Menu Planning

I've been searching google for menu planning ideas for REAL families and I can't find what I'm looking for...Any suggestions?

We are trying to eat at home more often. We both enjoy cooking but having three kids takes much of the fun out of dinner time. There is always a complainer in the bunch and it is sometimes one of the parents :) Most of the time it is just easier to eat out. Everyone gets what they want and there is no prep or clean up. But there are multiple trips to the bathroom, bedtime routines in disarray and blown budgets to deal with instead. A simple trip to our favorite fast-food hamburger place is at least $25. This just adds up to too much money spent on junk food.

So this week I jotted down a menu on my grocery list, went to the store and bought groceries for at least 5 days and then lost my list. We've worked our way through most of the groceries and I can't think of what we want to eat next. I know I planned another trip to the store tonight but what was I supposed to buy?

Here is what my menu looked like for this week: Saturday - ribs, homemade cole slaw, corn on the cob

Sunday: fajitas, chips and homemade salsa, guacamole, pineapple

Monday: maple glazed chicken, sides to be decided

Tuesday: Pork Chops, homemade macaroni and cheese, green beans

What next?

It's a New Year!

One of my New Year's resolutions is to start blogging again. So, here we go!

My other resolutions are to take the time for gratitude and let my children have friends over more often. What I mean by taking the time for gratitude is that after the past difficult months, I have found myself focusing on the negative. When something positive happens I just take it in stride and go on, but let anything negative happen and I am going to dwell on it. For a long, long time. So I am attempting to focus on the positive and be grateful for all my abundant blessings.

As for letting the kids have friends over...I really don't enjoy that at all. It doesn't matter who it is, I like my privacy. I do NOT have the gift of hospitality. When I am home, I like to be in jammies, no make-up, dirty hair, dishes in the sink, toys on the floor and laundry sorted in the hall. That is the real, relaxed me. But, it recently occurred to me that I am hindering my kids' ability to make really good friends. And my oldest is getting to the age where a best friend would be a wonderful thing. I have contact with most of my girlhood best friends through facebook and I am reminded that it is something I really want for my children. Hopefully, we'll invite a sweet girl from church and school over this week.

And, blogging...I just want a record of what our life is like. Life with three kids changes rapidly and I spend a lot of time "in the trenches" by the time I look up, I probably missed something.

What are your resolutions and the reasoning behind them?

The Monster Within is an Only Child

My birthday was Monday and it was not a good day. My grandma was sick and had to be taken to the ER, interrupting plans my mom and I had for the day. I was stuck at home with two small children who had been dressed and geared up to go out for "Mommy's Party Day". They were disappointed and the youngest couldn't understand where Mommy's Party went. We ended up at the grocery store and picking up a nasty drive-through lunch. Their behavior was almost as bad as mine. I was worried and disappointed and at a loss as to how to save the day. I did a lot of thinking and inner dialogue.

Which got me wondering, does everyone talk to themselves in their heads or is that an only child thing? I've always done it. I have really interesting conversations with myself, all in my head. I find myself shushing the kids because I can't hear myself think sometimes. My attention will wander in conversation because I will be discussing the topic with myself...in my HEAD. No, I don't think I'm crazy. I just grew up with a lot of alone time, as an only child with two working parents. And don't think this is one of those things where the kids blame the parents for everything...I LOVED being an only child.

I should explain that technically I had a sister. My dad had a daughter from his first marriage but she was rarely present in our home. I'm not sure what the custody agreement was but I remember her there for a couple of Christmases and a couple of summers, maybe a couple of Spring Breaks and once she lived with us for an entire school year. But, mostly, I was the only child in the home and I was always my mom's only child and to top it off, the only grandchild of my maternal grandparents. Can you say spoiled?

I still battle this everyday. In fact, I would say that being an only child is at the root of a lot of my parenting challenges. I don't like noise. Three young children in one small house make a lot of noise. I don't ever know how to be fair or whose side to take. My side was the only side. Usually, I just stay out of it. I do a lot of saying, "Work it out." Even shopping is hard. Who needs what, when, and the most right now?

So, the point is that I am spoiled. I should not have been disappointed that my birthday didn't go as planned. Who cares that I missed lunch and didn't get my presents? I'm grown up now. I know my grandma didn't get sick on purpose. But, maybe I won't make SUCH a big deal out of my kids' birthdays from now on...Oh, we'll still celebrate them but I don't want them to expect perfection like I do. Perfect rarely happens.

A Turn

This may not seem like a big deal to some but to me it is a sign of things to come. I am about to load up my two smallest kids and one of their friends and go pick up lunch. Why is this such a big deal? Not too long ago, I found it daunting to load up even my kids to pick up lunch and would probably never have agreed to watch anyone else's kid. I remember turning down friends when they wanted me to meet them with my kids. Three was just too overwhelming. Now, I can do it all! That's a great feeling!

A Totally Frivolous Post

This post is about nothing. Okay, well something but nothing important. My birthday is coming and DH wanted to know what I would like. He knows I don't like surprises...finally. That only took 15 years to get through his head! So I said I would like a new purse, maybe a Coach purse. I have always liked a good purse but haven't really had a great one since I had kids. Before that though...anyway, I started looking at Coach purses with the idea that if we were going to spend THAT much on a purse, it would have to be the perfect purse. Guess what? I can't find one I like well enough to warrant the $300 they cost. Yes Daddy, that does say three hundred dollars. Stop laughing. You're the man that bought Mom and I each a Dooney & Burke on the SAME day. In a way, it's your fault. Ha. Ha.

So now, I am on the lookout for a purse I like well enough to spend ANY money on it and I can't find anything but now that I've decided I need a new purse...well, I NEED a new purse.

Just a Few Things

Oh my goodness! I haven't blogged in so long! Basically, if it can't be done on my iphone, I don't do it anymore. I guess technically I could blog from my phone but I just don't have that kind of patience. I also have a huge outlet on facebook but there comes a time when you need to get some words down in a bigger way than your status bar can hold. So, although I know I have 0 readers left, I am putting this down FOR ME.

I love to snuggle my big girl. Lately, I have been climbing in bed with her in the mornings and snuggling her awake. She is 8 now and is getting oh. so. big! But, in her bed, asleep, she still looks so much like my little miracle baby. I almost want to cry, but instead I cherish those moments and wonder how much longer she will let me hold her this way. I remember curling around her little baby body and now our feet can touch in the bed but I'll take what I can get!

I am having the worst time with my monkey girl right now. We are in a horrible spiral. She is having a lot of anxiety and night time fears...not night terrors, just fears. She hardly lets us sleep and she is not sleeping which leads to much grumpiness for her and for me. She is also throwing lots of fits about clothing, food, toys, rules. It seems we both live on the verge of tears at ALL times. I just don't know what to do for her. The princess did this too at this age but it wasn't as traumatic because we didn't have to wake up at any particular time so we were better rested. We also had more room in the house and could play musical beds in order to get some sleep. Right now, my focus with her is just to REALLY look for and find times to cherish. Her smile, her laugh, her helpful, nurturing nature, are all things I seek and sometimes find.

As for the Little Man, I still am amazed by him. I just never knew. If you are a mom of a boy, I don't even have to explain that and if you have all girls, well, you'll never know but you'll never miss it either. I try not to show favoritism and I will admit that my favorite changes so often that it is only fair to say they are all my favorite but for different reasons. He is just so cuddly and easy, simple. There is none of the drama that comes with little girls. At least not at this age. I'm just along for the ride and with his physical energy, it IS a ride!

Well, I had more to say but I hear cries of MOMMY!!!! So I guess this is it for now.

It's Been So Long

Oh my goodness! I can't believe I've been away so long! I Facebook everyday, all day long but never seem to have the time or patience to sit down and think up a blog post. Putting pictures on is especially daunting. I don't know why, but it is.

The past couple of months have seemed busier than ever and yet "things" are suddenly getting easier. Mr. P is now two. It feels like I've made it, so to speak. I know we have a lot ahead of us with an active two year old boy and that dreaded three year old phase but we made it through babyhood and oh, what a relief! He is so fun right now. Of course, as I say this he is chasing his oldest sister to give her a "pankin'' Why this kid is so obsessed with spankings, I have no idea. Come to think of it, I'm not sure I want to know. Could the G-monkey have anything to do with it? Let's hope not.

Speaking of the G-monkey...What a joy she has turned into! Everyday I am amazed at how sweet she is when about 6 months ago, I would gladly have lent her out to anyone who would take her! I'm not sure if it is because she is 4 1/2 now or if it is because she started "school". In any case, I'll take it! She is still stubborn and adventurous but it is now channeled into more acceptable doses. I like her! I really like her! And, I am so relieved to be able to say that!

The Princess is more princess-y than ever. By the end of the school year, she had developed a little bit of an attitude, especially with me. I really felt it had something to do with my not spending much time with her lately. Because she is the oldest and is very capable of caring for herself and because she is busy with school and always rushing somewhere, she tends to be left alone to fend for herself. She reacted to this mistake on my part by becoming almost helpless and very rude to me. Thankfully, school is now out. She has had lots of attention from me and has magically improved. I must remember this for next year.

She brought home her journal from school. What I noticed the most was how important we as her parents are to her. Anything we did for her, no matter how small to us, was monumental to her. I hope I've learned my lesson! I've resolved to do more for her at school next year. She is absolutely worth a little more effort on my part! It also helps to know that as all three of them get older, the basic care of them gets easier and I can focus more on the actual parenting of them.

As for DH and I, we hope to spend the summer improving our home. We seriously considered moving but were unable to find something that felt "worth it" as far as money and time and work goes. It will be such a major undertaking should we ever decide to move. We have been in our home for over 10 years now. There are so many memories here and so much junk! We realized that over the past 10 years we have added to our family and did all the mechanical necessities to our house but we have never focused on the things that make a house a home. So that is our focus this summer. To that end, I am sitting here looking at den walls with only wallpaper scraps hanging from them. I have to get all the wallpaper from the '90's and the layer from the '50's off and then texture the walls and paint. I can't wait to see it when it is finished but the "during" is pretty bad.

I guess I should get back to it. Hopefully, this is the first of many more posts. It's good to be back!

In a Funk

Hello blogworld!

I decided to take Spring Break off from blogging and lo and behold it stretched to two weeks! Funny how that happens. Writing is a discipline and lately I haven't been very disciplined about anything.

I'm in a funk.

I'm in that place where I'm overwhelmed as a wife and mother. Everything seems an imposition where it once was a joy. Ever been there? What do you do to get out of it?

A Few Random Events

Here is my post for this week. What a week! It wore me out and I'm still trying to recover.

We finished up swim lessons for the Princess. I am really looking forward to a less hectic schedule for March. She really enjoyed them though and improved her swimming a great deal.

On Friday, I volunteered at the Princess' school to help with Jump Rope for Heart. The Princess seems to have inherited my coordination or lack there of so I was pleasantly surprised to find that she is a good jumper. She was a little bummed that she hadn't won a prize but I was relieved to have dodged more junk for her room! Don't tell her that, though.

That night, some mommy friends and I got together for a grown-up slumber party. It was great fun and a good chance to unwind a little. It was also the first time I had been away from the kids for the night - EVER! Yes, the oldest is 7! Sad, I know! There is already talk of another. I do think that next time, I will drink less and sleep more. I guess I thought I was back in college for a night! No, it wasn't a wild party but for a girl who might have a drink every six months, it was a little much. At least I didn't have to be mommy that night or the next day really.

Saturday was my mommy's birthday. We went out for dinner to celebrate and then had cake and ice cream at my grandparents'. I also received my family presents that day because Sunday was my birthday. Thank you, everybody!

Sunday, I had planned to sleep in a little and let dh take the Princess to CCE, then go to church. But, we woke up early with the Monkey in our bed. She was not feeling well and had a croupy sounding cough. When the Princess woke up, she was crying that she was tired and didn't feel well. Could she please go back to bed? Being the wonderful mother that I am, I said sure, grateful that we could skip all of our morning activities. I did go shopping with my mom in the afternoon and that was very fun and successful. That night, we had pizza and watched Horton Hears a Who. The kids and dh had made a cake while I was out so we had that too. I tried very hard not to think of the sick germs that might be in there. Am I catching dh's OCD?

All in all, it was a great birthday and a busy week. I am having a little problem with this new age that I've turned but we just won't talk about it. I have been thinking of my sister a lot. She was 29 when she passed away. I should be grateful for the chance to grow older and not worried about it.

Oh, and one more thing. I gave up cussing for Lent. It is going very well. I've only messed up twice and those weren't very bad words. Even the kids have noticed that Mommy doesn't say bad words anymore!

Don't I sound bad? Drinking and cussing in one post! Good thing my Baptist preacher grandfather can't read this!

Have a great week!

Catching Up is Hard to Do

We have had a crazy February! We added swim lessons for both girls and it amazes me how adding 2 hours a week of activities changes everything. And, to top it off, I actually had to pull the G-Monkey out of her class. There were some very wild boys and she was the only girl. Pair this with a teacher who didn't seem to be very much in control or even very aware of what the kids were doing and G and I both ended up pretty scared. I decided it was not enough that the teacher had the ability to save my child should anything go wrong but that she should be able to prevent most accidents from happening in the first place! This is the first time I have had to be "That Mom" but as I kept promising G that I wouldn't have her take a class unless I trusted the teacher, I really felt that I had to pull her out when I lost that trust. What would you have done?

The Princess sang at church this month too when the bishop came for confirmation. She did great and I was so proud. It also brought back memories of when I was confirmed. I really like that there is a new policy that the kids be in high school in order to be confirmed. I was in sixth grade and I don't think I knew what it was all about. I just remember that I hated the white dress I had to wear.

This month was also the science fair at the Princess' school. She is in first grade and did a project about clouds. I was really dreading this because both dh and I hated science fairs in school. I should have known though that she would pretty much handle the whole thing on her own. She came up with the subject, did all the reading, decided what project she wanted to do from several we found in books, and everything. She learned a lot and can now predict the weather based on the clouds in the sky. I might be a little annoyed at having another weather buff in the family! I, myself, just like to consult the weather channel!

Well, tomorrow is Ash Wednesday. What are you doing for Lent this year? I have decided to give up cussing. I have really developed a potty mouth and am starting to have trouble controlling it around the kids. Wish me well. This is something that I REALLY need to change!

Also, I am now totally addicted to Facebook. So I am making a commitment today to update this blog at least once a week. Hold me to it please! See you next week!

The Shack

I finished reading The Shack today. If you haven't read it yet, READ it! Then, let's talk about it...

Tagged!

OK, I hardly ever do these because usually, I can't figure it out. But, I think I can handle this one. Here is my sixth picture from my sixth file. I agree with Robin, if you are reading this, you are tagged!


This is the Princess, at 4, with my Grandpa. He acts as Santa for several organizations he is involved with. I guess being Santa is a family tradition! Isn't she cute? She has naturally curly hair and at four, that was ALL she had. That wasn't a haircut! The Monkey now has this same 'do only hers is straight as a board, like her Mama. This seems like just yesterday...Monkey was only 1 and Little Man wasn't even a twinkle in his Daddy's eye. My, how things can change in 3 short years!

I can't wait to see your pics!

Did I Never Do This???

Where is my brain? On FaceBook, I guess. I really thought I had done this already! Here are some pics from our Christmas(es). Blogger uploaded them backwards so I tried to describe them.

With DH's family on Christmas Day after our Chinese food lunch. One of my favorite traditions.

Look what Santa brought!

He came! This is the first year that Santa brought something big for all three kids. It didn't fit under the tree well and we couldn't get a good picture either.

Spreading reindeer food...we do this every year before bed on Christmas Eve.

My three watching our aunt's new kittens.

At my aunt's...I didn't realize it was so obvious I was sick! I thought I was looking pretty good until I saw these pictures!

Sneaking a pic in front of church on Christmas Eve. Little Man was with my mom so I could pay attention in church.

The Princess (in red) singing in the Children's Choir at our Christmas Eve Mass.

Nothing New Under Our Sun

I haven't been posting at all because there has been nothing new to post about. We have spent the time since Christmas just enjoying simple time together and trying to get reorganized.

DH and I have decided to take on some simple projects around the house to make it more livable for us. We have really outgrown this place! When we bought our house, 10 years ago, we had no children and loved to entertain and do house projects. Now, we have 3 children and would rather have no maintenance to do and we never entertain anyone over the age of 7! My how things change! We also never thought we would be here more than 5 years. We bought all of our furniture with the thought of moving into a larger house and many things just aren't working for us. We did a pretty extensive search for a new house and fell in love with one completely out of our price range. Now, no other house seems to compare. So, we have decided to stay in our house and ride out this crazy market while saving money to make that dream house more affordable. I will be very busy in '09 reworking our current house while making sure not to invest more than we would get out of it should we sell and making sure to save money toward that dream house. That is a tall order. If we can do it, though it will be so worth it.

We do have a big change coming tomorrow. For the first time ever, I will be putting my kids in Mother's Day Out, and getting some time to myself! I am so excited! I will let you know how it goes!

Better Late Than Never!

I'm supposed to be cleaning and organizing all the new Christmas gifts so what better time to blog?

Here is a look at our Christmas decorations...just in time for me to put them away!

This is the tree in the girls' bathroom. It was in their room last year but we have redone their room and they had space for something bigger so we thought we'd have a little cheer in this very important room too!
This is the "kid tree" in the den. It has homemade ornaments, boy themed ornaments and character ornaments like Winnie the Pooh and Dora.
This is what I did with the Christmas cards this year to keep Little Man from tearing them up. I swagged both sides of the doorway and taped the picture cards to the door frame. I think we all liked it and it might be a new tradition.

This is our Santa key. It lets Santa in our front door because we don't have a fireplace. The girls LOVE this tradition. We hang it from our door wreath last thing before they go to bed Christmas Eve. It hangs in the Christmas tree all season soaking up Christmas Magic, according to the Princess.

This is our main tree in the dining room. It looks a litte different this year because of Little Man. I bought new shatter proof ornaments and didn't use any of my collection of blown glass ornaments. Also, over time the decorations seem to have crept up the tree, right about girl height. Hmmm?
This is our Advent Wreath, complete with crooked candles courtesy of Little Man. We light this on our table every time we eat a meal together during Advent. The girls love to be the one to blow out the candles. One candle is lit during each week of Advent so you can see this was taken right before Christmas as all four are lit.

There are a couple more pics to add but I am getting "The Look" from DH because he is working hard and I am hardly working!

Sidelined

Well, here I sit, in my bed with the door closed, cut off from my family. Somehow, I have pneumonia. The doctor is letting me stay home, instead of in the hospital, as long as I don't get around the kids, for their sake and mine. I said I needed a rest and I guess I got it! As they say, "Be careful what you wish for!" I guess we'll find out what is really important in our Christmas celebrations because I am expected to be out of commission for around three weeks. I am so thankful that I plan ahead. Maybe now I won't be made fun of for being such a planner! Christmas shopping is almost taken care of, Christmas cards are ready and will go out today. DH is going to get a turn at Christmas cookies with the kids this year but since he worked at The Cookie Company during college, I think he can handle it! I'm missing four Christmas parties this week and I am REALLY MISSING my kids! But, I am finding a greater appreciation for my life and family and I betcha' they are finding a greater appreciation for me! There is always a silver lining!

A Christmas Meme

I got this from Nancy at ZimmerZoo. I thought it was fun. Feel free to copy. It is a quick, easy post for these busy days.


1.Wrapping paper or gift bags? Paper if possible. It's more fun to unwrap that way
2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial because of allergies but I really miss the smell of a real tree in the house
3. When do you put up the tree? The weekend after Thanksgiving. I think it is too much work for just a couple of weeks
4. When do you take the tree down? Between New Year's Day and Epiphany depending on our schedule
5. Do you like eggnog? NO!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Anything Barbie
7. Hardest person to buy for? My godfather, he never asks for anything and can buy himself whatever he wants
8. Easiest person(s) to buy for? My oldest daughter, she is very
vocal about her wants!
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Several, scattered around the house. The kids love to play with them.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Pretty much anything from my paternal grandparents, including bird feeders and bird themed decorations when I am terrified of birds! Whatever!
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? The Christmas Story
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? October
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I don't think so, except for above mentioned bird stuff at a White Elephant
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? homemade cranberry sauce
16. Lights on the tree? white for my tree, color for the kids'
17. Favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? stay home
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yes
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? both, two trees
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? both
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year. Too many have-to's with not enough time for want-to's
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Santa blown glass ornaments
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Ham with my family, steak with his
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? For my kids to have a blast and make amazing memories

No Blogging Here

Blogging will resume after all sickness is out of our house! Much to say not much time. Wish us luck that we get to use our Nutcracker tickets. I think we are going even if we are all miserable!

I've Been Tagged!

I've been tagged by Tressa. Here's a link to her blog: http://thegrouchyladybug-tressa.blogspot.com/2008/11/tagged.html

Here are the rules: I have to say 7 random facts about me and then tag 7 people. Also, I have to include a link to the person that tagged me. Here goes:

1. I used to be 6 feet tall. Three kids later and I'm 5'10. And, I have a problem with that.
2. I used to smoke. I quit when I met Kevin (I was 20) because he refused to kiss me until I quit.
3. I am terrified of birds!
4. I don't like bridges and close my eyes if I am not the one driving.
5. I can read really fast and usually read a book everyday. For instance, I read the first two Twilight books in one day and still got my laundry and dishes done.
6. I used to scuba dive and learned to shoot a gun at three years old and can do neither now.
7. I don't like to make phone calls unless it is to someone I am really close to. I usually make Kevin do it, even to order food!

I tag: Stephanie, Robin, Vanessa, Elizabeth, Amanda and anyone reading this that has a blog!

Happy Birthday to You, You live in a Zoo!!!!

Happy Birthday my sweet girl...a day late. I kept waiting for the perfect moment to sit down and blog about my baby girl turning four, but it never appeared. So, this may be short but it is sure to be sweet.

Baby girl, I am amazed by you! You are so smart, beautiful and best of all caring. I am so proud to be your mom. I hope you enjoyed your birthday. I know that as the middle child, you rarely get things your way. I'll try to work on saying "yes" more often. Although, if there was ever a person better suited to grabbing what you want in life, I would be surprised. You continue to grab life by the horns as you have from your very first moments. You contine to fill my heart. I love you! And, no matter how many sweet memories we make together, my very favorite will be your first smile, the first moment we saw each other. You are my Amazing Girl!