MaMa Blog

What Works For Me Wednesday

2009-06-03T18:13:00.000-07:00

Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!

Nothing is working at the moment. Only the moment that was while ago. Earlier moments were fine and this one is better.

Oh, the computer is fully functional. Thank God! I love my third child.

Getting ready to take 2 Melatonin and call it a day.

Overall, it was a good day. Nothing with too much drama. I cleaned the kitchen and the downstairs bathroom really good. I even cleaned out several drawers, replaced the liners and feel as if something was accomplished. The Princess was gone for 2 hours to play at her friends house. I should have been able to get more done but I don't move like I used to. If she had been home, nothing would have been done.

Oh, this is big....threw away a bunch of Happy Meal toys. I know I should've donated to a teacher's goody box but I am tired of the stuff coming back home. Seems like every time Big E gets enough star sticks he picks a toy I have donated and wants to find the twin as soon as he gets home. That is a tough one to explain. He is never happy for some reason. I have stopped donating or will do it at the end of the year so I don't have to see the junk back at my house!!

BIG KID Lunch

2009-06-02T17:09:00.000-07:00

Well, today did not go as planned. Then again, does the day ever go as planned? Everything went smoothly getting ready for school. Not ever a problem there. Found out that it was going to be HOT, so I had to head out after the bus came and water all the plants/trees in the backyard. Need those to survive. Don’t want to have to spend any vacation funds to replace. After that I had to deal with Princess EM’s ‘skeeter’ bites. That was funny. It really was. Looks like she has my gene when it comes to attracting the things. I swear tree farmer can stand in a swam of the things and not get a single bite. I (and now Princess) can go out for half a second and be covered with itchy whelps. Once that was done I found out that Tree Farmer could not go and eat lunch with Big E because of “an important” phone call. That would normally be fine except this time Big E was counting on him to be there. They had discussed prior tot he bus stop this morning. Can’t let Big E be disappointed. I know that would be the first thing out of his mouth as he gets into the car this afternoon at pick up. So, I switch gears and get Princess all ready to go and eat lunch at big school with brother. She was excited to say the least. She had to change her shirts. She wanted to be stylin for the big kids. Can’t say that I blame her on that one. We did a few things around the house and then we headed over to the school.

Princess loved it! Big E did not mind her there. All his classmates gave him attention because his sis was so cute. He was a little disappointed at first that Dad was not coming but once all his friends started asking him questions about his little sis, he did not seem to mind that it was Mom with him instead.

It was a good day to eat at the cafeteria. Chicken tenders, mashed taters, orange slices, salad, roll and 100% fruit pop. I took both kid’s some sweet tea from home. Big E, who did not eat breakfast, ate his lunch and part of the Princess’. He was starving. He was happy too. He had to sit beside her and helped her with everything.

Wish they got along that good all the time.

Some Picture's

2009-05-06T18:00:00.000-07:00

Sick

2009-05-06T17:43:00.000-07:00

Little Princess E is sick. Not really sick, but sick enough that I missed Mother's Day Tea. She missed it too. It would have been our first one together. She was coughing really bad this morning and I decided it would be best not to subject others to the hacking. It was the right decision. It just hurt a little. Princess E has no idea we missed anything. I didn't have the heart to tell her. That would not have been good. Only would've made her sad. She is very sensitive. This is the little girl that when I took her to the doctor's office yesterday she told me in the parking lot she wasn't sick and didn't need to go in. I am also the Mom that didn't tell her where we were going. I just informed her we were "running errands". Oh well.

Big E earned his last feather tonight at Y-Guides. He is very proud. He recited the AIMS from memory. He is now able to attend a special camp...which is good since his Dad already paid his way and they are leaving on the 15Th. They both should have a good time.

Big E had another tooth fall out yesterday. This makes four out! Yes, it FELL out. Just like the last one. He doesn't want to PULL a tooth out. He wants it to FALL out. The third one fell out in his sleep. This last one fell out while he was walking to the living room. When a tooth is dangling in ya kid's mouth, it is not a pretty picture. I am glad it is out. I don't care how it came out. Just thankful I don't have to see it dangling there anymore.

Missed church tonight. Princess E and I stayed home. She is just not feeling good enough.

Tomorrow I get to have Mother's Day Munchies with Eli at his school. That should be interesting. Hard to wrap my head around the fact that Kindergarten is almost over. Not goign to think about that anymore.

Monday Rain

2009-03-16T18:39:00.001-07:00

More rain. Haven’t seen the sun in several days now. Can’t recall if it was Wednesday or Thursday of last week. It has been a good while. Tree Farmer said that it may be Wednesday or Thursday of this week before it comes back out. Oh well. It saves me a few seconds in the morning. I skip the sunscreen on my face. I guess it also saves Tree Farmer some money too. Since I am not using that product.

Everything went smooth this morning. Surprising because it is a Monday. Seems like on Monday’s everyone is a little sluggish and can’t get dressed without a fuss. The fact that both kid’s have new shoe’s may have been the saving element. They were both eager to wear their new shoe’s to school to show friends. I think Princess E picked her outfit last night with her Daddy. Everything had to match just perfectly.

I had lunch with Big E at his school. Soup and grilled cheese sandwich. I have to say it hit the spot. I am not one of those who will not eat school cafeteria food. I don’t mind. I see it as setting a good example. I want Big E to eat at the ‘restaurant’ at least half the week. For purely selfish reason...I get tired of packing a lunch every morning. I do evaluate the school menu and pick the days I think it best for him to ‘take’. I know, for the most part, what will be OK to eat at school. I will say this. I go and eat with him often. If I am unable to go, I send Tree Farmer. Every week one of us is there at least once a week to eat with him. It is good for Big E to try some of the food. He might find he likes most of it. He is such a picky eater.

Princess E had a good day at school. She saw her teacher’s baby. (Teacher is out on maternity leave. She came by class today to show the kid’s the baby) Princess was really happy she got to see the baby. She made me tell her a story about baby S while we were rocking at nap time. I must confess that we got into a huge fight because I could not understand that she was asking for a story about Baby S. I just could not, for the life of me, translate what she was trying to say. She ended up in tears. I ended with high blood pressure. If only I could understand what she was saying. It was not registering with me at all. I should’ve known.

Meatloaf for dinner. Let me tell ya, it is not a glamourous meatloaf either. Very plain. Little effort, but a ton of thought. I was trying not to ‘fancy it up’ too much because I want the kiddos to eat a couple of bits. As I am sitting here (in car pick up line) I am realizing I forgot to take some veggies out of the freezer! Great! Thought I had dinner covered. WRONG!

Princess E has dance class tonight.

It is now pouring rain outside and cold in my truck!

I Am Here

2009-03-15T17:16:00.000-07:00

OK. I know it has been forever. I have had many things to 'blog' about but for one reason or the other I just have not done it.

Today has been long. The weather has been awful. It has been dark and dreary for two days. Rain, rain go away! Kid's have been stuck in the house and they have trashed the place. I will say that they have gotten along really good. They have actually worked and played together almost all day! Impressive for Mr. Oil and Little Miss Water.

We went to church this morning. Surprisingly there was a packed house. I guess I was not the only one with cabin fever. We went out to a real restaurant for lunch afterwards! All four of us. That rarely happens.

I should have done more today. I could've cleaned a drawer or two. I did clean my bathroom countertop and cut coupons for the coupon swap. That is really it. Oh, I switched pocketbooks. I went ahead and switched to my Spring pocketbook. I know it is a week early but it is done. If anyone wants to fuss with me about it they can have at it.

Princess E is hooked on "The Quiet Game". Every time we turn around she wants to play. Too bad she can't win. She can't be still or be quiet. It must be a three year old thing. She is always moving or talking about something.

Almost time for bed and I can't wait!

Parade Day

2008-12-14T16:36:00.001-08:00

Princess had a GREAT time being in the parade on Saturday. She was in her element!!

We were not cold at all. We all had on multiple layers!!

Tree Farmer had Big E on another float.

We divided and conquered!

It was strange to be in the parade this year verses being a spectator. Both has its perks. Don't know which one I like the best.

Friday Night

2008-12-14T16:33:00.000-08:00

Christmas

2008-12-13T08:57:00.000-08:00

OK. I have been VERY worried lately. EM wants a baby doll crib for Christmas. Well, I was going to order the one from American Girl with the storage underneath, but then I found another one. It has a bigger storage cabinet underneath (which helps to make the crib taller and less likely for Big Girl EM to get inside) and is really cute. Add to that about $25 cheaper! It is also real wood. Well, I have ordered this crib 3 time's with 3 different places. A couple of days after I have placed each order I have received an email saying they were out of stock. Until while ago I had not heard anything from the company I have ordered it from this time. So, needless to say, I have been worried. I have emailed and called the company. That did not make me feel any better because when I called I never got an answer and the emails were also never answered. I really thought I had screwed up and Princess EM was going to be without a crib on Christmas Day. Low and behold! I just received an email from the company stating that my package had shipped. I took the tracking number over to UPS and it not only shipped it may be here today or Monday. I am still a little worried. After all, that is what I do. I just have a bad feeling. Hopefully I will be wrong!

F.Y.I

2008-12-10T13:21:00.000-08:00

Nordstrom is changing the logo on their makeup, so they're selling everything for $1! The make-up line e.l.f. ( eyes-lips-face) has been bought out by Nordstrom and will be re-packaged with the Nordstrom name on it. They are getting rid of all the make-up in ELF packaging. They are selling everything for $1. You do have to pay shipping. They have everything - powder, mascara, lipstick, a mineral line (100% natural), brushes & cases, nail polish, lotions, you name it - it's there. The website is http://www.eyeslipsface.com/shop.asp

Also, When you check out there is a space for a coupon code. Use CAROLINA and save an additional 50% up to $15.00.

December 7, 2008

2008-12-07T13:21:00.000-08:00

Big E's 6th Birthday!

Hard to believe Big E is 6 today. Six year's ago I was miserable. After 21 hours of labor with an epidural that did not work on the right side of my body I was exhausted. Today, I am still exhausted.

Big E has had a good day. He had his first sleep over last night. They slept soundly, had pancake's this morning and then went to church. After he got home from church he had lunch and then it was time for his presents. He was shocked to get an Nintendo DS Lite!!! His baby sister gave him Mario Kart to go with his new big boy toy. Needless to say that is all he has done since. He is figuring it out. He was even kind enough to let me play twice. I told him that I had already played in the car rider line at his school. He thought that was funny. I told him I had to make sure it worked. Truth be told I had to make sure he was going to be able to do it. Plus, I finished reading the book I have been working on (Blogging For Dummies) and did not feel up to starting another book. I thought playing the DS would be a great way to kill an hour a day. Hee! Hee! I initially thought he was too young for a handheld computer game. But I am also very tired of all the little plastic toys in the house that do not last, bores him and then they break. I think the DS was a good choice. It is also something I can use for punishment when his sassy mouth gets way out of hand. He has played all afternoon with only 10 minute breaks about every 30 minute's. Honestly, I do not know how his thumbs are standing the workout.

Still can not believe that my first born baby is 6. He is getting so old.

He will have a party after the new year. Hopefully when it is warmer outside. He loves camping and riding his motorcycle. It is just too cold this year to get a group of boys together for a campout and fun go cart ride's and fishing. He understands this and is Ok with the decision. I feel bad 'moving' his birthday, but to give him what he wants the most it is necessary.

He is so cute! His poor lips are getting very chapped. He is on the couch playing his new game, with his tongue out of his mouth...licking his lips.

Throw It Out Thursday!

2008-11-13T09:38:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday I started purging the mess in my house. I still have most of my children's clothing since they were born. Yes, I was able to yard sale a few items and I also gave away a bit. For the most part I still have it all. That is a lot of clothes. Especially with having a boy (5 almost 6years old and 3 years old) and a girl. Last Thursday I placed all the winter clothing in a Rubbermaid container (1 for Big E clothes, 1 for Princess E clothes). I packed both containers full. The lids barely stayed on. I did have to rearrange and take a few items out of the containers so there was at least a chance that the lids would fit. On Sunday my Mom came to visit and she hauled the containers (and a few boxes and a bag of hangers) back to her house. There is a children's consignment shop near her that is fantastic. She has dropped the containers off there and I hope to see all the items go to a good home and maybe in return I can get a little cash to go and by new clothes for the weeds.

Today, Thursday, I returned to the clothing situation. This time I loaded 4 boxes and 2 bags full of children's clothes and some of my old 'after pregnancy, a.k.a fat clothes). Actually, Princess E put all items in the boxes, one by one. (She had to do something.) Then took them to Good Will. Another load OUT OF THE HOUSE.

I received an email from a neighbor yesterday asking for clothing and jewelry donations for 'Dress For Success". That is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing them with professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to thrive in work and in life. I am making a donation!! She is going to come and pick the stuff up too. Can't beat that. Easy and hopefully the clothes will go to good use.

The house is getting lighter!! Finally! After all these months of storing mess I am finally getting rid of some of it. I am in the mood to get rid of a ton of things. It would almost be worth moving just to 'spring clean' everything. With having 2 young kid's I can't see the point of saving anything that isn't absolutely necessary. The have so much stuff all by themselves. Why do I need a whole cabinet of cookbooks? I have my recipe box with all the staple recipe's in it. I also have a ton of recipe's in a file on the computer AND I normally GOOGLE for everything else. Why should I waste a whole kitchen cabinet? I am not!!!

I urge everyone to throw something away on Thursday's. It is a way of breaking free of all the crap that seems to cripple my mind. You don't actually have to throw it in the garbage, but ya could if ya wanted. Throw it in the garbage, donate, consign, sit it by the road with a FREE sign, give to a good neighbor....just get it out, out and away!

You will sleep better.

Let me know how it works.

Still need

2008-11-11T15:59:00.001-08:00

Still need a laptop....

Boy's will be Boy's

2008-11-11T12:31:00.000-08:00

Kid's were out of school all day today. It was kinda nice. We stayed home. I figured everyone else would be out and about. I invited some friends to come over. Baked a frozen pizza for lunch and forced the kid's to play outside. Even put the Fisher-Price tent in the backyard to help lure the kid's to stay out and play. The trampoline was put to some use. I can not say good use...but use.

The saying, "Boys will be boys", is a saying that I do not care for. I don't know if a trampoline represents a boxing ring to all boys or just to the one's that come over and visit us. I am including my own Big E. {I do not want anyone to think that I am excluding him from this occurrence. He is just as bad as any of them. No one is worse than the other. I am placing no order whatsoever on any of these boys. I really like all of them. Yes, I feel as if I have to cover my butt as to not 'offend' anyone. Of course, neither one of the Moms involved are naive to their offspring's actions. Nor are they overly sensitive. Neither one of them have time to be. That makes it all good. Big E and Juicy Fruit were outside on the trampoline and they were having an OK time. They were jumping a little but yes, they were doing wrestling, power ranger, ninja moves...making contact. They had to be called down several times and told to separate. We asked them to jump because that was what the trampoline was for. Then another kid, Jones, came over and I thought it was nice. They were getting alone pretty good and it is nice to have new folks around to keep things interesting for Big E. He had already been playing with Juicy for a couple of hours. I had to come inside with Princess E and tend to her and warm up. Ms. CatBird (Juicy Fruits Mom) came in to. We just knew the boys would be fine. They are old enough... When we went back out I saw Big E pulling on Jones shirt. He had the arm. The shirt was stretching. This act to me, is like finger nails on a chalk board. I hate stretched out shirts. Yes, hate is a BAD word, but dislike does not cover the disdain that boils in my blood when I see an article of clothing stretched. When I saw this going on I called him down. At which time ALL the boys start telling me that Big E, and Juicy Fruit were essentially 'ganging up' on Jones. They had their reasons. I don't really care. The matter was taken up and dealt with with both Big E and Juicy. A trampoline is made for jumping and a few tricks here and there. As long as no one is in the way of the person doing the tricking at the time. I just don't understand why this consistent rough housing goes on. Little Jones should have a) come and told me, b) gone home when all this started happening. But then again I see why a) and b) did not happen. I guess there was a little element of fun. Don't see how. Unless there is such a thing as "BOYS WILL BE BOYS."

This is a warning to Big E regarding the trampoline. They can either jump or treat it as a boxing ring. The choice is his and his friends. However, if they choose the later, the trampoline will be picked up by the garbage truck. It is a shame. Why can't they just jump? I hate to take the thing away (and I know a few other parents that don't want me to destroy the trampoline because it makes a great babysitter for them) but I will not condone/accept these actions. I hate the eyesore anyway. It is supposed to be here for the kid's to have fun.

Plus, Big E is going to learn that 'ganging' up on someone is not accepted. Neither is all this 'play fighting' going to continue. This fighting stuff is going to stop. Don't know where it came from to begin with. To have a friend and keep a friend you have to be a friend.

Dinner!!

2008-11-10T16:53:00.001-08:00

Greetings!

Ok!! Just had a fantastic dinner. Granted it was nothing fancy. When I say fantastic, I mean the kid's ate everything I put on their plate and Tree Farmer went back for more. He actually commented that we could have this once a month. I have to add that I did not find it complicated at all. It took maybe 40 minute's to put together. That includes browning the beef and chopping onion AND chasing Princess E. Cleaning is also included...

I put it all together at 12:30 today and then baked it at dinner time.

By the way, I used my Pampered Chef stoneware casserole dish. I think it is 12 x 9 ish. I don't know exactly. I just tried to measure it with the ruler and that is what I got... It is pretty big.

I was planning on having leftovers for tomorrow night. BUT there is not enough left!!! That never happens here. Normally there is so much left that it sits in the frig and well, takes on a life of its on. So, now there is nothing for dinner tomorrow night. AND the kid's are home all day for the holiday SO I KNOW THERE WILL BE KNOW DINNER TOMORROW!!!

Maybe you can make it one day.

GOOD LUCK!!!

Cindy's Baked Spaghetti

Ingredients:

6 oz. uncooked angel hair pasta or spaghetti (I used angel hair)
1 lb. hamburger, ground chuck...
1 cup chopped onion
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided use
1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
1 1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
3/4 cup beef broth
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

Cook spaghetti according to directions. Drain and set aside.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cook hamburger and onions in a large skillet, stirring until meat is brown and crumbles. Drain well.

Stir the salt, pepper, chili powder, 1/3 shredded cheddar, the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup and mustard into the meat mixture. Simmer 5 minutes.
Stir in spaghetti and beef broth.

Spoon mixture into a baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar and the shredded mozzarella.

Bake 20-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and browned slightly.

Laptop

2008-11-02T17:11:00.001-08:00

I need a lap top computer

Don't ya Hate it When...

2008-10-21T06:12:00.001-07:00

When you made the decision to be a stay at home Mom because 1- you have separation anxiety. Not the kid, the Mom, I can't stand to leave my children under someone else's watch. 2- you don't want to miss anything. Then you take your kid to school and he looses his first tooth without you. I missed a milestone. All because he had to go to Kindergarten.

Yesterday my 5 year old was at school having circle time. Please note that he has had a loose tooth for about 3 weeks. This is his first loose tooth EVER. I have politely begged him to try and get the tooth out while at home and I was with him. But he politely said no and I let it be. I just knew the tooth would come out at home. Low and behold he was at school yesterday and the thing fell out while he was sitting at circle time with his class. Now, I was heart broken. I was wanting to be there. To top things off...I was the last one to find out that the tooth had come out. The LAST ONE!! I was HOT (at no one, just HOT) to say the least. But when I was picking him up for school he looked so cute. The teacher had given him a tooth necklace (the tooth opens up to hold the lost tooth) and a sticker announcing the occasion. They made a HUGE deal about it at school and he was happy as can be. He went on to tell me that he was the only one in his class to ever loose a tooth at school. SO...I guess it all worked out. Maybe I will be with him when the next one falls out.

Minus one...

2008-10-20T13:43:00.001-07:00

Here are some picture's of the toothless wonder...

Here he is getting in the truck. Notice the tooth necklace (tooth is inside) and the I Lost a Tooth sticker.
A little better shot of the hole and the necklace and sticker.
Close ups are always blurry.

Missing a tooth!!!

NEWSFLASH!!

2008-10-20T09:59:00.000-07:00

Eli has officially lost his first tooth.

I know this only because Johnny went and had lunch with him at school. No, Johnny was not there when the tooth came out. The tooth came out while the class was sitting on the carpet for circle time, or whatever they do. Johnny said he thinks it was a big deal for the class. Something about they made him a necklace or something. I will find out more after I wait in the pick up line for an hour to get him from school.

Yes, I am ticked off. I have been waiting for that tooth to come out. It was loose for 3 weeks. I have tried and tried to get Eli to pull it out. Of course he wanted none of that. I have spent all these years being a stay at home Mom so I would not miss any these special events in my kids life's. This was his first tooth to come out. There will not be another first.

HAPPY At Nonna's

2008-10-10T17:08:00.000-07:00

I had to share this picture. It is just that good.

Here are some reason why it is a good picture...

1- They are both IN the picture.
2- They are not hurting one another.
3- They are both looking in the same direction.
4- They are both pretty clean.
5- They both have on decent outfits.
6- THEY ARE BOTH SMILING!!!
7- They are both HAPPY!!!!

Sorry

2008-10-10T13:51:00.000-07:00

I tried to put them in the correct order so all ya'll had to do was read down. It did not work the way I intended. I wrote everything in the order in which it happened, hoping to post backwards...I will know next time to start with the last and work to the first. Just hang in there. I don't have time to redo. I barely have time to think backwards.

Still The First Day of School

2008-10-10T13:10:00.001-07:00

Low and behold this is the pick up line and it is one hour before school lets out. All these cars are in front of me. The line went all the out off school grounds.Finally I get to pick him up. He closed the door and put seat belt on.

He seemed satisfied with his day.

Man he was tired when he got home. I asked him what he did during the day and he said, "Nothing."

E First Day III

2008-10-10T11:33:00.000-07:00

E's cubbyloaded with his bag, pillow and rest time towel. They don't 'nap' in Kindergarten. Busy as a Bee doing his morning work. He was too afraid to look from his crayons so he borrowed some from Aaron who sits across the table from him. His teacher came to him and showed him where his stuff was located.

E with his teacher getting his lunch card

He would not say bye to me. It was like I was not even there. Not a good picture. But they are the Busy Bee's in Room 503!

E First Day of school II

2008-10-10T11:23:00.001-07:00

Getting on the bus! Yes, I chased the bus to the school. There it is going around back to unload.

E has no clue I am standing in the hall. I wanted to make sure he made it to his class. He never saw me! He looks a little lost but the teacher pointed him in the right direction. I still can't believe I let him ride the bus the first day. He wanted to really badly. Since Southern Belle was going to be with him and she has an older brother I thought he would be fine. Sure enough he was. My nerves were still rather shot.

This is a little hard to explain. If you notice in the door there is a little reflection. That is from his backpack! You can see the back of his shoe close to the floor. He was moving so fast I could not get the picture on time. Plus I was moving too. Trying to stay out of his sight... He turned around to take his bag in his cubby. I did not care if he saw me now. He had made it on his own to class. The thing is, he did not want me there. He barely said anything to me. He went on about his business. He went straight to his seat and started his morning work. He will never say it but I think he was nervous too.

E First day of School

2008-10-10T10:32:00.000-07:00

I can barely remember the day. It was so long ago. I do remeber that the night prior he uttered his first positive comment about Kindergarten, "I can't wait to go to school tomorrow." I recall being happy at the time that he finally said something good about starting school. Of course, then I was scared that he was going to hate it.

Since I don't have alot of memories about the days I will just post some picture's. After all, I have been told that is all you want to see.

Getting ready to head out the door with a brand new backpack!

e very proud and excited for E.

E, e & Southern Belle (also a kindergartner) Family shotBus arrives and E crosses the street to embark on his first day of school!

Yes, I followed the bus that day to school. I actually raced the bus. I wanted to get there first so I could make sure he made it to his class OK.