Yesterday I got a call from the school saying that Logan had fallen asleep in class and they took his temperature and it was 104 degrees. When I got to the school he was asleep in the nurse's office and when they woke him up he looked awful.
We parked ourselves on the couch ("Momma, will you sit with me?") with water and the TV (River Monsters - one of his favorite shows!) and he slept on and off the rest of the night. He turned down dinner - which has NEVER happened before - and barely chatted with us at all. Every time he got up to go to the bathroom he cried about how bad his head hurt.
As a parent, when your child is sick like this, the feeling is ultimate helplessness. You do what you can to relieve their suffering and reach out to friends and family to find what old wives tales they've tried that have been successful, what medicines they've used in the past, and whether they would take their kid to the Doctor given the same situation. It is unfortunate but kids don't come with instruction manuals!
This morning I woke up hoping for the Hail Mary; the hope that everything would be all better and we could go on with our daily routine. As a working Momma one of the most difficult decisions to make is whether to call in sick or force the kiddos to school and see what happens. Mostly I'm a "just go and you'll feel better once you get there," kind of girl. That's how my Momma raised me, and so many times she was right. The risk you take is the ridicule you may receive; that is, will the school teachers and administrators think, "Why the heck did she send him back already?" Or will other kids get sick, probably through no fault of your child, and their parents will blame you? It really is a crap shoot. I like to err on the side of my kid spending as many days at school as possible. The fact is when you grow up and have a job you don't get to stay home for every sniffle or cough, every headache or cramp. You have to "buck up" and get on with your day. Of course there are always those that seemed to have never received that memo; my kids get it, loud and clear.
Today, I called in sick. Logan is still running a temp (although it is much lower) and I'm saving myself the judgement. We will see what tomorrow brings. If he's chatty and feeling OK, it's off to school he goes. I've got to get back to work!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Failing at Easter.....almost!
As a kid Easter was always a huge deal at our house. My mom went out of her way to create these fantastic illusions: the house was decorated all month long, we had egg hunts outside, egg hunts inside, there would be "bunny tracks" throughout the house, the Easter basket would be packed to the brim, sometimes she even painted a Happy Easter sign on our large front window. And then we put on our new Easter clothes and went to church and then to my Grandma's house. Every year. No matter what.
Now, with the exception of the church part, I fully expected I would do the same for my kids. Oh, I have all the decorations. They are in a bin in the garage nicely labeled "Easter stuff." The only problem is they haven't been out of the bin for a good 5 years. And it's not just Easter; I have Valentine's Day decorations, St. Patty's Day decorations, Fourth of July decorations....all of which have not seen the light of day for many years. (We do generally manage to get the Halloween decorations out. That's good, right?)
As a result, I feel like a total failure as a parent. As I sit, half comatose in the recliner at 11pm last night my dear hubby was searching through a darkened garage with a flashlight trying to find the bin with the plastic eggs and Easter baskets. (Last year I was so lazy I just bought new ones so I wouldn't have to retrieve them from the bin!) He pieced together the random plastic eggs we had floating in the bin and filled them with change from the piggy bank in the kitchen and some old Jelly Belly's we had in the cabinet from last year. Then he proceeded to hide the 13 eggs we could find around the house. Now I DID manage to pick them up their Easter gifts last weekend so at least I had their movies and chocolate bunnies. But that is about all I did. I went to bed last night feeling horrible and didn't sleep much as a result.
As the light began to shine through the window I heard Logan's voice from the hallway, "HE LEFT AN EGG IN MY ROOM!!!" he shouted. Lilly woke up shortly after and the hunt began. She was thrilled to find an egg in her room as well. The thought of the Easter bunny quietly making his way through their rooms was very exciting to my two little kiddos. They found their baskets on the dining room table and were thrilled to get their movies, chocolate bunnies and a Ziploc bag of old jelly beans. When they found the twelfth egg they were content to sit and eat their candy, totally satisfied with their Easter experience. Daddy had to give them a hint that he noticed one other egg hidden. "But we each have 6 right now Dad. That's a dozen. And it's fair," said Lilly, never remembering that in the past there used to be a boatload of plastic eggs for the finding; a dozen each at least.
So you won't see cute pictures of my kids in their Sunday best posted on Facebook. They are in their grubby clothes, playing in the yard up at the farm today with their Dad. Meanwhile, I'm sitting at the computer, working, trying to relieve myself of the "Things to do" list so that I can sleep tonight. And, I feel better (even if my mom would give me a look like, "What? You didn't do more?!"). Kids don't expect fantastical explosions of decorations and excitement. They are perfectly happy with their 6 plastic eggs and year-old jelly beans. At least my kids are grateful for what they get. That makes me happy.
Now, with the exception of the church part, I fully expected I would do the same for my kids. Oh, I have all the decorations. They are in a bin in the garage nicely labeled "Easter stuff." The only problem is they haven't been out of the bin for a good 5 years. And it's not just Easter; I have Valentine's Day decorations, St. Patty's Day decorations, Fourth of July decorations....all of which have not seen the light of day for many years. (We do generally manage to get the Halloween decorations out. That's good, right?)
As a result, I feel like a total failure as a parent. As I sit, half comatose in the recliner at 11pm last night my dear hubby was searching through a darkened garage with a flashlight trying to find the bin with the plastic eggs and Easter baskets. (Last year I was so lazy I just bought new ones so I wouldn't have to retrieve them from the bin!) He pieced together the random plastic eggs we had floating in the bin and filled them with change from the piggy bank in the kitchen and some old Jelly Belly's we had in the cabinet from last year. Then he proceeded to hide the 13 eggs we could find around the house. Now I DID manage to pick them up their Easter gifts last weekend so at least I had their movies and chocolate bunnies. But that is about all I did. I went to bed last night feeling horrible and didn't sleep much as a result.
As the light began to shine through the window I heard Logan's voice from the hallway, "HE LEFT AN EGG IN MY ROOM!!!" he shouted. Lilly woke up shortly after and the hunt began. She was thrilled to find an egg in her room as well. The thought of the Easter bunny quietly making his way through their rooms was very exciting to my two little kiddos. They found their baskets on the dining room table and were thrilled to get their movies, chocolate bunnies and a Ziploc bag of old jelly beans. When they found the twelfth egg they were content to sit and eat their candy, totally satisfied with their Easter experience. Daddy had to give them a hint that he noticed one other egg hidden. "But we each have 6 right now Dad. That's a dozen. And it's fair," said Lilly, never remembering that in the past there used to be a boatload of plastic eggs for the finding; a dozen each at least.
So you won't see cute pictures of my kids in their Sunday best posted on Facebook. They are in their grubby clothes, playing in the yard up at the farm today with their Dad. Meanwhile, I'm sitting at the computer, working, trying to relieve myself of the "Things to do" list so that I can sleep tonight. And, I feel better (even if my mom would give me a look like, "What? You didn't do more?!"). Kids don't expect fantastical explosions of decorations and excitement. They are perfectly happy with their 6 plastic eggs and year-old jelly beans. At least my kids are grateful for what they get. That makes me happy.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Raising a Boy is a Funny Endeavor
I've been remiss and have neglected my blogging activities. I don't know why because I find it therapeutic and relaxing but despite that fact I still have not gotten around to writing. I would like to say that I will pick it back up and be consistent but I probably won't be. Life seems to get in the way!
ANYWAY...
I have 1 girl and 1 boy. It is interesting as a parent to see just how different raising the two of them can be. It doesn't help they happen to fall on the polar opposite ends of the spectrum.
When people say, "Boys will be boys," they are talking about Logan. He is rough and tumble. He doesn't get hurt easily. He is eager to get his hands in the mud and pick up bugs, slugs and other gross stuff. He LOVES to play sports. He loves to wrestle and fight with his Daddy. He doesn't care at all what clothes I buy him - in fact, he'd rather not wear clothes at all! He has no time for taking a shower or getting a haircut, they are both just time-takers from play time. He loves Spiderman and Transformers and anything he can bash together in an epic battle between good and evil.
He is also a constant source of comedy in our household. Children in and of themselves are uncensored and tend to tell it like it is. I love that about them. Logan, in particular, rarely thinks that something he says might be inappropriate or uncomfortable. In fact, as we are cracking up after some comment he made you will often see him looking around asking, "What's so funny?"
Logan recently started playing baseball. He lives to compete...and LOVES to win. (As much as we teach good sportsmanship and that "everyone's a winner" I believe it's innate in humans to want to be the best - to want to win!) As we got all the particulars together - you know, cleats, baseball pants, shirt, hat, mitt - we introduced him to the idea of wearing a cup.
We were in Sports Authority looking at a huge wall of cups - from little leaguers on up to grown men. Here was our conversation:
Logan: "What are these?:
Mommy: "Cups. They protect your "junk."
Logan: (looking at me quizzically) "So they go down here?" (he gestures to that region)
Mommy: "Yeah. They make it so that if you get hit with a baseball there, it won't hurt."
Logan: (looking incredulous) "So, right in this area?" (gesturing to that region again)
Mommy: "Yes. For that area. See this is how it works." (showing him the picture on the back)
Logan: (giggling) "Ewwww!"
Mommy: "Well, you have to wear one. Let's get this one with the undies."
Logan: "That one is tiny. I need a bigger one."
Mommy: "No, this one says it will fit you."
Logan: "I don't think so but whatever. So we aren't getting one of these that go up your butt?"
Mommy: "No, and they don't go up your butt. They go around your legs to hold it in place."
Logan: "Whatever. It looks like it goes up your butt. Gross."
Mommy: "Let's go."
Soon after leaving the store the idea of the cup was whooshed away by other chit chat. A couple weeks later as we are getting ready for the 1st big game it all came rushing back. There he was, standing there in his baseball socks and shirt. I took the cup out of the package and gave him the cup and the undies. He stepped into them and immediately started laughing hysterically.
Logan: "Oooohhhh, this feels weird!" (still laughing)
Mommy: "Is it comfortable enough?"
Logan: "Yeah. (yelling to the door) LILLY! COME SEE MY CUP!"
Mommy: "No. You don't need to show your sister."
Logan: "But look! (picking up and Transformer and banging it on the cup) It doesn't hurt at all! It's amazing! Lilly has to see this!
Mommy: "No. Really. Lilly doesn't want to see it."
Logan: (banging the cup into the walls and the doors) "This is fun!"
Mommy: "All right. Stop it. We need to get ready."
He seriously is hilarious. He makes Brandon and I laugh regularly with his witty, uncensored remarks. I know there are some things that kids say that you are supposed to not encourage; that you are supposed to suppress your laughter over so that they don't repeat the behavior. But sometimes, just sometimes, you have to just hug them and laugh!
ANYWAY...
I have 1 girl and 1 boy. It is interesting as a parent to see just how different raising the two of them can be. It doesn't help they happen to fall on the polar opposite ends of the spectrum.
When people say, "Boys will be boys," they are talking about Logan. He is rough and tumble. He doesn't get hurt easily. He is eager to get his hands in the mud and pick up bugs, slugs and other gross stuff. He LOVES to play sports. He loves to wrestle and fight with his Daddy. He doesn't care at all what clothes I buy him - in fact, he'd rather not wear clothes at all! He has no time for taking a shower or getting a haircut, they are both just time-takers from play time. He loves Spiderman and Transformers and anything he can bash together in an epic battle between good and evil.
He is also a constant source of comedy in our household. Children in and of themselves are uncensored and tend to tell it like it is. I love that about them. Logan, in particular, rarely thinks that something he says might be inappropriate or uncomfortable. In fact, as we are cracking up after some comment he made you will often see him looking around asking, "What's so funny?"
Logan recently started playing baseball. He lives to compete...and LOVES to win. (As much as we teach good sportsmanship and that "everyone's a winner" I believe it's innate in humans to want to be the best - to want to win!) As we got all the particulars together - you know, cleats, baseball pants, shirt, hat, mitt - we introduced him to the idea of wearing a cup.
We were in Sports Authority looking at a huge wall of cups - from little leaguers on up to grown men. Here was our conversation:
Logan: "What are these?:
Mommy: "Cups. They protect your "junk."
Logan: (looking at me quizzically) "So they go down here?" (he gestures to that region)
Mommy: "Yeah. They make it so that if you get hit with a baseball there, it won't hurt."
Logan: (looking incredulous) "So, right in this area?" (gesturing to that region again)
Mommy: "Yes. For that area. See this is how it works." (showing him the picture on the back)
Logan: (giggling) "Ewwww!"
Mommy: "Well, you have to wear one. Let's get this one with the undies."
Logan: "That one is tiny. I need a bigger one."
Mommy: "No, this one says it will fit you."
Logan: "I don't think so but whatever. So we aren't getting one of these that go up your butt?"
Mommy: "No, and they don't go up your butt. They go around your legs to hold it in place."
Logan: "Whatever. It looks like it goes up your butt. Gross."
Mommy: "Let's go."
Soon after leaving the store the idea of the cup was whooshed away by other chit chat. A couple weeks later as we are getting ready for the 1st big game it all came rushing back. There he was, standing there in his baseball socks and shirt. I took the cup out of the package and gave him the cup and the undies. He stepped into them and immediately started laughing hysterically.
Logan: "Oooohhhh, this feels weird!" (still laughing)
Mommy: "Is it comfortable enough?"
Logan: "Yeah. (yelling to the door) LILLY! COME SEE MY CUP!"
Mommy: "No. You don't need to show your sister."
Logan: "But look! (picking up and Transformer and banging it on the cup) It doesn't hurt at all! It's amazing! Lilly has to see this!
Mommy: "No. Really. Lilly doesn't want to see it."
Logan: (banging the cup into the walls and the doors) "This is fun!"
Mommy: "All right. Stop it. We need to get ready."
He seriously is hilarious. He makes Brandon and I laugh regularly with his witty, uncensored remarks. I know there are some things that kids say that you are supposed to not encourage; that you are supposed to suppress your laughter over so that they don't repeat the behavior. But sometimes, just sometimes, you have to just hug them and laugh!
Monday, March 21, 2011
What a Great Weekend!
So I have officially crept that much closer to "mid-thirties" turning 33 last Friday. It's an uncomfortable number for me. I'm totally out of shape, I have somehow reverted back to age 14 acne, and I'm constantly tired! I could live with 33 if I could get my skin looking better and have the ability to run up the stairs without dying! Fortunately, I am committed to doing something about it.
My birthday weekend was great! Started Friday night with dinner with my folks at Anthony's and continued through Saturday at the Owl & Thistle in Seattle and then a trip to the Comedy Underground. (My favorite birthday tradition!) We had a great time and it was really nice to get out with our friends again - it had been SO long!
Today was back to reality and work. Dinner this evening was REALLY good though. Tonight was a new recipe night and it was TO DIE FOR! Roast pork tenderloin and brussel sprouts. The brussels were steamed and then quick pan fried with bacon, shallots, sage and dried cherries. I'm trying to get the family used to the 1/4, 1/4, 1/2 plate configuration where the biggest portion on your plate is veggies. This isn't hard in my family as my children love vegetables. What other kids do you know that cheer when you tell them, "Tonight we're having brussel sprouts!" And, they were really upset after their first portion when they found out there weren't any more. (Gosh, I love them!)
Spent the rest of the night getting some things together for tomorrow. One of my best friend's just found out today that she is going to have a baby girl! I am SO excited for her!
My birthday weekend was great! Started Friday night with dinner with my folks at Anthony's and continued through Saturday at the Owl & Thistle in Seattle and then a trip to the Comedy Underground. (My favorite birthday tradition!) We had a great time and it was really nice to get out with our friends again - it had been SO long!
Today was back to reality and work. Dinner this evening was REALLY good though. Tonight was a new recipe night and it was TO DIE FOR! Roast pork tenderloin and brussel sprouts. The brussels were steamed and then quick pan fried with bacon, shallots, sage and dried cherries. I'm trying to get the family used to the 1/4, 1/4, 1/2 plate configuration where the biggest portion on your plate is veggies. This isn't hard in my family as my children love vegetables. What other kids do you know that cheer when you tell them, "Tonight we're having brussel sprouts!" And, they were really upset after their first portion when they found out there weren't any more. (Gosh, I love them!)
Spent the rest of the night getting some things together for tomorrow. One of my best friend's just found out today that she is going to have a baby girl! I am SO excited for her!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Happy Saint Patrick's Day!
Ok, 1 chance to guess what we had for dinner tonight....
OF COURSE, it was corned beef and cabbage. Cooked in the slow cooker all day long (broiled with Brie'ns special sauce - super yummy by the way Bri!) and fresh baked beer bread hot out of the oven! Gosh I love Saint Patrick's Day! Every year I buy an extra package of corned beef (it's cheap this time of year) to make another Patty's Day meal at some other time but I NEVER end up doing it. I don't know what it is about this time of the year that just makes it taste better but we usually end up with just one corned beast a year.
Now granted it is not the Saint Patrick's Day of my younger years - you know, Up & Up burgers and green Busch Ice, but it'll do!
Every year I buy the kids St. Patty's Day shirts. This morning Logan got dressed, came into my room and said, "Mom, what does my shirt say?" "Kiss Me I'm Irish," I tell him. He stops, puts his hand on his shirt and gives me "the look." Then he says, "I'm putting tape over this today. I DO NOT want anybody to kiss me!" Ahhh, little boys. I know the time will come shortly when he'll be DYING to have somebody kiss him. I'm happy to have the cute, funny little boy that runs from me when I try to give him a kiss!
OF COURSE, it was corned beef and cabbage. Cooked in the slow cooker all day long (broiled with Brie'ns special sauce - super yummy by the way Bri!) and fresh baked beer bread hot out of the oven! Gosh I love Saint Patrick's Day! Every year I buy an extra package of corned beef (it's cheap this time of year) to make another Patty's Day meal at some other time but I NEVER end up doing it. I don't know what it is about this time of the year that just makes it taste better but we usually end up with just one corned beast a year.
Now granted it is not the Saint Patrick's Day of my younger years - you know, Up & Up burgers and green Busch Ice, but it'll do!
Every year I buy the kids St. Patty's Day shirts. This morning Logan got dressed, came into my room and said, "Mom, what does my shirt say?" "Kiss Me I'm Irish," I tell him. He stops, puts his hand on his shirt and gives me "the look." Then he says, "I'm putting tape over this today. I DO NOT want anybody to kiss me!" Ahhh, little boys. I know the time will come shortly when he'll be DYING to have somebody kiss him. I'm happy to have the cute, funny little boy that runs from me when I try to give him a kiss!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Late night activities = one of the ol' standby's!
Although tonight was certainly not our most packed evening ever we did end up getting home pretty late. Logan had baseball, I had to stop and pay the mechanic for repairing Brandon's vehicle (UGH $725 later), and we had to go BACK to the mechanic's so that Brandon could actually get his vehicle. When we finally got home - through the monsoon that was pounding on our car and Lilly's singing Frank Sinatra at the top of her lungs - it was nearly 7 o'clock. And we still needed to make a trip out to the garage to feed and water Big Momma and her chicks!
Luckily I had enough coffee before we left this morning to plan for the busy evening and choose a quick and easy standby for dinner. This is one of those Hamburger Helper/Top Ramen/Frozen Pizza equivalents, though maybe just a tad more healthy. Dinner tonight? Pot Stickers, egg rolls and broccoli. The kids LOVE this dinner which makes it an even more desirable dish for me.
Potstickers and egg rolls from Costco are a saving grace on nights like these. Toss a large bunch of broccoli in the steamer and dinner is only 15 minutes away! And, shockingly enough, Lilly ate quick enough that we still get to listen to Daddy read Harry Potter tonight. (It may have been a record for her.)
I can hardly wait for dinner tomorrow.... Who can guess what we're having?
Luckily I had enough coffee before we left this morning to plan for the busy evening and choose a quick and easy standby for dinner. This is one of those Hamburger Helper/Top Ramen/Frozen Pizza equivalents, though maybe just a tad more healthy. Dinner tonight? Pot Stickers, egg rolls and broccoli. The kids LOVE this dinner which makes it an even more desirable dish for me.
Potstickers and egg rolls from Costco are a saving grace on nights like these. Toss a large bunch of broccoli in the steamer and dinner is only 15 minutes away! And, shockingly enough, Lilly ate quick enough that we still get to listen to Daddy read Harry Potter tonight. (It may have been a record for her.)
I can hardly wait for dinner tomorrow.... Who can guess what we're having?
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Simple and Delicious
Dinner tonight was yummy and simple. No elaborate recipes, no new ingredients; Quesadillas! One of the kids favorites and super easy to make. I cooked up some chicken in taco seasoning and pan fried some onions and peppers to stuff them with. Add sharp cheddar cheese/Monterrey Jack mixture and whole wheat tortillas and you've got yourself a meal! On the menu for tomorrow? I'm debating between another new pasta dish or chicken & quinoa... Guess we'll see what I feel like taking out of the freezer tomorrow morning.
Brandon was running late tonight so the kids and I sat at the bar and ate dinner. Does anyone else get irritated when your kids touch and play with things while they are supposed to be eating? I'm sure that it is normal for little boys to not be able to control their impulses but Logan seems to be especially adept at this annoying habit. Because the counter was randomly strewn with books, papers and couple of toys I could tell it was going to be nearly impossible for the boy to resist putting his cheesy, greasy fingers all over it. Even with gentle reminders the attraction of dirty hands to library books is impenetrable. (I hope the library forgives the one fingerprint on Henry & Mudge!) It's funny, Brandon and I had a roommate in college that would absent-mindedly touch, pick up and move things around our house. We thought it was a bizarre, unique habit of his. Turns out he just never left that 6-year-old part of him behind!
My annoyance with my daughter is something altogether different. I somehow ended up with a girl who could perhaps be the S - L - O - W - E - S - T person I've ever met. Me, the girl who can't keep from twitching uncontrollably as I "lounge" in the armchair at night; the girl who perceives every request or chore as needing an immediate response; the girl who cannot stand waiting more than 30 seconds to get an answer to my text. I ended up with this child who saunters through life to the beat of "Don't Worry, Be Happy!" I swear the girl's fast forward is just approaching the average person's slowest speed. She can literally make dinner last for over an hour. And in our house, where everyone sits at the table until the last person is finished, this can be extremely irritating.
Despite their annoying habits (which they must get from their father because I don't have any - wink wink), I do find their idiosyncrasies endearing and can often get a good laugh giving them a hard time for them.
Maybe tomorrow we'll be done with dinner before the sun goes down!
Brandon was running late tonight so the kids and I sat at the bar and ate dinner. Does anyone else get irritated when your kids touch and play with things while they are supposed to be eating? I'm sure that it is normal for little boys to not be able to control their impulses but Logan seems to be especially adept at this annoying habit. Because the counter was randomly strewn with books, papers and couple of toys I could tell it was going to be nearly impossible for the boy to resist putting his cheesy, greasy fingers all over it. Even with gentle reminders the attraction of dirty hands to library books is impenetrable. (I hope the library forgives the one fingerprint on Henry & Mudge!) It's funny, Brandon and I had a roommate in college that would absent-mindedly touch, pick up and move things around our house. We thought it was a bizarre, unique habit of his. Turns out he just never left that 6-year-old part of him behind!
My annoyance with my daughter is something altogether different. I somehow ended up with a girl who could perhaps be the S - L - O - W - E - S - T person I've ever met. Me, the girl who can't keep from twitching uncontrollably as I "lounge" in the armchair at night; the girl who perceives every request or chore as needing an immediate response; the girl who cannot stand waiting more than 30 seconds to get an answer to my text. I ended up with this child who saunters through life to the beat of "Don't Worry, Be Happy!" I swear the girl's fast forward is just approaching the average person's slowest speed. She can literally make dinner last for over an hour. And in our house, where everyone sits at the table until the last person is finished, this can be extremely irritating.
Despite their annoying habits (which they must get from their father because I don't have any - wink wink), I do find their idiosyncrasies endearing and can often get a good laugh giving them a hard time for them.
Maybe tomorrow we'll be done with dinner before the sun goes down!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Menu Planning
Brandon and I have always thought that eating as a family is especially important. We do it every night…almost. To avoid having pb&j’s every night I write out a menu. Two weeks’ worth of meals, grocery shopping bimonthly (except for some staples), and the question, “What are we having for dinner tonight?” answered. Over the years I’ve had people ask me about what we do, why we do it and where to find good, fast, easy meals. Here are the answers to some of those questions.
There are always some good ol’ standby’s on the menu, but I usually work at least 4 new recipes into the mix. They may come from friends, cookbooks, magazines or the internet. Whatever form they are in, once they are tried, and approved, I transfer them onto a recipe card and ditch the random sheet of paper they were printed or scribbled on. The first time I try a new recipe I try to stay true to it. After the first time, it’s open season….literally. There is rarely a recipe that I don’t modify in some way.
In the summer, when there’s no homework and the nights are long, we also try to work a brand new ingredient we’ve never tried before into the mix. I do this as much as I can during the winter months, it just doesn’t happen nearly as often and the produce just isn’t as diverse in the winter. The kids think it’s neat if they get to pick it out (although sometimes I have to go surfing the web trying to figure out how to cook it) and because they picked it out they will try it without prodding. Not that they have a choice; in our house EVERYTHING gets at least one bite – EVERY TIME WE HAVE IT! (Lilly has gone from liking to disliking mac-n-cheese about 10 times.)
Now, we are not married to our menu. There are always the late nights at kids activities, or we’re just plain tired and don’t feel like cooking at all, where we stray from the list. (See pb&j, above.) Anything that doesn’t actually get made in the two week rotation goes on the next list.
At times I have been extremely anal about my menu planning: pre-made laminated lists (sorted by aisle at my favorite grocery store) and ready for the dry-erase marker, printed menus hanging on the fridge complete with check off boxes, recipes neatly attached. This is still my favorite way of doing this, I just don’t always have time to accomplish it.
The reason why I write about this now? I’ve been relaxed on my menu writing and, as much as I hate to admit, we’ve had more than a few Hamburger Helper and frozen pizza nights. Don’t get me wrong, I think these are both fine meals. I just LOVE to cook...and eat. Every mealtime presents itself with another opportunity for culinary bliss. I restrict myself from eating incessantly so I hate to waste an opportunity to indulge my taste buds!
Tonight: Pasta Fagioli, a recipe I clipped out of a magazine (Family Circle, Feb 2011). I like to find recipes that incorporate kale. It is a superfood and it’s super easy to grow here in the Pacific Northwest. Prep time was excitingly short – only have to chop up onions, garlic and kale. Everything else is in a can. Total time from start to finish was 35 minutes (REALLY. Sometimes when I get done making a recipe I look back at the total time they estimate and wonder if they have a personal sous chef hidden in their pantry.)
Here’s the recipe:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano
2 cans (14.5 oz) chicken broth
8 oz small pasta shells, uncooked
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 bunch fresh kale, tough stems discarded, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cans small white beans, drained and rinsed
1 tbsp tomato paste
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
Grated Parmesan, for serving
Turns out it was a hit! Everyone really liked it! Into the recipe box it goes!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
February Resolutions
It seems that, like everyone else, our resolutions slowly wane as we make it through the year. While some we have been pretty good at, others not so much. So here are our wins and losses:
I'm proud to say that we nearly met our "No Eating Out" rule (with the exception of hot chocolate at the mountain).
Our total spent on eating out for the month of February: $14.17
I had a goal to stop talking, especially negatively, about work at home. I think I did a pretty good job. I did have some discussions at home about work but I was careful not to focus on the negative and stayed away from droning on and on about how ridiculous some of the things that happen there are. Of course, I have been talking IN GENERAL about work, what with the events transpiring in Wisconsin. The difference? Talking about the way our system works, including our rights to assemble and protest, and explaining my political and personal views about workers, employers, the public sector and government to my children not only gives them some perspective but also helps me solidify my own beliefs. I'm proud to talk about that stuff at home, even if I did compare Scott Walker to Hitler. Ok, that was a bit negative :)
I don't think Brandon achieved his goal of losing 10 lbs. this month. However, he was sent to Oroville again (or what he lovingly refers to as Orificeville) for two weeks this month. Hopefully he will be able to get back on the horse as I know he feels better when he's working out regularly. Course, he's been snowboarding almost every weekend so he's definitely getting exercise!
I need tonight to continue to consider my March resolution. I'm not sure if we will do the eating out thing again. I think it's smart to keep it in mind but my birthday is this month, and I really want to go out, so we'll see how successful we can be. If that's the only dinner out this month that will be ok with me!
I'm proud to say that we nearly met our "No Eating Out" rule (with the exception of hot chocolate at the mountain).
Our total spent on eating out for the month of February: $14.17
I had a goal to stop talking, especially negatively, about work at home. I think I did a pretty good job. I did have some discussions at home about work but I was careful not to focus on the negative and stayed away from droning on and on about how ridiculous some of the things that happen there are. Of course, I have been talking IN GENERAL about work, what with the events transpiring in Wisconsin. The difference? Talking about the way our system works, including our rights to assemble and protest, and explaining my political and personal views about workers, employers, the public sector and government to my children not only gives them some perspective but also helps me solidify my own beliefs. I'm proud to talk about that stuff at home, even if I did compare Scott Walker to Hitler. Ok, that was a bit negative :)
I don't think Brandon achieved his goal of losing 10 lbs. this month. However, he was sent to Oroville again (or what he lovingly refers to as Orificeville) for two weeks this month. Hopefully he will be able to get back on the horse as I know he feels better when he's working out regularly. Course, he's been snowboarding almost every weekend so he's definitely getting exercise!
I need tonight to continue to consider my March resolution. I'm not sure if we will do the eating out thing again. I think it's smart to keep it in mind but my birthday is this month, and I really want to go out, so we'll see how successful we can be. If that's the only dinner out this month that will be ok with me!
Monday, February 21, 2011
It's a Sickness
Today was a holiday. I felt really lazy. It felt like a day to sit and catch up the DVR.
I finally resigned myself to giving my son a haircut (he was getting pretty shaggy) and after I got up and did that, I felt inspired to at least get the bathrooms done. After one bathroom done, and then the toilet in the next, I got distracted and cleaned the rabbit's cage. Then I helped Logan clean his room. Then I organized the hall closet. Then I did all the laundry including washing all the bedding. Then I ended up in the attic.
Again, I lack focus. Like everything else in my life I feel like I get pulled in a million directions. I can't even CLEAN a little at a time! I think it's a real sickness....like schizophrenia of ambition!
Please tell me I'm not the only one!
I finally resigned myself to giving my son a haircut (he was getting pretty shaggy) and after I got up and did that, I felt inspired to at least get the bathrooms done. After one bathroom done, and then the toilet in the next, I got distracted and cleaned the rabbit's cage. Then I helped Logan clean his room. Then I organized the hall closet. Then I did all the laundry including washing all the bedding. Then I ended up in the attic.
Again, I lack focus. Like everything else in my life I feel like I get pulled in a million directions. I can't even CLEAN a little at a time! I think it's a real sickness....like schizophrenia of ambition!
Please tell me I'm not the only one!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
February's Resolutions
Ok, so I didn't quite get this posted on the 1st but we have been following the resolutions we set!
Tuesday nights dinner at Playa Bonita was awesome! Even splurged on some fried ice cream. If you are ever in Granite Falls and need a place to grab a meal please consider going there. The food is amazing, the service is excellent and the owner is a kick in the pants! It is by far the best place to go in our little town!
So, since we aren't committal type people we discussed our resolution for February. We were excited to have done so well on our January resolution but were slightly disappointed that we didn't quite make it all the way without spending. (Maybe one of our resolutions will be to plan activities and meals better!) Because our January resolution saved us so much money (especially since we are spending so much money on gas - hello $3.29 a gallon!) we are going to continue with that resolution WITH THE EXCEPTION of hot chocolate on Saturday's up at the mountain. That was perhaps the worst sacrifice we had to make and one of the cheapest "meals" we buy so we're making the exception for that treat.
In addition to our cooperative resolution, Brandon and I have set personal resolutions for ourselves for February. I've written before about my desperate hope that my children will not grow up to have jobs that they come home and complain about. I grew up listening to my Dad complain about his government job and I have found myself following the trend. Well, this month, I'm bucking it! For the month of February I will not speak negatively about my job at home. This is not to say that I won't call Brandon or a co-worker on the way home to get it out of my system, but I won't be spending our entire conversation at dinner spewing my issues. They say it takes 28 days to create a habit and so I'm hoping this will become on of mine.
Brandon has set a personal goal to lose 10 pounds. He has been unhappy with his lack of commitment to working out and is going to try to regain his college workout ethic....OK, maybe not quite the college level - he doesn't have that much free time in a day! In any case, he is trying to be healthier and we are going to help. I have been investing in those OXO type containers that vacuum seal and am starting to buy more and more in the bulk section. We love brown rice but we're expanding our grain repertoire to include quinoa & couscous more often. As of yet we just can't seem to make the switch to whole wheat pasta, it just doesn't taste right in any of our favorite dishes. Anyone have any suggestions on ones they've tried?
Here's to February, continuing January's already successful resolution and adding a couple more! I'm liking this compound thing!
Tuesday nights dinner at Playa Bonita was awesome! Even splurged on some fried ice cream. If you are ever in Granite Falls and need a place to grab a meal please consider going there. The food is amazing, the service is excellent and the owner is a kick in the pants! It is by far the best place to go in our little town!
So, since we aren't committal type people we discussed our resolution for February. We were excited to have done so well on our January resolution but were slightly disappointed that we didn't quite make it all the way without spending. (Maybe one of our resolutions will be to plan activities and meals better!) Because our January resolution saved us so much money (especially since we are spending so much money on gas - hello $3.29 a gallon!) we are going to continue with that resolution WITH THE EXCEPTION of hot chocolate on Saturday's up at the mountain. That was perhaps the worst sacrifice we had to make and one of the cheapest "meals" we buy so we're making the exception for that treat.
In addition to our cooperative resolution, Brandon and I have set personal resolutions for ourselves for February. I've written before about my desperate hope that my children will not grow up to have jobs that they come home and complain about. I grew up listening to my Dad complain about his government job and I have found myself following the trend. Well, this month, I'm bucking it! For the month of February I will not speak negatively about my job at home. This is not to say that I won't call Brandon or a co-worker on the way home to get it out of my system, but I won't be spending our entire conversation at dinner spewing my issues. They say it takes 28 days to create a habit and so I'm hoping this will become on of mine.
Brandon has set a personal goal to lose 10 pounds. He has been unhappy with his lack of commitment to working out and is going to try to regain his college workout ethic....OK, maybe not quite the college level - he doesn't have that much free time in a day! In any case, he is trying to be healthier and we are going to help. I have been investing in those OXO type containers that vacuum seal and am starting to buy more and more in the bulk section. We love brown rice but we're expanding our grain repertoire to include quinoa & couscous more often. As of yet we just can't seem to make the switch to whole wheat pasta, it just doesn't taste right in any of our favorite dishes. Anyone have any suggestions on ones they've tried?
Here's to February, continuing January's already successful resolution and adding a couple more! I'm liking this compound thing!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Pretty Happy with Ourselves
At New Year's I posted about our resolutions for this year (see Afraid of Commitment) and our difficulty committing to a whole year's worth of commitment and dedication. And so, we decided to break it down month by month. For January: no eating out except if we had gift cards or it was someone else's treat.
There were times it was really tough. The kids are in ski lessons right now and it has been hard for them to not get hot chocolate after their lessons to warm up and have a treat; especially when their friends are sitting next to them with their steaming chocolatey goodness! However, they've been really good about recognizing our goal and knowing that we are working towards something meaningful - not only to save money but also a lesson in setting goals, making a commitment and keeping your word. One day I packed the kids lunches as we went to visit my mom in the hospital. Dummy as I am however, I forgot to bring anything for myself! Starbucks called to me as we went in Barnes & Noble to look at books but I resisted and ended up finding a box of Ritz that I had left in the car. Granted, not the most healthy lunch, but I am competitive and was NOT going to be the one who ruined the streak. There were many other times when we had to keep reminding ourselves of our resolution: nights when we were running late and it would've been easier to pick something up, mornings when I barely had a chance to make coffee and would normally have just stopped at Starbucks on the way to work and of course when it's your daughter's birthday and we have traditionally gone out to eat. (We creeped out of that one though as generous Papa bought her Chinese for dinner on her birthday, which ended up being a treat for all of us!)
Today, January 31st, I am proud to say that we (almost) achieved our goal. We did have two small issues over the month where we had to grab something out. In both instances we were ill prepared with food for the kiddos. But, rather than just ditch the resolution and start eating out, we grabbed a small snack and tried to keep with our goal. Total spent on eating out in January? $12.67! Not at all bad I think. I am proud of us and our achievement. We probably saved somewhere between $250-$500! Tomorrow, we're having dinner out at Playa Bonita as a prize for achieving our goal! The kids can't wait!
Coming tomorrow: February's goal. Stay tuned!
There were times it was really tough. The kids are in ski lessons right now and it has been hard for them to not get hot chocolate after their lessons to warm up and have a treat; especially when their friends are sitting next to them with their steaming chocolatey goodness! However, they've been really good about recognizing our goal and knowing that we are working towards something meaningful - not only to save money but also a lesson in setting goals, making a commitment and keeping your word. One day I packed the kids lunches as we went to visit my mom in the hospital. Dummy as I am however, I forgot to bring anything for myself! Starbucks called to me as we went in Barnes & Noble to look at books but I resisted and ended up finding a box of Ritz that I had left in the car. Granted, not the most healthy lunch, but I am competitive and was NOT going to be the one who ruined the streak. There were many other times when we had to keep reminding ourselves of our resolution: nights when we were running late and it would've been easier to pick something up, mornings when I barely had a chance to make coffee and would normally have just stopped at Starbucks on the way to work and of course when it's your daughter's birthday and we have traditionally gone out to eat. (We creeped out of that one though as generous Papa bought her Chinese for dinner on her birthday, which ended up being a treat for all of us!)
Today, January 31st, I am proud to say that we (almost) achieved our goal. We did have two small issues over the month where we had to grab something out. In both instances we were ill prepared with food for the kiddos. But, rather than just ditch the resolution and start eating out, we grabbed a small snack and tried to keep with our goal. Total spent on eating out in January? $12.67! Not at all bad I think. I am proud of us and our achievement. We probably saved somewhere between $250-$500! Tomorrow, we're having dinner out at Playa Bonita as a prize for achieving our goal! The kids can't wait!
Coming tomorrow: February's goal. Stay tuned!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
The Work I Urge My Kids to Find
I spent my childhood listening to my Dad complain about work. Every dinner, every weeknight, we sat as he unloaded the burdens of working for a bureaucracy. Now, as much as I try not to, I fear I have become him - nearly the same complaints, all the same types of problems (really government-type agencies? You haven't figured anything out in all these years?) - and I HATE it! I don't want my kids to be subject to listening to my ranting and raving, day in and day out, all the negativity and bad juju. ...Or do I?
Here is what I want for my kids: To do well in school, go to Europe for the summer after High School graduation, go to college and find a career they are indescribably passionate about. I want them to be one of those people who LOVES their job; one of those people that can't speak highly enough about what they do; one of THOSE people... I know they exist. I've met a couple of them. I hope they will take the opportunity. I want them to break the cycle of working a monotonous job that they hate even if it does pay well.
We can never predict the paths our lives will take. If you would've told me at age 20 what I'd be doing at age 32 I would've NEVER believed you. And so I can't know what my children will do with their lives. I do believe I am doing the things I can to make them responsible, good people that can look at life and see all of its possibilities while still having the confidence and wit to question the things that are presented to them and make good decisions. I want my daughter to be strong and confident, while still having the sensibility and grace to conduct herself professionally, especially under pressure. I want my son to be caring and kind while maintaining strength, intelligence and skepticism when making decisions.
I hope, hope, hope for the best things in life for my children (like all of us do). I hope they see that the opportunity to have experiences may be worth more than material possessions. I don't want them to think that getting a job, getting married and buying a house is the path everyone has to take. By all means, if that is their dream I hope they achieve it. I just don't want their idea of the "right" path to be constricted to that definition. Whatever their dreams I hope they come true and they never have to sit at the dinner table spouting their work troubles at their kids!
Here is what I want for my kids: To do well in school, go to Europe for the summer after High School graduation, go to college and find a career they are indescribably passionate about. I want them to be one of those people who LOVES their job; one of those people that can't speak highly enough about what they do; one of THOSE people... I know they exist. I've met a couple of them. I hope they will take the opportunity. I want them to break the cycle of working a monotonous job that they hate even if it does pay well.
We can never predict the paths our lives will take. If you would've told me at age 20 what I'd be doing at age 32 I would've NEVER believed you. And so I can't know what my children will do with their lives. I do believe I am doing the things I can to make them responsible, good people that can look at life and see all of its possibilities while still having the confidence and wit to question the things that are presented to them and make good decisions. I want my daughter to be strong and confident, while still having the sensibility and grace to conduct herself professionally, especially under pressure. I want my son to be caring and kind while maintaining strength, intelligence and skepticism when making decisions.
I hope, hope, hope for the best things in life for my children (like all of us do). I hope they see that the opportunity to have experiences may be worth more than material possessions. I don't want them to think that getting a job, getting married and buying a house is the path everyone has to take. By all means, if that is their dream I hope they achieve it. I just don't want their idea of the "right" path to be constricted to that definition. Whatever their dreams I hope they come true and they never have to sit at the dinner table spouting their work troubles at their kids!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
First it's the Shower, Next it's a Car!
Tonight my son took a shower by himself. Ok, he needed me there to watch to make sure he was doing things right, but he essentially took a shower by himself. In a way I am SO happy! One less chore for me to do. We're approaching the day when I can just send him to take a shower and continue doing whatever I'm doing. And that is a nice thing. Except....
That also means that I am no longer needed for shower time. And then I won't be needed for help with homework. And then I won't be needed for driving him around to sports and birthday parties. And then he'll be going to college. Aaaahhhh!!!
It's a tiny step, and one I KNOW that he needs to learn, but maybe I'm ok with him wanting me to give him a bath...
That also means that I am no longer needed for shower time. And then I won't be needed for help with homework. And then I won't be needed for driving him around to sports and birthday parties. And then he'll be going to college. Aaaahhhh!!!
It's a tiny step, and one I KNOW that he needs to learn, but maybe I'm ok with him wanting me to give him a bath...
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Raising a Prodigy
Yes, my daughter is a genius, but that's not what I'm talking about. I've posted before about the foreign language Brandon and I speak: movie/TV lines. It is becoming apparent that our legacy will continue at least with our daughter.
She is a 'Friends' fanatic, much like myself. We have all the re-runs scheduled to record on the DVR from all the stations that play them. We will spend a lazy Sunday watching all 10 episodes. I know, it's our Momma-Daughter guilty pleasure.
Months ago we were at my folks house playing Euchre. Someone flubbed up dealing and stuck their hands out on the table. Lilly's first response? "Identical hand twin!" she says with the inflection and everything! (In case you don't remember the episode, Joey is in Vegas and finds a dealer that he believes is his identical hand twin; a trait he believes they will make millions of dollars from.) We were so proud, giggling at her keen wit and proper use of the line. My parents looked at each other puzzled.
Tonight Lilly and I were joking around. I was teasing her for something and giving her a hard time - the usual at our house - when she popped out with, "Whatever dude, you kissed a guy!" Yes, another 'Friends' quote and it was hilarious! I laughed so hard I had to text the conversation to Brandon. She is such a kick. I can't get enough of her!
So if my sweet little daughter happens to be spending time with you and she comes out with some weird, off-the-wall quote, think back to those 'Friends' episodes you watched as a teenager - it might trigger a memory!
She is a 'Friends' fanatic, much like myself. We have all the re-runs scheduled to record on the DVR from all the stations that play them. We will spend a lazy Sunday watching all 10 episodes. I know, it's our Momma-Daughter guilty pleasure.
Months ago we were at my folks house playing Euchre. Someone flubbed up dealing and stuck their hands out on the table. Lilly's first response? "Identical hand twin!" she says with the inflection and everything! (In case you don't remember the episode, Joey is in Vegas and finds a dealer that he believes is his identical hand twin; a trait he believes they will make millions of dollars from.) We were so proud, giggling at her keen wit and proper use of the line. My parents looked at each other puzzled.
Tonight Lilly and I were joking around. I was teasing her for something and giving her a hard time - the usual at our house - when she popped out with, "Whatever dude, you kissed a guy!" Yes, another 'Friends' quote and it was hilarious! I laughed so hard I had to text the conversation to Brandon. She is such a kick. I can't get enough of her!
So if my sweet little daughter happens to be spending time with you and she comes out with some weird, off-the-wall quote, think back to those 'Friends' episodes you watched as a teenager - it might trigger a memory!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Why Does Your 5-year-old Have a Cell Phone?
There exists this ongoing debate amongst parents: at what age do you get your child a cell phone?
Brandon and I have been mostly against any kid who doesn't go do things unattended having a cell phone. Really, why does my 9 year old need a phone when she is dropped off at school, picked up at school, and picked up by me any other time? I can see if they are going to be alone. Back when we were in school, when some of us were walking and staying home by ourselves everyday for a couple of hours it may have been nice to have had a cell phone. Sadly, we are so old they didn't exist then....at least not in a size that a child could carry! Nowadays, whether it's unfounded or not, it seems like a scarier world. Maybe not. Maybe our parents felt exactly the same way we do when we let our kids run to the bathroom at the store when we're only yards away, or play on the playground at their school while their siblings play soccer, or leave them at home alone while we go chat with the neighbors for a second (note: our closest neighbor is a 1/4 mile away!).
Either way, we struggle with the cell phone issue. Lilly asks for one every birthday, Christmas and at random times throughout the year. Sometimes it's, "I REALLY want a cell phone!" And other times it's, "How old do I have to be to get a cell phone?" One time she was feeling particularly witty she added, "You know Mom, if I had a cell phone I could text you during the day to let you know how much I love you!" (She's already trying to out-psychologist me - well it's not going to work! I spent a lot of years earning that degree) I always tell her that she will get a cell phone when she NEEDS one; when she's doing after school sports and needs to call for a ride or something like that. But what is "need" anyway? After all, I didn't get my first cell phone until I was 22! And yet, sometimes Brandon and I comment that we'd just like to send her a text at lunch to ask her how her day is going!
Only time will tell. I suppose as the phone rings more at home with sweet little girl voices asking, "Can I talk to Lilly please?" we will start to consider getting her a phone. As she comes home with the classic, "But everybody has one! I'm the only one who doesn't!" I'm sure we'll feel the pressure.
Anyone else have any great wisdom? Or does your kid already have a cell phone? ;-)
Brandon and I have been mostly against any kid who doesn't go do things unattended having a cell phone. Really, why does my 9 year old need a phone when she is dropped off at school, picked up at school, and picked up by me any other time? I can see if they are going to be alone. Back when we were in school, when some of us were walking and staying home by ourselves everyday for a couple of hours it may have been nice to have had a cell phone. Sadly, we are so old they didn't exist then....at least not in a size that a child could carry! Nowadays, whether it's unfounded or not, it seems like a scarier world. Maybe not. Maybe our parents felt exactly the same way we do when we let our kids run to the bathroom at the store when we're only yards away, or play on the playground at their school while their siblings play soccer, or leave them at home alone while we go chat with the neighbors for a second (note: our closest neighbor is a 1/4 mile away!).
Either way, we struggle with the cell phone issue. Lilly asks for one every birthday, Christmas and at random times throughout the year. Sometimes it's, "I REALLY want a cell phone!" And other times it's, "How old do I have to be to get a cell phone?" One time she was feeling particularly witty she added, "You know Mom, if I had a cell phone I could text you during the day to let you know how much I love you!" (She's already trying to out-psychologist me - well it's not going to work! I spent a lot of years earning that degree) I always tell her that she will get a cell phone when she NEEDS one; when she's doing after school sports and needs to call for a ride or something like that. But what is "need" anyway? After all, I didn't get my first cell phone until I was 22! And yet, sometimes Brandon and I comment that we'd just like to send her a text at lunch to ask her how her day is going!
Only time will tell. I suppose as the phone rings more at home with sweet little girl voices asking, "Can I talk to Lilly please?" we will start to consider getting her a phone. As she comes home with the classic, "But everybody has one! I'm the only one who doesn't!" I'm sure we'll feel the pressure.
Anyone else have any great wisdom? Or does your kid already have a cell phone? ;-)
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Slumber Party
I remember my first slumber party. I was in 3rd grade and one of my closest friends was having a slumber party. I was always kind of a weenie and I was scared to go and stay the night. My dad told me that if I committed to go I would have to stay and that if I came home I would be grounded. I lasted until 11pm, and then I called my mom. I ended up coming home, and I ended up being stuck in the house grounded on one of the nicest weekends of the year (and when I was a kid Seattle only had a couple).
So, when Lilly decided that she wanted to have a slumber party for her 9th birthday I was on board. And I am fully aware that I may end up driving a little girl home in the middle of the night, and that's ok. I remember how horrible that feeling was and I will gladly drag my butt out of bed to drive someone home....whatever the time may be.
As I write I'm sitting in the middle of 9 screaming little girls. They are just as I expected: giggly, loud, excited girls who are totally into getting their fingernails painted and having a facial. I've been told I'm crazy for having this many of them at my house at one time but I can stand one night...especially if it makes my daughter happy. Amongst the cheers and the air hockey challenges and chatter about how rude the girl in the movie is I keep hearing, "This is the BEST party I've ever been to!" And that makes it all worth it to me!
So, when Lilly decided that she wanted to have a slumber party for her 9th birthday I was on board. And I am fully aware that I may end up driving a little girl home in the middle of the night, and that's ok. I remember how horrible that feeling was and I will gladly drag my butt out of bed to drive someone home....whatever the time may be.
As I write I'm sitting in the middle of 9 screaming little girls. They are just as I expected: giggly, loud, excited girls who are totally into getting their fingernails painted and having a facial. I've been told I'm crazy for having this many of them at my house at one time but I can stand one night...especially if it makes my daughter happy. Amongst the cheers and the air hockey challenges and chatter about how rude the girl in the movie is I keep hearing, "This is the BEST party I've ever been to!" And that makes it all worth it to me!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
The Teardrops on her Guitar
From as far back as I can remember Lilly has been asking for a guitar. Since she discovered music as a tiny little squirt she has always favored female artists, especially the ones who play their own instruments. I swear this girl is a born feminist (but not in a bad way)!
Resisting the urge to buy the Toys R Us special at Christmas for some piece of garbage that she would strum on a couple times playing and never do anything with again. Not to mention that it wouldn't be sufficient to learn on anyway, we still want to foster a love for music. When I was a kid I played the violin. I can read music (although I'm pretty rusty) and I've dabbled in the piano. Brandon (tried) to play saxophone when he was young. We value these abilities and experiences and we don't want to keep her from having them herself.
She wants to be famous. She always has. She would stand at the TV when she had to hold on to the entertainment center in order to stand and point at it, "Me in there?" When she was three we were approached by someone with a modeling agency. We went and had the headshots done, went on a few auditions but really, if you aren't a stay-at-home parent, with only one child, there's really no way to do the kid modeling gig. They call at 8pm the night before a casting call in Oregon at 7 tomorrow morning. It's just too much. But she still wants to be famous.
Now that she's almost nine she's traded the "Me in there?" for "Mom, I belong on TV." I hope that she pursues her dream. I hope that she finds the thing that she is so overly passionate for that it consumes her life and she lives her dream, whether it be as an actress or a dentist.
Ahhh, my little drama queen. Maybe this will be her ticket.....
It will be here on Thursday! Can't wait to see her face!
Resisting the urge to buy the Toys R Us special at Christmas for some piece of garbage that she would strum on a couple times playing and never do anything with again. Not to mention that it wouldn't be sufficient to learn on anyway, we still want to foster a love for music. When I was a kid I played the violin. I can read music (although I'm pretty rusty) and I've dabbled in the piano. Brandon (tried) to play saxophone when he was young. We value these abilities and experiences and we don't want to keep her from having them herself.
She wants to be famous. She always has. She would stand at the TV when she had to hold on to the entertainment center in order to stand and point at it, "Me in there?" When she was three we were approached by someone with a modeling agency. We went and had the headshots done, went on a few auditions but really, if you aren't a stay-at-home parent, with only one child, there's really no way to do the kid modeling gig. They call at 8pm the night before a casting call in Oregon at 7 tomorrow morning. It's just too much. But she still wants to be famous.
Now that she's almost nine she's traded the "Me in there?" for "Mom, I belong on TV." I hope that she pursues her dream. I hope that she finds the thing that she is so overly passionate for that it consumes her life and she lives her dream, whether it be as an actress or a dentist.
Ahhh, my little drama queen. Maybe this will be her ticket.....
Monday, January 10, 2011
"Crushing" for the First Time
Today after dinner Logan was running around, dancing to his own music and generally being happy and goofy. He kept shooting sly looks at his sister. I stood, eyeing them, trying to figure out what was going on.
"I have a secret Mommy," Logan said.
"Oh yeah, what's your secret?" I asked, praying it wouldn't be that he "accidentally" misplaced a hermit crab or something.
"Well....(grins, turns bright red) I can't tell you. It has to do with <draws a heart in the air with his hands>"
"Do you like someone Logan?" I ask sweetly. He is very easily embarassed and I want him to be able to tell us these types of things.
"Lilly, you tell her." Logan blurts out.
Lilly shines her half smile at me with a look that says, "aaaah, it's so cute."
(You know, something you would say as a mother when two babies first meet and clasp their hands together. I swear she is WAY to grown up already.)
"Logan is crushing on a girl at school," Lilly finally spits out.
Logan looks up at me smiling, "Her name is Lauren."
"I see," I say and give him a kiss, "is she cute?"
"Yeah, she is Mom. But she's mostly really nice. And I'm pretty sure she's crushing on me because she chases me around and I like it."
OMG! My sweet little boy is "crushing" on some little girl! He couldn't have told us in a sweeter manner. For as tough and strong as that boy is I'm sure that he is going to be a gentle giant when it comes to the ladies. For all of you six or seven year old girls out there this is one to watch!
"I have a secret Mommy," Logan said.
"Oh yeah, what's your secret?" I asked, praying it wouldn't be that he "accidentally" misplaced a hermit crab or something.
"Well....(grins, turns bright red) I can't tell you. It has to do with <draws a heart in the air with his hands>"
"Do you like someone Logan?" I ask sweetly. He is very easily embarassed and I want him to be able to tell us these types of things.
"Lilly, you tell her." Logan blurts out.
Lilly shines her half smile at me with a look that says, "aaaah, it's so cute."
(You know, something you would say as a mother when two babies first meet and clasp their hands together. I swear she is WAY to grown up already.)
"Logan is crushing on a girl at school," Lilly finally spits out.
Logan looks up at me smiling, "Her name is Lauren."
"I see," I say and give him a kiss, "is she cute?"
"Yeah, she is Mom. But she's mostly really nice. And I'm pretty sure she's crushing on me because she chases me around and I like it."
OMG! My sweet little boy is "crushing" on some little girl! He couldn't have told us in a sweeter manner. For as tough and strong as that boy is I'm sure that he is going to be a gentle giant when it comes to the ladies. For all of you six or seven year old girls out there this is one to watch!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
It's Birthday Week!
Today we told Lil about her new gift of turning 9....DISHES! Yay! You get to start doing the dishes every night! She is less than thrilled. Brandon and I both told her that she had an extra year off as we started doing the dishes at our respective houses at 8 or younger. She found little solace in this. Oh well....
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| Meeting the boys at Daddy's rugby game |
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| Already with the belly shirts....we're SO in trouble! |
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| Hike up to the ice caves |
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| She's looking for Mayo. He was giving her tastes of grown up drink! |
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| Eelkema's beach on the Fourth |
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| Somehow she got to Mardi Gras without us |
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| One of the cutest pictures ever |
Cultivating a Love for Dumbledore
Brandon and I were in college when Harry Potter first arrived on the scene. If I remember correctly the night 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban' was released we had wandered over to the Fred Meyer just a few blocks from our houses for a midnight beer run. When we got there dozens and dozens of little kids were lined up around the store. "What is wrong with these people?" I said as we strolled by a line of kids with two cases of Busch Ice. Brandon shrugged. "Why are all these little kids out, in this town, at midnight?" A passer-by leaned over, "One of those Harry Potter books comes out tonight at midnight." I had no idea who or what a Harry Potter was. I couldn't of cared less really. All I wanted was the party to continue!
Fast forward to summer 2002, Brandon decides to read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. By this time our daughter is 6 months old and we figure since these books are still being released, and kids are still waiting in line at midnight to get them, it might be something we should know about. He started the book and could hardly put it down. It wasn't too long before we had all four that had been released. He was hooked and was urging me to join the fanfare. The 1st movie had just been released and he wanted me to know what he was talking about when he was speaking of the adventures Harry, Ron and Hermoine had. So I watched the movie, and it was pretty good. Then I decided to read the books. He was right. I couldn't put them down. I read all four in about 3 weeks.
Since then we were right there with the 9 year old fanatics desperately wanting the next book to be released. So of course we couldn't wait when Lilly, and later Logan, were old enough to be interested in these books. We've tried a few times, sadly barely making it past the first couple chapters before they lose interest and ask that we read something else. It's heartbreaking to these two 32 year olds who have read the books numerous times! But tonight.....tonight we told Logan to pick out a new chapter book for us to start reading at bedtime. To our surprise and delight he came down with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. "Let's read Harry Potter," he gleamed, "why haven't you guys read these to us before. We've only seen the movies." (Leave it to Logan to "forget" the past!)
And so, we read the first two chapters. The kids snuggled up, listened intently, and Logan drifted off at the last paragraph of chapter 2. We are so happy! Brandon and I both share a love for reading and having our kids get interested in a book series we love is fantastic. Yay us!
Fast forward to summer 2002, Brandon decides to read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. By this time our daughter is 6 months old and we figure since these books are still being released, and kids are still waiting in line at midnight to get them, it might be something we should know about. He started the book and could hardly put it down. It wasn't too long before we had all four that had been released. He was hooked and was urging me to join the fanfare. The 1st movie had just been released and he wanted me to know what he was talking about when he was speaking of the adventures Harry, Ron and Hermoine had. So I watched the movie, and it was pretty good. Then I decided to read the books. He was right. I couldn't put them down. I read all four in about 3 weeks.
Since then we were right there with the 9 year old fanatics desperately wanting the next book to be released. So of course we couldn't wait when Lilly, and later Logan, were old enough to be interested in these books. We've tried a few times, sadly barely making it past the first couple chapters before they lose interest and ask that we read something else. It's heartbreaking to these two 32 year olds who have read the books numerous times! But tonight.....tonight we told Logan to pick out a new chapter book for us to start reading at bedtime. To our surprise and delight he came down with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. "Let's read Harry Potter," he gleamed, "why haven't you guys read these to us before. We've only seen the movies." (Leave it to Logan to "forget" the past!)
And so, we read the first two chapters. The kids snuggled up, listened intently, and Logan drifted off at the last paragraph of chapter 2. We are so happy! Brandon and I both share a love for reading and having our kids get interested in a book series we love is fantastic. Yay us!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Go Hawks!
Brandon and the kids were on the mountain today so I recorded the game for him. We watched it tonight and although Logan isn't thrilled about watching 3 hours of football he does like the game...mostly the hitting part! While we watched the game Logan asked when he gets to play football. "When you're a bit older buddy," I said, "Daddy wants to make sure you've grown a bit, but don't worry you'll get to play." He seemed content with that. A few minutes later he said, "After I get to start playing I'm going to be really good...better than those guys (pointing to the screen)...and I want to play for the Seahawks."
I'm so envious of the goals that my kids set for themselves. They are young, they still believe that they have the capability to do whatever they want to be. I wish I still had that. I wish that grown-ups could have that more easily. I'm trying to see that. I'm trying to see that what I'm doing now doesn't necessarily direct what I'll be doing tomorrow. I want to go back to school. Brandon wants to go back to school. I want Brandon to go back to school. We are NOT going to lose the "I can be whatever I want to be" line of thinking....we're not!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Why Were Our Parents Right?
When I was a kid I remember having a vacation planned and the time it took to get to the day to leave seemed like FOREVER! Summer was wonderful and long, after school started it took eons to get to Christmas break, and you felt like your birthday was just never going to happen. I remember complaining and my mom saying, "Someday time will go by so fast you won't remember last week." I always thought she was crazy....until now.
As I sit at work and painstakingly watch the clock tick, every second seemingly an hour, I think, geez this day is never going to end. But it's 2011 folks. And I can't remember where last year went. I can't remember what it was like 9 years ago sitting in a hospital room waiting for my life to change. I mean, sure, I remember (74 hours of labor makes an impression) but I hardly remember the sleepless nights, the dirty diapers, all the firsts that came along. I look back at these pictures and I am SO grateful to have them. Looking at them I can remember a moment at least and I'm surprised by how detailed my memories are of some random picture I took, while I was sitting on the couch, years ago.
Here are more of my darling little girl. As we count down the days to "9" I will share with my favorite pictures of her through the years...
As I sit at work and painstakingly watch the clock tick, every second seemingly an hour, I think, geez this day is never going to end. But it's 2011 folks. And I can't remember where last year went. I can't remember what it was like 9 years ago sitting in a hospital room waiting for my life to change. I mean, sure, I remember (74 hours of labor makes an impression) but I hardly remember the sleepless nights, the dirty diapers, all the firsts that came along. I look back at these pictures and I am SO grateful to have them. Looking at them I can remember a moment at least and I'm surprised by how detailed my memories are of some random picture I took, while I was sitting on the couch, years ago.
Here are more of my darling little girl. As we count down the days to "9" I will share with my favorite pictures of her through the years...
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| Why do kids love playing in cabinets? I remember liking it to. I used to climb into my toy box. I guess it's just some quirky thing with kiddos! |
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| This was Daddy's 24th birthday. Lilly was sick but still kooky enough to make faces with Daddy! |
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| Here they are again. There are probably 10-15 of these in the series. |
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| Not happy that I was putting the pony tails in her hair. She still cries if you pull her hair! |
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| This kind of joy can not be matched - hers or ours! |
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| Very first step. Freedom at last! |
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| Can't wait for senior slideshow - she is going to HATE us! |
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Stop the Madness!
I never intended to have kids. I was never a kid person. When all the other girls were bragging about how much money they were making baby-sitting all I could think is, "You couldn't pay me enough!" Don't get me wrong, I watched a kid or two, because it was the thing that I was supposed to be doing, or because my mom volunteered me. But I never really liked it. When a little kid would wander over to me at a family party or something I was the girl with the look on her face crying HELP!
So when I found out I was pregnant I was nothing short of terrified. What was I going to do? What if I didn't like my own kid? I just KNEW I was going to be a horrible mother.....until my good friend and co-worker, Jennifer, eased some of my fears. I will never forget her words to me as I cried in our conference room: "I never liked kids either, I still don't like other people's kids, but I LOVE my son!" Jennifer at WEA Fourth Corner in Bellingham, if you don't remember saying these words, you should. I will never forget them!
Now, 9 years and 2 kids later, I don't know what I would do without them. I know I'm not the best Momma ever; I'm not one of those women who claims to never lose it, to never yell at my kids, to always be understanding. I'm sarcastic. I probably am making them a little too cynical a little too early. I make fun of them from time to time. But I would do ANYTHING for them. I just can't believe that my little girl is going to be 9!
Thinking of myself as 23 still I just can't grasp that my little red headed sweetie pete is going to be 9! She's always been wise beyond her years; she talked early, she's had a shoe obsession since day 1, she is SUPER smart, witty and catches on to more than I wished she would.
Here are some pics of my sweetie peetie:
I still can't believe it. How can we already be half done raising her? And gee whiz, have we done a good enough job so far?!?!
So when I found out I was pregnant I was nothing short of terrified. What was I going to do? What if I didn't like my own kid? I just KNEW I was going to be a horrible mother.....until my good friend and co-worker, Jennifer, eased some of my fears. I will never forget her words to me as I cried in our conference room: "I never liked kids either, I still don't like other people's kids, but I LOVE my son!" Jennifer at WEA Fourth Corner in Bellingham, if you don't remember saying these words, you should. I will never forget them!
Now, 9 years and 2 kids later, I don't know what I would do without them. I know I'm not the best Momma ever; I'm not one of those women who claims to never lose it, to never yell at my kids, to always be understanding. I'm sarcastic. I probably am making them a little too cynical a little too early. I make fun of them from time to time. But I would do ANYTHING for them. I just can't believe that my little girl is going to be 9!
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| Brand new |
Thinking of myself as 23 still I just can't grasp that my little red headed sweetie pete is going to be 9! She's always been wise beyond her years; she talked early, she's had a shoe obsession since day 1, she is SUPER smart, witty and catches on to more than I wished she would.
Here are some pics of my sweetie peetie:
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| Always LOVED the camera! |
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| favorite blankie - couldn't live without it. Left it at home and bought another at Target for the trip we were on....then we had to bring BOTH everywhere! |
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| Oooooh, are those new shoes over there? |
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| One of my favorite pictures EVER! |
Monday, January 3, 2011
Monica's Closet
I have a dirty little secret.
I know I've quoted and chatted about 'Friends', my favorite TV show of all time, before. I watched it religiously when it first ran when I was in high school and I faithfully watch re-runs now. I just can't get enough. For whatever reason it just never gets old! Anyway, if you've watched 'Friends' you may know that Monica is OCD; she can't handle anything out of place and is fanatical about it. On one episode one of the friends exposes her secret: a messy closet full of junk!
In the first years that we met, as well as the first year or so of our marriage Brandon constantly called me Monica. Just for background I acquired my OCD from my mother who is worse than I am. Thankfully (because really who can be like that forever....other than my mom) I have relaxed, a little, and can accept that being a full time mom, having a full time job, running my own business and doing all the other things I do that sometimes things will be out of place.
If you stop by my house on any given day you'll probably find it pretty tidy. I try, I really do, to keep it kept up. Unfortunately there is one room that has become Monica's closet. Everyone has something like this, right? A drawer, a closet, a room? I know you do! Are you ready? Here is mine:
Now, you have to realize, I took 8 large bins of stuff out of it yesterday so this is better than sometimes. I know, sad right?
There are a number of reasons why this room exists this way:
I know I've quoted and chatted about 'Friends', my favorite TV show of all time, before. I watched it religiously when it first ran when I was in high school and I faithfully watch re-runs now. I just can't get enough. For whatever reason it just never gets old! Anyway, if you've watched 'Friends' you may know that Monica is OCD; she can't handle anything out of place and is fanatical about it. On one episode one of the friends exposes her secret: a messy closet full of junk!
In the first years that we met, as well as the first year or so of our marriage Brandon constantly called me Monica. Just for background I acquired my OCD from my mother who is worse than I am. Thankfully (because really who can be like that forever....other than my mom) I have relaxed, a little, and can accept that being a full time mom, having a full time job, running my own business and doing all the other things I do that sometimes things will be out of place.
If you stop by my house on any given day you'll probably find it pretty tidy. I try, I really do, to keep it kept up. Unfortunately there is one room that has become Monica's closet. Everyone has something like this, right? A drawer, a closet, a room? I know you do! Are you ready? Here is mine:
Now, you have to realize, I took 8 large bins of stuff out of it yesterday so this is better than sometimes. I know, sad right?
There are a number of reasons why this room exists this way:
- I need at least one place to "throw" stuff when people are coming over unexpectedly
- We have not sat down and created an actual plan for the office and transformed it into a working, functional space (please help HGTV!)
- It was just Christmas and it's easy to hide stuff in here (Good luck finding your gift amongst everything else kids!)
- I don't have enough time...
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Sweets of Christmas - White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
These are somewhat recent addition to the cookie repertoire. I like the idea of using cranberries in a cookie because they always say holidays to me. They are also very Christmas-y with their white chips and red cranberries.
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| White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies 1/2 c. white sugar 1/2 c. brown sugar 1/2 c. butter 1 egg 1 tbsp brandy 1 1/2 c. flour 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 3/4 c. white chocolate chips 1 c. dried cranberries 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 2. Cream butter, brown sugar and white sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and the brandy. 3. Combine flour and baking soda; stir into the sugar mixture. 4. Stir in the white chocolate chips and cranberries. 5. Drop by heaping spoonfuls onto cookie sheets. 6. Bake 9-11 minutes and take out while still doughy. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheet and then transfer to wire racks. |
Sweets of Christmas - Thumbprint Cookies
These have been made at my house every year since before I was born. I don't believe one Christmas has gone by that they haven't donned the Christmas cookie plate. They are one of my Dad's favorites, especially with apricot jam, and are a staple at Christmas.
Note: Using your homemade jams and jellies for these cookies is ideal. The cookie itself has a subtle taste and really accents the deliciousness of homemade jam/jelly that was made with fresh fruit.
ENJOY!
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| Thumbprint Cookies (thank you Betty Crocker) 1/4 c. shortening 1/4 c. butter 1/4 c. brown sugar 1 egg, separated 1/2 tsp vanilla 1 c. flour 1/4 tsp salt 3/4 c. finely chopped walnuts jam or jelly (Note: I always double this recipe - it never really makes enough otherwise) 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees 2. Mix shortening, butter, sugar, egg yolk and vanilla. 3. Blend flour and salt; stir into bowl with other ingredients 4. Roll dough by teaspoonful into balls 5. Beat egg white with fork. Dip balls in egg white and then roll in finely chopped nuts. 6. After placed on cookies sheet, use your thumb to place an indent in the center of each cookie. 7. Bake 10-12 minutes or until set. 8. Cool and fill with your favorite jam. |
ENJOY!
Sweets of Christmas - Coconut Chews
My first job was at Blue Chip Cookies in Silverdale, WA. We made something like 22 kinds of cookies everyday. It's also where I learned all my barista techniques. A great job for a high school kid. I loved it there! Because we baked our cookies fresh every morning, if you worked the late shift you could give/take all the leftovers you wished. In high school my friends loved it when I showed up to the parties and in college my Geology prof couldn't wait until Wednesday! This is my version of the Coconut Chew Macadamia cookie which was one of my, and my Dad's, favorites.
I can't get enough of these. Two of my absolute favorite ingredients - coconut & macadamia nuts. Good anytime but a nice addition to the Christmas cookie plate!
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| Coconut Chews 1 c. granulated sugar 1 c. brown sugar 1 c. butter, softened 2 eggs 1 1/2 tsp coconut extract 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp salt 3 c. flour 8 oz. macadamia nuts 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 2. Mix sugars, butter, eggs and extract until light and fluffy. 3. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix on low speed for approx 2 minutes. 4. Stir in macadamia nuts. 5. Bake for 10-12 minutes and immediately remove from baking sheets. |
Sweets of Christmas - Cream Cheese Mints
The first time I had these my Aunt Debbie had made a variation when I was a kid and we used to travel to Spokane A LOT to visit. (Some of my best memories of childhood, by the way!) She pushed them into those cute little candy molds but since I do so many cookies I go the quick route!
I store these in the fridge after they have set. As long as you put waxed paper in between layers your chocolate designs shouldn't get messed up in a tupperware container.
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| Cream Cheese Mints 3 oz. cream cheese, softened 3 tbsp butter, softened 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1/4 tsp peppermint extract 3-4 c. powdered sugar 1/3 c. granulated sugar food coloring Chocolate topping: 1/2 c. semisweet chocolate chips household wax 1. Line large cookie sheet with waxed paper. 2. Beat cream cheese, butter, vanilla, peppermint extract, & food coloring until smooth. 3. Gradually beat in powdered sugar on low speed until well combined. (I end up kneading it by hand at the end) 4. Roll cream cheese mixture into balls. Roll balls in sugar. Flatten ball with bottom of a glass to make a patty. 5. Refrigerate until firm. 6. Melt chocolate and wax in a heavy duty Ziploc bag in the microwave on 50% until melted. When melted snip tiny corner of bag off. Use the bag as a pastry bag to drizzle chocolate over mints. (Hint - if you want a decorative chocolate swirl put a plastic decorator's tip in the bag before you microwave OR snip the corner two ways to give a fluted look.) |
Sweets of Christmas - Giant Ginger Cookies
These cookies are always a crowd pleaser. I don't know many that don't LOVE these cookies. They aren't too sweet, have that wonderful spice of the holidays and go great with a cup of hot chocolate after skiing all day!
Sometimes it is hard to find coarse sugar around. I like using the coarse sugar because it makes your cookies look special and more like something you'd buy at a bakery but it's not absolutely necessary. There's a great website where you can find all your cookie decorating needs: The Baker's Kitchen. Here's a link to their white coarse sugar: http://www.thebakerskitchen.net/whitecoarsesugar.aspx. Check out their other products as well!
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| Giant Ginger Cookies 4 1/2 c. all purpose flour 4 tsp ground ginger 2 tsp baking soda 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon 2 tsp ground cloves 1/4 tsp salt 1 1/2 c. shortening 2 c. sugar 2 eggs 1/2 c. molasses 3/4 c. coarse sugar 1. Whisk flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt together in a separate bowl. 2. In a large bowl beat shortening until soft. Gradually add sugar; beat until fluffy. 3. Add eggs and molasses; beat well. 4. Add 1/2 the dry ingredients; beat until combined. Stir remaining dry ingredients in with a wooden spoon. 5. Roll dough into 1/4 cup balls, dip in coarse sugar and place on an ungreased cookies sheet. 6. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-14 minutes until light brown and puffed. |
Sweets for Christmas - Biscotti
Biscotti is my absolute FAVORITE cookie. In fact, I rarely share it. You won't normally find it on my cookie trays at Christmas or set out at the house if you come by for a visit. If you do, know that you are extremely special!
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| Biscotti 1/3 c. butter 3/4 c. white sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp vanilla 1/2 tsp. almond extract 2 tsp zest of orange 2 1/4 c. flour 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/4 tsp salt 1/2 c. toasted almond slivers Optional: chocolate for drizzling or dipping biscotti in 1. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, vanilla, almond and zest. 2. Combine flour, baking powder and salt. Stir into creamed mixture until just blended. Mix in almonds. 3. Divide dough into 2. Form into long flat loaves approx. 1/2 inch tall and 12 inches long. 4. Bake in a preheated 325 degree oven for 25-27 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. 5. Cut diagonal slices 1/2 inch thick. Lay flat on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, turning over once. Transfer to wire rack to cool. Optional: when done baking can dip biscotti into chocolate or drizzle chocolate over top. |
The Most Sentimental Part of Christmas....For Me
There is no sweeter memory of Christmas for me than making cookies with my Momma when I was a little girl. We would get out the Betty Crocker Cookie Book (a book I still have not gotten a copy of despite it's re-release MOM!), sift through the pages and find our favorite recipes. Now my Momma's book was so loved that almost none of the pages were actually still bound, it was more like a folder that we would have to divide up and sort through, searching for our favorites. Every year I would beg to make candy cane cookies, and every year Mom would say, "Oh, those are so much work, do we HAVE to make them?" But they were my favorite and so she would always relent and we would painstakingly make the dough, divide it and dye it, roll the dough into little "worms" and twist them together. I LOVED cookie day! I haven't made those cookies since I was a kid, maybe they should be on the cookie menu for 2011?
Anyway, this year I shared with you some pictures of my cookie making adventures. I promised to post recipes and so here they'll start! I will post a new recipe in each post so one post isn't a million miles long! I hope you like them Jennifer!
Anyway, this year I shared with you some pictures of my cookie making adventures. I promised to post recipes and so here they'll start! I will post a new recipe in each post so one post isn't a million miles long! I hope you like them Jennifer!
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| Holly Joys 2 c. all purpose flour 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 c. butter 3/4 c. sugar 1 egg plus 1 yolk 1 1/4 tsp. vanilla green food coloring Red Hots 1. Whisk together flour and baking powder in a small bowl 2. Beat butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, then add vanilla. 3. Stir in the flour mixture. Tint dough with green food coloring. Put dough in Ziploc bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. 4. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Shape dough into logs approximately 2 inches long. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. (You can place these fairly close together as they don't spread much) 5. With food scissors snip 3 times, approx 1/2 in. apart, at an angle. Do not cut completely through dough. Twist cut pieces in opposite directions. this should make your dough look like four holly leaves. Repeat with all "logs". Add a Red Hot to each joint so that there are 3 Red Hots on each cookies. 6. Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes. Transfer immediately to cooling rack. |
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Afraid of Commitment, Part 1 of 12
New Year's resolutions....they usually just disappoint me. I make them, break them and then feel bad about myself. And yet, because I am such a compulsive lister I can't pass up the opportunity to use the New Year to make some goals for myself (and my family - whether they like it or not).
2011 is the year of saving money and finishing unfinished business. Like most Americans we waste money. A lot of it. Whether it's that cute shirt I can't pass up for Lilly, the latte that I "need" in the morning or the pepperoni & Gatorade Brandon picks up at the gas station for a snack, we waste money. So much so that when/if I really sit down with receipts and add up all the unnecessary spending we do I'm astounded at the sum.
One of our other bad habits that we desperately need to quit is leaving projects unfinished around our house. We have this knack for going balls out on a project....for one weekend. What doesn't get done in that one weekend that we've set aside for that particular task, sits. And sits. And sits. Sometimes it's the most menial task; something that would take 10 minutes. And yet, it sits. We have a partial shed, half painted deck rails, one coat of paint on the new trim upstairs, no caulk on room dividers, trim unpainted on our garage (that we started painting 2 years ago), and the list goes on and on.
And so we talked. We discussed our bad habits and have made a commitment, shook hands on it even, to catch ourselves up...on our projects and our future. But we're short term people. If we were looking at the whole year we'd give up, it's too big of a commitment (we were both NEVER going to get married, remember?) so we are taking it month by month. Keeping in mind our overall year goal, we're focusing on one thing in particular each month.
For January: NO EATING OUT! No coffee's at the coffee stands, no snacks at the gas station, no "Wow, yeah, Thai food does sound better than my PB&J," no "Wow, the burger place across the street from my job smells SO good," no cooking dinner doesn't sound good tonight so we'll grab something on the way home....UNLESS someone else is buying! If we have a gift certificate, gift card or someone else is paying we're in!
2011 is the year of saving money and finishing unfinished business. Like most Americans we waste money. A lot of it. Whether it's that cute shirt I can't pass up for Lilly, the latte that I "need" in the morning or the pepperoni & Gatorade Brandon picks up at the gas station for a snack, we waste money. So much so that when/if I really sit down with receipts and add up all the unnecessary spending we do I'm astounded at the sum.
One of our other bad habits that we desperately need to quit is leaving projects unfinished around our house. We have this knack for going balls out on a project....for one weekend. What doesn't get done in that one weekend that we've set aside for that particular task, sits. And sits. And sits. Sometimes it's the most menial task; something that would take 10 minutes. And yet, it sits. We have a partial shed, half painted deck rails, one coat of paint on the new trim upstairs, no caulk on room dividers, trim unpainted on our garage (that we started painting 2 years ago), and the list goes on and on.
And so we talked. We discussed our bad habits and have made a commitment, shook hands on it even, to catch ourselves up...on our projects and our future. But we're short term people. If we were looking at the whole year we'd give up, it's too big of a commitment (we were both NEVER going to get married, remember?) so we are taking it month by month. Keeping in mind our overall year goal, we're focusing on one thing in particular each month.
For January: NO EATING OUT! No coffee's at the coffee stands, no snacks at the gas station, no "Wow, yeah, Thai food does sound better than my PB&J," no "Wow, the burger place across the street from my job smells SO good," no cooking dinner doesn't sound good tonight so we'll grab something on the way home....UNLESS someone else is buying! If we have a gift certificate, gift card or someone else is paying we're in!
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