Wow, how time flies when you have 2 little ones!!! Last night I was anxious about what to cook for dinner and for the first time in my life I actually cooked an awesome meal off the cuff!!! Thinking maybe God was showing me how far I have come in exactly a year since I quit my job to tend to my family. Wow how times have changed!
Thought I would share it here in case you have some of these items around to use...
Pork Chops and Apples
2 sweet onions (any onions you have are fine) chopped
olive oil -- as much or little as you like personally
6 porkchops (thick, boneless is what I used)
1 Sam Adams Caramel Stout beer
1 Granny Smith Apple
1 Red Delicious Apple
1 tsp Sea Salt
1 - 2 tsp Thyme
Get out a 12 inch skillet that can go into the oven and heat some oil on medium high. Throw in your onions and let them cook a few minutes till their translucent. Then put in your pork. Let them sit for 5 - 7 minutes ....its tempting to move them after a minute or 2, DON'T touch!!! Flip them over, move the onions around so they don't burn and let them all sit again for 3 minutes or so. You should now have a nicely braised meat and crusties on your pan. Pour in the beer -- as much or little as you want. I probably put 1/2 the bottle, although I was too busy drinking the other half to really pay attention! Move the meat and onions around a bit to get the crusties off the bottom.
Turn oven on to 350
Cut your apples while the meat stays on the heat and throw them in. Sprinkle with salt and thyme. Once it's cooked for a minute or 2 throw it in the oven for 15 minutes. I probably could have covered, but I didn't and it turned out just fine!
Take it out of the oven and eat!!! Keep in mind the handle to the pan will be HOT...I forgot and went for it, what a mistake!!
I should have taken pictures, but didn't have time! Enjoy and feel free to share. And for those exhausted mommas out there...I hear you and feel your pain...try to find 3 minutes today to close your eyes just breathe. Feel free to leave me a comment, I am happy to respond!!
Monday, November 5, 2012
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
October is Here!!
So far, outside of my son's birth, the past few days have been the best all year! The weather has been cool enough to open the windows during the day, make grilled cheese and tomato soup for dinner and warm brownies for dessert. I have accomplished a lot as well! Cleaned my bathroom top to bottom, cleaned out my closet and got a whole box of clothes to donate. Also got all of my maternity clothes out of my closet and feeling good getting back to my 'old self'. Does that self still exist?? Oh I am hoping so.
On Sunday I went to a huge kids consignment sale for the kids. I love getting a quality, gently used wardrobe for a fraction of the new prices. It was my first time away from my sweet boy. I cried when my husband left with him and I was so worried I wasn't going to finish shopping before he needed to be fed again. The joys (and worries) of nursing! Needless to say, he made it 3.5 hours and I was thrilled!!!! It was some well needed mommy time, even if it was shopping FOR the kids!
My boy is 3 months old today! I am excited and almost sad. I am wondering where these past few months have gone. When my daughter was this big I just remember holding her all the time and thinking she was growing at the perfect pace. I guess it's because my daughter keeps me on the move as a vibrant 2 year old does and so I haven't had that perfect quiet time to sit and hold him as much. One of my regrets for him. I love being with him and just talking to him, reading books to him and looking at him. The gaze of an infant is powerful and deep, like they can see into your soul. Oh the love I have for these children!
Another accomplishment these past few days is the completion of Halloween costumes for the kids! Woohoo!! Just in time for the photo shoot on Sunday. Oh how exciting! I heard a comedian recently (I can't remember who to credit, although I think it was Jeff Dunham) talk about Halloween and how much of an oxymoron this is for parents. Taking your kids to strangers' homes and letting them get candy...hmmmm. That's something to chew on! He's so right! I had never thought of it that way. So maybe the photo shoot will be it! Dress them up and have a fun time together! Oh I can't wait to get behind the lens again, it's been so long! Our last big photo shoot was before Easter and I am craving the challenge!
Outstanding projects: Fall wreath - still on the list! Maybe it will be done by the end of fall. Bread has been made, brownies are made. I have added bow holder (for my daughter) and fall treats (for the photo shoot) to my list! Wish me well on my excellent adventure!
On Sunday I went to a huge kids consignment sale for the kids. I love getting a quality, gently used wardrobe for a fraction of the new prices. It was my first time away from my sweet boy. I cried when my husband left with him and I was so worried I wasn't going to finish shopping before he needed to be fed again. The joys (and worries) of nursing! Needless to say, he made it 3.5 hours and I was thrilled!!!! It was some well needed mommy time, even if it was shopping FOR the kids!
My boy is 3 months old today! I am excited and almost sad. I am wondering where these past few months have gone. When my daughter was this big I just remember holding her all the time and thinking she was growing at the perfect pace. I guess it's because my daughter keeps me on the move as a vibrant 2 year old does and so I haven't had that perfect quiet time to sit and hold him as much. One of my regrets for him. I love being with him and just talking to him, reading books to him and looking at him. The gaze of an infant is powerful and deep, like they can see into your soul. Oh the love I have for these children!
Another accomplishment these past few days is the completion of Halloween costumes for the kids! Woohoo!! Just in time for the photo shoot on Sunday. Oh how exciting! I heard a comedian recently (I can't remember who to credit, although I think it was Jeff Dunham) talk about Halloween and how much of an oxymoron this is for parents. Taking your kids to strangers' homes and letting them get candy...hmmmm. That's something to chew on! He's so right! I had never thought of it that way. So maybe the photo shoot will be it! Dress them up and have a fun time together! Oh I can't wait to get behind the lens again, it's been so long! Our last big photo shoot was before Easter and I am craving the challenge!
Outstanding projects: Fall wreath - still on the list! Maybe it will be done by the end of fall. Bread has been made, brownies are made. I have added bow holder (for my daughter) and fall treats (for the photo shoot) to my list! Wish me well on my excellent adventure!
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Put the Oxygen Mask on the Mommy First!
We've all heard the phrase I am sure that you should put the oxygen mask on your first before helping others. I think this is ringing true for me right now. Up all day, up half the night and my sole focus has been the kids. Even my poor husband hasn't made my list lately. And since I am focusing on calm parenting, that requires me to take care of me first.
So I have thought about these projects on my list and I think the shear accomplishment of them is for ME...they may be for the house or the kids, but I do love accomplishing something, having something to show for my time besides the repeatable cleaning chores and never ending stream of laundry. I read somewhere to get up early so you have peace and quiet for a little while. Whomever wrote that has not met me...so maybe they meant stay up late. Anyway, I stayed up and worked on my daughters costume hat again last night and feeling like it's coming together. I have one and half weeks to get it completed, along with a costume for my son which i have yet to start for our fall picture shoot. The picture shoot is totally for me. A place to play with my camera and really get some good pics of the kids to share with the family. Definitely something to look forward to!
Yesterday I actually made it out of the house for a playdate. While it was stressful I did it and my daughter had a blast playing with someone else's toys. I truly got re-energized talking with a fellow mommy. When we returned home and I put my daughter down for a nap, I took my baby boy and let him nurse while I got some sleep too. I soooooo needed it. In the process I totally missed the opportunity to make dinner, but I have to say I wasn't over the moon disappointed about it. I realized the nap was more important. Sometimes you just have to choose you.
So today I already have meat out to make dinner (lesson learned from yesterday). An old Pampered Chef recipe my family loves called Three Bean Casserole. And thinking maybe brownies for dessert tonight...who doesn't like brownies. In my house I still use a brownie mix and then add Ghiradelli dark chocolate morsels to make it more scrumptious. Someday I will make my own brownie mix too...I need to add that to my to do list.
The fall wreath has been started...but no where close to finishing. And I still haven't made my bread. Hoping to find time for that this week. Well have a great day out there, wherever you are. And put on that oxygen mask!!
So I have thought about these projects on my list and I think the shear accomplishment of them is for ME...they may be for the house or the kids, but I do love accomplishing something, having something to show for my time besides the repeatable cleaning chores and never ending stream of laundry. I read somewhere to get up early so you have peace and quiet for a little while. Whomever wrote that has not met me...so maybe they meant stay up late. Anyway, I stayed up and worked on my daughters costume hat again last night and feeling like it's coming together. I have one and half weeks to get it completed, along with a costume for my son which i have yet to start for our fall picture shoot. The picture shoot is totally for me. A place to play with my camera and really get some good pics of the kids to share with the family. Definitely something to look forward to!
Yesterday I actually made it out of the house for a playdate. While it was stressful I did it and my daughter had a blast playing with someone else's toys. I truly got re-energized talking with a fellow mommy. When we returned home and I put my daughter down for a nap, I took my baby boy and let him nurse while I got some sleep too. I soooooo needed it. In the process I totally missed the opportunity to make dinner, but I have to say I wasn't over the moon disappointed about it. I realized the nap was more important. Sometimes you just have to choose you.
So today I already have meat out to make dinner (lesson learned from yesterday). An old Pampered Chef recipe my family loves called Three Bean Casserole. And thinking maybe brownies for dessert tonight...who doesn't like brownies. In my house I still use a brownie mix and then add Ghiradelli dark chocolate morsels to make it more scrumptious. Someday I will make my own brownie mix too...I need to add that to my to do list.
The fall wreath has been started...but no where close to finishing. And I still haven't made my bread. Hoping to find time for that this week. Well have a great day out there, wherever you are. And put on that oxygen mask!!
Monday, September 24, 2012
A Day of Calm
Today my focus was on remaining calm. Trying to enjoy the moments with my kids and not fret the small stuff. That lasted til about 10am...then I had to keep reevaluating that thought. We are working on potty training and just when I think she is ready for big girl panties, she's not. It's pretty frustrating! So back to diapers...ugh! Although I did manage to get a shower with one kid on the potty behind me and one kid in the swing right outside the bathroom door. Crazy, right?? Hey atleast I am clean!
Otherwise the day was pretty accomplished. Four loads of laundry done and dinner (with homemade dessert) on the table on time. Kids are both in bed and now a few minutes to myself to digest the day. I need silence tonight amidst the 2 year old still singing in her room and the dog crying in the kitchen (I think she is out of water) oh and the TV on some crappy show I am not interested in watching, but trying to keep noise on to distract the 2 year old from hearing me type...seriously, go to sleep!!!!
I read a blog this weekend that talked about keeping calm when you are parenting and I think the one thing it said that got me interest really peaked was that parents are the role model. Those are strong words for me as I am still trying to figure out what it means to be a 'stay at home mom'. Somehow I think the definition changes as the kids get older, but ultimately I do want to be that loving, patient, strong mommy who builds confidence and fun into the kids. Now to figure out how to do that...maybe I need a mission statement! Gonna ponder that, must be the business mind coming out.
So for now my work continues to remain calm. My projects this week haven't changed too much from last...finish my daughter's Halloween costume, make a fall wreath, make bread (found a new recipe to try tomorrow) and all this while I work through my Cinderella chores. Goodnight all!
Otherwise the day was pretty accomplished. Four loads of laundry done and dinner (with homemade dessert) on the table on time. Kids are both in bed and now a few minutes to myself to digest the day. I need silence tonight amidst the 2 year old still singing in her room and the dog crying in the kitchen (I think she is out of water) oh and the TV on some crappy show I am not interested in watching, but trying to keep noise on to distract the 2 year old from hearing me type...seriously, go to sleep!!!!
I read a blog this weekend that talked about keeping calm when you are parenting and I think the one thing it said that got me interest really peaked was that parents are the role model. Those are strong words for me as I am still trying to figure out what it means to be a 'stay at home mom'. Somehow I think the definition changes as the kids get older, but ultimately I do want to be that loving, patient, strong mommy who builds confidence and fun into the kids. Now to figure out how to do that...maybe I need a mission statement! Gonna ponder that, must be the business mind coming out.
So for now my work continues to remain calm. My projects this week haven't changed too much from last...finish my daughter's Halloween costume, make a fall wreath, make bread (found a new recipe to try tomorrow) and all this while I work through my Cinderella chores. Goodnight all!
Friday, September 21, 2012
What Happened to Yesterday
Boy was I defeated yesterday. Seemed the world was against me. I managed to upset a newly pregnant friend, not feed my 2 year old lunch and I think I missed taking a shower (does it matter that I can't remember!?). These are the days that make me wonder if I am made to be a stay at home mom. Such pressure to perform perfectly all the time. I have always been hard on myself and last night was no exception as I reviewed my 'accomplishments' of the day! I even texted with a friend last night about the cost of babysitters and when she asked me 'how much have you been paying' I think I had an internal meltdown because I have never had a babysitter. When I worked we had a nanny at the house since I worked from home and my mom occasionally comes to town and has watched my 2 year old, but honestly I could probably count on both hands how many times I have actually been apart from my 2 year old. I am feeling like a break is needed, although currently don't see one coming any time soon.
So today will be about picking up the pieces, working on dusting myself off and then trying to find something for ME...not my family or my kids or my hubby...just me! Maybe I will get to take a shower by myself or shave my legs without an audience and honestly that will probably be it! Then I will turn to dinner duties...actually entertaining the idea of trying to make homemade pizza dough. Mommy duty takes priority and I will just pull up my big girl panties and move on. While I feel alone in this, I know there must be other mommies out there in the same exact spot. Grateful these days aren't everyday.
So today will be about picking up the pieces, working on dusting myself off and then trying to find something for ME...not my family or my kids or my hubby...just me! Maybe I will get to take a shower by myself or shave my legs without an audience and honestly that will probably be it! Then I will turn to dinner duties...actually entertaining the idea of trying to make homemade pizza dough. Mommy duty takes priority and I will just pull up my big girl panties and move on. While I feel alone in this, I know there must be other mommies out there in the same exact spot. Grateful these days aren't everyday.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Dreams and Daydreams
I used to dream about running. I was never very athletic. I developed a want to run in my late 20's and before I could really run I would wake up in the morning and remember dreaming about running. Then after I gave birth to my daughter 2 years ago the same thing happened. It was like my mind was conditioning my body to run. Now, having an 11 week old baby and a 2 year old, the only dreams I have are daydreams and they usually consist of sleeping! That is the truth of motherhood!
My little guy (11 weeks old) has a little congestion and there's nothing like listening to your child struggling to breathe to keep a mommy up all night. He kept waking himself up and poor guy just didn't get much rest. Of course my hubby, who tried to be helpful in hour 3 of my sleepless night, wakes up and says 'do you want me to rock him to sleep?' to which he received an emotional response he wasn't expecting, tried for 40 minutes and didn't make any progress. Ultimately I ended up taking my son back. In some ways I am grateful I have been given the gift of consoling my child and sometimes I wish he would accept consoling from his sweet Daddy.
So today I am making chili in the crock pot for our chilly night (supposed to be in the 50's). And getting children's clothes ready for a local consignment sale that I have been procrastinating about! And lastly, still working on Halloween costumes...my daughter will be a scarecrow and still working on the hat. I can be crafty, but this is pushing me to my limits on level of difficulty! Oh, and the side project still underway is a fall wreath for the front door. Where will I find the time..who knows! It might take me til the end of fall to finish all of this. For someone who used to be a professional project manager and had several large clients that I serviced all at once I am challenged with just 2 children under my feet and in my arms to get anything done these days. No pressure...yeah right!!
Update from yesterday: I did end up making those chocolate peanut butter pretzel balls and they were to die for!! I do have on my list to figure out a way to add caramel to it as that would just be heaven! They were easy and my 2 year old got to help make and eat them!
My little guy (11 weeks old) has a little congestion and there's nothing like listening to your child struggling to breathe to keep a mommy up all night. He kept waking himself up and poor guy just didn't get much rest. Of course my hubby, who tried to be helpful in hour 3 of my sleepless night, wakes up and says 'do you want me to rock him to sleep?' to which he received an emotional response he wasn't expecting, tried for 40 minutes and didn't make any progress. Ultimately I ended up taking my son back. In some ways I am grateful I have been given the gift of consoling my child and sometimes I wish he would accept consoling from his sweet Daddy.
So today I am making chili in the crock pot for our chilly night (supposed to be in the 50's). And getting children's clothes ready for a local consignment sale that I have been procrastinating about! And lastly, still working on Halloween costumes...my daughter will be a scarecrow and still working on the hat. I can be crafty, but this is pushing me to my limits on level of difficulty! Oh, and the side project still underway is a fall wreath for the front door. Where will I find the time..who knows! It might take me til the end of fall to finish all of this. For someone who used to be a professional project manager and had several large clients that I serviced all at once I am challenged with just 2 children under my feet and in my arms to get anything done these days. No pressure...yeah right!!
Update from yesterday: I did end up making those chocolate peanut butter pretzel balls and they were to die for!! I do have on my list to figure out a way to add caramel to it as that would just be heaven! They were easy and my 2 year old got to help make and eat them!
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Gotta Start Somewhere
I am excited to see how this evolves. What do I want this blog to be? Ultimately an outlet for my daily thoughts. Guess we will just have to see where that takes us. Hoping I don't share TMI...and hoping someone finds my thoughts interesting enough to read.
Today we are waiting on a 'cold front' to come through. This means daily temps will be in the 70's, so not much of a cold front however this does put me in the fall mood. As my good friend says, 'it's a ber month', which really means anything fall/winter related is acceptable. So I am craving something sweet and found a recipe on pinterest for balls made with peanut butter, pretzels and chocolate. Gonna have to give them a try and maybe see if I can somehow sneak some caramel in somehow. Wish me luck!
Today we are waiting on a 'cold front' to come through. This means daily temps will be in the 70's, so not much of a cold front however this does put me in the fall mood. As my good friend says, 'it's a ber month', which really means anything fall/winter related is acceptable. So I am craving something sweet and found a recipe on pinterest for balls made with peanut butter, pretzels and chocolate. Gonna have to give them a try and maybe see if I can somehow sneak some caramel in somehow. Wish me luck!
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