Oh my! I don't know that I am ready for this. However, there isn't much I can do about it. My baby girl is starting Kindergarten.
So, if you have a moment tomorrow, and you think about it. Please say a prayer for me, that I would not be an emotional wreck and that I am positive and encouraging. And pray for my baby girl, that she not be scared, that she not get lost, that no one will offer her anything unsavory, that she will not be harrassed by any other students, that she won't drive her teacher crazy, that she'll remember to sit in her seat, that she'll be a team player, that she'll be sweet and remember her manners, that she'll have FUN! And pray, that she will miss me just a little bit, so that when she sees me in the afternoon, there to pick her up, that she will be happy to see me and ready to tell me all about her exciting new experiences.
I'm so excited for her, but so scared, and so not ready for this. She also starts t-ball tomorrow night. Her cousin Dawson, and best friend, Kiersten are also on her team. It should be a long, but hopefully FUN day tomorrow.
It's time. It's finally arrived. The day I have been so excited about, yet so in fear of, has come. My baby girl is starting Kindergarten, in a public school! I so wanted to home school. However, I know I am not organized enough to bring that to fruition, so it is up to the public schools now, to educate my daughter.
We've met the teacher. She's sweet as pie. We've seen the classroom. We've seen her cubby. We've dropped off school supplies. We've found the library and the cafeteria. There is nothing left to do, but to take my baby to the school in the morning. Take her there, open the car door, and watch her walk into the school like a big girl. Her life is going to change tomorrow. Her innocence will be somewhat changed.
This is the little baby who was determined NOT to come into this world by natural means, no matter what mommy did to help it along. This is the cute bald baby that would just grin at me while she was nursing. This is the sweet little girl who knew how to spell her name by the time she was 18 months old. This is the little girl who stayed by my side when I was pregnant and could scarcely get out of bed. This is the little girl who wanted a sister so badly and told everyone else that I was going to have a girl, and I did. This is the little girl who suddenly has grown up way too fast. This is my baby girl. This is my daughter that I wanted with all my heart. This is my littler girl who is growing increasingly more independent by the moment.
We've read the rules on conduct. We've talked about respecting people. We've discussed not trading food or taking food from others. We've had the chat I didn't think would come until much later... Do NOT accept medicine or pills or anything from anyone else at school and tell a teacher IMMEDIATELY if someone offers those things to you! Oh my! I don't know that I am ready for this. However, there isn't much I can do about it. My baby girl is starting Kindergarten.
So, if you have a moment tomorrow, and you think about it. Please say a prayer for me, that I would not be an emotional wreck and that I am positive and encouraging. And pray for my baby girl, that she not be scared, that she not get lost, that no one will offer her anything unsavory, that she will not be harrassed by any other students, that she won't drive her teacher crazy, that she'll remember to sit in her seat, that she'll be a team player, that she'll be sweet and remember her manners, that she'll have FUN! And pray, that she will miss me just a little bit, so that when she sees me in the afternoon, there to pick her up, that she will be happy to see me and ready to tell me all about her exciting new experiences.
I'm so excited for her, but so scared, and so not ready for this. She also starts t-ball tomorrow night. Her cousin Dawson, and best friend, Kiersten are also on her team. It should be a long, but hopefully FUN day tomorrow.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Sakes Alive, my girl is FIVE!
Yep, that's right... My Maegan is 5 years old today! In fact, at this very moment 5 years ago, I was in the OR being prepped for a c-section 58 hours after being hospitalized for an induction. Yes, I said 58 hours (52 of which I did without an epidural). At 10:42 pm she was born, and I got to see her just a moment after that. She was so cute and so mad. I don't remember much after that first glance. I didn't see her again for over an hour, as I passed out while they were sewing me up, and I did not wake up until I was in my recovery room. It was so funny, I could hear my mom saying, "Should we be worried that her blood pressure is so low? Shouldn't it be coming up soon." And I started opening my eyes and I could see my mom and dad, my sister, my brother and his girl friend, and then I saw Matt standing beside me. Just a few short seconds later, my wee little girl was being wheeled in for her first real visit with mommy.
WOW, she was incredible. Such a dainty little thing. 7 lbs 5 oz, 20 1/2 inches long. My arms were still numb from the surgery (yes even my arms went numb)... and I was scared to hold her, for fear I'd drop her since I couldn't feel my arms. Once she was placed in my arms, I knew I never wanted to let her go. She was just so perfect. She had a tiny turned up nose, pursed lips and she was just checking us out. Everyone got to hold her.
Now, here she is, 5 years old, about to start kindergarten. A smart little attitude... but yet, still with that perfect little tiny turned up nose. Where she was born nearly bald, she now has hair almost to her toosh. She's so smart. She is learning to read. She is learning to write. She loves math and science. She loves pretending she is a super hero. She is an amazing big sister to her little brother and sister and has told me recently that we need to have one more baby and it has to be a boy, so that we can be even. She has a huge heart that is filled with love (and some times a little piss and vinegar)... but mostly love. She adores sports. She's fantastic at soccer. She's about to start tee ball. She's beginning her THIRD year of ballet, and with it, she will also be learning jazz! Her best friend is still Kiersten. They don't see each other often, but when they do, it's like no time has passed between them. And now they will probably be on the same tee ball team. Maegan's favorite color is purple. And she's all about purple butterflies. She is just one amazing little person. I adored her the moment I knew I was pregnant with her, and fell more deeply in love the moment I first saw her... and now today, I love her just as much. She is my blessing from Heaven. I'm so very blessed to call her my baby. She means the world to me.
And, so now, she moves on to a new phase and chapter of her life. I look forward to all of the new discoveries she will make as an elementary schooler. I'm so proud of her accomplishments. I can't wait to see what life holds for this little treasure.
Happy Birthday, my beautiful Purple Butterfly Princess! You will never truly know just how much your Mommy adores you, from the tip of your toes all the way up to the top of your head, from the stories you make up, to the new words you are learning to read. I am so THANKFUL that God put you in my life. What a blessed mother I am, not just to know you, but to be your mommy!
WOW, she was incredible. Such a dainty little thing. 7 lbs 5 oz, 20 1/2 inches long. My arms were still numb from the surgery (yes even my arms went numb)... and I was scared to hold her, for fear I'd drop her since I couldn't feel my arms. Once she was placed in my arms, I knew I never wanted to let her go. She was just so perfect. She had a tiny turned up nose, pursed lips and she was just checking us out. Everyone got to hold her.
Now, here she is, 5 years old, about to start kindergarten. A smart little attitude... but yet, still with that perfect little tiny turned up nose. Where she was born nearly bald, she now has hair almost to her toosh. She's so smart. She is learning to read. She is learning to write. She loves math and science. She loves pretending she is a super hero. She is an amazing big sister to her little brother and sister and has told me recently that we need to have one more baby and it has to be a boy, so that we can be even. She has a huge heart that is filled with love (and some times a little piss and vinegar)... but mostly love. She adores sports. She's fantastic at soccer. She's about to start tee ball. She's beginning her THIRD year of ballet, and with it, she will also be learning jazz! Her best friend is still Kiersten. They don't see each other often, but when they do, it's like no time has passed between them. And now they will probably be on the same tee ball team. Maegan's favorite color is purple. And she's all about purple butterflies. She is just one amazing little person. I adored her the moment I knew I was pregnant with her, and fell more deeply in love the moment I first saw her... and now today, I love her just as much. She is my blessing from Heaven. I'm so very blessed to call her my baby. She means the world to me.
And, so now, she moves on to a new phase and chapter of her life. I look forward to all of the new discoveries she will make as an elementary schooler. I'm so proud of her accomplishments. I can't wait to see what life holds for this little treasure.
Happy Birthday, my beautiful Purple Butterfly Princess! You will never truly know just how much your Mommy adores you, from the tip of your toes all the way up to the top of your head, from the stories you make up, to the new words you are learning to read. I am so THANKFUL that God put you in my life. What a blessed mother I am, not just to know you, but to be your mommy!
Saturday, August 02, 2008
An Important Note
I left out a vital part of the 4th of July story from below...
Maegan, Hannah and Jake got to ride HORSES on the 4th of July. Grandpa Tangedal's neighbors came over to ride through his pasture, and they saw the kids and offered to let them ride. This was Maegan's very first horseback ride! After the trot through the pasture, they added Wils and Mia to the mix and we did photos of all the kids sitting on the horses! SO FUN! I just could not NOT tell you guys about it. It was awesome and now Maegan LOVES horses. She did NOT want to get down. On Wednesday or Thursday of that trip, the kids go to visit Grandpa T's farm! They got to meet COWS! I was not there for that trip, but from what I hear they had fun. I don't believe anyone snapped a picture, however! :(
Maegan, Hannah and Jake got to ride HORSES on the 4th of July. Grandpa Tangedal's neighbors came over to ride through his pasture, and they saw the kids and offered to let them ride. This was Maegan's very first horseback ride! After the trot through the pasture, they added Wils and Mia to the mix and we did photos of all the kids sitting on the horses! SO FUN! I just could not NOT tell you guys about it. It was awesome and now Maegan LOVES horses. She did NOT want to get down. On Wednesday or Thursday of that trip, the kids go to visit Grandpa T's farm! They got to meet COWS! I was not there for that trip, but from what I hear they had fun. I don't believe anyone snapped a picture, however! :(
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