Oh Thanksgiving...you came too quickly this week!

Wow.As I am sitting on the couch typing this post, I am literary exhausted.

I have spent the last week with a sick, cranky 2 year old. One who will not leave my leg. He has been clinging to it when I am not holding him.  The hubby took him to our wonderful md (and I mean that sincerely) last week. He had double ear infections. So they put him on a heavy dose antibiotic.  Said antibiotic gave him such diarrhea that he developed the worst diaper rash I have ever seen in my 6 years as a mommy.  Yesterday I took the almost 6 year old to the md (more on that in a minute) and mentioned the problem to my md.  I didn't have the Little Dude with me and of course she wanted to see him. So back we went today.  And I found out he had developed a staph infection from the rash. Ugh! So I had to fill another script for him. Now he is taking two antibiotics. I am sure this will be great for the tummy.

Yesterday I took the almost 6 year old drama queen for her physical. She is doing well. Nothing to report. She is still tiny. But still on her own little 8% curve. The md. said she much rather her be on this end than the other. And especially since she eats well. So I was happy for that. We also were able to get her asthma diagnosis reversed because she hasn't had an "attack" in over a year. She was diagnosed at 1 year old and I have been trying to get the label taken off her chart ever since. I do think she has breathing issues when she gets a cold, but I am not sure she needs the asthmatic label. So I was very happy about that. The doctor was also able to give her the flu mist instead of the shot because of it. But she was up for a immunization of some sort. Yes, I should no what they gave her.  But I don't. I am not that kind of mom. I give my kids immunizations so that they don't get funky diseases. I respect the opinion of those who don't believe in them, but I am just not one of those people.  So anyway back the Drama Queen...as we are sitting in the room she tells me "Mommy, if I get a shot today I am not going to cry". I was like "yeah okay, why?". And she told me that now that she is 6, she can't be a baby and only a baby would cry when getting their shots. So I was a little shocked at this new attitude.  I mean she isn't one of the kids who I have to drag to the md., nor do we have to hold her down when she gets shots, or chase her around the room, but she definitely cries. But yesterday my trooper squeezed her eyes really tight to stop the tears and just smiled after the shot. I was in shock. And very proud of her!!!

On Monday, I started to feel my own throat getting sore. I started drinking tea and honey to ward off the sickness. I also had a milkshake to try and coat it. Which really just hurt my lactose intolerant stomach more than helped my throat. And yesterday as the day went on, my throat got worse and worse. By midnight when I could barely even swallow. I had taken 4 Motrin (800 mg) and felt like I was going to have to call in sick today. Ha ha, I know. I would have told the hubby but he was out at poker night with the guys and not even home yet for me to complain to. So instead I took some benadryl and prayed it would put me to sleep. Oh yeah and at like 11:30am, I tried to get seen by the md. because I was slightly worried it could be strep. The kiddos I babysit for had it last week and I had spent all day Monday with them. But of course I couldn't get an appt. until 5:30 on Wed. What a pain! But anyway, it must have been a nasal drip because the benadryl dried me up and my throat really isn't hurting anymore. But luckily, my kids wonderful md. took a look in my throat and ears and gave me a strep test when I was in the office. She said it seemed like I am coming down with a cold. Sometimes I wish God knew that there is no time for a cold in my plans until at least January. I mean, seriously?

So today, I took the Little Dude to the md. We were there forever. And then stopped at my friends house to pick up the kids. I had a glass of wine because she twisted my arm. After the kids cleaned up the toys, we headed on home to pack them up for a night at the grandparents.

The hubby and I went to Wal-Mart to pick up some beer and wine for tomorrow. Then we came home and started prepping the food. I made an gooey butter cake from Paula Deen. I'll upload a picture later and a recipe.

While the cake was baking, I finished up all our Disney plans. I printed out our touring plans and made an itinerary with all our meal reservations and what not. I was supposed to pack tonight but I think I will as soon as I get up in the morning.

Then I have to finish all the prepping, insert the leaf into my dining room table, set the table, pick up the kids, and clean up the kids rooms, especially their bathroom. I also need to plan out the Black Friday plan of attack. P (the bf) and I are going shopping together. I don't think either of us know what the heck we are buying so I need to figure that out soon.

Okay I think I need to go to bed now. Have a Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow and remember to think about all you have to be thankful for!

Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean Concert

Last night the hubby and I had a great date night. It was his birthday present because Jason Aldean is his favorite county male artist right now. I got us tickets to see him and Luke Bryan at the Gwinnett Arena. We went with my SIL and BIL and a bunch of their friends.

We went out for dinner first. We went to a Japanese steakhouse. I haven't been to one in a long time. It was surprisingly good.  We had a nice time at dinner and then we headed over to the concert.
I can't remember who the first opening act was. I do know that when they were singing the last song I looked at my hubby and said "I recognize this song." To which he replied that I should because it was a cover. Ha! I guess I may have had a couple of beers by then.

Luke Bryan came out next. He was great. He sang a new song of his which was really good. And of course lots of the ones from his album which came out last year.

Jason Aldean was also excellent. He sang lots of his hits. He also has a new album which just came out.  His new songs from that album were really good. I am really excited to buy it.

Both guys are from Georgia which was neat. They made a lot of home state references. They sang some songs together which was really cool as well. Plus it was the last night of their tour. So I'd like to think the energy was better than normal.  And it seemed to be.

All in all (besides the early wake up by the Little Dude...who is quickly becoming the Little Monster), it was a great date night!

Last Day of School

So today was the last day of school for the big kids until Dec. 2nd.  It is going to be a lot of together time for us until then. I think it should be great. But I am worried about how well I will really handle it. Plus I am starting to feel the holiday crunch.

I have made my Thanksgiving menu.  I will grocery shop on Sunday or Monday evening.  Mon-Wed, I have to babysit and it will be a full house for us. Four kids plus my three kids = a major margarita happy hour one night. Just kidding...sort of.  To be honest, it has taken a while but I have a good group of girlfriends who every once in while I invite over to have a cocktail while the kids play. We just watch them, feed them dinner and sit around talking. It is a nice relief at the end of a long day. And we all need that time to talk (read: vent) with other moms so we know we aren't crazy.

I have been researching recipes but here is my menu as of right now. We will have 9 adults (possibly 10) and 6 kids.

Turkey
Stuffing (in the bird)
Stuffing (in the crockpot)
Green Bean bundles (I am skipping the casserole this year and trying something new. This is my friend Amber's recipe so I am excited to share it)
Whipped Mashed potatoes
Sweet Potato casserole (in the crockpot)
Corn (my MIL is making this; we normally make a casserole but she said she may try something new)
Macaroni and Cheese (in the crockpot, my Mom is making this with a recipe we have been making a lot and love at our house)
Gravy
Rolls

Dessert
I am still mulling this over so I will share later when I decide.

So the day after Thanksgiving, I will do my annual black friday shopping. Although I really haven't decided on many gifts yet for this year. The two big kids want a puppy and the hubby is not giving in. So I think we are going to get them a Wii but other than that we haven't picked out any other things yet.

Also on next week, we are leaving for our trip to Disney World. So excited! I have to pack our stuff next week at some point. So far the kids still don't know we are going. We have been working really hard to keep it a surprise. I also need to make our touring plans for the trip. I haven't had a chance to do that yet although I just figured out which park we will visit each day.

I just realized I have a lot to do. I need to stop writing for now and get on it. Plus I have two loads to put away.  And my BP is meeting with our mentor this afternoon, so I am going to try to get there to ask her a million questions.  Yes we are getting closer to launching. I can't believe how long it is taking us. I imagine everything will be up and running by the first of the year.  And our other project should have some news on it by the first week of December. So exciting!!!!

New Computer

It has been a long time coming but this weekend I finally got a new laptop. I am so happy. We are keeping our other computer in the office but the new one will allow me to get so much more work done. I have been watching two additional children so I am seldom home alone with only my kids. Having this laptop is allowing me time to be on the computer while downstairs with the kids. It means I might actually get some stuff done!

Plus today I put away 2 loads of laundry and have one in the dryer. I have managed to make dinner. I have managed to keep the house clean (keep in mind I know this is a relative term). But the laundry always alludes me.  I have less than a month before I have to make it a resolution again.  Ahhh!!

Yummy Dinner

This is one of my go to recipes. We typically have the ingredients in the house. It is quick and easy.  Best of all, everyone LOVES it.  I got it from Family Circle magazine.

Farfalle with Peas and Goat Cheese



Here is what you need to make it:

8 oz farfalle pasta

1-1/2 cups of frozen peas, thawed (I normally leave this out b/c I am not a fan of peas)

1 large red pepper, seeded & cut into 1/4" strips

1 TB cornstarch

2 TB olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 ts dried oregano

1/8 ts red pepper flakes

1/2 cup white wine

1-1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1/2 ts salt

1 bunch chives, cut into 1/2" pcs.

3/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted (I always leave this out since I am allergic to nuts)

1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese

* Bring a medium size pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions, about 12 minutes, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water. Add peas and red pepper to pasta pot for last 2 minutes of cook time. Drain pasta mixture and set aside.

*Meanwhile, stir together cornstarch and 1 TB water; set aside. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over med-high heat. Add garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute. Stir in wine and bring to a boil. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in cornstarch mixture and cook 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in salt.

*Add pasta mixture to the skillet and stir together with sauce. Stir in chives, walnuts, and 1/4 cup of the goat cheese. Add pasta water by the tablespoonful if mixture appears dry. Sprinkle with remaining goat cheese. Serve immediately.

Like I said, we love this meal.  It is extremely easy. It is quick. It requires little to no planning. It is a perfect last minute meal.

Did I pinky swear?

Well I thought I was going to be blogging more in October...I swear I did.

But then I got a new job!!!

What, a job? Yes, I was asked this summer to watch two additional children this year when one of my girlfriends when back to work.  And she went back to work a little of two weeks ago.  So I have been so busy!  Trying to settle into this new schedule, extra kids, and everything.

And I have been working on my other exciting project.  I think it will be ready for a reveal in a couple of weeks. Hopefully two.  I am so exciting.  The BP (business partner) and I have been working so hard planning. I am extremely excited about it all.

And of course we had lots going on in our lives.  I am looking forward to this weekend when besides a soccer game, we have NOTHING to do.  Can you believe it? Not ONE thing.  The hubby is going to be so excited. 

Okay, I have to go. I am supposed to be online working really quick while the younger kids are taking their naps. Plus I am looking for a new computer. 

Be back later!