So....here I am...me, the self-proclaimed control freak....and I just read Kelle's latest post. I don't know Kelle, but I talk about her like I do. She's a mom....and a wife.....and a professional. I just wanted to share a quote from her blog because it's exactly something I would post, and exactly something that I feel (very passionately mind you!).
Here it is:
"We don't have to be defined by motherhood because there's an intricate infrastructure of talents and dreams and passions that makes us women who are strong enough to stand alone. And yet, ask any mother and she'll probably tell you there's nothing more incredible she'd rather be defined by than the amazingness of her littles and her family."
It's not like I ever thought I'm the only mom in the world who feels this way, but there it was, in someone else's writing, to comfort me in the fact that I'm not the only one who's so in love with being a mom and lives life to the fullest for her children.
Just wanted to share....
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
What's Cookin' Wednesday
H & R are coming over for supper tonight! We are so very excited!! We do dinner about 4-5 times year together, but that's definitely not enough. B & R will sit and talk about basketball all evening and H and I will talk about how glad we are that basketball is finally over (although it's not quite over for them...another week left I think). The girls will run around like maniacs and we'll all laugh at their goofiness!!
For supper, Lasagna will be our main dish. I'll also make garlic toast and H will bring a salad or dessert (she's the FCS teacher, you know...the pressure's on!).
I made the Lasagna yesterday evening so it's ready to pop in the oven tonight when I get home.
Here's what you'll need:
Lasagna Noodles (I use Creamette Oven Ready Lasagna noodles)
2 lbs hamburger (I use 93% lean)
Large jar of Ragu Sauce (this time I used Super Chunky Mushroom)
Small Cottage Cheese
16 oz Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (with a little extra for the very top)
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
1 Tbsp Basil
3/4 Tbsp Parsley
2 Tbsp Sugar
1 tsp Salt
Here's what you'll do:
1. Brown Hamburger and combine with Ragu sauce in large bowl.
2. Combine rest of ingredients (cheeses and spices) in bowl.
3. Place a layer of lasagna noodles on the bottom of 9 x 13 pan.
4. Scoop 1/3 of the meat mixture on top of the noodles, and spread out.
5. Scoop 1/3 of the cheese and spice mixture on top of meat, and spread out.
Repeat steps 3-5 two more times.
I top the third layer with a little extra mozzarella cheese so it has a nicer finishing touch.
Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes.
**************************
In other business, I had been looking for a knit beanie hat for baby M like M&M have. However, everywhere I looked, I couldn't decide on a size (do I get the newborn size, or a little larger so she can wear it longer, but probably not right away?). In the process, I found something a little different....a knit hat with a knit flower and a little visor...way too cute! But of course, if I was going to order one for baby M (I got 3-6 month size so she can wear it all summer--I also found that they do run a little big, which is good), I had to get some for M&M (is that too many M's that you're confused??). They came in the mail today!
Aren't they adorable!! Baby M's is light pink. Can't wait to get a pic of all three of them wearing their hats! It's going to be too much fun having three little girls! :)
For supper, Lasagna will be our main dish. I'll also make garlic toast and H will bring a salad or dessert (she's the FCS teacher, you know...the pressure's on!).
I made the Lasagna yesterday evening so it's ready to pop in the oven tonight when I get home.
Here's what you'll need:
Lasagna Noodles (I use Creamette Oven Ready Lasagna noodles)
2 lbs hamburger (I use 93% lean)
Large jar of Ragu Sauce (this time I used Super Chunky Mushroom)
Small Cottage Cheese
16 oz Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (with a little extra for the very top)
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
1 Tbsp Basil
3/4 Tbsp Parsley
2 Tbsp Sugar
1 tsp Salt
Here's what you'll do:
1. Brown Hamburger and combine with Ragu sauce in large bowl.
2. Combine rest of ingredients (cheeses and spices) in bowl.
3. Place a layer of lasagna noodles on the bottom of 9 x 13 pan.
4. Scoop 1/3 of the meat mixture on top of the noodles, and spread out.
5. Scoop 1/3 of the cheese and spice mixture on top of meat, and spread out.
Repeat steps 3-5 two more times.
I top the third layer with a little extra mozzarella cheese so it has a nicer finishing touch.
Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes.
**************************
In other business, I had been looking for a knit beanie hat for baby M like M&M have. However, everywhere I looked, I couldn't decide on a size (do I get the newborn size, or a little larger so she can wear it longer, but probably not right away?). In the process, I found something a little different....a knit hat with a knit flower and a little visor...way too cute! But of course, if I was going to order one for baby M (I got 3-6 month size so she can wear it all summer--I also found that they do run a little big, which is good), I had to get some for M&M (is that too many M's that you're confused??). They came in the mail today!
Aren't they adorable!! Baby M's is light pink. Can't wait to get a pic of all three of them wearing their hats! It's going to be too much fun having three little girls! :)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Heidi Asks...
Heidi's Talk to Me Tuesday is asking, "What would you name this chapter in your life?" I'm not very good at responding to her TTMT questions, but this one seems like an "easy" one for me :) You will probably NOT be surprised by my answer....(drum roll, please)....
I AM ENOUGH!!!
(not like 'I've had enough'--like I feel sometimes, not like 'Will I be enough?'--always wondering, and not like 'I will try to be enough'--in a way full of doubt, but like proclaiming from the mountain top with all of the confidence in the world that I AM ENOUGH!!)
Enough of a mother for all three of my children, enough of a wife for my wonderful husband, enough of a teacher for my students, enough of a colleague for my peers, and enough of a friend for the rest of the people in my life. I will tackle this new chapter with confidence, power, and pride---with the help of a lot of organization!
I AM ENOUGH!!!
(not like 'I've had enough'--like I feel sometimes, not like 'Will I be enough?'--always wondering, and not like 'I will try to be enough'--in a way full of doubt, but like proclaiming from the mountain top with all of the confidence in the world that I AM ENOUGH!!)
Enough of a mother for all three of my children, enough of a wife for my wonderful husband, enough of a teacher for my students, enough of a colleague for my peers, and enough of a friend for the rest of the people in my life. I will tackle this new chapter with confidence, power, and pride---with the help of a lot of organization!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Happy Birthday, Smyles and One Last Hurrah!!
Saturday was another busy day for us. Our Saturdays as a 4-person family, and having the ability to "run" like we've grown accustomed to in the last year and a half, are numbered! Baby M will be here before we know it and we are trying to cram in as many things between now and then as we can!
The girls and I each got haircuts on Saturday morning (it was the first of the stops on my "pampering spree" before Baby M is born!) Then we headed to the library to meet our friends. Tonja (aka Trevor's mom--I teach with her) and Trevor (M&M's favorite friend that is a boy) met us there for Smyles's 5th Birthday/Anniversary. Smyles is the library's mascot and though we don't warm up easily to dresses up creatures (something they got from their mother), we had a fun time.
Here are the girls signing a giant card for Smyles.
This is one of our 'claims to fame.' Kay Marner wrote a book about Smyles when she worked for the library and conducted the Sawyer Bookmobile stop. Little did we know (until Wednesday or Thursday of last week) that she's our neighbor. Don't get me wrong, I see her outside with her kids all the time, and we'll say 'hi' and make small talk. I also knew that Kay Marner wrote that book. What I didn't know is that Kay Marner and my neighbor were the same person! We're going to walk our two copies of the book down to her in the near future to get them signed. Here she is reading her book at the celebration.
Smyles tattoos for all!
Writing a postcard to mail to Smyles.
Enjoying the band that played with a little "Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" action!
After lunch and nap, my side of the family came to visit. We had planned this a few weeks ago--that we would take the girls bowling. They love to bowl, and it's not going to be as easy to go with Baby M coming soon. As those of you with children know....a baby changes everything....for everyone that comes in contact with them. The world/schedule/plans/day revolves around them. We're looking forward for her to grace our lives, but know we won't be able to do as much of this kind of stuff as easily.
In between turns, Myah and Maysen demonstrated their radical dance moves for everyone.
Dad thought he was funny putting a bowling ball up his shirt to mimic my ever-growing belly. We should have done a side profile to get the full effect, but it's pretty darn acurate!
We're off to start another (busy) week. I go to the doctor tomorrow--anxious to see if I'm dilating at all. We're hoping not as we (really meaning I) have everything scheduled and planned to go smoothly for March 8 (I know...you're shocked!). Stops two and three of the 'pampering spree' occur this week in final preparations. Tuesday I get a pedicure with my great friend Lisa, and Friday I'm getting some highlights done in my hair. I have never really dyed my hair in anyway. I did a 7 highlight special once in college, but that doesn't really count. There's something about delivering a baby (and maybe I'm imaging it...or maybe it's just the association with being in the hospital) that makes me not feel pretty. I know these things are petty, but I think they will make me feel better.
The girls and I each got haircuts on Saturday morning (it was the first of the stops on my "pampering spree" before Baby M is born!) Then we headed to the library to meet our friends. Tonja (aka Trevor's mom--I teach with her) and Trevor (M&M's favorite friend that is a boy) met us there for Smyles's 5th Birthday/Anniversary. Smyles is the library's mascot and though we don't warm up easily to dresses up creatures (something they got from their mother), we had a fun time.
Here are the girls signing a giant card for Smyles.
This is one of our 'claims to fame.' Kay Marner wrote a book about Smyles when she worked for the library and conducted the Sawyer Bookmobile stop. Little did we know (until Wednesday or Thursday of last week) that she's our neighbor. Don't get me wrong, I see her outside with her kids all the time, and we'll say 'hi' and make small talk. I also knew that Kay Marner wrote that book. What I didn't know is that Kay Marner and my neighbor were the same person! We're going to walk our two copies of the book down to her in the near future to get them signed. Here she is reading her book at the celebration.
Smyles tattoos for all!
Writing a postcard to mail to Smyles.
Enjoying the band that played with a little "Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" action!
After lunch and nap, my side of the family came to visit. We had planned this a few weeks ago--that we would take the girls bowling. They love to bowl, and it's not going to be as easy to go with Baby M coming soon. As those of you with children know....a baby changes everything....for everyone that comes in contact with them. The world/schedule/plans/day revolves around them. We're looking forward for her to grace our lives, but know we won't be able to do as much of this kind of stuff as easily.
In between turns, Myah and Maysen demonstrated their radical dance moves for everyone.
Dad thought he was funny putting a bowling ball up his shirt to mimic my ever-growing belly. We should have done a side profile to get the full effect, but it's pretty darn acurate!
We're off to start another (busy) week. I go to the doctor tomorrow--anxious to see if I'm dilating at all. We're hoping not as we (really meaning I) have everything scheduled and planned to go smoothly for March 8 (I know...you're shocked!). Stops two and three of the 'pampering spree' occur this week in final preparations. Tuesday I get a pedicure with my great friend Lisa, and Friday I'm getting some highlights done in my hair. I have never really dyed my hair in anyway. I did a 7 highlight special once in college, but that doesn't really count. There's something about delivering a baby (and maybe I'm imaging it...or maybe it's just the association with being in the hospital) that makes me not feel pretty. I know these things are petty, but I think they will make me feel better.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Redemption
I'd like to take a minute and redeem myself from the pitiful pictures of our dinner on Wednesday (plus Brandon said this meal deserved a spot on the blog). We had almost finished eating on Wednesday when I remembered to take a photo, which is the main reason it was so awful.
Friday night, we took full advantage of the wonderful weather we've been having. The girls ran around on the patio while Brandon grilled steaks for all of us. If we were to go out to eat, we would think it's totally insane to order our kids steak (unless we're at Northwest Steakhouse!!). We know they don't appreciate it, but they sure eat it darn well!!
We ate:
Omaha Steaks (not sure on the cut--we bought a large bulk of meat this winter and pull things out occasionally)
Green Beans (per Maysen's request--frozen from the Schwan's man)
Garlic Croissants (courtesy of Pillsbury--I like garlic, but they were a bit too garlicy for me)
Cottage Cheese and/or Applesauce
And here's one of the girls' plates. They had seconds on everything....but at least fifths on the meat:)
Friday night, we took full advantage of the wonderful weather we've been having. The girls ran around on the patio while Brandon grilled steaks for all of us. If we were to go out to eat, we would think it's totally insane to order our kids steak (unless we're at Northwest Steakhouse!!). We know they don't appreciate it, but they sure eat it darn well!!
We ate:
Omaha Steaks (not sure on the cut--we bought a large bulk of meat this winter and pull things out occasionally)
Green Beans (per Maysen's request--frozen from the Schwan's man)
Garlic Croissants (courtesy of Pillsbury--I like garlic, but they were a bit too garlicy for me)
Cottage Cheese and/or Applesauce
And here's one of the girls' plates. They had seconds on everything....but at least fifths on the meat:)
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
What's Cookin' Wednesday
The girls and I had a play date scheduled for 6:00 tonight so an early dinner was in order. The one picture I took is ridiculous and does not do the meal any justice....but it was delicious, nutritious and extremely simple!
In the crock-pot, put:
*one bag of baby carrots
*four peeled and cut russet potatoes
*one can of chicken broth (I use 50% less sodium)
*one can of water
*three large (and I mean LARGE) chicken breasts (I cut them into thirds to insure that they cook all the way through)
Turn it on high for 5 hours.
I told you it was a terrible picture :)
The other things cookin' (growin', actually) at our house are some flowers. I found these small pots of flowers at the dollar spot at Target and gave them to the girls for Valentine's Day.
Maysen's, are Forget-Me-Nots and Myah's are supposed to be some kind of Primrose Mixture. The girls enjoyed watching the small pellet of soil grow into a full pot of dirt with the three tablespoons of water they added to the pot. We placed six small (incredibly small) seeds on top of the soil and patted them in gently as per the directions. I will keep you posted on their progress, although, Myah thought she'd just stand on a chair in the kitchen and wait for it to grow. I'm hoping something pops through relatively soon so they stay excited about them.
What's cookin'/growin' at your house??
In the crock-pot, put:
*one bag of baby carrots
*four peeled and cut russet potatoes
*one can of chicken broth (I use 50% less sodium)
*one can of water
*three large (and I mean LARGE) chicken breasts (I cut them into thirds to insure that they cook all the way through)
Turn it on high for 5 hours.
I told you it was a terrible picture :)The other things cookin' (growin', actually) at our house are some flowers. I found these small pots of flowers at the dollar spot at Target and gave them to the girls for Valentine's Day.
Maysen's, are Forget-Me-Nots and Myah's are supposed to be some kind of Primrose Mixture. The girls enjoyed watching the small pellet of soil grow into a full pot of dirt with the three tablespoons of water they added to the pot. We placed six small (incredibly small) seeds on top of the soil and patted them in gently as per the directions. I will keep you posted on their progress, although, Myah thought she'd just stand on a chair in the kitchen and wait for it to grow. I'm hoping something pops through relatively soon so they stay excited about them.
What's cookin'/growin' at your house??
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Weekend Update
This weekend has been a hodge-podge of things and a whole lot of running around. Friday night, the girls and I went to The Playground for Kids in Ankeny with my college friend Sarah and her two boys. The kids had a great time and were exhausted!
Saturday, I had a breakfast at Panera Bread with a small group that I belong to (the girls joined me since Brandon had his conference basketball meeting). Then we got groceries for the week. We tried a "new" recipe for lunch on Saturday. Thank you to my sister for sharing the idea. A twist on an old favorite, this one is: Pizza Sandwiches.
Similar to making grilled cheese.....I buttered one side of a piece of bread. Then topped it with a large spoonful of pizza sauce, some shredded mozzerella cheese, and some mini pepperonis....followed by a second slice of buttered bread. They were pretty good. Next time, I will use a lower heat so the cheese melts more without burning the outside of the bread. A perfect weekend lunch....sided with strawberries and grapes.
Brandon had his last game of the season last night. It wasn't pretty, but it's over and done with. Only one win on the season, we're ready to put it behind us and pray that next year can only get better. The girls had a sitter since the game was about an hour and fifteen minutes away from Ames--I made the trek by myself. After the game, we were invited to the assistant coach's house to watch the UNI game. We went for a few hours and got home around midnight. Really living it up!! It had been a long time (besides New Year's when I made it to 12:01) since I'd been up that late.....I know, you're thinking that's pathetic.
I'm 36 weeks pregnant today.
Kind of have the conebelly (versus conehead) look going on. Feeling pretty good besides the fact that I'm starting to retain fluid in my hands/fingers and ankles. The next three weeks can't go fast enough. We've started a countdown to Baby M chart. Starting today, the girls will put up a sticker each day until she's here (hopefully not before March 8!).
The girls have been asking me to make these crowns ever since we saw them in the January 2011 edition of Highlights high Five magazine. They even asked the babysitter last night to make them so today we did it. They turned out pretty cute! What princess doesn't need a fancy crown!
Have a great Valentine's week! Our romantic outing consists of a trip to the tax man! What about yours??
Saturday, I had a breakfast at Panera Bread with a small group that I belong to (the girls joined me since Brandon had his conference basketball meeting). Then we got groceries for the week. We tried a "new" recipe for lunch on Saturday. Thank you to my sister for sharing the idea. A twist on an old favorite, this one is: Pizza Sandwiches.
Similar to making grilled cheese.....I buttered one side of a piece of bread. Then topped it with a large spoonful of pizza sauce, some shredded mozzerella cheese, and some mini pepperonis....followed by a second slice of buttered bread. They were pretty good. Next time, I will use a lower heat so the cheese melts more without burning the outside of the bread. A perfect weekend lunch....sided with strawberries and grapes.
Brandon had his last game of the season last night. It wasn't pretty, but it's over and done with. Only one win on the season, we're ready to put it behind us and pray that next year can only get better. The girls had a sitter since the game was about an hour and fifteen minutes away from Ames--I made the trek by myself. After the game, we were invited to the assistant coach's house to watch the UNI game. We went for a few hours and got home around midnight. Really living it up!! It had been a long time (besides New Year's when I made it to 12:01) since I'd been up that late.....I know, you're thinking that's pathetic.
I'm 36 weeks pregnant today.
Kind of have the conebelly (versus conehead) look going on. Feeling pretty good besides the fact that I'm starting to retain fluid in my hands/fingers and ankles. The next three weeks can't go fast enough. We've started a countdown to Baby M chart. Starting today, the girls will put up a sticker each day until she's here (hopefully not before March 8!).
The girls have been asking me to make these crowns ever since we saw them in the January 2011 edition of Highlights high Five magazine. They even asked the babysitter last night to make them so today we did it. They turned out pretty cute! What princess doesn't need a fancy crown!
Have a great Valentine's week! Our romantic outing consists of a trip to the tax man! What about yours??
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Never Grow Up
One of the hardest things about being a mom (for me anyway) is that the littles grow up way too fast! There are days I want to tuck one under each arm and crawl beneath a rock to protect them from the world and hold them near my chest and never let go.
The emotions of pregnancy have been getting me a lot lately. You know....the crying for reasons you can't explain (mostly because you don't know). My main reason is that I worry that I won't be "enough" for all of them--M&M&M (maybe that should be my word for 2011--enough--and believing that I am).
M&M have been so big lately and amaze Brandon and I every day by what they can say and do.
For instance:
They are totally in to rubber stamping now since I brought my rubber stamps home from my parents' house this past weekend. I couldn't believe that the ink pads were still good since I'm pretty sure I got them in middle school. Since they are such well behaved girls (and Hobby Lobby was having a sale) I let them each choose a new stamp for the collection. Maysen chose Ariel and Myah chose Cinderella. Actually they both wanted the Santa Claus one, but I said we should maybe wait until next winter to get that one :) This just seems like a 'big kid' thing to me and they are totally into it!
Also, did you know they are Big Sister Certified? They completed their Big Sister class at the hospital this past Monday. They each made a bib for Baby M, learned how to hold a baby, and learned to change a diaper. They also got a tour of the maternity ward so their next visit there won't be scary. They loved every minute of it!!
These, of course, are their silly smiles (though they think they are awfully cute). And there's not really a size difference between the two....the angle of the camera makes Maysen appear significantly smaller here.
Back to my emotions getting the better of me.....
Today I started sobbing to "Never Grow Old" by Taylor Swift. I'll leave you with her lyrics:
Your little hands wrapped around my finger
and it's so quiet in the world tonight
Your little eyelids flutter 'cause you're dreaming
so I tuck you in, turn on your favorite night light
To you, everything's funny
You got nothing to regret
I'd give all I have, honey
If you could stay like that
Chorus:
Oh darling, don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up
Just stay this little
Oh, darling, don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up
Just stay this simple
I won't let nobody hurt you
Won't let no one break your heart
and no one will desert you
Just try to never grow up
Never grow up
You're in the car on your way to the movies
and you're mortified your mom's dropping you off
At 14, there's just so much you can't do
and you can't wait to move out someday and call your own shots
But don't make her drop you off around the block
remember that she's getting older too
and don't lose the way that you dance around in your PJs getting ready for school
Chorus:
Oh darling, don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up
Just stay this little
Oh, darling, don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up
It could stay this simple
No one's ever burned you
Nothing's ever left you scarred
and even though you want to
Please try to never grow up
Take pictures in your mind of your childhood room
Memorize what it sounded like when your dad gets home
Remember the footsteps, remember the words said
and all your little brother's favorite songs
I just realized everything I have is someday gonna be gone
So here I am in my new apartment
in a big city, they just dropped me off
It's so much colder than I thought it would be
So I tuck myself in and turn my night light on
Wish I'd never grown up
I wish I'd never grown up
Oh I don't wanna grow up
Wish I'd never grown up
I could still be little
Oh, I don't wanna grow up
Wish I'd never grown up
It could be simple
Oh, darling don't you ever grow up
don't you ever grow up
Just stay this little
Oh, darling don't you ever grow up
don't you ever grow up
It could stay this simple
Won't let nobody hurt you
Won't let no one break your heart
and even though you want to
please try to never grow up
Oh don't you ever grow up
Oh never grow up
just never grow up.
Oh, darling don't you ever grow up
The emotions of pregnancy have been getting me a lot lately. You know....the crying for reasons you can't explain (mostly because you don't know). My main reason is that I worry that I won't be "enough" for all of them--M&M&M (maybe that should be my word for 2011--enough--and believing that I am).
M&M have been so big lately and amaze Brandon and I every day by what they can say and do.
For instance:
They are totally in to rubber stamping now since I brought my rubber stamps home from my parents' house this past weekend. I couldn't believe that the ink pads were still good since I'm pretty sure I got them in middle school. Since they are such well behaved girls (and Hobby Lobby was having a sale) I let them each choose a new stamp for the collection. Maysen chose Ariel and Myah chose Cinderella. Actually they both wanted the Santa Claus one, but I said we should maybe wait until next winter to get that one :) This just seems like a 'big kid' thing to me and they are totally into it!
Also, did you know they are Big Sister Certified? They completed their Big Sister class at the hospital this past Monday. They each made a bib for Baby M, learned how to hold a baby, and learned to change a diaper. They also got a tour of the maternity ward so their next visit there won't be scary. They loved every minute of it!!
These, of course, are their silly smiles (though they think they are awfully cute). And there's not really a size difference between the two....the angle of the camera makes Maysen appear significantly smaller here.
Back to my emotions getting the better of me.....
Today I started sobbing to "Never Grow Old" by Taylor Swift. I'll leave you with her lyrics:
Your little hands wrapped around my finger
and it's so quiet in the world tonight
Your little eyelids flutter 'cause you're dreaming
so I tuck you in, turn on your favorite night light
To you, everything's funny
You got nothing to regret
I'd give all I have, honey
If you could stay like that
Chorus:
Oh darling, don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up
Just stay this little
Oh, darling, don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up
Just stay this simple
I won't let nobody hurt you
Won't let no one break your heart
and no one will desert you
Just try to never grow up
Never grow up
You're in the car on your way to the movies
and you're mortified your mom's dropping you off
At 14, there's just so much you can't do
and you can't wait to move out someday and call your own shots
But don't make her drop you off around the block
remember that she's getting older too
and don't lose the way that you dance around in your PJs getting ready for school
Chorus:
Oh darling, don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up
Just stay this little
Oh, darling, don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up
It could stay this simple
No one's ever burned you
Nothing's ever left you scarred
and even though you want to
Please try to never grow up
Take pictures in your mind of your childhood room
Memorize what it sounded like when your dad gets home
Remember the footsteps, remember the words said
and all your little brother's favorite songs
I just realized everything I have is someday gonna be gone
So here I am in my new apartment
in a big city, they just dropped me off
It's so much colder than I thought it would be
So I tuck myself in and turn my night light on
Wish I'd never grown up
I wish I'd never grown up
Oh I don't wanna grow up
Wish I'd never grown up
I could still be little
Oh, I don't wanna grow up
Wish I'd never grown up
It could be simple
Oh, darling don't you ever grow up
don't you ever grow up
Just stay this little
Oh, darling don't you ever grow up
don't you ever grow up
It could stay this simple
Won't let nobody hurt you
Won't let no one break your heart
and even though you want to
please try to never grow up
Oh don't you ever grow up
Oh never grow up
just never grow up.
Oh, darling don't you ever grow up
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
What's Cookin' Wednesday
Tuesday night, I was busy making two meals. I attempted meatloaf for the first time, and it turned out pretty well. However, I didn’t want to feature my first attempt as my ‘What’s Cookin,’ this week, so you’ll have to wait for that one to come around again. You’re in for a real treat, though…..two recipes!! For tonight’s meal, I made Chicken Hot Dish (a Smith household favorite!!) AND Herb Rolls. The chicken hot dish I’ve been making since I’ve been old enough to cook. It’s super easy and absolutely delicious (if I do say so myself!). Brandon started requesting some kind of bread item (biscuits, breadsticks, etc) to go with the hot dish after the first time I made it for him so tonight he’s getting rolls. The Herb Rolls are a debut item for me, but a little bit safer than the meatloaf, I figure. Enjoy!!
Chicken Hot Dish (Asbury United Methodist Church cookbook—LaVonne Hartman)
1 box croutons (I buy them in a bag (Pepperidge Farm) and guess as to when I have enough)
1 cup melted oleo (I use about ¾ cup just to save calories)
3 cups diced chicken
1 can evaporated milk (I use fat free to save fat and calories)
10 oz frozen peas
2 cams cream of mushroom or chicken soup (I use one of each--98% fat free)
Mix chicken, evaporated milk, peas and soups and place in 9 X 13 pan.
Mix croutons and melted oleo together and place on top of casserole mixture. Note: the recipe actually says to place half of the croutons/oleo mixture on the bottom of the pan and then place the casserole mixture between the two layers. I found that there weren’t enough croutons to cover the top of the casserole like I wanted it to, so I just put them on the top.
350 degrees for 35-45 minutes (I usually make it the night before and refrigerate so it takes the full 45 minutes when it’s been cold)
Herb Rolls (recipe from my Aunt Suzi Grotewold)
36 frozen white dinner rolls (I’m going to use half as many since there are just 4 of us)
1 T Oregano
1 T Basil OR Parsley (I’m trying parsley this first time)
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
¼ cup melted butter
Place 12 rolls in bottom of greased tube pan. Brush rolls with butter and sprinkle with 1/3 of seasoning and cheese. Repeat 2 more times.
Cover with saran wrap and let rise over night. Note: Since I’m making them for supper, I followed the directions this morning (6:30 AM) and let them rise during the day so they’ll be ready to bake around 6:00 PM.
375 degrees for 35 minutes…..cover with foil the last 15 minutes.
I didn't get a finished picture
1) because I forgot (mostly)
2) they tasted great, but didn't look that pretty because the frozen dough was a little old (expired).....oops.
And for entertainment:
A little game of Hide-n-Seek after supper!
Chicken Hot Dish (Asbury United Methodist Church cookbook—LaVonne Hartman)
1 box croutons (I buy them in a bag (Pepperidge Farm) and guess as to when I have enough)
1 cup melted oleo (I use about ¾ cup just to save calories)
3 cups diced chicken
1 can evaporated milk (I use fat free to save fat and calories)
10 oz frozen peas
2 cams cream of mushroom or chicken soup (I use one of each--98% fat free)
Mix chicken, evaporated milk, peas and soups and place in 9 X 13 pan.
Mix croutons and melted oleo together and place on top of casserole mixture. Note: the recipe actually says to place half of the croutons/oleo mixture on the bottom of the pan and then place the casserole mixture between the two layers. I found that there weren’t enough croutons to cover the top of the casserole like I wanted it to, so I just put them on the top.
350 degrees for 35-45 minutes (I usually make it the night before and refrigerate so it takes the full 45 minutes when it’s been cold)
Herb Rolls (recipe from my Aunt Suzi Grotewold)
36 frozen white dinner rolls (I’m going to use half as many since there are just 4 of us)
1 T Oregano
1 T Basil OR Parsley (I’m trying parsley this first time)
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
¼ cup melted butter
Place 12 rolls in bottom of greased tube pan. Brush rolls with butter and sprinkle with 1/3 of seasoning and cheese. Repeat 2 more times.
Cover with saran wrap and let rise over night. Note: Since I’m making them for supper, I followed the directions this morning (6:30 AM) and let them rise during the day so they’ll be ready to bake around 6:00 PM.
375 degrees for 35 minutes…..cover with foil the last 15 minutes.
I didn't get a finished picture
1) because I forgot (mostly)
2) they tasted great, but didn't look that pretty because the frozen dough was a little old (expired).....oops.
And for entertainment:
A little game of Hide-n-Seek after supper!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Happy Birthday, Grandpa!
This past weekend, the girls and I made a quick trip to Lake Mills to help celebrate my grandpa's 81st birthday.
Doesn't he look fabulous? He's definitely the smartest man I know!
In fact, don't they both look great!?!? Nana turned 79 in December. I sure hope these family genes shine through when I'm in my 80's!!
The lunch was held at 'The Grand' (the local greasy spoon). The food is great, the prices are ridiculously low, and the portions are ridiculously large. Especially when the owner of the joint spoils my grandpa even when it's not his birthday. Pretty great people around those parts!
There were cheese balls and onion rings...enjoyed here by Maysen.
'Grotewold' Malts--they come in all flavors. The 'Grotewold' part of it refers to the size....about double the size of a normal malt served at the venue. Did I mention that my grandpa tends to get spoiled here?? Although, I'm not sure if it's a compliment that your last name has been used to dubb something as especially large :) Here are Jaci and Michael posing with their Chocolate 'Grotewold' Malt.
Here are my girls posing with the birthday boy (Myah being her typical self when it comes to forced pictures).
And here's the rest of the clan. Most of the Grotewold family made it for the monumental event. We missed Scott's family (Scott, Suzi, Sam, Sabrina, and Ben) as well as my husband, Brandon (who had a basketbal game Friday night, which was when we headed up to Lake Mills). So all in all a good turnout.......and definitely a great reason to see each other again.
Doesn't he look fabulous? He's definitely the smartest man I know!
In fact, don't they both look great!?!? Nana turned 79 in December. I sure hope these family genes shine through when I'm in my 80's!!
The lunch was held at 'The Grand' (the local greasy spoon). The food is great, the prices are ridiculously low, and the portions are ridiculously large. Especially when the owner of the joint spoils my grandpa even when it's not his birthday. Pretty great people around those parts!
There were cheese balls and onion rings...enjoyed here by Maysen.
'Grotewold' Malts--they come in all flavors. The 'Grotewold' part of it refers to the size....about double the size of a normal malt served at the venue. Did I mention that my grandpa tends to get spoiled here?? Although, I'm not sure if it's a compliment that your last name has been used to dubb something as especially large :) Here are Jaci and Michael posing with their Chocolate 'Grotewold' Malt.
Here are my girls posing with the birthday boy (Myah being her typical self when it comes to forced pictures).
And here's the rest of the clan. Most of the Grotewold family made it for the monumental event. We missed Scott's family (Scott, Suzi, Sam, Sabrina, and Ben) as well as my husband, Brandon (who had a basketbal game Friday night, which was when we headed up to Lake Mills). So all in all a good turnout.......and definitely a great reason to see each other again.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
What's the word.....?
January has already buzzed by.....and I haven't chosen my word for the year. Heidi asked a few weeks ago in her 'Talk to me Tuesday,' and Kelle asked in her weekend giveaway blog. I've been thinking about it, but the best I can do is to come up with a phrase...and it's not 'new,' but continued from last year, which might help me stick to it a little better. So....here it is....my phrase for 2011 is 'Let It Go.' Those editors/english teachers/writers/word-crafters that read this blog, maybe you can help me find the ONE right word, but for now 'Let It Go' it will be.
Doesn't every mother (especially mother of 3--which I will soon be) need this as their Mantra?? Kids make messes. Someone will poop their pants. Milk will get spilled. Sharpie will get on the couch/pillows/clothes. Super glue will get on the kitchen table (oh, wait....that was me). However, these events don't call for a yelling/shouting/screaming fest. It takes just one of those reactions to learn that they don't work. Instead...you sort of 'let it go' and turn it into a learning experience. Kids still need to be told to "be careful." You need to ask them, "Is that where we draw?" or "Where do we use markers?" and have them reflect on their actions and ask them not to do that again....and (at least in the case of my kids) they try really hard not to. They repect you for not yelling at them and not getting mad, but they get the message that they did something wrong and there will probably be some consequence if it happens again.
There are so many bigger issues that I will encounter as a mom, and I need to let the little things go as much as I can.
Doesn't every mother (especially mother of 3--which I will soon be) need this as their Mantra?? Kids make messes. Someone will poop their pants. Milk will get spilled. Sharpie will get on the couch/pillows/clothes. Super glue will get on the kitchen table (oh, wait....that was me). However, these events don't call for a yelling/shouting/screaming fest. It takes just one of those reactions to learn that they don't work. Instead...you sort of 'let it go' and turn it into a learning experience. Kids still need to be told to "be careful." You need to ask them, "Is that where we draw?" or "Where do we use markers?" and have them reflect on their actions and ask them not to do that again....and (at least in the case of my kids) they try really hard not to. They repect you for not yelling at them and not getting mad, but they get the message that they did something wrong and there will probably be some consequence if it happens again.
There are so many bigger issues that I will encounter as a mom, and I need to let the little things go as much as I can.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
What's Cookin' Wednesday
It's snowing and blowing out there! We had an early out yesterday (Tuesday) and a full snow day today. Today's recipe was supposed to be our meal tonight, but we ended up having it last night since Brandon's game was canceled and I had plenty of time to prepare it for dinner. This also means that I have more pictures....and actually some step-by-step instructions :)
Chicken and Broccoli Ring (from Pampered Chef)
1 tube refrigerated croissants (recipe actually calls for 2, but I use one to save on calories and fat)
2 cups coarsely chopped cooked chicken
1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped broccoli
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (I use whatever kind of shredded cheese I have on hand at the time)
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/3 cup mayonnaise (I use light Miracle Whip to save some calories)
2 tsp dried dill weed
1/4 tsp salt
1 garlic clove (or substitute 1/4 tsp garlic powder)
1 egg white, beaten
1/4 cup slivered almonds
Prep time: about 15-20 minutes to get everything chopped
Bake time: 25-30 minutes at 375 degrees
1. Arrange croissant dough in circular design on baking sheet (I use Pampered Chef Large Round Stone)
2. In a bowl, combine chicken, broccoli, cheese, bell pepper, mayonnaise, dill weed, salt and garlic. Mix well.
3. Scoop filling over croissant dough.....finish desired shape.
4. Brush with egg white and sprinkle with almonds.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes at 375 degrees.
Sometimes this recipe feel 'fancy' to me. A little on the gourmet side...but it really is easy to make. The girls love to use the chopper for the chicken and red bell pepper as well as to dump in the seasonings. Including them in the cooking has proven to me that they are more apt to eat the end product. They enjoy this as much as Brandon and I do. We have always found that our girls want to eat the same thing that we are eating.....once I figured this out, I quit being a short-order cook and making them something different. I am a true believer that your kids will eat (and learn to love!) the foods you make if you don't make it a choice. I also believe that my kids are better eaters because they go to preschool/day care and are challenged to try all sorts of new foods each day. They are exposed to more things than I ever was as a kid, and in turn, they are willing to eat most things that I make.
Chicken and Broccoli Ring (from Pampered Chef)
1 tube refrigerated croissants (recipe actually calls for 2, but I use one to save on calories and fat)
2 cups coarsely chopped cooked chicken
1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped broccoli
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (I use whatever kind of shredded cheese I have on hand at the time)
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/3 cup mayonnaise (I use light Miracle Whip to save some calories)
2 tsp dried dill weed
1/4 tsp salt
1 garlic clove (or substitute 1/4 tsp garlic powder)
1 egg white, beaten
1/4 cup slivered almonds
Prep time: about 15-20 minutes to get everything chopped
Bake time: 25-30 minutes at 375 degrees
1. Arrange croissant dough in circular design on baking sheet (I use Pampered Chef Large Round Stone)
2. In a bowl, combine chicken, broccoli, cheese, bell pepper, mayonnaise, dill weed, salt and garlic. Mix well.
3. Scoop filling over croissant dough.....finish desired shape.
4. Brush with egg white and sprinkle with almonds.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes at 375 degrees.
Sometimes this recipe feel 'fancy' to me. A little on the gourmet side...but it really is easy to make. The girls love to use the chopper for the chicken and red bell pepper as well as to dump in the seasonings. Including them in the cooking has proven to me that they are more apt to eat the end product. They enjoy this as much as Brandon and I do. We have always found that our girls want to eat the same thing that we are eating.....once I figured this out, I quit being a short-order cook and making them something different. I am a true believer that your kids will eat (and learn to love!) the foods you make if you don't make it a choice. I also believe that my kids are better eaters because they go to preschool/day care and are challenged to try all sorts of new foods each day. They are exposed to more things than I ever was as a kid, and in turn, they are willing to eat most things that I make.
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