Life has been slowing down more lately. It's interesting how I wanted to be home more and now that I am I get bored so easily. My home is full of lots of peace right now, it helps when Bubby is napping and the washing machine isn't running.
I had several houses that I usually cleaned for fall through this month and I am left with being at home more. I'm not complaining, but when the bed is made, laundry is done, dishes all clean, and the house in general is picked up I find it hard to find things to do. I can see why stay at home mom's go to so many play groups, they need the social time! So, here's what I've been filling my time with:
1. Organizing
*I've managed to get Bubby's room, the living room, the kitchen and the bathroom organized!
2. Trying New Recipes
*Zesty Italian Cream Cheese Chicken
*Tex Mex Roll-Ups
*Baked Oatmeal
*One Pot Goulash
*Pumpkin Oatmeal
3. Reading lots of books to Bubby
*He's in this new phase of wanting to read the same books over and over again. It's starting to bother me a little so after reading one book 10 times I casually slip it behind the couch so he can't find it. Don't worry...I pull them out for the next day!
4. Running errands during the day
*It's AMAZING how quickly you can grocery shop at 10 a.m. compared to 4 p.m.! Smaller lines, less people, and more variety!
5. Watching more TV
*This probably isn't the best thing. I'm in the middle of reading The Fellowship of the Ring but I am a super slow reader and usually only read 2-3 pages a day (on average!). Days when I am home I like to watch Rachael Ray and sometimes Dr. Oz. With Bubby, I like to watch The Cat in the Hat, Arthur, and Martha Speaks (super cute!). We also watch Wheel of Fortune just about every evening. Plus, Hubby is taking me through the seasons of LOST and I am really getting into it. It's hard to not watch an episode during the day. There are so many other shows I would watch regularly but since we don't have cable I have to load them on Hulu, like Project Runway All Stars, Last Man Standing, Once Upon A Time, and I would really like to start watching Downton Abbey. You're probably thinking "wow...that's a lot of TV" but really I don't watch all of that every day.
6. Home Business
*I'm also busy working on my home business and trying to expand my network of people. I have a feeling God has a lot in store for me and I'm really excited to see where this business takes me. It's also a blessing to be able to work from home the majority of the time.
We will see what God does in the next few months. I am praying and relying on God that he will sustain us and help us to flourish like the olive trees he talks about in Psalms. I read them almost daily and it is a constant reminder that God is on my side!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
What I Now Do With Leftover Chicken and Turkey
I am not a left over person. It's taken me a long time to actually reheat and warm up anything in the refrigerator. But since we are trying to save money I have been much better at being creative and making left overs into meals.
Whenever I make chicken or turkey for a meal and I have some left over I now have an AWESOME way to re-use it and make it last another meal (even one that Bubby likes which is hard to do sometimes). I've been making Chicken Salad or Turkey Salad Sandwiches! Honestly, this is worth celebrating because when I was growing up I wouldn't even touch the stuff and now here I am making it, eating it, and serving it to my growing child!
Here's what I do:
1. Take the left over turkey or chicken and chop up really fine (I use my Pampered Chef food chopper and it works awesome). Toss it in a bowl and set aside.
2. Chop up and any veggies you want in there! I usually chop up carrots, onion and celery. Chop it really fine and mix in with chopped meat.
3. Mix in some Mayo, just enough to moisten it and give it a little flavor, and then add in about 1 tsp of mustard (Dijon is best).
4. Sprinkle in some Tarragon, Salt, Pepper, and Garlic Powder.
5. Mix and serve on bread!
LOVE IT! It's super easy and super fast without using lots of dishes either. Plus you get your meat, veggies, and bread all in one serving. You could probably mix some fruit in there too, my Hubby likes chopped up grapes in his.
Enjoy!
Whenever I make chicken or turkey for a meal and I have some left over I now have an AWESOME way to re-use it and make it last another meal (even one that Bubby likes which is hard to do sometimes). I've been making Chicken Salad or Turkey Salad Sandwiches! Honestly, this is worth celebrating because when I was growing up I wouldn't even touch the stuff and now here I am making it, eating it, and serving it to my growing child!
Here's what I do:
1. Take the left over turkey or chicken and chop up really fine (I use my Pampered Chef food chopper and it works awesome). Toss it in a bowl and set aside.
2. Chop up and any veggies you want in there! I usually chop up carrots, onion and celery. Chop it really fine and mix in with chopped meat.
3. Mix in some Mayo, just enough to moisten it and give it a little flavor, and then add in about 1 tsp of mustard (Dijon is best).
4. Sprinkle in some Tarragon, Salt, Pepper, and Garlic Powder.
5. Mix and serve on bread!
LOVE IT! It's super easy and super fast without using lots of dishes either. Plus you get your meat, veggies, and bread all in one serving. You could probably mix some fruit in there too, my Hubby likes chopped up grapes in his.
Enjoy!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Motherhood Challenges
I'm overwhelmed...majorly. I took a week and a half off of work to spend with family, travel, and celebrate the holidays. Now I am back to work and life feels like it's falling apart. I'm sure one reason is because I haven't been in the Word like I should be, praying daily, or even being joyful and happy with the blessings God has given me. I can't even find time to really rest, whether that's at night or during the day.
My body really hurts this week. I've cleaned every day this week and the only day I have off is Friday (I'm even cleaning Saturday morning!). It's hard to pick up my son. It hurts to bend over. I go to sleep sore and wake up aching, even after multiple massages given by my Hubby. I am also trying to stay on top of everything at home. Laundry. Dishes. Clutter. Mail. My home business. Errands. Meals. Everything that involves Bubby. And I am trying really hard to get my home organized. It's very exhausting. It seems that the only thing I want to do anymore is sleep, eat and watch TV. I haven't had a good night sleep yet this week. Last night I was up all night with Bubby because I think he's teething. I ended up putting him in our bed and was squished to one side (and I also dreamed I was riding on a bus and sharing a seat with 3 people, probably because I was having to share my side of the bed). So right now all I want is some order in life, to be able to sleep a restful night, not have to rely on caffeine to get me through the day, and boy am I looking forward to my day off tomorrow. I get to go to the chiropractor which will hopefully put my body back in place and give me a boost of energy.
More and more I find myself saying "if only I was a full-time stay at home mom I wouldn't have this problem." I wouldn't have constant back pain, my hips would actually stay in place, I wouldn't have a counter full of dirty dishes, my house would be organized and stay organized, I would have time to plan meals and run errands, and I would be able to manage my business so much better. But then I have to remind myself that not all mom's have it perfect. Not all full-time stay at home mom's have their life in complete order either, and that's OKAY! I must repeat to myself "you cannot do it all and that's just fine," and "take a break, don't worry about the dishes," etc. I also just need to focus on God.
"Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
I don't have to figure life out right now, because He does it for me.
I don't have to carry lots of baggage and tear myself apart, because He loves me for who I am.
I don't have to do everything at once, because He tells me to take it slow and He will take care of the rest.
So all of you Moms, find time to rest. It's what you need, probably just as much or even more than I do. God wants to fill you up with love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. I know I need it!
My body really hurts this week. I've cleaned every day this week and the only day I have off is Friday (I'm even cleaning Saturday morning!). It's hard to pick up my son. It hurts to bend over. I go to sleep sore and wake up aching, even after multiple massages given by my Hubby. I am also trying to stay on top of everything at home. Laundry. Dishes. Clutter. Mail. My home business. Errands. Meals. Everything that involves Bubby. And I am trying really hard to get my home organized. It's very exhausting. It seems that the only thing I want to do anymore is sleep, eat and watch TV. I haven't had a good night sleep yet this week. Last night I was up all night with Bubby because I think he's teething. I ended up putting him in our bed and was squished to one side (and I also dreamed I was riding on a bus and sharing a seat with 3 people, probably because I was having to share my side of the bed). So right now all I want is some order in life, to be able to sleep a restful night, not have to rely on caffeine to get me through the day, and boy am I looking forward to my day off tomorrow. I get to go to the chiropractor which will hopefully put my body back in place and give me a boost of energy.
More and more I find myself saying "if only I was a full-time stay at home mom I wouldn't have this problem." I wouldn't have constant back pain, my hips would actually stay in place, I wouldn't have a counter full of dirty dishes, my house would be organized and stay organized, I would have time to plan meals and run errands, and I would be able to manage my business so much better. But then I have to remind myself that not all mom's have it perfect. Not all full-time stay at home mom's have their life in complete order either, and that's OKAY! I must repeat to myself "you cannot do it all and that's just fine," and "take a break, don't worry about the dishes," etc. I also just need to focus on God.
"Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
I don't have to figure life out right now, because He does it for me.
I don't have to carry lots of baggage and tear myself apart, because He loves me for who I am.
I don't have to do everything at once, because He tells me to take it slow and He will take care of the rest.
So all of you Moms, find time to rest. It's what you need, probably just as much or even more than I do. God wants to fill you up with love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. I know I need it!
Friday, December 23, 2011
Conversations with Bubby
Me: Can you say "Mamma?"
Bubby: Cacker? (his word for "cracker" or all food!)
Me: Can you say "Dadda?"
Bubby: Cacker?
Me: Can you say "Ara?" (Zara, our dog)
Bubby: Cacker?
Me: Can you say "eat?"
Bubby: Signs "eat" and says Cacker?
*He really does say "Cacker" like he's asking a question in a very high pitched voice. He also does know how to say Mamma, Dadda and Ara, but he is always asking for Cackers.
Bubby: Cacker? (his word for "cracker" or all food!)
Me: Can you say "Dadda?"
Bubby: Cacker?
Me: Can you say "Ara?" (Zara, our dog)
Bubby: Cacker?
Me: Can you say "eat?"
Bubby: Signs "eat" and says Cacker?
*He really does say "Cacker" like he's asking a question in a very high pitched voice. He also does know how to say Mamma, Dadda and Ara, but he is always asking for Cackers.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Standing Man
This video was taken about a week and a half ago when Bubby all of a sudden starting pushing himself up to stand all by himself. And now...he's walking! This weekend he just took off and had 12 steps, then 20 steps, then 30 steps, and now he's just a walking machine! Hooray for Bubby, who we thought would crawl until he was 10!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
A Bubby Update
After a few days of brushing teeth and wiping off pacifiers, I think we've finally conquered Bubby's bad breath. He has been teething and he also had a little cold which I think contributed to his stinky mouth. I did end up grabbing the kid's toothpaste and just putting a tiny bit on his brush and then following the brushing with a good wiping.
The only change in Bubby's diet lately is Vanilla Almond Milk. He LOVES it! I was able to pack away the bottles last week because he hasn't needed one, and if he keeps on this Almond Milk kick then I will toss the formula as well! I was really worried for awhile there that we would never break the bottle and I'd have to give him till he was 15 months before really doing away with it, but the Almond Milk in a sippy cup seems to be enough for him to forget about his bottle. I'm super happy about this!
At 13 months Bubby still isn't walking and it makes me sad. Everyone says "you should be happy he's not walking because once he is you'll wish that he wasn't!" I get the point but at the same time it's my first kid and I get super excited for every new little thing. We celebrated many firsts this year-smiling, rolling over, sitting up, eating solids, holding own bottle, swimming on the floor, crawling, standing, and many others...and now he's almost walking! He's taken about 6 steps on his own and he officially stood himself up yesterday. Now we just need him to realize how much easier it will be to walk around rather than bang up his knees on our hardwood and tile floors.
Bubby has started throwing tantrums lately. If he can't reach something or if Mommy or Daddy leave the room he screams his little heart out. He has a weird obsession with the bathroom and any time either of us go in there and shut the door he throws a huge fit. I don't think it's because he's afraid we'll get flushed down the toilet or eaten by a shower monster, but rather he actually likes to play in the bathroom. He flings stuff from the cabinets, flushes the toilet, unrolls the TP, opens and shuts the shower door, steals his rubber ducky from the shower, crawls in and out of the shower with his clothes on, and giggles whenever I brush my teeth. I bet he thinks we get to do all of that when we go in there and he is just missing out on all the fun!
I've started noticing a change in Bubby's eating habits, which apparently is something to be expected with a one year old because they start to get really picky. He definitely loves his fruit and it's a challenge to get him to eat his veggies these days. Sometimes he loves to eat and will scarf down everything on his plate and other times he picks and plays and feeds his food to the dog. He also knows that we keep the fruit in the storage room and so he'll turn around and stare into the room thinking that maybe if he looks long enough we'll get the idea and give him more fruit! I bought a large package of clementines the other day and he loves them, so sweet and juicy! I also tried to be creative and made my own frozen yogurt bites (just dollops of yogurt that I put on a pan in the freezer). Sometimes he will eat them...it's hit and miss with him.
Lastly, Bubby has his own way of playing now. It consists of standing underneath our light switches and yelling till we hold him up so he can turn the lights on and off. He also likes to pull ornaments off the Christmas tree, throw his dirty laundry everywhere (along with his stuffed animals and books), find everything he can to fling all over, and open and close doors. Being that he doesn't play with his toys, I didn't put any on his Christmas list!
The only change in Bubby's diet lately is Vanilla Almond Milk. He LOVES it! I was able to pack away the bottles last week because he hasn't needed one, and if he keeps on this Almond Milk kick then I will toss the formula as well! I was really worried for awhile there that we would never break the bottle and I'd have to give him till he was 15 months before really doing away with it, but the Almond Milk in a sippy cup seems to be enough for him to forget about his bottle. I'm super happy about this!
At 13 months Bubby still isn't walking and it makes me sad. Everyone says "you should be happy he's not walking because once he is you'll wish that he wasn't!" I get the point but at the same time it's my first kid and I get super excited for every new little thing. We celebrated many firsts this year-smiling, rolling over, sitting up, eating solids, holding own bottle, swimming on the floor, crawling, standing, and many others...and now he's almost walking! He's taken about 6 steps on his own and he officially stood himself up yesterday. Now we just need him to realize how much easier it will be to walk around rather than bang up his knees on our hardwood and tile floors.
Bubby has started throwing tantrums lately. If he can't reach something or if Mommy or Daddy leave the room he screams his little heart out. He has a weird obsession with the bathroom and any time either of us go in there and shut the door he throws a huge fit. I don't think it's because he's afraid we'll get flushed down the toilet or eaten by a shower monster, but rather he actually likes to play in the bathroom. He flings stuff from the cabinets, flushes the toilet, unrolls the TP, opens and shuts the shower door, steals his rubber ducky from the shower, crawls in and out of the shower with his clothes on, and giggles whenever I brush my teeth. I bet he thinks we get to do all of that when we go in there and he is just missing out on all the fun!
I've started noticing a change in Bubby's eating habits, which apparently is something to be expected with a one year old because they start to get really picky. He definitely loves his fruit and it's a challenge to get him to eat his veggies these days. Sometimes he loves to eat and will scarf down everything on his plate and other times he picks and plays and feeds his food to the dog. He also knows that we keep the fruit in the storage room and so he'll turn around and stare into the room thinking that maybe if he looks long enough we'll get the idea and give him more fruit! I bought a large package of clementines the other day and he loves them, so sweet and juicy! I also tried to be creative and made my own frozen yogurt bites (just dollops of yogurt that I put on a pan in the freezer). Sometimes he will eat them...it's hit and miss with him.
Lastly, Bubby has his own way of playing now. It consists of standing underneath our light switches and yelling till we hold him up so he can turn the lights on and off. He also likes to pull ornaments off the Christmas tree, throw his dirty laundry everywhere (along with his stuffed animals and books), find everything he can to fling all over, and open and close doors. Being that he doesn't play with his toys, I didn't put any on his Christmas list!
Friday, December 2, 2011
An Early Christmas Gift
For some reason Bubby is battling some bad breath. I have no idea what it is from but today I went to work to try and get it under control. I boiled his pacifiers, washed his bedding (including his stuffed puppy that actually smells like his breath, ick!) and I pulled out one of his Christmas presents...a toothbrush! I bought it weeks ago to put in his stocking and decided that I couldn't wait until Christmas to start brushing his teeth. I've been wiping his gums and the few teeth he has with a wash cloth a few times a day but that just doesn't seem to cut it. I've thought about even pulling out some kids toothpaste, but I thought I would try these other remedies first before putting any fluoride filled gel in his mouth.
After some hard work I managed to get his puppy smelling fresh...but that's it. After boiling his pacifies some of them still came out smelling the same and after brushing his teeth all day he still stinks! I don't really want to go out and buy new pacifiers since the only time he uses them, at least we try, is in his crib. What do I do????
After some hard work I managed to get his puppy smelling fresh...but that's it. After boiling his pacifies some of them still came out smelling the same and after brushing his teeth all day he still stinks! I don't really want to go out and buy new pacifiers since the only time he uses them, at least we try, is in his crib. What do I do????
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)