And Then I Pulled Out the Scissors

Last night we had a family dinner at Holy Grail restaurant on the other side of town to celebrate the Baptism of my cousin's baby...the 16th great-grandchild.  So by "family dinner" I mean 17 adults and 12 kids and not everyone was present. 

Andy was still in California on a business trip, so I decided to grab my passport (click East vs West under Cincinnati for explanation), load up the kids and head west all on my own.  I knew there would be extra hands available to help me if needed and the kids and I were ready to escape the house.

Here are some highlights of and observations from our evening:

I was willing to attend since the event started at 5 PM.  Any later and it would have been a "no-go" due to the 45 minutes between the locations.  Early-bird dinners are the way to go for us when we have to drive across town on a "school night".

I'm now sorry I got the kid music CD in my Christmas stocking.  Up until Christmas, we NEVER listened to kid music in my van (except for vacation).  I refuse to listen to what I'll call "real" kid music - particularly anything sung by something animated.  So I got a Laurie Berkner and a Barenaked Ladies CD in my stocking.  Cool at first...hey, I wasn't having to hear "Mommy, mommy, can we please listen to our music for once?" nor was I humming along to BARNEY so it was cool.  But now I'm about to kill 7 since "7, 8 (ate), 9"...and if I blast-off on another Rocketship Run...anyway, argh.  Just might have to lose those CDs to daddy's truck and go back to having to answer questions about lyrics..."Mommy, why's the first cut the deepest?"  * I think I was even more pissed to realize probably 10 minutes went by before I realized that I could turn it OFF because both girls fell asleep on the ride there.

I always pack crayons and paper...critical for distraction at the restaurant.

I always pack a snack and/or side item.  My side item received much attention = squeezable applesauce.  Best. Stuff. Ever.  Not the cheapest (although Costco now carries it = YAY!), so my kids only get it on-the-go. 

My cousin-in-law was impressed that I trekked out on my own with all three kids.  My response, "Are you kidding me?  It was that or stay home with them by myself, entertain them, feed them, clean-up after them...get the picture?"  Point made. 

As a "single-parent" for the night, I ordered food you can easily eat with one hand while holding a baby and managing the meals of two toddlers.  My selection = a turkey wrap and steamed veggies.

The kids ordered individual cheese pizzas.  They arrived and then I pulled out the scissors.  Yep...I pack my own kitchen shears when going to restaurants.  Pizza cut into bite-sized pieces in a matter of SECONDS.  Ok, so I had to withstand the staring and looks of WTF?  So worth it.  Thanks kidd-o.  Best. Idea. Ever.  If only I had time to market the idea and sell them in cute kid colors.  But then someone would think they were for kids and some kid would get hurt.  And imagine the confusion when kitchen shears starts showing up on people's baby registries...never mind.

All in all, dinner was a success.  The kids were entertained and fed.  Most importantly, someone else cleaned up!

So...kid music in the car?  Yes or No?  And what do you never leave the house without?

RABOM - This Saturday's Shout-Out

My headband and hair bow hobby which was supposed to save me tons of money by making bows instead of buying them has cost me tons of $$ in supplies because of how much I love it!  Andy often says, "You saved a few bucks not buying hair bows already made, BUT we have hundreds of dollars worth of supplies in our dining room...how does that make sense?"  He's the finance guy...that's for sure. 

Anyway, I do buy lots of ribbon, crochet headbands, alligator clips, french clips, headbands, tulle, etc.  Early on I became a member of RABOM.  It's a great website and their customer service is exceptional.  I highly recommend it to other crafters.

Be sure to check out my new "Headbands and Hair Bows" page if you need an accessory for a little girl in your life...help support my habit!

Basketball and Valentine's Day

I made two hair bows last night for my niece.  She just started basketball and her team colors are black and white.  She also needed a "big-girl" Valentine's Day bow.

First "Baby Jesus", Now Mary, the Lost Sheep & More…the Religious Conspiracy Occurring at Our House

As I mentioned in a previous post, "Baby Jesus" has moved into our house.  He's still present and is now accompanied by "Mary" as Stella has renamed herself.  I'm still not used to "Baby Jesus" being fought over, strolled around, etc. and now to hear Stella correcting Charlotte, "My name is MARY" as she cradles "Baby Jesus" just makes me laugh.

Stella is a serious learner and follower of directions. She discussed the Parable of the Lost Sheep at Sunday School and for over a week we've now been playing hide and seek with a cotton ball on a popsicle stick.  It's getting old…the sheep hides under our bed…every time.  And Stella still thinks it's hilarious when we find it…every time.

We have finally moved on to playing tea party and restaurant again.  She introduced me to Charlotte "the restaurant girl" and said her name was "Euralla".  (Thanks to a co-worker for helping me spell that one!  Although I didn't tell her why I was spelling it and at first she thought I was talking about some body part she was unaware of.)

Me, the mommy – Stella, what's her name?

Stella – Mom, it's Euralla.

M – Say it slower so I can understand.

S – Euralla.

M – Like, (pronouncing it slower) "Your-alla"?

S – Yep.

M – Ok.

S – And you can call me Louisa.

So for about 30 minutes, Euralla and Louisa served up coffee, tea, eggplant, onions, bananas, broccoli, etc.

Then in the middle of the night, it hit me.  I sat up…"Holy Crap" with true emphasis on the HOLY!  Stella is now calling Charlotte "Euralla" OR (wait for it) "Your ALLAH".  Allah?  Seriously?  Is there hidden meaning?  Charlotte can definitely be a HOLY terror, but, come on!?!

Maybe I'm over thinking things…or maybe the girls will be gathering stuffed animals two by two before I know it…

Whatcha Might Not Know...Skyline Chili

<Whatcha Might Not Know are Wednesday posts that are just that...something quick that you may or may not know about me, my family, my neighborhood, my city, my world, etc.>

Locals will understand this...out-of-towners...tune in next week.

I've never eaten Gold Star Chili...ever.  Nor do I plan to.  If I did I'd probably be banished from the city by my relatives.  We are a hard-core Skyline Chili family.  Relatives have owned them, worked at them and my dad actually runs one in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida that's been in our family since the 70s.  Seriously.  When Andy and I lived in TN & AL and we'd go to visit my dad for a weekend...well, we'd eat Skyline for at least every lunch since we couldn't get it in those states.  Seriously.  So if you are ever in southern Florida and feeling good and hungry, be sure to stop and visit my dad...but make sure it's the one on North Federal Highway and not the one in Sunrise...yep...more than one in Lauderdale!  Seriously.  Here are a couple of pictures from our trips over the years.

Actual palm trees in the background...really is Florida!

Filling up on Sweet Tea before it became so popular up north.

Stella at the counter.

Stella saying, "Come on mom...let's get out of here and go to the BEACH."

Me and My Daddy

For pictures of what a Cincinnati Chili 3-way and Coney look like,click here.

10K Tuesday

I've actually done pretty well over the past week.  I'm slowly working myself into the new running routine.  Random observations from the past week's workouts:

• Managed to run a 12-minute mile this week!  Yay!  Baby steps...
• The 4:30 alarm going off...not so "YAY!"  Glad I only had to do that one morning this past week.
• Our "treadmill TV" is about to drive me crazy.  Last year it started to have a discolored picture and seems too new for that type of problem, but too old to return.  The only thing we can think is causing it is that it is directly under the refrigerator and read that they could be interfering with one another (seriously?).  But now there is something wrong with the Dish connection and the picture is fuzzy...and still discolored.  Throw me a bone!  All I want is some alone TV time...argh.
• Twilight Series - I've read all of the books, only seen the first movie, personally know some Twi-Moms (there is even a FB page for these people!), and just finally watched the Oprah with the cast that I dvr'd last summer while on the treadmill.  For all of you haters, I have to agree with Oprah; Twilight or not, it caused a reading frenzy by many that never read and that is just awesome.  As an avid reader I can support that!
• Skipped one treadmill workout to shovel snow...still felt like a workout.
• I'm a closet-watcher of Big Love on HBO.  Just like a train-wreck...can't quit watching.  Loved the opening show this season.  Good use of treadmill time.

Snow Day

We had a wonderful weekend at home and it finally warmed up enough to go out and play in our fresh snow.  Charlotte lasted  5 minutes, but Stella would have stayed out in it for days.

Snow Angel:

 

Yummy hot chocolate afterwards:

 All while my sweet boy took an afternoon nap:

 But finally woke up and gave the camera a smile:

If Looks Could Kill...That's My Girl!

As Charlotte grew out of infancy and into toddlerhood, her facial expressions began to crack us up.  Her personality definitely is one of a kind.  The look below became quite common.  She uses it whenever she is annoyed, taken-aback, seems put out, etc. 

Sadly, I think she overheard us talking about "the look" from time to time.  Because...now she'll do it on command!  Yep...at dinner the other night one of us said, "Charlotte, give us the look" and see what she did:

But she couldn't hold it for long.  She started to smile!

And then she laughed!

We are so in trouble...

Cuddl Duds - This Saturday's Shout-Out

Baby, it's COLD outside!  I believe it was -7 degrees this morning.  I am generally ALWAYS freezing cold anyway (I sleep under a down comforter in the summer), so this weather is killing me.  One of the things that I cannot live without in my wardrobe is Cuddl Duds.  Their tagline "live in layers" is perfect.  I discovered these a few years ago and remember only finding them at a department store and they were really expensive but someone had recommended them so I gave it a try.  I instantly fell in love.  It was so much nicer than piling on bulky clothes - these are thin and light-weight, but keep you so WARM!  I quickly went back and purchased the long underwear leggings as well.

I've always wanted some more, but I never go to the mall anymore.  So I cannot even tell you how excited I was to find them on sale at Kohl's...and when I had a 30% off coupon!  Although I only wear the leggings when I'm going to be outside (they are so thin that they are even comfortable under jeans), I wear the tops more often.  My new cubicle at work is freezing (did I tell ya'll that after maternity leave I went back to work to discover an empty cubicle...that's a sign...but then learned that I'd been moved) so I stocked up on a few more crew shirts and just discovered they make camisoles (which are awesome) and now wear them almost every day under sweaters, etc.

If you are cold-natured like me...check them out!  Even frugal me would pay full price for these if I had to.

Sick Kids...Oh How the Reaction Changes!

Henry went to the pediatrician today for his first sick visit and it reminded me of how much I've changed since Stella was born!

Date: 2007
Situation: Infant with 104 temperature in the middle of the night
Course of Action: Both Andy and I are up with Stella and make the decision to take her to ER because we are flipping out (skip pediatrician consult); diagnosed with ear infection and given antibiotics; get prescription filled immediately; baby kept home and away from others (ear infections are NOT contagious).

Date:2011
Situation: Infant with 104 temperature in the middle of the night
Course of Action: I do everything I can not to wake anyone in the house including Andy - at least one of us should be getting sleep; feels obligated to call pediatrician on-call due to high temp.; she recommends tylenol and check-in with office in the morning; sleep on couch while baby Henry sleeps in swing in living room; baby seems better in the morning - eating, laughing, playing; however, call pediatrician only because Andy will ask if I did; pediatrician wants to see baby due to temp.; doesn't bother me that available appt. is not until the afternoon; take (now exposed) girls to daycare because there is no way I am taking all three to dr. office; but first head to lunch on the coldest day ever with girlfriends (did fully disclose to friends that baby is ill, but baby will remain in carseat and will not lick them, they are ok with it...must say that I would not have expected them to be ok with it if they didn't have multiple children themselves); finally got baby to pediatrician and diagnosed with RAGING ear infection (the kid barely cried, how was I to know?  Oh right, the 104 fever...); go Krogering; drop off something at a friend's house; finally drop off prescription at Walgreens - tell them that Andy will pick up on way home from work in 2 hours; give baby more Tylenol; pick up girls at daycare; finally get sick baby home and on antibiotics.  Will most likely take baby out of the house again tomorrow.

Morale of the story = Your parenting will change over time and if the sick kids are eating, peeing, pooping and laughing; they are usually going to be just fine...however, you don't understand any of that until you live it over and over and over and over...

Whatcha Might Not Know...Making My Bed

<Whatcha Might Not Know are Wednesday posts that are just that...something quick that you may or may not know about me, my family, my neighborhood, my city, my world, etc.>

Although I'm the type of person who cannot go to bed at night nor leave for work in the morning without every dish out of the sink and the counters, island and table wiped off in my kitchen...I NEVER make my bed.  And that doesn't mean that Andy does it.  It goes unmade.  Every morning.  I do change the sheets once a week, but that's it.  The decorative comforter and pillows have been living on a chair in our bedroom for over 2 years...since our last Holiday Open House in 2008. 

I'm a SoleMate!

From now until April 30^th, Tuesday's post will be named "Training Tuesday" and will follow my experiences training for a 10K…while still working, while still taking care of three children, while still getting chores accomplished at home, while still getting bills paid, while still finding time to blog, etc.  How on earth will I fit this in?  Let's find out together.  If it's anything like the past three days, it will be an absolute comedy. 

So for this first post, here's the quick and dirty on why I am doing this:

1)      I absolutely LOVE Girls on the Run.

2)      I wish I had more time/energy/money to give to Girls on the Run.

3)      I quit breastfeeding Henry earlier than with the girls, which more than anything means I lost my weight-loss program about 3 months earlier than I had hoped.

4)      My normal clothes do not fit due to #3 (both the above statement and #3 himself = Henry).  Did you know that breastfeeding burns on average 500 calories a day?!? 

5)      I enjoy time on my treadmill – which translates to…it's the only time I get to watch what I want to on TV.

6)      I ran a ½ marathon when we lived in Birmingham.  And although that did result in a pelvic stress fracture, I know I can realistically do a 10K.

So I registered for the Flying Pig's 10K and I made the commitment to be a Girls on the Run SoleMate.  I bought brand new running shoes and socks.  I dusted off the treadmill.  I dvr'd "The Bachelor" – mindless enough for running but keeps me curious enough to get back on the treadmill for more.  Two weeks went by and nothing went as planned…shoes remained in the box.

Saturday I bit the bullet.  The kids somewhat cooperated during naptime and I was able to take my first steps.  Mission accomplished.  For me, the first steps are the hardest.  However, what I completely forgot was that the last time I was on the treadmill I was 38 weeks PREGNANT.  Wow!  What a difference…I could breathe AND go faster than a 20 minute mile without my heart exploding!  That was encouraging.  Sunday was awesome.  My mom asked for the kids for an hour so I got to lace up the sneakers again.

Monday was the comedy show.  I was off of work and had planned to try naptime again, but Henry did not cooperate and my brother came over and we rented a movie.  (However, I finally folded the six loads of laundry.)  But the need to get on the treadmill did not leave me.  By 5:00 it was killing me.  I knew if I waited until Andy got home it would never actually happen because the evenings are crazy. 

So I had to "go into war" alone.  I got ready for battle.  Our treadmill is in the basement in a room right off of our rec room.  So I set the girls up to play in the rec room and put Henry in his bouncer by the treadmill.  Things were going great, but the girls were fascinated with the…TV I was watching, not the treadmill.  I caved and turned their TV in the rec room on because I sure as hell wasn't going to spend my treadmill time 1) talking to them or 2) watching Dora.  I finally got them to exit my space and was back at it. 

They say you are at a good pace if you can hold a conversation.  I don't think the following conversations from my little visitors who kept popping back in the picture are what they are talking about:

Me, the mommy – Charlotte, seriously, leave your brother alone.

Charlotte – Baby Henry lose paci.  Where paci go?  (While poking all around him.)

Stella – What are you doing?

M – Walking.

S – WHY?

M – For exercise. To be healthy.

S – Oh, are you a girl on the run?

M – Sure. 

M – Charlotte, seriously, quit taking Henry's lady bug.  Let him play with it.  He'll be sad.

C – Baby Henry, sad?  Don't cry.  (While dangling the toy in his face and then pulling it away when he grabs for it.  She then laughs.)

Stella – What are you doing now?

M – Jogging.

S – WHY?

M – For exercise. To be healthy.

S – Oh, are you still a girl on the run?

M – Sure. 

M – Charlotte, seriously, get back here with Henry's paci and lady bug.  He's so sad.

C – Baby Henry want paci?  (While shoving it back in his mouth and then yanking it out and running away laughing.)

Stella – What are you watching?

M – A mommy show. ("The Bachelor")

S – Can I watch?

M – No.

S – Why?

M – Because it's for mommies. 

S – Are those princesses?

M – Not really. 

M – CHARLOTTE!  Seriously?  GET AWAY FROM THE BABY.

The cycle continued for the 28 minutes it took me to complete the 2-mile workout.  The minute I was finished?  The girls were playing happily together in the other room ignoring the TV (theirs and mine)…go figure.

How do you find time to exercise??

In Desperate Search of a Laundry-Folding Fairy

Laundry is a never-ending battle at my house - especially with three kids and one of them being an infant.  I particularly hate laundry during the winter since our clothes are much heavier and "longer" - sleeves and pants instead of tanks and shorts - which then fills the washer up much quicker.

Actually, getting the laundry clean is not that difficult for me.  I always try to get clothes in the washer whenever I can.  I don't resort to a "laundry day".  I do it all week long.  However, I'm the type that will put a load in the dryer (if it's towels, sheets, or the kids' clothes) and go to bed or leave the house.  I'm a multi-tasking queen at getting it done.  (So what if my kids are a bit wrinkled...that's the least of their problems, I'm sure.)  And it definitely helps that our laundry room is right off of our kitchen. 

The fight is with the folding.  I'm a folder.  99% of my clothes and my kids' clothes get folded and put on shelves or in drawers.  I barely hang anything.  And don't even ask me about ironing...I think I own an iron, but I'd have to ask my MIL where it is since she's the only one that ever uses it.  (I actually know people - not just one crazy momma, but multiple - that iron infant clothes, but I'll save another post for that INSANE concept.  I don't iron my own clothes, I'm sure as hell not ironing a onesie that will most likely get crapped all over!  Ok, must save the rest for another day.)

So I need a folding fairy...desperately.  Just see the photo below.  That's my laundry room yesterday morning.  ALL six of those baskets of clothes and towels = CLEAN.  And the dryer is full.  But now everything needs folded.  Argh.  Do you think if I got this t-shirt for Andy he'd magically turn into a folding fanatic?  I can't complain, he already is the towel folder (there wasn't a shirt for that)...what more can a girl ask for?

I'd Apparently Never Make it as a Nursemaid

Friday night Stella had a severe stomach ache that prompted us to put her to bed early at her request.  I got her all tucked in and then turned my attention to getting Charlotte ready for bed (in the same room) while Andy gave Henry a bottle.  After tucking Charlotte in I climbed up next to Stella to see how she was doing.  Conversation:

Me, the mommy - How are you feeling?
Stella - 1000 betters.
M - That's great.
S - Mommy, next time I'm sick, you're really going to have to keep a better eye on me.
M - WHAT?
S - You really need to keep a better eye on me.

Ok, the kid had a stomach pain 30 minutes ago that prompted us to leave a restaurant basically after our food just arrived, leave friends sitting at the table, come home and put her to bed (she screamed she just wanted to be in her bed).  Our attention was on HER the whole time.  Did we get to enjoy our meals?  NO.  Did we get to enjoy our friends?  NO.  Did I hate that her stomach hurt?  Absolutely!  So what the heck?  Keep a better eye on me?  As though she was sick all week and we had neglected her??

M - What exactly do you mean?  We've been taking care of you all evening sweetie.
S - Well, you were too busy with Charlotte.  You kept talking to her.

Yes, I was too busy with Charlotte.  Poor Charlotte who was changed into her pjs in record speed, got no books read to her before bed, etc. so I could climb up and check on Stella.  Sibling jealousy...got to love it.

Peanut Butter and Jammin' - This Saturday's Shout-Out

This morning we took the kids to a Peanut Butter and Jam Session.  If you are local and have small children (geared towards 2-6 year olds) you should check it out.  Stella had a blast listening to the music and seeing the instruments up close.  Charlotte enjoyed the cookies afterwards! Henry just went along for the ride...  Well worth it in our opinion.

Maybe Life-Size Elmo Wasn't Such a Good Christmas Gift After All...

Stella's exact words..."Oh Elmo!  You are getting so big!"

I wonder if Charlotte realizes that Elmo is cheating on her.

Seeing a Pack 'n Play Through Rose-Colored Glasses

So last night I had to take the girls to swim lessons by myself.  I felt great about it because Andy was going to the Xavier game.  Then it changed to Andy had to work late and I was still taking the girls by myself.  Feeling great about it switched to dreading it.  Selfishly it had nothing to do with putting up with cranky kids by myself around bedtime...I just didn't want to get into a bathing suit and sing "this is the way we wash our _________ (insert different body parts for 3-4 verses)" while rubbing a sponge on my daughter that I'm sure was just recently in another kid's mouth (because, of course, Charlotte puts it up to her mouth immediately = gross).  Argh. 

Fast forward to the end of the lesson (in which Charlotte screamed for 'baby Henry' most of the 30 minutes while splashing me in the face - the instructor uses a baby doll to demonstrate things and Charlotte really wanted that baby, but I digress.)  Now I'm in the locker room and have to dress 3 of us.  Stella cooperates, Charlotte does not.  I am trying to logistically figure out how to work this situation - and thanking GOD that no one else is in there at the moment.  I go to the last resort - using the locker room pack 'n play.

Me decribing the pack 'n play to Andy in 2008 when we first started swim lessons with Stella = "I cannot believe there is a pack 'n play in the locker room.  It's disgusting.  Who knows who/what has been in it.  Lots of kids touch it and one kid put his mouth on it.  I'm sure it's never been cleaned.  There are stain marks on it.  I cannot believe a woman actually put her kid in it - what was she thinking...it's just so gross."

Fast forward to 2011 = "Andy, thank GOD for the pack 'n play in the locker room.  Charlotte took one look at it and asked to be in it since she was so tired.  So as soon as I changed her, I stuck her in it and then dressed Stella and myself.  If not for that pack 'n play, I seriously would have considered leaving in my wet swimsuit and a towel so that Charlotte wouldn't  run for the toilet and/or pool and I'd have to chase after her half naked (because you know she'd wait until I was unclothed).  The pack 'n play SAVED ME!"

Bedtime prayer = Please dear Lord, don't let Charlotte wake with something infectious tomorrow...she, of course, rolled around in the damn thing the moment I plopped her down.  Amen.

Udderly Cool

Here's a product I never thought I'd own...a Bottle Snuggler.  And I could only  imagine myself and my opinion of it back a couple of years when I only had one child.  I'm sure I would have seen it and thought, "Who does that?"  If I had seen a friend with one I'd probably consider (even if just for a moment) reporting her to 241-KIDS due to neglect of a child.  We all know that bonding while feeding is KEY TO DEVELOPMENT (whatever).

Oh how times change!  And how being a parent of multiple kids also makes your opinions change.  I discovered this miracle-working gadget way too late with Charlotte.  (My jaw dropped when I saw a friend pull one out at her house...it almost helped me believe that having a 3rd could be easy.)  It would have saved me on multiple occasions.  So now that Henry is on a bottle and has great head control...this is a LIFESAVER.  I generally only use it on work days during the witching hour when Andy is still at work and I'm trying to get dinner on the table with toddlers craving attention underfoot.  This is when I need an extra set of hands the most.

What I don't agree with is the Bottle Snuggler's advertisements when you pull up their website.  You will notice loving pictures of parents cuddling their baby and "Holds Bottle While You Hold Baby" pops us.  Now I ask, If you have time to sit and hold your baby, why are you using this??  Are you too LAZY to hold the bottle?  Too sleep-deprived? (I might give you that one.)  Is it giving you an arm cramp?  Now that's just PATHETIC.  Let's all admit what this is for - so you don't have to hold the kid!  Nice try Bottle Snuggler...thanks for trying to help our guilt...but NOT realistic.  Let's just delete those photos and call it as it is..."This product is really for moms of multiple kids that have trouble finding a way to feed an infant while the 3 year old and 2 year old are screaming at her legs for dinner upon arriving home after work.  SO...instead of neglecting your newborn like you have been, here's help to get that bottle down."

And those of you that now want to call 241-KIDS on me...I'm not putting Henry in the other room in front of the tv to enjoy that bottle.  He's right next to me in his feeding chair at the kitchen counter...don't worry, I read the "babies should never be left alone/choking" disclaimer.  And if you only have one kid and I catch you using it...I'm still calling 241-KIDS about you just for being LAZY.

Getting Out of a Food Rut...Back to the Recipe Blog & Make-Ahead Meals

Being a working mom of two toddlers and an infant...I'm often asked "HOW DO YOU DO IT?!?!"  Actually, I'm not sure how to do it any other way.  A co-worker recently asked me how often we hit the drive thru on the way home from work/daycare.  Answer = hardly ever.  The only real time I allow myself to cruise through McD's for the kids is on swim lesson night if I'm running way behind.  Now I will admit that Andy & I do usually grab food somewhere on the way home from swim lessons - almost always Chipotle.  (However we feel that we are just making sure our Chipotle stays in business since NO ONE is ever there at night and we really like Chipotle.  I'm really hoping/praying that they get some decent traffic during lunch.)

Maybe once every 6-8 weeks we'll do a kids-eat-free at Moe's or Skyline.  Otherwise, we make an effort to cook something most nights during the week.  Yes, PB&J and grilled cheese sometimes make the menu.  And yes, we get in a rut of chicken/pork-veggie-fruit-and-crescent roll one night, spaghetti the next, repeat.  This rut seems to generally hit after the holidays (I've even posted about this before). 

If only the co-worker had asked how often I run into Kroger on the way home...WAY TOO OFTEN!  I'm constantly scrambling for ideas for dinner at the last minute.  So......I'm back to focusing on the dinner menu as we kick off the new year.  Each weekend Andy and I sit down and plan our meals for the week.  Which really means we have the following conversation:

Me: Are you coming home for lunch this week? (Andy works 5 minutes from the house)
Me: Is there anything you want specifically for dinner this week?
Me: Is there anything you don't want specifically for dinner this week?
Me: Is there anything new you want to try this week?
Me: Will you be working late this week?
Me: Do you have any commitments after work this week?

Then I write on the fridge calendar (and am now posting on the right side of this blog) what we'll be having each night and we try to stick to it.  I'm also focusing on incorporating some new recipes into the mix (which some are actually very old, but new again to us because it's been so long since we had it last).  However, I don't plan to post recipes on this blog...that's what Tastes From Tricia's Table is for. 

Digressing...In all honesty, the real reason I created that "blog" was so that I could always have my recipes handy wherever there's a computer nearby - it had nothing to do with sharing them with you people!  I was just sick of thinking of a dinner idea at work, but then not knowing what ingredients were needed for the recipe and then guessing (incorrectly more often than not) at the grocery on the way home.  Argh.

So getting to the real focus of this post...I decided to make Turkey Tetrazzini on Sunday for Monday's dinner.  We had turkey leftover from Thanksgiving in the freezer and pasta leftover from the actual Sunday dinner.  So after the kids went to bed I threw together the dish and put it in the fridge.  Monday was stress-free for dinner planning and preparation.  It took longer to cook since it started out cold, but was well worth it.  Now I'm thinking I could have frozen 1/2 of it (but then the neighbor would have lost out on her portion).

Making things ahead of time can really save you during the work week.  I often double or triple taco meat when cooking it for one meal and then freeze leftovers.  That way the next time we want tacos, I just have to thaw the meat.  I often cook LOTS of chicken at once and then freeze cubed chicken for casseroles, etc.  I freeze cooked sausage and ham for future breakfast casseroles (which I'm going to make more of for dinner this year).  Basically, precooking or double-cooking anything that can make a recipe easier the next time.  It was so nice to pull out the turkey from the freezer and the already cooked pasta from the fridge and skip ahead on the recipe directions.  Turkey Tetrazzini will definitely make it to the table more than once this year.

"Let Go of Jesus!"

Stella got this Fisher Price Little People Nativity Set her very first Christmas and we only get it out during the month of December.

And with Stella in Sunday School this year, she's learning much more about Baby Jesus (yes, we have to pay someone to teach our daughter about God) and both girls took an interest to playing with the Nativity during the holidays.  So Andy and I were used to hearing the girls talk about "Jesus".

However, shortly after Christmas Andy and I overheard the girls screaming at each other..."Let go of Jesus!" and "Give me back Jesus!"  BUT, the Nativity was already put away.  Hmmmmmmmmmmm...

We quickly realized that the newest addition to our family (a baby doll given to Charlotte for Christmas) has been christened "Baby Jesus"...possibly due to being wrapped in a swaddling towel?

So here are some pictures of our Baby Jesus who the girls refuse to rename.  I see it as a sign that we apparently need a little more God in our lives.  Or maybe we just need a little more laughter, because here's what we've overheard the past couple of weeks:

"I'm taking Jesus for a walk."

"Have you seen Jesus?"

"Stop! Baby Jesus is hurt!"

"I got Jesus in this (stroller).  He's so little, he's in the back."

"Let me protect Jesus.  I have to protect him because Charlotte is coming.  And when she sees him, she'll say I WANT JESUS."

"Where's Jesus?  (And now screaming) Has anyone seen Jesus???"

Not even Jesus automatically gets the front seat!

My Purse: Then and Now

Then:

1. Small and Cute
2. Lipstick
3. Business Cards
4. Wallet
5. $60 I made babysitting
6. A couple of Kleenex for a chick-flick
7. Regular Tampon

Now:

1. Looks no longer top priority, importance is how much it will hold so that I no longer have to carry a diaper bag (even with a newborn!); also important to be able to go “hands-free” with it – can the strap be a shoulder strap?
2. Starbucks rechargeable gift card from which I earn rewards
3. Mitchell’s salon gift card from a year ago that STILL has value left
4. $60 to pay the damn babysitter (although she is worth it!)
5. Kleenex and wipes
6. Super Absorbent Tampon
7. Size 4 Diaper
8. 3 pony tail holders and 2 hair bows
9. Pacifier
10. Boxes of raisins
11. Apple sauce pouches

"Damn It"...I'm Busted

Charlotte got in some trouble when we arrived home after swim lessons.  So I ended up taking her upstairs for some alone time.  Upon my return to the kitchen Stella was on the Learning Tower waiting for a snack.  Here is how our conversation went:

Stella - Where's Charlotte?
Me, the mommy - Upstairs.
S - Why?
M - Because she wasn't listening.
S - Why did you say damn it?
M - Oh, did I say that?  (Normally I catch myself and didn't even realize this time that I said it.)
S - Yes.
M - Oh, that was not a good choice.  It's not nice to say.  I shouldn't have said that.  Mommy was very frustrated since Charlotte woke up Henry.
S - You should have said OH MAN! (And she cocks her head while saying it.)
M - I guess I should have.
S - Yes, damn it doesn't sound good.
M - You are right and it really shouldn't be said by children either.  So I don't want to hear it from you again, ok?
S - But mom, I was just talking to you. (And looks at me like, "DUH, I wouldn't be saying it if it wasn't out of context." 
She continues - We're just having a conversation between me and you.

That little shit.

Quick Zip Sheets

These are anything but crap!  I cannot imagine not using these sheets in a crib.  Because let's face it, sheets get dirty...and not just they-haven't-been-changed-in-awhile dirty, but spit-up and leaky poop dirty.  AND, especially with infants,  it never occurs when it is convenient for you.  These gross sheet surprises show up at 3 AM.  The concept with these is that you just zip off the top and zip on a clean one...you NEVER have to lift the mattress.

Some moms use sheet savers, shown below.  I didn't like that they weren't big enough to cover the entire crib.  Plus there were a lot of complaints about the ties...too long, too short, kid could untie and choke, etc.

The only downfall to the quick zip...don't ask me when I last washed the part on the bottom that actually goes around the mattress...I will lie.  I wouldn't dare admit that it's probably only been washed right before each child was born. 

You're Really Trying...

We are getting ready for church.  Stella wants to wear a dress.  I want her to wear a dress...AFTER breakfast.  I convince her to go downstairs and have breakfast first.  So, we head downstairs. 

Conversation:

Stella - Mom, you get me dressed really well.
Me, the mommy - Ok, thanks.
Stella - Mom, you try really hard to be a great mom.
Me - Ok, thanks.

By the tone of her voice, I'm not sure if she has complimented me or if she has insulted me.  It's almost as though she wanted to say, "Mom, you try really hard to be a great mom...but keep trying."