Monday, April 29, 2013

Attempting to get out of my cooking-funk

I've been in a cooking-funk. I've probably cooked an entire meal only a handful of times in the year of 2013.
That is so sad, I know. Here are my excuses.....

  1. Jacob has been on a strict diet, eating the same thing everyday, for every meal throughout the week. He's been preparing his week's worth of food on Sunday evenings.
  2. I usually get the girls home around 5:45-6. They are begging to eat as we walk through the door. I barely have enough patience to listen to the whining & crying for the 2 minutes it takes to microwave frozen chicken nuggets & canned vegetables, much less to prepare an actual meal! Then it's bath time & then attempt to get in a 3 mile run as soon as Jacob gets home. Then put the kids in bed by 8.
  3. I don't feel like preparing a 30 minute-1 hour meal just for me or cleaning the mess that comes with it!
  4. The majority of the time when I cook, it's nasty & ends up in the trash.

However, I know I can't carry on like this forever. I'm going to try some new recipes. I've found some recipes on Pinterest that look good, hopefully without being too difficult. We'll see. Our afternoons are so crammed, it'll be hard to fit in even a 30 minute meal. But then I think, I'm sure everyone else's afternoons are crammed to & they manage to prepare a meal for their families!! My plan is to try at least 1 new recipe a week for a while. I already know how this will turn out...if the new recipes are yummy it'll be enough motivation to get me back in the kitchen a little more. If the next few recipes flop....then I probably won't cook again until mid-summer.

I started back in the kitchen this evening.  I had a little extra time because I worked at the hospital, getting off around 3 instead of my usual 5:00.  So I probably got home with the girls and got started cooking around 4.  The girls were playing and begging for food the entire time I was cooking.  So they ended up getting full off of watermelon & ritz crackers.  I would laugh as they passed the oven and stare inside.  Poor, deprived children...
I made Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole.  It was finished by the time Jacob got home and I immediately left for my 3 mile run, because it is impossible to run on a full tummy...I will vomit in the neighbor's yard!  When I got home Jacob told me that he really liked it!  YEA...SUCCESS!  I bathed the girls and finally sat down to try it & I agree...it was yummy!!!
It really made me happy to see the pan empty and that Jacob had put this on his Facebook wall...
You know what that means....I'll be cooking again tomorrow night.  I've already got a new recipe in mind that I'll be trying.


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Saturday, April 27, 2013

Bella's 1st bicycle!


Last weekend, Bella (3 years old) learned to ride her friend, Alaina's bike at the lake. She took to it pretty quick.  She still has to "tip-toe" to get started, but once she gets started, she pedals great.  Jacob was really excited & proud that she had learned.  He was excited about buying her her very 1st bike.  

Last Sunday, we left the lake around 2:30, which is later that usual and meant that we had to do an entire weekend's chores to get ready for the next week in a few hours.  I worked quickly to unload the camper, and start the 6 loads of laundry that I wanted to finish that night, I also wanted to fit in a 3-mile run.  I had just finished folding a load of clothes, was about to go for my 30 minute run, come back just in time to fold the next load...when Jacob said, "come on, let's go get Bella her 1st bike".  I told him, "go ahead, I'll be back from my run by the time y'all get back".  Then I got a are-you-crazy-look as he said, "You aren't going with us to get her 1st bike?!?!"  I was like, "Of course, I'm going...let's load up."  I'm so glad that I did.  It was a precious sight to see her pick out which bike she liked and watch the joy on her face as she rode it up and down the isle.  
Pure joy on this angel's face
When we got home she rode & rode her bike 
Lucy tried climbing on her bike, we quickly reminded her that she had several ride toys her size.
Sweet Daddy & Lucy lovin'



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Monday, April 22, 2013

April 2013 Lake Quickie

Mid-April in Alabama is usually warming up nicely.  Last weekend I wore shorts and flip-flops.  I opened all the windows and put away all the girl's winter clothes and put summer clothes in their closets.  We went camping with my parents, sister & family and our good friends that have 2 girls that Bella and Lucy LOVE.  Friday ended up rainy, but that was fine.  We hung out in the camper, then made a run to town for dessert then Mexican (a little backwards, but we were on no schedule--just doing what we pleased).  Then we went to the grocery store, then made an attempt to look at a beautiful house...for decorating ideas, but no one was home, so we settled for peeking in the windows and front door.  Saturday was a pretty day, much cooler that we wanted...but the sun was shining for us.  We played Rummy outside on the picnic table.  Bella learned to ride Alaina's bike during this trip.  So when we got home we got Bella a bike of her own.  We ate Blue Bell ice cream to celebrate Bella learning to ride a bike...yea right!  I'll find any excuse to eat ice cream from The Creem at the Creek while we are at the lake.  Saturday night, daddy grilled lots of meat and Jennifer and I make {very hot} jalapeƱo poppers.  We sat around the camp fire until late.  Sunday, we hung out that morning, went on a quick and cool boat ride.  Then packed up and came home.  I'm ready to go back...and stay a while. 

Layla pulling Lucy in the baby wagon.  She's such a "mama" helping with the little ones.  Bella & Rylee in a deep bike discussion.
Alaina is showing them how it's done!
Aunt KK came for a little bit and took all 5 to the park.  I saw this sweet moment with all of them holding hands...ran to our camper...and captured this sweet photo.
Bella and Alaina made this rainy day Princess Fort while we were stuck in the camper Friday morning.  

Lucy was sleeping at the camper.  Alaina is freezing under the blanket in her mama's lap.

Lucy feeding me cantaloupe for breakfast.





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Thursday, April 11, 2013

It's not always as it seems.

Just being honest...

People have told me that I always look so happy and I'm the most patient mama.  Well y'all, I am happy and I have a little patience.  But I get sad & upset at things, I've been through some crappy times that broke my heart, I cry, my husband & I get in big fights, I feel really fat some days, I get VERY easily frustrated.  My patience wears thin, then I'm snappy and a pain to be around.  I roll my eyes and cock an attitude.  I promise, I'm just like everyone else. I'm FAR from perfect.  Just because I don't share every argument, snappy text or a picture of me spanking my kid...doesn't mean that it doesn't happen...because THEY DO!

Prime Example~
I have a cold and have been taking cold/sinus meds all day that have me a little zoombied and tired.
Tonight I know I won't win the Mother-of-the-Year Award:
Dinner?  Arby's drive thru
Bath time?  Nah, they aren't that dirty.
Bedtime?  7:15pm.  Update:  I just thought Bella would go to bed at 7:15.  She's now watching cartoons in my bed...I think I'll drug up and go join her.  I'll probably be asleep before she will be!

My plans?  Shower, more cold meds, then curling up in the bed & go to sleep early!

Just because everyone likes pictures...
I love this picture of my beautiful babies!  Lucy-17 months.  Bella 3 years old.
Move over Jasmine, Bella's on a Magic Carpet Ride! 
My little monkeys jumping on our bed 
My husband surprised me with these new shoes.  Now, I need to get back running!




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Saturday, April 6, 2013

Life's Little Blessings ~ Day 7


I'm linking up with Brynn during these 7 days of Life's Little Blessings.  Her post from today was so sweet!  She talked of our sweet friendship.
And opening His mouth He began to teach them, saying, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. "Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:2-12
Life's Little Blessings ~ Day 7
I am a little stumped as to what to write about today.  It's almost 10:00pm and I'm still wondering what words I'll type.  I know it's kinda sad when I think about all the blessings in my life and I'm having a hard time with the final day.  

Maybe the best thing to do it discuss my day and all of life's little blessings throughout my day.  This morning I went to an Autism 5K in my town.  I helped pass out a few frisbees representing Coosa Valley Pediatrics.  I took the girls and they had fun riding the wagon, playing with friends, jumping in the bouncy house and getting their face's painted.  Some of my friends ran, one winning overall female!  Finishing the 5K in 26:30!  Way to go Jennifer Kissic!  But all my friends did a great job!  Dr Sawyer even ran with all 3 of her kids, pushing her youngest 2 and her 8-year old running with them!  I'm ready to do another one.  I know paying to run outside is crazy to some people...but it's fun, especially when your friends are their with you, encouraging you and cheering you on.  

 
This morning's blessings:
Running friends that inspire you to constantly be better.
Community that coordinates events to raise money for good causes.
Friends that are nice enough to play with and watch after your kids while you "help at your booth"
Blessed that no one stole my children during those few seconds they got out of my eye sight.
Perfect weather. 

Lucy was getting super cranky because she was tired.  We decided it was time to go, but Bella and 2 of her friends were having so much fun...so we brought the party to our house.  Lucy was happy to see her bed and was more than happy to "party" in her crib.  We had to be quiet since Jacob has been working night shift and he was still sleeping.  We hung out in the driveway/yard.  It was such a beautiful and warm day that we were all happy to be outside.  I even got a little sun.  However the amount of pollen was unbelievable!  EVERYTHING is yellow! We could actually see yellow waves of it when the wind blew.  We went on a neighborhood walk.  We are crazy-excited about some new neighbors who are prepping their land for building.  Even though it'll be a while before they actually move in, we are still excited!  We tatted our kids up with Scooby-Do tats.  Ate cookies.  Laughed, talked about frustrations and life.  Jacob and Lucy woke up, Jennifer and the girls went home.  We visited Bobo & Cassi as they are forming up for their new driveway.  Ate some chocolate and drank a bottle of water in one gulp.  Jacob got me a gun (for protection when he's away...just in case the boogie monster comes visiting).
This afternoon's blessings:
Nap time that does a 180 to a fussy toddler.
Good friends.
New neighbors. 
Exciting beginnings.
Girly giggles.
Safe Neighborhood.
Perfect weather.
A husband who wants me to protect myself & children in unsafe situations.

Jacob, the girls and I ate a yummy dinner together before he had to go into work.  Then I went grocery shopping with the girls.  Lucy loudly said "MMAAMMAA" and giggled throughout the entire store...getting louder and louder and louder.  She was cute the 1st time saying it...and VERY annoying the 50th time.  At the end of my shopping list I had one more item to check off my list that I was having a hard time finding.  As I was circling around and around...Lucy was getting louder and louder. I looked down, at these very dirty girls (from a fun day of playing outside), Lucy's hair was a total mess because she had pulled her little pony tail out, she was now screaming "MMAAMMAA"...I realized that we were THAT annoying family that everyone was wondering 'when are they leaving?'  Finally I knew it was time to wave that white flag and GO!  I checkout, load up, get home, unload, instruct the dirty girls to get in the bath, put them the bath while I put away the groceries.  I go into the bathroom to find this...
that would be Bella crawling up and around the tub because Lucy POOPED in the tub!  Ugh.  As if I weren't tired, with a pollen-induced-headache.  They immediately were evacuated to another tub where I quickly bathed them and put them to bed.  I texted Jacob all the "fun" I was having.  His response..."LOL".  I was scrubbing going...ha.  ha.  ha. Then I threw away every single toy you see in that tub, clorox scrubbed it, washed my hands, sat on the couch in the silence and ate an ice cream. It's now almost 11pm.  I'm going to tackle a large laundry basket full of warm, tiny, kid clothes.  When I'm folding their clothes, I swear it feels like there are 400 article of clothing in that one basket.  Why can't every load be like towels?  Anyways, then I'm showering and hitting the sack!
Tonight's blessings:
Family dinners.
Kisses in the parking lot.
The fact that we aren't on the 'People of Walmart' website.
Lysol and clorox
My super comfy couch, silence and ice cream
The fact that I only do laundry one day/week
A hot, cleansing shower
My bed (which is loudly calling my name right now)


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Friday, April 5, 2013

Life's Little Blessings ~ Day 6


I'm linking up with Brynn during these 7 days of Life's Little Blessings.  Go check her out!
And opening His mouth He began to teach them, saying, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. "Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:2-12


Life's Little Blessings ~ Day 6
When I think of the blessings in my life, I immediately think of my family!  God has surrounded me with an amazing group of loving individuals.  Of course, I have my crazy, dysfunctional family members, but I also have some members of my family that love me for who I am.  Each of them have helped mold me into who I am today....and for that I will always be grateful for my family.  My grandparents mean so much to me and are so very valuable to me.  
My Papaw
This is Mamaw's scrapbook with her and Papaw's Love Story.  
My parents, sisters, BIL, niece, Mamaw.  I adore my family!!!
My beautiful mother and sisters.  I am closest to these sweet ladies.  VERY SPECIAL BOND!

I was just trying to get Lucy to cooperate for a picture when Daddy made this one....perfect!
As crazy as he looks....I'm bless that God chose me to be one of his daughters!
I am blessed to have a MIL & FIL that love and support all that we do.
This is my sweet SIL & BIL.  If I've ever wanted a brother...Bobo would be it.  I'm blessed to have him as a brother.  I know that I can lean on him for anything.
All that history leads to our precious family....
And these 2 precious baby blessings...
 When I look at the faces of my family, I'm reminded of how richly blessed I am.


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