Had a crazy busy day today. We sent Beau to stay with my sister last night because we had to take Scrappy to the doctor for a full day of appointments today. We left our house at 5am so we could make it to his 7am fasting blood test. 3 year old + fasting = not fun!! Especially since Mama and Daddy can't have anything either because that wouldn't be fair to Scrappy! It made for a really long morning. I went to bed around 11 last night (I had class then needed to unwind) and couldn't get to sleep for a while. I woke several times during the night, worried I would oversleep or my hubby wouldn't wake me up early enough. As a result, I was wide awake at 3:30 and could not get back to sleep no matter what I tried.
We finally made it home at 6 pm after picking Beau up from my grandma's house. Oh, what a loooong day!!! Scrappy has another appointment tomorrow morning at 8 am so we need to leave about 6. At least it's only 1 appointment and we should be home before noon!!! Hopefully after a nap tomorrow I'll be able to update....
I'm heading to bed early tonight if I don't just zonk out in my recliner before that. I'm not the most pleasant person to be around when I'm overly tired (and overly sensitive!)
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Saturday, January 7, 2012
New Potty Training Strategy
Scrappy has developed a slight fear of his potty chair. He tells me there is a monster in it. I'm not sure where he got this idea from. For a while he loved his new potty chair that Daddy picked out because it is a Cars potty chair. It has a little lever on the left hand side. When you push the lever down, it makes a race car sound. He loved trying to go on it just for the excuse of playing with the handle and making the noise. Then suddenly one day he told me he was "scared of the potty." I haven't been able to get him to sit on it since.
Today while my hubby was at work (yes, he's still working Saturdays) I was trying to figure out what we could do to get him to go. Offering treats doesn't work. I'm already giving him time to play the Wii as a reward for doing his treatments so he isn't fighting on that anymore (and it keeps him busy while I'm cooking if he's playing Monster Jams. Or I'll let him do the Wii Fit and exercise his lungs more! But I need to help him more with that one...) I know he loves monster trucks, and is always asking for more. He's been asking for Maximum Destruction lately. (I had looked and looked and not been able to find it.)
Our kids are used to having a reward system. They have an old glass wine jug that they put change into as they earn it for helping around the house. In the late summer when we go to the county fair, the kids get to use their money saved up in the jar as their money to use to play games and go on rides. Since it's their money to share, it wouldn't be fair to give him change to put into that jar.
Instead, I took fifty cents out of their fair money jar - in pennies. I recently emptied a small coffee can, so I cut a slit in the lid, and put the pennies in a baggie on top of the coffee can. Then I ran to WalMart to look at monster trucks (and to just get out of the house by myself - I love my kids, but sometimes Mama needs a break too!!) and specifically search for Max D. It took some looking, and cost a little more than I planned on, but I did find a package that had both Max D and Batman, which he doesn't have yet either. (Yes, I've been trying to save money, but on the other hand I figured these 2 trucks cost less than 2 packages of pull ups. If they work to get him potty trained, then they'll pay for themselves!)
The way the reward is (planned) going to work is, every time he tries to go potty on his potty chair, he gets to put one penny in the coffee can. When all 50 are in there, he gets 1 of the new monster trucks. Then we start over, but he only gets a penny when he actually goes on the potty chair. When all 50 are in can, he gets the other truck (and should hopefully be potty trained by then!!) I also discussed with my husband that we need to be more adamant about underpants. The only time Scrappy will be allowed to wear a pull up will be nap time, bed time, and when we're traveling/driving. We can get him to wear underpants, but he refuses to wear the plastic pants that go over them :/ And we keep reminding him that Brobee/Mater/(insert other character from Yo Gabba Gabba or Cars 2) doesn't like it when he goes potty/poopy on them.
Wish us luck!! I'm always open to more suggestions!!!
Today while my hubby was at work (yes, he's still working Saturdays) I was trying to figure out what we could do to get him to go. Offering treats doesn't work. I'm already giving him time to play the Wii as a reward for doing his treatments so he isn't fighting on that anymore (and it keeps him busy while I'm cooking if he's playing Monster Jams. Or I'll let him do the Wii Fit and exercise his lungs more! But I need to help him more with that one...) I know he loves monster trucks, and is always asking for more. He's been asking for Maximum Destruction lately. (I had looked and looked and not been able to find it.)
Our kids are used to having a reward system. They have an old glass wine jug that they put change into as they earn it for helping around the house. In the late summer when we go to the county fair, the kids get to use their money saved up in the jar as their money to use to play games and go on rides. Since it's their money to share, it wouldn't be fair to give him change to put into that jar.
Instead, I took fifty cents out of their fair money jar - in pennies. I recently emptied a small coffee can, so I cut a slit in the lid, and put the pennies in a baggie on top of the coffee can. Then I ran to WalMart to look at monster trucks (and to just get out of the house by myself - I love my kids, but sometimes Mama needs a break too!!) and specifically search for Max D. It took some looking, and cost a little more than I planned on, but I did find a package that had both Max D and Batman, which he doesn't have yet either. (Yes, I've been trying to save money, but on the other hand I figured these 2 trucks cost less than 2 packages of pull ups. If they work to get him potty trained, then they'll pay for themselves!)
The way the reward is (planned) going to work is, every time he tries to go potty on his potty chair, he gets to put one penny in the coffee can. When all 50 are in there, he gets 1 of the new monster trucks. Then we start over, but he only gets a penny when he actually goes on the potty chair. When all 50 are in can, he gets the other truck (and should hopefully be potty trained by then!!) I also discussed with my husband that we need to be more adamant about underpants. The only time Scrappy will be allowed to wear a pull up will be nap time, bed time, and when we're traveling/driving. We can get him to wear underpants, but he refuses to wear the plastic pants that go over them :/ And we keep reminding him that Brobee/Mater/(insert other character from Yo Gabba Gabba or Cars 2) doesn't like it when he goes potty/poopy on them.
Wish us luck!! I'm always open to more suggestions!!!
Friday, January 6, 2012
Nature's Identity Crisis
I don't think nature realizes it's January - in Minnesota. We had a record high of 52 yesterday, and it was still quite warm today - in the 40's!! Where is all the snow??? I really want to go cross country skiing, but until we get some of that white stuff, that's not going to happen. Rumor has it we might get some next week. Wonder if it will stick around?
Scrappy went with me to TOPS on Thursday and I only stayed for weigh in (I gained a pound. I'm getting a little frustrated since it seems like working out doesn't have much effect. I know, I know. Patience). He was still running a fever (with no other symptoms) which finally broke this afternoon, so he couldn't go to the sitter's. Since we were out of the house to take Beau to school anyway, I had a few errands that just could not wait any longer - I'd already put them off long enough! (I also told Scrappy if he was a good boy during all our running, Mommy would buy him a donut on the way home!)
After TOPS, the first stop was the grocery store. 9 am is the perfect time to go because, of course, they had just put out a bunch of "Reduced for Quick Sale" items and were still bringing more over. Now, I stocked up pretty well last time I went shopping but figured, since I had to get milk, eggs, other WIC things, and cat food and litter. Found some pretty good meat deals again. 3 packages of dark meat chicken quarters (2 per package, $0.89/lb), 2 pork roasts ($1.99/lb), 2 small packages pork tenderloin medallions (2 per package, about $1.50/pkg), and a package 3 bone-in pork chops (about $2.50). These were really good discounts when looking at the prices of the same items that were not reduced. (I won't be needing to buy meat for a while!)
After the grocery store, we still had a little while before our appointment at the consignment store, so we went to Shopko to pick up 6 prescriptions, then the college to pick up my books. They only cost $144, but there was a HUGE stack of them. I didn't have to buy books for 2 of my classes since I already have them from last semester (I failed 2 classes last semester because of my health problems and ultimately our loss of our Little Warrior - but I am appealing these F's since I believe I have a good reason, as does my advisor.)
When we were done at the college, it was time to go to the consignment store. I know from past experience that they have a limit of 50 items to be consigned at a time, so I took everything that I had sorted our already. This was the equivalent of an 18 gallon tote. I was very surprised that, other than an unopened package of beads, an unopened puzzle, and an old Halloween costume, they took everything. I was told that if I bring the costume back in the fall, they'll take it then. Yay!!
The last stop before going to get Scrappy's donut (yes, I delivered on that promise!) was at the funeral home. I wrote a lot of thank you notes, but ran out. As part of their service, they provided us with thank you notes. (too bad postage wasn't included!) I got 2 boxes, although I doubt I'll need all of them... better safe than sorry, right?
Since hubby had to work late last night, we kept supper easy - mac and cheese and hot dogs. So healthy, right? But I tend to treat the kids with some of their favorites when he's not home, and work towards making fuller meals when he is. I prefer if he doesn't have to worry so much about what's for supper since he's the one working full-time.
We really needed something different tonight. The same old thing gets tiring after a while. I had noticed when cleaning out the cupboards that I had been finding quite a few taco seasoning packets. I've also been hungry for Spanish rice. This made the supper decision easy! I had kept out 2 packages of the chicken quarters wondering what I should do with them. Chicken tacos with Spanish rice! Turned out pretty good too! Beau's always a big eater, but hubby enjoyed 4 tacos. Even Scrappy was munching on the meat, and he's very picky.
I bet that chicken would be good on a salad... hmmm....
Scrappy went with me to TOPS on Thursday and I only stayed for weigh in (I gained a pound. I'm getting a little frustrated since it seems like working out doesn't have much effect. I know, I know. Patience). He was still running a fever (with no other symptoms) which finally broke this afternoon, so he couldn't go to the sitter's. Since we were out of the house to take Beau to school anyway, I had a few errands that just could not wait any longer - I'd already put them off long enough! (I also told Scrappy if he was a good boy during all our running, Mommy would buy him a donut on the way home!)
After TOPS, the first stop was the grocery store. 9 am is the perfect time to go because, of course, they had just put out a bunch of "Reduced for Quick Sale" items and were still bringing more over. Now, I stocked up pretty well last time I went shopping but figured, since I had to get milk, eggs, other WIC things, and cat food and litter. Found some pretty good meat deals again. 3 packages of dark meat chicken quarters (2 per package, $0.89/lb), 2 pork roasts ($1.99/lb), 2 small packages pork tenderloin medallions (2 per package, about $1.50/pkg), and a package 3 bone-in pork chops (about $2.50). These were really good discounts when looking at the prices of the same items that were not reduced. (I won't be needing to buy meat for a while!)
After the grocery store, we still had a little while before our appointment at the consignment store, so we went to Shopko to pick up 6 prescriptions, then the college to pick up my books. They only cost $144, but there was a HUGE stack of them. I didn't have to buy books for 2 of my classes since I already have them from last semester (I failed 2 classes last semester because of my health problems and ultimately our loss of our Little Warrior - but I am appealing these F's since I believe I have a good reason, as does my advisor.)
When we were done at the college, it was time to go to the consignment store. I know from past experience that they have a limit of 50 items to be consigned at a time, so I took everything that I had sorted our already. This was the equivalent of an 18 gallon tote. I was very surprised that, other than an unopened package of beads, an unopened puzzle, and an old Halloween costume, they took everything. I was told that if I bring the costume back in the fall, they'll take it then. Yay!!
The last stop before going to get Scrappy's donut (yes, I delivered on that promise!) was at the funeral home. I wrote a lot of thank you notes, but ran out. As part of their service, they provided us with thank you notes. (too bad postage wasn't included!) I got 2 boxes, although I doubt I'll need all of them... better safe than sorry, right?
Since hubby had to work late last night, we kept supper easy - mac and cheese and hot dogs. So healthy, right? But I tend to treat the kids with some of their favorites when he's not home, and work towards making fuller meals when he is. I prefer if he doesn't have to worry so much about what's for supper since he's the one working full-time.
We really needed something different tonight. The same old thing gets tiring after a while. I had noticed when cleaning out the cupboards that I had been finding quite a few taco seasoning packets. I've also been hungry for Spanish rice. This made the supper decision easy! I had kept out 2 packages of the chicken quarters wondering what I should do with them. Chicken tacos with Spanish rice! Turned out pretty good too! Beau's always a big eater, but hubby enjoyed 4 tacos. Even Scrappy was munching on the meat, and he's very picky.
I bet that chicken would be good on a salad... hmmm....
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Recipes - P3
Crockpot Smothered Pork Chops and Rice
6 pork chops
1 pkg fresh mozzerella cheese
1 pkg white button mushrooms, sliced
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1/2 tsp of salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp olive oil
1 bag fresh spinach
1 1/2 c uncooked brown rice
1 1/2 c water
1 can great northern beans
1 qt fresh canned tomatoes, pureed
1 tbsp ground cumin
Dash of cayenne pepper
Mix rice, beans, pureed tomatoes, water, cumin, and cayenne in crock pot. In a deep skillet or saucepan, heat oil. Add onions and mushrooms and saute until tender. Add spinach and cook until spinach is wilted. Remove from heat and stir in salt and garlic powder. Place pork chops in crock pot on top of tomato and rice mixture. Top with spinach/mushroom/onion mixture. Slice mozzarella and top the chops and spinach mushroom. Cover and cook on low 6 hours or until chops are done.
Breakfast Sausage I love sausage, but at times the sausage I get from the store is too spicy or too bland, so I prefer to make my own. This sausage can be mixed up and frozen or used right away.
1 lb ground pork, chicken, or turkey
1/4 c diced red onion (you can use whatever you have on hand, but I prefer red for this recipe)
1 clove minced garlic (to save time, I usually buy the jarred, pre-minced garlic)
1 pinch (or more, depending on preference) ground cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp ground oregano
salt and pepper
Mix all ingredients together. Form into patties and pan fry, or crumble and fry as you would hamburger.
Fudge
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 c chopped walnuts (optional)
butter
Use butter to grease 8x8 or 9x9 pan. Over med-low heat in a med sauce pan, melt together chocolate chips with milk. When mixture is melted and smooth, remove from heat. Mix in vanilla and nuts, if using. Mix thoroughly. Pour into greased pan, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until thoroughly cooled.
**If you're feeling adventurous (or not sharing with kids) add 1 tbsp Amaretto, Kahlua, or other hard liquor. The fudge will also be a little softer.**
Cream Cheese Bars
2 cans crescent rolls (I prefer butter flavored)
2 8oz blocks cream cheese, softened
1 c + 1/4 c sugar, divided
1 egg, separated
1 tsp cinnamon
Grease 9x13 pan and preheat oven to 350. Unroll one can crescent rolls into bottom of pans. Pinch together all seams, creating a bottom crust. In a bowl, combine cream cheese, 1 c sugar, and egg yolk. Mix with electric mixer until thoroughly combined. Spread on top of crescent crust. Unroll other can of crescent rolls onto waxed paper. Pinch together all seams to make top crust. Flip on top of cream cheese filling. Beat egg white until foamy and brush onto top crust. Mix cinnamon and remaining sugar and sprinkle on top. Bake 20-25 minutes or until top is golden brown.
Ham and Swiss Stuffed Pork Roast
3 1/2 lb pork roast
12 slices ham lunch meat
3 slices Swiss cheese (I cut them from an 8oz block - cutting them the long way)
Salt
Pepper
Preheat oven to 425. Cut 3 long slits into the roast going the "long way." Wrap each slice of cheese with 4 slices ham. Stuff one wrapped slice in each of the 3 slits. Tie roast together to hold cheese/ham in the roast. Season on all sides with salt and pepper. Cook for 15 minutes at 425. Reduce heat to 350, bake approx 45 minutes or until cooked through. Let rest 10 minutes before removing string and slicing.
Rice and Milk
1 1/2 c rice
6 cups milk
cinnamon (to taste)
sugar (to taste)
1 c raisins (optional)
Put all ingredients except raisins into a crock pot. Cook on high 3 hours. Add raisins, then reduce heat to low for 5 hours. Stir occasionally. Add more milk as necessary. Serve as dessert or breakfast. (can make it at night to be ready for breakfast, just leave set on low all night.)
6 pork chops
1 pkg fresh mozzerella cheese
1 pkg white button mushrooms, sliced
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1/2 tsp of salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp olive oil
1 bag fresh spinach
1 1/2 c uncooked brown rice
1 1/2 c water
1 can great northern beans
1 qt fresh canned tomatoes, pureed
1 tbsp ground cumin
Dash of cayenne pepper
Mix rice, beans, pureed tomatoes, water, cumin, and cayenne in crock pot. In a deep skillet or saucepan, heat oil. Add onions and mushrooms and saute until tender. Add spinach and cook until spinach is wilted. Remove from heat and stir in salt and garlic powder. Place pork chops in crock pot on top of tomato and rice mixture. Top with spinach/mushroom/onion mixture. Slice mozzarella and top the chops and spinach mushroom. Cover and cook on low 6 hours or until chops are done.
Breakfast Sausage I love sausage, but at times the sausage I get from the store is too spicy or too bland, so I prefer to make my own. This sausage can be mixed up and frozen or used right away.
1 lb ground pork, chicken, or turkey
1/4 c diced red onion (you can use whatever you have on hand, but I prefer red for this recipe)
1 clove minced garlic (to save time, I usually buy the jarred, pre-minced garlic)
1 pinch (or more, depending on preference) ground cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp ground oregano
salt and pepper
Mix all ingredients together. Form into patties and pan fry, or crumble and fry as you would hamburger.
Fudge
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 c chopped walnuts (optional)
butter
Use butter to grease 8x8 or 9x9 pan. Over med-low heat in a med sauce pan, melt together chocolate chips with milk. When mixture is melted and smooth, remove from heat. Mix in vanilla and nuts, if using. Mix thoroughly. Pour into greased pan, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until thoroughly cooled.
**If you're feeling adventurous (or not sharing with kids) add 1 tbsp Amaretto, Kahlua, or other hard liquor. The fudge will also be a little softer.**
Cream Cheese Bars
2 cans crescent rolls (I prefer butter flavored)
2 8oz blocks cream cheese, softened
1 c + 1/4 c sugar, divided
1 egg, separated
1 tsp cinnamon
Grease 9x13 pan and preheat oven to 350. Unroll one can crescent rolls into bottom of pans. Pinch together all seams, creating a bottom crust. In a bowl, combine cream cheese, 1 c sugar, and egg yolk. Mix with electric mixer until thoroughly combined. Spread on top of crescent crust. Unroll other can of crescent rolls onto waxed paper. Pinch together all seams to make top crust. Flip on top of cream cheese filling. Beat egg white until foamy and brush onto top crust. Mix cinnamon and remaining sugar and sprinkle on top. Bake 20-25 minutes or until top is golden brown.
Ham and Swiss Stuffed Pork Roast
3 1/2 lb pork roast
12 slices ham lunch meat
3 slices Swiss cheese (I cut them from an 8oz block - cutting them the long way)
Salt
Pepper
Preheat oven to 425. Cut 3 long slits into the roast going the "long way." Wrap each slice of cheese with 4 slices ham. Stuff one wrapped slice in each of the 3 slits. Tie roast together to hold cheese/ham in the roast. Season on all sides with salt and pepper. Cook for 15 minutes at 425. Reduce heat to 350, bake approx 45 minutes or until cooked through. Let rest 10 minutes before removing string and slicing.
Rice and Milk
1 1/2 c rice
6 cups milk
cinnamon (to taste)
sugar (to taste)
1 c raisins (optional)
Put all ingredients except raisins into a crock pot. Cook on high 3 hours. Add raisins, then reduce heat to low for 5 hours. Stir occasionally. Add more milk as necessary. Serve as dessert or breakfast. (can make it at night to be ready for breakfast, just leave set on low all night.)
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Sick Day
No, not me. My kids. Both of them.
Last night I sent Beau to bed at 8 instead of her normal 8:30. All through Christmas break, I let her stay up a little bit later than normal, just because it was vacation. About 10, when I went to bed, Scrappy and hubby were watching Monster Jams - I knew there was no hope of getting Scrappy to bed as long as it was on, so I left him to Daddy's discretion.
Beau called me into her room to complain that her tummy hurt. Did it hurt like she had to use the bathroom, or like she was hungry, or like she was going to be sick? She didn't know, so I told her to try to use the bathroom. Nope, that wasn't it. "I think maybe I might throw up. I don't know." Better safe than sorry - I put her on the couch with my wash bucket, just in case. Scrappy got mad when I turned off the TV, but I told him he could snuggle with Mommy for a little bit in Mommy's bed and we'd watch monster trucks in the morning.
I did no more than walk out the living room when I heard Beau start retching. As she ran to the bathroom, with her head half in the bucket, she missed and arfed on the floor. Thankfully my husband had gotten aggravated with the kids spilling on the carpet in the living room and had ripped it up. The hardwood is so much easier to clean.
This morning she still had a fever so I kept her home from school. I must admit, I was really looking forward to her going back today. Those two can only spend so much time together, cooped up in the house, before they start to drive each other (and me) crazy and start fighting like cats and dogs. And they just can't resolve anything between the two of them - they need Mom's intervention.
My brother stopped to visit bright and early at 7am before he headed west again. He had to see his favorite older sister (only older sister) and niece and nephew before he left. Hubby and I were both surprise that Scraps wasn't up yet - he's usually our alarm clock at 6:30 or earlier. Mean Mommy had to go wake him up. Poor baby, he had a fever too :(
After Uncle had riled the kids up and left, I tried to get them to settle down a little because I did not want to spend my day scrubbing up their messes. She had a couple slices of toast for breakfast, and he ate a little dry cereal. He crawled up on my lap and snuggled most of the morning while she played her hangman handheld video game. I let them watch cartoons all day and gave up on trying to watch anything that wasn't animated. Scrappy ended up napping on me for about an hour and a half... and would wake up every time I tried laying him down. It's just a shame that I couldn't fall asleep myself :)
Tomorrow, she is definitely going back to school - since about 10 minutes after I called her in, she wanted to run around and play. NOPE! Sick day = keep your butt parked on the couch and rest. It's not supposed to be fun staying home sick. (She wasn't too happy when her brother got to play Wii, but she had been quite argumentative yesterday and lost her privileges for today.)
He really likes his monster truck game. And he can't go too far lately without Big Bear (original, I know)
I have a ton of things to do tomorrow since I didn't leave the house at all today... Hopefully the kids are both feeling 'normal.'
And I think I'm going to change my name tomorrow too.... I think this week my kids wore out the names "Mom," "Mommy," and "Mo-om!"
Last night I sent Beau to bed at 8 instead of her normal 8:30. All through Christmas break, I let her stay up a little bit later than normal, just because it was vacation. About 10, when I went to bed, Scrappy and hubby were watching Monster Jams - I knew there was no hope of getting Scrappy to bed as long as it was on, so I left him to Daddy's discretion.
Beau called me into her room to complain that her tummy hurt. Did it hurt like she had to use the bathroom, or like she was hungry, or like she was going to be sick? She didn't know, so I told her to try to use the bathroom. Nope, that wasn't it. "I think maybe I might throw up. I don't know." Better safe than sorry - I put her on the couch with my wash bucket, just in case. Scrappy got mad when I turned off the TV, but I told him he could snuggle with Mommy for a little bit in Mommy's bed and we'd watch monster trucks in the morning.
I did no more than walk out the living room when I heard Beau start retching. As she ran to the bathroom, with her head half in the bucket, she missed and arfed on the floor. Thankfully my husband had gotten aggravated with the kids spilling on the carpet in the living room and had ripped it up. The hardwood is so much easier to clean.
This morning she still had a fever so I kept her home from school. I must admit, I was really looking forward to her going back today. Those two can only spend so much time together, cooped up in the house, before they start to drive each other (and me) crazy and start fighting like cats and dogs. And they just can't resolve anything between the two of them - they need Mom's intervention.
My brother stopped to visit bright and early at 7am before he headed west again. He had to see his favorite older sister (only older sister) and niece and nephew before he left. Hubby and I were both surprise that Scraps wasn't up yet - he's usually our alarm clock at 6:30 or earlier. Mean Mommy had to go wake him up. Poor baby, he had a fever too :(
After Uncle had riled the kids up and left, I tried to get them to settle down a little because I did not want to spend my day scrubbing up their messes. She had a couple slices of toast for breakfast, and he ate a little dry cereal. He crawled up on my lap and snuggled most of the morning while she played her hangman handheld video game. I let them watch cartoons all day and gave up on trying to watch anything that wasn't animated. Scrappy ended up napping on me for about an hour and a half... and would wake up every time I tried laying him down. It's just a shame that I couldn't fall asleep myself :)
Tomorrow, she is definitely going back to school - since about 10 minutes after I called her in, she wanted to run around and play. NOPE! Sick day = keep your butt parked on the couch and rest. It's not supposed to be fun staying home sick. (She wasn't too happy when her brother got to play Wii, but she had been quite argumentative yesterday and lost her privileges for today.)
He really likes his monster truck game. And he can't go too far lately without Big Bear (original, I know)
I have a ton of things to do tomorrow since I didn't leave the house at all today... Hopefully the kids are both feeling 'normal.'
And I think I'm going to change my name tomorrow too.... I think this week my kids wore out the names "Mom," "Mommy," and "Mo-om!"
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Happy New Year!!
We enjoyed our quiet New Year's Eve at home. Maybe we're getting old, but we enjoyed spending time with just our kids. The forecast was for wind and rain, and sure enough, we finally got snow! 50 degrees, raining, on Dec 31 in Minnesota? Not normal. But today - about 10 degrees, snow, and awful wind on Jan 1? Perfectly normal. Mother Nature has worse mood swings than anyone I know!
I love cooking with my hubby so much! We cooked a nice dinner together - turkey, stuffing, scalloped corn, baked potatoes, and turkey gravy. Very yum!! I cleaned up the dishes afterwards while he cleaned the rest of the meat off the turkey. There were only a few pans I left to soak overnights so they would be easier to clean in the morning. I put the turkey carcass in the crock pot on low overnight. It smelled so good this morning!! I learned my lesson from before about trying to can chicken stock - I froze my turkey stock. Not bad - I got 15 cups of stock!!
Normally we go to a movie New Year's Day - it's a tradition that I've been trying to keep with my kids. Unfortunately with today's weather, I don't think we're going to be leaving the house at all. We are getting things done around the house though. I did about 50 minutes on my Fit. Hubby and I cleaned out the toy box so the kids have room to store some of their new toys. Some of it we threw out, some of it we bagged up to donate to the Epilepsy Foundation. I still have a ton of totes to go through in the garage. Maybe at least get through some of the bags/totes of clothes so I can wash whatever I want to take to the consignment store next week..... There is a 50 piece limit - I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to make a second appointment!!
My Opa and I are having a contest now. Today is the day one of our contest. We're going see who can lose the most by June 1st when he comes home. The minimum we HAVE to go for is 10 pounds. I'm hoping to double that. We'll see what happens - but this year is going to be my year - I'm going to make it the best I can!!!
I love cooking with my hubby so much! We cooked a nice dinner together - turkey, stuffing, scalloped corn, baked potatoes, and turkey gravy. Very yum!! I cleaned up the dishes afterwards while he cleaned the rest of the meat off the turkey. There were only a few pans I left to soak overnights so they would be easier to clean in the morning. I put the turkey carcass in the crock pot on low overnight. It smelled so good this morning!! I learned my lesson from before about trying to can chicken stock - I froze my turkey stock. Not bad - I got 15 cups of stock!!
Normally we go to a movie New Year's Day - it's a tradition that I've been trying to keep with my kids. Unfortunately with today's weather, I don't think we're going to be leaving the house at all. We are getting things done around the house though. I did about 50 minutes on my Fit. Hubby and I cleaned out the toy box so the kids have room to store some of their new toys. Some of it we threw out, some of it we bagged up to donate to the Epilepsy Foundation. I still have a ton of totes to go through in the garage. Maybe at least get through some of the bags/totes of clothes so I can wash whatever I want to take to the consignment store next week..... There is a 50 piece limit - I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to make a second appointment!!
My Opa and I are having a contest now. Today is the day one of our contest. We're going see who can lose the most by June 1st when he comes home. The minimum we HAVE to go for is 10 pounds. I'm hoping to double that. We'll see what happens - but this year is going to be my year - I'm going to make it the best I can!!!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Checking things off
Yesterday was a much more motivating day - well, at least the morning was! As normal, I start my Thursday morning with my TOPS meeting. I gained 1.25 lbs this week, but I guess that's not too bad considering it was over Christmas. Coulda been worse!!! Especially if I wouldn't have had my workouts in! I didn't get them everyday, but did get them more often than not. I was just a couple pounds short of my 25 pound year-end goal - I finished the year's meetings down a total of 22.5 pounds. Not bad considering I was pregnant most of that time! Time to think about what my goal should be for the next year since we do a 'rededication' at the first January meeting. I definitely want to hit the 25 pound mark before my 1 year anniversary with TOPS, which is March 24 (Beau's birthday!)
**When I was getting ready to go to my TOPS meeting, I went out to start the car and realized I didn't have my Bluetooth with. I had left it on the counter since the battery was dead. Since I was going to be in the car, I prefer to use it so my hands are free. I went back in the house and was looking all over the counter and couldn't find it at first. Then I found an old key chain that had been hanging on the hooks over the counter. The key chain was laying on my Bluetooth. It was a Guardian Angel key chain. I think someone was leaving me a sign that he knew I was thinking of him :) **
I got a lot done yesterday too!! I went to my favorite consignment store, where I thought I had about $6 on credit, cuz Scrappy needs another pair of jeans (I recently realized having only 1 pair of jeans is not sufficient for him since khakis don't match everything and sweatpants aren't always appropriate.) Turns out I had over $10 - a nice surprise! Since it is the end of the year, she cut me a check for my credits, which I used to pay for his jeans ($5 for a pair of almost new Wranglers? Works for me!) I made an appointment while I was there to bring some stuff in next week. I was surprised she got me in so soon since it's normally 1-2 months out!! She's looking for 'springtime' stuff, and will always take jeans. Since cleaning out my storage unit, I've found a lot of clothes that didn't sell at my past garage sales. These things would be perfect to take up there - just have to make sure they're washed first. And she has a limit of 50 items per appointment, so once I sort through the clothes I'll have to count what I have. I know I'll need to make an appointment to take in some summer stuff, maybe a second appointment for spring stuff and/or jeans. My appointment is for January 5. The Epilepsy Foundation will be picking up on January 4, so anything I'm not taking to consignment is going to them. Hubby reminded me to go through the stuff up to 2T so that if/when we have another little one, we have some clothes for him/her. I found a few old onesies belonging to Scraps that I'm going to hold on to. I have an 18 gallon tote full of maternity and baby clothes along with other miscellaneous items, like bottles, liners, pumping equipment, etc.
After the consignment shop, I headed to pay the balance on the property taxes and picked up the other 5 cans of Scrappy's DuoCal. Went to Shopko to pick up his prescription, but turns out insurance won't cover the saline nebulizer solution. It's only $19 for 100 vials though. Too bad I only had $5 on me though, so I couldn't pick it up.
I called hubby as I was leaving town to see if he had plans for lunch since I was coming to town to get the kids. He didn't so he ordered pizzas to be ready when I got to town since Grammy and Opa had treated us last week and since they had watched the kids. I told hubby I had a doctor's appointment in the afternoon, so just asked if he stop and pick up the meds on his way home. (As it turned out, insurance wouldn't cover mine prescription either, so they had to find a generic and order it in for next day delivery.)
I've been having a lot of pain in my side, next to where my incision is, and there doesn't seem to be any logical reason. There's no redness and there's no actual injury (cut, rash, anything). And I didn't know if my incision was healing since I've had a yeast infection in the skin around it. My doc was out, so I saw is Physician's Assistant. The yeast infection seems to be clearing up, there is one small spot on my incision that is still open, but looks ok, and he couldn't feel or see anything that would leave him to believe I had an infection. He thinks the pain is due to nerve damage from the surgery. We are going to try a topical cream to see if that helps. If it doesn't, then we'll try with a pill. I told him I just need something to get through until I have my next OB appointment at Mayo on January 10. So we'll see what happens. (I'll have to wait until hubby gets home though. I have anxiety issues when driving in bad weather - it started raining about the time I went to bed last night, and now has turned to snow. Which means the roads are slick. And there are too many idiots out there. He can just pick it up on his way home - hopefully!)
By the time we got home, I just wanted to relax. I was exhausted, but I'm sure it's because I had such awful heartburn I didn't get to bed until after 2, then Scraps woke me up at 6:30. I love my kids, don't get me wrong, but sometimes I just wish they would sleep - or at least let me sleep. I was trying to nap while they were watching cartoons and putting puzzles together, but every time I closed my eyes, all I hear is "Mo-om!" as Beau loves to make it into a 2 syllable word. Grrr. I didn't do anything after getting home except to make supper then lounge again in my recliner. After hubby got home, I did nap a little bit, then read a little before heading to bed. My whole body just ached and I didn't know why - just hoped I wasn't getting sick!!
I guess missing a workout really does show! I didn't do my workout Wednesday because of the all the work with the freezer/refrigerator, and yesterday was too busy and I was too tired. This morning the kids were begging to play their Monster Jams Wii game, so I figured I better get my workout done before they take over the TV. I used it as bribery for treatments this morning too :) So while Scrappy did his vest, I did 51 minutes on the Fit Plus - and I was sweating :) And my body feels SO much better - especially my back!!
I need to get lunch going for the kids - we're having leftovers. Going to make an easy supper too - a Banquet family meal we have in the freezer. Then I can get a little more done around the house today without having to worry about making a mess or taking much time on supper. Have a lot of sorting to do before the EF comes to pick up! (Plus, since they take stuff in garbage bags, I'll be cleaning out some totes so I have more of them to use for other things!!)
**When I was getting ready to go to my TOPS meeting, I went out to start the car and realized I didn't have my Bluetooth with. I had left it on the counter since the battery was dead. Since I was going to be in the car, I prefer to use it so my hands are free. I went back in the house and was looking all over the counter and couldn't find it at first. Then I found an old key chain that had been hanging on the hooks over the counter. The key chain was laying on my Bluetooth. It was a Guardian Angel key chain. I think someone was leaving me a sign that he knew I was thinking of him :) **
I got a lot done yesterday too!! I went to my favorite consignment store, where I thought I had about $6 on credit, cuz Scrappy needs another pair of jeans (I recently realized having only 1 pair of jeans is not sufficient for him since khakis don't match everything and sweatpants aren't always appropriate.) Turns out I had over $10 - a nice surprise! Since it is the end of the year, she cut me a check for my credits, which I used to pay for his jeans ($5 for a pair of almost new Wranglers? Works for me!) I made an appointment while I was there to bring some stuff in next week. I was surprised she got me in so soon since it's normally 1-2 months out!! She's looking for 'springtime' stuff, and will always take jeans. Since cleaning out my storage unit, I've found a lot of clothes that didn't sell at my past garage sales. These things would be perfect to take up there - just have to make sure they're washed first. And she has a limit of 50 items per appointment, so once I sort through the clothes I'll have to count what I have. I know I'll need to make an appointment to take in some summer stuff, maybe a second appointment for spring stuff and/or jeans. My appointment is for January 5. The Epilepsy Foundation will be picking up on January 4, so anything I'm not taking to consignment is going to them. Hubby reminded me to go through the stuff up to 2T so that if/when we have another little one, we have some clothes for him/her. I found a few old onesies belonging to Scraps that I'm going to hold on to. I have an 18 gallon tote full of maternity and baby clothes along with other miscellaneous items, like bottles, liners, pumping equipment, etc.
After the consignment shop, I headed to pay the balance on the property taxes and picked up the other 5 cans of Scrappy's DuoCal. Went to Shopko to pick up his prescription, but turns out insurance won't cover the saline nebulizer solution. It's only $19 for 100 vials though. Too bad I only had $5 on me though, so I couldn't pick it up.
I called hubby as I was leaving town to see if he had plans for lunch since I was coming to town to get the kids. He didn't so he ordered pizzas to be ready when I got to town since Grammy and Opa had treated us last week and since they had watched the kids. I told hubby I had a doctor's appointment in the afternoon, so just asked if he stop and pick up the meds on his way home. (As it turned out, insurance wouldn't cover mine prescription either, so they had to find a generic and order it in for next day delivery.)
I've been having a lot of pain in my side, next to where my incision is, and there doesn't seem to be any logical reason. There's no redness and there's no actual injury (cut, rash, anything). And I didn't know if my incision was healing since I've had a yeast infection in the skin around it. My doc was out, so I saw is Physician's Assistant. The yeast infection seems to be clearing up, there is one small spot on my incision that is still open, but looks ok, and he couldn't feel or see anything that would leave him to believe I had an infection. He thinks the pain is due to nerve damage from the surgery. We are going to try a topical cream to see if that helps. If it doesn't, then we'll try with a pill. I told him I just need something to get through until I have my next OB appointment at Mayo on January 10. So we'll see what happens. (I'll have to wait until hubby gets home though. I have anxiety issues when driving in bad weather - it started raining about the time I went to bed last night, and now has turned to snow. Which means the roads are slick. And there are too many idiots out there. He can just pick it up on his way home - hopefully!)
By the time we got home, I just wanted to relax. I was exhausted, but I'm sure it's because I had such awful heartburn I didn't get to bed until after 2, then Scraps woke me up at 6:30. I love my kids, don't get me wrong, but sometimes I just wish they would sleep - or at least let me sleep. I was trying to nap while they were watching cartoons and putting puzzles together, but every time I closed my eyes, all I hear is "Mo-om!" as Beau loves to make it into a 2 syllable word. Grrr. I didn't do anything after getting home except to make supper then lounge again in my recliner. After hubby got home, I did nap a little bit, then read a little before heading to bed. My whole body just ached and I didn't know why - just hoped I wasn't getting sick!!
I guess missing a workout really does show! I didn't do my workout Wednesday because of the all the work with the freezer/refrigerator, and yesterday was too busy and I was too tired. This morning the kids were begging to play their Monster Jams Wii game, so I figured I better get my workout done before they take over the TV. I used it as bribery for treatments this morning too :) So while Scrappy did his vest, I did 51 minutes on the Fit Plus - and I was sweating :) And my body feels SO much better - especially my back!!
I need to get lunch going for the kids - we're having leftovers. Going to make an easy supper too - a Banquet family meal we have in the freezer. Then I can get a little more done around the house today without having to worry about making a mess or taking much time on supper. Have a lot of sorting to do before the EF comes to pick up! (Plus, since they take stuff in garbage bags, I'll be cleaning out some totes so I have more of them to use for other things!!)
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