tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128480872024-03-12T19:09:00.702-07:00Mom's the Word!Mom's The Word!
My day-to-day minutia of being a Stay-at-Home-Mommy to the most wonderful & crazy kiddos in the entire world.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.comBlogger612125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12848087.post-7745835626435112592009-10-02T14:33:00.000-07:002009-10-02T14:57:36.256-07:00Onward, and upward!I read something recently that gave me pause.<br /><br />"You are becoming the parent you are now." <br /><br />I realize that I need to refocus on the most important things... celebrate the little things, enjoy this time to the fullest, because it is zipping by faster than I could ever had imagined.<br /><br />I have had some time lately to reflect on things, and internally reorganize my priorities. <br /><br />I am constantly worrying about things, and I am going to work on trying to push some of that stuff into the background. Work on being more positive. More present. More balanced. Just more me.<br /><br />So... I'm moving blogs. If anyone even still reads... or even still cares. It's time. To leave this blog behind... and start again fresh, new. Obviously, I am more than just "Tjsmommy" now. <br /><br /> I am still working on importing my old entries - just to have them in one place - I need to get it looking the way I want and then I should be regularly updating again soon.<br /><br />So, if you want to know my new whereabouts... just comment and I will see you on the flip side.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12848087.post-69223215363090708512009-09-23T14:21:00.000-07:002009-09-23T14:23:04.359-07:00We're going to Disneyland!!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/23/472.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/23/s_472.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='219' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12848087.post-50828239819905676412009-08-14T09:55:00.001-07:002009-08-14T09:55:15.391-07:00Depleted<br />I don't quite know where to start... This may sound whiny and self-indulgent... But I really don't care. I don't like me right now. I see patterns emerging from my own childhood... Words are flung around in the heat of parental frustration... things I am immediately sorry have escaped my lips. Tones used, shouting, yelling... Perpetual scowl lines etched into my forehead. Not enough real interaction...<br /><br /> I feel neglectful of them, of him, the upkeep of our home, of myself. Going through the motions... Not proud of myself. I don't know when this funk started, or when or how it will go away. I feel flat, frustrated, empty, negative... Unbalanced. In disarray. 16 months is too long for postpartum depression, right?<br /><br /> I think I have been in denial. Short of going on medication, I don't know what else to do. I have two gorgeous children, the sweetest husband, a beautiful home. I know these days of my children's youth are precious and few. I don't want to squander these days. I don't want to resent them... To look forward only to the silence at the very end of the day, once they finally drift off to sleep. I want to be present, fun, whimsical, reasonable, hopeful. I just want to be me again. <br />Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12848087.post-83880864110972093712009-07-10T08:44:00.001-07:002009-07-10T08:44:24.566-07:00And again...<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="260" height="146" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=c94a59e1ae&photo_id=3706353780&flickr_show_info_box=true"></param> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377"></param> <param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=c94a59e1ae&photo_id=3706353780&flickr_show_info_box=true" height="146" width="260"></embed></object><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tjsmomma/3706353780/">And again...</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/tjsmomma/">tjsmommabear</a></span></div>Trying unsuccessfully to get Ashley to use her newest word "hungry". Of course, as soon as the video was over she said it a bunch of times!<br clear="all" />Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12848087.post-85412339581179134172009-07-08T17:34:00.000-07:002009-07-08T17:41:50.934-07:00This may save my blog yet...Seriously. I just got the <a href="http://blogpress.coollittlethings.com/">BlogPress</a> app. It's not perfect... but for $3.00 it works. So now I can blog while out and about.... Chasing Baby Girl around and trying to keep her safe from herself. The climbing everything in sight thing is getting pretty effing old. Wish me luck trying to keep her out of the ER and me out of the Nuthouse. <br />Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12848087.post-90728719387779589912009-07-03T15:32:00.001-07:002009-07-03T15:32:39.653-07:00FOB2Y<table width=350 align=center border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2><tr><td bgcolor="#EEEEEE" align=center><br /><font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif" style='color:black; font-size: 14pt;'><br /><strong>You Are a Green Smoothie</strong><br /></font></td></tr><br /><tr><td bgcolor="#FFFFFF"><br /><center><img src="http://www.blogthingsimages.com/whatflavorsmoothieareyouquiz/green-smoothie.jpg" height="100" width="100"></center><br /><font color="#000000"><br />You are a conscientious, health oriented person. You like fresh, whole foods.<br /><br />You have an open mind about life. You enjoy all sorts of things, and you're not picky.<br /><br /><br /><br />In fact, you believe the best things in life tend to be underrated or a bit intimidating.<br /><br />You are bold and daring. You enjoy taking risks and living life to the fullest.<br /></font></td></tr></table><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://blogthings.com/whatflavorsmoothieareyouquiz/">What Flavor Smoothie Are You?</a></div>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12848087.post-85278201934750980712009-07-02T22:21:00.001-07:002009-07-02T22:21:49.551-07:00Chatty Ashley....<object width="400" height="224" ><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://www.facebook.com/v/122196585209" /><embed src="http://www.facebook.com/v/122196585209" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="224"></embed></object>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12848087.post-43780578973466299762009-06-28T10:25:00.000-07:002009-06-28T10:43:28.250-07:00Housewife? Ha!Well, obviously I am slacking at this whole blogging thing... life is too busy yet reasonably mundane. Nothing terribly exciting, I suppose. Day-to-day tasks... shuttling Travis the 30-some miles (one-way)to daycamp 3 days a week leaving by 9:15 to make it by 10:00... taking A to the mommy-and-me baby classes...grocery shopping, coffee, etc. Home by 3 or 4 those days. Sometimes they nap on the way home. <br /><br /> Weekends are family time, trips to the amusement parks, etc. Spending way too much money eating out - you know - normal stuff.<br /><br />Ashley is running full-bore into terrible twos mode... and the crazy screaming thing she started doing seriously drives me... well... crazy!<br /><br />She also climbs things. The dining room table, for instance, on top of the computer desk. This morning I found her sitting in the planter outside pulling up my herbs.<br /><br />Lately, play dough for 5-10 minutes 4ish times a day safely strapped in her high chair (kinda) is the only way I can get ANY little tasks done... lunch made, dishwasher unloaded, etc.<br /><br />And, so...the to-do-list never gets any smaller.<br /><br />Laundry never gets fully done. Washed, yes, most times. Sorted, folded? Sigh... I need a better system.... ANY system. Chores? Mimimally surface-scratched done. I pick and choose battles. Triage the worst things, ignore the rest as long as possible. The bathrooms get cleaned often... we always seem to have dishes in the sink and a full load running in the dishwasher. The van is always cluttered, and needs a both wash, and a servicing, but that's a story for another paycheck.<br /><br /> I am a FlyLady drop-out many times over. <br /><br />But I made a kick-ass coffee cake for breakfast this morning. Laundry is going...And I will shower today... so that it automatically a win for today, right?Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12848087.post-10006408543888241152009-06-10T20:21:00.000-07:002009-06-10T20:45:49.239-07:00Leavin' on a (notsomuch) Jet PlaneLeaving tomorrow with Ashley to visit my dear friend Samantha in Phoenix until Sunday. It is going to kick major ass! We are like mama soul-mates. And we have not seen each other in waaaaay too long. Travis and her little girl Elana played together when they were wee little things... from 3 months old until they were almost 3. We were all inseparable. And then. Separation happened... completely out of our control... and I have felt a piece of my heart missing ever since. <br /><br />I can't wait to take a few days out, and relax, catch up, and hang out. And Travis will have the best time watching Up with his Daddy, going to the amusement parks, and eating treaty yummy things with daddy.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12848087.post-64695964955675391332009-05-29T12:09:00.001-07:002009-05-29T12:09:57.084-07:00Kiddos playing around<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="260" height="146" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=644bb3f684&photo_id=3576798110&flickr_show_info_box=true"></param> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377"></param> <param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=644bb3f684&photo_id=3576798110&flickr_show_info_box=true" height="146" width="260"></embed></object><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tjsmomma/3576798110/">Kiddos playing around</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/tjsmomma/">tjsmommabear</a></span></div>For once they are not terrorizing each other... ;)<br clear="all" />Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12848087.post-21318880559011700912009-05-26T08:35:00.000-07:002009-05-26T09:26:21.783-07:00Paradigm shiftIt's been blog-neglect 'round these parts lately... <br /><br />I can assure you stuff and things have been happening...<br /><br />Board books are being read... ad infinitum...<br /><br />Pictures are being taken. We just got a brand new point and shoot Canon for those situations where lugging out the Rebel just seems like a bit too much.<br /><br />We have secured season passes to the amusements parks... so we spent last Saturday at Great America and this one at Gilroy Gardens.<br /><br />I am really working on the whole patience thing. Really. The stress I have in my head at any given time would make your head spin. Well, it does me... it also can cause heart palpitations and panic attacks. Like yesterday when I flipped out over a (minor - really it was) flat tire. Ugh. It is a process, right?<br /><br />Baby Girl continues to amaze me daily with her sweetness, love, intelligence, persistence and insanity. She learned how to climb up on the couches and recliner... and now tries to stand UP on them and rock or run across them. So, she also now spends a large part of her day trying to give me a heart attack (see above).<br /><br />She also doles out hugs and kisses like candy. She picks up objects that are almost her own size (18 pounds at 14 months.... she's a wee thing) and walks around with them. She has figured out how to operate our fancy motion-sensor trash can... and chucks toys an bits of paper in there every chance she gets.<br /><br />She has NO fear. I mean it. NONE. She will run full-speed into the ocean or toward the down escalator without a second thought. She stands up in shopping carts or high chairs... even while buckled in. Cause since she can still wear 3-6 month clothes, no straps can contain her tightly enough to keep her from wiggling. We have a Floppy Seat from T's babyhood... and the strap is even tied to give her less slack. Nope, doesn't work. The Eddie Bauer high chair at home is no match for Danger Baby. We've become very adept at eating our meals one-handed, while keeping a firm grip around one of her ankles lest she launch herself out of the highchair and onto the floor.<br /><br />Travis is... well... he is 4 1/2! Like every bit 4 1/2!!!!! He frustrates, amazes, and entertains us daily.<br /><br />He is a bundle of energy... a cosmic force to be reckoned with. He is impulsive, compulsive, and bright. <br /><br />He can navigate a computer with ease... his mouse clicking abilities amaze and astound. He can argue like a defense attorney... and he does... Every. Single. Chance. He. Gets. He believes in the power of persuasion... meaning if he repeats his wants over and over and over.... they will come to fruition. He is highly irrational, illogical, and overall.... just perfect.<br /><br />We have him signed up beginning next week for day camp.... and it will be 3 hours a day/3 days a week... I am hoping against hope that he handles it well... and doesn't get himself kicked out. <br /><br />I am happy to report that our inter district transfer was approved by our home district, and the school we wanted accepted our transfer. He actually gets screened today to see whether he will do better in Kinder or the 2 year Kinder-Plus program. He's a younger kid... will turn 5 in November... and has not had the benefit of social interactions of pre-school. His fine motor skills are a bit behind (from what I understand at least)not all that interested in coloring, drawing, not able to cut with scissors, glue or paint sends him into convulsions of "gooey hands!" "it's sticky!" I need to wash them riiiight now!!"<br /><br />Ugh... don't even get me started on the monumental task of getting him to wipe his own butt! If he gets anything on his hands, he flips out. He abandons the task of wiping mid-stream. He HAS to stop and wash his hands... And he doesn't dry them all that well, and then he still needs to finish wiping - with damp hands and poopy butt and soggy toilet paper.... I think my head just exploded.<br /><br /><br />Yeah... well... we are really trying to impress upon him that he just needs to buck up and finish the job, poopy hands or no, and wash his hands at the VERY end. (heh, get it... END!!) <br /><br />Anyyyyway.<br /><br />I am renewing my efforts to get healthy, both mentally and physically... to be the best mom I can be each given day. And to try and quiet the voice in my head that says I am screwing it up, or need to be perfect. Cause I am not. My house is messy, laundry is unfolded. I lose my patience to easily, don't exercise... need to remember that my kids are KIDS and not mini-adults. I need to relax my expectations for myself and just enjoy this time as much as possible. I need to remind myself I will be a great mom, a good-enough cook, and a terrible housekeeper some days... and on those days where I am a good-enough mom, and a great house keeper, we will most likely get Costco pizza for dinner.<br /><br />I know that some days the priorities will shift. But for now... the world will not spin off its axis if there is unfolded laundry in the living room, clutter in the van, or non-organic bananas in the fruit bowl. (well, maybe a just little bit on the bananas...) Compromise, balance... calmness. I know it's possible... people do it all the time. And without medication. It's about time I join the ranks.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12848087.post-10700056106222213532009-04-27T10:26:00.001-07:002009-04-27T10:26:23.218-07:00Crazy Monkey Girl!<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="260" height="146" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=41990e6d65&photo_id=3480682714&flickr_show_info_box=true"></param> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377"></param> <param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=41990e6d65&photo_id=3480682714&flickr_show_info_box=true" height="146" width="260"></embed></object><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tjsmomma/3480682714/">Crazy Monkey Girl!</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/tjsmomma/">tjsmommabear</a></span></div>I ordered clear mesh that I plan on attaching with zip-ties to thwart these new antics!<br clear="all" />Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12848087.post-66461202882361820172009-04-22T21:23:00.000-07:002009-04-22T09:23:27.339-07:00Not a treehugger... but getting a wee bit closer.Hey! It's Earth Day! :) <br /><br />I have been compiling this mental list of things we've done over this last year to be more Earth Friendly and Environmentally Aware. Most things also have the added bonus of saving some money so, win-win! :)<br /><br />Now that we have a house, with our own laundry, I was able to make a major switch. Ashley is cloth diapered 50-75% of the time - also using cloth wipes the majority of the time. We usually use disposables when we go out of the house (don't want to deal with transporting icky diapers back home)and also we use them overnight since we co-sleep, and want our bed to stay clean and dry. I realize there is wool for overnights, and storing diapes in wetbags for dirties, but this just works for us right now. <br /><br />Speaking of laundry, we bought a High-Efficiency washer and dryer when we bought the house. I do diaper laundry 2 times a week, and it uses considerably less water, gas, and electricity that a non HE model. Even though I run a cold rinse/drain, followed by 2 full hot cycles - it still uses the same amount or less water than a single cycle would in a top loader. <br /><br />We only use HE detergent which has the added benefit (since you use less per load) of lasting longer.<br /><br />As for detergents, we use Ecos (for day-to-day laundry) or 7th Generation (I only use this for diapers, as it's more $$) but it has no optical brighteners, fabric softener, or other stuff that can break down or leave residue cloth diapers and covers.<br /><br />Both detergents are earth-friendly, phosphate-free, and made from non-toxic, plant-based, natural ingredients.<br /><br />We are a bleach-free family. I opt instead for natural-based OXO BRITE to deal with laundry stains. As for diaper stains, there is the old-fashioned line drying in the sun (which bleaches stains) - it's free, natural, and effective!<br /><br /><br />I use only Method Cleansers or Mrs. Meyer's for day-to-day our cleaning... kitchen, bathrooms, wood furniture cleaning, etc. <br /><br />I also use vinegar for cleaning. It's got anti-bacterial properties, and helps with hard water mineral deposits.<br /><br />I admit to using Lysol toilet cleanser - it is the only chemical-based household cleansing agent I use, and I don't know of any way around that at the moment. We have hard water and low-flow toilets. The combination cause really unsightly blackish stains, discoloration, and build-up in our bowls. The Lysol cleanser is the only thing I have found that combats it. <br /><br />I use microfiber towels for dusting, cleaning bathrooms, and glass, and mirrors. We have a microfiber mop as well. After cleaning, the go right into the washer. <br /><br />We are scaling back our paper towel usage, but that is a hard one with 2 little people who make big messes.<br /><br />My dad recently bought me a Shark Steam mop, which even though it's electric, saves me from having to even use the Method stuff on the floors. It uses only water for cleaning. And with 1100 square feet of hard floors, every little bit helps!<br /><br />We bought a fake tree for Christmas this year, and replaced our old strings of lights LED lights.<br /><br />We bring our own bags whenever possible. (Remembering them is a matter of putting them on the doorknob <span style="font-style:italic;">right</span> after they are emptied so they make it back out to the car the next trip out.)<br /><br />We have almost completely cut out buying water in plastic bottles. I used to clear out my car and it would be filled with empties.<br /><br />I have also been researching composting and eliminating some or all of our lawn in favor of low-water, no-mow options. As it is,we only water by hand right now since our sprinker valve needs to be replaced. <br /><br />By no means are we perfect... we definately have a lot of room for improvments/refinement. We still forget our reusable bags in the car, use too many paper towels, and have a 4 year old that loves to flush the toilet, even after just one pee. But it's little things that add up!Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12848087.post-22498909609835670462009-04-09T08:21:00.000-07:002009-04-09T09:24:10.145-07:001 year....Ashley is 1 year old!!! It's crazy! We had our 12 month Pediatric visit yesterday. She is 17 lbs, 4 oz, and 29 inches long. Travis was her size at 5 months!! But, he also din't crawl or walk anywhere near as early as she has. <br /><br /><br />She is my sweet littles... and depending on the brand, she can still wear 0-3 onesie-type things, or 9-12 month type things - with varying degrees of hugeness on her, depending on if she's wearing cloth vs. disposable diper. She's still in the Medium Fuzzibunz, and the one-size pockets I got her are snapped at the smallest size for the waist, and the second smallest for the leg (so she can walk around without chafting.)<br /><br />During our Doc visit, she walked around the room, climbed up repeatedly on the step to get onto the exam table, tried to pull herself completely onto an adult-sized chair (and nearly did it!) She literally would not stop moving for a second! Dr. H remarked he felt sorry for me for having to try and keep up with her. LOL! So, yeah.... this is why she's so petite... she burns of 87,000,000 calories a day getting into mischief.<br /><br />She also loves all things carbs. My child? Yes!! She eats Trader Joes Os like they are going outta style. Crackers, Os, Puffs, Bananas, Bread, and most recently, croissants, all top the list of things she will eat without much of a fuss. <br /><br />Dairy is really iffy... causing havoc at times with her... Although I made her a grilled cheese the other night (Deceptively Delicious Style) but on a croissant (cause I realized I bought the nut-filled bread)and she ate it up without too much issue to her system, besides being a little gassier than usual. Fruits (besides bananas) and veggies are tough to get her to eat these days. So it looks like I am going to have to resort to some sneaky tactics in addition to offering her the actual fruit.<br /><br />She says: "mama" "dada" "brother" "cracker" "yeah!yeah!yeah!" "yaya" (water)<br />She also signs "diaper change" "more" "Ohs" (thumb and pointer to make an O) "bird" "milk" "eat" and waves bye-bye, last time we went to the Aquarium, she made the fish sign after only being shown a couple of times.<br /><br />It's still hard to believe my little Buttercup of Love is 1!Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12848087.post-46721540041579933922009-04-06T11:51:00.001-07:002009-04-06T11:51:35.342-07:00Birthday Baby in a bag!<style type="text/css">.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; }</style><div class="flickr-frame"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tjsmomma/3418159171/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3650/3418159171_2fdec6a823.jpg" class="flickr-photo" alt="" /></a><br /> <span class="flickr-caption"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tjsmomma/3418159171/">Birthday Baby in a bag!</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/tjsmomma/">tjsmommabear</a>.</span></div> <p class="flickr-yourcomment"> Happy 1st Birthday Buttercups of love!!</p>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12848087.post-15785304063083614432009-03-30T09:06:00.000-07:002009-03-30T09:09:39.153-07:00Because I just can't make this stuff up...Travis just woke up, and requested Disney shows. While watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, he says. "Mommy! My penis is a circle! <br /><br />Um... ok, what are they teaching you on that show, kiddo?!Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12848087.post-50766481606705981732009-03-23T14:06:00.000-07:002009-03-23T15:20:42.473-07:00Menu Plan Monday...I know I have long been slacking on the menu plan posting... and actually over-all on some weight-loss front stuff. I am still losing weight here and there... it has tapered off considerably... because I can't yet get much walking in with the two crazy kiddos. But, I am okay with that. Almost all my clothes are too big again... and my pants are always falling off my ass. Hubby says I just need a belt, heh.<br /><br />I have been doing smoothies for breakfast lately. I like them, they are quick, easily customized, and even T likes them... oblivious that his oft-protested <a href="http://www.nordicnaturals.com/en/Products/Product_Details/98/?ProdID=1442">Children's DHA</a> is cleverly blended in among the frozen blueberries, strawberries and bananas and yogurt. (The oil is strawberry flavored - and although I can taste it, I am not bothered by it.)<br /><br />So... this week's menu follows... heavily influenced by the arrival of my new Everyday Food Magazine. I just lurve that mag... I have been getting it since they started... and Martha never disappoints! <br /><br />Monday:<br />Quick chicken Pad Thai (from America's Test Kitchen Fresh & Fast recipe cards 2007)<br />stir-fried broccoli<br /><br />Tuesday:<br /><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.fc77a0dbc44dd1611e3bf410b5900aa0/?vgnextoid=6475fb1360ecf110VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&vgnextchannel=e5bf5858ba05e110VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&rsc=menu_food&lnc=5a79cf380e1dd010VgnVCM1000005b09a00aRCRD">Broccoli, tomato, and mozzarella Stromboli</a> *<br /><br />Wednedsday:<br /><br />Chicken and also <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/asparagus-leek-and-gruyere-quiche?autonomy_kw=asperagus%20quiche&rsc=header_6">Asparagus, leek & gruyere quiche</a>**<br /><br />Thursday: Pasta & salad<br /><br />Friday:either take-out or leftovers... Sunday is Jeff's b-day, and I will be making him his favorite 4-layer German Chocolate cake Friday to take up to his mom's on Saturday to celebrate. (Perhaps I will type up the recipe - I use <a href="http://www.rosinesmonterey.com/">Rosine's</a> recipe from their <a href="http://www.rosinesmonterey.com/CookBook/">cookbook</a>. which is amazing... I have gone through 3 copies of it in the last 15 years.)<br /><br />Misc days: <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/carrot-ginger-smoothie?autonomy_kw=carrot%20ginger%20smoothies&rsc=header_2">Carrot-Ginger smoothies</a> (breakfast)<br /><br />* make <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2007/01/pizza-and-the-limits-of-diy/">pizza dough</a> for strombolis using whole wheat flour<br /><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/our-favorite-pie-crust?autonomy_kw=our%20favorite%20pie%20crust&rsc=header_1"><br />** make pie crust</a> for quiche with whole wheat pastry flour - does it make me a total geek that I am disappointed I don't get to blind bake the shell and use my pie weights?Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12848087.post-87448672634049993852009-03-15T13:38:00.001-07:002009-03-15T13:43:59.381-07:00FOB2Y - Girl Scout CookiesIt's that time of year again... they are everywhere. You couldn't escape them if you tried! But, why would you want to?<br /><br />Girl Scout Cookies, of course.<br /><br />We love but two varieties. Thin Mints and Samoas. They are both completely, evilly, delicious. Last year they changed the name of the Samoas to Caramel Delites.... but the thankfully, saw the error of their ways. Because our beloved caramel chocolate coconut cookies were back to being called Samoas this year. Whatever you call them, I think they are just perfect.<br /><br />I am also very glad that they are only available once a year... otherwise I would have a very hard time resisting them!Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12848087.post-84219007558545151632009-03-12T16:47:00.000-07:002009-03-12T17:58:21.255-07:00Same old...Not too much going on... the kids are good, and daily drive me insane. Ashley takes3-5 steps at a time before plopping down in her bottom. She has started using the "milk" sign whenever she wants something... a toy, a snack, etc. I cannot believe she will be 1 in a few short weeks. Where does the time go?<br /><br />Besides that... enjoying the small amounts of family time we get with Jeff... and we went to San Francisco last Saturday while MIL watched T. It was a lot of fun. A much-needed break, I assure you.<br /><br /><br />My patience level with Travis is non-existent at times... he flat-out refuses to listen most of the time... and time-outs, yelling, arguments are a far-too-often occurrence. Some days (like today) I just can't wait until he is in school. Poor Ashley never has quiet. He does his damnedest to wake her up while she is napping, and just all around makes her days pretty miserable with all the crap he pulls. Sigh. But, then again...he's 4. I just have to keep reminding myself of that....Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12848087.post-23389100338668678102009-03-05T15:18:00.000-08:002009-03-05T15:20:46.308-08:00FOB2Y 3/5Playing along with the digiscrap girls at <a href="http://sweetshoppedesigns.com/blog/?p=1071">SweetShoppeDesigns</a>.<br /><br /><table width="350" align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"><tr><td bg align="center" style="color:#EEEEEE;"><br /><span style="'color:black;font-family:Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><br /><strong>Your Carnations Say You're Very Likable</strong><br /></span></td></tr><br /><tr><td bgcolor="#FFFFFF"><br /><center><img src="http://www.blogthingsimages.com/whatdotheflowersyoupicksayaboutyouquiz/carnations.jpg" height="100" width="100" /></center><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><br />You have a distinct style... one that many people find fascinating.<br /><br />You are charming and alluring. People are drawn to you - and you are very popular.<br /><br /><br /><br />You never forget a name or a face. And the people you love are always on your mind.<br /><br />Some people may accuse you of being out of touch, but you're truly a classic.<br /></span></td></tr></table><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.blogthings.com/whatdotheflowersyoupicksayaboutyouquiz/">What Do The Flowers You Pick Say About You?</a></div>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12848087.post-11818025058407437242009-02-19T17:02:00.000-08:002009-02-19T17:13:11.532-08:00FOB2YThis is for my 1st FOB2Y (From Our Blog to Yours) for a Sweet Rewards point from <a href="http://sweetshoppedesigns.com/blog/?cat=15">Sweet Shop Designs</a>.<br /><br /><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="350"><tbody><tr><td bg="" style="color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" align="center"><br /><span style=""><br /><strong>You Are a Guru</strong><br /></span></td></tr><br /><tr><td bgcolor="#ffffff"><br /><center><img src="http://www.blogthingsimages.com/whatdoesyourbirthdatemeanquiz/birthday.gif" width="100" height="100" /></center><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />Spiritual and thoughtful, you tend to take a step back from the world.<br /><br />You're very sensitive to what's going on around you, yet you remain calm.<br /><br />Although you are brilliant, it may take you a while to find your niche.<br /><br />Your creativity is supreme, but it sometimes makes it hard for you to get things done.<br /><br /><br /><br />Your strength: Your inner peace<br /><br /><br /><br />Your weakness: You get stuck in the clouds<br /><br /><br /><br />Your power color: Emerald<br /><br /><br /><br />Your power symbol: Leaf<br /><br /><br /><br />Your power month: November<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.blogthings.com/whatdoesyourbirthdatemeanquiz/">What Does Your Birth Date Mean?</a></div>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12848087.post-25309733928471036292009-02-16T17:56:00.000-08:002009-02-16T18:01:55.484-08:00I haven't been blogging......But life is still happening.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tjsmomma/3286226390/" title="Family Love by tjsmommabear, on Flickr"><img style="width: 557px; height: 557px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3652/3286226390_cc7bb71fc5_b.jpg" alt="Family Love" /></a>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12848087.post-78291378342314619972009-02-05T18:08:00.000-08:002009-02-05T22:31:47.933-08:00Round and round...I am stuck in this infinite loop. Get up with the babe before Travis wakes up...pee, (with babe on my lap 99% of the time) coffee, email, Facebook, Twitter, blogs... keep baby from peril...Travis gets up... keep him from messing with baby, keep baby from peril...nurse, breakfast, feed us all, change baby's diaper, nurse, email, Facebook, Twitter,blogs.... dress kids... keep Travis from messing with baby, keep baby from peril...shower (or not), snack,nurse, email, Facebook, Twitter, blogs... keep Travis from messing with baby, keep baby from peril...lunch, leave house, (or not), tv, games, snack, lunch....nurse, hope for nap!!!!, email, Facebook, Twitter, blogs.... finally unload dishwasher....blabla....<br /><br />It's crazy... I get NO time to myself to do anything I want to do.... yeah, ok.... so I probably have an internet addiction...it's definitely escapism....my connection to the "outside world." But people... I cannot even PEE by myself!!!<br /><br />I was Hoodwinked, Hornswaggled, Harangued. Kids are great... but they are also INSANE.... and they only seem to get more so with the passage of time. Your life? No longer your own. You look and suddenly crazy amounts of time have passed since you were able to do things you used to enjoy... like knit, see a movie, or be intimate with your own husband, or were even able to finish a thought.<br /><br />All I know is that it absoutely HAS to get better.... please just lie to me... just tell me it does.<br /><br />Cause seriously? Two kids is my maximum load... the most I can handle. I doubt my own sanity and competent-ness (wtf... is that even a WORD?!)<br /><br />I wouldn't trade large parts of it for the world. The soft breathing,the sweet-smelling, the gurgles, coos, affectionate hugs, the open-mouthed baby kisses, the giggles, the belly-laughs...touseled hair, the ability to make the world right with a nursing session, or a hug and kiss - a cookie... the joyful sound of play, the interaction, recognition, the knowlege-aquiring .... the imagination, the word "Mama", hearing "I love you mommy", the singing - the wrong lyrics, and out of key......all these things and so many more.... they make the routine, the drugery, the day-to-day grind is <a href="http://www.bubblejoy.com/view.php?id=3185027">so very, very worth it</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br />I just need to remind myself of this from time to time....Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12848087.post-84556631049601456822009-01-19T20:54:00.000-08:002009-01-19T21:07:31.778-08:00Checking in...I think this stupid cold is on the way out! Yay!!! Just been icky feeling since Thursday... Ashley has one runny nostril... no biggy. Same with Travis... a little cough and tiny sniffle, but hardly at all.<br /><br />I feel like a truck hit me... but you know, I also need to get in shape, etc. While I have been battling this cold, I have slipped a bit on my eating plan... butter and cheese have made their way back in... and I baked Oatmeal Butterscotch Chip cookies with Travis today... I had a couple... but we made them with whole wheat pastry flour, and unbleached sugar.... oats... not too bad, right? ;)<br /><br />Anyway... while I am sick, I cut myself some slack. But, even with my dietary transgressions, I still haven't <span style="font-style: italic;">gained </span>anything.... even though I am hosting PMS this week... so, yay for that! <br /><br />We took the kids to the Aquarium yesterday... when I find my card reader, I will put up some pictures. It wasd fun to watch Ashley play in the baby area. She is so outgoing, and advanced in her physical activity! Very different from Travis at this age. It's amazing.<br /><br />Anyway... nursing the babe, and rubbing Travis' hair to get him to sleep next to me on the couch. Sigh... quiet at last!Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12848087.post-27623308042498989352009-01-13T10:49:00.000-08:002009-01-13T10:58:27.622-08:00Last one standing...Our tree is still up... I really need to take it down. We wanted to do it this weekend, it just never happened. I am taking the ornaments off tonight, at least that's my intent. Oh well, the merits of a fake tree, I guess...Taking the stockings, mantle crap down. Packing away the wrapping paper and bows for next year.<br /><br />WTF is up with Target not putting the Christmas storage boxes on clearance yet? Grr! I was barely able to get any wrapping paper on clearance at all this year... everything was swooped up in record speed. But those damned storage totes taunt me each time I go.<br /><br />What a first-world problem to have tough... right?<br /><br />Anyway... I am a collosal slacker. Need to get my crap together... get dressed, and go get my mom so she can come hang out and get her laundry done.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com0