Sunday, June 29, 2008
Such a Girl
I am such a girl. Tonight our church had a family fishing night at a local park. Alex was playing with a worm and touching fish. He was playing with a WORM! I have to admit, it totally grossed me out. I didn't even want to hold his hand afterward. I didn't say anything and just let him be. Inside though I was freaking out. I don't know if I am going to be able to be the mom of a boy. The child chased a bug around for 30 minutes yesterday. Why are boys obsessed with bugs, worms, and all that nastiness?
Saturday, June 28, 2008
No Power Again
It's storming again today and for the second time in a week, we are without power. We hardly ever lose power. It's no big deal, but I was planning on watching a movie tonight.
Brianna is with Sonya and Amos this weekend. She seems to be having a good time. I think they are doing their aunt and uncle duties by spoiling her! So, it's been just me and the boys since last night. It's odd being out numbered, usually it's even, two boys and two girls.
Why are restaurants still using tomatoes? I don't care what kind of tomato it is, I'm not eating it! I just don't want to take that chance. It kind of freaks me out to see tomatoes on salad bars and to be getting them on sandwiches. I have gotten them at both Chick Fil A and Burger King and they were on the salad bar at Ruby Tuesday's. I know there are certain kinds that are safe, but Brianna got salmonella last year from peanut butter, and we DO NOT want that again. The sad thing is that Alex loves them and wanted to eat mine from BK today, but I had to tell him they would make him sick.
Brianna is with Sonya and Amos this weekend. She seems to be having a good time. I think they are doing their aunt and uncle duties by spoiling her! So, it's been just me and the boys since last night. It's odd being out numbered, usually it's even, two boys and two girls.
Why are restaurants still using tomatoes? I don't care what kind of tomato it is, I'm not eating it! I just don't want to take that chance. It kind of freaks me out to see tomatoes on salad bars and to be getting them on sandwiches. I have gotten them at both Chick Fil A and Burger King and they were on the salad bar at Ruby Tuesday's. I know there are certain kinds that are safe, but Brianna got salmonella last year from peanut butter, and we DO NOT want that again. The sad thing is that Alex loves them and wanted to eat mine from BK today, but I had to tell him they would make him sick.
Friday, June 27, 2008
New Recipe
I have always wanted to make a paella, but Brian doesn't really like fish and that is one of the big ingredients in paella. So, I found this recipe on www.familyfun.com that has no fish!
Chicken and Sausage Paella
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 whole chicken cut into 8 pieces, or 4 legs and 4 thighs
salt and pepper
16 oz. sausage (chorizo or kielbasa) cut into half moon slices
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups multi-grain rice
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. salt
pinch of saffron
1 cup seeded and chopped tomato
4 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup frozen peas
Heat the oven to 400. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then place it in the skillet to brown, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. If needed, work in batches so the skillet isn't overcrowded.
Transfer the browned chicken to a plate. Add the sausage to the pan and satue until lightly browned, about 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer the sausage to the plate with the chicken.
Drain all but 1 Tablespoon of fat from the pan. Lower the heat to medium, add the onion, red pepper, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 6 minutes. Add the rice, cumin, salt and saffron. Stir to coat the rice and cook for about 1 minute.
Transfer the rice and vegetable mixture to an oiled 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange the chicken and sausage on the rice and scatter the tomato over the top. Place the pan on the center oven rack and carefully pour the chicken stoc over the meat and rice. Bake for 25 minutes.
Sprinkle the peas on top and cook until the liquid had been absorbed, another 10 to 15 minutes. Let the paella cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Okay, here's how I changed it a bit: I used kielbasa and 8 boneless skinless thighs. I did not used the red bell pepper, those are a little pricey. I also did not use the tomato, just didn't want to take the chance with salmonella. Instead of the rice and saffron seperatly, I used a saffron rice packet. You can find those with the regular rice. The next time I make this I will cut the recipe in half, it just made too much for us. If you want to eat it for a couple of days, then make the full recipe. We liked it and I was excited to find a new recipe. It took about an hour from start to finish to make, because you have to brown and saute things seperatly.
On Wednesday, I saw a quote on www.jimmybritt.com that really made me think, "Life is what happens in between the plans we make." Think about how much fun life is with the spontaneous things that happen to us, things that are not planned at all. I have the most fun with Brian and the kids when we are spontaneous. Now, I am a very planned out person. I could plan the next 6 weeks of my life and would be very happy. But the unplanned things that happen is what really makes us closer as a family and where we have the most fun.
Chicken and Sausage Paella
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 whole chicken cut into 8 pieces, or 4 legs and 4 thighs
salt and pepper
16 oz. sausage (chorizo or kielbasa) cut into half moon slices
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups multi-grain rice
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. salt
pinch of saffron
1 cup seeded and chopped tomato
4 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup frozen peas
Heat the oven to 400. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then place it in the skillet to brown, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. If needed, work in batches so the skillet isn't overcrowded.
Transfer the browned chicken to a plate. Add the sausage to the pan and satue until lightly browned, about 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer the sausage to the plate with the chicken.
Drain all but 1 Tablespoon of fat from the pan. Lower the heat to medium, add the onion, red pepper, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 6 minutes. Add the rice, cumin, salt and saffron. Stir to coat the rice and cook for about 1 minute.
Transfer the rice and vegetable mixture to an oiled 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange the chicken and sausage on the rice and scatter the tomato over the top. Place the pan on the center oven rack and carefully pour the chicken stoc over the meat and rice. Bake for 25 minutes.
Sprinkle the peas on top and cook until the liquid had been absorbed, another 10 to 15 minutes. Let the paella cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Okay, here's how I changed it a bit: I used kielbasa and 8 boneless skinless thighs. I did not used the red bell pepper, those are a little pricey. I also did not use the tomato, just didn't want to take the chance with salmonella. Instead of the rice and saffron seperatly, I used a saffron rice packet. You can find those with the regular rice. The next time I make this I will cut the recipe in half, it just made too much for us. If you want to eat it for a couple of days, then make the full recipe. We liked it and I was excited to find a new recipe. It took about an hour from start to finish to make, because you have to brown and saute things seperatly.
On Wednesday, I saw a quote on www.jimmybritt.com that really made me think, "Life is what happens in between the plans we make." Think about how much fun life is with the spontaneous things that happen to us, things that are not planned at all. I have the most fun with Brian and the kids when we are spontaneous. Now, I am a very planned out person. I could plan the next 6 weeks of my life and would be very happy. But the unplanned things that happen is what really makes us closer as a family and where we have the most fun.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Thursday
What a day. It started with me rocking Ms. Bria to sleep. Sonya, Amos and I were at Travis and Kristin's working on stuff for today's golf tournament. Bria was fighting sleep, so we finally got her calmed down to where she would sleep.
We were at the golf course bright and early this morning. We had a really good time hanging out with Sonya and Amos during the golf game. Afterward we went swimming. The kids are worn out, but somehow have the energy to run around the house. I honestly don't know where they get all this energy from. I was tired at 9 this morning. I tried a new recipe last night and will post it tomorrow.
We were at the golf course bright and early this morning. We had a really good time hanging out with Sonya and Amos during the golf game. Afterward we went swimming. The kids are worn out, but somehow have the energy to run around the house. I honestly don't know where they get all this energy from. I was tired at 9 this morning. I tried a new recipe last night and will post it tomorrow.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Feeling Better
I am feeling much better. After two nights of good sleep, everything is right with the world again. Alex has slept really good in his bed the last two nights. Yesterday he slept until 8:15!
Yesterday I took Liz to her orthodontist appointiment, to get her allergy shot, after that we went to get lunch and then went swimming. We had a good time. I am going to miss Liz when she goes to Florida.
After Alex went to bed last night, I even felt like mopping the kitchen. I normally mop everyday, but just haven't felt like it. So, the floor was a mess. I forgot how big a mess two-year olds can make.
Alex has become obsessed with Band Aids. He wants to cover himself in them. He keeps finding little places to put them.
Swim lessons start in a couple weeks. If you want a great, cheap place for swim lessons, call the city of Concord. Brianna has gone the last 3 summers and loves going. Alex went last year and is going again this summer. Alex and Olivia will take the Mommy and Me class, which means I will have to get in the pool with them.
Tomorrow is the Project 252 golf tournament. I pray that this is successful and we can glorify God in what we are doing.
Today we are getting caught up on laundry and cleaning a little.
Yesterday I took Liz to her orthodontist appointiment, to get her allergy shot, after that we went to get lunch and then went swimming. We had a good time. I am going to miss Liz when she goes to Florida.
After Alex went to bed last night, I even felt like mopping the kitchen. I normally mop everyday, but just haven't felt like it. So, the floor was a mess. I forgot how big a mess two-year olds can make.
Alex has become obsessed with Band Aids. He wants to cover himself in them. He keeps finding little places to put them.
Swim lessons start in a couple weeks. If you want a great, cheap place for swim lessons, call the city of Concord. Brianna has gone the last 3 summers and loves going. Alex went last year and is going again this summer. Alex and Olivia will take the Mommy and Me class, which means I will have to get in the pool with them.
Tomorrow is the Project 252 golf tournament. I pray that this is successful and we can glorify God in what we are doing.
Today we are getting caught up on laundry and cleaning a little.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Exhausted
I am so tired I think my body may soon make me just stop!
Friday night we had a youth fundraiser at Fractured Prune. It was fun! Then we went to a church in Harrisburg and had a youth lock-in. Translation: No sleep on Friday night. It was fun though. Those kids just crack me up. Two kids who have stopped coming to our church, but who we still love, came to the lock-in and it was great to see them. We went swimming at one of the kids house, had a bonfire, made s'mores and played games. When I got home on Saturday, I was tired, but couldn't sleep. So, Alex and I went to buy groceries. I took a nap when Alex took one.
We took the front off of Alex's crib on Saturday. Saturday night was NO FUN! He slept for about 2 hours just fine, then he was UP! He wanted to sleep in my bed. But, we finally got him to sleep in his bed, about 1:00 am.
Sunday after church we went to visit my parents. It was a nice, but short trip. Then we stopped by Sonya and Amos' house. When we got home, it looked like a war zone. There were limbs in the street, no power and we had water in the crawl space under the house. Brian was home today taking care of stuff under there. I wish I had pictures to post. The power finally came back on about 2 this morning.
So, after all that, I am tired. Maybe tonight I will get in the bed early. Let's hope, because the rest of the week is pretty full.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Monkey Boy
Alex has a new trick, he can climb out of his crib! Before you start saying that I should put him in a toddler bed so he won't get hurt, we just learned he could do this yesterday during a temper tantrum. He climbed out twice yesterday while he was pitching a fit and this morning he surprised me by getting himself out of bed. We will switch him to a toddler bed probably Saturday. That should be interesting.
I made a really good recipe this week, it's from Sparkpeople.com and they have a really good recipe collection on there. The site is a weight loss community. There are message boards and places where you can keep track of what you eat and the amount of water you drink. I use it a lot for recipes. The best thing about it, it's FREE! Anyway here's the recipe:
Turkey and Bean Burritos
20 oz ground turkey breast
1/2 cup chopped onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1 (4 oz) can diced green chilis
1 (16 oz) can refried beans
6 burrito size flour tortillas
Preheat oven to 350. Crumble ground turkey into a skillet over medium heat and cook until done. Add onion and cook until translucent. Add garlic, cumin, salt and pepper. Stir in green chilis and refried beans. Cook until hot.
Place warm tortilla on a plate and spoon a generous 1/2 cup of the ground turkey mixture on each tortilla. Wrap and put in a pan, seam side down. Heat in oven for 20 minutes to heat through. Serve with salsa, cheese, sour cream, lettuce, tomato, olives.
I cooked the turkey, onion and garlice all together. We had this is salsa rice, just replace 1/2 cup water with salsa when cooking your rice.
Tonight is the Fractured Prune fundraiser and then we will take the youth to another church and have a lock-in. We used to have lock-ins all the time when I was younger. But we went to one of the creepiest churches in the county. I don't think Travis is planning on the kids sleeping at all, let's just hope he gives the adults a chance to sleep!
I made a really good recipe this week, it's from Sparkpeople.com and they have a really good recipe collection on there. The site is a weight loss community. There are message boards and places where you can keep track of what you eat and the amount of water you drink. I use it a lot for recipes. The best thing about it, it's FREE! Anyway here's the recipe:
Turkey and Bean Burritos
20 oz ground turkey breast
1/2 cup chopped onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1 (4 oz) can diced green chilis
1 (16 oz) can refried beans
6 burrito size flour tortillas
Preheat oven to 350. Crumble ground turkey into a skillet over medium heat and cook until done. Add onion and cook until translucent. Add garlic, cumin, salt and pepper. Stir in green chilis and refried beans. Cook until hot.
Place warm tortilla on a plate and spoon a generous 1/2 cup of the ground turkey mixture on each tortilla. Wrap and put in a pan, seam side down. Heat in oven for 20 minutes to heat through. Serve with salsa, cheese, sour cream, lettuce, tomato, olives.
I cooked the turkey, onion and garlice all together. We had this is salsa rice, just replace 1/2 cup water with salsa when cooking your rice.
Tonight is the Fractured Prune fundraiser and then we will take the youth to another church and have a lock-in. We used to have lock-ins all the time when I was younger. But we went to one of the creepiest churches in the county. I don't think Travis is planning on the kids sleeping at all, let's just hope he gives the adults a chance to sleep!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Wow!
Wow, it's Wednesday. I feels like it should be Friday or Saturday. This week is dragging by.
I had to go to the dentist today. Y'all know I HATE that. But, I got my cap and it fits and it's on! So, I am finished with the dentist until September.
Our youth had their first mid-week service tonight. It was good. We are partnering with another church, so our kids sat on one side of the room and the other sat on the other side. Other than that, we haven't done much of anything this week.
Friday night the youth is having a fundraiser at Fractured Prune Donut Shop. If you live anywhere near Concord Mills, come out and support our youth camp. 10% of all sales will go to the Thirst Camp 08 fund! If you haven't been to FP, you are missing out on some really good doughnuts!
I am taking the kids swimming tomorrow and am going to try to get some pictures to post!
I learned a valuable lesson over the weekend: Never post a blog when angry! I did and deleted it, but it was read and I hurt someone's feelings. So, for that I am sorry. I often forget that people actually read my ramblings.
I had to go to the dentist today. Y'all know I HATE that. But, I got my cap and it fits and it's on! So, I am finished with the dentist until September.
Our youth had their first mid-week service tonight. It was good. We are partnering with another church, so our kids sat on one side of the room and the other sat on the other side. Other than that, we haven't done much of anything this week.
Friday night the youth is having a fundraiser at Fractured Prune Donut Shop. If you live anywhere near Concord Mills, come out and support our youth camp. 10% of all sales will go to the Thirst Camp 08 fund! If you haven't been to FP, you are missing out on some really good doughnuts!
I am taking the kids swimming tomorrow and am going to try to get some pictures to post!
I learned a valuable lesson over the weekend: Never post a blog when angry! I did and deleted it, but it was read and I hurt someone's feelings. So, for that I am sorry. I often forget that people actually read my ramblings.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
New Recipe
I tried a new recipe last night. It was okay, I didn't follow the directions exactly and I think the key is the cold rice. I think that would have made all the difference.
Fried Rice:
3 Tbsp. peanut oil
3 cups cooked rice, chilled
1/2 cup diced ham, pork or smoked turkey (I left this out)
3 scallions, white parts only, mined
1 egg
1 Tbsp. soy sauce
1/2 tsp. sugar
pepper
Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok. Stir fry the rice until lightly scorched. Add the ham and scallions and toss 1 minute. Push to one side of the pan. In a bowl, beat the egg, then add it to the pan and scramble lightly. Mix it into the rice along with the soy sauce, sugar and pepper. Toss over high heat.
Fried Rice:
3 Tbsp. peanut oil
3 cups cooked rice, chilled
1/2 cup diced ham, pork or smoked turkey (I left this out)
3 scallions, white parts only, mined
1 egg
1 Tbsp. soy sauce
1/2 tsp. sugar
pepper
Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok. Stir fry the rice until lightly scorched. Add the ham and scallions and toss 1 minute. Push to one side of the pan. In a bowl, beat the egg, then add it to the pan and scramble lightly. Mix it into the rice along with the soy sauce, sugar and pepper. Toss over high heat.
Walking
We went on a walk with Liz last night. That is one of the joys of living so close! Anyway, Brianna got her first taste of honeysuckle and got to chase a lightning bug. She didn't catch it, just chased it.
I am really tired today. I have a meeting tonight, a dentist appointment tomorrow and a meeting after that. I finally slept good last night. For the last couple, I haven't been, but last night I didn't even know when Brian came to bed.
I am really tired today. I have a meeting tonight, a dentist appointment tomorrow and a meeting after that. I finally slept good last night. For the last couple, I haven't been, but last night I didn't even know when Brian came to bed.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Swimming
I took the kids swimming today. Surprisingly Alex was scared and wanted me to hold him the entire time. But, toward the end he was floating by himself and kicking his legs trying to splash Brianna. Olivia is like a little fish. Brianna was practicing what she learned last summer at swim lessons. Now everyone is asleep. Thanks Jeff and Maria for letting us use your pool!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Today's Service
We had a great service today at church. Jimmy gave a wonderful message, it was like he was talking to me. We are in the second week of the One Prayer series and today's prayer was, "make our church dangerous." Not like bad boy dangerous, but really walking, listening and believing. At the end he did a stage call, we don't have a altar, and the front of the stage was full of people who are praying for miracles in their lives. Most were probably not for huge miracles, in the larger sense, but huge in that persons life. Honestly it was a very moving message.
During the 11:00 service Travis recognized those students who are moving up into 6th grade. I am getting about 9 new girls. I can't wait until we are able to get into our small groups again. I am really excited about teaching these girls.
During the 11:00 service Travis recognized those students who are moving up into 6th grade. I am getting about 9 new girls. I can't wait until we are able to get into our small groups again. I am really excited about teaching these girls.
Happy Father's Day
Happy Father's Day to the new daddy's to the daddy's whose children have already left home. I remember running to Daddy's bedroom to take him his card. I want to pause to pray for the sons and daughters whose fathers are no longer with us. Please give them comfort today.
Happy Father's Day to my daddy and to Brian!
Happy Father's Day to my daddy and to Brian!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Summer Memories
With school being out, it's the start of summer for most people. I know by the calendar it doesn't start until later in June. But, school being out is the beginning for most people. So, I have been thinking about things we used to do in the summer when I was a kid.
Catching lightning bugs. I don't why in the world we thought those poor little creatures would last in a glass jar with holes cut in the top, but we still caught them.
Playing in the pool. Momma had some really nice foam floats from Sam's and we would wet them down, line them up and put one end in the pool. We would open the gate for the fence, get a running start and land on the floats and see how far we could skim across the pool. We tore those floats to bits and pieces.
Playing softball at the ballfield behind the fire department or in Mike and Rachael's cow pasture. That's right folks, I said cow pasture.
Riding on the back of the truck up to the fire department.
Granny's flowers in bloom. I think that woman could grow dirt. One summer we were on our way to the beach and Granny was setting a brush pile on fire with a can of gas! She was older when she did this too.
Going to Topsail Island the week of the 4th every summer. I think that is the only time Daddy ever really took time off. Catching crabs with chicken legs, funniest thing I have ever seen and just had to try it.
Going out on the shrimp boat with Uncle George and Aunt Lib. Then eating what we caught, man alive, that was GOOD!
Eating pickles Doris made.
Swimming in Doris' pool after the softball games.
Cold watermelons!
Daddy hauling hay.
My cousin having to wear a life jacket in our 4 foot deep pool.
Graham crackers with peanut butter and Kool-Aid for afternoon snacks.
Sonya wearing a t-shirt in the pool and at the beach so she wouldn't get sunburned.
Hanging clothes on the clothes line.
Riding bikes.
Being outside all day at Ruby's, unless it was raining.
Ruby laying out in the sun and pouring baby oil on herself to get a better tan.
Spending a week or so with Nana and Papa Ed.
I will probably think of 1,000 more, after publishing this post. But, what are your favorite summer memories?
Catching lightning bugs. I don't why in the world we thought those poor little creatures would last in a glass jar with holes cut in the top, but we still caught them.
Playing in the pool. Momma had some really nice foam floats from Sam's and we would wet them down, line them up and put one end in the pool. We would open the gate for the fence, get a running start and land on the floats and see how far we could skim across the pool. We tore those floats to bits and pieces.
Playing softball at the ballfield behind the fire department or in Mike and Rachael's cow pasture. That's right folks, I said cow pasture.
Riding on the back of the truck up to the fire department.
Granny's flowers in bloom. I think that woman could grow dirt. One summer we were on our way to the beach and Granny was setting a brush pile on fire with a can of gas! She was older when she did this too.
Going to Topsail Island the week of the 4th every summer. I think that is the only time Daddy ever really took time off. Catching crabs with chicken legs, funniest thing I have ever seen and just had to try it.
Going out on the shrimp boat with Uncle George and Aunt Lib. Then eating what we caught, man alive, that was GOOD!
Eating pickles Doris made.
Swimming in Doris' pool after the softball games.
Cold watermelons!
Daddy hauling hay.
My cousin having to wear a life jacket in our 4 foot deep pool.
Graham crackers with peanut butter and Kool-Aid for afternoon snacks.
Sonya wearing a t-shirt in the pool and at the beach so she wouldn't get sunburned.
Hanging clothes on the clothes line.
Riding bikes.
Being outside all day at Ruby's, unless it was raining.
Ruby laying out in the sun and pouring baby oil on herself to get a better tan.
Spending a week or so with Nana and Papa Ed.
I will probably think of 1,000 more, after publishing this post. But, what are your favorite summer memories?
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Quiet Kids
Here is what happens when my kids get quiet. Sometimes it's not a good thing for them to get quiet. With Alex it normally means he is doing something he shouldn't.
Monday Alex climbed into the empty clothes basket and was just laying there quietly until I found him. Then he wanted his picture taken.
Brianna put hair clips in Alex's hair this afternoon. He thought it was funny!
Top Chef
Last night was the finale of Top Chef and Stephanie won. I am so excited that she won and is the first woman to do so!
Wednesday
What a crazy Wednesday we had. It started off with all of the kids grating on each others nerves. Brian was home working on a car. Brianna wore pajamas all day. I think it did her good though. She took a bath and put on clean pajamas. She told me last night that she needed a dilly dally, pajama day, so that's what she had. She has already put on clothes for today. Alex and I had to run to BJ's and Fractured Prune last night. We got caught in a storm. I had to pull over, the rain was so bad and I couldn't see. Brian called to say our power went out, it wasn't long, but still the power went out. Today we are staying home again, there is nowhere we need to go, so we are saving gas.
Our friends Joe and Ellie got great news at his doctors appointment on Tuesday. Joe's tumor has shrunk 80%! I am so excited for them.
Project 252 is having another fundraiser night on June 20, from 5-9 at Fractured Prune. 10% of money spent will got to the camp fund. Last time we had so much fun! Please come out and support this great cause!
Our friends Joe and Ellie got great news at his doctors appointment on Tuesday. Joe's tumor has shrunk 80%! I am so excited for them.
Project 252 is having another fundraiser night on June 20, from 5-9 at Fractured Prune. 10% of money spent will got to the camp fund. Last time we had so much fun! Please come out and support this great cause!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
First Day
Today is the first day of summer vacation and my kids are already getting on each other's nerves. It probably didn't help the matter that they were both awake at 6:30. It's going to be a long summer!
Yesterday was Bri's last day of school. I picked her up at 11, so she didn't have to go all day. At her award's ceremony she won the Striving to be the Best Award, she thought it was Starving to be the Best and the Citizenship Award. That's what last weeks note was about. They wanted parents to know the children were receiving an award, so they could try to be there. She had a great teacher this year. Mrs. Daniels was really caring and supportive. It scares me that in a couple of months Bri will be taking the EOG pretest and will be in third grade.
The Slip and Slide party went well yesterday. Liz, Joey, Nicole and Beth are such great kids and were careful with Brianna and The Littles around.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
New Word
I heard a word yesterday that I need to work into my everyday language. Behoove, it just sounds funny, but it means appropriate. We heard it last night when we were watching Bachelorette. So, if you hear me say behoove, just know that I am trying out my new word!
It would behoove you to read my blog!
It would behoove you to read my blog!
Monday
We went to Becca's fifth grade graduation last night. It's official Becca is officially a middle schooler. The principal got angry because the parents were clapping. Why is it a problem for parents to get excited and express themselves? Let them be proud of their babies. I know it's always a problem at graduation time. Parents making too much noise and other parents can't hear their child's name. The announcer should wait until the cheering is over and let the parents have their moment. I don't think administrators remember that graduation is not only about the students, it's also about parents who have helped with homework and projects. The principal also made a lot of parents angry last night, she was speaking to adults like we were children. At DARE graduation she called the parents down! I'm glad Brianna's principal is a little more laid back.
I learned that Brian has a new trait. He can put a whole cupcake in his mouth! That man never ceases to amaze me.
Today is the last day of school for Brianna. We are having an ice cream and slip and slide party this afternoon. Alex is ready to "sip and side." Stay tuned to find out what the note from the school was about!
I learned that Brian has a new trait. He can put a whole cupcake in his mouth! That man never ceases to amaze me.
Today is the last day of school for Brianna. We are having an ice cream and slip and slide party this afternoon. Alex is ready to "sip and side." Stay tuned to find out what the note from the school was about!
Monday, June 9, 2008
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Weekend Stuff
Friday we had Rock Group. Mr. David brought us a great message and introduced Alex to a new snack. He put vanilla wafers in an empty box of dog treats. So, Alex's new snack is "dog cackers." He walks around with his treat box eating his "cackers" out of it.
I got my jewelry order on Friday. I was like a kid at Christmas. Girls just love shiny, sparkly things!
Saturday we didn't do much of anything. I went to buy groceries early and after that we hung out at home and Brian worked on his project ALL day. I think he got a lot done, but not sure.
Sunday was a typical Sunday. I can't wait to listen to Jimmy's message on the internet. I was in the nursery today, so missed the first service. During the second service we were told by Travis to teach about something that we are passionate about. I talked to them about their value and their worth. Girls this age are so beaten down by their peers about their physical image. I just talked to them about being made in God's image, and he doesn't make junk. He also doesn't make mistakes.
After church Sonya and Amos came over for lunch. I has been a while since we have gotten together for lunch. We had a great time. We even broke out the Slip and Slide. Liz and Nicole came over to slide. I have tons of pictures, some I will post tomorrow.
Brianna has two days of school left. I can't believe this school year is over. Where did it go?
All in all we had a good weekend. I need to finish up some cards for Brianna's teachers, but that will wait until Alex is in the bed. It's hard to stamp with him up. He is too curious. He has started laying in the bed with me at night before he goes to bed. I enjoy that time with just him.
Please be praying for the Bateman family this week.
I got my jewelry order on Friday. I was like a kid at Christmas. Girls just love shiny, sparkly things!
Saturday we didn't do much of anything. I went to buy groceries early and after that we hung out at home and Brian worked on his project ALL day. I think he got a lot done, but not sure.
Sunday was a typical Sunday. I can't wait to listen to Jimmy's message on the internet. I was in the nursery today, so missed the first service. During the second service we were told by Travis to teach about something that we are passionate about. I talked to them about their value and their worth. Girls this age are so beaten down by their peers about their physical image. I just talked to them about being made in God's image, and he doesn't make junk. He also doesn't make mistakes.
After church Sonya and Amos came over for lunch. I has been a while since we have gotten together for lunch. We had a great time. We even broke out the Slip and Slide. Liz and Nicole came over to slide. I have tons of pictures, some I will post tomorrow.
Brianna has two days of school left. I can't believe this school year is over. Where did it go?
All in all we had a good weekend. I need to finish up some cards for Brianna's teachers, but that will wait until Alex is in the bed. It's hard to stamp with him up. He is too curious. He has started laying in the bed with me at night before he goes to bed. I enjoy that time with just him.
Please be praying for the Bateman family this week.
Friday, June 6, 2008
New Website
I just found a great new website. Wordduck.com is a place to play word games. The only game they have up is Dunk a Duck and it is a hangman game. You can play the easy, normal, or hard games and a lot of different catagories. It would be a great game for kids. When school starts back, you can even make custom word lists with their spelling or vocabulary words. I wasted about an hour on there this morning! The best thing about it, it's FREE, even if you join to make your own word lists!
Haircuts and Notes
Yesterday was spent cleaning house. I cleaned both bathrooms and part of the kitchen before The Littles needed anything. I even cleaned the mirrors in the bathroom. A tip for cleaning the bathroom mirrors: Run the shower on super hot and let the mirrors steam, then wipe with a dry bath towel. Alex helped with the bathrooms and then played he and Olivia played with edible playdough while I clean the kitchen.
Brianna got a note home from school yesterday. She is a great kid, but when I see that sealed envelope with "Parents of Brianna Taylor" written on it, it makes me a little nervous. I won't tell you what it was about right now, but will later.
Alex got a haircut last night. Brittany at Great Clips in Harrisburg is so good with him. He sat in the chair by himself. It was the first time he has had a haircut that I didn't have to hold him on my lap. He was so proud of himself too. He also knows where they keep the suckers, so he was looking at the cabinet asking for a sucker.
Edible Playdough
from Cooks.com
1 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
Add enough water to make a dough consistency. Chill and have fun!
I keep this in a Ziploc bag in the fridge and just pull it out when the kids are getting restless. Give them some plastic cookie cutters and they play for a while. The kids love playing with this and all the adults that have been through here have tasted it. My parents even tried it last weekend.
Brianna got a note home from school yesterday. She is a great kid, but when I see that sealed envelope with "Parents of Brianna Taylor" written on it, it makes me a little nervous. I won't tell you what it was about right now, but will later.
Alex got a haircut last night. Brittany at Great Clips in Harrisburg is so good with him. He sat in the chair by himself. It was the first time he has had a haircut that I didn't have to hold him on my lap. He was so proud of himself too. He also knows where they keep the suckers, so he was looking at the cabinet asking for a sucker.
Edible Playdough
from Cooks.com
1 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
Add enough water to make a dough consistency. Chill and have fun!
I keep this in a Ziploc bag in the fridge and just pull it out when the kids are getting restless. Give them some plastic cookie cutters and they play for a while. The kids love playing with this and all the adults that have been through here have tasted it. My parents even tried it last weekend.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Fasting
Travis asked the youth leaders to fast from something for the 48 days before camp. I really didn't know what to fast from at first, but finally decided on McDonald's. Alex and I have a habit of stopping by after we drop Brianna off at school and often we will go for lunch too. It's so convenient, they just built one near our house and we pass it every morning after school drop off. Alex even asked for a biscuit this morning, but we came home to eat our blueberry muffin. Not only will I save some money, I may even lose a little weight!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Poor Baby
Alex fell and hurt his nose and face right under his eye. He was already bruising in both places by the time he ran to me crying. He was, of course, doing something he shouldn't have been. So he got to sit on the couch with an ice pack on his face. Now, he is back to doing things he shouldn't so I am guessing he is fine.
Interesting Morning
I had an interesting drive on my morning errands today.
I heard on the radio that the great state of North Carolina has decided that since it is hard for sex offenders to find a place to live after they are released from jail or prison, they will house them in a motel. That's right folks with our tax money we will be paying for these people to live in motels. I know there are all kinds of restrictions on where sex offenders can live, but let me tell you something, if one of them hurt one of my kids, we wouldn't have to worry about where they are living. It just makes me ill, that some people hurt children.
On a lighter and funnier note, Alex was singing one of his favorite songs in the car and it just cracks me up. He likes the song Shift Work by George Strait and Kenny Chesney. One line of the song is, "a big ole pile of shift work." Well, Alex says, "pile of shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii work!" I'm glad he didn't put an ending on that one word! Olivia might go home saying new words to her parents.
I heard on the radio that the great state of North Carolina has decided that since it is hard for sex offenders to find a place to live after they are released from jail or prison, they will house them in a motel. That's right folks with our tax money we will be paying for these people to live in motels. I know there are all kinds of restrictions on where sex offenders can live, but let me tell you something, if one of them hurt one of my kids, we wouldn't have to worry about where they are living. It just makes me ill, that some people hurt children.
On a lighter and funnier note, Alex was singing one of his favorite songs in the car and it just cracks me up. He likes the song Shift Work by George Strait and Kenny Chesney. One line of the song is, "a big ole pile of shift work." Well, Alex says, "pile of shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii work!" I'm glad he didn't put an ending on that one word! Olivia might go home saying new words to her parents.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Dentist
I hate going to the dentist. Honestly, just walking into the dentist office makes me sweat, even when the visit is for Brianna. I hate it even worse when Novicane is involved. My heart actually starts racing when I see the needle. Dr. Ney and his dental assistant Susan, who are awesome, have started hiding the needles when I walk in. I had to have a root canal a couple of months ago, it's not as bad as I had been told it was. I have to have a cap for the root canal tooth, I went today to get my permanent cap and it didn't fit and the color didn't match my real teeth. Here I am all numbed up for no reason. So, I have to go back in a couple of weeks get numbed again and get my permanent cap. I was so mad and dreading another trip to the dentist.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Weekend
Wow, what a weekend! It's over and that makes me a little sad. I love having weekends when Brian is not working on homework and we just kind of hang out. He is waiting on a shipment so he can start his Senior Design Project. Today, after church we did absolutly nothing. It's not often I get to say that. I had a ton of things to do, but instead we all took a NAP. The sweeping and vaccuming will all wait. There is nothing better than watching the beginning of the race, sleeping through the middle, and watching the end, on a Sunday afternoon. I'm not a big fan of Saturday night races, I almost always miss the end.
I am very sore from yesterday's Slip and Slide session with Liz and the kids. I'm ready to go again, not today, but maybe next weekend after I have recovered. We are having a School's Out Slip and Slide and Ice Cream Sundae party next Tuesday after everyone gets home from school. This is the first time we have really celebrated the end of the school year. Brianna is really looking forward to her summer plans.
I have been doing pretty decent on my diet and exercise plan. Actually I am quite proud of myself, I walked 3 days last week. This week, I am going for 5!
Tonight The Next Food Network Star begins. I'm so excited, yes I am a food nerd.
I didn't teach in Project 252 today and really missed it. I didn't think I would, but it felt weird to be at the 11:00 service and not in with the youth. In two weeks three of our girls will move up to the high school group to hang out with Sonya and April. I will miss those girls, but am looking forward to the girls moving up to our middle school group. I am more than a little nervous, Jimmy's (our pastor) daughter will be with us. I am really excited about the lesson I have planned for next week. Travis challenged us to talk to the kids like we will never talk to them again. I immediately knew what I would be talking to them about. I have been planning this lesson for about 3-4 weeks.
Here is a recipe that is fast becoming a favorite of the Taylor family:
Fried Corn
4 Tbsp. butter
1 (16 oz) bag frozen corn, defrosted
3 Tbsp. white sugar or honey
1/3 cup heavy cream
Salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. When butter is foamy, add the corn and stir to coat with the butter. Cook stirring frequently for 1 minute. Add sugar or honey and cook for 2 minutes more. Increase heat to high and add heavy cream, continue to stir so corn won't stick. Add salt and pepper. Cook corn until most of the cream has absorbed, about 5 more minutes. Remove and serve hot.
I got this from Food Network's website. We saw it on an episode of Sandra Lee, I normally don't like her but Brian and I both thought this recipe might be worth trying. I don't defrost my corn. Honestly, I just forget to do it. So I throw it into the pan frozen and it comes out just fine. We really like this!
I am very sore from yesterday's Slip and Slide session with Liz and the kids. I'm ready to go again, not today, but maybe next weekend after I have recovered. We are having a School's Out Slip and Slide and Ice Cream Sundae party next Tuesday after everyone gets home from school. This is the first time we have really celebrated the end of the school year. Brianna is really looking forward to her summer plans.
I have been doing pretty decent on my diet and exercise plan. Actually I am quite proud of myself, I walked 3 days last week. This week, I am going for 5!
Tonight The Next Food Network Star begins. I'm so excited, yes I am a food nerd.
I didn't teach in Project 252 today and really missed it. I didn't think I would, but it felt weird to be at the 11:00 service and not in with the youth. In two weeks three of our girls will move up to the high school group to hang out with Sonya and April. I will miss those girls, but am looking forward to the girls moving up to our middle school group. I am more than a little nervous, Jimmy's (our pastor) daughter will be with us. I am really excited about the lesson I have planned for next week. Travis challenged us to talk to the kids like we will never talk to them again. I immediately knew what I would be talking to them about. I have been planning this lesson for about 3-4 weeks.
Here is a recipe that is fast becoming a favorite of the Taylor family:
Fried Corn
4 Tbsp. butter
1 (16 oz) bag frozen corn, defrosted
3 Tbsp. white sugar or honey
1/3 cup heavy cream
Salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. When butter is foamy, add the corn and stir to coat with the butter. Cook stirring frequently for 1 minute. Add sugar or honey and cook for 2 minutes more. Increase heat to high and add heavy cream, continue to stir so corn won't stick. Add salt and pepper. Cook corn until most of the cream has absorbed, about 5 more minutes. Remove and serve hot.
I got this from Food Network's website. We saw it on an episode of Sandra Lee, I normally don't like her but Brian and I both thought this recipe might be worth trying. I don't defrost my corn. Honestly, I just forget to do it. So I throw it into the pan frozen and it comes out just fine. We really like this!
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