Mama Notes

12 Week Weight Loss Challenge: Starts Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha @ Mama Notes) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 05:36:00 +0000

A couple weeks ago, I took an exam and passed it. This exam? It was the ACE personal training exam. Which means... I am now a certified personal trainer! I am so excited. I had my first consultation today and it was such a blast. We talked nutrition, exercise, I tested her body fat, we did some basic fitness test, I showed her a couple exercises, answered more questions.... loved it! I was so happy to help her.

I thought that sharing this with you guys would also be a good time to tell you that I want to start a little "12 week weight loss challenge" on Monday. Several people have already emailed me- if you're interested, send me your email address too. My goal is to email everyone (as a group, but we can chat back and forth privately if you want) once a week or so to check in with your goals. If you have any questions I would love to help answer them as well!

At the same time, I'm also going to enter myself into this contest on Bodybuilding.com You actually enter send in your before picture (taken with a newspaper by your side) and then submit your "after" picture at the end of the 12 weeks. The winner gets 10K along with a slew of other exciting things. I thought it would just be extra motivation and fun to do. So if you are joining me, you might as well enter into the Bodybuilding.com contest too. :)

I have to check on this, but I'm almost positive that no one sees the before and after picture unless you win. When you send in your picture it doesn't automatically go online or anything like that.

Make sure you read everything on there if you decide to do that - it's pretty simple but you do have to open up an account and send in your pictures with a newspaper so the date is showing. They have a "Q & A" section on the main page I linked to that is helpful. If you sign up for this, you don't have to follow any specific diet plan or training plan. You can do whatever you want.

The top 4 fat loss programs are HERE. You could follow one of those exactly for the 12 weeks or just use ideas from each one of them.

If you want to join us, send me an email! (mamanotes@gmail.com) I really suggest taking a before picture. It truly is the best measurement of how far you've came. The scale is a liar!

Let me know if you have any questions :)

Just the Loves of My Life

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha @ Mama Notes) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:06:00 +0000

Do you ever have those moments in parenting where you're like, I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I'M DOING.

Half the time I don't even know what to say to Lucas.

Yesterday I thought he was sleeping. I was downstairs and I started to hear noises, so I walked upstairs. He was on top of the bathroom counter, the medicine cabinet was open, the lids of our pills and vitamins were off and there was soap and lotion everywhere.

I just stared at him.

Ummmmm. What are you doing??

"I'm doing my chores, just like you are doing!"

I asked him if he put any of the pills in his mouth and he told me, "No. Those are only for adults." Thankfully he was telling the truth and he was fine. Oh my goodness that could have been awful. I am VERY proud of him for not putting any in his mouth. Apparently medicine with a child proof lid up high in cabinet doesn't really mean child proof.

He is asking me all sorts of questions.

How do you drive a car?
How do you cook eggs?
How do you cook oatmeal?
How do the trees move?
Why is he a construction worker?
How does the light turn green?
What is that man doing?
Why is the sun in my eyes?

All that in a 10 minute car drive.

I got a pop the other day. He asked what I was drinking.

"Oh, it's a pop."
" A pop is not healthy. You shouldn't drink that."
" I know Lucas, you are right. My stomach is probably going to hurt now since I drank that pop."
"Pop is for adults only."
"Well I am an adult."
"No you are a mommy!"

I am very proud of him. He has his/my phone number memorized. We've been working on that for a while and he was pretty close but now he is perfect at reciting it!

Now I am working on teaching him his address. He knows he lives in Alaska but he doesn't know his address. It's so fun teaching him new things and when he gets it I am so excited and proud!

Lucas LOVES to cook. I seriously can't keep him out of the kitchen. I thought about buying him his own set of cheap stuff to use. Of course he wants to use all the real appliances. Today I made him use water only and a little bit of flour and oatmeal because I thought it was the cheapest food we had in the house.

He helps me clean it up. He knows that is part of cooking. His daddy taught him well.

Joshua loves to read books. He brings me books all the time and sits on my lap so cute. He says "duck" and almost said "Rabbit" the other day. He also LOVES it when the tv is on. He actually grabs the remote and hands it to me, whining to turn it on. Ha. Today I turned it on for a second and then turned it off and he started this pitiful cry! It was so funny.

Joshua and Lucas sat on the couch for 10 minutes together today at watched Leap Frog.

That is when you look over and see two blonde hair boys and you just melt to the floor in pure mommy joy and love and thankfulness.

I was talking a friend - he has two older boys and his youngest child is a girl - about the differences between boys and girls. I was like, "is your daughter easier than the boys were/are?" He goes, "Oh yeah!! She is SO easy!"

I love this baby so much. He really needs a hair cut. He's got the shaggy look goin' on. I am scared to cut it though. He is just so funny but oh my gosh, he is SO dramatic. He literally gets on the floor and does a temper tantrum. He's only 15 months old! Who does this?? It's so funny. I am like, what are you doing child? It's just a water bottle! I will give it to you in a minute!

He loves to do anything his brother is doing. He says "bye bye" pretty well. And he signs please and when he does I give him anything he wants.

Scentsy Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha @ Mama Notes) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 01:06:00 +0000

Sometimes, my house smells.

From being stuffed up all winter because we can't open the windows to let fresh air in, or the dog just smelling like... a dog, or dirty diapers (which get taken out to the garage) or food creations that my children are making.

Okay, my house doesn't really smell bad that often. Or at least I hope not.

But either way, I love it when my house smells good and yummy!

I also really like candles. But, having a candle makes me a little nervous because of the kids.

This is where these Scentsy plug-in's come to the rescue. Plug it in your wall, turn it on, and your house smells delicious. It also sort of acts as a candle or a little light - perfect for a bathroom.

My friend Monique is a Scentsy consultant with her own little shop. She sent me a plug in and a warmer to try out in my home!

At first I was a little overwhelmed with all the pieces. But it's actually really easy. I emailed Monique and she answered a few questions for me too. You just put the little light bulb in and it screws in the main part.

The "bar" - the candle that melts and smells yummy - just pushes out of the plastic holder it comes in and then you break it into pieces.

It smelled good, but it wasn't as strong as I was hoping it would be. Maybe something is wrong with my nose, or maybe it depends on the scent.

Giveaway!

Monique is giving away a plug in warmer and bar of your choice to a winner! There are a ton of warmers to choose from, along with numerous scents. Lots of colors and designs and lots of scents depending on your taste and what room in the house you want it for. Go check out all of the selections and tell me what you would choose!

To Enter:

Option 1: "Like" Moniques Scentsy page on Facebook HERE.
Option 2: Join the mailing list HERE
Option 3: Tell me what bar or scent is your favorite!

Giveaway is open to anyone in the United States. It ends Wednesday, February 1st. Please leave a separate comment for each entry and don't forget to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win! Winner is selected randomly.

If you have any questions or want to join Monique's team, you can contact her HERE.

Wahoo to a yummy smelling house! Anyone want to come over for a girls night?

Do You Want Ketchup With That?

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha @ Mama Notes) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:39:00 +0000

Lucas is tracing his hand.

Before that you'll see some scribbles.

No. Not scribbles. Those are words, obviously.

What does it say?

It says, Lucas, please don't get into the lollypop's.

{Lollypop's are in the cupboard above the fridge.}

My boys have been loving playing in the sink lately. Lucas has always loved to do the dishes, and now Joshua want's to be up there with his big brother, of course!

This provides about 30 minutes of fun play. Only clean up is some water.

Lucas loves to cook.

He doesn't get it from me.

I'm making pancakes. Don't worry, I'll clean up the mess.

mmm looks yummy, doesn't it? This is some tomato soup, crackers, ranch dressing and ketchup.

Everything he creates and does in the kitchen is up to him and all his own ideas. I pretty much let him use whatever he wants.

Eventually I had to tell him we couldn't do this anymore because the smells from all the food were starting to smell pretty gross.

I so wish I could give him a real - but not working - microwave, dishwasher and oven to play with. He would love that.

I found the can opener in the bathroom and the pizza cutter in my bedroom.

I was at work, my husband texted me and asked where the cheese grater was.

I have no idea. Really. Ask Lucas.

Doing Alright

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha @ Mama Notes) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:31:00 +0000

It's only Monday, but it's been a rough week for me so far. My kids were both sick this weekend - poor babies, but they're bouncing back quickly and I have a feeling tomorrow they will go back to themselves - bounce house, anyone? I already mentioned on Facebook, but I called 911 because Joshua did the whole screaming-not breathing-purple & limp in my arms thing. He was fine, thank God. The doctor said he looked fine as well and said it was "normal." Will probably do a EKG test just to be sure there are no heart problems, which I'm fairly confident they're aren't, but a peace of mind is always a good thing. I hope to everything it isn't the beginning of what doctor thinks may be a "breath holder."

I had a good cry and then I wrote this post. Sorry if it's cheesy, weird, or emotional.

I've had friends recently come to me - or to their Facebook wall or blog post (ha) - with parenting woes, struggles, hurdles, decisions.

You guys. I am right there with you.

I just want to tell you that whatever you are doing right now, it's fine. There will be a day when you (and me, and you and all of us) will be totally at ease when our house isn't perfect and be happy and content just playing on the floor covered in dog hair and cheerio crumbs. ( I have become so much more at ease with it, and it really is a beautiful thing. I used to worry about dishes in my sink. Thankfully I got over that before my kids moved out for college.) We will be okay with giving our child a bath at night without any soap. Which, seriously, it's fine - I do it all the time and my kids still smell delicious. We will stop comparing ourselves to other moms and feeling inadequate because we can't homeschool like her or decorate like her or because yeah, we really do spend more time "pinning" things than actually doing them. Who cares? When we can just wake up each day and put on some mascara, some lip gloss and jeans and call it good. You got blush on or a new shirt? You're freaking amazing today. When we treat ourselves with respect and love and everything we deserve -- healthy food to fuel our bodies, sleep and relaxation much deserved, exercise for our soul and muscles, new earrings cause we rock and red painted nails just cause we want to.

Yesterday I didn't get Joshua dressed. I let him wear his pajamas all day long, even when we went to the grocery store. Lucas found a pacifier in the car and I let him have it. (Totally against my rules.) They had a snack of fake cheese & crackers at the store and I didn't put a hat on Lucas as we walked to and from the car. For some reason, it was oddly empowering. It was like I was saying, yeah world, I let my toddler wear his pajamas out in public. What'cha gonna do about it?

We wake up each morning and automatically we have all these decisions we're faced with. Our to-do list that we started last night and added number 10 and 11 this morning, having crossed off maybe the first two things. The chores we're suppose to finish so when people come over they think we have it all together. We go on these play dates and hope that our kids behave in a way that is socially acceptable or even better- maybe they will be so impressive people will think you're awesome. Our goals, our "should's" and then all the things we didn't get to, forgot to do, didn't want to do or just didn't care about doing.

At the end of the day, to me, there are a few things that matter. And I'm just talking in the spectrum of parenting here, although if you have one thing lined up right it usually reflects the other things in life lined up right, but let's just stick with parenting right now..

That I've gave my kids love and affection. Fed them a decent-enough meal to satisfy them and somewhat nourish their bodies. Provided them a safe and loving place to learn, play and grow. Gave them hugs and kisses and a million "I love you's." Laughed with them, played a few games of cars and if I've read more than 15 books -- it's an even better day.

If I've done all those things, then I think I'm doing alright.

You too, mama.

Do You Use the Free Child Care at the Grocery Store?

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha @ Mama Notes) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 04:37:00 +0000

If you shop at Fred Meyer (or other stores that have free built in day care) do you leave your kids there while you shop?

I never have.

Honestly, I don't see myself ever doing it. It has never crossed my mind as an option. Not that I think it's "bad" or anything, I've just never considered it. We walk past it every time we leave Fred Meyer after we check out with our groceries. I always wondered what people thought about it.

(Source)

Part of me thinks, No way! I don't even know who these people are watching my kids. And it's so... public. Someone could walk by and... I don't know, I just don't like the idea of total strangers watching my children.

Then the other part of me says, Well, I guess it's the same as a day care at the gym. Technically I don't know those people very well either. Right? And I think this actually might be safer.. don't they use little pagers or something? (Not sure, really.) AND, it would be nice to shop alone and let my kids play- burn off energy for 30 minutes.

So -- curious.

Do you leave your kids in the play place while you shop? Why or why not?

Bringing the Snow Indoors

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha @ Mama Notes) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:02:00 +0000

We've had kind of a lay- low week. It's been so cold that I've just been hibernating. Lucas isn't feeling 100% like himself the last couple days, so I wanted him to rest at home a bit too. He's been complaining that his mouth and tummy hurt, so I'm not sure whats going on. We were going to stay home again today, but I thought it would be best for us all to get out of the house. I wanted the boys to burn some energy and get some exercise. We all know exercise makes us feel better! Only wish it was outdoor exercise, but oh well.

Today we went somewhere new -- gymnastics!

This gymnastics center is pretty cool. Tons of room for kids to run around, lots of things to climb on/under/in, trampolines to jump on, mats to jump on and off of, balance beams to walk on... basically something I want in my basement.

I didn't realize how much it was going to cost, but I figured $5 or so. I was shocked when she said it was $10 a person. ummmm, I cannot pay $20 for an hour of playing right now. Thankfully they have a punch card option so we did that which is a much better deal! Lucas wasn't as excited about it as I was hoping. He just wanted to play with the car that was there. I think part of it was because he's not feeling that great. I practically had to beg him to jump on the trampoline and climb up the mats with me.

Joshua loved it! That little monkey loves to climb on things.

I thought about putting Lucas in a structured gymnastics class when he turns 3. This was a good opportunity to figure out that decision. Turns out a class is $17.50. And that's for a 45 minute class. It wouldn't even make sense for me to do that. For one, it's really expensive and for two, it's only 45 minutes so it doesn't even give me a chance to go and do anything. Plus, Joshua really loved it. So I think it makes the most sense for me to take both of them! They can play while I watch them and play with them and it's about $9 for two hours (if we last that long.)

Next time we go I'm bringing my camera!

On another note, somewhere throughout my blog reading within the last couple years, I thought I remembered some superior mom bringing snow inside for some creative play. I wanted to try it too. When I asked Lucas about it he said, "wellll, honey, if we bring it in the house it will get the floor all icky!" Okay. Good point. So then I suggested putting it in the bath and he agreed that was a better idea.

I didn't really know what I was doing, so Lucas and I figured it out together.

I took the snow shovel outside and brought three big scoops of snow upstairs.

Of course the snow was a little cold. Whoever gave me this idea didn't explain what the next step would be. How do you play with snow when it's freezing?

So I'm like, "play in it! Do something! Play with the truck in the snow mountain!"

What, am I suppose to put gloves on their hands while they are inside? I don't get this.

They had fun playing with it for a while and then took a shower.

Oh, until Lucas broke the faucet. I have no idea how he did it. I just turned around and he said, "I broke it!"

I'm glad it's the weekend.

I have a dermatology appointment this afternoon that I really don't want to go to, but such is life.

Tomorrow, since I will have my husbands help, we are all going outside for a walk. I am determined. I don't care if it's -5 out (right now its about 0-2 degrees) I am making it happen. I will put the kids in the sled and go for a 15 minute walk around the block. Just something. Oh! And swimming this weekend, too. Lucas loves going down the slide by himself and Joshua loves riding on my back. So fun.

Can you recommend any good new release movies? Hubby and I are trying to decide what movie to watch tonight!

Ben The Bachelor: Episode 3

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha @ Mama Notes) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 22:06:00 +0000

Forgive me, but I can't help myself any longer.

Let me preface by giving my opinion of The Bachelor: Ben. I think he's a nice guy. But the hair. It needs a trim and I'm looking forward to seeing what he does with it this season. Will he grow it out? Cut it short? Go for a new look completely? Only the most dramatic season yet will unfold this mystery and I can't wait to find out.

The first date was with Emily. She's pretty cute. The climbed up the Golden Gate bridge. Was that freaky or what? I had a stomach ache the hold time! That was a brave move. Dangerous, much?

Thankfully Ben kissed her and gave her magical powers so she could finish that climb. Gosh Ben, you are just sooo sweet!

The group date.

They went skiing. In San Francisco. On fake (?) snow. In bikinis. Because that's so normal. Seriously, who does this?? But don't worry, in case you get cold in your swim suit, you are wearing a cute hat and scarf! And high top socks that accentuate your thighs! Personally if I had to choose, I'd want socks on my upper half, as I happen to think my calves are a little slimmer than my thighs, but whatever, I'm not in charge.

Lindsey and Ben went on a date.

This was the best part of the entire show. Matt Nathanson started singing.

I re-watched that portion on Hulu 4 different times. Why couldn't they had the cameras on him the entire time? I'm sorry, but he just does sexy singing good. Have you watched this video of him and Jennifer Nettles singing live at the CMA's? Besides the fact that I don't understand the pants Jennifer is wearing, it's seriously the best performance ever and it should win awards. Matt has this weird vibe going on but oh, I love it so. Have you seen him dance? It's like a bird losing it wings. How can he make it look so good?

Back to The Bachelor...

Okay so anyways. Lindsey and Ben are ~~making out~~ dancing. She has cute heels on. I like her simple black dress. I don't know if Ben can handle her, though.

Courtney is rude . And that dress -- no girlfriend.

Courtney asked how much he liked her on a scale of 1-10. Awww gag. What grade are we in again?

So Shawntel shows up. Whatever.

Then the rose ceremony. DUN DUN DUUUUUN.

Honestly I can't waste anymore of my time talking about this. I want to get back to the most important thing that happened in this episode:

Thank you Matt for providing me new music to clean my house to.

I love you.

The end.

Must be Winter

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha @ Mama Notes) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:03:00 +0000

It has been absolutely freezing.

Is it April yet?

We're pretty much on a friends house - gym day care - bounce house - museum- grocery shop - rotation. Our favorite indoor playground closed so that indoor option is now... not an option. :( I'm so bummed! I've been feeling really bad about not getting my kids outside, but ohmygosh it's cold! We've kind of gotten out of the habit of going outside, too. Hopefully it warms up a little in the next couple weeks so we can get some fresh air. As of now, I park far away from the entrance to places and count that as outside time. It's seriously like 3 degrees right now so I get some points for that.

I found a new lunch favorite --

Chicken taco wrap!

In the mix :

Chicken, spinach, tomatoes, salsa & Fage greek yogurt (used as the sour cream.)

So yummy!

I'm really loving these "Flat Out" flat bread tortillas. 9 grams of protein and 100 calories. Not bad.

I had this little guy to keep me company.

He is so funny! He knows when the camera is on him!

So, Lucas wants to learn how to read.

How do you teach a child how to read? I guess you start with learning all the letters first, right? He was asking me how I read and I told him, you have to read all these letters and words. I sat down with him at the table to work on some letters and I was happy we got 10 minutes in. And only four minutes of craft time! Who doesn't like craft time?! So I'm just not sure how to teach him letters that doesn't involve sitting still -- any ideas? Honestly most of the things he learns (besides learning through play) and most of the things that I am directly teaching him, are when we are talking about it. We do a lot of talking in the car - a. lot.- to the point where I literally have to say, "okay Lucas, lets turn on some music and have a little bit of quiet time, okay?" He asks a million questions in the car and we have some pretty good conversations and learning opportunities. I like that and it works well for him and his learning style. But letters.... isn't Leap Frog Factory suppose to teach him that stuff?

Sort of not really joking. All my friends said that movie taught their kids the letters. I guess for now I will just keep reading books to him and trying to point out some letters as we go. I love reading books to him.

Today I'm thinking we might build a fort with blankets and move the couches around. Oh and I have to go to Target to get diapers. Perfect. Day trip to Target. Done.

Two Weeks In

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha @ Mama Notes) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 08:02:00 +0000

I had a great full body workout this morning with a combination of free weights and weight machines. I don't generally write down all my weights and exercises I do when I lift. Now, technically, you really should. It's a great way to keep track of what you're doing, or what you've been doing, track your progress and remember what weight you left off on. I usually just remember what exercises I do and what weights I do. In fact, I even can remember it all from this morning -- nearly 12 hours ago.

Today was leg day, so I kept that as my focus, but I also added a few other exercises as well to make it more full body. For some reason I really love working out on Saturday mornings so I try to get in a full body session in that day!

It looked like this:

{I did 3 sets and 12 repetitions of everything}

Leg Press: 90 pounds
Lat Pulldown: 35 pounds
Push Up's: Body weight
Deadlift : 40 pounds
Squats: 40 pounds
Tricep extension: 10 pounds
Side Should Raise: 7.5 pounds
Shoulder press: 10 pounds
Bicep Curl: 30 pounds (barbell)
Leg Extension: Actually don't remember the weight on this one..
Leg Curl: Not this one either.. oops..

I've been eating clean for, like I said, about two weeks. I have been doing really good... until today. I had a little binge of a diet coke, small bag of chips and small bag of fruit snacks. Okay, and a cookie. Fine, two cookies. I'm glad I got that out in the public. I haven't told anyone, so keep your mouth shut.

I need to figure out how to eat healthy and clean but also make it taste exciting and not be the same thing every night. I know there are a lot of recipes out there, I just need to try some. I was also thinking, I may be adding in a few items that are not necessarily "clean" but are still healthy. I need to make this maintainable for me and something that I will be able to stick with and not get bored with. Tomorrow and Monday I hope to make some food to get me through the week. I want to try some new protein bars and chicken recipes.

So I am feeling a little discouraged today.

On the plus side, I'm gaining a lot of strength in my weights and I'm seeing my arms get stronger. Hopefully once I start adding cardio in two weeks I will be able to shed some of the fat that is covering my muscle! :)

Oh and something else that is very interesting to me - last night I only slept about 6 hours because I went to bed way too late and woke up early with Lucas, but I had so much energy the entire day. I notice on days I workout I am so much more awake. I need to figure out how to exercise every morning!

"It's not how you fall, it's how you get back up." We all fall down sometimes. We all fail and make mistakes. It's how we recover from those mistakes that help us grow. It's how we get back up that helps us to learn from ourselves and become stronger and better at what we want to do. I am GLAD that I have food struggles like this. I am learning how to be clean and healthy. I don't want this to be easy. I don't expect it to be. It would be un-realistic for me to think that I could go from eating "pretty healthy" and processed foods to 100% clean foods and call it easy. My struggles with food help me relate to others who go through the same thing. It helps me "walk in their shoes" and know what it's really like. It forces me to figure out how (or if) I can have balance with certain foods.

Tomorrow I will wake up. I will eat my normal breakfast or 4 egg whites and 1 whole egg, scrambled with a piece of toasted ezekial bread. From there I will go on and get back up and pretend like today didn't happen so I can start a new week fresh and ready to kick some serious gluteus maximus.

BOO. YAH. Clean Eating. BOO. YAH.

10 Things

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha @ Mama Notes) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:37:00 +0000

Oh, hello little ol' blog!

Where have I been? I don't know, I just haven't been here!

Here's a "10 things" re-cap of stuff that's been goin' on the last week or so.

1) I'm eating clean foods. Like, real and whole food.. basically things that "have a mother" (fish, chicken, eggs) or things that come from the ground, or things that have very few ingredients. Non processed stuff. It's actually kind of easy, once you start doing it regularly.

2) Lucas is in love with Dora.

3) Tomorrow we go and tour a potential preschool for next Fall. ohmygosh.

4) I'm posting more on my Facebook page about nutrition and new things I'm eating. I am learning a ton right now so I love to share it with people. Especially if you are trying to lose weight or eat healthier. :) I'm slacking on blogging lately because the conversations on Facebook are so much better! It's so much faster and easier to put something up there like a question or a thought.

5) This evening Joshua started screaming when I was putting his diaper on. This is normal, he loves to be naked and doesn't get happy about putting a diaper and clothes on. But he was screaming so hard that his face started to get purple as he was laying down. I picked him up and sort of moved him to get him to breath. For a split second his head went limp. I had to shake him again and say his name several times... it was the scariest thing ever!! He went back to himself pretty quickly afterwards but it was really scary. He definitely lost oxygen for a second or two. I hope that never happens again because I still have a stomach ache from that scared feeling of seeing my son like that!! I talked to a few people that told me it was normal and a way to get attention. They said to ignore it. Right. Because ignoring a child who is purple in the face and not breathing is easy to ignore.

6) This child looks so sweet, doesn't he?

Okay, he is really sweet but he's also trouble. Not only is he trouble, but he does it good. He's smart. He's learned all these things from his older brother, plus his own slew of things. I'm having a hard time disciplining him right now

He climbs on everything!! His favorite right now is climbing up the chairs and then on the table.

Oh boy.

I've tried firmly saying No. I've tried doing the silent method of taking him off the table and putting him back on the ground a thousand times. I even tried a time out today. Oh, and I also did the completely ignoring thing. I don't know if that made it better or worse. At one time or another both Lucas and Joshua were up on the table for a good 10 minutes playing and having the time of their life. I was so done. I just ignored them. This morning Joshua climbs up and I hear Lucas... he's taking over my mother responsibilities. Sort of nice. " Joshua, get down there! You are going to get in big trouble! " Ha.

7) Lucas turns 3 in two months.

I am in denial.

Gosh, my children do sweet-mischievous real well, don't they?

I'm so excited for him to turn 3. I want to plan something big. I'll get on that tomorrow I think.

8) I have to stop here because Joshua is on the table eating crackers and I want some...

Homemade Haircut

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha @ Mama Notes) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:18:00 +0000

I finally finally finally gave Lucas a hair cut, all on my own.

I bought a little kit at Costco that had a razor in it, with two combs and a good pair of scissors.

I thought I was going to use the razor, but I didn't.

I really had absolutely no plan. I had (have, still do) no idea what I'm doing. I cut the back and the bangs straight across and then the other pieces I just sort of combed up and cut. He was my "guinea pig."

I put him on the bar stool while he was watching a show and gave him a lollipop.

I did it super fast. I didn't take much off, just a little trim which was really what he needed.

I was pleasantly surprised at how well I did!

Any un-even lines are suppose to be there. It's called layering. :)

This saved me $14!! It cost me about $14 to get Lucas's hair cut. That x 2 and going every 2-3 months is really going to add up. I think I can get the hang of this hair cutting thing!

Next is Joshua...

I have no idea how I'm going to get him to sit still.

Jelly Toast

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha @ Mama Notes) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 22:37:00 +0000

It's been so great having my husband home these last two weeks. Parenting sure is easier when there is two of you! I'm nervous to do it all alone again starting next week. I mean, I know I'll do fine and we'll get back into a routine soon. I am just overwhelmed, I guess.

Diaper bag. Why am I the only mom of two children under the age of three (I like to add that 'cause it sounds more dramatic) without a cool diaper bag? Wouldn't that help make me more organized and give me space to carry all these nifty gadgets so when a child of mine is throwing a fit or doing something ridiculous in public that is making me look like "one of those moms" I can whip out a treat or water bottle or a new dog toy that squeaks and make everyone in the world happy?? Why have I been a parent for almost three years and I still don't have an awesome bag to carry around with me? Why? WHY?

I want a Timbuk2 bag. They are high end bags, that's what my husband said. The cheapest one is $90. I don't care. I want it. You can even customize it to make it your favorite colors. I am buying it. $90 to have a place for all my gear is totally worth it, is it not? Look at me, already on my way to making my life easier.

Next topic. Waking up early. I wonder if I went to bed at 7:30 I would be ready to go by 7:30 am? Probably not. It is still too early. Plus I can't go to bed at 7:30 even if I wanted to. The Bachelor is starting next week and that goes until at least 10pm. Later if you include emotional baggage clean up and prying yourself off the popcorn infested couch. Oh I work on Monday nights. I'm going to have to talk to my boss around working around my schedule for that. So then the other nights, well I have studying to do or other important shows to watch, or chores or writing or reading or folding laundry or working out. So I go to be between 11-12 at night. I don't want to go to bed earlier. I just want my kids to sleep in later. That is the only solution to this.

Winter. Okay, ya'll. I love winter and the snow and the frosty the snowman. You know that about me. But I am counting down the months until suuuuuumer. We can spend all day outside and I can sunbathe on the picnic table. We can play soccer and ride bikes and oh, I am so ready.

Behold: my children eating toast with jelly.

They are so cute when they're eating.

Well, really it's the only time they are sitting still and I can get good pictures of their faces.

I'm obsessed with their blue eyes and blonde hair.

Last night my husband and I went on a date. We found a babysitter. Boom Chicka Latta. We went out to a restaurant with a gift certificate we got for Christmas. Both of the boys were sleeping - she came over at night - and she watched TV the whole time we were gone. Ha. It's funny paying someone to stay at your house and watch TV. But what else was she suppose to do, right? I hope she continues to be awesome because I think more date nights should be in our future! I think I might talk to her about doing some light cleaning when she comes over. Is that appropriate?? I'm not sure. She is only 16 and newish to babysitting so I don't want to freak her out.

{Slightly off topic but when I was a babysitter, I was amazing. Not trying to brag, but it's the truth. I would clean up after ourselves, which is expected, but then after the kids were in bed I always left the house in better shape then when I got there. I would fluff the couch pillows, fold the blankets, put away all the dishes, clean the counters, organize shoes on the floor, whatever. People always came home and were so pleasantly surprised to find that I cleaned up so nicely after I put the kids to bed! I sort of have high expectations in that department, but I realize most people don't do that.}

My next project is making a list of goals. I know this will help me be more productive and organized in life. Are you going to make goals for the new year? I haven't made goals for a while. We all should make them, you know.

Vacuum Cleaner, Lawn Mower & Hockey

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha @ Mama Notes) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:14:00 +0000

We had a fun Christmas. It was quiet, but that's okay. Quiet as in the amount of people (or lack of) we had at our house, not quite in the sense of battery operated toy making noise. :) We watched The Charlie Brown Christmas on Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve evening (?) we went out for a walk in the big sled and then Thomas took Joshua inside because he was getting cold.

Lucas and I played outside for about 45 minutes longer. We went up and down our driveway on the sled about 50 times!

Christmas morning, Lucas comes into my room about 7:30. He woke me up and I said, "do you know what today is?" He replied "Today is Christmas! Let's go get my vacuum cleaner!" Haha. We had bought it at the store a couple days earlier and apparently he saw it and hadn't forgotten about it!

We woke Joshua up and went downstairs.

I was so excited to give them the vacuum cleaner and lawn mower! I knew they would love them!

On Christmas day, in the early afternoon, before nap time after the sun came up and after we filled our tummy with an eggs and ham breakfast, we went outside to play in the snow and climb up "the snow mountain." Lucas had his hockey stick with him; one of his Christmas presents and most definitely a favorite. One of the neighbors opened his door and yelled out, " does he need hockey skates?" I was surprised but said, "sure!" Five minutes later this little boy (I think he's probably 4 or 5) walked out with the cutest pair of miniature hockey skates and a bag of pucks. It was the sweetest and cutest thing. He said "Merry Christmas!" After a little conversation, we learned from his dad that they used to be his, but he wasn't interested in hockey, much to his dads disappointment. The father told us they have lots of hockey things, so if we ever need to borrow anything than to come on over.

This was right after we came inside and he had just taken his snow gear off. See his white cheeks! It was around 10 degrees on Christmas Day.

I LOVE people like this. I love when people give things or do things for people just because of the kindness in their heart. Not because they want to get money from it, attention or something in return, just because they want to be a nice person and bless someone else in an unexpected way. In the most cheesy way possible, it warmed my heart on that Christmas day. Lucas and I are going to make a Thank-You card for this young boy... maybe we will make a new friend!

Lucas found a roll of tape to use as a hockey stick. (Prior to the gift giving of pucks...) Look at my sweet Joshua. He found the snow shovel to use as his hockey stick!

Lucas was SO excited about this new hockey gear. He tried them on in the house, but we told him they have to be outside. I showed him pictures on google of hockey players on ice so he could understand a little better. He played in the garage a bit with his hockey stick and puck. He just think it's awesome.

Joshua loved the lawn mower we got him. That and the vacuum cleaner were a big hit, as I knew the would be. The boys have been ~~playing~~ fighting over them since yesterday.

My house is covered in toys now! I'm actually finding it really nice. They are staying entertained which is great because it's cold outside and our favorite indoor playground closed!

What was your child's favorite Christmas gift?

Dermatology Appointment

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha @ Mama Notes) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:43:00 +0000

I went to the dermatologist today. It was my first time going, I was a little bit of excited and nervous, too. I have to get a mole that's in between my toes removed. Apparently moles on the feet and hands are never good. I think I might have got it during one of my pregnancies, but I'm not entirely sure. It's not too often that I look between my toes... unless I'm painting my toes, maybe, but I don't do that as much as I should. I think I will do that tonight, actually!

So I made an appointment to go back in a few weeks so they can remove it. Eww and Owe. I think it might hurt. I'm curious to see what kind of scar it leaves. Not that I care, considering it's in on my feet, but my derm man think it will leave a pretty big scar because my skin seems to be sensitive or something. I am a little freaked out by this appointment (is it called a surgery??) and I will probably cry because everything hurts worse than childbirth unless you are actually in childbirth. Including the dentist. I hate the dentist and even though dentist make a nice sum of money, I sort of feel bad for them that they have to be a face of bad news in someones day. Even though I did know a kid who wanted to be a dentist in high school and he was pretty nice looking.

The dermatologist (think technically a physicians assistant who specializes in dermatology, but what gives?) is going to send my mole off for testing or something which I think is pretty scientific. I'm anxious to hear about it, hope it's not bad or anything. He said it will give him a good idea about the other moles that I have and if we need to remove any others.

I don't use a lot of face wash on my skin, sometimes olive oil at night. Dude, have you tried it? Don't look at me like that until you try it. It is awesome! Takes off all your makeup- even eye- really easily and leaves my skin feeling so soft and clean.

In case you were wondering about my skin.

In other news, Lucas has been playing with his black bear a lot the last few days. He named her Rosy. He said it was his sister. At frist I thought he was saying "wozey" and then I realized it was Rosy from Cailou. And Rosy is Cailou's sister. Ohhhhhh I get it. Usually when he watches that show it's 7:14am and I'm dead on the couch pretending to be rock star mom while he sits in his soggy diaper and watches this awesome kid on the TV.

He has been taking care of Rosy, so sweet. I love that he does this because it means he seems me taking care of him and his baby brother and he likes acting the same way. Right? He put Rosy to bed and patted her back and then he wanted me to nurse her...

Joshua. This child, oh man.

He is learning all these naughty tricks from his brother!! The other day I found him on top of the table, eating left over lunch! I was like, how did you get up there?? He is SUCH a monkey.

He is trying to say cracker right now. It's really cute.

They are sharing a room. Lucas takes Joshua's pacifier out of his crib and puts them on the dresser. Ha. Then I hear him "you little stinker!"

In case I don't see or hear you before then, have a Merry Christmas!!

Questions:
1. Do you go, or have you been recently, to see a dermatologist? Got any good or educational stories?
2. Olive Oil on Your Face?
3. Cailou: You like or you don't like? My toddler likes it = I like it.
4. Elf on the Shelf? Creepy or Cute?

Monkeys

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha @ Mama Notes) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:58:00 +0000

Joshua is so funny. He loves to hold silverware in his mouth and give you this smirk of a smile. Love him. He giggles so hard when you say the word "bonk" (like you bonked your head on the couch) in a funny voice. Lucas will say it in the back seat and they both start laughing.

Lucas fell asleep on his chair.

His naps are getting shorter and shorter as the days go. So are his wake up times. Holy goodness, 6:45am is way too early to get up in the morning. I guess this is normal.

Joshua LOVES books. He brings me books all the time to read and I will find him sitting on the floor flipping through the pages.

Lucas yells out, "He climbed up on my homework table!"

Oh, did he now...

After several times of (un successful) redirecting, he does it again, but looks like he lost his pants this time. And a sock.

Zoo Lights

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha @ Mama Notes) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:12:00 +0000

We got lots of new snow!! Sometime early last week, it poured rain for almost 48 hours straight. It got "warm" (around 45 degrees!) and almost all of the snow melted. It was so weird. We were so excited when it started snowing again this weekend! Nothing better than big snowflakes falling out your window. The temperature has been just perfect the last few days so we've been outside a ton!

This weekend, we went to the zoo lights. It's kind of like the Pepsi plant back home.. except it's a walk through, with animals, and outside. And a little colder.

Talk about festive.

Grandma Anna and Grandpa Rick got the boys matching snow suits.

The entire zoo was lit up by Christmas lights.

The real polar bears were sleeping.

We had a great time. Joshua and Lucas loved walking around. We were there for almost two hours!

Joshua took breaks in the stroller.

The lights were great. Some of them went to music.

There were tons of people there! Definitely a popular place. Guess that's what perfect weather does to everyone.

More Loving and Less Judgmental

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha @ Mama Notes) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 22:49:00 +0000

I love how having kids has made me a much more loving and non-judgmental person.

It's not that I was a non loving person or was someone who judged every person they met, but holy cow, I have never seen my heart be more open and caring, more loving and totally just non judgmental as I do now.

The other day, at work, a couple came in with their son who was probably around 3 years old. The little boy had his pacifier in his mouth as he walked with his parents. My co-worker, a male around my age who doesn't have children yet, made a remark about the child was (apparently in his eyes) too old to have his pacifier. It was in a judgmental and rude tone.

If I didn't have kids, I know I would have completely judged those parents and said the exact same thing my co-worker did. {Because before having kids I had this great idea about not using pacifiers. Now my 2.5 year old still sleeps with it at night.... Ha.} Instead, because I do have kids, I put my friend in line.

Don't judge them.

You have no idea what they are going through or why he still has his pacifier.

Maybe his mom has been trying to wean him from it for weeks but today was just a really hard day and the mom really needed a break so she let him have it.

Maybe this child gets really nervous/scared/sad in day care centers and the only way for it to work is if he has his pacifier.

Maybe there is something deeper going on that requires him to have his binky.

It's hard to believe it now, but trust me, when you have kids you'll see. It's easy for people to judge you, criticize and tell you how should or shouldn't parent, but when it's you on the other side of it, it's not as easy as it seems. And, sometimes, you do things that you swore you'd never do.

This is just one example, something that made me realize that woah. I am SO much nicer than I used to be. I'm finding myself being less judgmental and loving towards not just parents and children, but everyone.

I am learning and reminded daily that we don't know people's lives. We don't know where they come from, who they are, what they are struggling with, what they are working through, what they need.

From a parents perspective, I think we have to be extremely careful with our actions and thoughts in regards to how we judge other parents. I feel like we are always judging someone else about their choice in parenting or the things that they are or aren't doing.

Do you notice that you are less (or more?) judgmental since having kids?

Do you have friends who say things about other parents and their kids that comes across as rude and judgmental? I think we all do it to some degree. It's part of being a human. I think it's important to realize this though and strive to be more loving and accepting of every one.

Never say never. A LOT of things change when you become a mom. :)

Winter Blues

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha @ Mama Notes) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 07:27:00 +0000

I am in a major slump right now. I just feel crappy. I feel like everything sucks.

In reality, I know it doesn't. Life is good and I am blessed.

But lately, I've been depressed, totally un-motivated, tired and grumpy.

I think it has to do with several things, and writing this all down is good for me to realize what is off in my life, what things I have control over and what I can do to change them.

For one, I haven't been exercising much. I just realized that today, and I know that has got to be a huge reason for my attitude and mood. That was a good reminder for me. Exercise makes me feel so much better, gives me more patience, more energy... why aren't I exercising?! I need to get back into it. {Update: This morning I did a 30 minute kettle ball workout while the boys played and ran around in the gym. My mood increased a thousand times and our day went so much better. It's amazing how something as simple as getting a little exercise makes me feel like a new person.}

Secondly, I haven't been outside much. I really need fresh air and since it's been so cold the past couple weeks, we haven't been out much. If the kids and I go out we only last about 20-30 minutes. I think I might try to go either in the morning or at night with my dog. He needs the exercise too, and that would be good for me to get out for a walk. My only issue is that it's dark, but I think if I had my dog with me and had on wearing reflective clothing I would be okay.

I don't mean for this post to be such a downer. I am just rambling here some things that are going on in my life, sorry if I'm complaining a lot.

I miss my family a lot. Everyone is so far away and everyone is in different states and cities. It's hard around Holidays, especially when what used to be crazy busy days of going to three different Thanksgiving dinners and playing games and watching movies, is now just different. My husband said it is our new normal and we need to make new traditions for our children. I know he's right, but I still miss all our family. Only seeing your parents a couple times a year is not nice.

I hate cooking, I'm bad at it, my kids don't eat it and it's expensive. Let me just give you one example, which happened to be last night. So I am right on track for winning best wife and mother award with dinner cooking in the crock pot as I had off to work (another issue why I'm depressed right now) and I realize that I had it on high instead of low. I think it would have been great if I didn't freaking burn it. Who knew you could burn something in the crock pot? I thought that thing was idiot proof! Dinner was lasagna, so we are talking ingredients of : mozzarella cheese, cottage cheese, tomato paste, ground beef and lasagna noodles. ( I got the recipe from here for all you over achievers who can figure this out)

Let's just do some simple calculation of how much this meal cost me:
- Lasagna noodels : already had in my cupboard so I don't count the price
- Ground beef : It was moose meat that we got from some friends so free to us (blessings, blessings)

Do you see how I was such a good person and planned this meal around what I already had in my cupboard? FAIL.

- Cottage Cheese: $4 something I accidentally bought the organic kind otherwise I would have saved $1
- Mozzarella cheese: Do you know how expensive this stuff is?? Absurd!! Like another $5 or something.
- Tomato Paste: $3 (ish)

Forget it. I'm just pissed that I basically threw away an entire container of cottage cheese. I will move on.

What else?

Other reasons for tiredness, grumpiness and frustrations may be that parenting right now is really hard. I have felt like a failure as a parent and sometimes I just feel like sitting in the corner because I don't know what to do. Today I hit my elbow on the door. It hurt pretty bad and I started crying. I took back the tears because I was in a hurry trying to get my kids down for nap, and I thought to myself that I could finish crying after they are sleeping. You know how sometimes a good cry makes you feel so much better?? Well gosh darnnit, I didn't have to cry anymore. Oh well.

Now, what can I do to make things better? What do I have control over?

I've talked to a couple people and they suggested taking Vitamin D, so I'm going to look into that. It's really important for people who live in Alaska.

Exercise. I absolutely must start exercising regularly again.

Prayer.

The cooking thing.... my best idea is to hire a chef. If you can hire house keepers, why can't you hire chef's? I should check Craigslist for that..

Get outside more. Make more of an effort to get outside with my children every day, even if it is only for 20 minutes.

SO thankful for these two sweet boys who are the only things that make me get up in the morning some days. SO thankful they love me even on my worst days and they forgive me even when I yell. SO thankful they think I am beautiful even on days when I don't brush my hair or get out of my pajamas. SO thankful they think I am the best mom ever even on day(s x 5) when I burn dinner or don't clean the floor or put them in sweat pants as pajamas because I didn't wash their laundry. SO thankful they teach me about life and how to live and love better.

What I'm Currently Reading

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha @ Mama Notes) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 06:43:00 +0000

I have a problem with buying books. I really -really- love books. I also do this thing where I start three books at the same time. Does anyone else do that? Then I stop one book half way through - even it is a great book- only to pick it back up a couple weeks or months later. At the thrift store you can get four books (which are practically brand new) for $3.67. Like hello best deal ever. I get most of my books from either the thrift store, a local used bookstore or on Amazon. Most I get from the local used bookstore, though. I love being able to get books, save money, and support a small business!

I don't know if I will ever like reading books on a kindle or nook or iphone. I like the real deal paperback book that I can snuggle in bed with and underline and highlight my favorite words.

For Christmas I want a built in bookshelf in our family/dining room. (Wouldn't you just die?!) I have no desire for an electronic reading device.

# of books I'm reading at the moment: 5
# of books I'm reading to my kids: 7 (or so, we're on a rotation.)
# of books I want to read and add to my collection: 384,071

Here's what I'm currently reading. Maybe this list will give you some ideas for Christmas gifts, too!

What Women Fear: by Angie Smith

So good. My favorite chapters are 4 & 8. They spoke to me so good- definitely got a lot of underlining going on in there.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

I don't know what is wrong with me, I stopped reading half way through for some random reason! I need to finish this book, it is/was a great one! I'm excited to see the movie when it comes out on video.

Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids With the Love of Jesus

This book is like woah. All my big vocabulary words have been stolen from this book.... so just, Woah. It might be a little too much for me, in all honestly. The suggestions the authors give, in things to say to your children about Jesus and life lessons and all, are almost too much for me to comprehend. I think I need a translator to teach the words to my young children. I'm only a couple chapters in (it's a lot to absorb at once- definitely not an "easy" or "light" read if you know what I mean) so maybe I'll like it more as I go on.

Loving the Little Years by Rachel Jankovic

A cute easy-to-read book so far.

{Side note: after looking on the back cover and noticing that it was published by Canon Press, I got excited about finding a small publishing company. Then I read on their site that they don't accept submissions unless they are requested. Then, about a week later, someone from Canon Press emailed me telling me about the Loving the Little Years book, suggesting I read it and offering to send me a copy. I told them that I had already bought it, but mentioned that I would love to write a book some day, and was bummed to hear this publishing company didn't take submissions. He said that he would love to read anything I write... so maybe I will do that. ;) }

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I need to finish this book, too! I know so many read it and couldn't put it down. Like my husband, for example. I think all the hype might have ruined it for me a little. Don't get me wrong (I know many of you are freaking out right now) I like(d) it, but I'm not like oh-my-gosh-best-book-everrrrrr- like a lot of people seem to be. I'm a little over half way through. I need to get finish it so I can watch the movie when it comes out.

Why does every good book now have a movie that follows it?

Because I'm nosy, I want to know, what books are you currently reading?

At Our House

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha @ Mama Notes) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 04:41:00 +0000

Sometimes I will find my babies playing so well together. Each doing their own thing, but still practically sitting on each other. One pushing a dump truck and the other stacking blocks. Both are so happy, quiet and content. I sneak around the corner and crouch down to take pictures, melting just a little bit. Lucas hands Joshua a toy, then a giggle is exchanged.

Then maybe seven minutes later, just as I've got myself positioned so comfortably on the couch with a bottle of white wine and some salsa next to me (weird combination? I don't know), ready to dive into a copy of Glamour magazine or turn on my soap opera, a shriek evolves from one of them. Someone took the toy or pushed the toy or didn't do it right or threw it at the dog or pulled my hair.

I shout out demands and consequences and if-you-do-that-again's- and declare that if you can't play nice, I will take your toy and throw it in the garbage. It works, every time.

Be nice, give him a kiss and say you'r'e sorry. Now get back to playing nicely so I can finish my article on how to lose 10 pounds in 7 days. Lucas climbs on the couch with this favorites so Joshua can't bother him, and Joshua then walks into the kitchen to pull things off the pantry shelf. It is quiet and happy in here, once again.

My little monkeys.

There is only a 10 pound difference in them and although I think it's completely irrelevant, they apparently have the same size of head - or at least very close- according to our doctor appointment visit.

I wish I would have got it on video. Joshua went over to Lucas, took his binky out of his (own) mouth, grab Lucas's face and gave him a kiss on the lips. So freaking cute.

Lucas said prayers tonight, first time he's said them on his own.

"Dear Jesus, Please let Joshua be okay and daddy be okay and mommy be okay and Lucas be okay. Amen!"

New Recipes I've Tried This Month

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha @ Mama Notes) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 07:29:00 +0000

I baked chocolate chip banana bread today. (Recipe here.)

Who am I??

Neither one of my children ate it. I almost cried. (Serious.) So then I painted my fingernails black and felt a little better.

I was upset! Like seriously children, this is flour, sugar, egg, bananas chocolate chips, backing soda and salt. How can you not like this?? How can you eat a piece of crap processed food crapola from the store but you can't eat mama's homemade cookin'? I refuse to buy you anything processed ever again until you eat what I slave for you.

I'm thinking about making cute labels for my flour and sugar containers.

Today, after taking out the banana bread that was a little tiny bit just hardly burnt, I learned (hubby told me) that when you cook things in glass it cooks differently and at a different speed then when you cook things in a metal pan. Well how come no one told me that?! I thought I could improvise and use glass for my bread baking, but I guess I have to go buy another thing for my kids to pull out of the cupboard.

I like baking more than cooking. Not sure why. What's the difference? I guess cookies and breads are more fun. I eat a couple, put some in the freezer, then take some to work or to my husband's work and let people think I'm superwoman and bake during nap time.

SO -- here are some things I've made recently. Try some!

1) BBQ Chicken in the Crock pot

Recipe found here.

So I didn't actually follow the recipe, I was just inspired by this recipe. All I did was throw three frozen chicken breasts int the crock pot with a bottle of BBQ sauce over it. So easy. It was great, too! A little dry, surprisingly, but still really good.

2) Baked Chicken Penne Pasta

Recipe found here.

I followed the directions exactly and made one to cook and one to freeze. The one we ate for dinner that night was really tasty! Even my kids liked it, despite having mushrooms and sun dried tomatoes in it. I froze an entire batch worth and, apparently something went wrong in the freezer, because when we took it out about a month later and re-heated it, the taste was way off. I was so bummed. What a waste of time, money and food! I guess I need to read up on freezer storing.

3) Pumpkin Iced Cookies

Recipe found here.

Very very very good.

4) Trail Mix Cookies

Recipe found here.

Although these cookies definitely taste healthy, they are so good! I love that they have a lot of protein in them. I need to make these again, actually. I like having these for the kids to eat as snacks.

5) Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

I've shared these before but they are worth mentioning again, because they are amazing! You will really be the star of the party if you bring these. Thank me later. (Recipe here.)

6) Crock Pot Country Chicken

Recipe found here.

I don't think you can wrong with throwing a bunch of vegetables and chicken into a crock pot. Yum!

I realize that half of these items are cookies and the other half contain chicken. We eat a lot of salmon too, and some elk and moose. Not a lot of cow though. I don't eat it all really, but my sweet loving affectionate amazing (hi, honey) husband does. I feel like every crock pot recipe I find that looks good has chicken in it. And I don't want that much chicken! I need to look into salmon recipes because we're getting tired of eating it the same way. The cookies are just because cookies are fun to make and if I make them I am allowed to eat as many as I want without gaining any weight. God told me so.

What's on your "to bake" list lately?? Any new favorite recipes?

Good Day, Bad Day

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha @ Mama Notes) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 06:18:00 +0000

Reasons why today was a good day:

:: We had friends over for a play date.

:: I discovered a new show on Netflix to watch. One Tree Hill. (!) I've seen bits and pieces through high school but I haven't watched the full thing through. We'll see if I like it and watch all 8 or something seasons. Yes I am 18.

:: My two kiddos. Lucas loves to feed Joshua yogurt. :)

:: I made dinner tonight -- a complete dinner. BBQ chicken crock pot style. Just threw in three frozen chicken breast and most a full bottle of BBQ sauce. Thomas said it taste like local boys from back home. There was also a caesar salad, broccoli and rice on the side. Hubby was happy.

My kids didn't eat a single bite. *%($#!!!

:: I baked peanut butter oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. I got the recipe from here on All Recipes.

Neutral Day:

:: It's flippin' cold out!! I don't even need a fridge, I can just keep things in my garage and they will stay cold! (I don't really do that, but I could.)

Reasons why today was a bad day:

:: During our play date this morning, Lucas pinched our friends finger in the door. :( It was so sad and scary. They were all just playing in the closet and he closed the door, so it was a total accident. Still, I felt and still do feel awful. My friend and I didn't even know what to do, the poor babies (17 month) finger looked so bad. She took him in and thankfully they said it should be fine and return to normal in a couple days.

:: My kids didn't eat any of the dinner that I made them. Don't worry, mom only hates to cook and clean and the only reason she is doing it is for you -- so if you don't eat it, you know, no big deal.

:: Something is wrong with my husband's truck. A problem we really dont want to deal with right now -- especially in the dead of winter.

And how my day ended:

My sweet, sweet lovies. That is black (permanent) marker on Lucas's arm. Today he added red. Yeah, yeah, markers belong on the top-out-of-reach shelf. Got it. Joshua loves the bath. He would stay in there for hours. Two books, snuggles and kiss, then to bed with an extra blanket tonight.

A very good ending indeed.

Best Friends

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha @ Mama Notes) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:42:00 +0000

Dirty Dancing and Other Movies I Haven't Seen

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha @ Mama Notes) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 20:50:00 +0000

This weekend, I watched the movie Dirty Dancing. Apparently I had never seen it before?! I know, I know. It's bad. My husband is like, you haven't seen Dirty Dancing before??!!

As if I have never drank water or ate sour cream and onion potato chips or something.

I live a sheltered life of romantic predictable bad acting comedies, what can I say?

Thank goodness my husband googled "top 10 movies that lead to sex" otherwise we would have never seen it listed as the #1 and thus, I might not have ever seen it! (Seriously. Stop laughing.) If I would have known to pull my pants up to my belly button and wear blue eye shadow to put off a vibe!

Is it the mullet, the tuxedo with the white shirt buttoned down, those arms, the way he can move his hips like that? (It's so good it's sort of freaky.) Juuuuuust wondering. I will not ask anymore questions.

Talk about a good movie. I really liked it and I loved the music. I just bought the soundtrack!

So - I am making a list of all the movies that I need to see. I know there are tons of classical movies that I haven't seen. Help me out here! What movies should I add to my list?!