At the End of my Rope!

I know I probably am asking for it and probably shouldn't do this. But, there are people who read this blog daily that I value their opinion and need some help. Alex is just totally out of control. He talks ugly to people and I don't know what to do. I am tired at the end of the every day just dealing with him. He's not a mean kid, he just talks mean. He is so loving, when he wants to be. He told his Sunday School teacher that he was going to give her a spanking! It doesn't matter how many times I put him in time out or pop his bottom. I am just not used to this. Brianna is such a good mannered kid. I know, I know, we are not supposed to compare kids, but we all do it and I have nothing else to go on. It is starting to make me feel like a bad mom that I can't control him. I have been struggling with this for a couple of months and now, I am asking for help. I can't do this alone. Any advice or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Weekend Update

I did not want the weekend to end. It was so relaxed! Friday night the kids and I popped some popcorn and vegged out in front of the TV.

Saturday we didn't leave the house except to go to Food Lion and McDonalds for breakfast. The kids played most of the day. I did some cleaning and ironed Brian's shirts for work. He had to work ALL weekend. Plus he has a cold, so he is tired. The kids painted and loved it. I'm happy with how their "projects" turned out. Brianna wants to do another one for her room. I just need to get over to A C Moore for a canvas. Here they are painting.

Alex after painting. He had paint all over himself! But, they had a good time.

Sunday after church, we had to run a few errands. Lunch at Taco Bell, a trip to Aldi and a trip to CVS for Brian's supplies. He needed more cough medicine and Kleenex. Then we came home, Alex and I took a nap and Brianna played in her room.

My dad is having a procedure done on his back this morning at CMC to see what is wrong with it and if he needs surgery. They will put dye in his back and then turn him upside down!

I have not one but TWO new recipes to share this morning!

In the March issue of Ladies Home Journal they had some mix ins for popcorn. We love popcorn so I thought I would give one a try.

Chocolate Malt

6 Tbsp. confectioners sugar

3 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa

6 Tbsp. malted milk powder.

Makes 15 Tbsp. Toss 5 Tbsp mixture with 1 bag popcorn. Store the extra in a ziploc bag.

This next recipe was in the spring issue of Kraft Food & Family

Cheeseburger Joes

1 lb lean ground beef

1/2 cup barbecue sauce

1/4 cup ketchup

4 hamburger buns

4 slices cheese

Brown meat in a large skillet; drain. Add barbecue sauce and ketchup; mix well. Cook 5 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Spoon meat mixture onto bottom halves or buns, cover with cheese and tops of buns.

This was so easy. It came together in no time. I think the next time I may add some onion when I brown the meat.

My Girls

You regular readers know that on Sunday's I teach the middle school girls at church. We have a main topic that either Travis or Jason talk to all the kids about, then we divide into groups. I love my middle school girls. I love talking to them. Often I question whether I am supposed to be there with them, whether I am benefitting them, really what is best for them. Then one of them pulls me back in. I get a note in the mail or one asks for some one on one time. That is what gets my heart and makes me know that I am supposed to be with "my girls." Everything else aside, I volunteer with Project 252, because I feel that God has called me to be with these girls. They hold a special place in my heart and I want nothing but the best for them. I hope that something I say each Sunday sticks with the girls.

Shocking

I heard this statistic yesterday on The View. 1% of adults ages 18-23 believe The Bible is completely accurate. Only 9% of ALL adults believe it's completely accurate. How can you believe parts and disregard others? It doesn't make sense to me. The conversation started when the ladies were discussing whether they believe in Satan or not. I think Satan is the topic for ABC's Latenight news. Sherry Shephard, who I love, said she does because he is mentioned in The Bible.

I am so ready for the weekend. We have nothing to do this weekend! The kids and I are going to stay home and relax. Brian has to work. One of his co-workers will be out to have brain surgery. So, they are trying to get the other engineers up to date on his current project. I had thought about heading to my parents, but it's supposed to storm Saturday and I don't want to be out with the kids by myself. So, we are going to hibernate this weekend. I may even get some cards made up. I have a TON of birthdays coming up, not to mention Mother's Day and Father's Day. Speaking of Mother's Day, I need to go to Spring Street and see if the tulips are blooming. If so, I need to get the kids up there for their annual photo shoot. I have a ton of ideas for this year. I want some black and white ones. Plus I need a new one of the kids together for the project I mentioned on Tuesday. Maybe we will work on our paintings this weekend. I love having weekends with nothing to do!

Wednesday Stuff

Wednesday was a normal day here. Sometimes I don't know what normal is, but it was normal for us. The kids are hating this rainy weather. They can't go outside to play.

It took Brianna 1 1/2 hours to do her homework last night. She will just tell me she needs help, not what she doesn't understand. I told her it would make the process easier if she would be specific with what she needs. Honestly I think she didn't understand the entire thing. After she worked on it for an hour and all of it was wrong, we sat down and did the sheet together. i feel like her teacher is trying to cram all this stuff down their throats before EOG's. It's not going to help the kids one bit, if they don't understand what they are doing. We had homework a couple of weeks ago that threw us all, then the teacher sent back a note saying she was just seeing if they kids knew how to do it. Why was she sending home work that she hadn't gone over, to see what they know. It really frustrated all of us. I think what got me was that she told Brianna that it didn't matter. After we spent all afternoon trying to figure it out!

Tuesday

I did NOT want to get out of bed this morning. If I could have slept for another 45 minutes to an hour it would have been great. But, Brianna has to go to school. Maybe I will take a nap when The Littles do. Isn't it funny that with The Littles, they hate nap time, but adults would love to have someone look at them everyday after lunch and tell them to take a nap! I used to walk on the treadmill during nap time, but I love walking in the mornings and having nap time to myself. I am actually enjoying my treadmill time, now that I can watch the shows from the night before. It seems like in no time, I have already been on an hour.

I had stamp club last night. We made all cards. I need cards so bad! I need to take the time to stamp more. When I came home from stamping, I turned on the light in the living room and noticed it was awful dim. I looked up and there are three light bulbs out. I always forget to add light bulbs to the shopping list. I thought it was funny and went to check on the kids giggling.

When my parents came down here this weekend Nana had sent me some magazines. I'm excited to try some of the new recipes I found in them. I LOVE new recipes. Look for a super easy and good one at then end of this post.

I told Brianna about my painting project I have for them to do. She is so excited. She wanted to go out yesterday afternoon to get the stuff to paint right then. I can't wait for a pretty Saturday to get them on the porch in old t-shirts and turn them loose!

Weeknight Lasagna Toss
from Kraft Food and Family magazine

1 lb lean ground beef
2 green peppers, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (26 oz) spaghetti sauce
1 2/3 cups water
1/4 cup zesty Italian dressing
12 oven-ready noodles, broken into quaters
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Brown meat in large saucepan, drain.

Stir in peppers, garlic, spagetti sauce, water, and dressing; bring to a boil. Add noodles, stir. Cover.

Cook on medium-low heat 10 to 15 minutes or until noodles are tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with cheese, cover. Let stand for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

This was so easy to make. You could even make the sauce the night before and refrigerate. The next day all you would have to do is bring the sauce to a boil and add the noodles. If you haven't heard of Kraft Food and Family magazine, it's free people. Sign up at www.kraftfoods.com.

Awesome Idea

I just watched last night's Jon and Kate Plus 8. She had an awesome idea. She took the little kids to a place where they could do paintings on canvases. I am going to do that with my kids. Go to Hobby Lobby or A C Moore, buy some canvases and turn the kids loose with paint. I want to hang them over the couch with a picture of the kids between the paintings. I can't wait for a pretty day to do this!

I went to Zumba last night. It was so much fun. I love going to Zumba. I hope Sherry's new studio has a good air conditioner though. It was hot last night.

I've started walking for an hour everyday on the treadmill. I noticed this weekend that I look pregnant, my stomach is getting so big. Anyway, the sickness is over and I'm back on the treadmill. At our Health Management Group meetings, Lisa asked us to make one change, for the better, every month. Last month, for me, was to eat more fresh fruits and veggies and I did pretty good. This month, it's to stress less and laugh more. To do that, it means that I have to really cut back on some stuff and take care of me more.

I've scheduled a couple of activities for my middle school girls. I can't wait to announce those Sunday! I love hanging out with them! Hopefully, they will enjoy what I've got planned too.

I'm trying out a new recipe tonight, will post it tomorrow. If you want to check out some great recipe blogs, check out: A Year of Crockpotting at:
http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/ and Bake and Cook with Jen at: http://bakecookwithjenn.blogspot.com/. These are two blogs that I check before doing my weekly menu planning!

Shankapotomus

Weekend Update

This weekend was crazy busy. Friday night was Rock Group. We stuffed eggs for the upcoming egg hunt and worked on pageant stuff.

Saturday morning I had a Health Management Group meeting at church. Lisa and I were the only ones there so we went to Rocky River Coffee. She had printed an article on the health benefits of laughing. It was really interesting. Then we just sat and talked for a few minutes. I had a great time. Saturday night was the Womanless Beauty Pageant at R2C2. It was so much fun! Roberta Hillbilly! He was the only guy not complaining about high heeled shoes, he wore his boots! The "youth" got together and sang a song by Switchfoot. They did a great job! Our youth pastor and one of the high school boys leaders. Mr. Jeff doing his dramatic reading to Beyonce's Single Ladies! He did such a good job! He should have won the adult talent category! I'm biased though, I helped with his talent.

Sunday after church was much needed nap time. I was so exhausted from Friday and Saturday that I slept most of the afternoon and then went to sleep early Sunday night.

Looking forward to some things I have coming up with my middle school girls. A lot of them tried out for their talent show at school and will find out today if they made it.

Happy Spring!

Happy Spring everyone! Today is turning out to be a busier day than I thought it would be. I have to run out and get a gift for my secret sister. I don't know who my secret sister is, but she is AWESOME! We are tying up the loose ends for the Womanless Pageant tomorrow. I am so excited and hope that everything comes together. It's not even 10:30 and the house is ready for Rock Group tonight, except for mopping. I have been a busy beaver this morning. I am heading out. I will update you on the pageant tomorrow. Pray for us!

Idol

I love American Idol. I watch it twice a week. I have never seen a freakier performance than the one Adam did on Tuesday. He did some weird rendition of Walk the Line. Totally freaked me out. I skipped him after about 15 seconds.

The weird neighbor saga continues, the one that spray painted his car. The kids were playing out front yesterday, he walked over and asked if they would come over and clean his yard where he had thrown paper towels, tape and plastic. I asked them if they would do it, it took them about 30 seconds to clean it up. I don't understand why in the world he came over here in the first place. Why he didn't clean it up himself is beyond me!

Brian showed me some video he found of the Octomom giving birth:

It really ticks me off when people REFUSE to do the job they were hired to do. That's all I'm going to say. I'm not going into some big tirade, honestly I don't feel like dealing with the mean and nasty comments that will follow.

Wednesday Funny

Last night was school night at McDonald's. We went through the drive through to pick up our supper. Since Bri isn't feeling well, I didn't want her around her friends too much. When we got home I saw our neighbor spray painting his car! That's right, he had his car pulled in the front yard, under two Bradford Pear trees, spray painting his car. Brian came in about 15 minutes later and I asked him how we could get a picture without the neighbor seeing us. So here is the result of Brian's spy activity:

Kiss My Fat Bum!

I was watching The View last night and Meghan McCain was on. If you don't know who she is, she is the daughter of Senator John McCain. On her blog at thedailybeast.com Meghan called Ann Coulter confusing and disagreed with a lot of what Ann says. Radio host Laura Ingrahm jumped in and criticized Meghan's weight. Yes, her weight. I don't know what weight has to do with a political discussion. Meghan said that during the campaign, when she reached a size 10, she was handed a business card for a plastic surgeon and it was suggested that she have liposuction! I am fed up with women and girls talking about someone being overweight. Weight has become the ultimate insult between women. Does that make them less of a person? Am I less of a person, less smart, and not worth listening to just because I need to lose weight? After tabloids criticized Tyra Banks about her weight, she came on her talk show in a bathing suit and told them to kiss her fat bum. (She didn't say bum though.) Grow up ladies and talk about something that matters, not what size dress or what size jeans someone wears. That's why our daughters stick their fingers down their throats to throw up what they have just eaten or starve themselves to death! This just makes me so mad!!!!!!!

If you want to read Meghan's response check it out at: http://www3.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-03-14/the-politics-of-size/

Weekend Update

What a busy weekend. Friday was pretty laid back. Brian had to work late, he didn't get home until 2 am. So, the kids and I watched movies.

Saturday started early for Brianna and I . We were in line for the consignment sale in Harrisburg by 7. We got Alex's summer wardrobe and some things for Bri. Then we had a meeting at Jennifer's. Project 252 is having a Womanless Beauty Pageant on Saturday 3/21 at 6. Tickets are $5. The funds will go toward camp expenses for the summer. This is going to be so funny! I can't wait to see what these guys come up with. After the meeting Alex and I went to buy groceries. We came home for a bit, then Bri and I went to watch Becca in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. She did a GREAT job! Bri and I had a great day together. It's nice to spend time with just her.

Sunday was a little less busy. After church we had a meeting with our pageant contestants. I can't wait for the talent portion! After all that I came home ate some lunch, talked to some of my girls on Facebook, put Alex down for a nap and then went to BJ's by myself.

Brianna woke up not feeling well today, so we went to the Minute Clinic. Her rapid strep test was negative, but the PA said they are only 85% accurate. So, they took another culture and sent it to the lab. She is home today resting, she is just so tired and has a small fever. That's it for our busy weekend.

I forgot to post a new recipe we tried on Thursday.

Bean 'n' Rice Burritos

1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups uncooked instant brown rice
1 medium green pepper, diced
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. chili powder
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1 can (15 oz)black beans, rinsed and drained
8 flour tortillas warmed
1 cup salsa
Shredded cheddar and sour cream, optional

In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add rice. Return to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Let stand for 5 minutes or until water is absorbed.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute the green pepper, onion and garlic in oil for 3-4 minutes or until tender. Stir in the chili powder, cumin and pepper flakes until combined. Add beans and rice; cook and stir for 4-6 minutes or until heated through.

Spoon about 1/2 cup of filling off-center on each tortilla; top with 2 Tbsp. salsa. Fold sides and ends over filling and roll up. Serve with cheese and sour cream if desired.

Laying on the Couch

I have been laying on the couch for the last two days trying to get over this bronchitis. I think one more day and I should be kicking it's butt instead of it kicking mine. I started feeling a little better yesterday afternoon. Enough to even put a decent supper together.

This weekend is shaping up to be a busy one. So, I should have a lot to report on Monday!

Anniversary

Today is Brian and my anniversary. We have been married for 9 years! Happy anniversary Brian. I love you!

Tuesday Stuff

Yesterday I still felt bad so I headed over to the Minute Clinic at CVS. If you don't know about Minute Clinic, it's the best thing ever. It's a walk-in clinic staffed by a PA. I see a PA at the doctor's office anyway, so it didn't matter to me. I went to the one at the corner of Poplar Tent and George Liles Blvd. Anyway, I have viral bronchitis, so it has to run it's course. It's course is kicking my behind. I'm so tired. The great thing, is I get to lay around on the couch and rest!

Brian was off work yesterday. He normally takes his birthday off as a floating holiday. It was nice to have him home with us. Brianna had an orthodonist appointment after school to check her retainer. Then we headed over to Trader Joe's. We love that place. We found a lot of stuff for Brian to eat on his low sodium diet (peanut butter, turkey sandwich meat, tortilla chips, and bread). Brianna was excited to find the tortilla chips, she has been wanting nachos for supper but we couldn't find chips for Brian. We came home to sloppy joes in the crock pot. I started reading The Shack yesterday and can't put it down. It's such a good book. I have noticed the last week or so that every time Alex plays the toys he is playing with turns into a microphone stand and a guitar. It's so funny. He was doing this on the porch yesterday and I was able to get a picture.

Sloppy Joes

1 1/2 pounds ground beef

1 cup chopped onions

2 cloves minced garlic

In a large skillet, cook until brown and tender. Then, drain fat.

3/4 cup ketchup

1/2 cup chopped green pepper

1/2 cup chopped celery

1/4 cup water

2 Tbsp. brown sugar

2 Tbsp. mustard

2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 1/2 tsp. chili powder

Combine all in a crock pot with meat mixture. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high 3 to 4. Spoon onto rolls.

I made this Taylor friendly by using no salt added ketchup and the kids couldn't even tell. I also used ground turkey instead of beef. We have made this before, but I had the bright idea to use the low sodium ketchup this week. It's super easy to put together on the stove top also. I have done that before. Just do the same thing, but let it simmer on the stove for a bit. I bet you could even put it together the night before, stick it in the fridge, then put it in the crock pot the next morning or put on the stove after work. I haven't tried it, but bet it would work.

ha

Happy Birthday

Today is Brian's birthday. Happy Birthday! I hope you have a great day. I love you!

Weekend Update

This weekend flew by. Friday I didn't have Olivia. It was such a nice day to have just Alex in the house. He played quietly and had a great time. We picked Bri up from school early. It was such a beautiful day. We went to get the kids much needed hair cuts, went to lunch and then went to play at the park. It was great having just my kids. Friday night we had rock group. We had a great time, as usual.

Saturday Bri had to go to school for a make up day. Saturday make ups are not all that bad. They only go for a half day. She was home from school by 11:15. We had to go buy Brian some short sleeved shirts to wear to work. He is so hot natured that he wears short sleeves all year. While we were out and about we grabbed some fast food for lunch and got quite the shock. We asked for the nutritional information and they guy at the register pointed it out. We were shocked at how much sodium is in their menu items. While we were sitting there Brian and I were talking about people who eat fast food everyday. Brian said it's not wonder there are so many obese people. Then Saturday night the kids and I hung out at home while Brian went to help a friend.

Sunday after church Sonya and Amos came over to keep the kids while Brian and I went to lunch. We went to Quaker Steak for wings. They were good too! After lunch we headed over to Aldi to get our fresh veggies for the week. If you don't shop at Aldi, check out their produce, it's much cheaper than regular prices at grocery stores. Amos thought it was funny that we had the afternoon to ourselves and we went to buy groceries. It was nice though. We didn't have to put anyone in the buggy or make sure Brianna was keeping up with us. Then we came home and watched the end of the race and talked to Sonya and Amos. They are funny and when the four of us get together we have a great time. I wish they lived closer.

I'm ready for this cold I have to be over and done with. I thought yesterday that I was losing my voice, but maybe not. I don't know if I will make Zumba tonight, it depends on my energy level this afternoon. Maybe after a nap. I love taking naps in the afternoons. There are few things better!

Parents

My parents came for a visit yesterday. My dad had a doctor's appointment in Charlotte, so they came over here after. Alex was so excited to see them and have them to himself for a while. Brianna was happy to see them too. My mom brought some of the jewelry she has made. I fell in love with a ring she made and am kicking myself in the butt that I didn't buy it from her. When it was time for them to leave the kids were playing in some leftover snow that was on the back porch. So, Bri hugged them both and Alex just hugged my mom. He wouldn't hug my dad. So Daddy dropped some ice into Alex's underwear. Instead of hugging Daddy Alex was trying his best to get the ice out of his underwear. He finally gave Daddy a hug, but it was hilarious watching him trying to get the ice out of his underwear!

Thank Goodness

Thank goodness Brianna had to go back to school today. She was getting bored being cooped up in the house for a couple of days. I'm one of those people, I don't go anywhere unless I have to. Especially when it's cold outside. I'm ready for our routine to return. Spring Break may do me in. I'm praying that it's nice that week so there can be a lot of playing outside. The kids just start getting on each others nerves, which gets on my nerves.

I watched Idol last night. It was pretty good. There were a couple that did an awesome job. Thanks to the DVR, I watched the 2 hour show in about 1 hour.

I made a new recipe last night and it was good!

Tasty Onion Chicken
from Taste of Home Chicken Cookbook

1/2 cup butter, melted
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. ground mustard
1 can french-fried onions, crushed
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

In a shallow bowl, combine the butter, Worcestershire sauce and mustard. Place the onions in another shallow bowl. Dip the chicken in butter mixture, then coat with onions.

Place in a greased baking dish; drizzle with remaining butter mixture. Bake, uncovered, at 400 for 20-25 minutes or until juices run clear.

I didn't do the extra butter drizzle. Other than that I followed the recipe. We had it with green beans and roasted potatoes. Alex loves chicken and ate a lot of this. He kept asking for more!

Seriously!?

Last night I watched the finale of The Bachelor. Jason is an idiot!!!!!!! It's fine that he thinks he didn't make the right decision at the end and wanted the other girl. It's how he handled it that really bothers me. He broke up with her on national television! He should have manned up and handled it in private. I loved this season. It's not a show that I watch regularly. But, I loved Jason, Melissa, and Molly. I liked both girls and didn't care who he picked. It really bothered me the way he handled things.

Okay enough tirade. We have another snow day here. There's no snow. I don't know what's up. Maybe some icy roads somewhere in the county. Our back porch still has a lot of ice and snow left on it.

I made a new recipe last night and it was GOOD!

Spice Baked Rice
from Taste of Home Casseroles

1 pound ground beef
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cups cook long grain rice
1 can stewed tomatoes
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. ground mustard
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. hot pepper sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

In a skillet cook beef, green pepper, and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender; drain. Add the next eight ingredients; mix well.

Transfer to a greased 2 quart baking dish. Cover and bake at 350 for 35 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with cheese. Bake 10 minutes longer or until the cheese is melted.

I used ground turkey. Next time I make this I will not cook the rice until it is completely done. The rice was a little mushy for me. It was good though, I will probably use a little more hot sauce next time too.

Arguing with Alex

Alex and I got into an argument last night. Nothing new around here, only this time, it was really hard for me not to laugh at him. Here's the set up. I made homemade chicken noodle soup and grilled cheese for supper last night. Brianna helped me cut up veggies and was an excellent helper. I promised her I would make brownies after we ate. The rule around here is if you don't eat a meal, you don't get a snack in between meals. You eat again at the next meal. Alex did not eat his supper, so no brownies for him. I took a bath to try and get warm, I had been cold since coming in from church. Brianna comes running in the bathroom and said for me to look at the brownies. I came in the kitchen and there were little fingerprints in the brownies. Alex had pulled a chair up to the counter, stood in it and helped himself. Here's the conversation that followed:

Me: "Alex did you eat brownies?'
Alex: "No."
Me: "Alex did you eat brownies?"
Alex: "No, Brianna did it."
Me: "Alex did you eat these brownies?"
Alex with hands held out to his side:"No."
(This is where I start laughing.)
Me: "Alex did you eat brownies?"
Alex: "No, cause you told me later."

It was hilarious! Needless to say, I knew that he had eaten the brownies and he knew that I knew. He was trying to stay out of trouble!