What I Think About--Getting Kids to Eat

Once again I'm linking my thoughts up with Shell from Things I Can't Say who hosts Pour Your Heart Out every Wednesday. Thanks, Shell!



A few weeks ago we went out to lunch with some friends. The gal and I were chatting and she was sharing how much she hated veggies.

I laughed and said Madisen prefers kale chips to potato chips and thinks beets are pretty much awesome (mostly because they make her poop and pee red but whatever).

My friend was a bit shocked and asked how I get my kids to eat such foods.  And I replied, "Easy.  I don't make it an option."  I continued by sharing that I actually tell my kids that as long as there are human beings eating the remains of leather tennis shoes from dumps, we will eat the food provided to us.  I almost fell out of my chair at her reply.

"Oh," she said, giving me a somewhat "shame on you" glance, "you used the 'starving kids' story."

How badly I wanted to say, "It's not a story--it is a reality!"

As a family we adopt children from Horizon International because we want our children to know and understand that not all people live in a land of plenty.  Not all kids complain that they don't like their beets.  In fact, many kids eat trash just to survive. 

Now I'm sure I'll be totally unpopular when I share some of my food thoughts and that's okay with me.  We can agree to disagree.

1.  I am not a short-order cook.  I make 3 meals a day and my kids have an option at each meal. They can take it or leave it.  If they leave it, they can eat again in a few hours.  Do I hate thinking about them being hungry?  You betcha!  Do I know my kids won't starve themselves?  Yep.
2.  You don't have to eat everything on your plate but you have to eat some of everything on your plate.  They are called "polite bites."  Does this hold true for adults?  Yep.  Matt hates beets.  Does he eat them? Yes.  I can't stand ham. Do I eat it when my mother-in-law makes it?  Sure do.
3.  You do not get dessert if you do not eat your dinner.  No junk goes in until health food does.  Period.  It's not a bribe.  It's not a plea. It's not a requirement to clean your plate.  But my kids know if they want a fruit pop after dinner, they are going to have to eat some of that spinach.
4.  My children can refuse to try any part of their meal.  However, they must be prepared to not eat anything else until they've tried the food.  Has my daughter gone to bed hungry only to have lemon-dill salmon and wild rice for breakfast?  Yes.

To be fair, I respect my kids' likes and dislikes.  Madisen can't stand mushrooms.  When I make chicken marsala, I don't give her any.  She's tried before and doesn't like them. No need to get into a power struggle.  On the other hand she love tomatoes so when we are having tomatoes, I give her more than I give myself.

In the end I just lean on this tidbit given to be by a friend--I can't control when or how much my kids eat but I can control what they eat.  And as long as I'm in charge of that, I will offer vitamin rich, organic fruits and veggies, lean cuts of meat, and a variety of colors and flavors to try.

What I think about getting my kids to eat is that with some clear, consistent food rules, it's a piece of cake!

Do you have food rules?  What are they?  Food battles?  Share?  Going to turn me into DFS?  Let me get you their number ....

To Do Tuesday--Plan a Girl's Night

I think time with the girls is SOOOO important.  Spend some time today organizing a girl's night event.  Send evites to your favorite ladies and spend some quality time chatting and celebrating womanhood.

Need some ideas?

Knit-Wits
Have everyone over to your house.  All ladies bring a snack to share and a craft to work on.  Craft, chat, eat, enjoy!

Dessert Divas
Make a chocolate fondue and have each lady bring a dipper (strawberries, pretzels, marshmallows, bananas, etc).  Visit while you enjoy dessert

Movie Night
Get the gals together and go see the latest chick-flick.  Your husband will probably be on board with this one!
Slumber party
Get four gals together, priceline a ritzy hotel (even in your same town) and go spend the night away from home.  Play games, sit in the hot tub, watch movies, laugh.  Sleep in!

Your Words--Engagement Story

In May of 2002 the new Star Wars (you know the romantic one when Amidala and Anakin get together) was released.  Matt promised to take me to opening night.  On May 15th we worked in my yard all day and he was suddenly too tired and didn't "feel" like going to the midnight showing.  So I did what any grown-up girl would do--I sulked and pouted and told him I didn't "feel" like having dinner with him.

Lucky for me all of my other charming moments made up for my bad attitude that day and he proposed that evening.

Around 9:00 pm he called and asked me to see if he left his wallet in my car.  Out on my deck there was a bunch of balloons and a clue that led me on a scavenger hunt.  I went to the scene of our first date, the place where he met my parents, and the location of our favorite date.  The clues led me back to my house where he had candles lit up everywhere, Unchained Melody playing, and The Matrix on TV.

I don't remember what he asked but I know what I said.  YES!

Last week you shared how you met your husband, now share your engagement story.  Was it movie-quality romantic?  Spur of the moment?  Did you ask him?  Was it a disaster with a happy ending?

Days of Play--Alphabet

Spend some time today working with the alphabet. 

• Sing the alphabet song.  Do the alphabet in sign language.  
• Go through the alphabet and think of an animal that starts with each letter (aardvark, beaver, coyote ...).
• Eat alphabet soup.  
• If you really want to have a good time, get on the ground and see how many letters you can make with your body.  

Your kids will love learning with you!

Date Night In--Themed Dinner and a Movie

I think "dinner and a movie" is the most common date night in (at least around our house).  Though it's common, there is no reason this date has to be boring.

Why not plan a themed dinner and a movie?  Eat and dress according to the movie theme.

For example:

Western Theme

• Wear jeans, big belts, boots and hats
• Eat bbq
• Watch a western like Tombstone, Quigley Down Under, City Slickers, or Young Guns.

Vegas Theme

• Wear a cocktail dress/suit
• Eat hors d'oeuvres
• Drink mocktails
• Watch What Happens in Vegas, Honeymoon in Vegas, The Cooler, or Ocean's Eleven

80's Theme

• Tag your jeans, wear three pairs of socks with some Keds, over-do the blue eyeshadow and rat your hair 
• Dine on Hamburger Helper (which came out in the 80's) or blackened chicken with mud pie for dessert
• Drink Daquiries
• Watch The Wedding Singer, Sixteen Candles, Goonies, or Ferris Buellar's Day Off

Any other theme suggestions?

Things I Love--Not So Much

Sometimes my Things I Love day starts to feel a bit too PollyAnna for me--like I love everything.  Sadly, this is not the case.  So today, let me share some things I DON'T love.

BIRDS
Okay, birds are mostly harmless but I think their eyes are weird and they are dirty little creatures.  But what I really hate is birds waking me up at 5:00 am with their pretty songs.  I love birds singing after 7:00 am.  Before then--Boo Hiss!  Sorry.  I will be happy to accept my "grump of the morning" award now.

CORN
I can't stand corn.  I know, I know--you're thinking "How can anyone not like corn?  It's so good with butter and salt!"  LOTS of things are good when you smear them with butter and salt (popcorn, beets, asparagus, brussle sprouts...) so don't try to sway me with that one.  I don't know why but the corn flavor does nothing for me.  And I hate that it gets stuck in your teeth.  And has a specific type of poop named after it (corn poop).  And that it is all starch and no nutrition.  When it comes to me, you can have my serving of corn.  Deal?

BATH TIME   
I love clean children but I hate bath time.  You probably just gasped because like 90% of moms think bath time is a blast but I can't stand it.  I get wet.  The floor gets wet.  The tub gets ring around the tub (which means I have to clean it when I'm done cleaning the kids).  Suds in eyes, fighting over bath tub toys, trying to find where my turkey baster is (of course it's in the tub, that's an obvious bath time toy, right?)...  I wish I had a better attitude when it comes to bath time but I don't.

 Yes, that is poop.  No, not corn poop.  Yes, I got him out of the tub before he got a hold of it!

NEWS
When I was on the nest with my first child the news was always so traumatic (or maybe it was the hormones) that I always ended up being a teary-eyed mess.  Shortly after my daughter was born I was having discussions with Matt about whether we would humanely kill her if society got *really* bad--you know, in the event that something like the holocaust were to happen again (you know what Nazis did to babies, right? *shudder*). 

Okay, not sound thoughts.  But if you've watched the news it's bad, on top of bad, with bad statistics, bad politics, bad celebrities, and bad news people pretending they are the only one's who aren't spinning the news. 

I haven't watched the news in four years and I gotta tell you, I feel great!  Now I can read news articles I'm interested in in about fifteen minutes a day.  No commercials.

What do you love to hate?

What I Think About--Homeschooling (Advice Appreciated)

As an educator, I'm passionate about teaching and learning.  I have definite ideas about what I want my kids to learn and how I think they should learn.  The problem is my teaching style and philosophies are WAY outside of the box when it comes to traditional public schooling (don't get me started on reward systems or homework).  Ergo, I've always assumed I would home school my children.


Whenever I mention this to people they give me "looks" and even a few judgmental comments:

• Are you qualified? (Let's see, I have a BA in secondary education and middle school, a Master's in teaching history, I'm a year and a bit away from a doctorate in curriculum and instruction, I have teaching experience from k-college ... what do you think?)
• Aren't you afraid your kids won't have social opportunities? (You mean outside of church groups, family, friends, soccer, dance, music, volunteering, 4-H, and play dates? Yeah, I think socialization starts before school, happens in places besides school, and continues post-school.)
• Don't you know that home school graduates aren't taken seriously in the "real world"? (Really?  I wonder why every home schooled graduate I know has gotten into a good--I mean a REALLY good university?)

I clearly see many benefits to home schooling:

• freedom of curriculum, 
• freedom of time (no bus chasing), 
• emotional freedom (no boredom waiting for other kids, less peer-pressure, less feeling bad if you don't keep up in math), 
• one-on-one instruction,  
• no busywork (or homework!)
• field trips and volunteering possibilities ...

Not everything about homeschooling is positive, though.

• Like time!  It is true that homeschooling my children will mean that I won't be running on a school district schedule but it takes time to plan, enact, and grade lessons.  
• And you are around your kids 24/7 with no break! 
• Homeschooling can be expensive too.  The curriculum costs a bundle.  There are virtual schools out there that offer curriculum but not necessarily the curriculum I'd like.  
• Finally, it is hard to live outside of the perceived norm.

My oldest child isn't ready for kindergarten this year.  We are one year away.  But as soon as I see school supplies hit the floor in Target I start to falter on whether or not homeschooling is right for her.  She comes alive in her preschool and flourishes with her friends.  Will I rob her something if I home school her?  On the other hand, if I don't home school her, will she receive what I call a "mis-education"?  Will she be a small, shy voice lost in a sea of busy-bodies?  Will she be just another score on the PAWS test?  What is best for her?  For our family?

I just don't know.  And it's really tough on me because I've always been sure that I'd be sure about teaching her.  Am I wrong?

In sum, I don't know WHAT I THINK about homeschooling.  Thoughts are bum-tumbling in my head.  Do you or were you home schooled?  What do you think of it?  Pros/Cons?  I'd love to hear your thoughts, experiences, and opinions!

Your Words--How I Met Your Father

I met Matt at a party at the corner of Ninth and Ivinson during our early college days.  I was on a date with one of his friends (and by on a date I mean I was acting as a DD for some drunk punk who let another guy spill an entire glass of beer on me.  I should probably mention I was in a bad mood by the time I met Matt).  I was wet, smelly, and sulking in the corner of a room (which Matt thought made me look mysterious and sexy).  He came and started talking with me.  I asked him about his silver cross and we shared our testimonies.  He tried a line on me ("So, if I were to look you up in the phone book, what name would I look under?"  To which I replied, "I'm unlisted"--and I really was, "but I'd be happy to give you my number if you'd like it.)

When he picked me up for our first date his hair was yellow (a frosting accident.  This is why he stopped frosting his hair tips--thank goodness!).  We watched the Matrix and talked forever.  Our second date we never really "met up" because we didn't get off the phone ... for EIGHT hours.

And he'll LOVE that I admit this but I initiated the first smooch!

One day you'll have to tell your children all about how you met their daddy--where, when, first dates ... Practice now.

Where did you meet your husband?  Where were you?  What did you do on your first date?  Who initiated the first kiss?

What's Cookin'--8/9-8/15

Monday--Honey Pepper Pork loin and garlic couscous
Tuesday--Sweet and Spicy Chicken with veggie pasta salad
Wednesday--Quiche with salad
Thursday--Cranberry chicken and wild rice
Friday--Asain chicken salad
Saturday--BBQ ribs and raw veggies
Sunday--grilled flank steak and baked potatoes

Days of Play--Balancing Contest

Balancing items helps children concentrate, learn self-control, and increases coordination.

Young Children:
Build a wooden block tower and see how high you can get it.

Toddlers and Preschool-Aged Children:

Have a contest to see who can stand on one leg the longest.

School-aged children:
Play a game of JENGA!

Simple.  Easy.  Fun!

Friday Fashion--Back Again?

Some "old" styles I'm glad to see re-appearing:

OXFORDS and LOAFERS (without socks, of course)

ROLLING JEANS

WHITE PANTS

DESTROYED DENIM

 

Some trends I wish would have stayed out of the new millennium:

ROMPERS

HARAM PANTS

BAJAS (also known as Mexican Hoodies)

Made famous by him in the 1990s

ACID WASHED JEANS

Oh my gosh!  I'm having 80s/early 90's flashbacks!  Help!

What trends are you happy to see again?  

What trends do you wish would have stayed away?

Things I Love--Gold Canyon Candles

Back in the day when I met my husband (you know, when he was 19) his mom sold Gold Canyon Candles.  One way to grease the future mother-in-law is to buy her product so I did what any super poor college student would do.  I bought $20 candles.

One of the best ideas of my life!  A.  It helped build my relationship with my MIL and B.  I LOVE the candles.

My MIL stopped selling them years ago and they are still the only candle I buy.  They burn slowly, smoothly, and clear to the bottom. The come in various sizes and jars.  There are clean scents, fruity scents, floral scents, baking scents ...

I burn my candles seasonally--ginger lime, fizzy pop, orange, strawberry rhubarb pie, and grapefruit are spring/summer scents while Christmas presence, warm apple crisp, pumpkin pie, apple cider and banana bread make me feel all toasty during the fall and winter.

I'm a bit of a candle addict and I have a whole cupboard dedicated to carefully storing my candles. 

If you ever come to my home and it smells amazing, please know it is NOT me.  It's the candles.

What I Think About--Getting Away

A few weeks ago I read a charming little blog about a husband and wife who got to leave for a week and go on vacation without their children. Sounds dreamy, right?

The blogger, though, had to admit that she and her husband really missed their kids and that though they loved their time away, it was hard to look at the pool and know that kids would love it.  Hard to be at the beach without wishing she could hear their laughter ...

This really got me thinking about getting away.

We got away a lot as kids.  My parents took us traveling everywhere and it was a blast.  Those car fights, hideous hotels, and bathroom breaks along the side of the road are some of my best memories. But my parents got away without us a lot too (and I should mention here they've been married for nearly 41 years).  There were weekends away and weeks away.  I remember as a kid feeling a little duped but I must admit, I get it now.

It is very important to have quality time with your children. But it is equally important to have time alone with your spouse.   After all, one day your darling children will grow up and move out and you're going to want to still know that person you've been parenting with for 18 years.  Ladies, just as we make dang sure we spend enough quality time with our children, we must spend quality time with our husbands!

Part of being a healthy parent is balancing time with children, with your spouse, and with yourself.  Though I often feel guilty when I crave "alone time," I really don't think that constantly sacrificing myself or my marriage for my children is want to model.  I want to model balance and I can't do that unless I actually strive for balance! I can't expect my children to grow up and passionately pursue their dreams and purpose if I don't lead the way.

It is easy to feel guilty for wanting to get away.
It is easy to not make your marriage a priority.
It is easy to make your kids the center of your universe.
I'm saying these things are easy ...

 not right.

A few weeks ago Matt and I took a weekend to ourselves.  It was great to go hiking and out for dinner and to sleep in.  At the end of the weekend, I was ready to see my kids.  And Matt and I returned to them totally refreshed.

Here we are on the summit of Flattop.  We were supposed to climb the 

mountain behind us too but the weather rolled in.  

Yes, your children would have liked the pool.
Yes, your children would probably love the hotel.
Yes, your children probably would have loved the fries at that restaurant.
But here's the important one.
Yes, your children want your marriage to succeed.

Take a moment and get away.  Celebrate the foundation of your family--your marriage (and then plan a little family trip).

What I think is my parents were right children need to see their parents privately getting away to spend time building their intimate relationship. 

BTW--get aways can be cheap!  Go camping.  Get a motel room off priceline.  Switch homes with a friend for the night ...

Do you have any cheap/easy get away ideas to share? The comment line is all yours!

Your Words--You Know You Have PMS When ...

You know you have PMS when ....

• Everyone around you has an attitude problem.
• The dryer has mysteriously shrunk every pair of jeans, capris, and shorts you own.
• Your husband agrees with you too quickly and about everything.
• You get teary-eyed during Yo Gabba Gabba
• You catch yourself reading "Guns and Ammo" instead of "Family Fun" or "Real Simple."
• You think the Bible verse "... and Mary rode Joseph's ass ..." is a Biblical mandate to nag.
• Pretzels, ice cream, and grape jelly seem like a logical breakfast dish.
• You are retaining more water than all of the Great Lakes combined.
• You will fight anyone who says that chocolate is not one of the major food groups.
• A shirt with a big bulls eye on it seems like a good birthday gift for your husband.

Your turn to finish this sentence: YOU KNOW YOU HAVE PMS WHEN ...

What's Cookin'--8/2-8/8

I got an e-mail from gal letting me know that most bloggers post their meal plans on Monday.  Thank you for the heads up, girlie!  However, I'm gonna keep my meal plans on Sunday because, as a meal planner, I think you should get your recipes and buy your groceries BEFORE the week starts (and my sister asked me to post the meal plan on a weekend day).

Here we go!
Monday--Chicken Marsala with salad (this is excellent over whole wheat pasta too but we are still eating very few carbs)
Tuesday--BBQ Salmon and wild rice with steamed veggies
Wednesday--Chili-lime steak salad
Thursday--Spicy grilled shrimp kebabs
Friday--Honey-lime chicken with couscous and salad
Saturday--Asian Chicken salad
Sunday--Spinach Pesto pasta with salad

Days of Play--Indoor rafting

What to help build your child's imagination and understanding of cause/effect relationships?  Try this!

All you need is a laundry basket.

Put your child in the laundry basket.  Push them around the floor, rock them back and forth, go fast and slow, smooth and rough, and make 'em crash.  Pretend they are white water rafting or pirates at sea on a windy day.

Exercise for you. Fun for them!

Date Night In--Movie Night Marathon (for 2)

What's better than snuggling and watching a show?  Snuggling and watching 3 shows, of course!

You'll need:

• an air mattress
• pillows
• blankets
• snacks
• drinks
• dim lighting
• 3 movies

What to do:

1. Get the kids in bed.
2. Get in your (sexy) jammies
3. Pop some popcorn
4. Dim the lights
5. Turn on the shows
6. Snuggle and enjoy!

Here are movie series you might want to try:

Silly Trio:

• Dumb and Dumber
• Austin Powers
• Spaceballs

RomCom Trio:

• Notting Hill
• When Harry Met Sally
• 10 Things I Hate About You

Old School Trio

• Pretty in Pink
• Say Anything
• Better Off Dead

Action Trio:

• Italian Job
• True Lies
• Entrapment 

Sports Trio:

• Rudy
• Field of Dreams
• Hoosiers

Of course you could go with a "series" theme and watch:

• Oceans 11, 12, and 13
• Star Wars (old or new)
• Twilight series (BTW, if you can pull this one off your hubby must REALLY love you)
• James Bond series

Things I Love: P90X

Matt and I started P90X in June.

For those of you who don't know, P90X is a 90 diet and exercise program that utilizes a series of home work outs to pump you up!

Check out the before/afters of these "ordinary" folks!

Matt and I are in our second week of phase two and we are loving it.  Don't get me wrong, it totally sucks.  We don't get to eat cheesecake or ice cream and our abs are burning and sometimes my arms are so tired I can barely wash my hair, but we love it.

I hope I have the courage to post my "before" and "after" photos when it's all said and done but no promises :)

Even without the photos, I can tell you that by the end of phase 1 (28 days), I was down 7.5 pounds, down 2.5% body fat, down 1.5 inches around my chest, down 2 inches at my waist, and down 1.25 inches around my hips.  Even though the measurements were down, down, down, I was not.  In fact, I feel amazing!

Even though I don't necessarily look forward to Tony Horton's constant babbling or the intensity of the program (7 days a week, 1-2 hours a day), I do love that it is a different routine every night (so I don't get bored and neither do my muscles).  And I love, love, love the way I'm lookin' and feelin'.

Inevitably someone is going to e-mail me asking if we are doing the diet portion.  Yes, we are because if I'm gonna bring it, I'm not gonna bring it half way!

If you are ready to bring it, and I mean, REALLY WORK and bring it, I highly recommend this program!

(P.S.  I suggest getting weights.  If you buy BeachBody bands you'll be okay but Target brand bands don't have enough tension and you won't get the results you want).

What I Think About--The Life of Pi

In February my sweet friend Beth loaned me The Life of Pi by Yann Martel.

I'm going to digress here.  You know how Anne of Anne of Green Gables always talks about "kindred spirits"?  Beth is one of my kindred spirits.  We are stay-at-home, politics following, history nerd moms.  And she has great taste when it comes to books (and food and clothing).  I've loved every books she's loaned me.  Our books are our dear friends.  She is my dear friend. 

Back to The Life of Pi.  This book came into my life at an odd time.  A fellow in our life group suggested I read it a day before Beth gave it to me.  Random?  Coincidence?  Who knows?  Anyhow, I had the book on my shelf since February.  I started it and longed to finish it but my semester of school was particularly grueling and I never got around to reading it ...until this week.

I finished The Life of Pi on Monday.  Never before have I experienced a crisis of faith that was brought on by a piece of fiction.

Early in the book it is said, "I have a story that will make you believe in God."  This book is not necessarily about religion (though the main character is a practicing Hindu/Muslim/Christian) but is more about the faith it takes to believe beyond what is seen.  In fact near the end of the book, the main character says, "I know what you want.  You want a story that won't surprise you.  That will confirm what you already know.  That won't make you see higher or further or differently."

Herein lies the problem.  The book is one long story but near the end, another story is told and the reader is left to decide for herself which story is real.  One is a story of confirmation. The other is a story of faith and when the pages ran out, I wasn't sure I had the faith to believe.

Of course I know this is a work of fiction but a huge part of me just needed "the answer."  I didn't want to be left wondering.  I wanted to know.  And that want has gone unfulfilled--in fiction and in life.

In some ways I've really just cast my frustrations onto the book.  In real life, my real life, there are questions I want answered--"Why is MY mom sick?"  "Why now?"  "Why does everyone insist that I make this petty relationship side issue THE issue of my life?"  These questions, these supplications, these frustrations, these prayers have gone unanswered.  And sometimes, I feel like I don't have the faith to believe that I'll ever know or understand or that I have the strength to keep moving in such turmoil.

Though the book brought out serious, deep emotions of fear and doubt, it also served as a reminder that the very things that challenge us ironically keep us alive.  Sometimes it takes being alone, and afraid, and in the dark, and out of control for me to step out on a limb and say, "Even if you are all I have, it's still more than enough for me."

Not having the answers I want keeps me dependent on the God who I trust. 

In many ways, The Life of Pi served as a great reminder of truths that have been obscured by my reality.

I can't recommend it enough.

Do you have a great read to share? Please do!

Blog got content (To the tune of Baby Got Back)

Here are some fun link love to blogs I follow.  Read my goofy poem and click on the links to find some good reads. You can thank me when you stop laughing. And no judging the rhymes!

Oh my gosh, girlfried.
Look at that blog.
It's so colorful and cute.
It doesn't look like one of those professional bloggers.
But you know, who understands those bloggers anyway?
They only write because, you know, they get paid.
But I mean this blog is so good.
I can't believe it's just so content-full.
It's like out there.
I mean wow--look.
It's just so awesome!

I like random blogs and I cannot lie,
You other readers can't deny
when a blog pops up that's just your taste
it puts a big smile on your face
You come undone--wanna follow that stuff
'cuz they ain't reviewin' no fluff.
Deep into the archives you're tearing,
You're hooked and you can't stop staring.

Hey blogger wish I could meet 'cha
but till then I'll stalk your blogger picture
My alarm goes off to warn me
to get up and read your posts to make my morning

O blogger witticism 
your words are gettin' under my skin.
Well write to me, inspire me
Cuz I'm a followin' groupie!

I've seen other blogs reveiwin'
the sweet giveaways they're doin'
They are hot and fab
but the content can be a little drab.

I'm tired of blog awards
trying to get readers on board.
Take the average reader and ask her style
The contents gotta be deep a mile

So bloggers (ya?) blogger (ya?)
Does your blog got content (hell ya!)
Write it up, post it out
all your followers gonna shout
Blogger got content!

Hope you find some good reads here!

Have a blog and wanna borrow my poem to spread your own linky love?  That's cool.  Just give credit where credit is due and grab my button!

What's Cookin'--7/26-8/1

Apparently I forgot to post our menu last week.  We were camping and filthy and rugged and blissfully away from all forms of electronics! 

Here's what we'll be eating this week (we are in phase 2 of P90X so we get more carbs!):

Monday--Orange Honey Teriyaki chicken with brown rice and steamed veggies
Tuesday--Lean beef roast with potatoes and carrots
Wednesday--Garlic Parmesan Chicken salad
Thursday--Fajitas on whole wheat tortillas
Friday--Spinach pesto over grilled halibut
Saturday--Cheesy Chicken breasts with rice and swiss chard
Sunday--Spinach lasagna with salad

Days of Play--Play Ball!

Play with balls increases hand-eye coordination, attentions span, and gross motor skills (that's what she said).



Take some time today to play ball with your child.

For a baby:
Roll a ball back and forth between baby's legs and yours.

For a toddler:
Sit at the bottom of some stairs.  Throw a soft bouncy ball up the stairs and let it bounce down to you.

For Pre-schoolers:
Time for T-Ball!  Get out a T-ball stand, ball and soft bat.  Let your child practice hitting the ball or catching while you hit it.

For school aged children:
Play a game of catch, soccer, kickball, or basketball.

For tweens and older:
Challenge your children to a game of pool, golf, volleyball, or bocce ball.

Your children will thank you for this!

Date Night In--Puzzle Mania

I don't want to get all "Ross Gellar" on you but doing a good puzzle can be big fun!  Plus,

one puzzle

+

good food

+

candlelight

+
good company

_______________

Simple and romantic date night in

Here's what you'll need:

• Some finger foods (click here for some quick and simple tapas ideas).  Don't forget a few sweets.
• Something to drink--red wine, sweet tea--your call
• A good puzzle--try a 3D puzzle or something with a beach scene (that way you can dream about a beach vacation while you work)
• candlelight
• soft background music
• a flat surface

What to do:

1. Get the kids in bed (If your kids are too old to go to bed early, set them up with a movie and popcorn in their room or arrange for them to stay at a friend's house).
2. Put a spread of food and drinks on the edges of the table.
3. Get the puzzle out.
4. Get to work!
5. Visit while you work about anything but the kids :)

 

 

Things I Love--Robert Downey Jr.

When my sister and I were kids we would "call" things and that would make them "ours."  For example, "I call I get to be Punky Bruster," "I call the pink flying dog in The Never Ending Story," or "I call Rick Schroder."  Did you do this?

I've loved Robert Downey, Jr.  since the first time I saw the movie Heart and Souls (ya, I didn't see Johnny B. Good until I was older). Trust me, you need to watch this clip. It's a life changer.


The celeb crush continued when he showed up as a new resident in my fave quirky show Ally McBeal.

Of course now he's uber famous for Sherlock Holmes and Tony Stark (aka Iron Man).

I admire that Robert Downey Jr. has overcome a life of trouble and addiction.  I think he's a pretty darn good actor (considering the pool, anyhow), an amazing singer (check out his CD "The Futurist"), and so much better looking than that "other" Robert.

Yes, him

Anyhow, for some gals, it's Pattinson or Lautner.  For others it's Pitt or Clooney.  You can have 'em ladies because I call Robert Downey, Jr.  

And I just thought you should know.

**FYI--"love" is a strong word here.  I love Downey Jr. like I love my pots and pans.  I really only LOVE--in a romantic sense--My Matthew!**

And you're welcome for the eye candy (I thought you could use it following yesterday's heavy post).

Who do you "call"?

What I Think About--Losing My Mom

If I believed in nirvana, hot showers would be my nirvana.  I take a long, hot shower every night after P90X (if it helps, I generally feel guilty about the length when I remember that 1.1 billion people have no access to adequate water supplies).  Showers are my "me" time.  My prayer time. My "wash away the day" time.  Tonight I was standing in the hot water stream when a memory hit me.

It was July 7, 1993.  My maternal grandmother died three days before and I was now standing next to my dad in the Catholic church where services were being held.  He was crying.  My dad--a gun toting, Rush Limbaugh listening, pro-hunter, blue collar, rough-n-tumble, manly man was crying.  It was an unnerving sight.  Later that day he told me he'd cried because he had never realized how alone he would feel after losing his parents.  Despite his wife, and children, and brothers--he felt alone.

I burst into tears at the memory.  Standing there in the hot water, I just cried because now I know exactly what he means.  And to be honest, I feel like I've gotten ripped off.  He was forty-six when his mom died.  I'm 31.  His mom was upbeat and as healthy as can be expected (and watching Young and the Restless) up until three days before her death. I've been slowly losing my mom for a couple of years.

My mom is not dead.  She is dying.  S  l   o  w  l  y.  And it is heart breaking.

You see, when I envisioned my grown-up life it always included her.  I imaged her giving me parenting advice and waking up super early on Saturday morning to watch cartoons with my kids.  I envisioned family vacations to Alaska and Griswold-like Christmases (but with an awesome turkey because the woman can cook).  What is hard to come to grips with is that these visions will only be visions.  The nature of her disease makes her paranoid so I can't really ask her advice on relationship issues without upsetting her.  Her lack of memory function has denied me the ability to ask her parenting advice.  Her medicine makes her very tired so getting up early is really not an option.  Holidays are spent somewhat joyfully but somewhat sadly as we all wonder if this one is the last one with mom.

Do you see where I'm going here?  I feel like I've already lost my mom.  I know that might sound selfish given that she is still physically on earth but everything that encompasses "mom-ness"--those precious memories, and inside jokes, and mother/daughter dynamics have changed.  I wasn't ready for it.  I'm not ready for it.

Realistically I know I'm not alone. I know some of my dear readers have lost a parent.  My sister is losing mom.  My kids may never have a firm memory of "Grammy."  My dad is losing his best friend of 41 years (and this is NOT how they planned on spending their retirement). I'm not alone but I feel alone.
Right now Jan Arden lyrics are running through my head.

Nobody knows me, no one will ever see
The distance between what is and what will never be
A bird will break his wings
Like a heart will cut her strings
And there isn't anything to comfort me

What I think is that losing my mom before I've lost her is nearly unbearable.  I'd appreciate your prayers.

To Do Tuesday--Be A Time Management Junkie #4

So it has been a while since I've visited my time management junkie tips.  Previously I've discussed priority lists, decluttering, and my personal favorite--organizing.

Time Management Junkie skill #4 is Meal Planning.

Meal planning can be pretty daunting at first but relax; it's not that bad!  I generally do Once a Month Cooking (OAMC) for dinner meals BUT I still use a meal plan so I know what food to defrost, etc.  In addition, I meal plan breakfast and lunch so there is never any food time guess work or last minute trips to the store for a "must" have ingredient at my house.

First, let me discuss some benefits of meal planning.  Meal plans mean you'll be:

• Eating out less often and eating pre-packed meals less (this means you'll be eating healthier!)
• taking fewer trips to the grocery store and ALWAYS having the groceries you need (no frustration or $50 "impulse" buys)
• throwing away less produce (you'll use the broccoli you buy if it's on the list--this is a HUGE money saver!)
• enjoying meal variety (no reverting to college quick food days of tacos, sloppy joes, and spaghetti)
• Less stressed.  You will never have to freak out at 5:00 because you have NO IDEA what's for dinner.

Sounds pretty good, eh?

So how do you meal plan?  Follow these steps.

Step #1--Planning

• Start with just one mealtime a week (dinner) and gradually work up to planning breakfast/lunch/dinner.  If you over plan at first you'll go crazy!
• Plan a 6 meal week (which leaves wiggle room for left overs or eating out).  
• Find 6 dinner recipes you'll want to use for your dinners.
• Get out a calendar and write down the tentative order of what you'll be eating (as a reminder to you and to stave off the annoying "what's for dinner?" questions).

Step #2 --Shopping list

• Look through each recipe one at a time and compare ingredients to your pantry to see what ingredients you have and which you'll need to purchase. 
• ONLY write down ingredients you need (and the general necessities like milk, bread, and eggs).

Step #3--Shopping

• Grab your coupons and go shopping.
• Only buy what is on your list.  No impulse shopping (unless there is an amazing sale like chicken breasts on sale for 1.50 a pound, etc.)

Step #4--Cookin' it up

• This is the best part!  When it's time for dinner, gather the ingredients (you know, the ones that you definitely have on hand), whip up a delicious and healthy meal, and sit down for a quality meal that cost less!

And really, that's it!  As you get more advanced you can start planning for breakfast and lunch too.  If this still sounds like too much work there are TONS of blogs (including mine) that offer meal plans.  Some more advanced blogs come complete with meal plans that have recipes and photos.  This is one of my favorites!

Happy meal planning!

If you want to catch up on some of my little time management tricks, please click the links below.

How to Become a Time Management Junkie
TMJ #1--Priority List
TMJ #2--Declutter
TMJ #3--Organize

My Outfit-Your Words--It's a Scarf Thing!

Okay.  So here's the deal.  I have a bit of a scarf thing.  

I like them long and short (that's what she said).  I love woven and knit.  I love color and neutrals, prints and solids, fringe and no fringe.  What can I say? Scarfs are a practical and versatile accessory.  

Anyhow, I've been crushing on a particular scarf from Gap (you can see it in a post by clicking here).  Last weekend my hubby and I had a romantic getaway to Estes Park and on the way meandered through a Gap.  Guess what?  My scarf was there and on sale for $8!  Needless to say I bought it.

Anyhow, it was a chilly sort of evening in Estes so when Matt and I went to the river walk I paired my scarf with a pair of cuffed skinny jeans, a long sleeved T, and a pair of sandals (dressing up a long sleeved T is one of my fave looks).  Cool, comfy, and casual.  

The next day I rocked my orange scarf (you've seen it here).  I wore it with a navy, deep V neck t-shrit, some cuffed boyfriend shorts and a linen coat.

Two scarves in two days? I know-- I'm obsessive.

Here's where it gets REALLY bad.  Last Wednesday this is the outfit my little girl put together. 

Ruffled dress with a brown and gold scarf.  I gotta tell ya, as a mom I was pretty stoked about this outfit.  I mean the shimmery gold in the scarf just brought out the coral dress.  *Sigh*  M.E.'s living proof that you can have a sweet and compassionate heart AND be a fashionista!

She even double wrapped it and tied it--just like momma!

Oh man, she's the sweetest thing ever!

YOUR WORDS!
What's the closet staple you can't live without?