I'm going to try to start doing this again weekly. If you're not local, you can at least get an idea of my target pricing. I only list the things our family buys and is at a price that I'd buy at. Let me know if it's at all helpful!
Sprouts
Asparagus 1.27
Green peppers 3/1 (that means 3 for a dollar)
Purple grapes 99 cents
Avocados 88 cents
Gala/Fuji apples 88 cents
Raw shrimp 3.99
Dried Apricots 3.99
Focaccia 2.99
Feta cheese 1.99
Lucky (starred items are also available at Savemart)
Grapes 87 cents
Whole chicken 79 cents/lb*
NY steaks 3.88
Avocados 39 cents (Friday saturday and Sunday only)
Snyder's Pretzles 5/5 (FSS)*
Malt O Meal Cereal 99 cents (FSS)*
Salad/Spinach 2/4*
Mission chips 1.49*
Little Smokies 2.99 (with in ad coupon)*
Savemart
Asparagus 1.47
Tilapia 4.99
Mushrooms 2/5
Safeway
Little Smokies (we only buy these at Christmas, so I do have an eye for them lately) 2/5
Tonight we had Spicy Chicken Shawarma -- it was SO good. And easy, and healthy! My kids tend to like pita pocket sandwiches, and I tend to not need a pound of mayo on it. This one has a tangy yogurt sauce and it was delish. P even LOVED it.
My kids LOVE this Cheddar Chowder. My mom gave it to me a long time ago, I think she found it in her local paper. You basically make a vegetable soup and then mix a white sauce into it. And, because I love my reader so, I'm even gonna type it up for you. I couldn't find a similar recipe online.
Cheddar Chowder
Serves 4-6 2 cups boiling water 2 cups diced potatoes 1/2 cup diced carrots 1/2 cup diced celery 1 teaspoon onion slat 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/4 cup melted butter 1/4 cup flour 2 cups milk 2 cups grated cheddar cheese 1/2 cup cubed ham or cooked, crumbled bacon (I usually do ham)
Cover and simmer 10 minutes: the water, potatoes, carrots, cleery, onion salt and pepper, do not drain.
While simmering vegetables make a white sauce of melted butter, flour and milk. Combine and cook in microwave for 90 seconds on high. Stir with wire wisk. Repeat 2-3 times until sauce thickens.
Add cheese: Stir until melted. Add ham, stir white sauce undrained vegetables, head but do not boil
It's credited to a Janice DeWolf from Provo
Both boys gave it 10 stars.
And tonight we re-did the ol' Apple Nachos from previously in the fall. I made it using the Rachael Ray Honey Carmel, and it was delicious as always. I had to step away.
I hope you have found some good recipes that you'll post on your blogs too!
Uh, let's just take a guess at how long this little wonder cried for last night?
What'd you guess, like an hour... two hours... oh, higher still.
FOUR HOURS.
Drew went in at 2 hours, her diaper had leaked from all the ranting and renting. He got to change her ensemble.
I went in at 4 hours. Her head just hung like a sad puppy or a kid who's been caught in the candy jar. She knew it was wrong, I told her so, laid her back down and she went right to sleep.
Seriously.
There were a couple more squawks... but nothing big.
This morning, when she got up, Conner told her how angry getting up in the middle of the night made him. She burst into tears and then hugged him.
She knows it's wrong. She's not cold, she's not sick, she's just loud.
So, we'll continue to talk about how nighttime is a time to sleep. I think I may just yell in there next time. Why leave my nice warm bed? Thoughts? Has your child ever done this?
And then, today after lessons she ate some more playdough. I did try to get a picture today but it didn't happen. What a shame.
The girl isn't learning. BUT, today she did say, "bye- bye Daddy, I love you!" She sure does know how to turn on the charm.
Sadly, at 2 am, charm doesn't get you far.
And in other news my Miche party rocked it out. I'm gettin' a big bag, 6 new shells and a new strap. Check me out. Super excited! People can always order through Andrea, and they're often having sales. If something peaks my interest again I'll give a shout out!
I was invited to visit HomeGoods to see how amazing their stores are. At first I didn't know if we had one nearby, but turns out they're attached to our TJ Max's... and there's one not too far away.
First off, that store is HUGE. It's like Ross, but SO. MUCH. BETTER. First off, hadly any of their merchandizse was on the floor. They have all the same sections, but larger. Homegoods has the housewares, home items type things (surprise, surprise, from their name!). There were lots of great gift ideas.
SO many cute frames, and I lusted after the little cupcake trays. They were so cute.
Tons of Christmas decor and household decor, super cute.
But we all know I'm not one for frivolous gifts so here's what I got.
We desperately needed a new large pan, this one fit the bill. It's nice as sturdy. Many happy meals will touch that pan. :)
And to finish off my gift card (because, that's right, that pan was less than 25 bucks) I bought a hair cutting kit. I was a little too embarassed to mention it, but Drew's cut got a little too close to his scalp a few months ago. Mostly only I could see it... but well, let's just say we needed some new guides... and guides we now have.
What more could a man want?
Anyway, on the way to the housewares there are LOTS Of cute clotes there at the TJ Max's, I don't go there very often, but I should.
In an effort of full disclosure, I was given a 25$ gift card from HomeGoods via Blogher to write this review, but I had a lovely time and I will be back, gift card or no gift card. I suggest you do the same. :) You can even visit Blogher for a chance to win your own, much larger gift card. I suggest the cupcake stand. :)
I'm just not sure photo Friday is going to happen.... especially since it's Saturday. I even took pictures. I also did some actual photo shoots this week and I'm just bushed.
I did. But if you ply me with enough love and perhaps the lure of a gift card I may be so tempted to shoot you. But not for a few more weeks. I've seen enough of my friend lightroom.
So, maybe I took Black Friday off. I didn't actually shop this year, so that's a good thing. I did, however work.
ANYWHO, enough about me (but did I mention I have a purse party this morning... please stop by if you'd like a muffin and some Just Dance)....
There is a WINNER in the grand Pulling Curls Giveaway....
And the Lucky # is
Do you think that's you? It might be... head on over to see who won!
Don't forget, less than 4 hours {haha, when I posted this I somehow thought it was Friday... people, you have over a day... but go comment!} left to get your entries in for the CSN giveaway. Remember, you can get an extra entry if you link to a favorite post of yours on Pulling Curls. :D
P allowed me some extra time to peruse the internet on my phone for "18 month olds who suddenly wake at night." Turns out, it's really common and quite likely linked to separation anxiety. So, it's all coming full circle, the whole not going to nursery, not sleeping thing.
So, the ties are cut, we're not going in any more at night and I'm not even giving advil. The girl's fine and we had some nice talks about how mommy is sleeping and I will always come and get her in the morning, but not in the middle of the night. I know P understands a lot more than she can say, and I'm hoping a little bit of it sunk in. Anyway, we have all weekend to talk about how much we love her and how we can love her from our own bed and see her in the morning.
It was about an hour and fifteen minutes last night. Full on screaming.
We also added a nightlight to her room, just in case that's it.
Anyway, that's what's on tap for us. I'd better get to bed soon as I anticipate a long night. The kids are thinking about just sleeping in the playroom to avoid the screaming. Poor boys, they are doing really well with this.
I haven't been on the bandwagon to fill my blog with thankful thoughts this year. This isn't to say that I am not thankful, because I am, very much so. Mostly because I've done it every other year and after a few years, well... it just seems trite.
I try to make a personal goal each year to be more thankful, and thanking that person in person. Really enjoying and loving them, and hoping they love me to.
Or, things. There are LOTS of things that I am thankful for. I try to keep good care of those things.
I do spend some time talking about all the things we're thankful for at our house, but I think I spend more time talking about SHOWING we are thankful.
Because, while it is great to say we are thankful, isn't it more important to SHOW it? Here's my top 5 ways to show I am thankful.
1. Say it, and add an I love you at the end. Does wonders
2. Give compliments. If you're thankful your kids are playing nicely... mention it. :D For instance, tonight I was VERY thankful that Drew put P down. I told him so. He loves me now (there is a fair to moderate chance he loved me before).
3. Emulate. I am thankful for all the great food my mom gave me growing up, so I've tried to provide her some good food while she's been here visiting. Tomorrow, I'll be using most of her recipes for the big day.
4. Try not to find things you're NOT thankful for, within the greater thing you're VERY thankful for. This can be hard, but it's all about the greater good.
5. Pay it forward. There is a woman in the ward who watches P for me every other week while I help out at school. She loves her, she's right on the way to school, but she has no littles to watch... so instead I watch other people's kids in a pay it foward type manner.
Anyway, those are my thoughts on this fine thanksgiving. I'm really grateful for my family right now. With my parents here and actually seeing my husband for longer than an hour I am feeling especially blessed. I do love a whole break just to think about what we're thankful for.
And lest I not forget my great blog readers, I too am thankful you all. You make my day brighter almost each and every day. I appreciate your clicks and your thoughts. I hope you are having a lovely holiday as well. Don't forget to enter for the 65$ gift card on my review blog!
I have found that I LOVE my miche bags. I was worried when I first bought them. I'd heard some sketchy things about quality and I will admit, it was a pretty large purchase to make just to have it fall apart on me. BUT, it's hard to really figure out what the miche bags are on this ol' blog.
Yup, you guessed it, I made a video.
Get. Excited. people.
Now, the quality CAN be sketchy if you order it from some of the cheaper sites (almost everyone I've ever heard complain about quality has been one that bought it from the cheap-o site...). However, if you buy it from a rep, the bag can be returned. Also, if you buy from a rep, the cost is lower. I have heard rumors of a great cyber Monday sale... and if that's truly the case, you'll hear about it here on Pulling Curls.
Feel free to check them out and if you're even thinking of buying get a user name and password from andikay11 at yahoo.com (remove the spaces and the at, replacing it with at). I bought the bag and all the shells for about 120 including tax and shipping. FYI. :D
Sometimes this blog just takes its little arms around you and gives you a hug. And my last post was one of those times. I love all my readers.
I just wanted to say thanks for all the comments, both via facebook and on the blog.
As for sleeping, I think we may actually pick her up for the weekend. The gal just may need some TLC. I WISH we could move back nap time, and on some days we may be able to but on most days I need to pick up. Darn those other kids. We were going to bed at 8 before when this all started, and actually moving up her bedtime was what stopped it the first time. she's definitely ready for sleep at 6:30.
Anyway, thanks for the thoughts guys. Hugs to you back. :D
And, if you'd like a hug in the form of a gift card, please visit my review blog.
Things just aren't going so well around here. The sleepless nights seem to pop up every few days or so. Let me share our problems:
1. Sleep. She'll cry for up to 2 hours at night. Not just crying -- screaming, shaking the bars on her crib, shrieking. It's super fun. We have totally let her cry it out (we have normally followed babywise, and she has been sleeping through the night really well since about 9 weeks of age -- until we started giving up the 2nd nap). Drew usually goes in if it's something new (because he is a saint), gives tylenol and a hug and walks out. Then, the crying resumes for a long period of time. We wake up groggy and cranky, she's not really a bundle of fun either. We're giving advil before bed, along with teething tablets. We've been to the doctor, she is getting molars but it's ben almost a full month of this. About a month ago we eliminated her 2nd nap. She tends to be REALLY tired around 5 pm -- right when I am making dinner... but we try to feed her and then get her to bed. When I do lay her down at that point I almost gurantee myself crying that night.
2. Nursery. The first week went SO great. She did fine, no crying, had a good time. She missed the second week because she had a fever. Now, we're just suffering each week. Yesterday I went in for a bit, I finally left (to teach RS) but she apparently just wanted to be held and suck her thumb. I guess she had a total break down at about 15 minutes before church got out and they took her to Drew.
My current plan:
1. Do more playpen time. I think she needs to learn how to play on her own better. We're almost always together and I think that leads her to be really posessive of me.
2. Invite some of her nursery friends over to our house for tiny playdates. Possibly beg some of those moms to watch P for 1/2 an hour or so. I may just end-up staying in my car playing angry birds.
3. REALLY work on the bedtime routine. Right now she goes down at 6:30, but sometimes -- because it's so early we just hurry to get her in bed. I think maybe if we gave her some more time to cool down and started it a little early, bed might go better.
4. Not die.
I'm not really sure how willing our nursery leaders are to work with us on this. It's kind of hard to figure them out. Usually, when she goes to the woman who watches her usually she cries for a minute or two and then does fine.
So, how did you get your reluctant wee one to love nursery, and while it seems like this whole nap transition causing issues with sleep thing has been a problem for my other 2 as well... do you have any thoughts there?
Really, you. Reading this blog. I know you read it. I have almost 100 hits every time I write a post. None of you comment. I'm dying here. Thoughts?
Personally, I have longed to shop in the "pink" isles as I have often referred to them. Last year P got this dolly. Isn't she cute? BUT, she's just a stuffed animal... in essence.
It's time to grow up my little dear.
So, what do I look for a girl's first doll. Er, uh, what should Santa be looking for? Is there one that you love? Am I going quality here or just go cheap since she's going to beat the tar out of the little dear?
Accessories? I should mention we already have a cool stroller/shopping car/ride on thing (as pictured left, it's so cool the basket turns over and you can use it like all those things -- my friend that got it is a genius). Bottles, diapers, clothes? What are we ready for?
As a reminder Miss P just turned 18 months, she'll be almost 19 months at Christmas time.
Is there another toy I'm missing?
In other news, be sure to enter the Pulling Curls CSN giveaway. We're talking big money here, and no whammies. :)
Hey blog readers, I've got a little, teeny, weeny AMAZING giveaway on my review blog.
You'll want to enter. Now go. :)
{I can't do giveaways on this blog due to my blogher contract, so just click... it's nothing weird}
Today I was watching 19 kids and counting. I marvel at Mrs. Duggar and while I do think her job is MUCH easier now that she has all these older girls who do a fair amount of her parenting for her... I think she just loves being a mom. It's her thing. She adores those kids, she's often frustrated (I am sure) but still just works around it and keeps enjoying all those little faces.
I love moms who love what they're doing. In general, I love people who love their job. I think they tend to be great at their jobs. I think moms who LOVE being moms should have all the kids in the world. They don't usually seem overwhelmed, and most of the words that come out of their mouths are positive towards their children and life.
Am I one of those moms? I think I am, about 80% of the time. I tend to verbalize feelings and frustration before most people would, just because I'm a talker and a yeller.
So, my goal for this next week is to LOVE my job. Love the time I get to spend with them, and the things that we do and how I teach them and enjoy them. I also want that to show outwardly. I think I sometimes talk to negatively about my kids... in an effort to "keep it real" -- but the reality is that my kids are AMAZING. I love them and I feel so blessed to have them. I just need my life/words/inner being to show that.
In other news we had a computer scare this fine morning. I guess our video card went bad. Phewsh, thank goodness for handy husband.
And in an effort to talk positively -- guess who slept all night last night. Whoop-whoop!
Yes, I only have one photo this week. Let's not forget that I did share with you a photo yesterday of my delicious cookies. Don't you wish you'd bought the house down the street? But, back to the task at hand. Miss P. Here she is with our new friend who we call "baby". I'm watching her today and P could not be more bitter about it. There was a good 1/2 an hour of both of them screaming. I'd try to feed her and then P would stand by us and just SHRIEK in her face, and shockingly "baby" didn't like that very much. I finally got P to be OK with it by her having one butt cheek on my lap while I fed the baby, but my arm HAD to be around her. In other news "baby" is in the most adorable stage of life... she's so cute. I think P has finally taken a shine to her, just before I put her down for nap {phewsh}.
Miss P has also not been sleeping much at night. Just as we think it's getting better, it's not. Last night I actually just went in and gave her "what 'fer" and she actually quieted down after it. No fever, no response to Tylenol... nada. I'm dying here. I'm hoping that maybe me showing her that something else can also be a priority ("baby") might help. Or, I may just never sleep again. I prefer the prior. I'm seriously talking like 2 hours of crying for absolutely no reason (on and off, she'll quiet for like 10 minutes and then wail again). We've got our schedule during the day down, she's just taking the one nap. Has anyone got some advice for this poor mom?
And in final P news (did I mention I also have 2 other fabulous children who tend to sleep a lot in our playroom thanks to the shrieking at night) she had her first taste of play dough. It wasn't a dainty one either. I heard a little cough and her mouth was CHOCK full of the stuff. Can I just say ew? Nasty. And no, I didn't get a photo.
I hope you've got your priorities in line this week. I've noticed that a lot of my week has been about giving. What a lovely think to be doing around Thanksgiving time, as I am so personally blessed. Except in the sleep area. Perhaps sharing of myself can help in that arena as well.
Lately I've been trying to put a small amount of the money I have allotted for our household items, into some new kitchen gadgets. A lot of our spatulas, etc. are from our wedding (circa 1997) and they're just not wearing as well as they used to. Some were begging for retirement.
Here's a few that I found on Amazon that I REALLY love!
When I worked at a bakery I LOVED to scrape off the tables after we were done. Also, it was so handy to get stuff out of bowls, etc. I guess I always figured they were just for the professional kitchen. But that just ain't so! PLUS, this one's a whole lot cooler and it won't scrape my faux-wood countertops (lovely, they are).
It's silicone, but I think it has some sort of metal within because it keeps its shape really well (except on the edges where it bends well to mold to a bowl). I use it to get bread dough out of the bowl, and then I also use it to cut the bread dough (are you with me here, one side is a spatula, and the other can be used more like a scraper). Anyway. I adore it. I saw it on America's Test Kitchen and it's a must have.
This next one is a must have because we have SO much home-grown garlic! I just didn't want to get all the freaking paper off, and then slice it or shred it on my grater (leaving it smelling like garlic which makes it hard to use when zesting, etc). So I found this guy. I put my cloves, whole skin on and smoosh them through, and then it's easy as pie to just pull the skins off/out and throw them away. Then, I just rise it under the water (unless I'm running dishes right then) because I'm just gonna use it for garlic next time. I love it, it's easy to use and it does a good job. What more do you want?
Anywhere, there's a couple for today. I actually spent a lot of time on Amazon's site deciding what ones I wanted to get, and then I used the 4 for 3 promo and got one of them free, along with free shipping and all that jazz. It makes a nice way to look at reviews and get the best gadget for your money.
You just put a seasoning rub on it, broil it for 6 minutes, then throw a 1/2 Tbsp of oil on each portion, broil another minute and WHAMO.
Dinner
Since I didn't have any couscous, I made brown rice in the pressure cooker. Then I threw it in with some sauteed vegetables (carrots, onions, zuchinni) and some garlic (of course). Then, to top it off I Threw in a few handfuls of pomegranate seeds, and they were actually really good in it. Just a nice burst of color.
Gotta eat the rainbow, you know. :) Enjoy!
P.S. I put my cookies to cool on newspaper. You might be grossed out by it, but it wicks all the excess oils from the cookie and it's how my mom did it. Also, I tend to make a TON of cookies so I just don't have the cooling racks to support it. No, the ink doesn't get on the paper and I don't use the comics since that's the one section that gets a lot of use at this house.
I really like to make cookies. I think it makes our house happier, but I don't love all the sugar, etc. that are in cookies. SO, I have been alternating between regular ol' delicious cookies, with something a little healthier. You might have heard me say it before but subsituting beans for butter was a HUGE concept for me... I thought it'd be gross. Turns out, it's not bad. It adds a ton of good protein and fiber into whatever you're making.
So, without further adieu, here are the cookies I'm making today: Oatmeal Raisin Cookies (but instead of the 1 C of shortneining, I substitue 1 cup of cooked white beans). Makes for a 2 point cookie and I actually think they're better for you then regular ol' granola bars.
Give it a try!
P.S. These really are the cookies. Don't you love have phones can upload pictures to picasa?
Do you schlep through the day in a T and sweats or do you relish in getting up and really trying to present a nice front?
I'm not talking that you need to wear your finest... but with the new clothes I have been trying to kick up my look a little bit and I've noticed it changes how I carry myself all day. Not only my carriage but I tend to get more done and feel happier. If all of that can come with a more tailored shirt... I do believe it's worth it.
I'm a strong believer in getting up and putting a little makeup on, but now that I'm trying to dress the part of a functioning human being I find that the human being does come along with the part.
I think I'll go function by doing a little playdough with the P'ster. I mean, I can't wear anything THAT amazing if playdough is on the roster... but I try. :)
P's trend of not sleeping extended through last week as she had shots and then some mysterious week long fever (this girl loves her fevers... it's not my favorite quality of hers). It seemed to be nightly waking up was the trend for me.
And it KILLS me.
Not sleeping is my biggest foe. I have SO much planned into my day that when I just want to lay on the couch with a heat pack and snooze it just doesn't help things.
The past few nights she's slept {knock on wood}, Refocusing on our day schedule and getting over the fever seemed to have helped things.
I feel like I can live again. Drew and I have just been going through the motions of life, on edge, irritable....
Anyway, isn't it amazing how a good nights sleep just equalizes things and makes life feel liveable?
Thanks for sleep, God -- it's a huge blessing (when it happens).
BYU college of nursing has an obession with the "healers art" -- in fact, I am not too proud to say that we used to bet each other if we could work that phrase into our prayers (that's right, we pray in college at BYU -- it's a religious university). We even have a school hymn -- the one that talks about "I would learn the healer's art". I'm blanking on the name, but it's #220
Pretty crappy night at work. Actually, it was just fine til' the last 30 minutes.
On the way home I got to thinking about the healers art. In that moment, I prayed for it. I am not sure I got it, for the healer's art is in the eyes of the healed. I've listened to what people do/do not want to hear in times of tradgedy and I try to say the things that seem to comfort. I give hugs, I offer clergy, I offer kleenex....
What would it be like to be the Savior himself. How gratifying to know you said/did just the perfect thing. Of course, he could heal what was causing the issue but I know he heals hearts just as well. Can you truly imagine to have that gift? I can't honestly imagine a better one.
I suppose the healer's art will continue with my prayers tonight as I ask our Heavenly Father to bless His daughter.
I do believe the healer's art stems from love, and as long as you have a geniuine love for a person you can begin to master the art... the art that only The Master could truly do.
I saw my main big flaw as my weight. I just couldn't get it off. Thanks to my other blog (and a whole lot of pain and hard work) that's changing.
I have one other thing that I hate about myself though.
How I just can NOT make it through a book! I just can't seem to let it grab my attention lately. I finally finished another book. It's nothing I'm proud of... I'd really love to get hooked on some classics... but it just doesn't happen.
My father is EXTREMELY well-read, as was my grandmother. It's something I really admired about both of them. I just can't do it. The past few years I've found myself to be a magazine gal. And while that totally made what we're eating better it doesn't enlighten my mind much. SO, I'm allowing myself 10 minutes of magazine reading at bedtime and then I have to read a real book. Right now it's the Miracle of Forgiveness for my upcoming RS lesson.
Anyway, what are some really great books that you think can hold my dooping eyes for at least a chapter at night?
Since I'm practically starting out fresh on my wardrobe, I've been really asking me what I want to look like. Frankly, I've been going to stores and hardly even finding anything. Let's not even talk skirts. Apparently skirts are out. I wish God would make them cool again... I need one, or two.
But do you have a store that tends to have the "look" you like?
Just for fun I went into Talbot's the other day. I found a lot of things that I like (sadly, no skirts or dresses)... of course, with a 250 dollar price tag for a jacket, you'd BETTER like it!
I also seemed to like Jones New York, I bought a few things there... although the mental verdict is still out on a few things.
Anyway, after the last couple of weeks I think my wardrobe is pretty complete for the winter. That doesn't mean I won't be perusing the Savers or Goodwill... but those will be the stores of my choice for a while...
But, let's pretend money wasn't an issue (don't you feel lighter right now), what store would you shop at?
Happy day after Veterans Day everyone! Man, it was hard heading back to school today, but it was sure nice to be off yesterday! We went to the local Veterans Day Parade!
Oh, and my parents are here. It was really cool and there weren't many people there (which wasn't as cool). I was just sure there was no way we'd be able to just plop down some chairs and watch, but we did! After a while I began to feel bad that there weren't many people watching. I mean, everyone's out of school, it's a parade, it's moderately fun... and yet, people (just like me the last few years) stay at home. {sad} I'm really glad that Drew being in the parade brought us out. No, he's only a veteran marching band instructor. :) His band did great!
I'm glad we had some time to talk to my kids about how important veterans are and how we don't just need to clap but be so proud of them. Spencer is extra lucky because his teacher is a veteran and her husband is still serving. He was quick to remind us of that... like 12 times.
There was a giant gang of motorcycle guys who started it off. They were pretty fond of P, one tried to take her.
While most of my other pictures have been with a jacket on -- here's one with just a T. Ok, maybe you're all right, maybe I do look a bit skinnier... and yes, those are the size 12 jeans. Fantastical! Don't you love how P is trying to pose like me. Sadly, she makes me look fatter... just by being there. :) And no, my skin isn't that smooth -- Conner took this in total backlit conditions... blah, blah, blah, thank you lightroom. :D
Here's P during lessons this week. Today we learned about our ears and how we hear. I made these shakers like four million years ago when I did joyschool. They have things like noodles, beans, pins, toothpicks, buttons -- all make different sounds when you shake them. And yes, I am amazing.
All pictures this week are courtesy of my phone. Just one of those weeks.... hope your week is one where you can pull out your giant camera and really go at it. :) Happy Friday everyone, make it as good as you hope it will be!
I've been realy trying to focus on how I can give us a happier home while reading my scriptures. I was reading about Jeremiah and how God was like iron... he didn't change.
And I need to be like that.
I mean, how many times I have said "Please don't run in the house." And they do. They run right over me. So, now it's 20 pushups every time they do. Twenty is a lot for my little weaklings (and their mother). I'm glad I don't have a propensity to run in the house (frankly, I don't run ANYWHERE).
So, what are some things in your house you could be like iron on? Are there things you're more like rubber on? I know there's plenting of firming up that I could do!
I've been readng through the Miracle of Forgiveness for an upcoming lesson I'm teaching on repentance. I haven't read it for a LONG time. But, one thing I'll say -- you'll think you're doing pretty great, and then you'll read that book. And well, you'll realize there are plenty of things you can do better at.
I read a passage last night that (and I am paraphrasing here, if that's not obvious) once we are without our bodies we will realize how useful a body is.
Mormons believe that we come to earth to recieve a body and to be tested. Bodies are one of the main things that separates us and Satan and Satan will never recieve a body.
Ok, here, I found the real quote (from Melvin J Ballard as quoted in Miracle of Forgiveness)
"... When we go out of this life, leave this body, we will desire to do many things that we cannot do at all without the body. We will be seriously handicapped, and we will long for th body; we will pray for that early reunion with our bodies. We will know then what an advantage it is to have a body."
(prior to this they talk about how a body helps "it is much easier to overcome and serve the Lord when both flesh and spirit are combined as one" -- that's how it ties into forgiveness)
Sometimes I forget how lucky I am to have a body and how that is the real reason I am here. Sometimes I feel selfish taking the time to workout and really take care of myself... but having a body is at true gift. I think that I often forget that. I need to be more grateful for my body and the many things it allows me to do. I've been amazed at our my body has healed after my little accident.
What about you? Do you always think of your body as a gift? Did this turn on a lightbulb for you, like it did for me?
I just finished watching Nursery University while I ate my lunch.
I was appalled.
I was appalled at how much it cost, how crazy these people were and how important they thought it was!
I have had quite a few people ask me where my smart little boys went to for preschool. Truth be told, they came to me. Sure, we did a city preschool for 4 hours a week, which did a lovely job teaching socialization and some rudimentary skills... but that's all I'd planned on.
The rest came from me.
I don't get the mentality that you need to pay 20k/year to have someone teach your child their shapes and how to color. I would guess most of those kids don't leave preschool learning how to read.
Anyway, it's a sad world when parents pay other people to do a job they could easily do. I think they'd rather shop and lunch though. And frankly, I can't blame them.... but I'll tell you which is a bit more rewarding.
I came to a crossroads when Conner was 3. Would I enroll him in preschool or would I just hope I Could find a pre-K class that would take him. I decided he didn't really NEED it. Between church, friends and me I thought we could do it.
And blessed thought, we did. We also have lots of memories about that great time just him and me. Heavens knows we don't get a lot of that now.
So, if you're a parent stressing about preschool, just remember you can do it and don't let society tell you that you can't.
Drew and I each had an "Extra" 100 bucks to play with at the end of the summer. He bought a few wii games and I bought a pressure cooker. I bought it from overstock.com who actually had a referb one for almost 30 dollars than a regular one. I thought, what the heck.
4 crock pot returns later I was done with overstock. NOT happy with them, or their lack of customer care.
So, I recently got one from Amazon.
Pressure cooker, you say... don't those blow up on people and scar their faces? Well, yes they do... as my youth church leader could tell you. But not this one. That's the beauty of the electronic pressure cooker. You're not strapped to your stove listening to the timbre of the whistle adjusting head as needed.
You just throw your pound of beans in, set it for the minutes in the book and leave. Easy as that, ladies.
I adore it, but I am slowly learning what I adore it for.
For instance, I made pork chops in it a few nights ago and they weren't so great. I think it's hard to adjust the timing for something that varies so much in thickness.... anyway...
I've done chichen in a marinade which was delicious (I think the pork chops didn't have enough liquid, possibly... but I'm still learning).
I've also done a TON of beans ( I cook a 1 pound bag almost weekkly and then freeze the remains that I'm not using in a recipe), I also do brown rice, quinoa, polenta... basically all the new healthy things I'm eating in.
So, what's the difference between a pressure cooker and a slow cooker? Well, not much -- other than the pressure cooker is like a slow cooker on steroids. It just does everything faster. I'm excited to try a roast or chicken. I don't do a lot of stuff like that in the summer, so it should be a big help this summer.
Crap, I just realized it's like 5 bucks less than it was when I bought it. Darn you amazon.
OH, and I should also mention I LOVED it in the summer because stuff that lets out a lot of steam and heat doesn't do that in the pressure cooker. Yes, you let the steam escape in the end but I'd usually just open up a window and a fan quickly and then it's over.
Anyway, it's a great investment. Let me see if I can find a good video to link to it....
Ok, I tried this, just because I've heard a LOT of good things about roasted cauliflower lately. It's not a vegetable that my kids take a shine to, in general. Plus, cauliflower was on sale the other day at Sprouts. Anyway, here it is -- Roasted Cauliflower Pasta.
I really like the bland nutty-ness of the cauliflower (they weren't kidding, roasted cauliflower is a lot better than raw stuff, which I actually don't mind), along with the green olives and the Parmesan shavings.
The kids couldn't get enough. I had to cut them off so they would go to karate. They did say it was a little spicy at the beginning. I didn't add a whole 1/2 tsp of crushed red pepper, but pretty close.
It didn't take long, and it wasn't hard. I think the only thing I'd do different is maybe try some whole wheat pasta next time. I will share that I don't usually end-up buying whole wheat pasta, just because regular pasta is so much cheaper. But, because there isn't a ton of protein (although there's a good amount of Parmesan) whole wheat might make it a little more well-rounded.
1. I had a Just Dance party at my house on Saturday night. I love a girls night out as much as the next gal, but they tend to be a bit pricey, and not everyone can do that... not to mention the calories. Anyway, it was SO fun and All I did was provide the wii, and water. I had a really great time, I don't know about my friends... but I did get beat a couple of times. Plus, it's always nice to workout with others. I don't get that too frequently. I know we had some ladies in our church doing Zumba together, what a great idea!
2. Our ward does a family temple day once a year. I know I've talked about it before. Some people who aren't tethered by youngsters help watch those who have kids, and those people are able to go to the temple. Plus, the kids do lots of fun activities, go on a tour, and all that jazz. It's such a great idea. I love that our ward does it, and I love the people who watched my kids so I could go (btw, we have a few amazing people who've watched our kids so we can head to the temple a few times a year, I love them all).
3. Our church has an AMAZING young mother's group. Every now and then I contemplate signing me and P up for a little mom and me class, and then I remember 2 things a)This girl doesn't really do the sitting still thing b)Why? I have our young mothers group. The leader does SUCH a great job and there's just something happy about your kids first friends being their church friends. Also, this type of group really doens't need a "class" it's something so easily set-up by a group of friends. I highly recommend it. :)
I will say, that after my last post that my friends at church, and friends in general bring me SO much joy. They are so giving and thoughtful. I am lucky to have them, and all that they do for me. I hope I'm moderately helpful as well. :)
Wait, Big Love was cancelled because Sister Wives? Suddenly... my heart for Kody is a little more soft. But only a little. Like, it's cement with a fine crumb on top.
Does anyone remember when Big Love was going to show the temple ceremony? And the church wanted to get all riled up and freak out on them and start a nationwide boycott, and the church just said, "simma' down now." Basically, they said to ignore it and it would go away. And it did. I love how smart our prophet is, well maybe how smart God is. :D
P has had a fever all week from her shots (does it seriously go on for this many days?... i-yi-yi). I actually thought she was all better on Friday but then I didn't give tylenol yesterday and it came back. She's a cheerful menace of freedom once the tylenol kicks in.
Either way, no nursery for our little fever gal today.
And I'm home with her since Drew has some stuff he needs to do at church.
What a shame. I am feeling a little guilt about staying home here in my sweats, but it may just be what the doctor ordered for both of us. If not the doctor, at least a super smart nurse practitioner. :D
Today we went to the temple. I was really hoping for some ways to be a happier family, a happier mom and a happier person. This isn't to say that I'm not happy... which sounds silly... being that's what I want. I just want a more peaceful, happy home, preferably with less yelling, but just as much getting done.
I was really struck by how God wants us to HAVE joy (men are, that they might have joy) and he wants us to BE happy.
I was mostly struck at this is something God passionately wants for us. Just like we want our kids to be happy, God wants the same for us. He sorrows when we sorrow and he doesn't want that for us. That's the reason he gives us commandments and rules that keep us safe and out of sorrow's path (as much as possible).
But then I started think about the difference. I think that things (be they moments, kids, items) bring me joy. And it's those joyful things in composition with my own attitude that help me to be happy.
And while we can orchestrate some of those moments of joy, we can't control a lot of it. Some of you might remember my post on being happy a while back. I didn't see a lot of happiness coming up in my life. Luckily, I was wrong. I am now surrounded by great friends who lift me up just as much as the old ones. I'm in a new phase of my life and I love this life just as much as I loved my prior life (plus, I still have those old friends, via IM facebook and texting -- I love the Internet). BUT, I had to choose the attitude I was going to have. I had to be willing to put myself out for those things, those moments, those new people. I'm so glad I did.
So, how to have joy?
I guess God places a lot of joy in our lives. I think it's up to us to find it, but joy does tend to happen. Even when it's really not happening and your furnace and washing machine have both died you can find little bits of joy.
I think it's compiling all that into happiness that's the hard part.
But, then I posted this on facebook and someone said that joy is far more than happiness.
So, I think we all think of it in different ways. How do you think of it? Do you have joy and are you happy? Do you know that God wants that for you? Does that make you work to be happier a little harder? Let's talk happy. :)
Happy Friday everyone! Let's see what the ol' Rebel XT has in store for us today!
Well, Miss P had a big leap this week, she went to nursery for the first time on Sunday. She did SO great. She didn't even notice/care that I was gone. I'm excited for her as she's SUPER possessive of me. It's time for this wee one to find out she's her own person. Here she is on the morning of the fateful day. I was pretty amused it was on Halloween -- and let's face it, I'd been counting down for a while. Who'd like to guess how long this little clip stayed in her hair. Anyone?
Hey, btw, this is Conner's first pumpkin he carved on his own. Isn't it fantastic?
The lady has a thing for shoulders. Classy gal, she really knows how to drop it like a sock. Did I mention that I love this outfit? Because I do. There's just something about an adorable jumper....
Whenever I bought 18 month dresses I'd picture her walking into nursery in them. Really, she's such a diva.
Along with nursery, we had a visit to our doctor. Our little lady is in the 4th percentile on weight. She's barely tipping the scales at 20 pounds. The pediatrician advised us to keep her rear facing as long as her carseat will let us. I think that will be until we have a big trip. So far she's doing well (BTW, we have the First Years True Fit carseat and I LOVE it). On the other end, she's in the 86th percentile on height. String. Bean. The pediatrician did mention if she hadn't taken care of my other 2 kids she might be a little worried, but the Ericksons have one pattern, and that's skinny. We did have a nice talk about iron containing foods. Funny thing, I'm pretty sure that P is a better eater than the other 2 were...
BUT, here the little lady is doing some play dough for the first time. See, lessons isn't ALL about flashcards... but don't get me wrong, we've already broken the seal on the ol' flashcards. I'm hoping for a bit of verbalization. It's coming.... I think.... Does everyone see those adorable curls on the top of her head? If not, you need your vision checked. And you're welcome.
And, here is a meniacal killer. What's that in her hand... a bomb?
Oops, just a camera. I wanted to show you my new sweater. I'll just mention that on its tag is the letter S. I'm pretty sure Croft and Barrow just runs large, but what a happy thing THAT is. Do you like it? Yup, it's cable knit. You'll see a lot of that if you know me.
And what's a Photo Friday without a little peek at the goodies at the Ericksons. I made these cookes. They are peanut butter with tiny peanut butter cups. They also have oatmeal and I ADORE them. I know, cookies right after halloween? But part of me wanted something a smidge healthier than the goodies my kids were double fisting after school. These cookies really are delish though. Don't you want to be my friend?
So, that's it for the week. I must say there's probably some good pictures from the halloween parade at school but I think I'll hold them ransom for the teachers. Hope everyone has a great weekend! {blowing you kisses}
Well, I bought it, knowing darn well I'd save my pennies til' I was good n' skinny, or til it was going to expire, whichever happened soonest.
Well, I am not currently skinny... but nothing on the gap site is calling to me. Frankly, maybe it's too hip, cool and for skinny people for me. Needless to say, I have 50 bucks burning a hole in my groupon account that I need to use in the next few days. Also, I think I may have shopped too long at Kohls. My current wardrobe has a LOT of cable knit in it....
So, if you have a few spare minutes, it'd be great if you could peruse the ladies section at the Gap for me. Find something you like, that might look good on a less-fat-then-she-used-to-be gal. I'd much appreciate it.
