3.27.13 Wow the sky is gorgeous today!
This morning as I was driving back home from working out (note to self do not deviate from set schedule) the DJ said - "Today's high is the normal low for this time of year." That didn't settle too well with me.
If anyone is trying to quit smoking or trying to turn someone off from ever taking a puff - you should send them with me one morning to work out. An older gentleman stepped up onto the machine next to mine. All was fine until he started sweating. The sweat was a concoction of nicotine and tar....it had been fermenting in this guy and was exiting his body through his pores. I have a terrible gag reflex - its embarassing, I will start gagging so easily - so I had to immediately end my work out (only 30 seconds left thank goodness) and retreat to the locker room. I really hope that guy can break his addiction and get healthy asap. Smoking doesn't just kill....it makes you smell really really bad.
My now seven month old is enduring homemade babyfood for some meals. He hates texture. Oh my! The first born was never ever picky....the times they are a changin'. He has also learned such key life skills such as spitting and making an engine sounds. It is cute but makes meal time a bit difficult!
I love classic country music. However, I think today's country music is very blurred between genres such as pop and adult contemporary. The whole choice of using the name country is a bit out of hand. I'm hearing more stuff that isn't quite country but maybe more like cheap corny. Could that be a genre name? Cheap Corny. When I write my blog I generally have one of the local country stations on - the song that came on just a few minutes ago started out along the lines of - "If your dream is to have a double wide in a hollar...." (I have a feeling he isn't one of Taylor Swift's options for dating). So then I started drifting into thoughts about songs about trailers. Now I'm not putting down trailers - you live in what you want and what you can afford and what is right for you. I lived in a trailer at the very beginning of my life and then again at the very beginning of my marriage. My goal was to get out of a trailer. When the wind blows hard they may blow off into Oz. They aren't very green but they are made out of recyclable materials (tin). They aren't good investments because they aren't "real estate". They are however practical if you move a lot - most have some wheels on them somewhere. So...country music offers another fun song about trailers....here's a flashback: Sammy Kershaw's Queen of the Double Wide Trailer you should get a good laugh out of this one.
Congratulations outside the home workers - you have one more day this week! And if you have to work on Good Friday then woo hoo for an extra day of pay!?
**************************************************
Celebrating Easter: Day 3
Now is a good time to decorate some eggs. Eggs are an international symbol of fertility (guess who all came from eggs.......chickens, ducks, lizards, snakes, fish, turtles, frogs, and you and me....thanks mom).
I've compiled a few cool ways to decorate eggs with your kids no matter what age they are. I challenge you to go a step beyond food coloring and do something creative and cool. My little girl loves to paint so after dying the eggs the traditional way I gave her some paints and let her have at it. Her paintings included a flower, a cross, and an angel.
A really cool thing to do is to discuss all the babies that come from eggs (its ok you can leave out people it may totally confuse your kid and it may lead to a conversation that has to do with birds and bees and yeah....) This is a great entry into discussing the new life Christ offers us through his death and resurrection. With young kids I think its totally important to stress Jesus Loves You. With your older, school age kids, you can totally get into a conversation about new life through the crucifix.
Conversations at the dinner table when you're doing something other than eating together make a huge impact.
Here are some cool ideas for your eggs:
1. Pick out some fun shaped stickers and place on the egg. Dye the egg with the stickers on. After the eggs are dry remove the stickers and you'll have an imprint of whatever sticker you used.
2. Skip the dye and use paint pens or markers.
3. Melted Crayon Easter Eggs I just may do this next year, how stinkin' cool!
4. If you love polk dots.....dye your eggs after they dry use a pencil eraser to make dots using your favorite craft paint!
************************************************
Recipe? Sure!
Garlic Onion Steak (around 220 cals per serving)
Purchase a pack of steak cut for stir fry
1/2 tsp black pepper
onion cut into thin slices
2 tsp minced garlic
1/4 c sun dried tomato vinagrette dressing
2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese
Heat a skillet sprayed with cooking oil to medium heat
Add steak and sprinkle with black pepper
Allow the steak to cook thoroughly (6-9 minutes)
Remove the steak, reserve the drippings in the skillet - it will flavor your onion sauce.
Add onions and garlic to skillet.
Stir in the dressi
Cover and cook five minutes, remove lid and cook four minutes.
Top steak with onion mixture.
Sprinkle with parmesan!
I served with fresh broccoli (steamed). The hubby did like this dish unlike the chicken made the night before. My little girl also loved this dish.
*I used reduced fat parm from Walmart, it saved .5g of fat and had reduced calories*
***************************************
I'm going out for a little me time this afternoon. I hope you guys can get some you time this week!
**************************************
Be good to each other -
Brownie
Like this blog? Please share it!
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Snow in Late March is Unacceptable
3.26.13 There are snow birds on my feeder.
Happy Tuesday to you! I am all out of sorts this morning. I usually skip the gym one morning during the work week. It has been being Thursday due to my television indulgences on Wednesday night. This week it was today - totally unplanned and I feel all weird for not staying on my "schedule" - anyone else have that issue?
**************************************
Today is Passover on my calendar - it actually began last night. The blog this week is geared more towards teaching Easter to kiddos but I think it is extremely valuable to teach them about Passover as well.
I actually think as Christians we have a duty to teach our children about the many Jewish holidays that are on the calendar. My logic is very simple. "My Father is a Jewish carpenter."
As Christians we follow who we believe to be the King of the Jews - Jesus Christ. We should want to learn about Jewish tradition - that is what He followed, is it not?
The Last Supper was the Feast of Thin Bread or Passover. This is a huge deal! Jesus' last meal as a man was the traditional Passover meal! His last Passover meal became what we call Communion - the breaking of the body and the drinking of the wine. So here is your teaching tool for today with your kidlets!
Discuss Passover
Passover observes the deliverance of the Jews from slavery in Egypt. The last plague would kill the first-borns of Egypt. If the Jews wanted their children to be spared they would have to sacrifice a lamb and wipe its blood in their door way. The angel of death would then know to pass over the home. In the morning Egypt's Pharoah's son was dead and the Jews were released from their chains and freed. This was a huge blessing on the Jewish nation. God showed his love and care for His people and spared their children from death. He set His people free.
It may sound a bit odd to some but Christians will celebrate a bit of Passover in a couple days. We will discuss that more on Thursday!
Until then here's a great link for information on Passover and All Things Jewish! Do not be offended when you see God written as G-d. It is considered disrespectful to write His name completely out in Jewish belief.
*************************************
Need a break from the kids - just thirty minutes of quiet? A great movie to celebrate Easter for kids ages two and up is Veggietales: An Easter Carol
This movie is cute and funny and is enjoyable even for adults. It is the Veggietales spin on Charles Dickins' A Christmas Carol except it has vegetables and an Easter theme to it. The kids will learn the meaning of Easter and laugh there way to it!
Check Walmart, Lifeway, Target, and Barnes and Noble for availability or you can order it from Amazon. As always a great resource is the direct source: The Veggie Website!
************************************
Cooking tonight? Here's a recipe I made last night. The kiddo and I loved it the husband was middle of the road on it.
Mediterranean Chicken
I pulled this from the Kraft website. It is a healthy option if you are trying to manage your weight and check your calories and fat at the door! I went directly by the recipe. When I make it again I will double up my Sun Dried Tomato dressing amount. I think it would add more flavor!
**************************************
Be good to each other -
Brownie
Happy Tuesday to you! I am all out of sorts this morning. I usually skip the gym one morning during the work week. It has been being Thursday due to my television indulgences on Wednesday night. This week it was today - totally unplanned and I feel all weird for not staying on my "schedule" - anyone else have that issue?
**************************************
Today is Passover on my calendar - it actually began last night. The blog this week is geared more towards teaching Easter to kiddos but I think it is extremely valuable to teach them about Passover as well.
I actually think as Christians we have a duty to teach our children about the many Jewish holidays that are on the calendar. My logic is very simple. "My Father is a Jewish carpenter."
As Christians we follow who we believe to be the King of the Jews - Jesus Christ. We should want to learn about Jewish tradition - that is what He followed, is it not?
The Last Supper was the Feast of Thin Bread or Passover. This is a huge deal! Jesus' last meal as a man was the traditional Passover meal! His last Passover meal became what we call Communion - the breaking of the body and the drinking of the wine. So here is your teaching tool for today with your kidlets!
Discuss Passover
Passover observes the deliverance of the Jews from slavery in Egypt. The last plague would kill the first-borns of Egypt. If the Jews wanted their children to be spared they would have to sacrifice a lamb and wipe its blood in their door way. The angel of death would then know to pass over the home. In the morning Egypt's Pharoah's son was dead and the Jews were released from their chains and freed. This was a huge blessing on the Jewish nation. God showed his love and care for His people and spared their children from death. He set His people free.
It may sound a bit odd to some but Christians will celebrate a bit of Passover in a couple days. We will discuss that more on Thursday!
Until then here's a great link for information on Passover and All Things Jewish! Do not be offended when you see God written as G-d. It is considered disrespectful to write His name completely out in Jewish belief.
*************************************
Need a break from the kids - just thirty minutes of quiet? A great movie to celebrate Easter for kids ages two and up is Veggietales: An Easter Carol
This movie is cute and funny and is enjoyable even for adults. It is the Veggietales spin on Charles Dickins' A Christmas Carol except it has vegetables and an Easter theme to it. The kids will learn the meaning of Easter and laugh there way to it!
Check Walmart, Lifeway, Target, and Barnes and Noble for availability or you can order it from Amazon. As always a great resource is the direct source: The Veggie Website!
************************************
Cooking tonight? Here's a recipe I made last night. The kiddo and I loved it the husband was middle of the road on it.
Mediterranean Chicken
I pulled this from the Kraft website. It is a healthy option if you are trying to manage your weight and check your calories and fat at the door! I went directly by the recipe. When I make it again I will double up my Sun Dried Tomato dressing amount. I think it would add more flavor!
**************************************
Be good to each other -
Brownie
Monday, March 25, 2013
Here Comes Peter Cottontail!
3.25.13 Holy Week
I hope you all had a great weekend. We are now entering the first full week of spring and I hope some where out there it feels like spring.
******************************
This week the blog is dedicated to the celebration that is Easter. If you celebrate I hope I can give you some fun facts or ideas to try out. I am gearing this towards teaching kidlets about this week and its significance in the church and also in the life of Christians.
If you do not identify with the term Christian then maybe this blog will help you understand this holiday for the Christian church.
So without further ado lets talk about a few things.....starting with:
Resources
I am going to go out on a limb here and say that a good resource is something we probably have in our homes whether we practice our faith or not. Some of us got one upon confirming our faith through baptism or just because we graduated high school or college. Its a book called The Bible. In case you didn't know that miniseries is based on a book.
Now I'm going to be brutally honest and fess up on myself. I'm not a Bible reader. As in I do not pull out one of the six we have in our home and just start reading - ever. I cannot think of something any more boring than reading the Bible word for word day in and day out. Does this make me a bad person? No. It makes me an honest person. I do however have a nifty app on my smart phone that makes reading the Bible a little more easier and relatable.
Tip one: Before you teach you have to learn.
I downloaded The Bible app many many weeks ago. I have been doing daily devotions from the catalog it offers. Let me tell you there are a blue million options available in this free app. You can pick your language style and you can pick what version of the Bible you prefer. I'm not much on the King James language because I really am not too in tune with my thee's, thou's, and thar's. But I am in tune with common every day jargon and guess what....I can read it in common language! (For those of you who condemn me on my NIV choice - you aren't supposed to be judging so cut that out).
For Easter I read the 7 day devotion and lesson plan for Easter. Technically, I was supposed to start it yesterday but I started it Sunday a week ago so I could wrap it up on Palm Sunday.
Here's the deal....
If you want to teach your children about the biggest event in the Christian faith (Easter) you better understand it before you start blabbing away. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all have accounts of the story of the death and resurrection. They all differ in small ways. Download the app and read the accounts. It will seriously take you about ten minutes each day to get through each disciple's account. It will also bring it all to life for you in a different way than a movie.
Here's a link to The Bible App
************************************
I know kids are brilliant these days. Their techonological skills are pretty insane. However, books are a great way of getting a tangible message to kidlets.
I have a great book my five year old and I have been using to talk about and learn about Easter with. We checked it out from our local library but you could purchase a copy and get great use out of it. The book is titled: Easter and the author is Gail Gibbons. This book is great for those preschoolers up to about second or third grade. It is a picture book and discusses the following:
1. A very basic history of Jesus
2. A good discussion of Jesus' trip to Jerusalem and his destiny (the Easter story)
3. Easter symbols
4. Celebrations of the season prior to Easter
5. Traditions for the time of Easter (food, eggs, bunnies)
This book is a well rounded teaching tool for this week on the calendar. I believe it is very important that kids see the entire cake and not just a few large slices when it comes to such a large holiday. There is no negativity in this book it is all very on point and positive!
Here's the book and a chance to order from Amazon click here!
**************************************************
I have to go ahead and mention this or I will be failing you on the whole Easter thing.
The Easter Bunny...ok I am going to be honest I detest this whole idea. I mean hello - Alice in Wonderland is the product of a drug induced writing frenzy and now we have the White Rabbit bringing all the kids some chocolates, video games, chicks and ducks, etc. It just makes no sense to me. (I know the history of the Easter Bunny and it wasn't due to an opium fest....)
I do love Santa but I do not love a giant rabbit hopping to my house. Seriously, contemplate this - you are in your yard with your kids and a giant rabbit - I mean six feet tall, big rabbit teeth, in a blue shirt comes hopping towards you?! After you dirty your undergarments you'd be moving about 120 to get the kids inside, lock the door and find a weapon to destroy the beast with! Plus if you live where I do then you'd need a truck to take it to the taxidermist.
So what do we do at my house about the Easter Bunny?
Ok he visits. I am shaking my head right now. He doesn't bring much. Here's why - he's ridiculous and pretty soon my kid will understand a big rabbit is a little odd. I think she's already caught on. BUT because she is five years old and because she gets excited he's allowed to leave a little something.
This year he came a week early and left a big something. (You will catch on I am not the EB)
Yes, this year Mr. EB brought us a goat. The funny thing is Santa was supposed to bring it but Santa got drunk and missed the farm. So Santa emailed Mr. EB to bring it this past Saturday - out of the blue.
Brownie loves animals. Brownie loves goats. Brownie used to have a whole pasture full of goats. Brownie is thankful for animals. Brownie didn't need a surprise of an animal though. So now Brownie has a surprise of an animal.
My little girl was thrilled to pieces. So Brownie had to get over feeling angry and enjoy the thrill in the little scream of joy that the child gave and the shriek of terror the goat bleeted out.
Meet Molly Lolly:
Molly doesn't know it but she has a huge task ahead of her. She is now working for me to remove some overgrowth in my yard. Good for her I pay well.
So here's the deal. Don't make Easter be about the bunny. The Bunny is a fun side to the main meal. Here's how I taught my little girl about the bunny....
The bunny brings you something fun to play with or eat but Jesus is who gives you the best thing and that is love. You'll get tired of that toy and that candy will be gone as soon as you eat it but you'll never lose His love or my (mom and dad's) love. It goes with you forever.
At five years old that works.
I haven't promoted ole EB very much in her life. She doesn't ask for things from the EB. She doesn't think much about him until the kids at preschool talk about him. I have an easy row with the EB and Easter.
On Easter, this year, she will receive a special present from her dad and I. This year we have decided to give her her own Bible (and I have a feeling it will be pink....) and a necklace. She's getting a cross necklace because this year she has shown me a lot. She knows exactly who Jesus is and she is beginning to understand what He did and does for us. He's not exactly to the caliber of Barbie yet to her but He is important to her.
Her nanas and aunts can get her all the chocolate and crap. Just remember mommy likes Cadbury Eggs. The reduced calorie ones...hehe.
********************************************
Our first soccer match of the year was this past Saturday. We totally enjoyed the balmy 30 degree field. The kids were super cute and there are a lot of talented kiddo's out there. I had a great time watching and didn't even need the chair I packed.
They don't "keep score" but our team had two and the other team had none. So you can figure that one out. They all did a great job - both teams!
Saturday afternoon the sun came out and the temperature shot up to comfortable degrees. We enjoyed the outside. The babies played in the wagon while I pulled them around the driveway three hundred times - good exercise, not complaining!
********************************************
Be good to each other-
Brownie
Share this blog, please!
I hope you all had a great weekend. We are now entering the first full week of spring and I hope some where out there it feels like spring.
******************************
This week the blog is dedicated to the celebration that is Easter. If you celebrate I hope I can give you some fun facts or ideas to try out. I am gearing this towards teaching kidlets about this week and its significance in the church and also in the life of Christians.
If you do not identify with the term Christian then maybe this blog will help you understand this holiday for the Christian church.
So without further ado lets talk about a few things.....starting with:
Resources
I am going to go out on a limb here and say that a good resource is something we probably have in our homes whether we practice our faith or not. Some of us got one upon confirming our faith through baptism or just because we graduated high school or college. Its a book called The Bible. In case you didn't know that miniseries is based on a book.
Now I'm going to be brutally honest and fess up on myself. I'm not a Bible reader. As in I do not pull out one of the six we have in our home and just start reading - ever. I cannot think of something any more boring than reading the Bible word for word day in and day out. Does this make me a bad person? No. It makes me an honest person. I do however have a nifty app on my smart phone that makes reading the Bible a little more easier and relatable.
Tip one: Before you teach you have to learn.
I downloaded The Bible app many many weeks ago. I have been doing daily devotions from the catalog it offers. Let me tell you there are a blue million options available in this free app. You can pick your language style and you can pick what version of the Bible you prefer. I'm not much on the King James language because I really am not too in tune with my thee's, thou's, and thar's. But I am in tune with common every day jargon and guess what....I can read it in common language! (For those of you who condemn me on my NIV choice - you aren't supposed to be judging so cut that out).
For Easter I read the 7 day devotion and lesson plan for Easter. Technically, I was supposed to start it yesterday but I started it Sunday a week ago so I could wrap it up on Palm Sunday.
Here's the deal....
If you want to teach your children about the biggest event in the Christian faith (Easter) you better understand it before you start blabbing away. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all have accounts of the story of the death and resurrection. They all differ in small ways. Download the app and read the accounts. It will seriously take you about ten minutes each day to get through each disciple's account. It will also bring it all to life for you in a different way than a movie.
Here's a link to The Bible App
************************************
I know kids are brilliant these days. Their techonological skills are pretty insane. However, books are a great way of getting a tangible message to kidlets.
I have a great book my five year old and I have been using to talk about and learn about Easter with. We checked it out from our local library but you could purchase a copy and get great use out of it. The book is titled: Easter and the author is Gail Gibbons. This book is great for those preschoolers up to about second or third grade. It is a picture book and discusses the following:
1. A very basic history of Jesus
2. A good discussion of Jesus' trip to Jerusalem and his destiny (the Easter story)
3. Easter symbols
4. Celebrations of the season prior to Easter
5. Traditions for the time of Easter (food, eggs, bunnies)
This book is a well rounded teaching tool for this week on the calendar. I believe it is very important that kids see the entire cake and not just a few large slices when it comes to such a large holiday. There is no negativity in this book it is all very on point and positive!
Here's the book and a chance to order from Amazon click here!
**************************************************
I have to go ahead and mention this or I will be failing you on the whole Easter thing.
The Easter Bunny...ok I am going to be honest I detest this whole idea. I mean hello - Alice in Wonderland is the product of a drug induced writing frenzy and now we have the White Rabbit bringing all the kids some chocolates, video games, chicks and ducks, etc. It just makes no sense to me. (I know the history of the Easter Bunny and it wasn't due to an opium fest....)
I do love Santa but I do not love a giant rabbit hopping to my house. Seriously, contemplate this - you are in your yard with your kids and a giant rabbit - I mean six feet tall, big rabbit teeth, in a blue shirt comes hopping towards you?! After you dirty your undergarments you'd be moving about 120 to get the kids inside, lock the door and find a weapon to destroy the beast with! Plus if you live where I do then you'd need a truck to take it to the taxidermist.
So what do we do at my house about the Easter Bunny?
Ok he visits. I am shaking my head right now. He doesn't bring much. Here's why - he's ridiculous and pretty soon my kid will understand a big rabbit is a little odd. I think she's already caught on. BUT because she is five years old and because she gets excited he's allowed to leave a little something.
This year he came a week early and left a big something. (You will catch on I am not the EB)
Yes, this year Mr. EB brought us a goat. The funny thing is Santa was supposed to bring it but Santa got drunk and missed the farm. So Santa emailed Mr. EB to bring it this past Saturday - out of the blue.
Brownie loves animals. Brownie loves goats. Brownie used to have a whole pasture full of goats. Brownie is thankful for animals. Brownie didn't need a surprise of an animal though. So now Brownie has a surprise of an animal.
My little girl was thrilled to pieces. So Brownie had to get over feeling angry and enjoy the thrill in the little scream of joy that the child gave and the shriek of terror the goat bleeted out.
Meet Molly Lolly:
 |
| She is a cute little girl who has an important job. |
So here's the deal. Don't make Easter be about the bunny. The Bunny is a fun side to the main meal. Here's how I taught my little girl about the bunny....
The bunny brings you something fun to play with or eat but Jesus is who gives you the best thing and that is love. You'll get tired of that toy and that candy will be gone as soon as you eat it but you'll never lose His love or my (mom and dad's) love. It goes with you forever.
At five years old that works.
I haven't promoted ole EB very much in her life. She doesn't ask for things from the EB. She doesn't think much about him until the kids at preschool talk about him. I have an easy row with the EB and Easter.
On Easter, this year, she will receive a special present from her dad and I. This year we have decided to give her her own Bible (and I have a feeling it will be pink....) and a necklace. She's getting a cross necklace because this year she has shown me a lot. She knows exactly who Jesus is and she is beginning to understand what He did and does for us. He's not exactly to the caliber of Barbie yet to her but He is important to her.
Her nanas and aunts can get her all the chocolate and crap. Just remember mommy likes Cadbury Eggs. The reduced calorie ones...hehe.
********************************************
Our first soccer match of the year was this past Saturday. We totally enjoyed the balmy 30 degree field. The kids were super cute and there are a lot of talented kiddo's out there. I had a great time watching and didn't even need the chair I packed.
They don't "keep score" but our team had two and the other team had none. So you can figure that one out. They all did a great job - both teams!
Saturday afternoon the sun came out and the temperature shot up to comfortable degrees. We enjoyed the outside. The babies played in the wagon while I pulled them around the driveway three hundred times - good exercise, not complaining!
Sunday was nasty, cold, yucky. After a trip to church and a blood letting on my ears, I went with my mom to see my uncle at the hospital. I'm not sure if you know what MG is but it is a horrible disease which causes your muscles to weaken to a grave state. Read up on it here.
When we returned home the fam and I loaded up to make a Lowes and Walmart run. I smell some paint in my all too near future. I have a lot of idea books sitting in my livingroom now as well....ohhhh my!
Tomorrow I'll have a recipe for you. I'm doing quick and healthy meals Monday-Thursday for dinner. We'll have two for beef, one for chicken and one for pork.********************************************
Be good to each other-
Brownie
Share this blog, please!
Friday, March 22, 2013
Busy Fridays & Bad Memories
3.22.13 Super busy day!
I'm making time to blog briefly today. I hit the ground running today - literally! The regular 5am working then to DD to get a wrap and cup of skim milk coffee (and get the hubby a diabetic coffee full of creme and sugar and the kid a donut....hey it's Friday!) then back out to hit up a consignment sale (I know, I know) and then off to Target to get baby supplies (face it, they beat the crap out of Walmart), then to Chic Fil A (I know, I know, I know but I didn't get an original and steered away from all bread)....that was one hell of a run on sentence.
So now I'm back and just in time to shower (notice I worked out and didn't post got a shower in that entirely too long run on). The shower is done, I smell delicious and feel great. So it is time to head out again....
I'm taking my grandma to the doctor. Nothing new, we all have elderly family members who decorate waitingrooms like bland pictures of the ocean or mountains. My grandma is a little different though. Some of you who are at home with the kid would welcome a chance to get out, minus the kids, to take your grandma on a doc run. It is child free time right? What if I say wrong?
My grandmother has dementia and it is the alzheimers style. It started a few months after my grandfather died in 2008. It has progressively became worse - as is expected. Alzheimers is what I envision hell to be like. Waking up each day and not remembering some of the most basic things about your life and routine. Taking too many medications or not enough. Eating lunch twice or not eating all day because you can't remember the last time you did. Forgetting people you once had a friendship with. Forgetting visits that were just a few days ago or phone calls that were only a couple hours prior.
Alzheimers is hell.
The caregivers need all the support in the world. There's nothing more arduous than watching your mother, father, or grandparent forget their lives and need more and more special care. There's nothing more heart wrenching than watching the person who cared for you for so long become your child. They need your time, attention, patience just as much as your three year old. They need to be comforted when they become overwhelmed by the shear fact they cannot remember a basic daily routine, a name, and as it progresses the loss of control of their bodies. Just as your small child gets over stimulated and needs mommy to reassure them they are loved and ok your parent or grandparent needs that hug to reassure them they are ok and there is just a new normal taking place.
My grandmother's personality is slowly falling into a reverse. She's not moving forward but going backwards and becoming a person who seems further away from us. The words that come out of her mouth and the things she does are making it feel as if she's on an island and we're trying to get to her from the land. We're just trying to build a boat that can link us so no one drowns in the process of mental deterioriation or trying to give great care.
So today as I drop my kids off to hang out with my dad (oh dear!) I'll have another kid in the car with me. I'll spend time grittng my teeth because alzheimers makes you angry. I'll spend time feeling sorrow for her because alzheimers makes you sad. I'll spend time explaining things just as I do to my five year old. I'll miss my grandma when I look at this person whose mind I just don't know. I will take good care of her and thank God she's not in a bed suffering. Though the cup may look half empty it is also half full.
*********************************************
I didn't have time to search for a pin today but I got a save-the-day text.
If you are cleaning this weekend and you have tiles and grout that need a good cleaning to gleam once again then guess what? Nicole shared that via Pinterest she learned that Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner can be used to clean tile/grout. She tried it and said it is shining bright!
I love when a product has more than one use! It makes me feel like I'm not getting ripped a new one.
Thanks Nicole for sharing!
*********************************************
See you next week with fun ideas of teaching Easter to your little ones (and big ones for that matter).
********************************************
Be good to one another -
Brownie
Share this blog!
I'm making time to blog briefly today. I hit the ground running today - literally! The regular 5am working then to DD to get a wrap and cup of skim milk coffee (and get the hubby a diabetic coffee full of creme and sugar and the kid a donut....hey it's Friday!) then back out to hit up a consignment sale (I know, I know) and then off to Target to get baby supplies (face it, they beat the crap out of Walmart), then to Chic Fil A (I know, I know, I know but I didn't get an original and steered away from all bread)....that was one hell of a run on sentence.
So now I'm back and just in time to shower (notice I worked out and didn't post got a shower in that entirely too long run on). The shower is done, I smell delicious and feel great. So it is time to head out again....
I'm taking my grandma to the doctor. Nothing new, we all have elderly family members who decorate waitingrooms like bland pictures of the ocean or mountains. My grandma is a little different though. Some of you who are at home with the kid would welcome a chance to get out, minus the kids, to take your grandma on a doc run. It is child free time right? What if I say wrong?
My grandmother has dementia and it is the alzheimers style. It started a few months after my grandfather died in 2008. It has progressively became worse - as is expected. Alzheimers is what I envision hell to be like. Waking up each day and not remembering some of the most basic things about your life and routine. Taking too many medications or not enough. Eating lunch twice or not eating all day because you can't remember the last time you did. Forgetting people you once had a friendship with. Forgetting visits that were just a few days ago or phone calls that were only a couple hours prior.
Alzheimers is hell.
The caregivers need all the support in the world. There's nothing more arduous than watching your mother, father, or grandparent forget their lives and need more and more special care. There's nothing more heart wrenching than watching the person who cared for you for so long become your child. They need your time, attention, patience just as much as your three year old. They need to be comforted when they become overwhelmed by the shear fact they cannot remember a basic daily routine, a name, and as it progresses the loss of control of their bodies. Just as your small child gets over stimulated and needs mommy to reassure them they are loved and ok your parent or grandparent needs that hug to reassure them they are ok and there is just a new normal taking place.
My grandmother's personality is slowly falling into a reverse. She's not moving forward but going backwards and becoming a person who seems further away from us. The words that come out of her mouth and the things she does are making it feel as if she's on an island and we're trying to get to her from the land. We're just trying to build a boat that can link us so no one drowns in the process of mental deterioriation or trying to give great care.
So today as I drop my kids off to hang out with my dad (oh dear!) I'll have another kid in the car with me. I'll spend time grittng my teeth because alzheimers makes you angry. I'll spend time feeling sorrow for her because alzheimers makes you sad. I'll spend time explaining things just as I do to my five year old. I'll miss my grandma when I look at this person whose mind I just don't know. I will take good care of her and thank God she's not in a bed suffering. Though the cup may look half empty it is also half full.
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I didn't have time to search for a pin today but I got a save-the-day text.
If you are cleaning this weekend and you have tiles and grout that need a good cleaning to gleam once again then guess what? Nicole shared that via Pinterest she learned that Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner can be used to clean tile/grout. She tried it and said it is shining bright!
I love when a product has more than one use! It makes me feel like I'm not getting ripped a new one.
Thanks Nicole for sharing!
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See you next week with fun ideas of teaching Easter to your little ones (and big ones for that matter).
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Be good to one another -
Brownie
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Thursday, March 21, 2013
Ponderings and Kindergarten Funnies
3.21.13 First day of the new chapter
It is now day two of spring. Here's a sentence that describes the glorious morning I am looking out at....
That sun is so bright and the skies are so blue let me grab my winter coat and we'll go!
If the winter coat part threw you off then let me refresh your memory of what I said a few days ago. I was talking about winter clothes - I said you can't pack them away until May 1st - point made.
Our high today in the beautiful beloved south is 41.
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Today marks a new start - or new preparedness - for a pretty big step in anyone's life. Correction: anyone who isn't homeschooled. Tonight we will be going to Kindergarten Orientation. The notes were sent home from preschool a couple weeks ago and we jotted it down on our calendar. Every now and then we would say something about tonight's event but it hasn't been on the front burner of our life stove.
Two weeks flew by - about as fast as five years did - and today when I woke up my little diva she said with sleepy eyes - "Today is Kindergarten day" - yes, today is Kindergarten day.
I thought I would be a bit more taken aback by this start of the march to school but right now I feel good. This good feeling can only be attributed to a few details in her life and my life currently:
1. She's ready. The poor kid is bored with mom and brother and preschool. She wants to be stimulated in a new way and it is exciting to think she will get all that very soon.
2. She's not a baby anymore. She reads (on a second grade level, go girl! Now if we can just get the math on the same track I'll be one happy mama - because I suck at math). The more she's not being stimulated the more she'll want to be revert backwards in the maturity department.
3. I have a baby. It may sound totally ridiculous but having my little fella is making this transition way easier for me. Having said that I am totally aware that when he starts school I'll be in crumbles and will need to be swept off the floor. I am not having anymore children so when the baby gets to Kindergarten I'll happily bawl my eyes out and drink a few cases of wine. Until then he's keeping me steady so his sister can take this next step without me ordering a supply carrier from Kleenex.
4. It is time. Every thing in life has a season. I have been given a healthy, sweet, endearing, sometimes bratty little girl. I was blessed to have her first five years be so full with lots of love, learning, and awesome experiences. Now I will watch this little girl, who has my imprint all over her, start her "own" journey and see her start to grow and fashion herself on her own accord (within limits). Yes, its just kindergarten but it is also a lot bigger than that. Kindergarten is the gateway grade. It will introduce her to new people and experiences. It will make her start to learn things without mom and dad being there immediately to say "no that's not good" or "yes, do that!"
I am lucky that the school she will be going to has good teachers and a good atmosphere (for the most part, I would totally be up for some changes in a few areas but tis life). I am also very blessed that she will know a fair majority of the students she will be in class with.
So here we go....it is kindergarten night.
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Facebook - I do not miss it. Until I hear someone say, "Did you see what I put up for sale on FB?" or "Did you see the pictures I put up on FB? Oh no you're not on there anymore."
I really could care less about 90% of the crap on there. I have done exceptionally well without it for a month and a half. But this blog lost 20% of it's readership upon my exit from Zuckerberg's creation. Today's stats showed that the 20 is now up to 30. I have my loyal readers and I am appreciative to each of you. I really enjoy writing this blog each day that I get to. I love your feedback! Thanks to you guys I'm doing this Pinterest thing and to be honest, I hadn't been on Pinterest in ages until I started this week's theme.
Next week's theme is Teaching & Celebrating Easter.
Here's the deal....I'm torn. Do I start Facebook back up? Or do I say no, I'm fine without it, my blog can just suffer?
Give me some feedback on that one. You can leave a comment or you can email.
**********************************************
Pinterest can be so useful. I was searching for some kindergarten prep stuff and found a link I wanted to check out. It linked me to a site called Teachers Pay Teachers. I didn't put a link in this blog post...keep reading.
When I clicked the link it took me to the Teachers Pay Teachers store. I x'd out. I wasn't going to buy anything I was just looking for any tips I could find. As soon as I x'd out guess what happened? The Teachers Pay Teachers windows kept popping up and opening.
So a friendly tip: when you're looking at pins and you see Teachers Pay Teachers DO NOT CLICK IT.
Today's pin is: Right here
Here's what you need to do. Click the pin, click the kid's pic, then click the link that will take you to a hilarious blog post about a dad who is prepping his 2 year old for kindergarten. You will roll with laughter.
If you want to skip the pinterest part and go straight to the blog then click here
Share this pin with all your friends who have small children. It is well worth it.
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Have a great day!
Be good to each other -
Brownie
It is now day two of spring. Here's a sentence that describes the glorious morning I am looking out at....
That sun is so bright and the skies are so blue let me grab my winter coat and we'll go!
If the winter coat part threw you off then let me refresh your memory of what I said a few days ago. I was talking about winter clothes - I said you can't pack them away until May 1st - point made.
Our high today in the beautiful beloved south is 41.
***************************************
Today marks a new start - or new preparedness - for a pretty big step in anyone's life. Correction: anyone who isn't homeschooled. Tonight we will be going to Kindergarten Orientation. The notes were sent home from preschool a couple weeks ago and we jotted it down on our calendar. Every now and then we would say something about tonight's event but it hasn't been on the front burner of our life stove.
Two weeks flew by - about as fast as five years did - and today when I woke up my little diva she said with sleepy eyes - "Today is Kindergarten day" - yes, today is Kindergarten day.
I thought I would be a bit more taken aback by this start of the march to school but right now I feel good. This good feeling can only be attributed to a few details in her life and my life currently:
1. She's ready. The poor kid is bored with mom and brother and preschool. She wants to be stimulated in a new way and it is exciting to think she will get all that very soon.
2. She's not a baby anymore. She reads (on a second grade level, go girl! Now if we can just get the math on the same track I'll be one happy mama - because I suck at math). The more she's not being stimulated the more she'll want to be revert backwards in the maturity department.
3. I have a baby. It may sound totally ridiculous but having my little fella is making this transition way easier for me. Having said that I am totally aware that when he starts school I'll be in crumbles and will need to be swept off the floor. I am not having anymore children so when the baby gets to Kindergarten I'll happily bawl my eyes out and drink a few cases of wine. Until then he's keeping me steady so his sister can take this next step without me ordering a supply carrier from Kleenex.
4. It is time. Every thing in life has a season. I have been given a healthy, sweet, endearing, sometimes bratty little girl. I was blessed to have her first five years be so full with lots of love, learning, and awesome experiences. Now I will watch this little girl, who has my imprint all over her, start her "own" journey and see her start to grow and fashion herself on her own accord (within limits). Yes, its just kindergarten but it is also a lot bigger than that. Kindergarten is the gateway grade. It will introduce her to new people and experiences. It will make her start to learn things without mom and dad being there immediately to say "no that's not good" or "yes, do that!"
I am lucky that the school she will be going to has good teachers and a good atmosphere (for the most part, I would totally be up for some changes in a few areas but tis life). I am also very blessed that she will know a fair majority of the students she will be in class with.
So here we go....it is kindergarten night.
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Facebook - I do not miss it. Until I hear someone say, "Did you see what I put up for sale on FB?" or "Did you see the pictures I put up on FB? Oh no you're not on there anymore."
I really could care less about 90% of the crap on there. I have done exceptionally well without it for a month and a half. But this blog lost 20% of it's readership upon my exit from Zuckerberg's creation. Today's stats showed that the 20 is now up to 30. I have my loyal readers and I am appreciative to each of you. I really enjoy writing this blog each day that I get to. I love your feedback! Thanks to you guys I'm doing this Pinterest thing and to be honest, I hadn't been on Pinterest in ages until I started this week's theme.
Next week's theme is Teaching & Celebrating Easter.
Here's the deal....I'm torn. Do I start Facebook back up? Or do I say no, I'm fine without it, my blog can just suffer?
Give me some feedback on that one. You can leave a comment or you can email.
**********************************************
Pinterest can be so useful. I was searching for some kindergarten prep stuff and found a link I wanted to check out. It linked me to a site called Teachers Pay Teachers. I didn't put a link in this blog post...keep reading.
When I clicked the link it took me to the Teachers Pay Teachers store. I x'd out. I wasn't going to buy anything I was just looking for any tips I could find. As soon as I x'd out guess what happened? The Teachers Pay Teachers windows kept popping up and opening.
So a friendly tip: when you're looking at pins and you see Teachers Pay Teachers DO NOT CLICK IT.
Today's pin is: Right here
Here's what you need to do. Click the pin, click the kid's pic, then click the link that will take you to a hilarious blog post about a dad who is prepping his 2 year old for kindergarten. You will roll with laughter.
If you want to skip the pinterest part and go straight to the blog then click here
Share this pin with all your friends who have small children. It is well worth it.
**********************************************
Have a great day!
Be good to each other -
Brownie
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Let's do something!
3.20.13 Sprang baby.
If you live down here you may say sprang instead of spring. Whatever vowel you choose to use in your annunciation - happy day of the better season :-)
I decided to celebrate the beginning of this season by hitting up the pool. The YMCA pool that is. I threw a monkey wrench in my workout routine and decided to put the weightroom on the back burner today and hit the water. I am so glad I did. My body was very responsive to the water - its been getting too comfy with the elipitical, track, stairmaster, etc.
So....how are you ringing in the first day of the new life season?
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Now that it is officially spring I have two beautiful Forsythia in full bloom. No flower better lets us know it is the end of winter more than Forsythia (which is actually more of a shrub). It is bright and sunny and has to make you smile.
Today I checked Pinterest for some ideas for a wreath and look what I found!
I can use my Forsythia and get creative.
So here's what I did....
I didn't have a cute umbrella for it but I did have a great basket to use. So I pulled it out along with a pair of scissors and went out to collect a few cuttings from the bush.
To cut I decided to focus on the back of the shrub. It is in it's infancy for blooming so I didn't want to do damage....er too much damage.
After I made a collected my cuttings I came in and cleaned them up. I'll do a blog in the future for cutting.
These are alive so they need.....water! Simple task - apply water to the cutting continuously while in the basket.
Take two paper towels and soak them then wrap the branches in them - if you use a basket then you'll need to stuff some plastic shopping bags in the bottom to catch that water that comes off the towels.
Lastly - it needed a bow and hell why not cut out a lower case B for Brownie World?
Ta da! Thanks Pinterest for making me get all creative.
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Are you cooking or drinking anything special for the first day of sprang? I can tell you my house smells like you are bombing on calories just by inhaling! I am totally cheating by making a Hormel Italian Pork Roast! I had a coupon and it was on sale so why not. I think I'll serve it up with a romain salad and some Preacher Taters!
I may just kick back a Miller 64 as well. Then again I may not....tomorrow is supposed to be my day of gym rest (not doing too well taking those....I may be addicted).
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As ya'll know my baby girl started her second season of soccer. I had to snap some pictures of her in her (GO) Wolfpack red jersey!
Until we meet again is getting old huh? I read the email. So here's stealing from Ellen....
Be good to each other!
Brownie
Share this blog! Please. http://abrownieworld.blogspot.com
If you live down here you may say sprang instead of spring. Whatever vowel you choose to use in your annunciation - happy day of the better season :-)
I decided to celebrate the beginning of this season by hitting up the pool. The YMCA pool that is. I threw a monkey wrench in my workout routine and decided to put the weightroom on the back burner today and hit the water. I am so glad I did. My body was very responsive to the water - its been getting too comfy with the elipitical, track, stairmaster, etc.
So....how are you ringing in the first day of the new life season?
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Today I checked Pinterest for some ideas for a wreath and look what I found!
I can use my Forsythia and get creative.
So here's what I did....
I didn't have a cute umbrella for it but I did have a great basket to use. So I pulled it out along with a pair of scissors and went out to collect a few cuttings from the bush.
To cut I decided to focus on the back of the shrub. It is in it's infancy for blooming so I didn't want to do damage....er too much damage.
These are alive so they need.....water! Simple task - apply water to the cutting continuously while in the basket.
Ta da! Thanks Pinterest for making me get all creative.
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Are you cooking or drinking anything special for the first day of sprang? I can tell you my house smells like you are bombing on calories just by inhaling! I am totally cheating by making a Hormel Italian Pork Roast! I had a coupon and it was on sale so why not. I think I'll serve it up with a romain salad and some Preacher Taters!
I may just kick back a Miller 64 as well. Then again I may not....tomorrow is supposed to be my day of gym rest (not doing too well taking those....I may be addicted).
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As ya'll know my baby girl started her second season of soccer. I had to snap some pictures of her in her (GO) Wolfpack red jersey!
 |
| Drills |
 |
| Getting some instruction! |
 |
| Offense skills! |
Until we meet again is getting old huh? I read the email. So here's stealing from Ellen....
Be good to each other!
Brownie
Share this blog! Please. http://abrownieworld.blogspot.com
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
A Good Pinterest Freebie
3.19.13 Down another 2lbs!!! But after making sugar cookies with two five year olds.....
Tomorrow Spring officially arrives. I think it should be today considering the sunny blue skies we have and the warm air! I hear the rest of the week will be cold and nasty. Lovely.
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Today's Pin Go or Pin No is adorable!
In honor of Peter Cotton Tail I give you this pin!
Is that not adorable? Oh you didn't click it? Well look at the picture! I Eastered up my mantle yesteday to celebrate the pending spring arrival and the pending hiding of eggs, eating of chocolate, and all the furry bunnies to remind us of new life!
I adore these free printables from all the graphic designers out there in the www world. I printed off a cool one at Valentine's that is still in my bedroom. These are fun and simple ways to add a new touch each season and or holiday to your home.
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Yesterday I pulled out the ole crock pot and concocted a little dinner -
1 package of thin cut boneless skinless chicken breast
1 packet of ranch dressing mix
1 can of reduced sodium chicken broth
1 can of mushrooms
Throw it all in the pot, turn it on low, cook for 3-4 hours.
I served it with green beans. Everyone fixes their green beans differently. I use a teaspoon of unsalted butter and three shakes of McCormick's Garlic Salt Grinder (ok three grinds) - stir often. I don't "cook" precanned beans in any fluid. I make sure I drain them and rinse them then in the pot they go.
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Until we meet again!
Brownie
Monday, March 18, 2013
Lessons & Pinterest Falsified
Here we go on a trip through another week.
How was your weekend?
If you live near me you could not complain about anything on Saturday! The weather was perfecto. Seventy plus degrees....sunshine.....ahhhh bring it on. Then Sunday reminded us it is not spring yet. Cold winds, grey skies, anything but 77 degrees.
I learned a lot this weekend....
1. Fat is not sexy or cute. I have always known this but it was really drilled home this weekend after venturing to the local park for some family time. Just a little PSA here....if you are overweight by 50 pounds, have a 52 Triple T size chest, and are storing the needed surplus of blubber required to live in the arctic for a couple winters - do not - I repeat DO NOT wear spandex, spaghetti strap camisole tops. You are not doing anyone, including yourself, a favor. Whoever told you you looked in good in that neon jelly mold needs to be strung up and slapped. Whoever makes such clothing in such sizes should be immediately strung up and shut down.
Another PSA - if your three year old weighs in at one hundred pounds and is not over five feet tall you need to get a grip and realize he is a human not a beef cow who needs to be a heavy-weight. Nothing makes me angrier than a parent who feeds the hell out of their kid and refuses to see that the kid is a walking heart attack. There is no excuse what-so-ever for a three or four year old to be that overweight - and yes I see it as abuse. Somebody needs to lay off the sugar cookies, dorinachos, vats of lard and lay on the actual love and care for their child.
2. I may be done with clothing exchanges. After going to my "Favorite" sale on Saturday I am pretty sure I am done with the exchanges/consignment sales. I had an arm full of goodies and wanted to check myself before I wrecked myself. I was approached by an old hag who must be Cinderella's aunt on her step mother's side. She told me I was not allowed to check my items and had to purchase whatever I had in my arm.
Come again?
I was in a church but I took off my Jesus and broke pretty um....well you get it.
I said - "Um come again?"
She looked down her nose at me and said, "People don't shop where things have been gone through."
I said, "This is a second hand sale the stuff has been worn"
She said, "Well people don't shop when things have been gone through."
I lost it. I will not type what I said. It was ugly. It was disdainful. It involved some choice French and I don't mean romantic. I may have thrown some Arabic in there too. I had about four other women behind me cheering me on (the mmm hmmm choir). I had a police officer who was grinning really hard behind the old mother of a dog. I threw my stuff down and said - "Oops looks like you'll have to go through that. Or since that isn't allowed you can let it lie there."
Mean Brownie arrived and Mean Brownie could not be tamed.
3. Chicfila just may be the devil. I decided to grab an original sandwich. I devoured it - no fries for me, just bocky bocky buttered bread. Then I read it has 440 calories. Done I am with CFA. Ok probably not but only kid's meals from now on.
4. We are all human beings made by the same constructor. After showing my tail at the exchange and then decompressing at my favorite store and eating an over caloried (is that even a word) sandwich I redeemed myself. There was a girl standing on the corner with a sign - you know the kind. I rolled down my window and yelled "Ma'am!" and handed her a dollar. She said, "God bless you." I said, "He has. Let him bless you." I rolled up my window and watched her go back to begging. I'm not the type to fall for the cardboard and black marker but for some reason I gave in and gave her a buck. Nevermind she had a professional nail job. I don't know what the money she was getting that day was going towards - I may not want to know - but I went out of my comfort zone and gave away something to someone who says they need it more than me.
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Due to the fantastic weather on Saturday we had our first meal of the year outside! We love eating outside in the spring and summer. My little girl was very delighted. The park was busy! We joined in the fun of the playground and the little nature trails. We are an outdoorsy family so we're itching for the weather to remain this way!
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Who watched The Bible last night? We entered the New Testament and Jesus was quickly born and shot to his near "end". I imagine next week they'll crucify him and on Easter we will watch the ascension. Oh...spoiler alert?
Isn't it odd how you know how the story goes but you're still on edge at some parts? Last night when Daniel went to hang out with the lions....I knew he'd be fine but I was still like "OH CRAP!" Then when Herod put out the ruling that all infant boys were to be slaughtered - I knew that was coming! But I was still on edge. Oh the power of bringing the written word to the screen.
I can say I am hoping the whole poking out of the eyes is over.
A lot of people have been complaining about how gruesome this miniseries is. Well if you ever took a world history class you would not be surprised at the brutality back in the day (and guess what...it still goes on). Ancient time were nasty times (once again today is still the same). This isn't "Hollywood" this is history.
Did you like the depiction of Satan? He was pretty raunchy looking. I always thought of him as really beautiful and charming and that's how he pulls people in....by looking the part.
OK didn't you expect Jesus to help Peter pull in those nets of fish a little more than he did? That stuck in my head ha!
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So it is Pinterest week. Today's make it or break it pin is:
Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies
Apparently, this was on a blog but was taken down or deleted. (I may have figured out why....keep reading).
Claim: Per cookie there are only 36 calories.
I applied my smarts to figure that the cookie dough has: 2300+ calories if I divide that dough into 18 servings (that's one cookie per serving, it is about one tablespoon of dough) I find that each cookie has around 131 calories. (I guess this may be the culprit for the blog removing the page with the recipe on it....I mean there's a bit of a difference between 36 calories and 131 calories).
Onward ho....I decided to go ahead and make this recipe anyway. It is an option for those who are avoiding gluten/what/corn/oats from their diets.
The directions said to stir together one cup peanut butter and one cup of sugar first....
Next I had to add my egg and baking powder....
On to the baking sheet they go....
And into the oven....
Here's the full recipe before you get the outcome:
1 cup of peanut butter (I used traditional Jif - if you use a low cal peanut butter you will not save on your cals here because the difference between regular Jif and reduced fat Jif....nothing same cals! Don't be fooled by labels babies. There's more carbs in your reduced fat Jif and the same amount of calores. Gotta be smart cookies!)
1 cup of sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1. Mix the peanut butter and sugar together
2. Add in the egg and baking powder and stir together
3. I made 1 1/2 inch dough balls and then made them peanut butter cookie pretty with the fork (criss cross)
4. Place in a preheated oven 350 degrees for 10 minutes.
Finale:
Make it! These are delicious.
Reality does bite: these guys aren't any more healthy than a traditional peanut butter cookie. However, they are better for you than a processed peanut butter cookie.
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Until we meet again -
Brownie
Share this blog! http://abrownieworld.blogspot.com
Friday, March 15, 2013
Lets just get drunk and screw....it.
3.15.13 My brother was hit by an old woman.....my brother is not an old woman but drives like one.
Happy Friday to you! If I didn't know any better I would say today is Good Friday considering the weather here! Not bragging but it is so sunshiney and pretty out....if it was just a tad less windy and a few degrees warmer I'd be at the park. But its not so I am....
Driving myself nuts.
Yep, me, myself, I - driving me, myself, I nuts. Not the kids or dog or husband but Brownie!
Here's the deal and it actually coincides with this week's theme!
I have a love hate relationship with this house. I love the feel and antique quaintness but at the same time I cuss it. Currently, I am cussing my decor or lack there of. I used to love neutrals. Give me all earth tones you got - browns, greys, whites - whatever feed them to me I loved them. I loved them because they made sense, they were versatile, they allowed me to decorate for holidays without making a tacky mess.
Folks, that day has ended. I am hating my livingroom (but totally thankful to have one, not wanting to sound bratty).
I am sick of the white, brown, hint of green and hint of pale yellow. I want.....color.
I need new curtains and I hate curtains.
All I need is the curtains and a few pop-of-color throw pillows and some distinguishing pops on the mantle. And maybe a piece of art......but I have been looking for a piece of art for about thirty seven years and cannot find anything I just fall in love with.
My kitchen is also breaking my heart. I do not know what was going on in my head six years ago to make me think sunflowers was the way to go. Right now the idea of a sunflower makes me want to run to the bathroom, throw up violently for fifteen minutes, then think it is over and begin to back away only to call for ralph another five minutes. Folks, that is disturbing.
Here's the closest to my current vision that I have.....
I do not want any sunflowers in this house. It is done. I will begin removing all the sunflowers very soon. That will lead to a Lowes trip to purchase four gallons of paint. That will lead to a trip to Food Lion to purchase four cases of Miller 64. That will lead to the need for a babysitter. And then I will be one with this kitchen. Oh and while I'm at it the cabinets are coming down to get sanded and this freakin' floor is coming up and moving out.
After that is all done....I imagine I'll contemplate moving.
Tis life.
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I love this time of year because it is the season of cleaning out and me scoring your deals. I refer to myself as the Queen of the Tightwads. It is a compliment. I live on a budget and am damn proud of it. If I won the lottery (but that would consist of gambling away a buck or three and that isn't happening) I would still budget.
So....you can imagine the excitement I felt today as I got some goodies at the local MOPS Clothing Exchange. I told myself I could spend no more than $25. I spent $23. The little kid got some cute duds and some necessities (we use bibs like a meth maker uses my allergy medicine), the big kid didn't score much because as the children get older the good stuff gets slimmer.
And yes....the baby got some toys that his sister thought would be good for him and interesting for her to teach him with. Oh my!
There were a few yard sale signs out today. I love it! I didn't go to any but in a month or so I'll be out scouting the good ones and finding some cool things.
I don't just do the second hand deal because I'm a tightwad....I do it because I'm doing my part to help out this big spinning ball we reside on. I'm not too keen on the continuation of filling up a landfill with stuff that has tons of life left in it. Unfortunately, a lot of things that we use a few times and decide to rid ourselves of end up in a hole in the earth. Don't do that. Sell it. Make a buck or two. Donate it. Make yourself feel good and get a tax write off.
And no I'm not a bleeding heart liberal. I am a conscience human being on a earth that doesn't belong to me but to the people I'll never meet because I'll be dust in the wind when they are around.
**********************************
Want to guess what my final tip for getting the winter out is?
Go through your closets and have a yard sale! Woo hoo! Nothing says spring like making a little green and then getting yourself a new adorable pastel top for the lighty and airy season!
If you have kids you can look into getting in a consignment sale at a church, civic group, etc before May. Do a yardsale in your neighborhood. Find a consignment shop (my favorite is Etc on Jonestown Road in Winston - Salem, I use my credit to buy myself a new outfit when they have scrilla for me).
But do not pack away those winter clothes yet. You aren't allowed to do that until May 1st. April can be quite cold!
***********************************
Brownie is looking for a couple items can you help her?
1. A stroller. My baby is moving out of the carseat that fits into the snap and go. It is time for me to find a good stroller for non athletic events (i.e. Target trips, soccer games, etc).
2. A pet crate for a small to medium dog. Poor Bertie (shihtzu) needs to be put in a crate when mommy isn't here. He's getting older and I cannot trust him to have full range of the house anymore. Bless his heart.
3. A small kid's soccer goal. We have to practice and its way better when she has a real goal and not a garden to not let the ball go into.
************************************
I hope you all have a terrific weekend. Next week I'll be doing a fun theme. If you want to join in send me some of your favorite or interest peaking Pinterest favorites that you want to try but haven't got a chance to. I'll sift through them and it just may make a posting next week!
Think: Pinterest Easter Yay and Nay.
************************************
Until we meet again -
Brownie
Share my blog.....please! http://abrownieworld.blogspot.com
Happy Friday to you! If I didn't know any better I would say today is Good Friday considering the weather here! Not bragging but it is so sunshiney and pretty out....if it was just a tad less windy and a few degrees warmer I'd be at the park. But its not so I am....
Driving myself nuts.
Yep, me, myself, I - driving me, myself, I nuts. Not the kids or dog or husband but Brownie!
Here's the deal and it actually coincides with this week's theme!
I have a love hate relationship with this house. I love the feel and antique quaintness but at the same time I cuss it. Currently, I am cussing my decor or lack there of. I used to love neutrals. Give me all earth tones you got - browns, greys, whites - whatever feed them to me I loved them. I loved them because they made sense, they were versatile, they allowed me to decorate for holidays without making a tacky mess.
Folks, that day has ended. I am hating my livingroom (but totally thankful to have one, not wanting to sound bratty).
I am sick of the white, brown, hint of green and hint of pale yellow. I want.....color.
I need new curtains and I hate curtains.
All I need is the curtains and a few pop-of-color throw pillows and some distinguishing pops on the mantle. And maybe a piece of art......but I have been looking for a piece of art for about thirty seven years and cannot find anything I just fall in love with.
My kitchen is also breaking my heart. I do not know what was going on in my head six years ago to make me think sunflowers was the way to go. Right now the idea of a sunflower makes me want to run to the bathroom, throw up violently for fifteen minutes, then think it is over and begin to back away only to call for ralph another five minutes. Folks, that is disturbing.
Here's the closest to my current vision that I have.....
I do not want any sunflowers in this house. It is done. I will begin removing all the sunflowers very soon. That will lead to a Lowes trip to purchase four gallons of paint. That will lead to a trip to Food Lion to purchase four cases of Miller 64. That will lead to the need for a babysitter. And then I will be one with this kitchen. Oh and while I'm at it the cabinets are coming down to get sanded and this freakin' floor is coming up and moving out.
After that is all done....I imagine I'll contemplate moving.
Tis life.
**************************************************
I love this time of year because it is the season of cleaning out and me scoring your deals. I refer to myself as the Queen of the Tightwads. It is a compliment. I live on a budget and am damn proud of it. If I won the lottery (but that would consist of gambling away a buck or three and that isn't happening) I would still budget.
So....you can imagine the excitement I felt today as I got some goodies at the local MOPS Clothing Exchange. I told myself I could spend no more than $25. I spent $23. The little kid got some cute duds and some necessities (we use bibs like a meth maker uses my allergy medicine), the big kid didn't score much because as the children get older the good stuff gets slimmer.
And yes....the baby got some toys that his sister thought would be good for him and interesting for her to teach him with. Oh my!
There were a few yard sale signs out today. I love it! I didn't go to any but in a month or so I'll be out scouting the good ones and finding some cool things.
I don't just do the second hand deal because I'm a tightwad....I do it because I'm doing my part to help out this big spinning ball we reside on. I'm not too keen on the continuation of filling up a landfill with stuff that has tons of life left in it. Unfortunately, a lot of things that we use a few times and decide to rid ourselves of end up in a hole in the earth. Don't do that. Sell it. Make a buck or two. Donate it. Make yourself feel good and get a tax write off.
And no I'm not a bleeding heart liberal. I am a conscience human being on a earth that doesn't belong to me but to the people I'll never meet because I'll be dust in the wind when they are around.
**********************************
Want to guess what my final tip for getting the winter out is?
Go through your closets and have a yard sale! Woo hoo! Nothing says spring like making a little green and then getting yourself a new adorable pastel top for the lighty and airy season!
If you have kids you can look into getting in a consignment sale at a church, civic group, etc before May. Do a yardsale in your neighborhood. Find a consignment shop (my favorite is Etc on Jonestown Road in Winston - Salem, I use my credit to buy myself a new outfit when they have scrilla for me).
But do not pack away those winter clothes yet. You aren't allowed to do that until May 1st. April can be quite cold!
***********************************
Brownie is looking for a couple items can you help her?
1. A stroller. My baby is moving out of the carseat that fits into the snap and go. It is time for me to find a good stroller for non athletic events (i.e. Target trips, soccer games, etc).
2. A pet crate for a small to medium dog. Poor Bertie (shihtzu) needs to be put in a crate when mommy isn't here. He's getting older and I cannot trust him to have full range of the house anymore. Bless his heart.
3. A small kid's soccer goal. We have to practice and its way better when she has a real goal and not a garden to not let the ball go into.
************************************
I hope you all have a terrific weekend. Next week I'll be doing a fun theme. If you want to join in send me some of your favorite or interest peaking Pinterest favorites that you want to try but haven't got a chance to. I'll sift through them and it just may make a posting next week!
Think: Pinterest Easter Yay and Nay.
************************************
Until we meet again -
Brownie
Share my blog.....please! http://abrownieworld.blogspot.com
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Social Conscious
March 14, 2013
This is why small towns get bad wraps. This is the only time I will ever discuss this issue on my blog or "out there" for anyone to read.
Honesty hurts.
This county is outrageous. For ten plus years I have heard the uneducated, ridiculous, illwilled banter of building a school. A school. A place of education. A learning facility. A SCHOOL! I can only pray those around us laugh wholeheartedly at how delightfully insane this county is. I can only hope that this county wakes up from its stupor and decides to take charge of its government.
I have seen bumper stickers, magnets, t-shirts, websites, blogs, emails, articles, broadcast journalism pieces, radio discussion about a high school.
It has been a war waged that was at first East versus West then North versus South then have versus have nots. It has been Days of Our Lives. It has been embarassment!
I have heard one school pride. I have heard two schools will divide. I have heard about old people not wanting to pay extra taxes and young people paying the price.
Finally someone divised a good plan to build a new school and what exactly to do with the old one. That's great can we get this moving along?
No.
I am thirty-one years old and I have two children. My children deserve the best public school education they can acquire in this county that gets high praise for its dedicated school system professionals and para professionals. Every school in this county from William R Davie Elementary to Ellis Middle to Davie County High is a good school that offers children top notch educational instruction. My children, just like my neighbor's, deserve to go to school in a safe, clean, up to date atmosphere. They do not deserve trailer park-esque buildings, rooms that aren't climate controlled, they do not deserve a football field that is paid more attention to than a science lab. If I must tell you why I will....more children will grow up to get a job in the field of science than will grow up to be a tailback for the New England Patriots.
I am infuriated I live in a county that is not considered poor yet acts as if the tax hike for a new school will cause us all to live in Whirlpool boxes.
The people who complain are the people who are out of touch and afraid. It is time to accept that part of life is change. Time does not stay in the moment - it passes very quickly. What was once o.k. for education is now invalid and falling apart. It is time for everyone to have a quick reality check and see that no matter where you move a fall football game to and no matter what memories you have from E building lobby - they are your memories. It is time for people to see that even though they say they will not benefit from a school they actually WILL! A good school brings in more families. More residents mean more revenue. More revenue means GROWTH. Children know this lesson why do adults not? It is time for change - forward thinkers - and movement. It is time to realize your pettiness is making this situation look childish and futile.
Build the damned school.
Get fresh and YOUNG blood in the commissioner's chairs next go around.
I hope many lessons have been learned.
This is why small towns get bad wraps. This is the only time I will ever discuss this issue on my blog or "out there" for anyone to read.
Honesty hurts.
This county is outrageous. For ten plus years I have heard the uneducated, ridiculous, illwilled banter of building a school. A school. A place of education. A learning facility. A SCHOOL! I can only pray those around us laugh wholeheartedly at how delightfully insane this county is. I can only hope that this county wakes up from its stupor and decides to take charge of its government.
I have seen bumper stickers, magnets, t-shirts, websites, blogs, emails, articles, broadcast journalism pieces, radio discussion about a high school.
It has been a war waged that was at first East versus West then North versus South then have versus have nots. It has been Days of Our Lives. It has been embarassment!
I have heard one school pride. I have heard two schools will divide. I have heard about old people not wanting to pay extra taxes and young people paying the price.
Finally someone divised a good plan to build a new school and what exactly to do with the old one. That's great can we get this moving along?
No.
I am thirty-one years old and I have two children. My children deserve the best public school education they can acquire in this county that gets high praise for its dedicated school system professionals and para professionals. Every school in this county from William R Davie Elementary to Ellis Middle to Davie County High is a good school that offers children top notch educational instruction. My children, just like my neighbor's, deserve to go to school in a safe, clean, up to date atmosphere. They do not deserve trailer park-esque buildings, rooms that aren't climate controlled, they do not deserve a football field that is paid more attention to than a science lab. If I must tell you why I will....more children will grow up to get a job in the field of science than will grow up to be a tailback for the New England Patriots.
I am infuriated I live in a county that is not considered poor yet acts as if the tax hike for a new school will cause us all to live in Whirlpool boxes.
The people who complain are the people who are out of touch and afraid. It is time to accept that part of life is change. Time does not stay in the moment - it passes very quickly. What was once o.k. for education is now invalid and falling apart. It is time for everyone to have a quick reality check and see that no matter where you move a fall football game to and no matter what memories you have from E building lobby - they are your memories. It is time for people to see that even though they say they will not benefit from a school they actually WILL! A good school brings in more families. More residents mean more revenue. More revenue means GROWTH. Children know this lesson why do adults not? It is time for change - forward thinkers - and movement. It is time to realize your pettiness is making this situation look childish and futile.
Build the damned school.
Get fresh and YOUNG blood in the commissioner's chairs next go around.
I hope many lessons have been learned.
Winter Pope Slapped Me!
3.14.13 Happy Birthday Pappaw Dorman & Go Pack!
Who else felt that cold slap of winter when they woke up this morning? We are just an outstretched arm away from the beloved spring and this morning winter just had to pimp slap us across the face. Oh well....we aren't alone. Miami is only going to reach a bitter seventy three degrees today. The weatherman said that's about twelve degrees below their March average.
And Jesus wept.
Speaking of Jesus....there's a new pope in the Vatican this morning. Buenos Aires is proud of their Italian son. Does that make any sense? I was listening to his history while getting ready for the day this morning. Homeboy's family moved to Argentina from Italy (still trying to grasp that one) he was going to college to be a chemist and was called into the priesthood instead. He did a lot of work with the poor - opted to live in a modest apartment instead of the house for the priest. Sounds like a good guy. He's a spring chicken at seventy-something....lets see how long this one lasts.
I'm not Catholic so I don't quite get the whole old man in Rome thing. I do however respect him and hope he has a good run.
Speaking of religion..... Passover and Easter are quickly approaching us. I hope you have a good holiday no matter what you celebrate. I've been doing some research on how to appropriately teach small children what Easter is really about. I know it is hard to explain that the bunny is merely a side dish to the main course. Look for a blog about what I have learned coming in the near future.
Speaking of Easter.....chocolate is heavenly. Weigh-ins are not. I was so stoked to weigh in yesterday after my workout. I was like "oh yeah I got this, I totally feel another three pounds off...." - ok.... no, apparently I was totally foolish to think I would have lost anything considering I did up my work out game even more and strictly followed my caloric intake. I lost 0lbs. As in null, void, zip, zilch, nada, nothing. Then I measured....I lost an inch. Meaning I may not be losing weight persay but I am turning some blubber into some rubber....as in I am building a bit of muscle. Next week I'll decrease that scale a little....I'll happily take another inch off too....hopefully.
Do you think having your period affects the scale?
****************************************
You all know that I have had a bit of a battle with my five year old daughter. She morphed from a sweet, angelic being to the possible spawn of Satan. I read a lot of books and realized a lot of personal crap. I made some adjustments to me and to our schedule. I did some major pope style praying. (Had to tie it in)
This week has been a turning point.
I reintroduced (and somewhat forced) the nap concept back into the picture and gave her an option about her Wednesday night social life. I think....not sure.....but I think I have my old girl back. She's been laid back, relaxed, and happy. She's even been enjoying her baby brother's company. (And Jesus wept again!!!)
A few things we did to help get this pretty picture back in the frame?
1. Naps are necessary.
Kids need a lot of sleep. Those brains and bodies are constantly burning up fuel and at the same time creating more and more energy. Bed time is strictly 8:30. Nap time is back and it is 2:00pm - no if ands or buts. She needs a break from herself and a nap is the best time to get that break in.
2. She needs a dose of control.
Each week we have three days in a row of go, go, go! Soccer, Cubbies, Dance. Soccer and Dance are not optional - I'm paying she's going. She is part of a team - she's going. Cubbies is social, fun, and something we work on even away from the place with the steeple. If she feels like she needs time at home on Wednesday nights then that's fine - she's home but if she is ready to go and be with her peers then that's fine too.
3. She needs all of us for just a little while each day.
Bed time is now family time. We all - and I mean the four of us - go to her room cuddle up on her bed and read a book together. You want your kid to go to bed smiling right? Well she does.
4. More girl time.
She's always been surrounded by boys. Her first friend - a boy. Her daycare - mainly boys. Her first preschool - pretty much boys. This preschool - boys. Soccer - boys. She's in dance with girls but to be honest, I don't really know the moms too well and the age differences seem pretty huge. She has one girlfriend who she has hit it off with and they will hopefully be in the same kindergarten. To my little diva it is awesome that there is another female in this world that is her age and who also loves to play dressup and giggle and likes the color pink. Luckily, this little chick's mom is a friend and so playdates are a go.
These little steps have helped us immensely in the past two weeks.
*****************************************
Let's get the winter out, shall we?
This is so easy.
Yesterday I went grocery shopping (goodbye money....it was nice to have you for a bit). As I was pushing my cart my eyes caught something beautiful beside the automatic doors. Some people are a sucker for a pocketbook, dress, jewelry, chocolate. Me.....plants.
Get the winter out of your house by buying a plant or two.
I brightened up my porch with a beautiful ranunculus. These are cold spring lovers who tolerate chilly willy temperatures quite well. They are pretty freaking fabulous to look at. The local Food Lion had them for $6.99. They featured pink, yellow, and coral.
I also advise everyone to get some green in their homes - green as in houseplants. They will really boost your air and boost your mood! Most of them have a tropical feel to them so that should make you happy. Also, this is a great time of year to purchase Peace Lillies because they are everywhere and cheap! They clean your air wonderfully and you really have little maintenance for those beauties.
***************************************
Until we meet again -
Brownie
Who else felt that cold slap of winter when they woke up this morning? We are just an outstretched arm away from the beloved spring and this morning winter just had to pimp slap us across the face. Oh well....we aren't alone. Miami is only going to reach a bitter seventy three degrees today. The weatherman said that's about twelve degrees below their March average.
And Jesus wept.
Speaking of Jesus....there's a new pope in the Vatican this morning. Buenos Aires is proud of their Italian son. Does that make any sense? I was listening to his history while getting ready for the day this morning. Homeboy's family moved to Argentina from Italy (still trying to grasp that one) he was going to college to be a chemist and was called into the priesthood instead. He did a lot of work with the poor - opted to live in a modest apartment instead of the house for the priest. Sounds like a good guy. He's a spring chicken at seventy-something....lets see how long this one lasts.
I'm not Catholic so I don't quite get the whole old man in Rome thing. I do however respect him and hope he has a good run.
Speaking of religion..... Passover and Easter are quickly approaching us. I hope you have a good holiday no matter what you celebrate. I've been doing some research on how to appropriately teach small children what Easter is really about. I know it is hard to explain that the bunny is merely a side dish to the main course. Look for a blog about what I have learned coming in the near future.
Speaking of Easter.....chocolate is heavenly. Weigh-ins are not. I was so stoked to weigh in yesterday after my workout. I was like "oh yeah I got this, I totally feel another three pounds off...." - ok.... no, apparently I was totally foolish to think I would have lost anything considering I did up my work out game even more and strictly followed my caloric intake. I lost 0lbs. As in null, void, zip, zilch, nada, nothing. Then I measured....I lost an inch. Meaning I may not be losing weight persay but I am turning some blubber into some rubber....as in I am building a bit of muscle. Next week I'll decrease that scale a little....I'll happily take another inch off too....hopefully.
Do you think having your period affects the scale?
****************************************
You all know that I have had a bit of a battle with my five year old daughter. She morphed from a sweet, angelic being to the possible spawn of Satan. I read a lot of books and realized a lot of personal crap. I made some adjustments to me and to our schedule. I did some major pope style praying. (Had to tie it in)
This week has been a turning point.
I reintroduced (and somewhat forced) the nap concept back into the picture and gave her an option about her Wednesday night social life. I think....not sure.....but I think I have my old girl back. She's been laid back, relaxed, and happy. She's even been enjoying her baby brother's company. (And Jesus wept again!!!)
A few things we did to help get this pretty picture back in the frame?
1. Naps are necessary.
 |
| i.heart.real.smiles |
2. She needs a dose of control.
Each week we have three days in a row of go, go, go! Soccer, Cubbies, Dance. Soccer and Dance are not optional - I'm paying she's going. She is part of a team - she's going. Cubbies is social, fun, and something we work on even away from the place with the steeple. If she feels like she needs time at home on Wednesday nights then that's fine - she's home but if she is ready to go and be with her peers then that's fine too.
3. She needs all of us for just a little while each day.
Bed time is now family time. We all - and I mean the four of us - go to her room cuddle up on her bed and read a book together. You want your kid to go to bed smiling right? Well she does.
4. More girl time.
She's always been surrounded by boys. Her first friend - a boy. Her daycare - mainly boys. Her first preschool - pretty much boys. This preschool - boys. Soccer - boys. She's in dance with girls but to be honest, I don't really know the moms too well and the age differences seem pretty huge. She has one girlfriend who she has hit it off with and they will hopefully be in the same kindergarten. To my little diva it is awesome that there is another female in this world that is her age and who also loves to play dressup and giggle and likes the color pink. Luckily, this little chick's mom is a friend and so playdates are a go.
These little steps have helped us immensely in the past two weeks.
*****************************************
Let's get the winter out, shall we?
This is so easy.
 |
| My newest love. I will name her Randi, yes, Randi the Ranunculus! |
Yesterday I went grocery shopping (goodbye money....it was nice to have you for a bit). As I was pushing my cart my eyes caught something beautiful beside the automatic doors. Some people are a sucker for a pocketbook, dress, jewelry, chocolate. Me.....plants.
Get the winter out of your house by buying a plant or two.
 |
| Here are Zeb & Flora my kitchen girls. They are growing! |
I also advise everyone to get some green in their homes - green as in houseplants. They will really boost your air and boost your mood! Most of them have a tropical feel to them so that should make you happy. Also, this is a great time of year to purchase Peace Lillies because they are everywhere and cheap! They clean your air wonderfully and you really have little maintenance for those beauties.
***************************************
Until we meet again -
Brownie
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Three Things I Am All About: Mid March
This is a new little entry I'll do once or twice a month.....products, items, food I feel I cannot (currently) live without!
1. Kashi Soft N Chewy Bars - Apple Cobbler (130 calories). This is my go-to when I wake up to go work out and I feel like I better have something before I go or for my afternoon pick me up. They are made from fruit and veggies and pretty freakin' delicious! I have found them at Harris Teeter and Target locally and they cost close to $3 per box of six! (No, I don't share. My kid doesn't like them and my husband wouldn't touch anything remotely healthy!) Kashi Check It Out
2. Wet n Wild Nail Polish with the wide brush! FINALLY, you can paint all ten nails (or twenty) and it looks good and is easy! The wide "manicurist" brush makes the painting process clean and easy! Unfortunately, the colors are way limited. I have ONLY found these at Walgreens! WetnWild Website
3. Monday Mornings on TNT Monday Nights at 10pm (Eastern). If you grew up in the age of ER you will enjoy Monday Mornings. This show is based on the book by Dr. Sanjay Gupta (have you ever sat in a doc's waitingroom watching that healthy tv network they show over and over? Yeah he's on there and CNN.) This show has pretty much kept a fast pace & good plot line since it premiered a few weeks back. Monday Mornings refers to the meeting in which the top hospital docs and surgeons meet to discuss the bad stuff that happened on whatever doc's watch. It is a good show! You're going to be a fan of Dr. Gatto - hand's down! http://www.tntdrama.com/series/monday-mornings/
1. Kashi Soft N Chewy Bars - Apple Cobbler (130 calories). This is my go-to when I wake up to go work out and I feel like I better have something before I go or for my afternoon pick me up. They are made from fruit and veggies and pretty freakin' delicious! I have found them at Harris Teeter and Target locally and they cost close to $3 per box of six! (No, I don't share. My kid doesn't like them and my husband wouldn't touch anything remotely healthy!) Kashi Check It Out
2. Wet n Wild Nail Polish with the wide brush! FINALLY, you can paint all ten nails (or twenty) and it looks good and is easy! The wide "manicurist" brush makes the painting process clean and easy! Unfortunately, the colors are way limited. I have ONLY found these at Walgreens! WetnWild Website
3. Monday Mornings on TNT Monday Nights at 10pm (Eastern). If you grew up in the age of ER you will enjoy Monday Mornings. This show is based on the book by Dr. Sanjay Gupta (have you ever sat in a doc's waitingroom watching that healthy tv network they show over and over? Yeah he's on there and CNN.) This show has pretty much kept a fast pace & good plot line since it premiered a few weeks back. Monday Mornings refers to the meeting in which the top hospital docs and surgeons meet to discuss the bad stuff that happened on whatever doc's watch. It is a good show! You're going to be a fan of Dr. Gatto - hand's down! http://www.tntdrama.com/series/monday-mornings/
How Ya Smellin'?
3.12.13 Edging towards the ides of March.
Blogging a little late today. I must admit this new time has me some what off and the idea of yesterday being National Nap Day was a grand idea. I often say - "today will be the day I take a nap" - that seems to never come to fruition (unless I am sick). Today was to be the day I would nap. I have not and at this point do not see a chance to nap until I go to bed this evening.
It is all good. Got my Super B Complex awaiting me and a bright sun shining outside.
********************************
Day Two of Brownie World's "Get the Winter Out!" Series continues on....
I'm sure you all know what aromatherapy is. Some of you say - ahhh yes and you immediately smell your favorite scent (for me it is sunscreen....a la Hawaiian Tropic). Some of you immediately roll your eyes and say - ahhh yes that fantastic marketing pull to get you to purchase more stuff. We could easily delve into a right brain left brain or cyncisim discussion here....but we won't.
I love the smells of fall and winter. Pumpkin Spice is not only my favorite coffee from October (ok ok September) to December but also my favorite smell! Yes, I do have several brown sugar maple room sprays lingering from Glade's 2012 seasonal campaign. There are some Nutcracker Crunch candles on my mantle. All those smells are warm and inviting and pretty awesome.
But it is time to say goodbye to those smells. It is time to push the aviators up and say - HASTA LA VISTA CHRISTMAS.
Today's Get the Winter out is telling you to get the pumpkins, spices, evergreen, candy cane shower gels, lotions, candles, room sprays, parfume (cuz baby it aint perfume) and either send it to file 13 or save it for another blog post in about 6 months!
If you have a 1/3 of the bottle left - chunk it. I dare you! I bet Body and Bath Store will have it again in July for your personal perfuming pleasure.
It is time to stock your olfactory nerves with some sweet smells of spring and summer! Apple, cherry, various floral fun, passion fruit, mango, papaya, coconut! It is time for crisp and clean scents that don't make you think of Aunt Ingrid's Rum Balls but of Bimini Bay's Coconut Rum!
Also - it is time you get that skin hydrated correctly! I love Oil of Olay's shower creams! Good smells and plenty of moisture. But remember - that shower water on hot is doing a number on your skin so use some good ole heavy duty moisturizer after the scalding ripple of your shower soothes your tired muscles.
****************************************
So you read today's tip (or could it be seen as homework?) I expect you all to jump in your vehicles whether two wheel or four, two feet or four hoof and get to Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Target, BBW, Family Dollar, Dollar General or hell just stay in your tshirt, no bra, and running shorts (ok no I am not hanging out like that today but you are, its ok I won't tell) and order it from Amazon.
Get your smell on point with the season ahead!
****************************************
Today I am watching my little baby become super mobile as he army crawls across his room to hang out UNDER his crib. It reminds me of when my little Diva was a mission impossible baby using her left arm for leverage as she would scoot, at top speed, to whatever caught her eye.
Whoa babies grow fast.
I am also noticing his interest in his toys now. I feel like the bad mom. By this point my little Diva had tons of toys - probably overkill. This kid has a hand me down Barn, fire truck, and music set (Thanks to Barrett who has no clue but more to Crystal). I know babies are fascinated by nearly nothing when it comes to toys but I'm feeling a little bad for him only having these few things. I need to add in some traditional first toys like the ring stacker, chatty cathy, and stacking cups/blocks.
What toys did your babies adore? Share them with comments or emails.
Today is also day one of our second year of soccer. Tomorrow you can expect a few pictures of our blonde bombshell and her fancy footwork. Soccer is an incredible sport for all young children. Kids seem to develop motorskills from the ground (feet) up (hands). So those little missle feet are basically ready to have that brain do some major controlling when they hit about three or four years old. I never knew much about soccer growing up and when I was introduced to it I learned a couple things:
1. Girls who play soccer have killer legs.
2. Boys who play soccer are way hot.
3. Pot is Gatorade for soccer players. (Disclaimer: Don't take offense, just smirk)
Here's to hoping that my girl has the toughest legs when she's mama's age, she gets a good looking husband when she's fifty-seven, and she chooses Gatorade over soccer.
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It is grilling seasn and I have some chicken marinating as we speak.
I made this marinade this morning:
1/4 c olive oil
1/3 c Worcestershire Sauce
Ten small grinds of Kosher Sea Salt
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 lemon juice
My chicken breast (4 pieces) have been marinating for a few hours in it. I plan to let them sit in there until we get home from soccer. That will equate to 5.5 hours of marinating. I'll grill it up and serve it with corn.
I plan to have an entry on the blog soon of recipes and pictures of the food that is yielded from these recipes. This will all begin next week with my next theme. Thanks for sending in ideas for themes. I am so excited to get started on a lot of them!
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Until we meet again -
Brownie
Like or love this blog? Share it with your friends and family on Facebook (where I am not) or Twitter! You can always cut and paste the address and stick it in an email too! Thanks! http://abrownieworld.blogspot.com
Blogging a little late today. I must admit this new time has me some what off and the idea of yesterday being National Nap Day was a grand idea. I often say - "today will be the day I take a nap" - that seems to never come to fruition (unless I am sick). Today was to be the day I would nap. I have not and at this point do not see a chance to nap until I go to bed this evening.
It is all good. Got my Super B Complex awaiting me and a bright sun shining outside.
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Day Two of Brownie World's "Get the Winter Out!" Series continues on....
I'm sure you all know what aromatherapy is. Some of you say - ahhh yes and you immediately smell your favorite scent (for me it is sunscreen....a la Hawaiian Tropic). Some of you immediately roll your eyes and say - ahhh yes that fantastic marketing pull to get you to purchase more stuff. We could easily delve into a right brain left brain or cyncisim discussion here....but we won't.
I love the smells of fall and winter. Pumpkin Spice is not only my favorite coffee from October (ok ok September) to December but also my favorite smell! Yes, I do have several brown sugar maple room sprays lingering from Glade's 2012 seasonal campaign. There are some Nutcracker Crunch candles on my mantle. All those smells are warm and inviting and pretty awesome.
But it is time to say goodbye to those smells. It is time to push the aviators up and say - HASTA LA VISTA CHRISTMAS.
Today's Get the Winter out is telling you to get the pumpkins, spices, evergreen, candy cane shower gels, lotions, candles, room sprays, parfume (cuz baby it aint perfume) and either send it to file 13 or save it for another blog post in about 6 months!
If you have a 1/3 of the bottle left - chunk it. I dare you! I bet Body and Bath Store will have it again in July for your personal perfuming pleasure.
It is time to stock your olfactory nerves with some sweet smells of spring and summer! Apple, cherry, various floral fun, passion fruit, mango, papaya, coconut! It is time for crisp and clean scents that don't make you think of Aunt Ingrid's Rum Balls but of Bimini Bay's Coconut Rum!
Also - it is time you get that skin hydrated correctly! I love Oil of Olay's shower creams! Good smells and plenty of moisture. But remember - that shower water on hot is doing a number on your skin so use some good ole heavy duty moisturizer after the scalding ripple of your shower soothes your tired muscles.
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So you read today's tip (or could it be seen as homework?) I expect you all to jump in your vehicles whether two wheel or four, two feet or four hoof and get to Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Target, BBW, Family Dollar, Dollar General or hell just stay in your tshirt, no bra, and running shorts (ok no I am not hanging out like that today but you are, its ok I won't tell) and order it from Amazon.
Get your smell on point with the season ahead!
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Today I am watching my little baby become super mobile as he army crawls across his room to hang out UNDER his crib. It reminds me of when my little Diva was a mission impossible baby using her left arm for leverage as she would scoot, at top speed, to whatever caught her eye.
Whoa babies grow fast.
I am also noticing his interest in his toys now. I feel like the bad mom. By this point my little Diva had tons of toys - probably overkill. This kid has a hand me down Barn, fire truck, and music set (Thanks to Barrett who has no clue but more to Crystal). I know babies are fascinated by nearly nothing when it comes to toys but I'm feeling a little bad for him only having these few things. I need to add in some traditional first toys like the ring stacker, chatty cathy, and stacking cups/blocks.
What toys did your babies adore? Share them with comments or emails.
Today is also day one of our second year of soccer. Tomorrow you can expect a few pictures of our blonde bombshell and her fancy footwork. Soccer is an incredible sport for all young children. Kids seem to develop motorskills from the ground (feet) up (hands). So those little missle feet are basically ready to have that brain do some major controlling when they hit about three or four years old. I never knew much about soccer growing up and when I was introduced to it I learned a couple things:
1. Girls who play soccer have killer legs.
2. Boys who play soccer are way hot.
3. Pot is Gatorade for soccer players. (Disclaimer: Don't take offense, just smirk)
Here's to hoping that my girl has the toughest legs when she's mama's age, she gets a good looking husband when she's fifty-seven, and she chooses Gatorade over soccer.
****************************************
It is grilling seasn and I have some chicken marinating as we speak.
I made this marinade this morning:
1/4 c olive oil
1/3 c Worcestershire Sauce
Ten small grinds of Kosher Sea Salt
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 lemon juice
My chicken breast (4 pieces) have been marinating for a few hours in it. I plan to let them sit in there until we get home from soccer. That will equate to 5.5 hours of marinating. I'll grill it up and serve it with corn.
I plan to have an entry on the blog soon of recipes and pictures of the food that is yielded from these recipes. This will all begin next week with my next theme. Thanks for sending in ideas for themes. I am so excited to get started on a lot of them!
***********************************
Until we meet again -
Brownie
Like or love this blog? Share it with your friends and family on Facebook (where I am not) or Twitter! You can always cut and paste the address and stick it in an email too! Thanks! http://abrownieworld.blogspot.com
Monday, March 11, 2013
One JAM PACKED Blog!
Good day! Hope you all had a terrific weekend. I can honestly say - my weekend was just fabuloso!
Today is the first day of another year of wedded union. We celebrated our real anniversary yesterday with a day trip (if you will) just up the road to Hanging Rock State Park. It wasn't for a picnic or to lie beside a beautiful lake or feed ducks by a brilliant pond....no we went to sweat! What do we do on our anniversary? HIKE! Five miles! Up hill! ON ROCKS! It was a lot of fun.
This all came about a few months ago when my husband said we should go hiking one weekend. I was totally down but it was December and a little too chilly for me. Knowing we were going to get away for a proper celebration sans kids later in the season we opted for a little hiking venture on our actual anniversary. It was a great idea and fun experience. It was also sans kids...
Hanging Rock is in Stokes County (North Carolina) and from the view just moments from the Virginia line. The drive up was a little less than an hour. Our first trek was to see the beautiful waterfalls. I'm a sucker for a waterfall. I was expecting a couple rocks with a trickle (what I call a urine stream) coming down but was happily surprised at the falls that were offered. Not huge, not trickles, but very pretty.
My husband sucks at navigation so the fact that he held the hiking map was a bit unnerving. There was a lot of stopping and reading the folded paper in his pocket. I have a very short fuse named patience so I decided to just keep walking. Eventually, he saw the beauty of putting the paper in his pocket and leaving it there.
There are a lot of rocks, a lot of steps and a lot of briars on your way up to the top of Hanging Rock. It was interesting seeing the other hikers or walkers on their way up and or down the trail. I enjoyed those in the very nice attire who obviously thought it was going to be a flat, paved walk with an occasional pot hole. I also enjoyed seeing those who were dressed ready to hike the Rockies or live out their desire to be a ranger. I just wore my regular workout clothes and tennis shoes. The hubby was more GQ in his fleece pullover and jeans. After yesterday I can say Justin Boot Company did not create their boots for hiking - my husband may agree. He loves his Justins but not for this past time! My New Balances were perfect!
I'm not real sure what would possess one to bring a two year old to climb up rocks or to roll down rocks. We saw several very young children who probably would benefit from a kidzone more than a rocky adult playground. The mommy in me was screaming - THIS IS NOT SAFE FOR THAT BABY! I had to get a grip and realize I am not Mother Teresa and those kids have their own parents that are responsible for them. But still - lets use our heads before we take a 18-24 month old on a hike that is really rocky and a little too steep for a new walker. There is my PSA for today.
My husband made a great comment on how we humans are used to our elevators and escalators these days. There were a lot of people who looked like they may have decided to lay down and die as they made it 1/3 of the way up the trail. One woman, God bless her heart, was struggling. You could hear her heaving and you could see the white knuckles wrapped around her walking stick. With so much user friendly technology in the workplace, shopping mall, and well everywhere in our lives our bodies are shocked when we decide to venture somewhere that is so....dare I say retro? A place where we must rely on our muscles and bones and joints to get us to our destination and not a vehicle, a conveyor belt, or hydraulics. We also saw many people in their "extremely golden years" ready to venture up to the top. You had to smile at them and root them on. Then you had to pray they didn't fall and break a hip. On our way down Hanging Rock we passed a mama-to-be. I thought, "Yes, I have been in your shoes and I hope this hike helps you go into labor too."
Hanging Rock was a great place to get our hiking shoes broke in. I totally recommend it!
As we made our way up the hills we met loads of people and loads of dogs. I think we decided our next doggie will be a Boston Terrier. Some times people talk about kids on their anniversaries and the possibility of another child. Not us! Heck no our next kid will have four legs, a tail, and pant when it is hot!
The coolest part of our venture up and journey down was so many people we met along the trail were anything but locals! I imagine we heard all these languages in the course of three hours - Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Russian, Greek, Italian, Spanish, and Romanian. That is pretty cool if you ask me.
Once we reached the top (my hubby and I kept saying "summit" because it is way cooler than saying "the top") we just had to stop and look around in stone silence (no pun intended). It is amazing to see the beauty of this land we populate from so high up (2300ft above sea level I believe). It was breath taking - Carolina Blue skies, evergreens, fields ready for the arrival of spring greenery, and a bright yellow orange sun giving it all a glow. Off in the distance was the skyline of Winston-Salem.
Something even more amazing was looking at the other people who were taking in the view with us. There was a young Asian man sitting on one of the rocks ahead of us (you'll see him in a picture). He was eagerly reading a book and taking pauses too stare out at the view ahead of him. The book? The Bible. He may be a new Christian or just discovering new religions he may have been raised in a church and trying to make some sense of faith....it didn't matter - just seeing him with that book on that rock was pretty powerful. I get a monthly newsletter from a religious group that supports the Christian ministry in Asia. So many countries there are totally against Christianity and those who want to worship in the Christian church must do so in secrecy or they will be killed. Knowing all this and seeing this guy here in North Carolina have the freedom to open a Bible and read it because he wanted to was enough to stir some emotion. He was reading Genesis. I think the story of creation and where he sat went together quite well.
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After we logged five miles we took the highway back to one of our favorite spots! Downtown Winston-Salem isn't huge and bustling and compared to most downtown's I have enjoyed exploring. It has plenty of room to grow and thrive. The cool part - from what I can se I think it is well on its way to doing just that. This area of town gets our business at least once a month. From Fourth Street Filling Station to Foothill's Brewery to Recreation Billiards we love the food and fun and spirits downtown!
Yesterday, I gained a new favorite restaurant downtown.
If you have a chance - and a hankering - for some seafood you need to venture to King's Crab Shack & Oyster Bar! The laid back, beach side-feel "hole in the wall" is a delicious gem of a seafood shack. You can sit at the bar or grab a table along the wall across from the bar. My hubs and I sat side by side at the table and watched the four big screens while downing some celebratory brews. The decor is upbeat and makes you drift off in a the wooden boat of sweet release on a calm sea.
Our service started a little hectic but ended up being superb. Onna was excellent! She had a great personality and kept it cool while she was being ran all over the place.
I am a crab cake connoisseur so I (of course) go the crab cake sandwich with fries. Yes - delicious. I devoured every single square inch in front of me. My husband got a King's Burger and he had nothing but lip smacking reviews (after he gave me the tomato on it....what is it with you people who are so afraid of maters?)
With it being our anniversary I had to get some dessert. I opted for the cheesecake thanks to Onna's recommendation and I was not disheartened. (Yes, our anniversary meal was spent at this wonderful spot!)
We will be back. And next time I want a t-shirt!!!
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I love my guy. I am happy we were put together and I am happy we are more in love now than we have ever been before.
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How are you doing with the time change? It always takes a little adjusting doesn't it? I am trying really hard to adjust but realize it will be next Monday before I am fully into the swing of things. I really wish this was the time we got to keep 365 days a year. I like my daylight!
And if this period of adjustment is too tough on you....today is National Nap Day. Apparently, if you nap the majority of today the time change WILL NOT negatively affect you. Having said that - try not to fall asleep in your cubical or patient's room....may not end to well for you.
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I had to theme up this week and I decided that a lot of us are in spring fever mode. Whether you had a great taste of spring over the weekend or you're just sick of winter - we all want some warm temperatures and sunshine a.s.a.p!
So this week we will be "Getting the Winter Out!" - this means making our foods more springy, our homes, and ourselves.
Here is what the daughter and I did on Friday!
We happen to have five thousand fireplaces in our home - ok just two. They are both closed up because we need to have them pretty much removed. Until we have them removed we have this awesome space for creative output.
On Friday we decided to Easter up the house. We cut out eggs and decorated them then cut some "grass" to put the eggs in. Using this unsightly area of our living room we fashioned a little Easter decor.....from the heart and tiny hands.
Do you have a place in your house you consider your own little eyesore? Doll it up! Even if you don't have little kids you can still do something creative with that space that makes it scream out SPRING!
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Did you watch The Bible last night? I cannot get over how many white people were around back in the day. I thought Moses was a little too white and now Saul is looking a little white as is David. I was pleased to see Samson was not white. Finally, a non white cast for the Bible! I am sorry I do not subscribe to the idea that the folks from back in the Bible days were pale. No, in my heart of hearts they were African, Middle Easterners, Asians, yeah I'm sure there were some whities but really people....whites had to be in the shear minority back then don't you think?
I love that this rendition of religion on tv is bringing it in for all people. I must admit last night I was crying over Samson - when Delilah showed up I wanted to poke her eyes out since I knew how the story would go.
We learned a good lesson last night - when you start putting people in power the good in them starts to fade away....and fast! Saul was a jerk. David needed his tail whipped. I know Solomon had his human flaws as well but I look forward to the third installment next week!
What are you enjoying about this mini series....if you are watching?
I must say that I knew there was a lot of fighting and saying "God told me to" back in the day but I still question whether God was really that into wiping out people. Just putting that out there. I have the view of God is the ultimate lover....as in loves us like no other. This of course is paving the way to Jesus - who would show the love like none other.
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Have an excellent Monday Fun day....stop rolling your eyes!
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Until we meet again -
Brownie
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