Today is the hubby and my anniversary. We were married 7 years ago.
Funny story, my husband and I went to the same high school but never knew each other. He is a year older than me. My husband went to Clemson. I met my husband the day after I graduated high school. We were introduced by another friend because I was going to Clemson as well. We started out as friends that summer. When we got to school we started dating casually for about a month or so. We weren't serious or "exclusive" until the following spring. Last week it was 14 years since we had our first date! How crazy is that. To say that I believe in fate or destiny is an understatement.
I am so blessed. I married my best friend. We are still as close (or closer) than ever. If it wasn't for the minivan and its occupants, I'd swear we just got back from our honeymoon. I hope this feeling of pure happiness lasts forever.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Meal Updates
Okay so the meal planning has been going well. I have not stuck to the plan 3 times so far. Twice it happened on Mondays. Both Mondays the hubby happened to be out of town which meant he wouldn't be enjoying my gourmet cooking (laugh inserted here).
On the first Monday, my MIL called. She invited us to dinner at a new(er) restaurant where the kids eat free on Monday. So in the interested of not cooking, we went. Our meals were good. The service was slow. 2 hours to get in and out with 3 kids is a little too long. At least for my kids.
Then this weekend, we had planned on eating out on Sunday but we switched it to Saturday. All was well because we ate Saturday's food Sunday. No biggie.
But on Monday, I just fell off the wagon. The little dude started complaining that his ear hurt around 1pm. By the time I was able to get in with the md. it was for a 4:45 appt. When I arrived at the doctors, I was told my appt time was triple booked. I try to never get mad when I have to wait at the pediatrician because with kids I know there are certain times when someone really needs an appt. And I have had to be squeezed in enough times to not mind. But either way, it brought us to leaving the doctors office at 5:45. I had a meeting to attend at 7, and had my in-laws coming by to babysit at 6:45. I had originally planned to have the kids bathed and ready for bed once they arrived. Instead I picked up Micky D's, shoveled it in the kids mouths, and rushed to put the kids pj's on.
Yesterday we got back on schedule. I made tilipia for dinner. Normally I bake it in the oven with blackened seasoning. Last night, I pan fried it with panko. I served it with risotto. It was my first time making risotto ever. It was pretty good but I need to tweak the recipe and try again. Next time, I'll share it. Pinkie swear.
And I am thinking about batch cooking for next months meal plan. I am really trying to stick with a grocery budget, so I need to see if I can figure out a way to make that work. I'll let you know.
On the first Monday, my MIL called. She invited us to dinner at a new(er) restaurant where the kids eat free on Monday. So in the interested of not cooking, we went. Our meals were good. The service was slow. 2 hours to get in and out with 3 kids is a little too long. At least for my kids.
Then this weekend, we had planned on eating out on Sunday but we switched it to Saturday. All was well because we ate Saturday's food Sunday. No biggie.
But on Monday, I just fell off the wagon. The little dude started complaining that his ear hurt around 1pm. By the time I was able to get in with the md. it was for a 4:45 appt. When I arrived at the doctors, I was told my appt time was triple booked. I try to never get mad when I have to wait at the pediatrician because with kids I know there are certain times when someone really needs an appt. And I have had to be squeezed in enough times to not mind. But either way, it brought us to leaving the doctors office at 5:45. I had a meeting to attend at 7, and had my in-laws coming by to babysit at 6:45. I had originally planned to have the kids bathed and ready for bed once they arrived. Instead I picked up Micky D's, shoveled it in the kids mouths, and rushed to put the kids pj's on.
Yesterday we got back on schedule. I made tilipia for dinner. Normally I bake it in the oven with blackened seasoning. Last night, I pan fried it with panko. I served it with risotto. It was my first time making risotto ever. It was pretty good but I need to tweak the recipe and try again. Next time, I'll share it. Pinkie swear.
And I am thinking about batch cooking for next months meal plan. I am really trying to stick with a grocery budget, so I need to see if I can figure out a way to make that work. I'll let you know.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Two fun family events
The last two weekends we have done some fun family activities.
Two Fridays ago, we went to the Gwinnett Braves game. They are a minor league team whose field is right here in Buford. We took the older kids and went with two other families. First we met for dinner at Five Guys (yummy!). It was looking a little rainy but we went over to the field to see if they were playing. We got $5 tickets for the outfield. You can bring blankets to watch the game on a grassy hill. So that is what we did. Actually the dads watched the game, kids and tried to see who could pitch the fastest ball. The kids jumped in a bunch of inflatables and ran around. And us moms, well we talked and watched the kids and the older kids (our husbands). It was a really nice night. Completely low-key and a perfect way to end an otherwise crazy week.
Two Fridays ago, we went to the Gwinnett Braves game. They are a minor league team whose field is right here in Buford. We took the older kids and went with two other families. First we met for dinner at Five Guys (yummy!). It was looking a little rainy but we went over to the field to see if they were playing. We got $5 tickets for the outfield. You can bring blankets to watch the game on a grassy hill. So that is what we did. Actually the dads watched the game, kids and tried to see who could pitch the fastest ball. The kids jumped in a bunch of inflatables and ran around. And us moms, well we talked and watched the kids and the older kids (our husbands). It was a really nice night. Completely low-key and a perfect way to end an otherwise crazy week.
See the daddies watching the game?
Then this past weekend, we took the kids to an outdoor concert in a neighboring town. It was in the town park which is the city center. The show was sponsored by a radio station. We got there early and had packed a snacks and drinks. We met up with three other families. We took our kids to one of the restaurants for dinner during the show. It was hot and we needed to get inside for some air conditioning. After dinner we went back to our blanket and chairs. The kids ran around and played with their friends while we waited for the headliners to come out. Cowboy Mouth started at 8pm. It was the kids first concert besides The Wiggles. They seemed to love it. They were dancing and singing along as if they knew the words. So cute! We stayed for about an hour or so and then headed home so they wouldn't be up too late. It was a great family event and cost barely anything. I want to take them to another show when the weather gets a little cooler.
Confession Time
Last week I accidently left my cell phone at home when I went to a meeting. I didn't even realize it for over an hour. It was great.
Since then I may have "accidently" forgotten it a little more. A trip to the grocery store, a day at the park, and maybe even the whole day yesterday was spent without my phone.
Once we got rid of our home phone, it has been hard to part with my cell. It really is attached to me. And I really don't like it. So my new guilty pleasure is enjoying the quiet when I actually have it.
Since then I may have "accidently" forgotten it a little more. A trip to the grocery store, a day at the park, and maybe even the whole day yesterday was spent without my phone.
Once we got rid of our home phone, it has been hard to part with my cell. It really is attached to me. And I really don't like it. So my new guilty pleasure is enjoying the quiet when I actually have it.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Pork Chops in a skillet
I made this for dinner last night and it is a family favorite!
Pork Chops w/ caramelized onions and stuffing
6 boneless pork chops
2 large onions, halved lengthwise & thinly sliced
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 TB brown sugar
1 pkg stove top stuffing mix for chicken
1-1/2 cups hot water
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Place pork chops between 2 sheets of plastic wrap and pound slightly to an even thickness. Sprinkle pork chops with salt and pepper.
Heat large skillet (I use an electric skillet) sprayed with cooking spray on med-high heat. Add chops and cook 3 min. on each side. Remove from skillet.
Add onions to skillet. Cover and cook over med-high heat 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Add balsamic vinegar, cook 1 minute stirring constantly. Add brown sugar, cook 1 more minute, stirring constantly. Add pork chops back to skillet.
Mix stuffing mix and hot water together. Spoon around the skillet and over the chops. Top with cheese, cover. Let cheese melt.
Enjoy!
Pork Chops w/ caramelized onions and stuffing
6 boneless pork chops
2 large onions, halved lengthwise & thinly sliced
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 TB brown sugar
1 pkg stove top stuffing mix for chicken
1-1/2 cups hot water
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Place pork chops between 2 sheets of plastic wrap and pound slightly to an even thickness. Sprinkle pork chops with salt and pepper.
Heat large skillet (I use an electric skillet) sprayed with cooking spray on med-high heat. Add chops and cook 3 min. on each side. Remove from skillet.
Add onions to skillet. Cover and cook over med-high heat 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Add balsamic vinegar, cook 1 minute stirring constantly. Add brown sugar, cook 1 more minute, stirring constantly. Add pork chops back to skillet.
Mix stuffing mix and hot water together. Spoon around the skillet and over the chops. Top with cheese, cover. Let cheese melt.
Enjoy!
Monday, August 16, 2010
I love my girl friends!
I can remember when I first moved here from college. I was extremely unhappy. I mean, I liked my job and our life but I missed having good girlfriends. I would be on the phone for hours with one of my two Lisa's (my hs bff and college bff are both named Lisa). And no one really knew I was unhappy. But one day I stumbled across an article in some magazine about the power of women friendships, and I thought this person really gets it. I think it actually may have included some sort of research about women and why we needed to have someone to talk to.
Fast forward three years, the hubby and I are getting married. I still worked in a male dominated field with very little chance to make girlfriends. The hubby and I lived in a bubble where most of our friends we met through his family. And most of the friends were guys. At this point, a few of the guys were married and had girlfriends. And while we were all friendly, got along and had fun times together, I never felt like I completely clicked with any of the girls (my sisters-in-law excluded). I've always had good relationships with my sisters-in-law. But it is a little weird to complain to your DH sister about him (like we wives tend to do). So suffice it to say we were as close as we could be and I loved them. But something was still lacking.
So fast forward to the Little Angel being 5 months old. My one sis-in-law could tell I was getting down. She told me and urged me to join a local MOMS Club. She had been a member of the one in her area for a while and loved it. She had met some great friends, was getting out, and couldn't stop telling me about it. So even though I have always been shy in a group, I did it. I looked it up and the president called me. She invited me to an event. I was still a little nervous so I invited my other sis-in-law who lives right up the street. And off we went.
By the time my Angel was turning 1, I felt like I finally had made friends. Since then, I have made lots of friends in the group. And I have recruited lots of friends and neighbors to the group. I believe in the importance of the group. I believe in the support it provides for other mommies out there in need. But this isn't a MOMS Club commercial.
Three years ago, I was lucky enough to make a friend through the Drama Queen. She had a "boyfriend" at preschool. His mom and I became fast friends. You know how that just happens sometimes. And last year, I met another great friend through our preschool. The time it was through the Little Guy. There is probably a group of 8-10 of us girls who have become close through our school or our different neighborhoods and the MOMS Club. We are all close to different people in the group but somehow always all weave together. These are a great group of girls. I never feel like I have to be anyone but myself with them. Even when that means I am wearing my tee-shirt, jeans and tennis shoes while everyone else has on their dresses. I know there are one or two of them who are judging me (I mean we are women), I even could pick out who they are but I feel so comfortable with everyone else I just don't care. It has taken me 10 long years in the Atlanta area to get to a place where I finally have a good core group of girlfriends.
On that note, I would like to say that this year has also brought me much closer to the wives in our old(in the fact that we have known them longer) group of friends. Four of us took a cruise in May to celebrate one friends graduation and we had a blast. We bonded in ways that I will remember forever. I never could have imagined our trip being as great as it was.
Fast forward to the present...last week one of my friends planned a girls night out. We went to Firesalt Tavern. It is a new local place. The vibe was good, service was great and the food as excellent. We may or may not have all gotten free shots from the bartender. We enjoyed a nice relaxing evening. As the night got later some of the friends went home. I should have, but like always, I did not. Instead I went to 37 Main. I love 37 Main. Mostly because it reminds me of a college bar and let's face it, I wish I was in college still. The had live karaoke. If you have never been to something like this you have to go. It was so cool, pinkie swear. Note to self, do not go to 37 Main until after 1am when you have promised a bunch of people to go to Chuck E Cheese's the next day. What a headache! And I mean that literally. But we had a blast. And I have the pictures to prove it.
To the point, I am so glad to have such a great group of girlfriends. I really do LOVE them!!!
Fast forward three years, the hubby and I are getting married. I still worked in a male dominated field with very little chance to make girlfriends. The hubby and I lived in a bubble where most of our friends we met through his family. And most of the friends were guys. At this point, a few of the guys were married and had girlfriends. And while we were all friendly, got along and had fun times together, I never felt like I completely clicked with any of the girls (my sisters-in-law excluded). I've always had good relationships with my sisters-in-law. But it is a little weird to complain to your DH sister about him (like we wives tend to do). So suffice it to say we were as close as we could be and I loved them. But something was still lacking.
So fast forward to the Little Angel being 5 months old. My one sis-in-law could tell I was getting down. She told me and urged me to join a local MOMS Club. She had been a member of the one in her area for a while and loved it. She had met some great friends, was getting out, and couldn't stop telling me about it. So even though I have always been shy in a group, I did it. I looked it up and the president called me. She invited me to an event. I was still a little nervous so I invited my other sis-in-law who lives right up the street. And off we went.
By the time my Angel was turning 1, I felt like I finally had made friends. Since then, I have made lots of friends in the group. And I have recruited lots of friends and neighbors to the group. I believe in the importance of the group. I believe in the support it provides for other mommies out there in need. But this isn't a MOMS Club commercial.
Three years ago, I was lucky enough to make a friend through the Drama Queen. She had a "boyfriend" at preschool. His mom and I became fast friends. You know how that just happens sometimes. And last year, I met another great friend through our preschool. The time it was through the Little Guy. There is probably a group of 8-10 of us girls who have become close through our school or our different neighborhoods and the MOMS Club. We are all close to different people in the group but somehow always all weave together. These are a great group of girls. I never feel like I have to be anyone but myself with them. Even when that means I am wearing my tee-shirt, jeans and tennis shoes while everyone else has on their dresses. I know there are one or two of them who are judging me (I mean we are women), I even could pick out who they are but I feel so comfortable with everyone else I just don't care. It has taken me 10 long years in the Atlanta area to get to a place where I finally have a good core group of girlfriends.
On that note, I would like to say that this year has also brought me much closer to the wives in our old(in the fact that we have known them longer) group of friends. Four of us took a cruise in May to celebrate one friends graduation and we had a blast. We bonded in ways that I will remember forever. I never could have imagined our trip being as great as it was.
Fast forward to the present...last week one of my friends planned a girls night out. We went to Firesalt Tavern. It is a new local place. The vibe was good, service was great and the food as excellent. We may or may not have all gotten free shots from the bartender. We enjoyed a nice relaxing evening. As the night got later some of the friends went home. I should have, but like always, I did not. Instead I went to 37 Main. I love 37 Main. Mostly because it reminds me of a college bar and let's face it, I wish I was in college still. The had live karaoke. If you have never been to something like this you have to go. It was so cool, pinkie swear. Note to self, do not go to 37 Main until after 1am when you have promised a bunch of people to go to Chuck E Cheese's the next day. What a headache! And I mean that literally. But we had a blast. And I have the pictures to prove it.
To the point, I am so glad to have such a great group of girlfriends. I really do LOVE them!!!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Meal Plan
Okay so I have done it. I looked through my handy cookbooks (I have a lot!), my binder of recipes (more on that later) and the internet and planned my meals for the next 4 weeks. Remember I said earlier I am doing leftovers on Thursdays and crock pot dinners Wednesdays. I figure if I publish it here it will keep me honest so here it goes:
14th: chicken enchiladas
15th: going out
16th: pasta w/ butter, parmesan cheese and broccoli
17th: pork chop skillet w/ stuffing
18th: teriyaki chicken and fried rice
19th: leftovers
20th: hamburgers, hot dogs, coleslaw
21st: steak, sweet potatoes, grilled veggies
22nd: out
23rd: chicken bruschetta
24th: tilipia w/ rice & beans
25th: BBQ pork, bakes potatoes
26th: leftovers
27th: breakfast for dinner
28th: out for dinner(no kids)
29th: picnic/sandwiches at fountains
30th: meatloaf
31st: ravioli & spinach bake
1st: chicken tortilla soup
2nd: leftovers
3rd: gravy w/ sausage and meatballs; pasta
4th: meatball subs
5th: fajitas
6th: Labor Day (probably a BBQ)
7th:tostada stacks with fajita leftovers
8th: buffalo chicken lasagna
9th: leftovers
10th: make your own pizza night
11th: grilled chicken sandwiches
Wow! I can't believe I did it. Let's see if I can stick with it. All this and I did 2 loads of laundry today. It is a miracle. I think I am just being productive because I have a long overdue girls night tonight. I can not wait!!!
14th: chicken enchiladas
15th: going out
16th: pasta w/ butter, parmesan cheese and broccoli
17th: pork chop skillet w/ stuffing
18th: teriyaki chicken and fried rice
19th: leftovers
20th: hamburgers, hot dogs, coleslaw
21st: steak, sweet potatoes, grilled veggies
22nd: out
23rd: chicken bruschetta
24th: tilipia w/ rice & beans
25th: BBQ pork, bakes potatoes
26th: leftovers
27th: breakfast for dinner
28th: out for dinner(no kids)
29th: picnic/sandwiches at fountains
30th: meatloaf
31st: ravioli & spinach bake
1st: chicken tortilla soup
2nd: leftovers
3rd: gravy w/ sausage and meatballs; pasta
4th: meatball subs
5th: fajitas
6th: Labor Day (probably a BBQ)
7th:tostada stacks with fajita leftovers
8th: buffalo chicken lasagna
9th: leftovers
10th: make your own pizza night
11th: grilled chicken sandwiches
Wow! I can't believe I did it. Let's see if I can stick with it. All this and I did 2 loads of laundry today. It is a miracle. I think I am just being productive because I have a long overdue girls night tonight. I can not wait!!!
Dinner...the worst time of the day!
Well not dinner, actually. Just the planning, preparing and cooking. Typically it is because I have done very little planning that the preparing and cooking is difficult.
The Little Guy had swim lessons this summer which interfered with dinner. So there was no plan. And if I am being honest barely even a dinner. Sandwiches, take out, hot dogs, pizza...it was awful. When we got back from NJ, I told the hubby I was going to get back on track.
I started slowly. And according to him, I was doing it with lots of trial and error. I normally would have debated that point, but I did interchange garlic salt for powder in a recipe since I was out of garlic powder. The recipe called for 1/3 of a cup so it was a pretty big error. And we had to scrap the whole dinner for the night.
I am happy to report that I've made dinner 5 nights in a row. And it was good dinners...grilled chicken and veggies, pasta in a shrimp marina sauce, chicken stroganoff, chicken Marsala and hot dogs with macaroni and cheese. That last one wasn't great, but the Drama Queen requested it as her back to school dinner so I obliged.
As I was filling out my calendar for next week, it occurred to me how busy we are about to become. The Drama Queen has dance once a week and the Little Guy will have soccer twice a week and karate twice a week. So I decided Wednesdays for the school year are about to be crock pot nights. Check back on Thursday when I post what I made and how I did it. Thursdays are going to be leftover nights. The kids have two activities at different times on Thursday and I think it will be easier just to heat up leftovers than all of us sit down to a big(ger) dinner. Plus we are trying to get the kids to sleep by 7pm. Okay so the point of all this is I am thinking about monthly meal planning. Does anyone out there do this? Any tips for me? I know I will need all the help I can get.
The Little Guy had swim lessons this summer which interfered with dinner. So there was no plan. And if I am being honest barely even a dinner. Sandwiches, take out, hot dogs, pizza...it was awful. When we got back from NJ, I told the hubby I was going to get back on track.
I started slowly. And according to him, I was doing it with lots of trial and error. I normally would have debated that point, but I did interchange garlic salt for powder in a recipe since I was out of garlic powder. The recipe called for 1/3 of a cup so it was a pretty big error. And we had to scrap the whole dinner for the night.
I am happy to report that I've made dinner 5 nights in a row. And it was good dinners...grilled chicken and veggies, pasta in a shrimp marina sauce, chicken stroganoff, chicken Marsala and hot dogs with macaroni and cheese. That last one wasn't great, but the Drama Queen requested it as her back to school dinner so I obliged.
As I was filling out my calendar for next week, it occurred to me how busy we are about to become. The Drama Queen has dance once a week and the Little Guy will have soccer twice a week and karate twice a week. So I decided Wednesdays for the school year are about to be crock pot nights. Check back on Thursday when I post what I made and how I did it. Thursdays are going to be leftover nights. The kids have two activities at different times on Thursday and I think it will be easier just to heat up leftovers than all of us sit down to a big(ger) dinner. Plus we are trying to get the kids to sleep by 7pm. Okay so the point of all this is I am thinking about monthly meal planning. Does anyone out there do this? Any tips for me? I know I will need all the help I can get.
Monday, August 9, 2010
And she is off...
The Drama Queen woke up this morning at 6am. Before her daddy and myself, she bounced into our room and asked to get ready for school.
She took a shower, ate her fried eggs, got dressed. I brushed her hair and off we went....up to the bus stop to wait for the bus.
Here she is waiting for her bus!
She took a shower, ate her fried eggs, got dressed. I brushed her hair and off we went....up to the bus stop to wait for the bus.
Here she is waiting for her bus!
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Women can be crazy....
I woke up Wednesday morning all prepared to bake a batch of Tastefully Simple brownies for the teachers. But like most days, something happened and my whole day was thrown off. One of my really close friends woke up to find out some crazy lady, a fellow blogger (who has something against her husbands company) decided to post all the personal info about their family she could dig up. She talked about their siblings, parents, pets, health and even children. This friend of mine immediately went online and took down her anonymous blog. Three years of her life erased. But not even this could make her feel better. She had been violated and personally attacked on the internet in front of thousands of strangers. Now I know that I have been blogging only for a little while, and I try to keep my info anonymous as well. But I have been reading blogs for years. And I read upbeat and fun blogs. Or blogs about peoples everyday lives. I never read blogs that are posters for the "I hate" so and so club. So when I read this, I was completely disgusted. And I still am.
So because we spent most of the morning determining what a sick woman would do that, I didn't have time to do my baking. No harm done. I brought a box full of goodies (snacks) for the teachers. I think they liked it. But as for the teachers, I LOVED them. I am so happy that the Drama Queen is in their class. It was like immediate relief came over me. I am no longer so stressed for school to start on Monday.
I think I mentioned in an earlier post that the Drama Queen ended up in class with my BF's little boy, B. When I first found out about it was by someone else and I knew then(by her reaction) it was bound to be a big deal with all our mutual friends. She told me "what are the chances" as if I would ask the school to put them together. I mean really, who does that? And when I said I didn't ask, she gave me a look like yeah right. So I swore I didn't. And honestly what kind of school would really honor a request like that? I really didn't think much more about it. But then the next morning another friend told me she heard by way of the first friend (but secondhand) that the two kids were in the same class and one of us parents must have requested it. I told her no, that wasn't true and maybe she could keep it quiet. So yesterday I said something to friend number 1 who denied saying anything to friend number 2 who told friend number 3. So I guess I have to be over it. But do people really ask for their kids to be in class with one of their friends? And do schools really think that is okay and the administrations honor it? I would be shocked if that is so.
On a much better note, I spent most of Thursday with my BF whom I haven't gotten to spend any alone time with in about a month. Between vacations and her work schedule, it has been bad. This is the friend whose house I used to spend hours when the Little Dude was a baby. I would just sit on the recliner and chat away the hours our older kids were at preschool. I missed that time so I am glad we got the chance to have some downtime. And after that, we went to a playdate at another friends house. Which became a mini happy hour while the kids had dinner and our hubby's got to enjoy some free time. Mine was taking a nap when we got home.
We spent the Drama Queens last day of freedom swimming with all her Georgia cousins. We packed lunch and spent a couple of hours at the pool. It was very relaxing minus the Little Dudes high pitch scream whenever he wasn't getting his way. I am proud to report that after all the swim lessons, the Little Man was swimming the pool like a fish. It made all the nights at the pool this summer worth it. Even the Little Dude was using either a noodle and swimmies or a tube. Normally he makes me hold him the whole time. What a pain! It looked like a rain cloud might be coming so we packed up and headed home. And the Little Dude took a 3 hour nap. It was an unproductive one for me. I showered and napped myself. It has been an exhausting week.
So here I am Saturday afternoon. I have made a batch of vegetable soup for my lunches over the next couple of weeks. We had a really big lunch with the family. The hubby and I are going out tonight with some friends to celebrate his brothers birthday. We cleaned the garage, did a million loads of laundry, meal planned for next week, and got my grocery list ready. Next up is moving of the Little Dude's clothes into his new room with his brother. But I might wait until tomorrow. I am feeling like I might want to just sit with the kids and relax. What are your plans for tonight?
So because we spent most of the morning determining what a sick woman would do that, I didn't have time to do my baking. No harm done. I brought a box full of goodies (snacks) for the teachers. I think they liked it. But as for the teachers, I LOVED them. I am so happy that the Drama Queen is in their class. It was like immediate relief came over me. I am no longer so stressed for school to start on Monday.
I think I mentioned in an earlier post that the Drama Queen ended up in class with my BF's little boy, B. When I first found out about it was by someone else and I knew then(by her reaction) it was bound to be a big deal with all our mutual friends. She told me "what are the chances" as if I would ask the school to put them together. I mean really, who does that? And when I said I didn't ask, she gave me a look like yeah right. So I swore I didn't. And honestly what kind of school would really honor a request like that? I really didn't think much more about it. But then the next morning another friend told me she heard by way of the first friend (but secondhand) that the two kids were in the same class and one of us parents must have requested it. I told her no, that wasn't true and maybe she could keep it quiet. So yesterday I said something to friend number 1 who denied saying anything to friend number 2 who told friend number 3. So I guess I have to be over it. But do people really ask for their kids to be in class with one of their friends? And do schools really think that is okay and the administrations honor it? I would be shocked if that is so.
On a much better note, I spent most of Thursday with my BF whom I haven't gotten to spend any alone time with in about a month. Between vacations and her work schedule, it has been bad. This is the friend whose house I used to spend hours when the Little Dude was a baby. I would just sit on the recliner and chat away the hours our older kids were at preschool. I missed that time so I am glad we got the chance to have some downtime. And after that, we went to a playdate at another friends house. Which became a mini happy hour while the kids had dinner and our hubby's got to enjoy some free time. Mine was taking a nap when we got home.
We spent the Drama Queens last day of freedom swimming with all her Georgia cousins. We packed lunch and spent a couple of hours at the pool. It was very relaxing minus the Little Dudes high pitch scream whenever he wasn't getting his way. I am proud to report that after all the swim lessons, the Little Man was swimming the pool like a fish. It made all the nights at the pool this summer worth it. Even the Little Dude was using either a noodle and swimmies or a tube. Normally he makes me hold him the whole time. What a pain! It looked like a rain cloud might be coming so we packed up and headed home. And the Little Dude took a 3 hour nap. It was an unproductive one for me. I showered and napped myself. It has been an exhausting week.
So here I am Saturday afternoon. I have made a batch of vegetable soup for my lunches over the next couple of weeks. We had a really big lunch with the family. The hubby and I are going out tonight with some friends to celebrate his brothers birthday. We cleaned the garage, did a million loads of laundry, meal planned for next week, and got my grocery list ready. Next up is moving of the Little Dude's clothes into his new room with his brother. But I might wait until tomorrow. I am feeling like I might want to just sit with the kids and relax. What are your plans for tonight?
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Why am I so nervous?
So I have had bad dreams about my angel's kindergarten class. Not that I know anything about it or even knew who the teacher was. I have had some visions of her boarding the bus, but not our bus, and ending up at someone elses house. In a nutshell, I am a wreck. There is less than a week until my firstborn is going to school for the first time. Well not the first time, because she went to preschool, but to real school.
We found out today who her teacher is going to be. I looked the list up and down to see if any of her other friends would be in her class. And B (my bff's little boy and the one I babysit) will be. Which may be weird. But Drama Queen is so happy about it. She told the hubby how they will be together forever. Sometimes it feels like that. They have been in lots of stuff together since we meet them 3 years ago. But I know they will look out for each other so it helps with my nerves. I swear I am going to need medication if Monday doesn't get here pronto.
So tomorrow we get to meet her teacher. I am thinking about buying her a small gift. You know to bribe her to love my child as much as I do. Or maybe I'll just bring her a snack or make some cookies. Or make her meatballs and gravy, it is my signature dish.
So at dinner the Drama Queen tells us all. I can't wait for school next week. I am so excited. I am about to be a big girl. Can I try on my new dress?
And I have to wonder, why am I so nervous?
I will update you all with how the big meeting goes tomorrow.
We found out today who her teacher is going to be. I looked the list up and down to see if any of her other friends would be in her class. And B (my bff's little boy and the one I babysit) will be. Which may be weird. But Drama Queen is so happy about it. She told the hubby how they will be together forever. Sometimes it feels like that. They have been in lots of stuff together since we meet them 3 years ago. But I know they will look out for each other so it helps with my nerves. I swear I am going to need medication if Monday doesn't get here pronto.
So tomorrow we get to meet her teacher. I am thinking about buying her a small gift. You know to bribe her to love my child as much as I do. Or maybe I'll just bring her a snack or make some cookies. Or make her meatballs and gravy, it is my signature dish.
So at dinner the Drama Queen tells us all. I can't wait for school next week. I am so excited. I am about to be a big girl. Can I try on my new dress?
And I have to wonder, why am I so nervous?
I will update you all with how the big meeting goes tomorrow.
Monday, August 2, 2010
You can never anticipate your kids reactions
Last Saturday our friends invited us out on the lake in their boat for the day. The hubby said sure as long as we could find a babysitter for the little dude. That was essential in being able to enjoy the day. It started out great. We beached the boat and got to swim and grill out our lunch.
Then we went tubing. I haven't been tubing in 15 years. Don't judge me or my age! I was nervous. Very nervous. In my younger days I was a daredevil. I've been bungey jumping and I love rollercoasters. But lately, since the kids, I have become a little scared. So I was a little scared when the drama queen said she would only go tubing with me. Not with daddy. So up first from our family was dad and the little guy. Little guy was so excited to go. But then they hit some bumps, and more bumps, and his adventure was over. He wanted to quit.
My hubby went next. I could see the joy on his face. But then he fell out of the tube (which I think he secretly enjoyed).
After that my friend took her daughter for a turn. And then it was the drama queens turn. She actually wanted to go with my friend instead of me. My stomach stopped churning for the first time since the tube was blown up.
Then we went tubing. I haven't been tubing in 15 years. Don't judge me or my age! I was nervous. Very nervous. In my younger days I was a daredevil. I've been bungey jumping and I love rollercoasters. But lately, since the kids, I have become a little scared. So I was a little scared when the drama queen said she would only go tubing with me. Not with daddy. So up first from our family was dad and the little guy. Little guy was so excited to go. But then they hit some bumps, and more bumps, and his adventure was over. He wanted to quit.
My hubby went next. I could see the joy on his face. But then he fell out of the tube (which I think he secretly enjoyed).
After that my friend took her daughter for a turn. And then it was the drama queens turn. She actually wanted to go with my friend instead of me. My stomach stopped churning for the first time since the tube was blown up.
After that the other kids took turns. And that is when my drama queen who is also normally scared of everything announced that she wanted to go again. Again but with mommy this time! Since I had no time to anticipate or worry, my nerves were okay. I was worried about losing a contact or flipping over. I was assured my contacts would be fine and off we went. It was great. Exhilarating even. There was a point when it was really bumpy where I asked the drama queen to do the cut sign because I was too afraid to let go. But she wouldn't. Ugh! So we went for a little while longer. When all was said and done I was happy that I did it. The kids worked up quite an appetite. Looking at them snacking on our way to the cove to get an adult beverage.
At the cove we had drinks while the kids ate ice cream. Then we all jumped into the lake to swim some more. It was really hot out if you weren't in the water. We thought it looked like rain and we were meeting people for dinner at the marina restaurant so we decided to head back. The restaurant at the marina has this huge sandbox for the kids to play in. We have been there for lunch about 5 times and love it there. This was our first attempt at dinner there with the kids. It was great. There was live music, so they danced and played in the sand. We were able to have adult conversation and enjoy our meal and drinks. And by drinks I mean one of the best strawberry margaritas ever! It was such a great day. But I learned a new lesson. I would have thought before tubing that the drama queen was going to hate it and the little man love it. But the opposite happened. You can never anticipate your kids reactions. I don't even know why I try!
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