Menu Plan for the Week 9-26-10

We had a quiet weekend. It wasn't as productive as I had hoped, but I figure sometimes you need to just stop and breathe! Finding a balance between house work, classroom work, and enjoying my family can be tricky! I chose to spend time just hanging out with my fellas this weekend, the dusting and vacuuming can wait!

Here is what we have planned to eat for this week:

Breakfasts: Cereal, Oatmeal, Biscuits, Muffins, Pancakes, French Toast, Waffles, Fruit

Lunches: Ham or PB & J Sandwiches, Meat and Crackers, Leftovers, Fruit or Veggies, String Cheese, Hard Boiled Eggs, Granola Bars, Fruit Leather, Homemade Chewy Bars

Dinners:

Sunday- Basil Linguine with Alfredo Sauce, Broccoli, Buttered Roasted Garlic Bread (I will try to get a recipe for the Alfredo Sauce posted this week. It is so easy and tastes so good!)

Monday- Hot Dogs, Creamy Mac-n-Cheese, Salad

Tuesday- BBQ Chicken and Tri Tip, Rice Pilaf, Broccoli, Salad

Wednesday- Beef Stew, Buttered Bread

Thursday- Breakfast for Dinner

Friday- Pizza, Salad

Saturday-A Little Friend's Birthday Party BBQ


Find more menu planning inspiration at Organizing Junkie.


Until next time,

Menu Plan for the Week 9-19-10

Holy smokes! I think I was a little too ambitious today because I am one tired momma! I decided yesterday that the garden had to be reclaimed from the weeds today. Three hours later I won and the weeds are drying out as we speak. I tried to get my little men to help me, but that doesn't go over too well so they became the clean up your toys from all over the backyard crew. I was frustrated at doing it all, but I think they are half afraid of pulling up something that should stay in the ground. I did find 2 more carrots and a hiding squash. Who knew!

Before I went outside I started washing everyone's sheets. Let's just say six loads later that we all have clean sheets and comforters! Since I was on a roll K and the boys decided it was time for a bike ride. Not a little cruise mind you, but a 10 mile ride on the trail that goes from one side of town to the other. K and I have done it before, but not with the boys. I can report that helmets do save heads and I have some tough little boys. Poor L is still getting used to the breaks and controlling his bike, so crashes happen. We barely made it down the street when he wiped out the first time. I guess me calling him "Crash" fits!

We're on to another week of school and I am trying to keep a positive focus on my class. It has been a challenging 5 weeks, but I must make things better or it's going to be a long year. I have a class that is a handful, but it will get better!

Here is what we have planned to eat for this week:

Breakfasts: Cereal, Oatmeal, Biscuits, Muffins, Pancakes, French Toast, Waffles, Fruit

Lunches: Ham or PB & J Sandwiches, Meat and Crackers, Leftovers, Fruit or Veggies, String Cheese, Hard Boiled Eggs, Granola Bars, Fruit Leather, Homemade Chewy Bars

Dinners:

Sunday- Tacos, Refried Beans, Spanish Rice

Monday- Leftovers

Tuesday- Spaghetti, Italian Sausage, Buttered Bread, Salad

Wednesday- Hamburgers, Fries, Salad

Thursday- Chicken and Beef Quesedillas, Salad

Friday- Pizza, Salad

Saturday-Tacquitos, Refried Beans, Spanish Rice


Find more menu planning inspiration at Organizing Junkie.


Until next time,

Cruisin'

We finally got the training wheels off L's bike last weekend and he has been a champ ever since! With his history of injuries we were hesitant to take the training wheels off for a long time. He is still learning about riding straight and using his brakes instead of bailing off the bike to stop. He doesn't get discouraged and gets right back on to try again. It has been awesome seeing my middle boy enjoying himself so much.

Not us, but wouldn't that be a great place to ride!

Now we can go riding as a family, which is just what K and have been wanting to do all summer. We actually took the two little boys out tonight and had a blast! It is a finer thing indeed to be able to do something with your family that puts a smile on everyone's face!

Head on over to Amy's Finer Things for Finer Things Friday to see what else is putting a smile on faces this week!

Until next time,

Menu Plan for the Week 9-12-10

I am loving the cooler weather. I guess the 80s isn't cool to some people, but it's a relief around here! We even put some soups on the menu for this week.

Our family reunion was comfortable and everyone had a good time visiting. It's always good to see everyone. This year the aunts and uncles rented a water slide / bounce house for the kids. It was fun watching them bouncing and sliding.

Life around here has gotten into a definite school mode. We are trying to enjoy our weekends as much as possible! Big news around here was L finally riding his bike without training wheels. I know we waited a long time to take them off, but with his propensity to injure himself we were hesitant to take the step. He did great balancing, we just have to work on his confidence! I cannot wait to hit the trails with all the boys!

Here is what we have planned to eat for this week:

Breakfasts: Cereal, Oatmeal, Biscuits, Muffins, Pancakes, French Toast, Waffles, Fruit

Lunches: Ham or PB & J Sandwiches, Meat and Crackers, Leftovers, Fruit or Veggies, String Cheese, Hard Boiled Eggs, Granola Bars, Fruit Leather, Homemade Chewy Bars

Dinners:

Sunday- Homemade Chinese~ Mongolian Beef, Lemon Chicken, Broccoli, Steamed Rice

Monday- Deli Sandwiches, Pasta Salad

Tuesday- Beef Tri Tip, Rice Pilaf, Asapragus

Wednesday- Breakfast for Dinner

Thursday- Beef Fajitas, Refried Beans, Spanish Rice

Friday- Pizza, Salad

Saturday-Olive Garden Inspired Soups~ Gnocchi Soup, Zuppa Tuscana, Garlic Breadsticks


Find more menu planning inspiration at Organizing Junkie.


Until next time,

We Will Never Forget

I will never forget the horror and sadness and fear I felt the morning of September 11, 2001. Living in California we were so far away from the tragedy, but not from the uncertainty of everything. I just wanted to hold K, Z, and baby L and not leave our house. I had been scheduled to work later in the day and K was getting ready to leave when it all unfolded before our eyes on the news. I was scared for K because he worked in a government building, but they wanted everyone to come in anyway. I worked in a mall at the time and they shut it down for a couple of days, so I was able to stay home with my babies.

I was so proud to be an American that horrible day because we all came together to stand up for all those that were lost. My heart still hurts and tears still fill my eyes when I see footage from that day. I will never forget the sinking feeling in my stomach as the world I knew would be forever changed.

Nine years later we still stand together and refuse to forget those people who went to work on a typical Tuesday not knowing how their day would become torn and tangled at the hands of evil. We hold their memories up for all to see. Americans are unlike any other people in the world and on that fateful day the world found out how deep the red, white, and blue runs in our veins.

Great Words

Meg over at whatever wrote a cute post the other day and shared a special print she had ordered. I am totally going to get one for this house, especially after all the craziness we have been in the middle of for the last year or so.

It is made by the etsy shop Studio Mela and after looking around a bit I might or might not have a long list of other prints I'd like to have for our home. I love positive affirmations so this will fit in well with this canvas I got on clearance at Target.

I figure the laundry room is the second place I see each morning, so why not make it an inspirational place to start my day!

Until next time,

Weirdness Continues

Well, I went into work Tuesday after a glorious 3 day weekend to learn that a former student of our school had been killed in a quad accident over the weekend. This tiny town in reeling from the news. My heart is hurting for that family.

I had the little man in my after school program for a while and I always remember his big smile and bright eyes. He was all boy and never slowed down. I cannot imagine the pain the family is feeling. I just hope all the prayers being offered up for them are helping them get through each day.

One of our teachers also lost her dad unexpectedly over the weekend. She is in shock and trying to stay busy to cope. We all have rallied around her to lend support in any way we can. It's hard to see people around you hurting.

I have no idea why all of these bad things are happening, but I know there must be a reason. In all reality I really just wish all the hurting and bad things can just stop already. I think we've had enough around here. Just sayin'. I truly am not trying to be disrespectful, but some things I just don't understand. I know I am not in control, but I sure wish I could make things better for those that are hurting so much around me.

I, for one, am looking forward to this weekend. I am hoping to chill, regroup and refocus, be with my boys, and do some more therapy time on my sewing machine. I have been hugging my babies extra tight this week and I think we need to have some fun family time this weekend. I think some bike riding just might do the trick.

I hope you all have an awesome weekend and get lots of rest! It seems like we could all use some!

Until next time,

Remembering My "Labor Days"

My friend Amy over at Amy's Finer Things is hosting a little party to share our labor and delivery stories for our babies. Well my babies are pretty big now, but I will never forget how they arrived in this world.

With my first son I went into labor 2 weeks before my due date! I know, not fair for a first timer. I had my first contraction in Joann's Fabric Store at 6:30pm on January 31. It doubled me over. Ya, I'm not kidding! My contractions continued on and got stronger and stronger. I finally called my OB and got his service. They put me through to him and he told me to go ahead to the hospital. Let me just say back labor stinks! My sister and K tried to help me out and K kept making me laugh while he was playing with the hospital bed.

They got my IV set up and I told the nurse the pain medication wasn't working. She giggled and said she hadn't given it to me yet. I remember thinking oh good, because I didn't know if I was going to make it if that was labor with the pain medication. I progressed pretty well and my water broke on a trip to the bathroom. It was funny because I stood up and it rushed out. I was able to labor okay with the family all in the room until my munchkin was born at 2:16am on February 1. I only had to push for 15 minutes and was blessed with no stitches. Z weighed in at 5lbs 12oz and was 19 inches. My little man was here!

L's labor and delivery was so very different. I had my first contraction at 9:30pm on March 3. His labor was crazy and intense. Another back labor! It was not fun. K and I headed to hospital while my parents took 3 year old Z to his other grandparents' house. We had to stop and get gas for the car and the hospital was about 45 minutes away. I was not wanting to stop, but we had to or take the chance of getting stranded. We got to the hospital and they checked me. The triage nurse had a funny look on her face. I thought great, I'm not dilated at all. She said she was going to get the charge nurse because she thought I was completely dilated! Holy smokes! They hurried me to a room and tried to get an IV set up. Three tries and no luck. They gave up and said I'd just have to deliver without an IV.

They broke my water and told me to push. I should have told them I was a really good pusher because they weren't ready for me. My blue eyed boy was born after a couple of pushes. My parents and sister hadn't even gotten to the room yet! It was just K and I there to meet little L. My family was shocked he arrived so fast. I guess I was too! L weighed in at 6lbs 7oz and was 19 1/4 inches. I was now a mama of two beautiful boys.

N's delivery was also different than his brothers. I woke up 4 weeks before his due date and was bleeding a little. I was caught off guard, so I called the midwife. She told me to go to the hospital. I knew I would be stuck once I got there so I hopped in the shower. K was trying to get the boys ready for his parents. His dad came down to our house and took the boys. I finished getting ready and K took me over to the hospital. I was 3 cm and contracting on their monitors. I wasn't really feeling anything. Since I was 4 weeks early they hooked me up to some antibiotics. I was not happy about that since I didn't really think I was that early. After my ultrasound at 20 weeks they had moved my due date by one week, but we knew better.

I had progressed to 6cm and hadn't really had any serious contractions. My poor midwife was having a migraine, but she was toughing it out with me. The hospital didn't have any beds available for my until about 12:30 pm and then my triage nurse had to stay with me when I did get a bed. My midwife said they may have to hook me up to Pitocin if things didn't pick up soon. I though, no way! My labor kicked into overdrive. At 2:30pm I was pushing on a bed that wasn't ready and my baby N was born. The midwife and nurses just stood there dumbfounded after the delivery. They had no idea when I had finished dilating. I didn't care because my baby was here. He weighed in at 6lbs 7oz and 19 1/2 inches just like his big brother!

Well those are my stories. My babies were born early and without much trouble for me. Back labor was no fun, but I kept remembering that the pain would not last forever. My babies are totally worth any pain and discomfort they caused. I am looking forward to the experience again some day!

Until next time,

Menu Plan for the Week 9-5-10

We are totally back in school mode now! I am looking forward to meeting with the boys' teachers this week for back to school conferences. It's always nice to meet them and get an idea of how things are going so far.

We've had a nice quiet 3 day weekend, which is what we all needed! Hopefully we'll all have a good week and get some things accomplished around here!

Here is what we have planned to eat for this week:

Breakfasts: Cereal, Oatmeal, Biscuits, Muffins, Pancakes, French Toast, Waffles, Fruit

Lunches: Ham or PB & J Sandwiches, Meat and Crackers, Leftovers, Fruit or Veggies, String Cheese, Hard Boiled Eggs, Granola Bars, Fruit Leather, Homemade Chewy Bars

Dinners:

Sunday- Mozzarella and Spinach Ravioli, Buttered Bread

Monday- BBQ Chicken Breast and Salmon, Corn on the Cob, Salad

Tuesday- Leftovers

Wednesday- Pork Country Ribs, Mashed Potatoes, French Cut Green Beans

Thursday- Kielbasa Sausage, Ranch Potatoes, Salad

Friday- Pizza, Salad

Saturday- Potluck at Family Reunion Picnic


Find more menu planning inspiration at Organizing Junkie.


Until next time,

Life Goes On

Just as it should, life for all of us has moved on. I am reminded everyday of how lucky I am in so many ways. I am doing well and I think I am at peace with everything that happened. I have gotten so much more support than I ever anticipated. I am a pretty blessed lady.

My boys are doing wonderfully in school. L just found out he made it to the G.A.T.E. program. Z was in it last year and had a great time. We are so lucky to live in a district that values the needs of the high achieving kids as much as its struggling learners.

I have been busy with school and sewing. I took my aprons, bags, and baby towels to school to show my colleagues and to hopefully sell a few. I sold almost all of my aprons and got orders for more! I am so excited. It has been wonderful to have some extra money and to have time on my sewing machine. It really is my therapy time! I just chill and create. Love I tell you!

A sample of the beautiful half aprons!

So I am good and the tears are gone. I have so much in my life that I could not stay down for long. I think all the trials and stinky stuff makes us better people, so I am going to chalk up the junky times to character building and call it good.

My bloggy friends, you have been wonderful and I thank you for your kindness and caring!!!!! You guys ROCK!! My heart is healing and I am smiling more everyday!

Until next time,