9.12.2008

Quote I Came Across


Author Anna Quindlen reminds us not to rush past the fleeting moments.

“The biggest mistake I made [as a parent] is the one that most of us make. . . . I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of [my three children] sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages six, four, and one. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less”(Loud and Clear [2004], 10–11).




9.11.2008

Ta Da!

I have been trying to come up with a clever way to display Caeden's artwork that he brings home from school. I thought a large magnetic board (painted, embellished, and framed) would be just the thing, but I have yet to make it or find one that appeals to me.

I stumbled upon this: from here. I love the idea of the green background and the "Ta Da" up top. So perfect for artwork! I am going to super size this idea and mount it in Caeden's bedroom. I am thinking it needs to be HUGE to accommodate more than a couple of pieces of paper. It's going to be my weekend project. Stay tuned for pictures when I'm done.

9.10.2008

Random Encounter

I originally had a blurb about a grocery store encounter, but this one is better.

Tonight at Costco a woman wanted to stop and look at Claire. Here is the conversation:

"Oh, your baby is beautiful."

"Thank you."

"She is so tiny. It sure doesn't last long."

"No, it sure doesn't. It goes fast."

(Totally deadpan) -- "Thank God for that. If this phase lasted longer than a year, none of us would survive it."

It was so funny and so unexpected. I love candid people.

9.09.2008

Another Fall Recipe



PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP MUFFINS

1 c. flour
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 eggs, beaten
1 c. ground pumpkin (canned)
1/2 c. cooking oil
1/3 c. chocolate chips

Mix together. Fill muffin cups and bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.

Yummy!

Something To Think About

To say I have a hard time surrendering control is an understatement. I thrive on list making, task prioritizing, schedules, and everything clean, orderly and in it's place. I need a plan every day. It's just the way I am.

When I have babies, I need to remember that MY schedule (sleeping at night), MY needs (a shower, clean teeth, some computer time while wearing a size 6 in clothing), MY wants (the gym, perfectly cooked healthy dinner, family time that does not include time-outs, melt downs, shaking sand out of bodily orifices) really doesn't matter.

I drive myself crazy second guessing why my life is chaos right now. I can't make plans because I have no idea what kind of day (or night) awaits me, making dinner is overwhelming (I cook once a week. Or, cook more often but don't want it once it is made), the house gets cleaned one-room-at-a-time/per day, folded laundry sits on the kitchen table ... awaiting the day I will finally get to putting it away. I haven't had a face-to-face conversation with a friend since we went to SD. I need a haircut/color so badly, but have no idea when to schedule it because just getting out of the house is a major miracle.

Claire sleeps in a swing or in my arms only. Caeden has quit taking naps but falls apart once 4 pm hits. I didn't get out of my pajama pants today but you better believe the kids looked like a million bucks. Nothing makes sense.

And then I talked to a friend who really helped me out. She reminded me that Claire is still itty bitty. It is OK to be in survival mode for at least another 3 months. It is OK that 'take out' is the only thing your son is eating (Well, mostly. He also eats Cheez-its. I make my guilt disappear by feeding him Juice Plus vitamins). It is OK that the house isn't picture perfect (although it is clean, I swear). It is all going to be OK. Can I just tell you that her saying that really, really, really helped me out of my tail spin?

And then I found this:

Thomas Moore :
To live ordinary life artfully is to have this sensibility about the things in daily life, to live more intuitively and to be willing to surrender a measure of our rationality and control in return for gifts of the soul.

In return for gifts of the soul. I have two beautiful children that fill me with so much happiness that there are not words for it. I have a husband who gets me - and is in the trenches with me. As long as I have them, I am willing to surrender a measure of rationality and control (in fact, I don't have any, so it is quite easy). They are all I need. And I need to think about that before I work myself up about all the things I didn't get to - about what is undone. I have them. And that overwhelming sense of love I feel for my family exists whether my to-do list is done or not.

Deep Breath. I just had another baby. She is my gift. And everything is going to be OK.

9.08.2008

Inspiration

This was found here. I love the idea of painting a kitchen cabinet (or the inside of one) with chalkboard paint, writing a favorite recipe, and then sealing it with a clear coat.

It also might be fun to paint the interior of Caeden's bedroom door with chalkboard paint and have a passage of his favorite book written on it...the key is to seal it so it doesn't smudge.

Fall Recipes


While we have a few more days of warm weather, for the most part, Fall has arrived. I changed the wreath on the front door, bought a new welcome mat (love the Smith & Hawken line at Target), and started to cook a little more "fall-ish." Thought I would share some current favorites.

Cheddar Corn Chowder**
Serves 10-12 (I recommend halving this recipe. It makes a lot.)

8 oz. bacon, chopped
¼ C. olive oil
6 C. chopped yellow onions (4 large onions)
4 TBSP unsalted butter
½ C flour
2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
½ tsp ground turmeric
12 C chicken stock
6 C medium-diced white boiling potatoes, unpeeled (2 lbs)
3 pounds frozen corn kernels
2 C half and half
½ pd. Sharp white cheddar cheese, grated

In large stockpot on medium high heat, cook the bacon and olive oil until the bacon is crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and reserve, Reduce the heat to medium, add the onions and butter to the fat, and cook for 10 minutes, until the onions are translucent.

Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, and turmeric and cook for 3 minutes. Add the chicken stock and potatoes; bring to a boil, and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. Add the corn to the soup, and then add the cheddar and half and half. Cook for 5 more minutes, until the cheddar is melted. Season to taste. Serve hot with a garnish of bacon.


**Things I do differently: Omit bacon and just use olive oil to cook onions; Omit Cream completely; Use cheese as garnish - do not put in soup.
Corn is so yummy right now - use fresh if you can.

Oatmeal Applesauce Muffins

1 1/2 cups oatmeal, cover with water (not too watery, just so that all of the oats are wet), cook in microwave for 2 minutes.

Stir in 1 1/2 cups of applesauce - this process cools the oatmeal and breaks it up before adding it to your muffin mixture.

In mixer cream: 1 stick softenend butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar

Add: 4 large eggs
oatmeal/applesauce mixture

Dry ingredients: 2 C flour
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp ground cloves

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.

Fill each muffin tin 3/4 full. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes (til golden on top). Let cool before eating.

Cream Cheese Frosting (I never add it, but it is wonderful if you feel like indulging)

Mix together: 1 stick room temp. butter, 1 pkg room temp. cream cheese, and 1 cup brown sugar - spread over cooled muffins.

9.06.2008

Saturday with Mimi & Papa




Mom and Ken came over to the house this afternoon, bringing food (you know, the good 'only my Mom can cook like this' food) galore and wonderful conversation.

While we ate ham, cornbread, coleslaw, and the yummiest chocolate cake (the secret is Coke in the frosting and marshmallows in the cake batter), the easy conversation flowed.

Caeden didn't know what do to with himself. He was so happy to see Mimi and Papa. Of course, they had to see his arsenal of Bobcats, Cement Trucks, Monster Trucks, and his Sweeper Truck.

After dinner, Mom and I talked while the guys went outside. I don't know what they were doing out there, but I heard squeals of delight from Caeden. It must have involved rolling around in the grass, spinning, or playing chase. Whatever it was, he was loving it.

Later, it was our turn to go outside. Mom was looking at my rose bushes, hydrangeas, and tomato plants - making me feel like a million bucks. Any compliment from her (a master gardener) is huge. She picked a bunch of tomatoes to take home, and then played with Caeden in the grass. He was sooo happy.

Tonight before bed, he wanted to know what Mimi and Papa were doing. What were they going to do tomorrow? And then the final, "I sure do miss them."

Kansas

My favorite store in Kansas City is the Curious Sofa. Anyone who has sat on my sofas asks me where I got them. They are the most comfortable sofas ever. Down-filled cushions, super soft linen slips, and generous in size so that anyone can curl up for a nap.

But the store is much more than that. The best accessories, up to the minute lounge wear and body potions ... a girl's dream, really. And I really, really miss it.

I have yet to find a store in Denver to shop at for my home. Two years I've lived here and still don't have a "go to" place for fun stuff. And I LOVE to decorate. Poor me, right?

On that note, I'll leave you with a fun picture from their Halloween Bash.
Here's to still missing Kansas City. There's no place like home, right Toto?

What Matters Most

Fresh air. Time with Grandpa and Grandma. Feeding the goats. Everything easy and fun. I couldn't wish for more for Caeden. Spending time ... spending time.

It's truly what matters most.

9.04.2008

This One is for Grandpa and Grandma

"Mommy, take a picture to show Grandpa and Grandma how sad I am."

*Child in trouble due to jumping on the sofa.

A Girl Must Accessorize!







My beautiful and talented friend, Sara, sent Claire a surprise in the mail. I can't get over how adorable the headbands and bracelet are. Seriously addicting as I am hoping to talk her into letting me order all colors of the rainbow.

The feet have nothing to do with this post. I just think they are so yummy. ;)

Thank you so much, Sara. I just LOVE them!

9.03.2008

Back to Reality

We got back from SD last night. What a great time! It's always so relaxed when we go. Caeden played with Grandpa and Grandma non-stop and I bet they are worn out! Claire slept the entire way home (caught a cold) and all is well...

We went downtown on Thursday evening for "Summer Nights." Seventh street is blocked off and vendors were set up selling jewlery, food (the very best pies ever! -- Hi Vanessa!!), and live music was playin'. It was nice to have the entire family out and about. Caeden bounced in the bouncy room and went down the big, bouncy slide the entire night. He ate a cherry sno-cone and wore most of it home, of course.

But, I didn't take a picture the entire time we were there. Ooops.

Friday Dave and Wayne went to Deadwood. Dave won 250 bucks and Wayne lost that much. Isn't that how it goes?

Saturday we just hung out ...

Sunday we went to a BBQ. It was great to see so many old friends and catch up with them. The kids ran wild (and Rick and Vanessa were such good sports about the invasion!), people ate and drank and laughed. It was a perfect night. The kind of night that makes us revisit the idea of moving up there.

So, we made it home. If you have read through that boring list of things we did, thanks! :)

Woke up this morning with no food in the house. And it's Caeden's turn to bring snacks to school this week. Well, that's no problem-o as Costco just opened last week and it's right down the street. Hop in, troops. We're headed to suburban bliss-style shopping.

Ok. First of all, I totally got ripped off! I found individual packages of apple slices (8 packs for 6.99). I went to the grocery store this afternoon and found 6 packs for 2.89. Dang!

Second, I needed individual milk containers. Costco had 24 for 14.99. I only need 12, but whatever, right? The grocery store had them for a dollar each. Yes, if you need 24 it's better to go with Costco, but if you don't...?

So I leave Costco with my over-priced apples and waaaay too many milks, plus a bunch of things (in bulk) I had no business buying. That place is dangerous! I mean even if you do come out of there with 100 rolls of toilet paper, is the $400 tab* worth it?
* (example is slightly dramatized)

This just might be the most boring blog entry ever. I am totally rusty! Hang in there, tomorrow will be better, I promise.

8.29.2008

In Search of these Bangs


Is there any reason not to take the scissors and just go for it? I mean, how hard can it be to cut my own bangs?
And surely, if I have her hair, the body will follow, right?! ;)

Having an awesome time in SD. The weather is gorgeous and the kids have been napping for HOURS. A true vacation, by definition.


8.26.2008

South Dakota

We're packing up the troops and heading out of town for Labor Day weekend.

Be back next week!

8.25.2008

God Made Me Special

Is what Caeden said to Wayne as he ran out of his preschool class today (wearing a Hawaiian lei and sunglasses).

He has learned the most important lesson of all ... and it is only week 3.

Pain in the Neck

Oooh man. What did I do?! I started off with a stiff neck on Friday morning, and by the end of the day, I couldn't move. Seriously, I could not move. I hate going to the Doctor's office, but when Wayne suggested it was time, I was ready. Not only was my neck/head not moving, but my arms were useless as well. So I went in my p.j.'s.

The Doc took a look, and yup, I pulled a muscle. He recommends Valium and whips out his prescription pad.

Uh, I am nursing my daughter. Will that be a problem for her?

Yes.

Dang it! Gimmie that Valium! (I would have swiped it out of his hand had my arms been working.)

He pretty much tells me he feels sorry for me because all he can give me is Flexerol (sp?), which doesn't really work but it will make me tired.

"Give it three days and you'll feel better."

Please, please give a shot! Give me anything. I cannot wait three days!

Friday night was so bad that I don't remember much of it except horrible charlie-horse type of cramps in my neck and shoulders that came in waves. I whimpered a lot.

Saturday I could not get out of bed. When I finally did, it took a solid hour of rolling, crying, whimpering, and finally lighting bolt pain. Wayne had to bring me Claire so I could feed her, take care of me, "More meds, Wayne!" and Caeden (who was so sweet - my accident crimped his Chuck E Cheese plans but he didn't mind, he just kept asking if I was feeling better - little honey).

Saturday evening I called the Doctor and asked how long the Valium would stay in my system. I was getting desperate and was willing to make Claire take a bottle so I could start to recover. 24 hours. Too long. Great. I just had to stick it out.

Sunday I started feeling better. Better as in, I could get out of bed after trying for only 10 minutes.

Today, I feel really good and only have minor pinching when I over-do it.

Okay, I am totally done with my pity party.

(Insert martyr-like voice):

Just so you know, it really, really hurt.

8.21.2008

12 Weeks






Claire Estelle. This sweet bundle of bubble blowing and softness is 12 weeks old. She's starting to laugh ("ahhh! ahh. ahhhh!") and smile. Full smiles - the kind that make her eyes light up and her pudgy little cheeks to strain. And those lips. What can I say? The are the perfect shade of red and are always slick with baby drool.
I could stare at her all day. I often do.

8.20.2008

Invitation


I've got kiddos with Spring/Summer birthdays, so I've got awhile to wait. BUT, for all of you planning a big schwing-ding, look at these adorable invitations! They can be found here.

8.19.2008

When is Daddy Coming Home?


Wayne's travel schedule has been crazy. He was gone A LOT over the past year, and it seems the goodbyes were getting harder and harder for Caeden.

When Wayne took ICL, the bonding between them (him & Caeden) was great. Each day they were together: playing, building things, hanging out ... and then Wayne started traveling again.

Goodbyes are now really hard and each morning and night Caeden asks, "When is Daddy coming home?" Or, "Where is Seattle?"

Today, as an airplane flew overhead, Caeden said, "I bet it's flying Daddy home." What do you say to that?

To help the loneliness, this picture is going into Caeden's room on his bedside table.

I mean, no one plays "construction" the way Wayne does. I'm no slouch, but I sure am not Dad, either.

He'll be home soon, Caeden. And, until then, I promise to play construction trucks with you -- messy sandbox and all.




 
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