Here's a little 'day-in-the-life' post - probably more for me than for you, but I love reading these on other blogs and I think it's a fun way to capture the day-to-day (the "ordinary extraordinary!") around here.
I slept in just a bit this morning, but still managed to get everyone up, dressed, fed, and headed to school on time this morning - actually, just a tad bit ahead of schedule! Even though I didn't pack lunches the night before. Even though I grabbed my own breakfast, which I normally skip - a banana in the car counts, right? J did about 1/2 of the preparation of his own breakfast - currently he's loving grits with a little butter and cheddar cheese. M ate dry cereal, one of her most frequent breakfast selections (Although on Sunday she managed a collaborative effort for some pb toast with banana- she got an assist from her brother on some toast, sliced her own banana, and when I came downstairs she asked me to help with the peanut butter so she could put it all together. A little more complicated, but still a success!) ((OK - all of these food-prep accomplishments make me realize that my kids have grown up A LOT over the summer!)) But I digress - into the car, drive to school (including a reminder about our plan for the afternoon), park and walk in.... J asked me to walk him to his class today (he asked to do it solo on the first day, and we typically do drive-through drop-off unless it's my volunteer day)!
The kids' school requires volunteer hours as a condition of enrollment - one hour per week per child. My two hours are on Monday, and usually include some combination of copying, grading, cutting things out, or filing/organization. I've been doing this for one hour/week for the same teacher for 3 years now. We 'get' each other, so it's easy to figure out how she'd like something done - especially if it's a busy morning and she's just left me a few sketchy notes about what she needs. It's not really a guessing game for me. My second hour of the week has changed each year, and this year I'm working the same type of classroom assistant 'job' for another teacher. I'm not sure she was expecting me there today, as she didn't have anything set aside for me. But she did have a project I could start working on - organizing the two puzzle/game closets that she shares with another teacher. I forgot to mention that when I got up this morning, I put on a dress. A short, summery dress. Not exactly closet-cleaning attire. However, I manged to go through all but one shelf and had a lovely, Southern 'glow' to show for it. I will still get to spend plenty of time making sure games have the right pieces, repairing boxes, and eliminating games/puzzles that are beyond repair. Next time, I'll dress for the job!
Afterwards, lunch with a friend! I have a standing lunch date with a close friend - we try to have lunch at least every other week during the school year. Believe it or not, we had lunch on Friday and again today - we are catching up on what happened over the summer! We do go to church together, and sure we can email or connect on Facebook, but there's just nothing quit like a girls' lunch out!
A quick trip to the bank, the grocery store, and a stop by the house were next. I checked email, worked out some scheduling issues (wow, is our fall getting busy already), got the mail, and then it was time to go pick up my two kiddos from school!
We had some interesting conversation on the way home. M told me a story about how her friend from Texas sat at her table during lunch today. When I asked if maybe she meant another friend, she said no - her friend from TX had decided to get a new house so she could go to school here, because they were *best* friends. I love her imagination! But some days, it's harder to figure out what part of her accounting of the day is most accurate. :) J had another good day (with another story about math!) and ate lunch with a new classmate. It's interesting to think that there are kids in his class that I know (from my volunteer time in other pods besides the one he was in the last couple of years) and that he doesn't, when you consider that I'm there way fewer hours per week than he is in school. It's also exciting for me, though, because it means he's meeting new people - something that can be a struggle for him sometimes. He is certainly like me in that respect.
Today was the first day of homework for 2nd graders, and also the first day of daily homework. Ks and 1s get a homework packet on Monday to be turned in on Thursday - and you can complete it at your leisure. J was not as excited about homework, but I was hoping it wouldn't be too much of a challenge since he was told during Open House that homework should only take 30-45 minutes (and that includes 15 minutes of reading). Let's just say that when writing is involved, we typically spend a little more time on it than average - and Mondays are writing days. In the end, though, J used 10 spelling words in 8 sentences which ended up being a pretty good little story about Cub Scouts. I was really proud of him, and I think he surprised himself with how well it all turned out. There was also some math in there, which he finished in a flash, and a math/logic game that we played several times while we talked about strategy.
M has been a little disappointed to not have homework these past few days, and was disappointed when she realized that J had homework and she did not. A few days ago, I made a math worksheet for her to complete, but today she occupied herself with coloring while J and I were concerned with his homework. I do hope she is still as excited about homework when she has some assigned by the teacher!
If all of that wasn't great enough, I still had to figure out what to cook for dinner. I did not do so well at planning ahead for the evening! However, I did have some shredded beef in the fridge (which was supposed to become taquitos, until my second pack of tortillas would not cooperate) and those darn, too-thick tortillas. Plan B = tostadas! We almost always have black beans in the pantry, and had plenty of lettuce and tomatoes from this weekend's fruit and veggie co-op. I have had plenty of limes and avocados around lately, too (I love guacamole just a little too much). Although J told me he didn't really like the smell of the tortillas frying, that little stinker ate two tostadas! M even ate one - with beef and beans! - and seemed to enjoy it. We had fruit on the side, which was also a huge hit with M. Afterwards, I surprised the kiddos with dessert - vanilla ice cream I'd just made this afternoon, topped with bananas and chocolate syrup. For a throw-together meal, it seemed to be a hit - and 'how much my family enjoyed the meal' is a bigger measure of success for me than how well I planned or how fancy/complicated the preparation. I think I got an A+!
Getting the kids to bed is always the toughest part of my day. They want to play games or play with toys and just have fun - and who can blame them? Instead, it's time for stuff like brushing teeth and picking out tomorrow's clothes. We have started reading at bedtime again - we sort of fall off of the wagon over the summer - and the kids are excited about that. I switched up the routine a bit tonight from pjs, teeth, read to pjs, read, teeth - and nobody fussed about brushing teeth tonight. Dilly-dallied, yes, but not the same kind of reluctance we usually see. Hmmm - food for thought. Another way the evening routine is just a bit different is that, instead of reading one book to both kids, I am reading to M while J reads silently. After I tuck her in, I go into his room to talk about what he's read and then tuck him in. The plan is he will pick out a chapter book that he wants to read, I will read it first, and then he will read it (while I work on his next selection). That way, we can discuss the book - which is hard to do for a book you've never read! We will probably work through some beginner chapter books in this fashion starting next week. I'm hoping he will get excited about this plan and really be motivated to read for comprehension and not simply accuracy. I think (hope) I'm going to be doing a LOT of reading!
Now that the kids are asleep, and this post is nearly complete, I think I may head off to bed with my Girl Scout Leader training materials and my laptop in case I can squeeze in the online training tonight. After I do one last sweep through the kitchen - I think the dishwasher just finished its load.
How have the first few days of school gone for you and your kids? If it's still summer for you, how are you wrapping up the summer and preparing for the 'new year'?
Monday, August 29, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
First Day Recap
Mister J started 2nd grade today. So far, he's told me all about having lunch in the cafeteria (kids at our school have lunch in their classrooms through 1st grade), how he has 'green lunch' and how there are five different lunch sessions to choose from. He also said that he started learning multiplication today, and that this was his favorite part of the day!
Miss M started Kindergarten today. She told me that she has a new friend named Remmi (who I happen to know is a first-grader). She learned abut "plus-ing" (addition), and when asked for an example she told us that 7+8=15. M was also very excited to go on the big kids' playground (the pre-Ks play on a different playground). Her favorite thing about the playground was the 'twirly slide', and her favorite thing about the day was playing in Home Living during centers.
I'm sure we'll learn more over dinner, and I hope to post some of today's photos, too!
Miss M started Kindergarten today. She told me that she has a new friend named Remmi (who I happen to know is a first-grader). She learned abut "plus-ing" (addition), and when asked for an example she told us that 7+8=15. M was also very excited to go on the big kids' playground (the pre-Ks play on a different playground). Her favorite thing about the playground was the 'twirly slide', and her favorite thing about the day was playing in Home Living during centers.
I'm sure we'll learn more over dinner, and I hope to post some of today's photos, too!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Unexpected...
I just tweeted, and wanted to share:
"Suddenly I feel oddly unprepared for 1st day of school. Lunches & supplies packed. Forms completed. Backpacks at door. #crazymama #notears"
We had a good day today. Miss M had a friend over, and the kids played really well together until that mid-afternoon hour when sleepiness seems to hit for M. While they played, I got a good bit of work done (mostly sorting through all of the paper that seems to collect on every flat surface in the house). After we took our friend home, I took Miss M to get her hair trimmed. Thankfully there was only a 5-minute wait! Then to St@ples for some last-minute school supply purchases. The store was packed, and we only managed to get half of our list. Boo. (Why we don't have the true supply list until 2 days before school begins is a whole 'nother topic.) Then to the grocery store for limes, the one missing ingredient for a chicken marinade I need to prep and freeze asap.
Unfortunately, we had a rushed dinner this evening, but did manage a bit of snuggle time before heading upstairs for baths and bed. Things kind of went downhill at that point. M needed a bath, J needed to clean up the rest of his trains, I needed to buzz J's hair, then he also needed a shower. Then I helped M select her outfit for tomorrow - which went much more smoothly than expected. Then teeth-brushing and tucking in. Whew! I was disappointed that Mister J got to bed much later than I'd hoped. Mostly due to dragging his feet on the clean-up (even though he knew it was a 'must-do' chore). By 9:30, I was thinking about climbing into bed myself!
I didn't go to bed that early, but perhaps I should have. While I was not going to bed, these are the things that popped up on my 'worry list' this evening:
What will I pack for lunch? (Been doing this for two years now - why am I stressing?)
Did I get all of their supplies packed? (Um, yes - you've been over the list a few times now...)
Wait - M said she wants me to pack a change of clothes just in case! (Just needed to put them in a zip-top bag....)
Snacks! Don't forget to pack snacks, too! (I've forgotten to pack J's snack a few more times than I'd like to admit, and this is the first time M has needed me to pack a snack, so this is a valid worry.)
Pictures!!!! Don't forget to take pictures!!! (Um, duh....)
What will we have for breakfast? (You'd laugh if you could see how many boxes of cereal are in my pantry.)
I'm planning to have breakfast with some friends, and then...? Don't get me wrong, there is plenty on my to-do list - but suddenly I find myself thinking, "The house is going to be sooooo quiet!" Any other day, I'd be happy to be alone in my house - because that never happens.
Now that we've been together all summer, I think I'm going to miss their sweet faces tomorrow.....
"Suddenly I feel oddly unprepared for 1st day of school. Lunches & supplies packed. Forms completed. Backpacks at door. #crazymama #notears"
We had a good day today. Miss M had a friend over, and the kids played really well together until that mid-afternoon hour when sleepiness seems to hit for M. While they played, I got a good bit of work done (mostly sorting through all of the paper that seems to collect on every flat surface in the house). After we took our friend home, I took Miss M to get her hair trimmed. Thankfully there was only a 5-minute wait! Then to St@ples for some last-minute school supply purchases. The store was packed, and we only managed to get half of our list. Boo. (Why we don't have the true supply list until 2 days before school begins is a whole 'nother topic.) Then to the grocery store for limes, the one missing ingredient for a chicken marinade I need to prep and freeze asap.
Unfortunately, we had a rushed dinner this evening, but did manage a bit of snuggle time before heading upstairs for baths and bed. Things kind of went downhill at that point. M needed a bath, J needed to clean up the rest of his trains, I needed to buzz J's hair, then he also needed a shower. Then I helped M select her outfit for tomorrow - which went much more smoothly than expected. Then teeth-brushing and tucking in. Whew! I was disappointed that Mister J got to bed much later than I'd hoped. Mostly due to dragging his feet on the clean-up (even though he knew it was a 'must-do' chore). By 9:30, I was thinking about climbing into bed myself!
I didn't go to bed that early, but perhaps I should have. While I was not going to bed, these are the things that popped up on my 'worry list' this evening:
What will I pack for lunch? (Been doing this for two years now - why am I stressing?)
Did I get all of their supplies packed? (Um, yes - you've been over the list a few times now...)
Wait - M said she wants me to pack a change of clothes just in case! (Just needed to put them in a zip-top bag....)
Snacks! Don't forget to pack snacks, too! (I've forgotten to pack J's snack a few more times than I'd like to admit, and this is the first time M has needed me to pack a snack, so this is a valid worry.)
Pictures!!!! Don't forget to take pictures!!! (Um, duh....)
What will we have for breakfast? (You'd laugh if you could see how many boxes of cereal are in my pantry.)
I'm planning to have breakfast with some friends, and then...? Don't get me wrong, there is plenty on my to-do list - but suddenly I find myself thinking, "The house is going to be sooooo quiet!" Any other day, I'd be happy to be alone in my house - because that never happens.
Now that we've been together all summer, I think I'm going to miss their sweet faces tomorrow.....
Let's Get Literal
As the kids were on their way out of the door to play, I asked Miss M to "get a pair of shoes for playing outside." Apparently, it wasn't clear that I wanted her to put them on. In a hurry to get outside with the boys (we have a friend over today), she left these on the porch, just outside of the back door.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Countdown to School!
I have been looking forward to the start of the school year, and I'm feeling even more excited about it now that we've had the opportunity to sit down with each of the kids' teachers to talk about the upcoming year, expectations, etc. This year, we have a kindergartener (in a blended K-1 classroom) and a 2nd grader!
While our teacher meetings went well, they didn't go quite as I would have expected. We met with Mister J's teacher first, a very enthusiastic woman with a moderately strong Northern accent. Mister J suddenly became uncharacteristically shy when his teacher asked him a few simple questions (parents' names, phone number, etc.). When he did answer her questions, he spoke so quickly she had to ask him to slow down. Miss M, on the other hand, was quite happy to talk with Mister J's teacher about summer vacation and give plenty of detail!
Then we were off to meet with Miss M's teacher, a calm, soft-spoken woman. Mister J made himself at home investigating the classroom and reading some books. Miss M was checking things out with him for a few minutes, and when she sat down with us to talk to her teacher she kept mumbling her answers. Shyness struck again! I'm sure she will show her true, outgoing, spirited self in no time!
This evening, I'm gathering papers and library cards that need to go to school, renewing our PTA membership, and re-linking my VIC card. Tomorrow, I'll be gathering supplies to pack into backpacks, doing some laundry, and planning to pack lunches for the first time since June!
Happy New (School) Year!
While our teacher meetings went well, they didn't go quite as I would have expected. We met with Mister J's teacher first, a very enthusiastic woman with a moderately strong Northern accent. Mister J suddenly became uncharacteristically shy when his teacher asked him a few simple questions (parents' names, phone number, etc.). When he did answer her questions, he spoke so quickly she had to ask him to slow down. Miss M, on the other hand, was quite happy to talk with Mister J's teacher about summer vacation and give plenty of detail!
Then we were off to meet with Miss M's teacher, a calm, soft-spoken woman. Mister J made himself at home investigating the classroom and reading some books. Miss M was checking things out with him for a few minutes, and when she sat down with us to talk to her teacher she kept mumbling her answers. Shyness struck again! I'm sure she will show her true, outgoing, spirited self in no time!
This evening, I'm gathering papers and library cards that need to go to school, renewing our PTA membership, and re-linking my VIC card. Tomorrow, I'll be gathering supplies to pack into backpacks, doing some laundry, and planning to pack lunches for the first time since June!
Happy New (School) Year!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Happy New Year!
Nope, it's not January, but it's the beginning of another school year. If you're like me, you count years not necessarily by calendar year, but by school year. And a new school year means a new calendar!
I'm a little behind this year - I just ordered my new momAgenda. Since it begins in August, I'll have missed almost the entire first month. *sigh* But I'm still excited about getting a brand-new planner!
For the past two years, I've used the momAgenda desktop (first in fuschia, then in turquoise). I debated a bit this year - kelly green faux crocodile or soft gold? I've always wanted a green one, but the soft gold looked so, so pretty! Then, at a Girl Scout meeting tonight, a friend of mine had the Home Office edition in charcoal. Yes, I looked through her momAgenda - and periodically peeked in it when I thought of other features I wanted to check out. (She was very tolerant!)
I'd briefly considered the Home Office edition before, but worried that it would be too big. Then I realized that since my Desktop never fit in my purse anyway, what was the difference? The spiral binding, the pockets, and the tabs helped me finalize my decision. It's always nice to see and hold something that personal before you buy it, I think!
There was just one more important decision - the color! Hot pink, turquoise, zebra, or charcoal? Hmmmm...
I chose zebra! Yep, surprised me, too!
Ok, so here's where I tell you that if you want your own momAgenda, you can click here and - if you are a first time customer - you get 10% off of your order (of $15 or more) and I also get a little credit in the form of momAgenda dollars (to help me support my momAgenda habit).
What kind of calendar do you use? Pen-and-paper? Electronic? Do you have one calendar for yourself and one for the family? How do you keep yourself organized?
PS - You are welcome to take a peek at my momAgenda anytime!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Home Sweet Home
Has it seemed a little quiet around here lately? There's a good reason for that. We've been on vacation! Well, not all of us - Daddy stayed home while the kids, my mom, and I flew to Texas to visit my cousin and his family. We missed Daddy an awful lot, but he wasn't alone for long! While we were gone, his parents arrived to help out with a BIG project around here (which they are still working on). I'll recap the project in a later post, but for now - vacation photos! (And these are the ones from my mom's camera - thanks, Mom!!!)
Let me start by saying that it was HOT here before we left, and Texas had a break in the heat there just as we arrived - which made the temp the same as what we'd just left. Thankful for that little break in their weather! And, thankful for plenty of opportunities to go swimming!
We picked up a set of 'floaties' for Miss M before we left, knowing they would help her feel a bit more at ease in the water. No worries, there were still plenty of adults keeping an eye on the kiddos! She was soon swimming from one end of the pool to the other!
And this guy, who has made great strides in his swimming lessons at school, also showed off a new talent. He's floating on his back! That's Lily checking him out. She's a funny dog - loves to catch a ball, but she can't quite make herself drop it back off in your hand or lap. Instead, she enlists the help of Minnie. Lily will drop it a few feet away, then Minnie will pick it up and bring it back for you to throw again.
We took a trip to the local Hong Kong Market (So cool! Lots of interesting fruits and veggies!) to pick up some veggies and these guys for dinner (two crab and one lobster). Miss M was not quite convinced that these could possibly be tasty.
My cousin's home is totally kid-friendly. You already know about the pool and the dogs, but there were also plenty of TOYS! Miss M got to play with the doll house and Polly Pockets that you see below, and also some teeny-tiny Polly Pockets (which the three kids eventually turned into a Polly-meets-Monopoly kind of game).
And they had a few Legos, too....
We also did some touristy stuff while we were there.
The Beer Can House
The Children's Museum
As if all of this wasn't exciting enough, guess who lost a tooth while we were there? He was quite confident that the tooth fairy could find him all the way out in Texas. Sure enough, there was a dollar under his pillow the next morning!
Let me start by saying that it was HOT here before we left, and Texas had a break in the heat there just as we arrived - which made the temp the same as what we'd just left. Thankful for that little break in their weather! And, thankful for plenty of opportunities to go swimming!
And this guy, who has made great strides in his swimming lessons at school, also showed off a new talent. He's floating on his back! That's Lily checking him out. She's a funny dog - loves to catch a ball, but she can't quite make herself drop it back off in your hand or lap. Instead, she enlists the help of Minnie. Lily will drop it a few feet away, then Minnie will pick it up and bring it back for you to throw again.
My cousin's home is totally kid-friendly. You already know about the pool and the dogs, but there were also plenty of TOYS! Miss M got to play with the doll house and Polly Pockets that you see below, and also some teeny-tiny Polly Pockets (which the three kids eventually turned into a Polly-meets-Monopoly kind of game).
And they had a few Legos, too....
We also did some touristy stuff while we were there.
The Beer Can House
My sweet kiddos
My favorite feature of the Beer Can House
The Children's Museum
Also (no photos yet, but hopefully soon)...
NASA (Johnson Space Center) - it rained while we were there, for the first time in several months.
Kemah Boardwalk - dinner outdoors at The Flying Dutchman, which would not have been quite so nice without the rain earlier in the day to cool things off
Whole Foods - this might seem an odd stop, but it was a new store (and I loooove grocery stores!) so it even had some draw for the "locals." Also, we got to see an electric car out front - plugged in for a charge! Mister J was fascinated!
Please excuse that piece of gum in his mouth. Gum has become quite the favorite around here lately.
As for me, I had time for some reading, some swimming, lots of visiting and laughing, lots of talk about food/cooking/the amazing grocery prices (noticeably less than here), and way too much eating! My mom cooked some of her favorite recipes, we enjoyed my cousin's grilling and juicing (a-ma-zing), and had some fantastic meals out, too. (Pappasita's is on my must-do list for our next visit!)
I'm sure I've left some things out, and I know I have more cute photos to post (which I may get around to - or not), but I have to say that I came home so relaxed! We had a pretty much non-schedule kind of vacation (not the kind where you come home and need a vacation to get over your vacation) and it was wonderful! The kids really missed Daddy early on - and I was really anxious to get home to him towards the end of our trip! But I have to say, he looked really well-rested when we got home!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
What I'm Reading
While we are busy packing fun into the last days of summer, I'm also enjoying a bit of time reading. I started "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" (by Barbara Kingsover) a few days ago and I'm already trying to figure out how much of our backyard can be reasonably turned into garden beds. Not too long ago, I mentioned wanting to try out lettuces, potatoes, garlic, and more. I'm less than 100 pages in, and I'm wondering now about fruit trees, berries, and more.
Is it to late to decide to live on a farm?
Sent from my iPhone
Thursday, August 4, 2011
You Can Find Me Here...
Hi Friends! I'm posting over at Triad Moms on Main today. Head on over to learn about our experience with geocaching, and how it's great family fun where ever you are!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Sleep Tight?
Oh, how I love to snuggle with my babies (who are not really babies anymore)! Truly, I do. But when it comes to having my 5-year-old crawl into bed at 4am - well, I have mixed emotions
I secretly love it - but honestly, it's not the best sleep for me :(
Miss M is OK (that is, doesn't come to my bed at night) if she and Mister J sleep in the same room. I am probably making it hard for her to learn to soothe herself back to sleep on her own since, for most of the summer, one of the kids usually camps out on the floor of the other's room. When I do this, she rarely comes into our room. Otherwise, she wakes up at 4am and comes into bed with us on a pretty regular basis.
We moved her back to her own room two nights ago, and for the past two nights, she's come into our room in the wee hours of the morning. I'm certain it has to do with the security of knowing someone else is there in the middle of the night. Just having her nightlight and stuffies is not enough.
As I was tucking her in tonight, she asked if she could sleep with me. I told her that she needed to sleep in her bed, and that if she came to my room I would help her back to bed. She was immediately weepy. And I was sad for her - and probably for me, too.
I feel like it is my responsibility to help her grow up, even if I don't want to - whether it's because I secretly love the early morning snuggles or because I just don't want to get out of my bed at 4am.
Believe it or not, I do want my children to grow up. But there is some innocence that I want to hold on to for as long as possible!
(sigh)
This is hard work!
I secretly love it - but honestly, it's not the best sleep for me :(
Miss M is OK (that is, doesn't come to my bed at night) if she and Mister J sleep in the same room. I am probably making it hard for her to learn to soothe herself back to sleep on her own since, for most of the summer, one of the kids usually camps out on the floor of the other's room. When I do this, she rarely comes into our room. Otherwise, she wakes up at 4am and comes into bed with us on a pretty regular basis.
We moved her back to her own room two nights ago, and for the past two nights, she's come into our room in the wee hours of the morning. I'm certain it has to do with the security of knowing someone else is there in the middle of the night. Just having her nightlight and stuffies is not enough.
As I was tucking her in tonight, she asked if she could sleep with me. I told her that she needed to sleep in her bed, and that if she came to my room I would help her back to bed. She was immediately weepy. And I was sad for her - and probably for me, too.
I feel like it is my responsibility to help her grow up, even if I don't want to - whether it's because I secretly love the early morning snuggles or because I just don't want to get out of my bed at 4am.
Believe it or not, I do want my children to grow up. But there is some innocence that I want to hold on to for as long as possible!
(sigh)
This is hard work!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Fresh from Our Garden (at least some of it!!)
In the past few weeks, our Super Sweet 100 plants have been producing like crazy. I just put two more baking sheets full of slow-roasted cherry tomatoes in the oven. In 6-8 hours, they will be even more delicious! (Yes, that's possible!) These are SO easy, you just have to be prepared to give up your oven for the rest of the day! Also, my kids enjoyed helping me get these ready to go into the oven - making sure the tomatoes are cut side up, peeling the garlic, and snipping rosemary from the garden.
I tweaked the recipe by adding the rosemary. It smelled SO good! Now that we have quite a healthy bush, I am thinking of thinning it a bit and drying some rosemary for use in the winter.
I also used some of our larger tomatoes (not sure of the variety) to make gazpacho late last night so that it would be ready to eat today. I used this recipe from the latest Real Simple magazine. I've already sampled it - yum! It's the first time I've ever eaten a cold soup, much less made one. It was SO easy, and I'm looking forward to serving it alongside some of my fresh-baked parmesan pepper bread (another first-time-I've-made-it recipe) for an early dinner.
So, now that you know a bit about what's growing in our garden, I'd like to know if you have a garden. If so, what do you grow?
In addition to what I mentioned above, we have zucchini, green bell pepper (just got the first one this week), banana peppers, okra, lima beans and bush beans, watermelon, parsley, basil, and cilantro that has already gone to seed. We have had varying success with these, tomatoes and rosemary being our most successful. I would like to try growing garlic, blueberries (for these muffins!), and give cucumbers another shot (ours are always bitter). I'd also like to try lettuce, and maybe even potatoes! So, friends, spill the beans on your gardening successes - and failures! What have you learned along the way?
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Summer favorites
A BLT made with tomatoes fresh from the garden...
Sweet tea in Mason jars...
Boiled peanuts...
Watermelon with a sprinkle of salt...
What foods (or drinks) mean summer to you?
I'm linking to Ann Kroeker's Food on Fridays, even though it's Saturday!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Mommy, will you...?
I'm enjoying these moments while I can, knowing they don't last forever. Within about 5 minutes, Mister J asked if she would help him play a wii game - and off she went!
PS - Check out that ponytail! She decided to let her hair grow so it was long enough to make one ponytail. Next up, long enough to have one braid, like Jessie!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Step One...
You may have missed our quiet announcement, and now I'm excited to share that today we took the first official step in our adoption process. Although we've already spoken with our adoption coordinator, been to an information session at our agency, spoken to several adoptive families, and made several of the preliminary decisions, today is the day that we mailed our application. It's been a long process to get to this point, so getting here is really exciting for us.
Once our eyes are opened, we can’t pretend we don’t know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act. ~Proverbs 24:12
I keep coming back to this piece of scripture over and over again. I saw it on an adoption blog about the time we finally realized that we were being led to adopt a child - and it didn't just speak to me, it practically yelled. That was a few months ago, but the work in our hearts started long before that. It's an amazing story I hope to share here one day. For now, we covet your prayers as we continue this extraordinary journey.
Once our eyes are opened, we can’t pretend we don’t know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act. ~Proverbs 24:12
I keep coming back to this piece of scripture over and over again. I saw it on an adoption blog about the time we finally realized that we were being led to adopt a child - and it didn't just speak to me, it practically yelled. That was a few months ago, but the work in our hearts started long before that. It's an amazing story I hope to share here one day. For now, we covet your prayers as we continue this extraordinary journey.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
My Day in Food
*Apologies in advance for the crazy spacing. I just can't figure it out tonight.*
I can't remember what I are for breakfast, but it probably had something to do with those evil chocolate chunk cookies from Costco. But maybe not, since I had an orthodontist appointment at noon.
I do remember that I had a late lunch. I made one of my favorite new recipes - Thai Peanut Noodles from Our Best Bites (which happens to be my favorite online source for recipes right now). I usually add some stir-fried chicken, but I skipped the chicken today. And Miss M, who has never eaten it when I cooked with chicken, ate a small bowlful today. She also helped me cook it, which may have also had something to do with her choice to actually eat it.
Not only are they mildly spicy noodles in a soy/ginger/peanut/honey/sriracha sauce, it's topped with peanuts, green onions, cilantro, and lime juice. I was thrilled that she liked it!
Later in the day, I decided I'd give a new recipe a try - something I've been wanting to do for ages. The kids weren't interested - they were more interested in the painting I was starting, but I was waiting for paint to dry so they found something else to do.
Can you guess what I was making? It's butter! (Or, soon-to-be-butter when I snapped this picture.) The process was very simple, though it took some time and plenty of effort. I was very pleased with the result!
After the dairy adventure, it was time to start dinner. I did most of the prep work, and hubs did most of the cooking. We had sliders and "Aunt LuAnn's potatoes." Delicious! The kids recognize the potatoes by the aroma, and always love them. And even though the kids aren't great meat-eaters, they each finished an entire slider. I'll call that a success any day!
Dessert? Oh, yes. I'm all about dessert lately (see breakfast, above) - probably because of the evil chocolate chunk cookies from Costco. They are really good smeared with peanut butter....
I can't remember what I are for breakfast, but it probably had something to do with those evil chocolate chunk cookies from Costco. But maybe not, since I had an orthodontist appointment at noon.
I do remember that I had a late lunch. I made one of my favorite new recipes - Thai Peanut Noodles from Our Best Bites (which happens to be my favorite online source for recipes right now). I usually add some stir-fried chicken, but I skipped the chicken today. And Miss M, who has never eaten it when I cooked with chicken, ate a small bowlful today. She also helped me cook it, which may have also had something to do with her choice to actually eat it.
Not only are they mildly spicy noodles in a soy/ginger/peanut/honey/sriracha sauce, it's topped with peanuts, green onions, cilantro, and lime juice. I was thrilled that she liked it!
Later in the day, I decided I'd give a new recipe a try - something I've been wanting to do for ages. The kids weren't interested - they were more interested in the painting I was starting, but I was waiting for paint to dry so they found something else to do.Can you guess what I was making? It's butter! (Or, soon-to-be-butter when I snapped this picture.) The process was very simple, though it took some time and plenty of effort. I was very pleased with the result!
After the dairy adventure, it was time to start dinner. I did most of the prep work, and hubs did most of the cooking. We had sliders and "Aunt LuAnn's potatoes." Delicious! The kids recognize the potatoes by the aroma, and always love them. And even though the kids aren't great meat-eaters, they each finished an entire slider. I'll call that a success any day!
Dessert? Oh, yes. I'm all about dessert lately (see breakfast, above) - probably because of the evil chocolate chunk cookies from Costco. They are really good smeared with peanut butter....
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Mowing Lessons
I am not a fan of yard work. Anyone who knows me in real life knows that I don't do yard work. My husband has seen me mow the yard a total of three times in all the years we've been married. The third time was yesterday. When I told him I was going out to mow, he looked at me rather like I'd grown another head. But the yard needed work, the temperature was really nice for July, and it was overcast. I didn't think he would be able to beat the rain that was coming, so I decided I'd give it a shot. After all, it's just walking in a few circles around the yard, right? How hard can that be?
I started writing my blog post in my head about 10 minutes after I started mowing.
Really, though, it started before I even went outside. When I told my kids to behave because I was going outside to mow the grass, my son said, "Wow, Mom, I didn't know you had mowing lessons." Ouch. But in honor of his observation, here is my version of mowing lessons.
1) Fuel - Be sure you have spare fuel on hand. I was pretty disappointed to find out that we didn't have any, but I was too excited about getting started to go and get more. I figured that if I finished the front yard, I'd just stop there. After all, it looked like rain was coming, so I didn't have time to spare. And also? I could close the gate and the taller grass in the backyard wouldn't show. Great idea, right? Until I ran out of gas in the middle of the front yard. Phooey! There wasn't anyone who could run to the gas station for me (hubby was working from home, so he couldn't just jump in the car and do it for me), so off I went. I hope he will forgive me for ever being annoyed that he asked me to go get gas for the mower while he was mowing the yard. Now I get it.
2) Hat - Wear one. Headsweats caps are not just for running. I wish I had worn mine. I didn't think I'd need it because the sun wasn't out. Also, I honestly didn't think I'd get all that hot since the weather was cool for July. I have never had so much sweat in my eyes. Also - I just might wear my running clothes next time. Wicking fabric is good. Cotton is not.
3) Method - I've heard you should not mow your grass in the same pattern every time. No need to worry about that! I am quite sure I looked as amateurish as I felt. I had to go back for missed spots, and still left a few (tiny) bits of taller grass. And I don't think my hubby will ever mow in as patchwork a fashion as I did.
4) Mower - Especially in the thicker parts of the grass, it would have been kinder (to my mower) to mow half-widths on each pass. My mower let me know this by protesting at one point - and turning off. I could not believe I was out of gas again - then I realized I wasn't. At least I was able to restart it without getting my husband to come outside and do it (again)! Also, our mower didn't particularly seem to like going uphill, at least at the pace I was walking. When I'm running, I don't like hills, either, so I decided to change my method in the middle of the backyard and go across the incline. (Oh, yes I did - see #3.)
5) Corners - As far as push mowers go, self-propelled is your friend, but it still doesn't make turning corners any easier. I openly confess to having not a lot of upper body strength. I can still pick up my kids (and can still carry my youngest), which I thought was decent strength, but I felt like I was working hard to turn corners and work around obstacles (swing set, raised garden beds, mailbox, trees).
After I learned all of this with the mower, I looked at the yard and felt pretty good about what I had accomplished. But it still looked unfinished. So I decided I'd do the weed eating. And I had to get my husband to start it for me (wimpy upper body strength - embarrassing). And then he had to remind me to wear eye protection (thanks, honey!). And then I busted the strap that was supposed to help me carry it around the yard (sorry, honey!). But I still did the weed eating. And I wondered how long my work would last if I scalped the edges of the yard because weed eating was not as fun as I thought it would be. Probably because I busted the strap. And also because my arms were already tired from pushing and maneuvering the mower. But - the yard looked even better when I was done!
So then I decided to crank up the blower and clean off the driveway and the front walkway and around the air conditioning units. And I had to ask my hubby to come out and crank it for me. (Are you sensing a pattern?) I'm chalking that up to having tired arms - you know, from maneuvering the mower and then carrying the weed eater with the busted strap around the yard.
And when I was done, I wasn't sure I'd be able to lift my arms to wash my hair.
But the yard looked nice, I was proud of the job I'd done, and I had so much more appreciation for the yard work my husband has been doing for so many years. It wasn't perfect, but I still enjoyed the sense of accomplishment. Don't tell anyone, but I might just mow the yard again sometime.
I started writing my blog post in my head about 10 minutes after I started mowing.
Really, though, it started before I even went outside. When I told my kids to behave because I was going outside to mow the grass, my son said, "Wow, Mom, I didn't know you had mowing lessons." Ouch. But in honor of his observation, here is my version of mowing lessons.
1) Fuel - Be sure you have spare fuel on hand. I was pretty disappointed to find out that we didn't have any, but I was too excited about getting started to go and get more. I figured that if I finished the front yard, I'd just stop there. After all, it looked like rain was coming, so I didn't have time to spare. And also? I could close the gate and the taller grass in the backyard wouldn't show. Great idea, right? Until I ran out of gas in the middle of the front yard. Phooey! There wasn't anyone who could run to the gas station for me (hubby was working from home, so he couldn't just jump in the car and do it for me), so off I went. I hope he will forgive me for ever being annoyed that he asked me to go get gas for the mower while he was mowing the yard. Now I get it.
2) Hat - Wear one. Headsweats caps are not just for running. I wish I had worn mine. I didn't think I'd need it because the sun wasn't out. Also, I honestly didn't think I'd get all that hot since the weather was cool for July. I have never had so much sweat in my eyes. Also - I just might wear my running clothes next time. Wicking fabric is good. Cotton is not.
3) Method - I've heard you should not mow your grass in the same pattern every time. No need to worry about that! I am quite sure I looked as amateurish as I felt. I had to go back for missed spots, and still left a few (tiny) bits of taller grass. And I don't think my hubby will ever mow in as patchwork a fashion as I did.
4) Mower - Especially in the thicker parts of the grass, it would have been kinder (to my mower) to mow half-widths on each pass. My mower let me know this by protesting at one point - and turning off. I could not believe I was out of gas again - then I realized I wasn't. At least I was able to restart it without getting my husband to come outside and do it (again)! Also, our mower didn't particularly seem to like going uphill, at least at the pace I was walking. When I'm running, I don't like hills, either, so I decided to change my method in the middle of the backyard and go across the incline. (Oh, yes I did - see #3.)
5) Corners - As far as push mowers go, self-propelled is your friend, but it still doesn't make turning corners any easier. I openly confess to having not a lot of upper body strength. I can still pick up my kids (and can still carry my youngest), which I thought was decent strength, but I felt like I was working hard to turn corners and work around obstacles (swing set, raised garden beds, mailbox, trees).
After I learned all of this with the mower, I looked at the yard and felt pretty good about what I had accomplished. But it still looked unfinished. So I decided I'd do the weed eating. And I had to get my husband to start it for me (wimpy upper body strength - embarrassing). And then he had to remind me to wear eye protection (thanks, honey!). And then I busted the strap that was supposed to help me carry it around the yard (sorry, honey!). But I still did the weed eating. And I wondered how long my work would last if I scalped the edges of the yard because weed eating was not as fun as I thought it would be. Probably because I busted the strap. And also because my arms were already tired from pushing and maneuvering the mower. But - the yard looked even better when I was done!
So then I decided to crank up the blower and clean off the driveway and the front walkway and around the air conditioning units. And I had to ask my hubby to come out and crank it for me. (Are you sensing a pattern?) I'm chalking that up to having tired arms - you know, from maneuvering the mower and then carrying the weed eater with the busted strap around the yard.
And when I was done, I wasn't sure I'd be able to lift my arms to wash my hair.
But the yard looked nice, I was proud of the job I'd done, and I had so much more appreciation for the yard work my husband has been doing for so many years. It wasn't perfect, but I still enjoyed the sense of accomplishment. Don't tell anyone, but I might just mow the yard again sometime.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
I found that little cord...
I finally hooked my camera up to my computer again, and found SO MANY photos that I wanted to share! I don't have time to show them all, so I thought I'd share just a quick summary of the last month or so.
These two kiddos wrapped up another year of school!
(For those of you paying very close attention, those are glasses frames you see on her face, but no lenses in them. They were a favor from a friend's birthday party, and she wore them nearly every day for about two weeks.)
Compare to the same time last year....
If anyone knows the secret to make them stop growing, let me know.
Also on the last day of school, this little girl had a dance recital.
I also finally gave in to letting this little girl loose with some paints - thanks to her Daddy's encouragement. She didn't make a mess like I feared, and really enjoyed the process.
Also, when I wasn't looking, she turned five. We had a sweet little tea party at home with some friends, and I really enjoyed the smaller celebration. I also loved all of the 'tea party food' that we served - and I think she enjoyed most of it, too!
Although we had planned to picnic at a local park on the 4th of July and watch fireworks the that evening, our picnic got rained out. We changed our plans to a back porch picnic, then a den floor picnic due to the rain, but did end up getting to see the fireworks.
We're spending our summer days playing outside, cooking (because I'm serving a lot more meals now that I'm not packing lunches), and spending time with friends and family. I also recently wrapped up my part-time, work-from-home job, so I'm hoping to add a few more things into our days - library visits, blueberry-picking, and other fun summer activities.
How are you spending your summer? Can you believe how fast it flies by?
These two kiddos wrapped up another year of school!
(For those of you paying very close attention, those are glasses frames you see on her face, but no lenses in them. They were a favor from a friend's birthday party, and she wore them nearly every day for about two weeks.)
Compare to the same time last year....
Also on the last day of school, this little girl had a dance recital.
I also finally gave in to letting this little girl loose with some paints - thanks to her Daddy's encouragement. She didn't make a mess like I feared, and really enjoyed the process.
Also, when I wasn't looking, she turned five. We had a sweet little tea party at home with some friends, and I really enjoyed the smaller celebration. I also loved all of the 'tea party food' that we served - and I think she enjoyed most of it, too!
Although we had planned to picnic at a local park on the 4th of July and watch fireworks the that evening, our picnic got rained out. We changed our plans to a back porch picnic, then a den floor picnic due to the rain, but did end up getting to see the fireworks.
We're spending our summer days playing outside, cooking (because I'm serving a lot more meals now that I'm not packing lunches), and spending time with friends and family. I also recently wrapped up my part-time, work-from-home job, so I'm hoping to add a few more things into our days - library visits, blueberry-picking, and other fun summer activities.
How are you spending your summer? Can you believe how fast it flies by?
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Remember that time...?
... that Mister J got treated for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?
You know, because his symptoms were pretty much a perfect match for RMSF. And although it could be just your run-of-the-mill nasty virus, there's still that chance that it's RMSF. Which you should treat no later than the fifth day of symptoms. And since the second trip to the ped this week for the crazy fever, combined with nausea, chills, and some "who is that?!?" crankiness happened to be on the fourth day of the fever, the ped called in the prescription.
Better to err on the side of caution - but as a friend of mine put it, I just might win the 'strange illnesses my child has had' contest in the after-school pick-up line. This from the friend whose daughter has a fever so high that the thermometer simply said, "HIGH." (She's thankfully doing ok with some good meds for a big ol' ear infection.) And I'd likely have to compete with a school mom friend whose son's spider bite just might be MRSA instead. They each had a visit to the emergency room. We just rated a "can-you-be-here-in-45?" appointment with the pediatrician. This is a contest I'd be glad to lose.
(PS - With a dose of acetominophen, this afternoon's fever, headache, and crankiness subsided. However, the fever spikes at night, even with ibuprofen. Hoping we see and end to this very soon.)
You know, because his symptoms were pretty much a perfect match for RMSF. And although it could be just your run-of-the-mill nasty virus, there's still that chance that it's RMSF. Which you should treat no later than the fifth day of symptoms. And since the second trip to the ped this week for the crazy fever, combined with nausea, chills, and some "who is that?!?" crankiness happened to be on the fourth day of the fever, the ped called in the prescription.
Better to err on the side of caution - but as a friend of mine put it, I just might win the 'strange illnesses my child has had' contest in the after-school pick-up line. This from the friend whose daughter has a fever so high that the thermometer simply said, "HIGH." (She's thankfully doing ok with some good meds for a big ol' ear infection.) And I'd likely have to compete with a school mom friend whose son's spider bite just might be MRSA instead. They each had a visit to the emergency room. We just rated a "can-you-be-here-in-45?" appointment with the pediatrician. This is a contest I'd be glad to lose.
(PS - With a dose of acetominophen, this afternoon's fever, headache, and crankiness subsided. However, the fever spikes at night, even with ibuprofen. Hoping we see and end to this very soon.)
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Pretty paint!
Enjoying some food and fun on a *warm* summer afternoon.
By the way, guess who's nearly 5 years old?
Friday, June 10, 2011
The Bright Side
This post isn't so much about the lunch I packed this morning, but the reminder that came from from my family while I was deciding what to pack.
The story started yesterday when the kids and I got home after school. I walked into a house filled with the aroma of freshly-baked bread. Now that wouldn't normally have been a problem, except I'd set my bread machine so that the dough cycle would be finishing up as we walked in from school.
I had some volunteer commitments yesterday, so I'd prepped the ingredients and set the timer on the machine. The plan was that we'd get home, unpack backpacks, get everyone's hands washed, and start making pizza for an early dinner. Accounting for the time it takes for three cooks to complete such a task, I figured the pizza would come out of the oven in time for us to eat and then get to a 6pm meeting at church.
Needless to say, I was a little deflated when I figured out that something had gone wrong. I even posted this on my Facebook status:
Came home from school to the wonderful smell of bread baking - except that my bread machine was supposed to only be running the dough cycle.
Bread machine - 1, Person who thought she knew what she was doing when the set the dough cycle to run while she was gone - 0.
I did get some great encouragement from a friend and from my husband. You know, fresh-baked bread isn't all that bad. But my plan had been interrupted.
Since the bread smelled good (and really, I thought it did), we tasted it. Amazing - it tasted good, too! (It would have make a great pizza crust!) Once it cooled, I wrapped it up - thinking it was too good to waste, but wondering what to do with it.
Fast forward to this morning. The kids and I were in the kitchen, and asked them what they wanted to eatfor breakfast. "Can we have some of that bread?" Really?!? So I gave them a taste while I asked them what they really wanted for breakfast (cereal? granola bar?). And they liked the bread. Hmm. Now, I enjoy a savory breakfast as much as the next girl, but I just didn't think Pizza Dough Bread was the best way to start the day. So we decided to pack it in their lunchboxes - with slices of pepperoni and cheese, marinara sauce for dipping, and strawberries. They. were. thrilled. I was dumbfounded. But mostly, I was reminded that even when I think things are all fouled up, there's usually a way to turn it around for good. Thankfully, I had the help of some family and friends to remind me.
On my Facebook wall today:
Making the most of yesterday's bread machine snafu. "Breadsticks" with marinara, pepperoni and cheese, strawberries. The kids asked for the bread for breakfast, too!
And in reply to the comments below my photo:
I'm proud of my kids for helping me make the best of the situation (and figure out a lunch plan pretty quickly!). Hubby and the kids LOVED how the bread tasted, which made my day!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Run
First run in three weeks. About a week and a half of that was rest for some heel pain, then I just let "life" take over.
Things always seem to be busier as we get closer to the end of the school year. We also spent a long weekend at the beach, and I didn't pack running gear because I was "packing light." I did swim a bit, but not enough to call it exercise, and our stroll on the beach was more for shell hunting and people watching.
I could have let life (laundry, meal planning, etc) take over this morning, but this time I decided to carve put some time for me.
I was slow this morning, and I didn't stay out for very long - but I was out there! Considering how the weather has changed during my break (it was already 75 degrees when I dropped my kids at school - and that was about the daily high three weeks ago), I was surprised that it was tired legs that got to me before the heat.
Already looking forward to my next run.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Fresh!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
153,000,000
We’ve heard several different estimates of the number of orphans in the world. 153,000,000 is just an average of those estimates. It is a number that I cannot even begin to comprehend. It is heartbreaking.
Before we had ever heard this number, our hearts were moved to learn more about adoption. And though we thought our family was complete, we’ll be adding to it after all.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Not quite so ho-hum lunch
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Lighter
So many different meanings for this word - at least for me right now.
Lighter.
Spring is turning into summer - the sun isn't setting so early. It's still light outside when I run in the evenings. It's still light outside when the kids go to bed. After a cold winter with 6pm sunsets, I love this time of year.
Lighter.
I'm working on a whole-house de-cluttering and reorganization project. Lightening the load for our home and for our spirits. I am realizing just how much our 'stuff' weighs us down. It's been a long process, beginning back when we were in Financial Peace University about three years ago and we took a tough look at our spending habits. Then about a year ago, the work on the house began - slowly but surely. I've had some great help from a friend, and just read some great inspiration from another friend today. This isn't the only part of my life where these two women are allowing me to lean on and learn from them, either. They are helping make life lighter for me.
Lighter.
After marriage and two babies, on whom I can no longer blame the baby weight, I'm trying to focus on myself a bit, too. Yes, this is the literal version of 'lighter.' I saw some nice results from the 5K training I began last fall, but I also realized that my eating habits still needed a change. It's so hard, y'all. I love food. I just love all of the flavors and textures and aromas. And I don't have very much willpower to curb those desires for more, more, more! Sound familiar? Yep, my house and I are both on a plan to lighten up. Thanks again to a lovely, sweet, gentle, caring, meets-me-where-I-am friend, I am using Loseit.com to help me see the truth about how I eat. Last weekend's results were not pretty - but that's ok. Truth isn't always pretty. It's how we react to it that's important. So, I started Monday with a clean slate - and a bit of empowerment now that I can see where the calories come from every day. I planned ahead for a dinner out one night, and stayed within my suggested calorie range - yeah! I'm also able to track my exercise, which is a pretty big ego boost when you add that into the whole "net calories for the day" total! I am patient but hopeful that I'll see some results - and feel the difference inside, too.
Lighter.
Lighter.
Spring is turning into summer - the sun isn't setting so early. It's still light outside when I run in the evenings. It's still light outside when the kids go to bed. After a cold winter with 6pm sunsets, I love this time of year.
Lighter.
I'm working on a whole-house de-cluttering and reorganization project. Lightening the load for our home and for our spirits. I am realizing just how much our 'stuff' weighs us down. It's been a long process, beginning back when we were in Financial Peace University about three years ago and we took a tough look at our spending habits. Then about a year ago, the work on the house began - slowly but surely. I've had some great help from a friend, and just read some great inspiration from another friend today. This isn't the only part of my life where these two women are allowing me to lean on and learn from them, either. They are helping make life lighter for me.
Lighter.
After marriage and two babies, on whom I can no longer blame the baby weight, I'm trying to focus on myself a bit, too. Yes, this is the literal version of 'lighter.' I saw some nice results from the 5K training I began last fall, but I also realized that my eating habits still needed a change. It's so hard, y'all. I love food. I just love all of the flavors and textures and aromas. And I don't have very much willpower to curb those desires for more, more, more! Sound familiar? Yep, my house and I are both on a plan to lighten up. Thanks again to a lovely, sweet, gentle, caring, meets-me-where-I-am friend, I am using Loseit.com to help me see the truth about how I eat. Last weekend's results were not pretty - but that's ok. Truth isn't always pretty. It's how we react to it that's important. So, I started Monday with a clean slate - and a bit of empowerment now that I can see where the calories come from every day. I planned ahead for a dinner out one night, and stayed within my suggested calorie range - yeah! I'm also able to track my exercise, which is a pretty big ego boost when you add that into the whole "net calories for the day" total! I am patient but hopeful that I'll see some results - and feel the difference inside, too.
Lighter.
Friday, April 8, 2011
My Reading List
Sometimes I snap a picture with my phone, sometimes I jot down a title I read on a blog.
Faith Journey:
Choosing to See - Mary Beth Chapman (just won this in a blog contest!)
Radical - David Platt
Reading for Pleasure:
Eats Shoots and Leaves - Lynne Truss (already have it, just need to read it)
Mennonite in a Little Black Dress - Rhoda Janzen
Eat Pray Love - Elizabeth Gilbert (loved the movie, so I'm pretty well guaranteed to love the book!)
The Help - Kathryn Stockett (just bought it - now slowly working my way through it)
Ten Habits of Happy Mothers - Meg Meeker
Blacks Heels to Tractor Wheels - Ree Drummond
(There are actually about three times more books on this section of the list - usually the cover catches my eye and I jot down the title. But these are the ones that I am most interested in reading. You know, when I have the time.)
Cookbooks:
Our Best Bites: Mormon Moms in the Kitchen - Sara Wells, Kate Jones
Cooking Light - pretty much any version that's for families, that's quick and easy, and that's tasty
Don't Panic, Dinner's in the Freezer - S Martinez, V Howell, B Garcia (and they also have another one, I think it's Don't Panic, More Dinner's in the Freezer)
The Good Neighbor Cookbook - Sara Quesenberry and Suzanne Schlosberg
No Whine with Dinner - Liz Weiss and Janice Newell Bissex
Books about Running:
Hot Sweaty Mamas - Kara Douglass Thom and Laurie Lethert Kocanda
Mile Markers - Kristin Armstrong
Train Like a Mother - Dimity McDowell and Sara Bowen Shea (coming soon!)
(More books about running on my list, too - but these are the ones that I consider 'musts.')
So, have you read any books lately that I should add to my list? What's on your list - that you may or may not get to read any time soon?
Faith Journey:
Choosing to See - Mary Beth Chapman (just won this in a blog contest!)
Radical - David Platt
Reading for Pleasure:
Eats Shoots and Leaves - Lynne Truss (already have it, just need to read it)
Mennonite in a Little Black Dress - Rhoda Janzen
Eat Pray Love - Elizabeth Gilbert (loved the movie, so I'm pretty well guaranteed to love the book!)
The Help - Kathryn Stockett (just bought it - now slowly working my way through it)
Ten Habits of Happy Mothers - Meg Meeker
Blacks Heels to Tractor Wheels - Ree Drummond
(There are actually about three times more books on this section of the list - usually the cover catches my eye and I jot down the title. But these are the ones that I am most interested in reading. You know, when I have the time.)
Cookbooks:
Our Best Bites: Mormon Moms in the Kitchen - Sara Wells, Kate Jones
Cooking Light - pretty much any version that's for families, that's quick and easy, and that's tasty
Don't Panic, Dinner's in the Freezer - S Martinez, V Howell, B Garcia (and they also have another one, I think it's Don't Panic, More Dinner's in the Freezer)
The Good Neighbor Cookbook - Sara Quesenberry and Suzanne Schlosberg
No Whine with Dinner - Liz Weiss and Janice Newell Bissex
Books about Running:
Hot Sweaty Mamas - Kara Douglass Thom and Laurie Lethert Kocanda
Mile Markers - Kristin Armstrong
Train Like a Mother - Dimity McDowell and Sara Bowen Shea (coming soon!)
(More books about running on my list, too - but these are the ones that I consider 'musts.')
So, have you read any books lately that I should add to my list? What's on your list - that you may or may not get to read any time soon?
Dinosaur upon request
Sorry you have to turn your head to see the dino!
On the left, M's lunch:
Salt-and-lime popcorn - we love the little bags, which we can share between two lunches with a little left over for Mom - or for second breakfast for the not-so-littles
Dino sandwich - one piece of bread + dino sandwich cutter = two nearly matching sandwich halves, onto which I put soy butter and grape jelly, as requested.
Strawberries - to add a bit of variety since I purchased 4 pounds of grapes earlier in the week
Cucumber slices - the 'veggie of the week' plus a few grapes.
I just realized that I packed forks, but forgot to pack napkins. Oops!
One the right, J's lunch:
Turkey and cheese on a everything bagel (his current favorite) - cut in half because I believe a sandwich is better that way
Salt-and-lime popcorn - he got a bigger portion because he's pretty well eating everything in sight right now
Strawberries
Cucumbers with Italian dressing for dipping
A few grapes on top of the fork, because there was room (you know, since I forgot the napkin)
Cashew granola bar for snack time in the afternoon
Each kiddo also got a Thermos filled with water (I love that they choose water!). Stay tuned for the makeover of Miss M's Thermos, coming soon!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Happy Birthday Daddy!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
What I'm Reading
I'm working my may way through Hinds Feet on High Places with an every-other-week study group. I love that I have plenty of time to get through the reading for each session. I also love that it's the perfect time for me to be reading this particular book. And I love that since it's an allegory, I feel kind of smart for enjoying it and understanding it. (Just being honest there....)
We met in small groups for the first time last week, so I'm looking forward to getting to know the ladies in my group a bit more as we continue to meet and study together.
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| image from here |
"Custom" Snack Mix
Today the kids had:
Soybutter and jelly sandwich - Again. By request. (Have I mentioned how sad I am that W@l-M@rt doesn't seem to be carrying their house brand of soybutter anymore?)
Grapes - yum!
Carrot sticks with ranch dressing
"Custom" snack mix - We just toss a few things into that compartment of the lunch box as we pack. Today's mix was Cheez-Its (and I don't care how bad they are for you, they taste so good!), Craisins, Cinnamon Cheerios, and Strawberry Yogurt Cheerios.
Mister J also took a banana for his afternoon snack.
I haven't eaten the cinnamon Cheerios yet, but they sure smelled good. And now I'm hungry, so I think that's what I'll have for lunch.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Jonah's EB Auction
OK, folks - it's starting tomorrow night! Be there or be ... Well, you know!
You don't want to miss Jonah's EB Auction!
There are lots of awesome items up for auction (I've got several on my radar), and here are the details (shamefully lifted straight from their blog):
And, as I've said before, if you haven't met Jonah, Patrice, and Matt - get thee to their blog posthaste! When she's not getting Radical, showing off her too-stinkin-cute Jonut, and fundraising for DebRA, you can find Patrice here, too.
You don't want to miss Jonah's EB Auction!
There are lots of awesome items up for auction (I've got several on my radar), and here are the details (shamefully lifted straight from their blog):
What: An ONLINE auction to raise money for EB research and advocacy (all proceeds go to DebRA)
When: Thursday February 24th @ 8pm until Sunday February 27th @ 8pm
Where: Right here at www.jonahsebauction.blogspot.com! You can bid on lots of fabulous items from the comfort of your own living room!! If you want to see how bidding will work (or get a little practice bidding for your favorite item!) you can do so here.
When: Thursday February 24th @ 8pm until Sunday February 27th @ 8pm
Where: Right here at www.jonahsebauction.blogspot.com! You can bid on lots of fabulous items from the comfort of your own living room!! If you want to see how bidding will work (or get a little practice bidding for your favorite item!) you can do so here.
And, as I've said before, if you haven't met Jonah, Patrice, and Matt - get thee to their blog posthaste! When she's not getting Radical, showing off her too-stinkin-cute Jonut, and fundraising for DebRA, you can find Patrice here, too.
Packed in a hurry
Soy butter and jelly sandwich
Tangy Carolina Barbeque chips (so good!)
Carrot sticks (no dip for Miss M, hummus for Mister J)
Sliced up mozzarella cheese stick and craisins
Mister J also got a clemetine for his afternoon snack
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Thursday, February 17, 2011
My Week - and I'm still Thankful (also Thursday Thanks Tank #25)
It's been an interesting one, for sure, but I still have a lot for which to be thankful.
We had lunch at school with the kids on Monday. Our Valentine treat to them was bringing in Chick-Fil-A! With the "lunch in the classroom" arrangement of their school, we aren't sitting in front of the preschool or K1 classes with our 'special' lunch - we get them from their classrooms all sit together at a special table. We typically have some really fun family time when we do this, and Monday was no exception. Have I mentioned this is a great treat for Mommy, too? No lunches to pack! And with the "free milkshake when you buy two meals" special that was running that day, Daddy got his favorite cookies-n-cream shake for dessert! Thankful for a fun Valentine's Day (even though I forgot to get pictures)!
The interesting part of the week started when I picked the kids up from school that afternoon. Miss M, who'd been feeling great at lunch, had a sore throat and her voice was hoarse and squeaky-sounding just a few hours later. As a precaution, I took her to the pediatrician on Tuesday. Turned out just to be a virus (thankfully!), but since she had laryngitis she also needed vocal rest. Miss M on vocal rest? That's funny. So I kept her home on Wednesday as well - to be sure she didn't make things worse before her class field trip on Thursday.
Did I mention that I was scheduled to chaperone the field trip? And did I mention that around midnight Wednesday night/Thursday morning Miss M vomited? On the carpet? And that we are scheduled for company this weekend?
Both kids woke up due to the ... event. Which resulted in midnight bath time and early a.m. laundry. And also carpet cleaning - as well as I could, at least, for something that really needed professional attention.... Thankful that Mister J got back to sleep pretty quickly and that the guest room was easily made ready for Miss M to relocate for the night (that's not always a guarantee, especially when clothing exchange season is on the horizon!).
Big J saved the day by working from home since Miss M could not go to school and arranging for the carpet to be cleaned approximately 12 hours after the event. (Rock star, he is!) Miss M woke up on time, hungry, and wanting to limbo (I'm not joking). It wasn't a stomach bug, just a case of church supper not sitting well. Thankful on all of those counts, too!
I still chaperoned the trip, which was a good thing since two of Miss M's classmates got sick while we were there. Then I came home and cleared out Miss M's room and the landing at the top of the stairs so the carpet could be cleaned. I figure if it's getting cleaned, then we might as well have it cleaned to the corners! So thankful for a local company that can come out and clean carpets on the same day you call. They were already near our neighborhood. Also, the cost was less than we expected - the bonus for being a repeat customer (yes, there have been other carpet cat-tastrophes - not a typo).
With all of these surprises, I've managed to stay relatively calm - surprising even to me! How am I maintaining my sanity? Perhaps yesterday's walk with a friend was preventative medicine. I'm so thankful for that spur-of-the-moment opportunity! Now if I just had some spur-of-the-moment movers to help me get the upstairs back in order.... :)
We had lunch at school with the kids on Monday. Our Valentine treat to them was bringing in Chick-Fil-A! With the "lunch in the classroom" arrangement of their school, we aren't sitting in front of the preschool or K1 classes with our 'special' lunch - we get them from their classrooms all sit together at a special table. We typically have some really fun family time when we do this, and Monday was no exception. Have I mentioned this is a great treat for Mommy, too? No lunches to pack! And with the "free milkshake when you buy two meals" special that was running that day, Daddy got his favorite cookies-n-cream shake for dessert! Thankful for a fun Valentine's Day (even though I forgot to get pictures)!
The interesting part of the week started when I picked the kids up from school that afternoon. Miss M, who'd been feeling great at lunch, had a sore throat and her voice was hoarse and squeaky-sounding just a few hours later. As a precaution, I took her to the pediatrician on Tuesday. Turned out just to be a virus (thankfully!), but since she had laryngitis she also needed vocal rest. Miss M on vocal rest? That's funny. So I kept her home on Wednesday as well - to be sure she didn't make things worse before her class field trip on Thursday.
Did I mention that I was scheduled to chaperone the field trip? And did I mention that around midnight Wednesday night/Thursday morning Miss M vomited? On the carpet? And that we are scheduled for company this weekend?
Both kids woke up due to the ... event. Which resulted in midnight bath time and early a.m. laundry. And also carpet cleaning - as well as I could, at least, for something that really needed professional attention.... Thankful that Mister J got back to sleep pretty quickly and that the guest room was easily made ready for Miss M to relocate for the night (that's not always a guarantee, especially when clothing exchange season is on the horizon!).
Big J saved the day by working from home since Miss M could not go to school and arranging for the carpet to be cleaned approximately 12 hours after the event. (Rock star, he is!) Miss M woke up on time, hungry, and wanting to limbo (I'm not joking). It wasn't a stomach bug, just a case of church supper not sitting well. Thankful on all of those counts, too!
I still chaperoned the trip, which was a good thing since two of Miss M's classmates got sick while we were there. Then I came home and cleared out Miss M's room and the landing at the top of the stairs so the carpet could be cleaned. I figure if it's getting cleaned, then we might as well have it cleaned to the corners! So thankful for a local company that can come out and clean carpets on the same day you call. They were already near our neighborhood. Also, the cost was less than we expected - the bonus for being a repeat customer (yes, there have been other carpet cat-tastrophes - not a typo).
With all of these surprises, I've managed to stay relatively calm - surprising even to me! How am I maintaining my sanity? Perhaps yesterday's walk with a friend was preventative medicine. I'm so thankful for that spur-of-the-moment opportunity! Now if I just had some spur-of-the-moment movers to help me get the upstairs back in order.... :)
Monday, February 14, 2011
Valentine's Day!
We did things a little differently around here for Valentine's Day 2011 - no gifts! And we still had a lovely day!
In the past, I've gotten the kids books or music - usually something small - to celebrate. I think I spent the most ever for Valentine's Day last year - I spent about $35 on two beanbags for the kids' rooms. It was usually around $16 for childrens' books in previous years.
Today, I spent about $25 - on all four of us! I brought Chick-Fil-A lunch to school, Daddy met us there, and we all had lunch together. It was actually a nice bit of family time, since we get to eat a table away from the activity of lunch in the classrooms. The kids are always excited to have us come for lunch, I got a day off from packing lunches, and Daddy got a cookies-n-cream milkshake for his treat! (CFA was running a buy-two-combos-get-a-shake special today!)
Also - the weather was gorgeous today, and the next session of 5K training began this evening. My goal is an all-running 5K in the spring, and I ran 1.25 miles tonight - no intervals! That's the longest distance I've ever gone without intervals - woohoo!
Of course, it wasn't all sunshine and running shoes today.... Miss M came home from school sounding very hoarse and even a bit squeaky (sad face). Mister J has had a nagging cough, too. So, with both kiddos sick, there was no basketball practice for Mister J tonight. Miss M will be home with me tomorrow, and we've had to cancel our after-school doughnut date with a friend. (sigh)
That's just life, though, you know? Thankful that I've got these three to share it with - the ups and the downs.
In the past, I've gotten the kids books or music - usually something small - to celebrate. I think I spent the most ever for Valentine's Day last year - I spent about $35 on two beanbags for the kids' rooms. It was usually around $16 for childrens' books in previous years.
Today, I spent about $25 - on all four of us! I brought Chick-Fil-A lunch to school, Daddy met us there, and we all had lunch together. It was actually a nice bit of family time, since we get to eat a table away from the activity of lunch in the classrooms. The kids are always excited to have us come for lunch, I got a day off from packing lunches, and Daddy got a cookies-n-cream milkshake for his treat! (CFA was running a buy-two-combos-get-a-shake special today!)
Also - the weather was gorgeous today, and the next session of 5K training began this evening. My goal is an all-running 5K in the spring, and I ran 1.25 miles tonight - no intervals! That's the longest distance I've ever gone without intervals - woohoo!
Of course, it wasn't all sunshine and running shoes today.... Miss M came home from school sounding very hoarse and even a bit squeaky (sad face). Mister J has had a nagging cough, too. So, with both kiddos sick, there was no basketball practice for Mister J tonight. Miss M will be home with me tomorrow, and we've had to cancel our after-school doughnut date with a friend. (sigh)
That's just life, though, you know? Thankful that I've got these three to share it with - the ups and the downs.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Hope for Anton
My bloggy friend, Patrice, has embarked upon a mission to change the life of a little boy - and she needs your help.
Please go here to see how her mission began. Here, here, and here to read a bit more. And here to see more ways you can help. (Passionate? Yep. And it's infectious - in a good way!)
And, while she's doing all of this, she's also celebrating her own little boy's birthday in a spectacular way.
If you haven't "met" Jonah, Patrice, and Matt, you really owe it to yourself to hop on over and say hello.
I'm planning a bit of blog silence for a few days, but I'll be back to promote Jonah's EB Auction!
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| This is Anton. He has Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa. |
Please go here to see how her mission began. Here, here, and here to read a bit more. And here to see more ways you can help. (Passionate? Yep. And it's infectious - in a good way!)
And, while she's doing all of this, she's also celebrating her own little boy's birthday in a spectacular way.
If you haven't "met" Jonah, Patrice, and Matt, you really owe it to yourself to hop on over and say hello.
I'm planning a bit of blog silence for a few days, but I'll be back to promote Jonah's EB Auction!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Mmmmm......
Pink box - salt and lime popcorn, applesauce, carrots, crackers with mozzerella slices (just a sliced-in-circles cheese stick) and mini turkey pepperoni, strawberry heart marshmallows
Blue box - cinnamon-raisin bagel with cream cheese, mozzerella slices, salt and lime popcorn, apple sauce, carrots with dip, strawberry heart marshmallows
Boo on the pre-packaged applesauce - but at least the preschool classes reuse the cups, and the K-1s collect and recycle them. I did remember to tuck a spoon under the marshmallows after I snapped the photos!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Calling It Like She Sees It
We aren't big sports fans around here, but we do watch the Super Bowl - for the commercials. I doubt that's a new idea to you, though most folks probably watch the game, too.
A good friend of mine is blogging about the Super Bowl today, with a perspective you might never have considered. Stop by and see what's on her mind today.
A good friend of mine is blogging about the Super Bowl today, with a perspective you might never have considered. Stop by and see what's on her mind today.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Bagels and Blueberries
On the left - Mister J's lunch. Blueberries, carrots with dip, strawberry heart marshmallows in the flatware section, and a Costco-sized cinnamon-raisin bagel with cream cheese. He added a container with Cheez-Its and craisins for snack time.
On the right - Miss M's lunch. Half of a Costco-sized wheat bagel with a slice of American cheese, blueberries, celery with dip, a few Cheez-Its, and strawberry marshmallows.
Two things pictured above I wish I could remove from our diet? American cheese and Cheez-Its. The one I don't think I can even part with (though I can reduce my consumption)? The Cheez-Its. And no, nothing else melts on a grilled cheese like American, but I can pass it up for something healthier (and tastier).
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Adventure Girl!
I love my adventure girl!
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Friday, January 28, 2011
Fun Lunches
Cucumbers and carrots; crackers; cheese (cheddar and provelone), turkey and mini pepperoni on picks; strawberries, ranch dip for veggies
Right - Miss M's box - also clockwise from top left:
Popcorn; crackers, pepperoni, turkey, cheese; strawberries; celery and ranch dip
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Doesn't Take Much to Make Me Happy
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
One of These Things is Not Like the Other Ones
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Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Green Lunch
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Swim Day Lunches
Turkey and cheese on picks (extra meat below the picks in Mister J's lunch), multi-grain crackers, carrots with dip, blueberries. Water to drink.
Post-school day update: Mister J's box came home empty, Miss M didn't like the new crackers :(
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Welcome, 2011!
This New Year's was the first time our kids stayed up to ring in the New Year. A couple of days ago, Mister J asked if he and Miss M could "stay up to say Happy New Year," and we agreed. So we planned a kid-friendly celebration - 'party food' for dinner and a cake for dessert (Miss M's request, because every party needs a cake!). On Friday afternoon, we received an invite from our friends who were also planning a family-friendly celebration and invited us to join. So - we packed up our six-layer dip (oops - I forgot a layer!) and chips, the cake (funfetti with chocolate funfetti frosting), a pitcher of sweet tea, and grabbed a pizza on the way over.
We had a great time! The kids enjoyed some time to play with friends, the adults enjoyed conversation, laughs, and a round of Cranium. Big J made me hum one of the music clues - even though he's the musically-inclined one in the family - so of course everyone at the table knew the song I was humming except him. That's ok, we got a good laugh! There was also the sketched clue that I drew - everyone wondered why I could possibly be drawing a hairy heart. The answer was actually heartburn, and those were flames....
We counted down to midnight with the kiddos, said our goodbyes shortly after, and had the kids in bed around 1:15am.
2010 really flew by for me. I think it's one of the "fastest" years I've ever had. I feel like it was just October, and suddenly Christmas was here and now it's a new year. While the days have flown by in a whirlwind, I have spent a bit of time thinking about some changes - really, just one change - that I want to make in the new year. We are working on it already, but I really want to focus even more on our family and our relationships with others. I want us to be more intentional about taking care of ourselves (individually and as a family) and about reaching out to others. This really isn't something that comes easily for me - because it usually means saying, "No," to exciting opportunities - but I want a good balance in my life, and I need to regain that by coming back to the center, to what's really important. For now, that means making our home a comfortable, uncluttered space that works for us, intentionally planning family time, making time for dates with my hubby, and (hopefully) catching up on our scrapbooks. Those are all pretty tall orders - each of them will take work - but I'm looking forward to it. And because they will take work, that probably means that posts here will continue to be infrequent and unpredictable. They'll have fewer photos to no photos as all (I totally forgot to take photos of any of today's preparations or of the time we spent with our friends).
I do hope that each of you will continue to stop by the blog and see what we are up to. Mister J has a 3rd loose tooth. I'm continuing 5K training in the spring (to improve speed and endurance) with an eye on even more training in the summer. Miss M is in her 2nd year of dance, and wants to be a Daisy Scout so bad she can't stand it (but that's not until next school year). Mister J continues to work hard for our family and recently helped us reach Baby Step 3. I'll keep blogging about all of this - and more - but probably less about lunches and other 'non-milestone' events. All in keeping with my desire to be more intentional about time spent with my family. I'll keep you posted on our progress in 2011!
Happy New Year!
We had a great time! The kids enjoyed some time to play with friends, the adults enjoyed conversation, laughs, and a round of Cranium. Big J made me hum one of the music clues - even though he's the musically-inclined one in the family - so of course everyone at the table knew the song I was humming except him. That's ok, we got a good laugh! There was also the sketched clue that I drew - everyone wondered why I could possibly be drawing a hairy heart. The answer was actually heartburn, and those were flames....
We counted down to midnight with the kiddos, said our goodbyes shortly after, and had the kids in bed around 1:15am.
2010 really flew by for me. I think it's one of the "fastest" years I've ever had. I feel like it was just October, and suddenly Christmas was here and now it's a new year. While the days have flown by in a whirlwind, I have spent a bit of time thinking about some changes - really, just one change - that I want to make in the new year. We are working on it already, but I really want to focus even more on our family and our relationships with others. I want us to be more intentional about taking care of ourselves (individually and as a family) and about reaching out to others. This really isn't something that comes easily for me - because it usually means saying, "No," to exciting opportunities - but I want a good balance in my life, and I need to regain that by coming back to the center, to what's really important. For now, that means making our home a comfortable, uncluttered space that works for us, intentionally planning family time, making time for dates with my hubby, and (hopefully) catching up on our scrapbooks. Those are all pretty tall orders - each of them will take work - but I'm looking forward to it. And because they will take work, that probably means that posts here will continue to be infrequent and unpredictable. They'll have fewer photos to no photos as all (I totally forgot to take photos of any of today's preparations or of the time we spent with our friends).
I do hope that each of you will continue to stop by the blog and see what we are up to. Mister J has a 3rd loose tooth. I'm continuing 5K training in the spring (to improve speed and endurance) with an eye on even more training in the summer. Miss M is in her 2nd year of dance, and wants to be a Daisy Scout so bad she can't stand it (but that's not until next school year). Mister J continues to work hard for our family and recently helped us reach Baby Step 3. I'll keep blogging about all of this - and more - but probably less about lunches and other 'non-milestone' events. All in keeping with my desire to be more intentional about time spent with my family. I'll keep you posted on our progress in 2011!
Happy New Year!
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