I am sitting in my basement surrounded by ribbon and tulle, so I am giving myself a timeout and writing a long overdue post.
So whats new? HITTING! WTFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF?!!!!!!!!!!!!!???? Ashlyn is the worst, it is full on hitting me in the face if she doesnt get her way. The girls are giving each other hugs and kisses(((can I get a collective AWWWWWWWW)) but the next minute they are hitting each other. This isnt like before when they would hit each other because of their lack of coordination and somehow end in a toddler pileup. No, this is on purpose and I know it is just frustration. Nothing says good morning like getting bitch slapped by a 16 month old!
I am also thinking that they should start having designated toys, but I dont know how this would work logistically. If Ashlyn has Fiona's toy, do I take it away from her and vice versa? Any tips?
Speaking of toys, we received not one but TWO American Girls catalogs, one for me and one for the husband. I dont know how we got on their mailing list. So I obviously looked through mine, I gave Tony's to the girls so they could look at it/rip it up, and I am obsessed with their bitty twin dolls but I know the girls are too young...right?...plus the dolls are $$$$. It is something to keep in mind for their 2nd birthday.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
I try not to call people out
I do not get the MckMama worship. Are you familiar with her? She has a blog and about a bjillion followers. She started blogging about her son and his heart condition. People were praying, sending her things, sending her money,etc because they were now on that emotional journey with her. They were seeing the pictures of her son in the hospital, reading about the treatments, they were there with her.
Now her son is better but the whole blog doesnt sit right with me. She talks about being a submissive wife and whips out bible verses to back her up. Well turns out her husband was arrested for domestic violence, perhaps she shouldnt be the one giving out marriage advice? She talks about her son and his health, but then takes him to a large BBQ right after he was released from the hospital, not giving a second thought to his immune system.
I just dont get the hero worship.
Now her son is better but the whole blog doesnt sit right with me. She talks about being a submissive wife and whips out bible verses to back her up. Well turns out her husband was arrested for domestic violence, perhaps she shouldnt be the one giving out marriage advice? She talks about her son and his health, but then takes him to a large BBQ right after he was released from the hospital, not giving a second thought to his immune system.
I just dont get the hero worship.
Poor Fiona
So the girls have been battling colds, but yesterday Fiona's got worse. She woke up wheezing and we were scared. Tony has asthma so I am always worried the girls will develop it. My gut reaction was to take her to the ER but then remembered we had an early morning doctor's appointment anyway. It was for their 15 month check up-yeah a month late.
So off we went. After paying our insane co pay(bye bye $120), the doctor checked out Ashlyn and ordered the required vaccinations. Next came Fiona's turn and he could clearly see she was wheezing and then he went into an explanation of the chest muscles she was using, yada yada yada, all things I do not remember. So once he checked her out, he ordered a breathing treatment for her and said we would be getting our very own neubulizer at home, greattttttttttt. I asked him about asthma and he said that two episodes of wheezing constitute asthma. That seemed really odd to me and this is something I want to research more. If she does have asthma, I would like to be more prepared, ya know proactive vs. reactive.
So now we are on day 2 of treatments and she is such a little trooper! She just sits and babbles away. I think she knows it makes her feel better which is why she tolerates it.
Both girls are doing great health wise and Ashlyn weighed in at 21.12lbs and Fiona is 23lbs. They've each only gained a 1 lb in 6 months but the doctor's isnt worried at all and neither am I.
So Fiona's had a rough few days and I really hope things turn around for the poor kid.
So off we went. After paying our insane co pay(bye bye $120), the doctor checked out Ashlyn and ordered the required vaccinations. Next came Fiona's turn and he could clearly see she was wheezing and then he went into an explanation of the chest muscles she was using, yada yada yada, all things I do not remember. So once he checked her out, he ordered a breathing treatment for her and said we would be getting our very own neubulizer at home, greattttttttttt. I asked him about asthma and he said that two episodes of wheezing constitute asthma. That seemed really odd to me and this is something I want to research more. If she does have asthma, I would like to be more prepared, ya know proactive vs. reactive.
So now we are on day 2 of treatments and she is such a little trooper! She just sits and babbles away. I think she knows it makes her feel better which is why she tolerates it.
Both girls are doing great health wise and Ashlyn weighed in at 21.12lbs and Fiona is 23lbs. They've each only gained a 1 lb in 6 months but the doctor's isnt worried at all and neither am I.
So Fiona's had a rough few days and I really hope things turn around for the poor kid.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Scary stuff
This morning we were heading out to storytime. We've taught the girls how to go down the stairs by sitting down, turning over on their belly and sliding down. So both girls headed down the stairs but Ashlyn decided that she wanted to go up. I had one girl going down, one going up and suddenly I saw Fiona at the top of the steps and she took a step down. OMG, it all happened in slow motion. I saw her tumbling down like a rag doll and she landed on her back at the bottom of the steps. I was hysterical, Fioan was hysterical and Ashlyn was crying as well.
I strapped them both into the car, preparing to go to the ER, and called the doctor's office. I got a nurse on the phone and she calmed me down. She gave me all the signs to look for and just told me to observe Fiona for a few hours. At this point Fiona was fine and laughing. She was fine for the rest of the day, her cold bothered her more than the fall it seems.
I dont think I will ever forget what she looked like going down those stairs. I cant help but feel responsible. Blahhhhhhh motherhood is so hard sometimes!
I strapped them both into the car, preparing to go to the ER, and called the doctor's office. I got a nurse on the phone and she calmed me down. She gave me all the signs to look for and just told me to observe Fiona for a few hours. At this point Fiona was fine and laughing. She was fine for the rest of the day, her cold bothered her more than the fall it seems.
I dont think I will ever forget what she looked like going down those stairs. I cant help but feel responsible. Blahhhhhhh motherhood is so hard sometimes!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Yummy recipe
I am sitting here in my new raft room. Remember those pis I posted of the pretty craft/play room? Well that lasted 3 months. I have outgrown that room and it was becoming unfair to the girls. I was gating off the room because my crap was everywhere, my stuff taking up room, etc. Now I am in the basement, but its all good. The basement is finished, even has a small kitchen. Our big screen TV is down here as well, so I an watch TV while crafting. It also gives me peace and quiet to work. I am working on several new bow styles and it does take patience to figure out the new folds, how to secure the bow, etc. I think my move to the basement will work out well.
I made this yummy dish the other day. So quick and easy. I served it with some Chinese noodles & asparagus and I also doubled the sauce.
Sesame Beef
I made this yummy dish the other day. So quick and easy. I served it with some Chinese noodles & asparagus and I also doubled the sauce.
Sesame Beef
- 1 pound round steak-I used sirloin because that is what I had on hand.
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons white sugar
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
DIRECTIONS
- Mix soy sauce, sugar, oil, garlic, and onions in a large bowl. Set aside.
- Cut steak into strips and add to bowl. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or at least 30 minutes.
- Cook in wok or frying pan until brown, about 5 minutes. Add sesame seeds and cook for additional 2 minutes.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Can someone tell me what is going on?
So both girls are waking up every night at 2:30/3am. It is like clockwork and I cant figure out what is going on. Bedtime has gotten better so thats a plus but UGH the screaming at 3am, it is driving us insane and we get into the whole CIO battle. Tony wants to let them CIO and I am still against it. They are 16 months, 14.5 months adjusted so maybe there is a developmental reason for the waking?? Any insight or do they just hate us?
I am not some sort of martyr when it comes to their sleep, like "oh look at me, I give my kids everything including my sleep" because if you give them your sleep time well just give them your sanity while you are at it. I just try to keep things in perspective and repeat all the time "sleep is a series of highs and lows".
So since I dont know when I will be sleeping through the night, I've been making an effort to get to sleep on time. My latest craft obsessions are making it hard though. Have you heard of freezer paper stencils?? So easy and so much fun!I am officially hooked.
I made this shirt using freezer paper-
I used a large piece of freezer paper, cut out the shapes which creates a stencil. Iron the freezer paper onto your shirt and voila! I went the extra step and colored the shapes in.
This blog was my inspiration-
http://samstermommy.blogspot.com/2009/09/painted-jeweled-onesie.html
I also used the basic idea behind the bandana dress to make this dress. I found the fabric at Joanns and it was too cute (and cheap!) to pass up.
You can find the tutorial here
http://www.joyshope.com/2009/05/simple-bandana-dress-tutorial.html
I simply cute the cupcake fabric into the same size as a bandana and went from there.
I am not some sort of martyr when it comes to their sleep, like "oh look at me, I give my kids everything including my sleep" because if you give them your sleep time well just give them your sanity while you are at it. I just try to keep things in perspective and repeat all the time "sleep is a series of highs and lows".
So since I dont know when I will be sleeping through the night, I've been making an effort to get to sleep on time. My latest craft obsessions are making it hard though. Have you heard of freezer paper stencils?? So easy and so much fun!I am officially hooked.
I made this shirt using freezer paper-
I used a large piece of freezer paper, cut out the shapes which creates a stencil. Iron the freezer paper onto your shirt and voila! I went the extra step and colored the shapes in.
This blog was my inspiration-
http://samstermommy.blogspot.com/2009/09/painted-jeweled-onesie.html
I also used the basic idea behind the bandana dress to make this dress. I found the fabric at Joanns and it was too cute (and cheap!) to pass up.
You can find the tutorial herehttp://www.joyshope.com/2009/05/simple-bandana-dress-tutorial.html
I simply cute the cupcake fabric into the same size as a bandana and went from there.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Sweet ride giveaway!
Yeah so I want it as well but I would be thrilled, and somewhat jealous, if one of my blog readers won.
It seems huge but I love how two kiddos can fit in it and I think it would be great for vacations. I am picturing myself riding down the boardwalk somewhere or locally on the montour trail.
So go and enter and hope to win this sweetride.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
To market, to market
I've been getting my craft on, besides my bow business, so that has eaten up my blogging time.
Crafts are so much fun, which is great except when you are having fun crafting and neglecting all the not so fun stuff like laundry BLAH.
My crafting kick also means lots of baking and cooking Yum Yum, but not good for the waistline.
Since we've had several weeks of illness, I got out of the dinner habit because it was a wast, but we are on the mend so I am back on the meal planning track. Here is a recent sample-
Kielbasa & HOMEMADE pierogies-so worth the effort! YUM YUM YUM
Chicken Chimichangas
Ravioli Bake-take frozen ravioli and layer it with sauce and cheese, easy and good.
MoJo Chicken & Rice
Sesame steak with asparagus
Sloppy Joes
Garlic Chicken w/ Orzo
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Chili
Mushroom Beef
Roasted Chicken
My grocery challenge was awesome because I learned some important lessons. I learned that I buy too much darn food! Even with menu planning, I get into a mentality of filling my freezer which can be great but not great if you do that every single time you shop. You end up with lots of food, and no plans for that food.
I am determined to keep shopping 1x a month,aside from milk and fresh veggies/fruits, and to use what I have. Instead of researching meal ideas and then shopping, I will look at what I have in my pantry/freezer and then find meals that use those ingredients.
I also now want a new fridge. I have a really pretty side by side stainless steel fridge and I HATE it. The side by side makes it hard to find things and the freezer makes it easy to "lose" things and the baskets are a joke. Since the previous houseowners barely cooked, the fridge just proves my theory that the appliances were purchased for looks as opposed to function-dont even get me started on my oven :)
Crafts are so much fun, which is great except when you are having fun crafting and neglecting all the not so fun stuff like laundry BLAH.
My crafting kick also means lots of baking and cooking Yum Yum, but not good for the waistline.
Since we've had several weeks of illness, I got out of the dinner habit because it was a wast, but we are on the mend so I am back on the meal planning track. Here is a recent sample-
Kielbasa & HOMEMADE pierogies-so worth the effort! YUM YUM YUM
Chicken Chimichangas
Ravioli Bake-take frozen ravioli and layer it with sauce and cheese, easy and good.
MoJo Chicken & Rice
Sesame steak with asparagus
Sloppy Joes
Garlic Chicken w/ Orzo
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Chili
Mushroom Beef
Roasted Chicken
My grocery challenge was awesome because I learned some important lessons. I learned that I buy too much darn food! Even with menu planning, I get into a mentality of filling my freezer which can be great but not great if you do that every single time you shop. You end up with lots of food, and no plans for that food.
I am determined to keep shopping 1x a month,aside from milk and fresh veggies/fruits, and to use what I have. Instead of researching meal ideas and then shopping, I will look at what I have in my pantry/freezer and then find meals that use those ingredients.
I also now want a new fridge. I have a really pretty side by side stainless steel fridge and I HATE it. The side by side makes it hard to find things and the freezer makes it easy to "lose" things and the baskets are a joke. Since the previous houseowners barely cooked, the fridge just proves my theory that the appliances were purchased for looks as opposed to function-dont even get me started on my oven :)
Friday, September 18, 2009
Where am I going and why am I sitting in this handbasket?
Yeah things feel like they have gone straight to H-E-DOUBLE HOCKEY STICKS. Sleep? yep to HELL. Eating? Yeah express train down south. Discipline? What discipline????
Its kinda like the girls just woke up one day and had a collective thought of "lets totally mess with mommy's mind!". F is refusing to eat dinner. She delights in throwing it on the floor, Thank God for my fat little beagle or else I would be doing a lot more cleaning. Oh yeah Cleaning, that has gone to hell as well.
What is with the flat out refusal to eat dinner? I am doing what you are suppose to. Offer something new along with something they like, well girlfriend decided she doesnt like grilled cheese anymore even though she just ate it two days ago...
The other night it was spaghetti and cheese. Well she didnt like that so here try some cheerios, nope, here have some toast, nope. zip, nada, nothing.
My logic is that if she is hungry, she will eat. It isnt like she goes all day without eating ,she truly delights in breakfast.
We are still having major sleep issues. Last night A was waking up every two hours just screaming. My first thought was that she had the nasty rotovirus that stopped by our house this week, but after the first screaming episode, I started thinking night terrors. Babycenter says that nighterrors are sometimes a sympathy of lack of sleep, which would make sense because her napping has been taken a nose dive as well. I thought we were at the stage of 1 nap a day, but I suspect we will have to go back to 2 if 1 nap means no sleep at night.
As far as discipline. How do you discipline almost 16 month olds? We started timeouts but I know it is just to start a pattern, not something they truly understand. I *try* not to say "No" all the time but when they are climbing on the back of the sofa and attempting to walk acros it, yeah No is what comes out first.
My local library branch is actually having a seminar on toddler behavior, and I will be signing up for it. Hopefully I will pick up some helpful tips.
We are still working on the developmental stuff and I've become worried about verbal development of late. We are doing what the therapist said to do, such as telling them to get the ball, then telling them to get the green ball. I've also been working on them with the names of body parts and animal sounds, along with the signs we've been using since 9 months old. F just seems to grasp thing quicker, which then makes me worry about A. A who was started on the nasal cannula in the NICU, the moved on to the oxygen hood and then eventually ended up on a vent. 34 weekers have a great track record developmentally but as a parent, you cant help but go to the dark, scary parts sometimes. Your fears that are just hiding in the shadows, all the what ifs and what wills. I cant help but think that maybe her breathing issues have now resulted in her delayed development.
Its kinda like the girls just woke up one day and had a collective thought of "lets totally mess with mommy's mind!". F is refusing to eat dinner. She delights in throwing it on the floor, Thank God for my fat little beagle or else I would be doing a lot more cleaning. Oh yeah Cleaning, that has gone to hell as well.
What is with the flat out refusal to eat dinner? I am doing what you are suppose to. Offer something new along with something they like, well girlfriend decided she doesnt like grilled cheese anymore even though she just ate it two days ago...
The other night it was spaghetti and cheese. Well she didnt like that so here try some cheerios, nope, here have some toast, nope. zip, nada, nothing.
My logic is that if she is hungry, she will eat. It isnt like she goes all day without eating ,she truly delights in breakfast.
We are still having major sleep issues. Last night A was waking up every two hours just screaming. My first thought was that she had the nasty rotovirus that stopped by our house this week, but after the first screaming episode, I started thinking night terrors. Babycenter says that nighterrors are sometimes a sympathy of lack of sleep, which would make sense because her napping has been taken a nose dive as well. I thought we were at the stage of 1 nap a day, but I suspect we will have to go back to 2 if 1 nap means no sleep at night.
As far as discipline. How do you discipline almost 16 month olds? We started timeouts but I know it is just to start a pattern, not something they truly understand. I *try* not to say "No" all the time but when they are climbing on the back of the sofa and attempting to walk acros it, yeah No is what comes out first.
My local library branch is actually having a seminar on toddler behavior, and I will be signing up for it. Hopefully I will pick up some helpful tips.
We are still working on the developmental stuff and I've become worried about verbal development of late. We are doing what the therapist said to do, such as telling them to get the ball, then telling them to get the green ball. I've also been working on them with the names of body parts and animal sounds, along with the signs we've been using since 9 months old. F just seems to grasp thing quicker, which then makes me worry about A. A who was started on the nasal cannula in the NICU, the moved on to the oxygen hood and then eventually ended up on a vent. 34 weekers have a great track record developmentally but as a parent, you cant help but go to the dark, scary parts sometimes. Your fears that are just hiding in the shadows, all the what ifs and what wills. I cant help but think that maybe her breathing issues have now resulted in her delayed development.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
I'm Flattered!!
My friend Cara approached me about doing a giveaway with her. I was REALLY flattered that she asked me. The giveaway is up and running over on her blog and it is for this adorable ladybug bow-
Click on the photo for the link to her blog. So go and enter, good luck my friends!
Click on the photo for the link to her blog. So go and enter, good luck my friends!
Busy but good
Wow, nothing like starting a business and getting things off with a bang. I had a few etsy sales (yay!) but I also had a handful of custom orders, including 26 ponytail bows for a girls' softball team. cant wait to see the team picture for them!
On the twinsie front, I am really struggling with my two toddlers. They never sit down, except to eat. It is go go go all day which is great and toddlers are active but man oh man, I had no idea! We are also dealing with the dreaded temper tantrums. F had a meltdown after storytime yesterday because I wouldnt let her carry the books around the library. She was clued to my cell phone yesterday and husband didnt want to deal with the screaming if we took it away, so my blackberry ended up covered in toddler goo, yay thanks so much!
We officially had to cancel this month's trip to my hometown, which also means I will be missing the U2 concert. The tickets were a birthday gift to my younger sister, so now she will be going with her husband. My friend is also going and has promised to call me during the concert, great, thanks so much, here is some salt to rub in my wounds ;P
We cancelled the trip because we really need to refocus on building our savings, something that obviously took a hit when we moved to the new house. My friend Sara reminded me that being responsible and delaying fun is hard to the shortrun but in the long term, it means living like no one else, a bit of wisdom I believe she got from Dave Ramsey but it is really true.
Speaking of living like no one else, the grocery challenge is going well. I must admit that I've made two runs to the store. The first was to target. Now I gotta defend myself. The local targets were running a special, for every two boxes of poptarts or nutrigrain bars, you got a free galloon of milk. So yeah I bough some poptarts and nutrigrain bars. The 2nd run was to the local Giant Eagle and it was just to get some bread dough to make an appetizer for a last minute get to gether with the Inlaws. I am really proud of myself though because I stuck to my mission with both trips and surpassed the temptations. I just reminded myself that we didnt need anything else.
Perhaps this grocery challenge has some lessons I didnt foresee.
On the twinsie front, I am really struggling with my two toddlers. They never sit down, except to eat. It is go go go all day which is great and toddlers are active but man oh man, I had no idea! We are also dealing with the dreaded temper tantrums. F had a meltdown after storytime yesterday because I wouldnt let her carry the books around the library. She was clued to my cell phone yesterday and husband didnt want to deal with the screaming if we took it away, so my blackberry ended up covered in toddler goo, yay thanks so much!
We officially had to cancel this month's trip to my hometown, which also means I will be missing the U2 concert. The tickets were a birthday gift to my younger sister, so now she will be going with her husband. My friend is also going and has promised to call me during the concert, great, thanks so much, here is some salt to rub in my wounds ;P
We cancelled the trip because we really need to refocus on building our savings, something that obviously took a hit when we moved to the new house. My friend Sara reminded me that being responsible and delaying fun is hard to the shortrun but in the long term, it means living like no one else, a bit of wisdom I believe she got from Dave Ramsey but it is really true.
Speaking of living like no one else, the grocery challenge is going well. I must admit that I've made two runs to the store. The first was to target. Now I gotta defend myself. The local targets were running a special, for every two boxes of poptarts or nutrigrain bars, you got a free galloon of milk. So yeah I bough some poptarts and nutrigrain bars. The 2nd run was to the local Giant Eagle and it was just to get some bread dough to make an appetizer for a last minute get to gether with the Inlaws. I am really proud of myself though because I stuck to my mission with both trips and surpassed the temptations. I just reminded myself that we didnt need anything else.
Perhaps this grocery challenge has some lessons I didnt foresee.
Friday, September 4, 2009
and the winner is....
well I better get cracking since I have to make THREE headbands! The winner is Sarah, the mommy to three girls, identical triplets!
Sarah, contact me and I can get all your information.
Sarah, contact me and I can get all your information.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Ya gotta love giveaways!
I blogged about the multiples and more blog party that kicks off on Thursday. Well Jaime is a fellow participant and decided to start her giveaway early and it is too cute. Skip on over to her blog to win a beautiful crocheted hat for your toddler.
http://rannilatriplets.blogspot.com/2009/09/our-1st-give-away.html
http://rannilatriplets.blogspot.com/2009/09/our-1st-give-away.html
Who needs sleep? Ya never gonna get it....
Who needs sleep? Whats that for.
Yeah I am stealing some lines from Barenaked Ladies. Their lyrics seemed appropriate given the state of sleep in this house.
The twinsies are 15 months actual, so 13.5 months corrected. A quick look at moxie shows that there is a common sleep regression period around 13 months, so it seems to jive with what is going on with the girls. They wake up in the middle of the night and SCREAM. It isnt whimpering, it is blood curdling outright screaming. We go in and thus begins the dance. Fine when someone is in there, screaming begins again when we leave. We try to co-sleep, something we've done in the past, but the offender wants nothing to do with that. To them co-sleeping is an invitation to a late night party.
It seems like Ashlyn is having the rougher time, well aside from mommy & daddy, and I know her starting to walk is probably playing a role as well.
Another surprising development is Fiona is clinging to daddy, so much that if he leaves her sight, it is a full out temper tantrum. I have to be honest and say I feel a bit slighted. While they are still beating down the bathroom dorr while I am in there, I dont get the clinging to daddy thing. Is it because he works so much and they are already sensing this? I just feel like a total bad guy when I have to take her out of the office so he can work.
Yeah I am stealing some lines from Barenaked Ladies. Their lyrics seemed appropriate given the state of sleep in this house.
The twinsies are 15 months actual, so 13.5 months corrected. A quick look at moxie shows that there is a common sleep regression period around 13 months, so it seems to jive with what is going on with the girls. They wake up in the middle of the night and SCREAM. It isnt whimpering, it is blood curdling outright screaming. We go in and thus begins the dance. Fine when someone is in there, screaming begins again when we leave. We try to co-sleep, something we've done in the past, but the offender wants nothing to do with that. To them co-sleeping is an invitation to a late night party.
It seems like Ashlyn is having the rougher time, well aside from mommy & daddy, and I know her starting to walk is probably playing a role as well.
Another surprising development is Fiona is clinging to daddy, so much that if he leaves her sight, it is a full out temper tantrum. I have to be honest and say I feel a bit slighted. While they are still beating down the bathroom dorr while I am in there, I dont get the clinging to daddy thing. Is it because he works so much and they are already sensing this? I just feel like a total bad guy when I have to take her out of the office so he can work.
Monday, August 31, 2009
the great SAHM vs. working mom debate
Nah, not really. I would rather talk about choices. When you have a child(or two or three), you know there are certain things you give up, well atleast for a few years. For most people, gone are those lazy weekends sleeping in, going out to dinner whenever you want without worrying about bedtime, the money spent on new clothes as opposed to diapers. I think what people nee dto also realize if that they have to give up having a choice sometimes and I think this is were the great SAHM vs. Working mom debate losses sight.
I am a SAHM because I simply cant afford daycare. Being in the non profit arena comes with a mixed bag. Helping your fellow man, building communities, helping to enrich the lives of others but it also means that monetary gains are well, how should I say this, not the greatest concern. We looked at daycares, I weighed the options and with two infants in daycare, it just didnt make sense financially. I am still mourning the fact that I had no choices in the matter. I would imagine the mom who works outside the home faced with a similar dilemmma would feel the same way. There is really no choice, that mom HAS to work. When we talked about having a baby, I never thought about this situation. Never imagined that being at home would be the only path that made financially sense for us.
Granted, there are plenty of multiple mamas who do work, and that is what makes the most sense for them.
I know this post is a bit rambling but its just something that I think people should stop and think about when the great debate comes up. The majority of moms are doing what is best for their families, whatever that is. Perhaps that SAHM would love to go back to work but the cost of daycare vs. her income make it impossible. Maybe that working mom would love to stay at home but she is the breadwinner. It is easy to judge when you just assume, but you know what they say about assuming :)
Before we tear each other down, we have to take a step back and realize that motherhood is not black and white, it has many shades of gray and that we should celebrate each other, not vilify each other for actions when perhaps there was no other choice in the matter.
I am a SAHM because I simply cant afford daycare. Being in the non profit arena comes with a mixed bag. Helping your fellow man, building communities, helping to enrich the lives of others but it also means that monetary gains are well, how should I say this, not the greatest concern. We looked at daycares, I weighed the options and with two infants in daycare, it just didnt make sense financially. I am still mourning the fact that I had no choices in the matter. I would imagine the mom who works outside the home faced with a similar dilemmma would feel the same way. There is really no choice, that mom HAS to work. When we talked about having a baby, I never thought about this situation. Never imagined that being at home would be the only path that made financially sense for us.
Granted, there are plenty of multiple mamas who do work, and that is what makes the most sense for them.
I know this post is a bit rambling but its just something that I think people should stop and think about when the great debate comes up. The majority of moms are doing what is best for their families, whatever that is. Perhaps that SAHM would love to go back to work but the cost of daycare vs. her income make it impossible. Maybe that working mom would love to stay at home but she is the breadwinner. It is easy to judge when you just assume, but you know what they say about assuming :)
Before we tear each other down, we have to take a step back and realize that motherhood is not black and white, it has many shades of gray and that we should celebrate each other, not vilify each other for actions when perhaps there was no other choice in the matter.
Blog Giveaway! Halloween Korker headband!!
Since I am part of the multiples and more followers, I've edited my giveaway to sync up to their end of summer blog party! The giveaway will end at midnight on Thursday. For an extra chance to win the bow, link to my giveaway on your own blog! That will give you one extra chance.
Blog giveaways seem to be in the air, so I decided to try my hand at one. Sorry boys, this one is for the girls. I will be giving away one of my own halloween korker bow headbands. If you have multiples(twins or triplets) and have more than one girl, I will send you one for each girl. I dont wanna leave anyone out, but I will have to verify that you have more than one girl, Them are the rules kids.
Here is what you have to do. I am going to run this till midnight on THURSDAY. Become a follower of my blog and leave a comment in this post. I will use random.org to pick a winner.
Link to my giveaway on your own blog and get one extra chance of winning. Make sure you post the link so I know.
Good luck!
Blog giveaways seem to be in the air, so I decided to try my hand at one. Sorry boys, this one is for the girls. I will be giving away one of my own halloween korker bow headbands. If you have multiples(twins or triplets) and have more than one girl, I will send you one for each girl. I dont wanna leave anyone out, but I will have to verify that you have more than one girl, Them are the rules kids.
Here is what you have to do. I am going to run this till midnight on THURSDAY. Become a follower of my blog and leave a comment in this post. I will use random.org to pick a winner.
Link to my giveaway on your own blog and get one extra chance of winning. Make sure you post the link so I know.
Good luck!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Great Grocery Challenge-Day 1
Its been a long day with two busy busy busy toddlers. I did want to get in the habit of posting our daily menu.
Breakfast-Waffles from the partial box we have. Once the box is over, I think I will make a big batch of homemade ones.
Lunch-Homemade pizza YUMMOOOOO!
Dinner-I broke down and used the convenience food I bought. It was rather odd to just heat up already breaded chicken and to use powdered potatoes, but I will admit it did make dinner time easy. I had 3 custom orders for my craft business and also helping my husband with his business, so it was a busy day so the ease of dinner was nice. We had the Tyson chicken tenders from costco, mashed potatoes and some frozen veggies I had on hand.
So a pretty simple cooking day but no eating out, yay! Husband said he wants the tyson chicken fried but that isnt happening.
Breakfast-Waffles from the partial box we have. Once the box is over, I think I will make a big batch of homemade ones.
Lunch-Homemade pizza YUMMOOOOO!
Dinner-I broke down and used the convenience food I bought. It was rather odd to just heat up already breaded chicken and to use powdered potatoes, but I will admit it did make dinner time easy. I had 3 custom orders for my craft business and also helping my husband with his business, so it was a busy day so the ease of dinner was nice. We had the Tyson chicken tenders from costco, mashed potatoes and some frozen veggies I had on hand.
So a pretty simple cooking day but no eating out, yay! Husband said he wants the tyson chicken fried but that isnt happening.
Friday, August 28, 2009
The great grocery challenge aka its hard out there for a foodie
Let me just say that I've been doing meal planning for months. It really does help out with stress and motivates me to find new recipes. That said, while it has helped with the budget a bit, I know there is more money I could save. I recently read this blog http://doughmesstic.blogspot.com/2009_06_01_archive.html who did a pantry raid challenge and only spent $100 in groceries for one month. Now, I think its a great idea but there are some issues A) she skipped meals. Yeah, have me skip breakfast and you will have a very unhappy camper and B) she has a baby, so having snacks and meals for a child isnt an issue and C) did you read the lists of food she had on hand before the challenge??? Yeah I dont have all that food and I dont know many people that do.
I do think that the premise was a good one so I decided to do it with my own take.
I sat down on my computer and I typed out what food I already have on hand-
2lbs ground beef
partial box of waffles
5lbs potatoes
12 frozen chicken legs in a large pack
3lbs of frozen mixed veggies
large pack of chicken sausage
2 servings of ravioli
black beans
red beans
assorted pasta
canned corn
diced tomatoes
tomato sauce
flour
taco shells
pot roast
whole grain bread
jam
peanut butter
Hot dogs & buns
At costco today I spent $143 and got
5.5lbs beef stew meat
8 boxes of mashed potato mix(4 servings each box)
5lbs of onion
5lbs Tyson breaded chicken
Frozen shrimp
2 loafs of Italian bread
1 package of arnold's sandwich thins
Swiss cheese
mushrooms
3 DZ eggs
1.5 gallons of organic milk
5 heads of romaine lettuce
24 oz. Parmesan cheese
Chicken breasts
Tub of cookie dough(yeah, my excuse is that my husband spends way too much money buying himself snacks. The $8 for the tub is cheaper than his little trips to the nearest convenience mart)
I spent $34 at Aldis and got-
Green peppers
Bread crumbs
Egg noodles
American cheese slices
Shredded Mozzarella cheese(2 packs)
Shredded Cheddar cheese
Cream of mushroom soup
Beans
Mojo Marinade(awesome for chicken)
Onion soup mix
Rice
Gravy mix
Light ranch dressing
Caesar dressing
Vinegar
Ice cream sandwiches
frozen monkey bread(have you had monkey bread? Mmmmm so good!)
Sweet & sour marinade
Now usually I am not one to buy mashed potato mix or already breaded chicken, but I am trying to fight against my downfall. What happens is that I am too tired to cook, or the twinsies are whining and I cant cook, or my husband says "ugh I am not in the mood for that" so we go out to eat or order a pizza, etc. If I have a few convience items on hand, I dont have an excuse.
My husband will still eat out for lunch but he is going to try and start brownbaging it 1-2x a week. he hates leftovers, I blame his mom because she totally indulged, and still does, his picky ways.
I plan on writing a daily post outlining what we ate that day. So no trips to the grocery store until October and we cant spend more than $200. If we need milk, I will send my husband so I can resist temptation.
I do think that the premise was a good one so I decided to do it with my own take.
I sat down on my computer and I typed out what food I already have on hand-
2lbs ground beef
partial box of waffles
5lbs potatoes
12 frozen chicken legs in a large pack
3lbs of frozen mixed veggies
large pack of chicken sausage
2 servings of ravioli
black beans
red beans
assorted pasta
canned corn
diced tomatoes
tomato sauce
flour
taco shells
pot roast
whole grain bread
jam
peanut butter
Hot dogs & buns
At costco today I spent $143 and got
5.5lbs beef stew meat
8 boxes of mashed potato mix(4 servings each box)
5lbs of onion
5lbs Tyson breaded chicken
Frozen shrimp
2 loafs of Italian bread
1 package of arnold's sandwich thins
Swiss cheese
mushrooms
3 DZ eggs
1.5 gallons of organic milk
5 heads of romaine lettuce
24 oz. Parmesan cheese
Chicken breasts
Tub of cookie dough(yeah, my excuse is that my husband spends way too much money buying himself snacks. The $8 for the tub is cheaper than his little trips to the nearest convenience mart)
I spent $34 at Aldis and got-
Green peppers
Bread crumbs
Egg noodles
American cheese slices
Shredded Mozzarella cheese(2 packs)
Shredded Cheddar cheese
Cream of mushroom soup
Beans
Mojo Marinade(awesome for chicken)
Onion soup mix
Rice
Gravy mix
Light ranch dressing
Caesar dressing
Vinegar
Ice cream sandwiches
frozen monkey bread(have you had monkey bread? Mmmmm so good!)
Sweet & sour marinade
Now usually I am not one to buy mashed potato mix or already breaded chicken, but I am trying to fight against my downfall. What happens is that I am too tired to cook, or the twinsies are whining and I cant cook, or my husband says "ugh I am not in the mood for that" so we go out to eat or order a pizza, etc. If I have a few convience items on hand, I dont have an excuse.
My husband will still eat out for lunch but he is going to try and start brownbaging it 1-2x a week. he hates leftovers, I blame his mom because she totally indulged, and still does, his picky ways.
I plan on writing a daily post outlining what we ate that day. So no trips to the grocery store until October and we cant spend more than $200. If we need milk, I will send my husband so I can resist temptation.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Solo roadtrip with twins.
For the past two months, we've had a trip to my hometown planned, 7 hours away from steelerland. We were going to use the trip as an opportunity to get some professional photos done of the girls. The photos were going to be shot in the park where I played as a wee lass, my mom & sister would be there, it was going to be great. Well a few days before our planned departure date, husband told me that he wouldnt be able to go because of a deadline for the new company. I wrestled with this, going back & forth between going and not going. I decided that I would go solo, just me and my little ladies.
The trip was great, we just got back yesterday. It was HOT for the photo shoot, which made for some sweaty and cranky girls. I am sure that Racheal got some great shots. I am still kicking myself in the butt for not packing any skirts or dresses, I had to wear pants for the photos, UGH jeans & heat do not mix well.
The trip was wonderful and I got to see some of my best friends and of course my family.
A solo roadtrip with twins is possible. Here are some tips, or things that I did that worked well for us.
1. Be flexible & take your time. I factored in a whole day to drive there and another day to drive back. I was able to take my time and stop when the girls needed a break.
2. Pack a picnic-I packed snacks and fruit in a cooler as well as a picnic blanket. We were able to stop and we have a picnic and let the girls play and stretch their legs.
3. Take the scenic route- I had two options. 1 was a turnpike with large rest stops with lots of amenities but the exits are further apart. The other option meant small rest areas without restaurants but more exits. I chose the 2nd option. The small rest areas meant green space that could be used for picnics or to take the girls for a walk in the stroller. Some stops were downright pretty, with scenic overlooks and lots of pretty flowers and trees.
4. Bring toys & books- At one stop, I pulled out some blocks that I had packed for the girls. They were able to play in the back of the van while I got lunch ready. I also had books and small toys, like a play phone, that the girls could play with while in their seats.
5. Timing is everything- I left at 5am on my way there and 7am on my way home. The girls usually sleep to 7-8am so leaving at 5am I was hoping that I would get a few hours with some sleeping babies. It worked this time. I was able to drive 3 hours before they woke up and needed to eat. On the way home, they didnt sleep as much but I fed them before we left so they were in a good mood. Think about your child and their sleeping pattern. Perhaps leaving at night would be the best option for you. That is what we did when they were 4 months old and went on a roadtrip. We left at bedtime and the girls just slept except for a nursing session.
I doubt I would do the same thing now because the girls are older and more aware of their surroundings.
Traffic is also something to consider. Leaving at 5am meant I would avoid rush hour in my hometown. My girls hate traffic almost as much as I do and usually scream when stuck in it.
6. By any means necessary. With this I mean, try any trick necessary to get through the trip. While I didnt use a portable DVD player, that doesnt me I would be opposed to one. If 15 minutes of elmo will calm down your child and help you concentrate on driving, then go for it.
7. Dont jeopardize safety- If your child is crying/screaming and distracting you while driving, PULL OVER! Safety is the most important thing. This ties back to #1. If you take your time, you will have the time and flexibity to stop when you need to.
I hope this helps.
The trip was great, we just got back yesterday. It was HOT for the photo shoot, which made for some sweaty and cranky girls. I am sure that Racheal got some great shots. I am still kicking myself in the butt for not packing any skirts or dresses, I had to wear pants for the photos, UGH jeans & heat do not mix well.
The trip was wonderful and I got to see some of my best friends and of course my family.
A solo roadtrip with twins is possible. Here are some tips, or things that I did that worked well for us.
1. Be flexible & take your time. I factored in a whole day to drive there and another day to drive back. I was able to take my time and stop when the girls needed a break.
2. Pack a picnic-I packed snacks and fruit in a cooler as well as a picnic blanket. We were able to stop and we have a picnic and let the girls play and stretch their legs.
3. Take the scenic route- I had two options. 1 was a turnpike with large rest stops with lots of amenities but the exits are further apart. The other option meant small rest areas without restaurants but more exits. I chose the 2nd option. The small rest areas meant green space that could be used for picnics or to take the girls for a walk in the stroller. Some stops were downright pretty, with scenic overlooks and lots of pretty flowers and trees.
4. Bring toys & books- At one stop, I pulled out some blocks that I had packed for the girls. They were able to play in the back of the van while I got lunch ready. I also had books and small toys, like a play phone, that the girls could play with while in their seats.
5. Timing is everything- I left at 5am on my way there and 7am on my way home. The girls usually sleep to 7-8am so leaving at 5am I was hoping that I would get a few hours with some sleeping babies. It worked this time. I was able to drive 3 hours before they woke up and needed to eat. On the way home, they didnt sleep as much but I fed them before we left so they were in a good mood. Think about your child and their sleeping pattern. Perhaps leaving at night would be the best option for you. That is what we did when they were 4 months old and went on a roadtrip. We left at bedtime and the girls just slept except for a nursing session.
I doubt I would do the same thing now because the girls are older and more aware of their surroundings.
Traffic is also something to consider. Leaving at 5am meant I would avoid rush hour in my hometown. My girls hate traffic almost as much as I do and usually scream when stuck in it.
6. By any means necessary. With this I mean, try any trick necessary to get through the trip. While I didnt use a portable DVD player, that doesnt me I would be opposed to one. If 15 minutes of elmo will calm down your child and help you concentrate on driving, then go for it.
7. Dont jeopardize safety- If your child is crying/screaming and distracting you while driving, PULL OVER! Safety is the most important thing. This ties back to #1. If you take your time, you will have the time and flexibity to stop when you need to.
I hope this helps.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
How many angels does God need...
I am sitting here writing with a very very heavy heart. A fellow MoM(mother of Multiples) lost one of her children today. Brooke had her triplets at 25 weeks and for the past 50+ days. the babies have been overcoming hurdle after hurdle until one thing stopped everyone in their tracks. Sweet little Annaleigh, who was just taken off the nasal cannula and was breathing room air, stopped gaining weight. her belly was swollen and was vomiting repeatly. A surgery consult showed that the culprit was NEC.
NEC stands for Necrotizing Enterolitis and it is primarily seen in micropreemies. Bacteria destroys the bowels from the inside out. It is devestating. Surgery revealed that Annaleigh's bowels were all destroyed and the only chance for recovery was a bowel transplant, which was slim to none.
In the span of a few days, Brooke and her husband prepared to say goodbye to Annaleigh. I cant even pretend to understand how they felt when they received that news.
At 4:30 today, Annaleigh stopped fighting. They were able to get a family picture with all three babies. My heart is broken for this family. I cant stop crying and staring at my own two miracles.
Being active in the online multiples community means I have seen my fair share of sad stories and I just want to know how many more angels does God need? I think he has enough and I am asking him now to just leave the babies alone. Babies belong on earth where they can be cuddled and loved by their families. Can we make a deal God?
Life is just so unfair. It is just so hard to wrap my head around and while I think I am a religious oerson, I cant explain this away using faith. I just cant. Some might say"well this is just one of life's mysteries, we dont know why God does this", at this point I am not buying that.
I know this is rambling, but like I told my husband, I am sick of God taking the babies away...
NEC stands for Necrotizing Enterolitis and it is primarily seen in micropreemies. Bacteria destroys the bowels from the inside out. It is devestating. Surgery revealed that Annaleigh's bowels were all destroyed and the only chance for recovery was a bowel transplant, which was slim to none.
In the span of a few days, Brooke and her husband prepared to say goodbye to Annaleigh. I cant even pretend to understand how they felt when they received that news.
At 4:30 today, Annaleigh stopped fighting. They were able to get a family picture with all three babies. My heart is broken for this family. I cant stop crying and staring at my own two miracles.
Being active in the online multiples community means I have seen my fair share of sad stories and I just want to know how many more angels does God need? I think he has enough and I am asking him now to just leave the babies alone. Babies belong on earth where they can be cuddled and loved by their families. Can we make a deal God?
Life is just so unfair. It is just so hard to wrap my head around and while I think I am a religious oerson, I cant explain this away using faith. I just cant. Some might say"well this is just one of life's mysteries, we dont know why God does this", at this point I am not buying that.
I know this is rambling, but like I told my husband, I am sick of God taking the babies away...
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Sleep training for twins
First, I want to say that I am trying not to judge. I am just speaking for what works for us. I've read a ton of books about this and I tried to make an informed decision for our girls. I think what is most important is that parents are informed in whatever sleep training method they choose. That means reading the books as opposed to googling for a brief synopsis.
After reading ferber, I could see when & why it would work but I knew it wasnt for us. My girls were flipping out from just being put in their cribs. I needed a method that would help them realize that their cribs were a safe place and that they would be okay.
I decided that The Good Night, Sleep Tight method was the best choice for us. Now, I am on the crunchy side of parenting and I am a very small minority in the multiples community. I just felt that the Sleeplady's methods were what jived with our parenting point of view and it seemed like common sense to me. I could comfort both girls by just being close to their cribs. With ferber, I would've been going in there every five minutes. I just dont see how it would work with twins when both babies are crying. I could see it working if you had a singleton or if just one of your multiples was having problems.
We started sleep training at 10 months. We also had to take time off because of obvious developmental milestones which impact their sleeping, such as teething or walking. I think it is really important for parents to realize that sleep is not a clear cut issue and that is the major problem I have with crying it out. Classic crying it out doesnt make exception for those developmental milestones and there are no guidelines of when to CIO depending on age, health, etc,etc. There are so many varibles that can impact sleep.
On the preemie front, my girls were not dismissed from the state early intervention. I am okay with this because it means they are getting the help they may need. I will say that I was surprised they still qualified. They are tested at their actual age vs. adjusted age and they should be doing things like going to get a toy if you tell them to, or helping with getting dressed by lifting up their arms. Those developmental acheivements never ever crossed my mind. Now that I know what they shoud be doing, I know what I should be working on. I can already see changes in the girls in the last two weeks.
and now for something completely different-
The fabulous Tobi is having a giveaway on here blog. She is giving away a beautiful blooming baby bouquet. I can attest to these bouquets. I got a kitchen one for my mom for Mother's day and she LOVED it. Actually it has been her dining room table centerpiece this whole summer.
Here is the link to the contest and good luck!
http://drbabymamadrama.blogspot.com/2009/08/giveaway.html
The Multiples...and more blog is having a giveaway of orglamix mineral makeup, eco friendly!
http://multiplesandmore.blogspot.com/2009/08/product-review-and-giveaway-orglamix.html
After reading ferber, I could see when & why it would work but I knew it wasnt for us. My girls were flipping out from just being put in their cribs. I needed a method that would help them realize that their cribs were a safe place and that they would be okay.
I decided that The Good Night, Sleep Tight method was the best choice for us. Now, I am on the crunchy side of parenting and I am a very small minority in the multiples community. I just felt that the Sleeplady's methods were what jived with our parenting point of view and it seemed like common sense to me. I could comfort both girls by just being close to their cribs. With ferber, I would've been going in there every five minutes. I just dont see how it would work with twins when both babies are crying. I could see it working if you had a singleton or if just one of your multiples was having problems.
We started sleep training at 10 months. We also had to take time off because of obvious developmental milestones which impact their sleeping, such as teething or walking. I think it is really important for parents to realize that sleep is not a clear cut issue and that is the major problem I have with crying it out. Classic crying it out doesnt make exception for those developmental milestones and there are no guidelines of when to CIO depending on age, health, etc,etc. There are so many varibles that can impact sleep.
On the preemie front, my girls were not dismissed from the state early intervention. I am okay with this because it means they are getting the help they may need. I will say that I was surprised they still qualified. They are tested at their actual age vs. adjusted age and they should be doing things like going to get a toy if you tell them to, or helping with getting dressed by lifting up their arms. Those developmental acheivements never ever crossed my mind. Now that I know what they shoud be doing, I know what I should be working on. I can already see changes in the girls in the last two weeks.
and now for something completely different-
The fabulous Tobi is having a giveaway on here blog. She is giving away a beautiful blooming baby bouquet. I can attest to these bouquets. I got a kitchen one for my mom for Mother's day and she LOVED it. Actually it has been her dining room table centerpiece this whole summer.
Here is the link to the contest and good luck!
http://drbabymamadrama.blogspot.com/2009/08/giveaway.html
The Multiples...and more blog is having a giveaway of orglamix mineral makeup, eco friendly!
http://multiplesandmore.blogspot.com/2009/08/product-review-and-giveaway-orglamix.html
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Another giveaway
So the fabulous Tobi posted about a great fashion blog, which is written by the beautiful Chloe. Isnt it lovely when everyone is fabulous and beautiful?? Anywho, Chloe is doing a giveaway and here is the info-
http://chloeconspiracy.blogspot.com/2009/08/outfit-of-day-give-way.html
She is giving away an adorable bracelet from the simply Vera line at Kohls. I puffy heart Kohls, do you?
http://chloeconspiracy.blogspot.com/2009/08/outfit-of-day-give-way.html
She is giving away an adorable bracelet from the simply Vera line at Kohls. I puffy heart Kohls, do you?
Tada! New chair
I picked up this $20 from goodwill. I loved the size and the shape. I could totally see both my girls sitting on it together reading or sharing secrets for years to come.
I dont have a picture of the chair itself, think 1970s wood stain.
This is one of the cushions-
and here is the finished product-
Here is how I did it-I used no sand primer on the chair and then applied two coats of white paint. For the cushions, I did a no sew slipcover. It isnt the proper way but it works. I laid the fabric out and then folded it in, think hospital corners, and then used a high temp glue gun. For the back, I attached snaps. I will make proper slipcovers soon but I wanted something quickly. the fabric was $8 for 3 yards at ikea. I think it is such a fun chair.
I dont have a picture of the chair itself, think 1970s wood stain.
This is one of the cushions-
and here is the finished product-
Here is how I did it-I used no sand primer on the chair and then applied two coats of white paint. For the cushions, I did a no sew slipcover. It isnt the proper way but it works. I laid the fabric out and then folded it in, think hospital corners, and then used a high temp glue gun. For the back, I attached snaps. I will make proper slipcovers soon but I wanted something quickly. the fabric was $8 for 3 yards at ikea. I think it is such a fun chair.
Craft & Play all in the same space!
If you are a friend on facebook, you've already seen these pictures-
This room was suppose to be a formal living room, but a formal living room with two tots running around?? yeah whatever.
I wanted it to be pretty and functional. I still need to get new storage options for my craft items and add a few more decorative pieces-
My craft area-
The reading area-
This room was suppose to be a formal living room, but a formal living room with two tots running around?? yeah whatever.
I wanted it to be pretty and functional. I still need to get new storage options for my craft items and add a few more decorative pieces-
My craft area-
The reading area-
Monday, August 10, 2009
Double stroller giveaway!
I know some friends who are in the market for a double stroller so I thought I would post this giveaway.
The bumbleride double strollers are awesome. If I didnt have my beloved valco, I would be all over it.
Good luck!
http://twoofakindworkingonafullhouse.blogspot.com/2009/07/bumbleride-indie-twin-stroller-giveaway.html
Check out the stroller specs here-
http://www.bumbleride.com/
The bumbleride double strollers are awesome. If I didnt have my beloved valco, I would be all over it.
Good luck!
http://twoofakindworkingonafullhouse.blogspot.com/2009/07/bumbleride-indie-twin-stroller-giveaway.html
Check out the stroller specs here-
http://www.bumbleride.com/
Friday, July 31, 2009
My insanity knows no bounds
So I blogged about the company my husband and I are setting up. I wont say the name but the scoop is that we(meaning T) will be designing and programming the games and we(meaning me) will market to mobile device users-iphones, blackberries, google phones, etc.
This has kept us very busy and I am handling the business end such as getting our LLC paperwork done, getting tax info, writing a business plan. Well I get the brilliant idea that this would be a great time to start selling my crafts! yay, I am an idiot!!! I've been making bows and hair accessories for a few months now and I get lots of compliments on them and people ask where I bought them, so I thought it might be a good idea to put a toe into the craft market. So now I am setting up an etsy store; trying to get approved for local craft fairs, woohoo got into one BTW, and figuring out all the other jazz such as taxes and pricing. My husband thinks we are crazy but we are both type A ambitious people so I guess it makes sense.
Speaking of crafts, I want to share a little project I did.
Take a $5 lamp
plus a $3 can of silver spray paint
and you have a brand new lamp!
It is the one on the right. I had a matching set of the lamp on the left, but I lost one in the move. I was so upset but I think the new one has the same sort of feel. Not bad for $9, right? I picked up a chair last week that needs some TLC, I will post pics when I am done with it.
This has kept us very busy and I am handling the business end such as getting our LLC paperwork done, getting tax info, writing a business plan. Well I get the brilliant idea that this would be a great time to start selling my crafts! yay, I am an idiot!!! I've been making bows and hair accessories for a few months now and I get lots of compliments on them and people ask where I bought them, so I thought it might be a good idea to put a toe into the craft market. So now I am setting up an etsy store; trying to get approved for local craft fairs, woohoo got into one BTW, and figuring out all the other jazz such as taxes and pricing. My husband thinks we are crazy but we are both type A ambitious people so I guess it makes sense.
Speaking of crafts, I want to share a little project I did.
Take a $5 lamp
plus a $3 can of silver spray paintand you have a brand new lamp!
It is the one on the right. I had a matching set of the lamp on the left, but I lost one in the move. I was so upset but I think the new one has the same sort of feel. Not bad for $9, right? I picked up a chair last week that needs some TLC, I will post pics when I am done with it.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
What do you need for twins
I see this question a lot and I get asked it a lot. I thought it would make a great blog entry.
-Baby trend double snap n go.
This stroller only takes infant carseats. It is very lightweight and easy to fold. My girls were in their infant carseats for 10 months so I got a ton of miles out of my double snap n go.
-2 boppy pillows
These are awesome. If you bottle feed, you can put a baby in each pillow and feed them at the same time. If you are nursing, you can use the boppy to nurse. Yeah you can tandem feed the babies but that has a learning curve to it and not everyone can do it. I wasnt able to tandem feed because Ashlyn had a bad latch.
-A really great OB/ Perinologist
I am not a doctor, but I feel like I was an educated patient. We found out about our twins late in the game, 19 weeks, and you best believe that I drilled my OB after that u/s. I asked how many multiples he had delivered, were there practice standards for dealing with multiples, did he view multiples as high risk, how many MoMs to be got to full term?, etc I knew I would be delivering at Magee and I knew that Magee has an outstanding NICU so that did make me feel comfortable. When they discovered the vasa previa, my OB sent me to a Maternal Fetal Medicine doctor. I was placed under the care of the Magee MFM and still saw my OB. It is all about good care. I cant tell you how many posts I've seen on multiples message boards that say things like "well my doctor doesnt think I am high risk just because I am having twins", or "My OB doesnt think I need cervical checks". Having multiples is high risk and a patient should be treated as such. 50% of all multiples are delivered early(before 37 weeks) and the risk for preterm labor, pre-e, and other complications are higher when having multiples. Being high risk doesnt mean bedrest, it just means taking extra precautions.
-2 swings
This differs from mom to mom. We actually had 3 swings. Those swings were awesome when we were in total survival mode. Fiona wanted to be held and rocked all the time. I couldnt do it, it was physically draining and I needed to take care of Ashlyn as well. Swings were a lifeline.
-Miracle Blankets
Yes, they are more money than the average swaddling blanket but so worth the $. My girls loved to be swaddled and these blankets made them feel nice and secure and helped them sleep!
-Breast Pump
Even if you exclusively breastfeed and stay at home, chances are you will need to pump. I've only known 2 MoMs who didnt have supply issues. A pump can help boast your supply and create a freezer stash so someone else can handle a feeding
-Baby bjorn/sling/wrap/etc
I wore my girls for months, sometimes two at a time. I could wear them and walk around the house. It helps with bonding and soothing.
-Baby trend double snap n go.
This stroller only takes infant carseats. It is very lightweight and easy to fold. My girls were in their infant carseats for 10 months so I got a ton of miles out of my double snap n go.
-2 boppy pillows
These are awesome. If you bottle feed, you can put a baby in each pillow and feed them at the same time. If you are nursing, you can use the boppy to nurse. Yeah you can tandem feed the babies but that has a learning curve to it and not everyone can do it. I wasnt able to tandem feed because Ashlyn had a bad latch.
-A really great OB/ Perinologist
I am not a doctor, but I feel like I was an educated patient. We found out about our twins late in the game, 19 weeks, and you best believe that I drilled my OB after that u/s. I asked how many multiples he had delivered, were there practice standards for dealing with multiples, did he view multiples as high risk, how many MoMs to be got to full term?, etc I knew I would be delivering at Magee and I knew that Magee has an outstanding NICU so that did make me feel comfortable. When they discovered the vasa previa, my OB sent me to a Maternal Fetal Medicine doctor. I was placed under the care of the Magee MFM and still saw my OB. It is all about good care. I cant tell you how many posts I've seen on multiples message boards that say things like "well my doctor doesnt think I am high risk just because I am having twins", or "My OB doesnt think I need cervical checks". Having multiples is high risk and a patient should be treated as such. 50% of all multiples are delivered early(before 37 weeks) and the risk for preterm labor, pre-e, and other complications are higher when having multiples. Being high risk doesnt mean bedrest, it just means taking extra precautions.
-2 swings
This differs from mom to mom. We actually had 3 swings. Those swings were awesome when we were in total survival mode. Fiona wanted to be held and rocked all the time. I couldnt do it, it was physically draining and I needed to take care of Ashlyn as well. Swings were a lifeline.
-Miracle Blankets
Yes, they are more money than the average swaddling blanket but so worth the $. My girls loved to be swaddled and these blankets made them feel nice and secure and helped them sleep!
-Breast Pump
Even if you exclusively breastfeed and stay at home, chances are you will need to pump. I've only known 2 MoMs who didnt have supply issues. A pump can help boast your supply and create a freezer stash so someone else can handle a feeding
-Baby bjorn/sling/wrap/etc
I wore my girls for months, sometimes two at a time. I could wear them and walk around the house. It helps with bonding and soothing.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
Ingredients-
4 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1 lb.)
1/2 cup KRAFT Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing, divided
4 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1 lb.)
1/2 cup KRAFT Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing, divided
1 tomato, finely chopped
1/2 cup KRAFT Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or 1 tsp. dried basil leaves
1/2 cup KRAFT Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or 1 tsp. dried basil leaves
Marinate the chicken in dressing for a minimum of two hours
Heat up the grill and cover one half with tin foil.
Place chicken on uncovered portion of grill and cook on one side
At the same time, combine remaining dressing, cheese, basil, and tomato
Place chicken on tin foil covered side of grill, cooked side up, and top with the cheese tomato mixture. Close grill and cook for 8-10 minutes.
Serve with angel hair pasta
You can also cook this in pan. Simply cook on one side, flip over when done and then put on the cheese tomato mixture. Cover it with tin foil and cook.
Spinach & red pepper stuffed chicken
Yummy and comes out to 4.5 points per piece
4 chicken breasts, sliced in half
1/4 cup reduced fat Mozzarella cheese
1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
1 jar red peppers, diced
2 eggs
3/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
garlic
salt
pepper
basil
Heat oven to 375
Beat 1 egg for an egg wash and set up your assembly line for dippng the chicken into egg wash and breadcrumbs.
Pound the chicken out to get nice thin pieces. Remember you are going to be stuffing and wrapping them.
In a bowl, combine the spinach, peppers, cheese, 1 egg and the spices. Mix all together. Place mixture on chicken pieces and roll them. You can use toothpick to secure the pieces and make sure the mixture doesnt leak out.
Dip the stuffed pieces into the egg wash and then into the breadcrumbs.
Place on baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
4 chicken breasts, sliced in half
1/4 cup reduced fat Mozzarella cheese
1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
1 jar red peppers, diced
2 eggs
3/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
garlic
salt
pepper
basil
Heat oven to 375
Beat 1 egg for an egg wash and set up your assembly line for dippng the chicken into egg wash and breadcrumbs.
Pound the chicken out to get nice thin pieces. Remember you are going to be stuffing and wrapping them.
In a bowl, combine the spinach, peppers, cheese, 1 egg and the spices. Mix all together. Place mixture on chicken pieces and roll them. You can use toothpick to secure the pieces and make sure the mixture doesnt leak out.
Dip the stuffed pieces into the egg wash and then into the breadcrumbs.
Place on baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
WW friendly meatballs & meatball lasagna
I make a big batch of the meatballs(recipes yields 48) and then save some for the lasagna. If you dont think the meatballs are seasoned enough after they are done, just throw some extra dried basil, garlic, S&P on top and bake for a few more minutes.
Mediterranean meatballs
Ingredients-r
1 jar roasted red peppers
whole wheat bread crumbs 1.5 cups
2 eggs
1/3 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup fresh basil
2 pounds 95% lean ground beef
Salt Pepper cumin Parsley garlic
Preheat oven to 350 F. In a large bowl, combine 3/4 of a 12-ounce jar of roasted red peppers, drained and finely chopped; 1-1/2 cups soft whole wheat bread crumbs (about 2 slices); 1/2 cup refrigerated or frozen egg product (thawed) or 2 eggs, lightly beaten; 1/3 cup tomato sauce; 1/2 cup snipped fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried basil, crushed; 1/4 cup snipped fresh flat-leaf parsley; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cumin; 1 tablespoon garlic. Add 2 pounds 95 percent lean ground beef; mix well.
Shape meat mixture into 48 meatballs.
Place meatballs in a foil-lined 15x10x1-inch baking pan.
Bake about 30 minutes or until done (160 degrees F).
Reserved cooked meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
I served the meatballs with some buttered white rice(brown for me) and a tomato wine sauce-
Sauce-
2 teaspoons Olive oil
1 cup Onion; finely chopped
2 Cloves garlic; minced
¼ teaspoon Salt
2 teaspoons Fennel; ground
1 teaspoon Dried oregano1 teaspoon Dried basil
⅓ cup Red wine
3 cups Canned tomatoes; undrained (28 oz)-I used tomato sauce instead of whole canned tomatoes
Salt and pepper; to taste
In a saucepan, warm the olive oil. Add the onions and garlic, sprinkle with the salt, cover, and saute on very low heat for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the onions are beginning to soften. Add fennel, oregano, and basil and cook for another minute. Pour in the wine and bring to a boil. Whirl the tomatoes in a blender until just pureed and add to the pan. Cover the sauce and simmer gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Lasagna
Ingredients-
2 medium green sweet peppers, stemmed, seeded, and quartered
6 dried regular or whole wheat lasagna noodles
1-1/2 cups shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese (6 ounces)
1/2 of a 15-ounce container (3/4 cup) light ricotta cheese
1/4 cup soft goat cheese (chèvre) or finely shredded Parmesan cheese (1 ounce)
1-1/2 cups purchased light or low-fat tomato basil pasta sauce
1/2 recipe cooked Mediterranean Meatballs (24)
Shredded fresh basil or small fresh basil or oregano leaves (optional)
Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with foil. Place sweet pepper quarters, cut sides down, on prepared baking sheet. Roast, uncovered, about 20 minutes or until pepper quarters are charred. Wrap in the foil; let stand for 20 minutes. Using a small sharp knife, peel skins from pepper quarters. Set aside.
Reduce oven temperature to 375°F.2.
Meanwhile, cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain noodles; rinse with cold water. Drain well; set aside.
For filling, in a small bowl, stir together 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, the ricotta cheese, and the goat cheese or Parmesan cheese; set aside.
To assemble, spread 1/2 cup of the pasta sauce in the bottom of a 2-quart rectangular baking dish. Layer two of the cooked noodles in the dish. Arrange meatballs in a single layer on top of noodles in dish. Add two more of the cooked noodles. Top with the ricotta cheese mixture, spreading evenly. Arrange sweet pepper pieces over ricotta mixture. Top with the remaining cooked noodles. Spread the remaining pasta sauce over noodles.
Bake, covered, for 50 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Bake, uncovered, for 5 to 10 minutes more or until heated through. Let stand for 15 minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with fresh herbs. Makes 8 servings, each serving is 6 points.
Mediterranean meatballs
Ingredients-r
1 jar roasted red peppers
whole wheat bread crumbs 1.5 cups
2 eggs
1/3 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup fresh basil
2 pounds 95% lean ground beef
Salt Pepper cumin Parsley garlic
Preheat oven to 350 F. In a large bowl, combine 3/4 of a 12-ounce jar of roasted red peppers, drained and finely chopped; 1-1/2 cups soft whole wheat bread crumbs (about 2 slices); 1/2 cup refrigerated or frozen egg product (thawed) or 2 eggs, lightly beaten; 1/3 cup tomato sauce; 1/2 cup snipped fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried basil, crushed; 1/4 cup snipped fresh flat-leaf parsley; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cumin; 1 tablespoon garlic. Add 2 pounds 95 percent lean ground beef; mix well.
Shape meat mixture into 48 meatballs.
Place meatballs in a foil-lined 15x10x1-inch baking pan.
Bake about 30 minutes or until done (160 degrees F).
Reserved cooked meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
I served the meatballs with some buttered white rice(brown for me) and a tomato wine sauce-
Sauce-
2 teaspoons Olive oil
1 cup Onion; finely chopped
2 Cloves garlic; minced
¼ teaspoon Salt
2 teaspoons Fennel; ground
1 teaspoon Dried oregano1 teaspoon Dried basil
⅓ cup Red wine
3 cups Canned tomatoes; undrained (28 oz)-I used tomato sauce instead of whole canned tomatoes
Salt and pepper; to taste
In a saucepan, warm the olive oil. Add the onions and garlic, sprinkle with the salt, cover, and saute on very low heat for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the onions are beginning to soften. Add fennel, oregano, and basil and cook for another minute. Pour in the wine and bring to a boil. Whirl the tomatoes in a blender until just pureed and add to the pan. Cover the sauce and simmer gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Lasagna
Ingredients-
2 medium green sweet peppers, stemmed, seeded, and quartered
6 dried regular or whole wheat lasagna noodles
1-1/2 cups shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese (6 ounces)
1/2 of a 15-ounce container (3/4 cup) light ricotta cheese
1/4 cup soft goat cheese (chèvre) or finely shredded Parmesan cheese (1 ounce)
1-1/2 cups purchased light or low-fat tomato basil pasta sauce
1/2 recipe cooked Mediterranean Meatballs (24)
Shredded fresh basil or small fresh basil or oregano leaves (optional)
Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with foil. Place sweet pepper quarters, cut sides down, on prepared baking sheet. Roast, uncovered, about 20 minutes or until pepper quarters are charred. Wrap in the foil; let stand for 20 minutes. Using a small sharp knife, peel skins from pepper quarters. Set aside.
Reduce oven temperature to 375°F.2.
Meanwhile, cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain noodles; rinse with cold water. Drain well; set aside.
For filling, in a small bowl, stir together 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, the ricotta cheese, and the goat cheese or Parmesan cheese; set aside.
To assemble, spread 1/2 cup of the pasta sauce in the bottom of a 2-quart rectangular baking dish. Layer two of the cooked noodles in the dish. Arrange meatballs in a single layer on top of noodles in dish. Add two more of the cooked noodles. Top with the ricotta cheese mixture, spreading evenly. Arrange sweet pepper pieces over ricotta mixture. Top with the remaining cooked noodles. Spread the remaining pasta sauce over noodles.
Bake, covered, for 50 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Bake, uncovered, for 5 to 10 minutes more or until heated through. Let stand for 15 minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with fresh herbs. Makes 8 servings, each serving is 6 points.
Giant chocolate chip cookie cake
The recipe as written makes 7 layers, each being 8 inches. I decided to only make two layers and make them 12 inches. I used an extra large serving plate as a guide.
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose Flour
1 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1 1/2 tsp Salt
6 Tbsp Butter, softened
1 1/2 cups packed Light Brown Sugar
3/4 cup granulated Sugar
3 tsp pure Vanilla Extract
2 large Eggs, plus 2 Egg Yolks
3/4 cup Heavy Cream
3 cups Semisweet or Milk Chocolate Chips , I actually did 1 cup chocolate chips and 2 chips red & blue M&Ms
Frosting
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened (I used reduced fat)
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Put butter and brown and granulated sugars into mixer bowl; mix on medium until pale and fluffy. Mix in vanilla, eggs, and yolks. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture in 2 batches, alternating with the cream. Stir in chocolate chips.
2. For each of the 7 layers, drop 1 level cup batter onto center of a baking sheet lined with parchment (keep unbaked dough refrigerated). Spread batter with wet hands or a spoon into an 8-inch circle. Bake until edges are pale golden brown, about 8minutes. Remove from oven. Use offset spatula to reshape circle. Return to oven; bake until edges are golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes more. Transfer to wire rack; let cool. Can be stored airtight up to 1 day.
Frosting
3.Mix cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and confectioners' sugar on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy. Spread onto 4 cookies. Stack cookies, placing unfrosted cookie on top. Refrigerate until frosting is set, at least 20 minutes or up to 4 hours. Serve at room temperature.
Stuffed wonton wrappers
This makes a great appetizer and can be tweaked in so many ways.
Ingredients
16 wonton wrappers
1 pound italian sausage
1 red pepper chopped
1 medium onion chopped
1 green pepper chopped
1 cup mozzarella cheese
Insert wonton wrappers into the muffin pan so as to form small cups. Bake 5 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow the baked wrappers to cool. Remove from the pan.
In a pan crumble the italian sausage and add the peppers & onions. Cook until sausage is done. add in the cheese and mix. Spoon the sausage mixture into the wonton cups, top with some additional cheese, and then put the pan back in the oven for 5 minutes. Serve Hot
Another variation-
1 pound sausage
1/2 pound crumbled bacon
1 cup blue cheese
Cook sausage and then mix in blue cheese & bacon. Place in wonton cups and bake.
Ingredients
16 wonton wrappers
1 pound italian sausage
1 red pepper chopped
1 medium onion chopped
1 green pepper chopped
1 cup mozzarella cheese
Insert wonton wrappers into the muffin pan so as to form small cups. Bake 5 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow the baked wrappers to cool. Remove from the pan.
In a pan crumble the italian sausage and add the peppers & onions. Cook until sausage is done. add in the cheese and mix. Spoon the sausage mixture into the wonton cups, top with some additional cheese, and then put the pan back in the oven for 5 minutes. Serve Hot
Another variation-
1 pound sausage
1/2 pound crumbled bacon
1 cup blue cheese
Cook sausage and then mix in blue cheese & bacon. Place in wonton cups and bake.
Easy grilled shrimp marinate
1 cup olive oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 lemon, juiced
2 tablespoons hot pepper sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails attached
skewers
Combine all the ingredients in a ziplock bag and then add shrimp. Let the shrimp marinate for 2 hours in the fridge. Place shrimp on skewers and grill.
6 servings, a serving is 10 points
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 lemon, juiced
2 tablespoons hot pepper sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails attached
skewers
Combine all the ingredients in a ziplock bag and then add shrimp. Let the shrimp marinate for 2 hours in the fridge. Place shrimp on skewers and grill.
6 servings, a serving is 10 points
Pesto
Pesto is a great thing to have in your kitchen. You can toss it with pasta, use it to coat chicken or fish or use it on homemade pizza.
Ingredients-
2 cups fresh basil
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
2 cups olive oil
2 cloves of garlic
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Salt & Pepper
Place all the ingredients in a blender or food processor; blend until well mixed. Add Salt & pepper to taste.
Stuffed Zucchini
4 medium zucchini
1 medium onion, minced
1 can roasted red pepper, chopped
1/2 green pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic
1 egg, beaten
2 thyme, sprigs
1/4-1/2 teaspoon oregano
salt and pepper
3/4 lb lean ground beef (or chicken, turkey, fish, 1 can of tuna, or other veggies...you get the idea)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Mozzarella cheese-amount varies according to your liking#
Steps-
1. Wash zucchini, and put in a pot of cold water (do not remove ends).
2.Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes, maybe a little longer depending on the size of your zucchini.
3.Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a fairly large skillet.
4.Sautee garlic first, then add onions, green pepper, thyme, and oregano.
5.When the veggies begin to soften, add ground meat (or whatever you are using), season with salt and pepper, and brown until cooked through.
6.Drain off any exess grease.
7.Set aside to cool slightly.
8.When the zucchini have cooked through, remove from water, and allow to cool enough to handle.
9.Slice cooled zucchini lengthwise, and scoop out center, leaving a little veggie flesh to form a boat.
10Mix ground meat mixture with the red peppers, and the scooped out zucchini (chopped), and the egg.
11.Fill the zucchini boats with the mixture, and top each with some cheese*I use low fat
12.Bake in a 375º oven for 20-30 minutes, until heated through, and cheese begins to bubble and brown.
13.Serve hot
I used lean beef, skim cheese and this was a very WW friendly recipe. Each boat is 4 points.
1 medium onion, minced
1 can roasted red pepper, chopped
1/2 green pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic
1 egg, beaten
2 thyme, sprigs
1/4-1/2 teaspoon oregano
salt and pepper
3/4 lb lean ground beef (or chicken, turkey, fish, 1 can of tuna, or other veggies...you get the idea)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Mozzarella cheese-amount varies according to your liking#
Steps-
1. Wash zucchini, and put in a pot of cold water (do not remove ends).
2.Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes, maybe a little longer depending on the size of your zucchini.
3.Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a fairly large skillet.
4.Sautee garlic first, then add onions, green pepper, thyme, and oregano.
5.When the veggies begin to soften, add ground meat (or whatever you are using), season with salt and pepper, and brown until cooked through.
6.Drain off any exess grease.
7.Set aside to cool slightly.
8.When the zucchini have cooked through, remove from water, and allow to cool enough to handle.
9.Slice cooled zucchini lengthwise, and scoop out center, leaving a little veggie flesh to form a boat.
10Mix ground meat mixture with the red peppers, and the scooped out zucchini (chopped), and the egg.
11.Fill the zucchini boats with the mixture, and top each with some cheese*I use low fat
12.Bake in a 375º oven for 20-30 minutes, until heated through, and cheese begins to bubble and brown.
13.Serve hot
I used lean beef, skim cheese and this was a very WW friendly recipe. Each boat is 4 points.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Things are achanging...
I've been talking about this in passing on FB and emails, so I decided to write a blog post about it. My husband and I are starting our own business. We will be working on developing and selling mobile applications, like games and tools, for cell phones/PDAs. Its been taking up a lot of time lately. We are working till the wee hours, after the girls are in bed, doing research, crunching numbers, etc.
Our goal is to have this be part time for a year and then evaluate our options at that point. Tony is still working at his regular job and I am still at home with the girls. It feels nice to use my education and dust off the old brain cells, but I cant get much done during the day. Its getting to the point where I have to get babysitters for a few hours so I can make calls, email, etc.
Its exciting and scary. While Tony hasnt quit his job as of now, it is a real possibility after the first year.
Just wanted to bring everyone up to speed.
Our goal is to have this be part time for a year and then evaluate our options at that point. Tony is still working at his regular job and I am still at home with the girls. It feels nice to use my education and dust off the old brain cells, but I cant get much done during the day. Its getting to the point where I have to get babysitters for a few hours so I can make calls, email, etc.
Its exciting and scary. While Tony hasnt quit his job as of now, it is a real possibility after the first year.
Just wanted to bring everyone up to speed.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
This is a complete vent and somewhat TMI
I know I havent been posting, but I've actually been toying with the idea of making this blog public again. Yeah I know, but my logic is that I dont even post much when it is private and I dont post many pictures either. I would really like to start posting my recipes and craft projects.
Well onto the vent. I feel like my body is my own worst enemy right now. My PCP and my OB both feel like I either have a tyroid issue or PCOS. I've had the bloodwork Rx for three months now and have yet to get the bloodwork done. It is not because of my lack of trying. I have no idea when my period will show up so it has been really really hard to plan, especially since I have to fast. The first month, my period was two weeks early and I didnt even have the bloodwork orders yet. The second month testing day fell on a sunday, no way to get bloodwork done on a sunday without a doctor's order-well I would've called my doctor if I had known but AF decided to show up a week earlier than the previous month's. Now we are into the 3rd time and once again my testing day falls on a sunday and AF is once again two weeks early.
I am seriously in tears with the whole situation. I will end up going to test tomorrow(Monday) and Tuesday but I am sure it will throw off the results since my cyccle usually lasts only 3-4 days. Prior to pregnancy, I was regular. I wasnt ovulating a lot but I was regular, but now there is no way to know.
Sorry if this is too TMI, but I know there are some readers out there who deal with irregular cycles. It not only messes with your body but then you worry about going swimming or wearing white or even trying to schedule a yearly exam with the OB.
Hopefully I will get answers soon.
My stress over the tests is totally impacting my dreams. I had a really vivid dream this week that I was in a lot of pain and ended up in the ER. In the ER, they did an ulrasound and concluded that I was hyperovulating, sans fertility meds apparently, and that I had a large number of mature follices( I hope I have the terms right) and that I was in risk of having higher order multiples if I got pregnant. I think my issues with my cycle were totally messing my mind when I went to bed that night. Crazy dreams.
Well onto the vent. I feel like my body is my own worst enemy right now. My PCP and my OB both feel like I either have a tyroid issue or PCOS. I've had the bloodwork Rx for three months now and have yet to get the bloodwork done. It is not because of my lack of trying. I have no idea when my period will show up so it has been really really hard to plan, especially since I have to fast. The first month, my period was two weeks early and I didnt even have the bloodwork orders yet. The second month testing day fell on a sunday, no way to get bloodwork done on a sunday without a doctor's order-well I would've called my doctor if I had known but AF decided to show up a week earlier than the previous month's. Now we are into the 3rd time and once again my testing day falls on a sunday and AF is once again two weeks early.
I am seriously in tears with the whole situation. I will end up going to test tomorrow(Monday) and Tuesday but I am sure it will throw off the results since my cyccle usually lasts only 3-4 days. Prior to pregnancy, I was regular. I wasnt ovulating a lot but I was regular, but now there is no way to know.
Sorry if this is too TMI, but I know there are some readers out there who deal with irregular cycles. It not only messes with your body but then you worry about going swimming or wearing white or even trying to schedule a yearly exam with the OB.
Hopefully I will get answers soon.
My stress over the tests is totally impacting my dreams. I had a really vivid dream this week that I was in a lot of pain and ended up in the ER. In the ER, they did an ulrasound and concluded that I was hyperovulating, sans fertility meds apparently, and that I had a large number of mature follices( I hope I have the terms right) and that I was in risk of having higher order multiples if I got pregnant. I think my issues with my cycle were totally messing my mind when I went to bed that night. Crazy dreams.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Birthday round up
Twins are hard. Twins who are cruising machines with Evil Knievel tendencies is even harder. That is my excuse as to why I am crappy blogger : )
My girls officially turned 1 on May 30th. We had a nice relaxed BBQ party to celebrate. I will never ever ever again have 30+ people over and try to grill for everyone. Next birthday party will be chicken fingers from chik fila!
I am finally focusing on decorating the house. We need to go decide on paint colors and I am trying to do things little by little. I really want to do something about our master bedroom. We cant afford new bedroom furniture right now, so our plan is to buy a new mattress and to make our own headboard!
This blog has great instructions and photos on how to make your own headboard. I also like the color she went with.
Ideally I would like to make a headboard that looks like this one-
I love the detail of the metal beads around the outside.
Here are some inspiration pictures-
Our bedroom has a cathedral ceiling and it is rather large. You would think having room would make it easy, but I am having a really hard time setting up everything to get a cozy feel. We are definitional going with brown, blue and silvers.
My girls officially turned 1 on May 30th. We had a nice relaxed BBQ party to celebrate. I will never ever ever again have 30+ people over and try to grill for everyone. Next birthday party will be chicken fingers from chik fila!
I am finally focusing on decorating the house. We need to go decide on paint colors and I am trying to do things little by little. I really want to do something about our master bedroom. We cant afford new bedroom furniture right now, so our plan is to buy a new mattress and to make our own headboard!
This blog has great instructions and photos on how to make your own headboard. I also like the color she went with.
Ideally I would like to make a headboard that looks like this one-
I love the detail of the metal beads around the outside.Here are some inspiration pictures-
Our bedroom has a cathedral ceiling and it is rather large. You would think having room would make it easy, but I am having a really hard time setting up everything to get a cozy feel. We are definitional going with brown, blue and silvers.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
I suckkkkkkkkkkkk!!!
March and April were crazy for me, so blogging was placed on the back burner. Now I have a few minutes, while the girls nap, so I decided to post an update.
April was busy busy busy. We moved and then three week after that we had my family in town. The girls were baptised(Yay!) so the whole clan came in for the special occasion.
Moving was horrible. It ws pouring that day, our moving truck got stuck in the mud, we almost missed our closing and our buyer was pretty close to not having funding! Yes, it was 4:22PM when her loan finally came through. She was a complete bitch throughout the process. I was kinda hoping that her funding wouldnt come through so we could withhold the keys from her.
All the headache was so worth it though, our new house is awesome. I love all the space but it is more keep up. The girls love the hardwood floors, makes for quick crawling.
As for the girls, they are doing so well. Fiona is cruising around on the furniture. Ashlyn is crawling and attempting to pull up. She doesnt seem like in a rush to walk, but who knows.
The girls at the March for Babies, the March of Dimes walk. Thursday, March 5, 2009
Quick update
It feels odd to post about normal life after my last two entries. My heart still hurts for Brook and her husband. I cant imagine the pain they are experiencing.
As for life with our girls, I thank God every day for them. They are both crawling backwards and Fiona is working on going forward. It has really messed with the sleep in the house but they are so much fun right now. A lot of work but so much fun. The house is a mess though since we are trying to pack and get rid of junk, and I just feel like this is a pretty bad time to have two crawlers on my hands.
Yes, our house is officially sold, it only took $600 in totally unnecessary repairs. This is what happens when you hire a cheap, dont know what they are doing inspector. her inspector said our deck wasnt built right. Well we get our contractor involved, then our township, then the township zoning guy. Our deck was inspected THREE times while being built, township says deck is fine and safe Well what is her inspector going to do? say he was wrong? so we had to pay to re-enforce the deck. we decided to suck it up and do it because we couldnt take it anymore. Our buyer had us fighting for THREE days over $15, the lady is nuts.
As for life with our girls, I thank God every day for them. They are both crawling backwards and Fiona is working on going forward. It has really messed with the sleep in the house but they are so much fun right now. A lot of work but so much fun. The house is a mess though since we are trying to pack and get rid of junk, and I just feel like this is a pretty bad time to have two crawlers on my hands.
Yes, our house is officially sold, it only took $600 in totally unnecessary repairs. This is what happens when you hire a cheap, dont know what they are doing inspector. her inspector said our deck wasnt built right. Well we get our contractor involved, then our township, then the township zoning guy. Our deck was inspected THREE times while being built, township says deck is fine and safe Well what is her inspector going to do? say he was wrong? so we had to pay to re-enforce the deck. we decided to suck it up and do it because we couldnt take it anymore. Our buyer had us fighting for THREE days over $15, the lady is nuts.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Please pray
It is with a very heavy heart that I am letting you know that little Sydney joined her sister in heaven tonight. Her parents were able to hold her as she passed. God has two new angels now and I am sure they are watching over their mommy and daddy. Please pray for Brook and her husband. I can only imagine their pain right now.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Please pray
Some of you know the story about Carynne and Sydney, a beautiful set of twin girls who were diagnosed with a horrible disease called Werdnig Hoffman. Today Carynne lost her battle, she had just celebrated her four month birthday. Please pray for the family, it is beyond sad.
Friday, February 20, 2009
New House pictures!!
I had planned on sending out Valentine's day cards but my camera was fighting with the computer, so my plans went down the drain. here are some pics though and I didnt pose them like that in the 2nd photo, sometimes they cuddle!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Doing some blog cleaning
You will notice that many of my posts are gone. I deleted them. It seems that some of my blog postings about breastfeeding and some other topics ended up being C&Pd on some rather disgusting websites. Nothing I can do about them now, but I have deleted the posts. I am kinda freaked out. I will probably set the blog to private once I get the list together.
Its the internet so I know it is public but still, I thought my little blog would go unannounced but I guess not.
Send me an email on my yahoo account if you want access.
Its the internet so I know it is public but still, I thought my little blog would go unannounced but I guess not.
Send me an email on my yahoo account if you want access.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Dont worry, I'm still alive!
All is well here in NY Gal land. We've sold our house! YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!! Now we are just waiting on the inspection report and everything that goes with that. We also need to find a new house. This is proving to be a difficult task. I will summarize everything once we are done and provide pictures of some of the *ahem* lovely homes we saw.
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