Wednesday

I'm really glad that today has started and that yesterday is over. I know that sounds horrible, but it's true. A bus from Cabarrus Co. flipped over on 77 yesterday morning while on the way to a field trip. As soon as I heard, I got a sinking feeling in my stomach. I knew someone on that field trip. Did the kid I know go to that school? One call to a friend and my suspicions were confirmed. The girl I know was on the field trip, but thank God she was not on the bus that flipped. Last night on the news they were showing the teachers hugging each kid as they walked into the police station to wait on parents. Even the "tough" guys were waiting on their hugs. Those teachers kept it together and that's amazing.

Then, yesterday afternoon we were all playing outside. Bri wanted to play volleyball, so she runs to the house to go get a ball. The door was LOCKED! That's right, I was locked out with 4 kids. Bri wanted to know who did it, I told her it didn't matter, that stuff happens. It was no big deal. We were playing anyway. I called Brian from a neighbor's phone and he rescued us, thank goodness it wasn't one of those nights where he had to work until midnight or after. I did have a little melt down before he got here. I guess the events of the day were wearing on me. I was so ready to go to bed last night and curl up with my new House of Night book and go to sleep. I couldn't get settled to get to sleep. I think a nap is in order this afternoon.

People are freaking out over the pig flu (swine sounds funny to me). I'm wondering if it's that big a deal. Isn't it just a strain of the flu? I understand if you have respritory problems or a baby, but if you are healthy?

Tuesday

The last couple of days have been weird. I'm trying to make some decisions about things and the weather has been beautiful. The kids are playing outside more, which means good naps. It also means not a lot of computer time for me.

Monday afternoon I found out that Sonya and Amos are having a baby girl. I'm so excited!

Tuesday Brianna had a field trip to Latta Plantation and she had a great time. She came home telling me all about it. I think she would like just about any kind of field trip, it gets them out of school for the day.

Last night I made a new recipe that I got from 5dollardinners.com. I'm telling you go check out the website. I have another website that Jenny told me about that I am looking through. www.orgjunkie.com is the name and it's full of recipes, just look under Meal Plan Monday. It also has a lot of tips for organizing your home.

Impossible Cheeseburger Pie

3/4 lb ground beef
1/2 onion, finely chopped
1 can chopped tomatoes, drained well
1 1/2 cups water or milk
3 eggs
3/4 cup Bisquick
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup shredded cheddar chese

Brown ground beef and onion in a skillet, drain. Place meat in the bottom of a greased pie plate. Add tomatoes to the meat and mix through. In a medium bowl, whisk milk/water, eggs, Bisquick, salt and pepper. Pour over meat mixture. Bake at 400 for 25 minutes. Remove and add shredded cheese to top. Bake another 5 minutes. Remove and let cool a few minutes before serving.

I used milk with the Bisquick. The Bisquick mixture is very thin, mine flowed over the pie plate. So, I put a cookie sheet under it. Anyway, this was really good. Next time I may put some crumbled bacon on top!

Fatty

Brianna was called a fatty today by someone. I quickly handled the situation with the offending kid, but really got to thinking about how one little word can tear someone down. How can I teach her to not let it tear her down? I'm just now learning this and I'm 33! So, how can I teach an 8 year old that no one has the right to speak to her that way and that she shouldn't believe it? We talked about it tonight and she is hurt by it, as she should be. I tried to reassure her and love on her. Anyone have any suggestions?

Weekend Update

We had a busy weekend. Friday Brian had to work late, so the kids and I played outside and watched some TV. Saturday, Brian had to work again. The middle school girls were meeting at Studio Impact for a Zumba class. It was so much fun. We had a great time and laughed a lot! That afternoon we met up with Brian at Siemens' fish fry. It was the first time since Monday that the kids had seen Brian. They were very excited to go to Daddy's work. He even took them in to see his office. Saturday night the kids and I headed over to Rocky River Coffee to listen to Darren sing (Brian was catching up on some much needed sleep). Darren is our new worship pastor at church and he did an awesome job. He even sang some of the songs that he has written, that is one talented guy! It was also nice to hang out with people from church. We had a great time.

Sunday was church and a meeting afterward. Church was good. We are ramping up a building campaign. Youth camp has been moved from Myrtle Beach to the land. After everyone's initial shock, I think we are settling into the idea. I am excited. I wasn't going to camp this year, cost and not wanting to take the time from the kids. Now, I can help out more. I can't be there all day, The Littles couldn't handle that, but I can help out a lot more. There are still a lot of details to work out, but I think this is going to be a good thing.

I'm really looking forward to Rock Group on Friday. I am in need of a nugget from Mr. David and just having everyone around. I have been feeling out of sorts lately. I think I need some alone time. Not alone during nap time, but alone with no one around. It's almost like a craving. We as a family are also in need of a vacation. We just need some time to unplug from what is going on around us and just spend time together as a family. With Brian's new job, he is working a lot of overtime, it's nice for the paycheck, but it's taking a toll on him. We just need to find a place to get away so he can rest and we can reconnect as a family. Maybe that's what has me out of sorts, who knows.

Sorry

I want to apologize to all the catepillars that are brave enough to come into our yard. They are being carried around and aggrevated to death. Alex walked up to me yesterday afternoon and asked if I wanted to see his "little fella." It was hilarious. He had named it little fella. Brianna got her catepillar in class yesterday. She named it Beyonce! I think she was a little upset because her's was "tiny." They are keeping a journal each day to see how it changes. At the end they are releasing their butterflies.

I am loving the weather lately. It's warmer, but not too hot. I don't like the too hot, unless I am in the pool. I am heading to the park with The Littles today. Maybe they will get a good nap this afternoon if I let them play for a couple hours. I'm hoping they do anyway, so I can watch last nights Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice and Hell's Kitchen.

The Middle School Girls are going to Zumba tomorrow morning. I can't wait to get in there with them and just have a great time.

Nothing Much

Nothing much has been happening around here. Brianna is excited about a suprise that is supposed to be on their desks at school either today or tomorrow. She couldn't stand the wait, so she asked a boy in her class that was in third grade last year. He told her they would get catepillars to watch the life cycle. She really used her resources on that one. We also found two cocoons on the back porch yesterday, so we are all watching those.


SOMETHING TO HANG YOUR HAT ON-THE CRACKED POT

An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole which she carried across her neck. One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walks from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, but the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream. 'I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house.'

The old woman smiled, 'Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side? That's because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them.
For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house.'

Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. You've just got to take each person for what they are and look for the good in them. SO, to you, my crackpot friends, have a great day and remember to smell the flowers on your side of the path!

And that's something you can hang your hat on.

$5 Dinners

I've been reading this blog for quite a while and have not shared. I found the link on Kate's blog. Here's the link: www.5dollardinners.com. Erin is awesome and makes each meal for $5, that's right she feeds her family of 4 for $5 a meal! Check her out for some GREAT money saving tips, and who doesn't like saving money!

Back in the Swing

We are slowly but surely getting back in the swing of things around here. Last week's Spring Break was so nice. Now it's back to school, getting up early, making lunches, Olivia, and a little more structure. I have this horrible cough due to allergies. It's much worse at night, of course cause that's bedtime. How can my allergies be bothering me if I have not stopped taking my Zyrtec?!?! I walked outside Monday and could just see the pollen swirling around. We need a really good rain to knock this stuff out. We were supposed to get some both Monday and Tuesday, but didn't.

I am in the middle of reading "Have a New Kid by Friday." It's a really good book, has a lot of practical advice, and isn't geared toward a two parent home (which is good for some of my single mom friends). I also picked up Betrayed, the second in the House of Night series, Monday and finished it last night. It's about vampires and is written for young adults, but I would rate it PG 15 or 16. It's written for older kids than Twilight was. It's a good series though. The authors of The House of Night series were on Rachael Ray Monday and it's a mother and daughter team. Now, I'm stuck on the waiting list for Number 3 at the library.

Crack me Up!

Alex has been quite full of himself lately.

SOMETHING TO HANG YOUR HAT ON-HANDS
I've never given much thought to my hands and what they've done all these years.

An old man, probably some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the park bench. He didn't move, just sat with his head down staring at his hands.

When I sat down beside him he didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat I wondered if he was ok.

Finally, not really wanting to disturb him but wanting to check on him at the same time, I asked him if he was ok.

He raised his head and looked at me and smiled. "Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking," he said in a clear strong voice.

"I didn't mean to disturb you, sir, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were ok?" I explained to him.

"Have you ever looked at your hands?" he asked. "I mean really looked at your hands."

I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point he was making.

Then he smiled and related this story: "Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years.

These hands, though wrinkled, shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life.

They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots.

They dried the tears of my children and caressed the love of my life. They held my rifle and wiped my tears when I went off to war. They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent.

They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special.

They wrote the letters home and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse and when I walked my daughter down the aisle. Yet, they were strong and sure when I dug my buddy out of a foxhole and lifted a plow off of my best friends foot.

They have held children, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand. They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw.

And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer. These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of my life.

But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And He won't care about where these hands have been or what they have done. What He will care about is to whom these hands belong and how much He loves these hands.

No doubt I will never look at my hands the same again.

I never saw the old man again after I left the park that day but I will never forget him and the words he spoke. When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my child I think of the man in the park. I have a feeling he has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God. I, too, want to touch HIS face of and feel HIS hands upon mine.

And that's something to hang your hat on.

Weekend Update

We had a very busy weekend. Friday night was Rock Group. We had a lot of people missing, but had a great time anyway.

Saturday morning, we went to the Harrisburg Y for their Healthy Kids Day. The kids had a great time playing on the inflatables and dancing.

The kids with Mrs. Sherry. She popped Alex's balloon sword. He looked at her and said, "Aww, you did it." It was funny. Then he popped the rest of it. The kids love Sherry.

Alex dancing with Sherry and Tiffani.

Project 252 volunteered for the event. I snapped a picture of my Middle School girls.

Sunday was church. I hadn't heard a sermon in so long, I soaked in every word. I even had to find a staff member to answer a few questions I had. I asked Robin, but she said I was too deep for her. We read the passage in John where Jesus asks Peter if he loves him. Jimmy told us this was Jesus' way of getting Peter to forgive himself for betraying Jesus before his crucifixation. One of my questions was: Do we have to forgive ourselves for God to forgive us? Or does he often forgive us before we forgive ourselves? I talked to Randy and he said that most times, God forgives us before we forgive ourselves. How awesome is that?! I've often thought that things I have done were too bad for God to forgive me for, that I'm not good enough for his forgiveness/love. Why is it so hard fo us to let our past go and stop reliving the hurt? I told you, I soaked in every word.

I made a new recipe last night. My Aunt Carolyn has been making this and left me out of the loop :). Momma gave me the recipe when we went up there Wednesday.

Chicken Barley Chili

1 (14 1/2 oz) tomatoes, diced and undrained

1 (16 oz) jar salsa or tomato sauce

1 (14 1/2 oz) can fat free chicken broth

1 cup Quaker Quick Barley

3 cups water

1 Tbsp. chili powder

1 tsp. cumin

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can corn, whole kernel or corn with peppers, undrained

3 cups chicken breasts, cooked and cut into bite sized pieces

In a 6 quart saucepan, combine the first 7 ingredients. Over high heat bring to a boil; cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add beans, corn and chicken; increase heat to high until chili comes to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for another 5 minutes or until barley is tender. If the chili becomes to thick while standing, add more chicken broth or water.

This was really good and made a huge pot full. My aunt freezes it for quick lunches or suppers. Brianna took some leftover for lunch today. The rest is in the fridge for leftover night. I followed the recipe, but used frozen corn (that's what I had). I also added some red pepper flakes, it needed a little spice. The kids still ate it, so it wasn't too hot.

No Words

They say a picture is worth a thousand words:

Gross!!

I learned today that little boys and catepillars don't mix! The poor little creatures were in fear for their lives. He just has no concept of being gentle. He was being sweet though, telling them to take a nap and yes even kissing them goodnight. Which if you know me at all, you know I was so grossed out. I didn't say anything to him though. I don't want to influence the kids when it comes to what freaks them out and what doesn't. Brianna has this cool looking bruise. It looks like a heart from the side. She wanted a picture of it! She also has no idea where she got it.

Something to Hang your Hat On

THE SEED

A successful business man was growing old and knew it was time to choose a successor to take over the business.

Instead of choosing one of his Directors or his children, he decided to do something different. He called all the young
executives in his company together.

He said, "It is time for me to step down and choose the next CEO. I have decided to choose one of you. "The young executives were shocked, but the boss continued. "I am going to give each one of you a SEED today - one very special SEED. I want you to plant the seed, water it, and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from the seed I have given you. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next CEO."

One man, named Jim, was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly, told his wife the story. She helped him get a pot, soil and compost and he planted the seed. Everyday, he would water it and watch to see if it had grown. After about three weeks, some of the other executives began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow.

Jim kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew. Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by, still nothing. By now, others were talking about their plants, but Jim didn't have a plant and he felt like a failure.

Six months went by -- still nothing in Jim's pot. He just knew he had killed his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. Jim didn't say anything to his colleagues, however. He just kept watering and fertilizing the soil - He so wanted the seed to grow.

A year finally went by and all the young executives of the company brought their plants to the CEO for inspection.

Jim told his wife that he wasn't going to take an empty pot. But she asked him to be honest about what happened. Jim felt sick to his stomach, it was going to be the most embarrassing moment of his life, but he knew his wife was right. He took his empty pot to the board room. When Jim arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other executives. They were beautiful -- in all shapes and sizes. Jim put his empty pot on the floor and many of his colleagues laughed, a few felt sorry for him!

When the CEO arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted his young executives.

Jim just tried to hide in the back. "My, what great plants, trees, and flowers you have grown," said the CEO. "Today one of you will be appointed the next CEO!"

All of a sudden, the CEO spotted Jim at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered the Financial Director to bring him to the front. Jim was terrified. He thought, "The CEO knows I'm a failure! Maybe he will have me fired!"

When Jim got to the front, the CEO asked him what had happened to his seed - Jim told him the story.

The CEO asked everyone to sit down except Jim. He looked at Jim, and then announced to the young executives, "Behold your next Chief Executive Officer!

His name is Jim!" Jim couldn't believe it. Jim couldn't even grow his seed.

"How could he be the new CEO?" the others said.

Then the CEO said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone in this room a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it,
and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled seeds; they were dead - it was not possible for them to grow.

All of you, except Jim, have brought me trees and plants and flowers. When you found that the seed would not grow, you
substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Jim was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with
my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new Chief Executive Officer!"

* If you plant honesty, you will reap trust
* If you plant goodness, you will reap friends
* If you plant humility, you will reap greatness
* If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment
* If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective
* If you plant hard work, you will reap success
* If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation
* If you plant faith, you will reap a harvest

So, be careful what you plant now; it will determine what you will reap later.

And that's something you can hang your hat on.

Wednesday

It's been busy around here. I love having Bri home and just being with my kids. Wednesday we went to my mom's. Alex is obsessed with horses lately, so we headed over to my cousins to let him see some horses. He was a little timid around them. I don't know why. When we got home he kept telling me that the brown horse was eating his hair. The horse wasn't really eating his hair. Alex was walking along the fence and the horse was hanging it's head over. Well, Alex is the right height for the horses head to brush the top of Alex's head. He jumped back and started rubbing his head. It was pretty funny. This is the horse Alex said was eating his hair! Alex with my dad. Brianna wasn't scared at all. The brown horse was so friendly and let us all pet it and was even resting it's head on our shoulders. We had a great visit with the family. We all invaded Sonya's office for her birthday. After we went to her office, Momma and Daddy walked with the kids up and down the sidewalk while I went in the scrapbook store. I got some brads that look like screws. I can't wait to use them! So excited.

I don't want Spring Break to end. I am loving sleeping late, and the kids are loving me getting up to cook breakfast every morning. My allergies are kicking my butt. I'm taking my Zyrtec like I am supposed to, but still have the sore throat and runny nose. Cleaning house today. We have RG tonight and I haven't started cleaning.

Something to Hang your Hat on

Everyday around 6 pm on 103.7 during the Charlie and Debbie show Charlie gives a little nugget to ponder over and think about. Sometimes they are very serious, but today's was lighhearted and fun. I am going to start posting some of the ones that really speak to me and make me think. Here's today's:


SOMETHING TO HANG YOUR HAT ON-A SATISFIED TAXPAYER

On this day, which for some can be extremely painful (been there), I thought we'd keep things light-hearted. Now before I read this, I must tell you that I do NOT recommend you follow this person's lead in dealing with the oppressive arm of the government commonly referred to as the IRS.

Dear Internal Revenue Service:

On this April 15th tax return due date you will find enclosed my 2008 tax return showing that I owe $3,407.00 in taxes.

Please note the attached article from the USA Today newspaper, dated 12 November, wherein you will see the Pentagon (Department of Defense) is paying $171.50 per hammer and NASA has paid $600.00 per toilet seat.

I am enclosing four (4) toilet seats (valued @ $2,400) and six (6) hammers (valued @ $1,029), which I secured at Home Depot, bringing my total remittance to $3,429.00. Please apply the overpayment of $22.00 to the "Presidential Election Fund," as noted on my return.

You can do this inexpensively by sending them one (1) 1.5 inch Phillips Head screw (see aforementioned article from USA Today newspaper detailing how H.U.D. pays $22.00 each for 1.5 inch Phillips Head Screws). One screw is enclosed for your convenience.

To recap my enclosures:
Four toilet seats
Six hammers
and
One screw

It has been a pleasure to pay my tax bill this year, and I look forward to paying it again next year.

Sincerely,
A Satisfied Taxpayer

And that's something you can hang your hat on.

Happy Birthday

Today is my sister, Sonya's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! We will see you in a little bit.

Weekend Update...

a day late. We had a very busy weekend. Friday night Bri and I went out in the hail storm to see the new Hannah Montana movie. It was good. Friends of ours also went, so it was good to see them there. We went to the GEM Theatre in Kannapolis and it is a gem. I think with tickets, drinks and snacks, the total for our night out was a whopping $12. If you don't know about the GEM check it out!

Saturday was spent cleaning the house while Brian did some car maintance. Then we met up with some people from our church at the Kannapolis Intimidators game. We had a great time! It was so nice hanging out with people that we normally only see on Sunday and just talking and hanging out.

Bri and her friend with the crocodile mascot. It was the first time Bri had a friend go somewhere with us and I have to say, they were very well behaved. Alex with the crocodile. Alex kept wanting to touch him. On the other hand, he didn't quite know about hanging out with Dub. He wanted to give him five, just not have his picture taken. Brian came to the rescue and helped him out!

There was a BBQ contest going on in the parking lot. For $5 you got a wristband and could go around and sample as much BBQ as you wanted. One team had on these shirts and I thought they were hilarious, so Brian snapped a picture.


Brian said the papparazzi was at the game.

Sunday at church I missed the message, AGAIN! I may have to drop one area where I serve. It's really just getting to be too much. I did get to sneak in and see the cardboard confessions. Thanks Robin and Karen for letting me go. I was crying from the beginning and it didn't get any better. I think I cried the whole time. It was just so moving to sit there and read about how God had saved these people from one thing or another, from drugs and alcohol to suicidal boyfriends. It really made me think, what would my confession be? Would it be one thing in particular, or would I be like the one who said his cardboard wasn't big enough? I don't think anyone's cardboard is big enough, but is there one thing that sticks out in your mind that you just KNOW God made happen? Is there one saving moment or does He save us everyday? Are we constantly writing on our cardboard?

After church the kids needed naps, so I brought them home and they both slept for 2 hours! Then Sonya and Amos and my mom and dad came over for lunch. It was fun talking to them and just being goofy. Sonya and I hid eggs for the kids to hunt.

Monday was my last day with Olivia this week. They headed to Indiana to visit family. I don't know what I am going to do with just Bri and Alex. I only have two kids in the house. I'm used to a houseful. It will be nice though. Bri stayed in her pajamas most of the day for her first dilly dally day of the week. Then she went to Zumba with me last night. She just told me that she doesn't know if she will go back, that Zumba wears her out.

I tried a new recipe Friday night and it was GOOD! I have only made one other Paula Deen recipe and this was the second.

Chicken Georgia

4 Tbsp. butter

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms

2 Tbsp. minced shallots

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

4 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese

Melt butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms and shallots and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook 10 minutes. Add chicken and cook 10 minutes on each side or until tender. Transfer chicken to a platter and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Top with mushroom mixture. Cook and let stand for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

I didn't transfer, I just left it all in the pan on the stove. It seemed much easier that way.

Wild Day

Today has been one wild and crazy day. It started at Brianna's Honor Roll Assembly at school. There were two moms beside us that talked the ENTIRE time. I don't know why they were there. I thought the man in front of us was going to smack them, and the grandma in front of us kept giving them her best shut up look, but they could care less. The Littles were better behaved than these two women. We then headed out to Trader Joe's to get Brian some sandwich bread. The have no sodium bread there. Then to BJ's for turkey burgers. Their turkey burgers have about 400 mg of sodium and are more expensive, so we headed to Wal Mart for the burgers with 85 mg of sodium. While we were there, The Littles had their picture taken with the Easter bunny. I will go pick them up when I run over there to pick up my Easter gift for my secret sister. Anyway, it was a busy start to a busy weekend. I will post lots of pictures on Monday!

Worn Out!

I am honestly worn out this week. I haven't been sleeping well. I'm living off coffee. I have one of my girls on my mind this week. As a youth leader, it's hard for me to turn off mom mode. Actually, I don't know if I should. Maybe these girls need me to be mom and friend. I just want to wrap this kid in my arms and make all the bad go away. It's hard enough being a kid today, add to that all the crap that adults throw at these kids and it makes it worse.

Anyway, I am looking forward to Spring Break next week. Olivia will not be here, so for the first time in a long time, it will be just me and my kids. We are going to paint more art for the house, plant some flowers, and I would love to visit Nana one day. All that, plus getting ready for Rock Group will make for a busy week, but that will be just fine with me. I would love for Brianna to have at least one dilly dally day, that's what we call those days when you don't get out of pajamas. She needs the down time. I think it will be good for all of us.

I've started watching The Real Housewives on Bravo lately. It just amazes me that people actually live this way. Seriously, this week the Duchess was volunteering with a group of girls who are learning about raising their self-esteeem. One girl told Duchess that she wants to be a model when she grows up. Well, Duchess told her that she had a pretty face, and that losing weight was easy. SHE TOLD A GIRL IN A SELF-ESTEEM GROUP SHE NEEDS TO LOSE WEIGHT. Wake up! No one cares that you are the Duchess of whatever. Have some common sense. You are there to teach these girls about raising their self-esteem. I really don't know why I watch it, it's kind of like a train wreck, you just have to stop and look.

Mamasita

Yesterday afternoon I was putting Alex in the truck and he looked at me and said, "I'm gettin in my car seat Mamasita." Where in the world does he come up with this stuff?! You can always count on him for a laugh though.

Brianna got her report card yesterday. I honestly was worried about it. She has not been bringing home the best grades lately. I prayed all day for her to be having a good day and for me to have patience with whatever she brought home. Her report card was fantastic. She made straight A's again. I don't know how long this will last, so we will take it while we can get it.

This is one of the songs I always stop and listen to when it's on the radio:


Here's the recipe that I promised yesterday. It's from Rachael Ray's Yum-O.

Turkey Bologese Pasta

1/4 cup olive oil
3 lbs lean ground turkey
3 medium carrots, peeled and grated
2 onions, grated or finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, grated
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 bay leaf, fresh or dry
2 cups regular or low-sodium chicken broth
2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
1 lb. whole wheat spaghetti
1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Romano cheese

Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta.

Preheat a large Dutch oven or deep pot over medium-high heat with the EVOO. Add the turkey and, using the back of a wooden spoon, break up the meat into small pieces. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes to start the browning proess, then stir in the carrots, onions, and garlic. Season liberlly with salt and pepper, add the bay leaf and cook for 5 minutes more, then stir in the stock and the tomatoes. Bring up to a bubble, then drop the heat to low and simmer for 5 to 6 minutes while you cook the pasta. Discard the bay leaf. Toss the pasta with the cheese and 2 cups of the sauce.

Cool leftover sauce before storing in the refrigerator.

I pretty much followed the recipe, but did not use the Parmigiano-Reggiano or Romano cheeses, I just used the shaker cheese that we had in the fridge.

Here's the rollover recipe we tried last night:

Turkey Vegetable Chili

2 Tbsp. EVOO
2 small zucchini, grated
1 (10 oz) box frozen corn
1 (14 oz) can black beans or kidney beans, rinsed and drained
2 Tbsp. chili powder
3 to 4 cup leftover Turkey Bolognese sauce
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper Jacok or smoked cheddar cheese
Crushed tortilla chips

Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat with the EVOO. Add the grated zucchini and cook until soft, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the frozen corn, beans and the chili powder. Add the Bolognese sauce and bring up to a bubble. Season with salt and pepper to taste and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes.

To serve, ladle the chili into bowls ad top with cheese and crushed chips.

The only thing I would change, is I would grate the zucchini and put in the original sauce. Both of these were super easy and Brianna helped me cook! I know that's fun for her. One of the things I like about this cookbook is that it tells you what the kids can do. With the leftover sauce supper came together in no time last night.

Monday

Yesterday afternoon I let the kids play outside. I had the back door open and was cleaning the kitchen while they played in the backyard. They played so good. I went out to check on them if things got too quiet. They were playing in the dirt and digging. I had to give my two a bath when they came in. I'm sure Zack's mom had to do the same. They were outside for about 2 hours. This is what I found when I went out to check on them one time: Alex was hiding in the turtle sandbox. He was having a great time in there getting all dirty. I have realized that Alex is a little dirt magnet!

Alex was already asleep when I got home from Zumba at 8:00. He was tired. This is how I found him asleep in my bed: Yep, that's a Barbie leg he is holding in his hand.


I had to run some errands yesterday morning and The Littles were so good while we were out. I think they are getting tired of sitting in the house.


I have two new recipes to post tomorrow. I tried one over the weekend and it rolls over into another recipe. They are Rachael Ray recipes and I have to say this is the first of her recipes that I have made that didn't frustrate me and make me want to throw the cookbook away. I bought RR's Yum-O cookbook and it's wonderful. Most of the recipes are kids friendly and each recipe has a list of the things kids can help you do! So, I will post the recipes tomorrow.

Weekend Update

This weekend was crazy busy. Brian worked Friday and Saturday. I mean he went in at 6:30 Friday morning, got home around 1:00 Saturday morning, they called at 3:00 Saturday morning, he went in at 4:30 am and got home Saturday night around 8. Needless to say he slept a lot Sunday. He was so tired.

Saturday morning we headed out to the Rocky River Church Easter Egg Hunt. It was fun. The kids had a good time.

Alex loved seeing the Easter Bunny. He kept wanting to touch it!

Alex was like a human vaccum cleaner when it came to getting eggs this year.

Brianna's eggs. We won't need any candy for a long time! When we saw the Easter Bunny, the helpers were handing out candy and Brianna got the last piece of candy that a little girl wanted. She let the little girl have it and she got something else. I told her that was very nice of her to give up something she wanted to someone else. She went over to the information table and got another one, but still she did the right thing.

Then we got some lunch and went to the Memorial Gardens on Spring Street in Concord to make pictures. I got some great pictures this time. I want to take them back in a couple weeks, the azaleas should be in full bloom by then. Alex was more cooperative this year, probably because he is older and I let him carry around a stick he found. I had to put the stick in my pocket when I wanted to take a picture of him. I want to make some of the pictures black and white. Here are some of the ones of the kids playing around: Smelling the flowers. I don't know what he is telling her. The kids love all the fountains. They wanted to play in the water. I don't know what was in this bush, but Alex was checking it out! I'm just glad a bee didn't sting his nose! Brianna wanted her picture made with these pink tulips, but wanted to look at the flowers, not me. There is a tree trunk there that has been made into a seat. The kids love sitting and standing in it.

This tulip looked like it had thorns on the petals, but it was very soft. I have a ton of other pictures and can't wait to take the kids back. If you live in Concord or Harrisburg, grab your camera and head over there. The flowers are really beautiful. It's on Spring Street near the new Sheriff's Department and the parking deck.

Sunday was church and a meeting. Alex had a good day at church. Our friend Candice was his teacher yesterday. He finally got to eat his Blow Pop that has been in my pocketbook for a week. I wouldn't let him have it until he was good at church.

Commercial

The kids love this new McDonald's commercial.

Friday

I am so tired tonight. It's 9:30 pm and Brian is still at work. Bless his heart, he works so hard to provide for us. Rock Group left about 45 minutes ago. It was nice. The kids are ready for the R2C2 Easter Egg Hunt in the morning. I can't wait to get some pictures of the kids with the Easter bunny. I am going to try to take them to Memorial Garden tomorrow for pictures. I know my mom is needing new pictures of the kids. That's what I always get her for Mother's Day.

Watched the last episode of ER this morning while on the treadmill. I cried, definately needed the tissues.

End of an Era

Tonight is the last episode of ER. I love watching ER. I really got hooked in college. My roommate Angie and I would set our clocks and plan to be watching. I don't think we missed an episode. I even watch the re-runs on TNT. When I watch it tomorrow I am planning on having the tissue handy.

Also, I heard last night that Guiding Light will air it's last episode in September. I have watched the soaps on CBS as long as I can remember. My babysitter watched them, my Nana and my mom. Brianna was asking me about watching the soaps just over the weekend. I told her it's just something I have always done. I don't watch Guiding Light as much anymore, but DVR The Young and the Restless everyday.

Wednesday

I got a lot of ideas about how to help Alex with his sassy talk problem. Thanks to everyone who left comments. I am trying to find motivation that works for him. It's a process. When we were studying for a test or exam in college, my roommate used to look at me and say, "This to shall pass." I am really trying to be patient with him and know that he is learning as well as. I have to say that Wednesday was better than Monday and Tuesday. I am just so tired of yelling, so I'm not going to do it anymore. I am not going to get upset with him and just take it one hour at a time.

Wednesday Brianna called home from school with a stomach ache. I am so ready for it to get warm and these germs go AWAY! So, she laid in my bed most of the day. When she woke this morning, she was ready to go to school, even wanted to go in a little early.

Bri and I did go to Studio Impact's open house last night. I am so excited and can NOT wait to go Zumba there. There is even an area upstairs where the kids can play. When we left we went to S&I Ice Cream. We brought some home for the boys. Alex was sitting at the table eating his saying, "MMMMMMMM good" in a very deep voice. It was funny.

Tried a new recipe last night and it was so good. It was super easy too!

Tetrazzini Chicken

4 cups chicken pieces
1/2 lb spaghetti
3 Tbsp. butter
1 cup chopped green pepper
1 1/4 cup chopped onion
4 cups Monterey Jack cheese, grated
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 soup can of milk

Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Saute the onions and green pepper in the buuter. Mix together all ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl. Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes or until bubbly.

I used cooked chicken and cut it into pieces. You could probably use canned chicken chunks, if you wanted. I didn't shred the chicken, I think it was better with the larger pieces. I also didn't use 4 cups of chicken. I used 2 boneless skinless breasts. I probably didn't use as much pepper and onion and definately not as much cheese. I also only used one can of soup and a half can of milk. I used whole wheat spaghetti instead of regular. It was really good though and easy to put together. I had sauted yellow squash, zucchini, and onion as a side dish. I have to say that is one of my favorite side dishes.

Momma Said