Dinner Slump!

One thing I have been struggling with lately is dinner.  I have been super busy and on a new schedule so my love of cooking has really fell to the wayside.  I also feel that when I've made anything its been an old go to and nothing fun or different.  (How do we say....meatloaf?)

So on Friday (my day off from preschool and my day to do all things housewifey) I went to Pinterest to help battle this new found slump of meal planning.

The Pin That Pulled Me In!

I found a TERRIFIC website.  I totally recommend this site to any human being who needs food ideas for any meal and pretty much any diet out there!!!

Stockpiling Moms!  These women have got their stuff together!  The website is perfect and the ideas are endless.

I immediately went to the Crock Pot section.  I'm pulling that bad boy out with pride this week.

Here are the meals I'm planning on making for the week of September 2nd!

1.  Not for the crock pot- Chicken Fajita Pizza

2.  Crock pot - Ranch Pork Chops (which only calls for three ingredients!)

3.  Crock pot - Lasagna (I know a lot of people make this, I never have but wanted to try it out)

4.  Crock pot - Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches (ok an old favorite!)

Of course my goal with every dinner is that we have enough for the hubby to take to work the next day and if the Diva loves it enough she'll find it in her lunchbox too.  

I made my grocery list and luckily the ingredients for these meals somewhat overlap.  Since I shop Aldi I should save even more $$$.

Hope this helps ya out as you plan your meals as well.  

Five on Friday!

This week has been BUSY to say the least.  I miss regularly blogging but I've had a little too much on my plate and been ready to pass out each night around 8:30!  However, I made time get my five put on the screen!

1.  My schoolgirl!  

The first four days of school have been a total success for my little girl.  She LOVES school.  One of the assistants heard her say she didn't want to go home!  She's been doing great on getting up early and following the routine.  It is ok....I know that will soon dissipate.  Oh and NO, I didn't cry the first day of school!!!

2.  Working Mama!

This has been my first week of actually working.  I have been working in the classroom and also at home getting ideas together and planning some fun things to do with my new little friends beginning next week.  I knew I had missed "working" but boy I didn't realize I missed it like this.  So far it is the perfect compliment to my mama duties.  Last night I got to meet our little ones and they are the cutest bunch I have laid my eyes on in a while.  I know next week will be a challenge and a blessing.  I also must say I have the best coworker on the face of the earth.  I knew her from a previous employment experience and she seemed so nice and easy to get along with.  Now I get to be working right beside her and she is awesome!  I look forward to lots of laughs and good times this year.

3.  Little Man's New Adventure!

My spunky one year old (that's weird to say) got to go visit his new morning hang out for while I'm at my job.  He's going to stay where his big sister did when she was a baby.  There are only a few little ones there and he had a great time playing.  The cutest thing ever ---> when I put him down the little girl who is a week or so older than him walked right up with her paci in her mouth and looked him up and down.  She kept trying to get in his face to get a "good" look.  He smiled at her and roared and she roared back and they were good to go.  I guess this is how baby cave people greeted each other!  They were too cute.

4.  The rolling ball on the house.

Well the house is now a bit closer to beginning her change.  We went to the bank this week and were approved.  Now its all paperwork and signatures.  This is a stress filled experience.  I know in a few months we'll look back and be like "oh it wasn't that bad".  Crazy enough we're still having some issues getting the "deed" right....off to vomit now...

5.  Summer is "ending".

I'm a summer girl but fall doesn't sound too bad right now.  Our trees began losing leaves a month and a half ago.  There are pumpkin donuts, breads, cakes, and muffins on the market again.  Glade has put out their fall scents.  Football started.  I guess its time to embrace what is coming but expect an Indian Summer.  Labor Day weekend in NC?  Scorching hot.  I guess I will keep my flip flops out til November, wait, make that December.

Demented Thursday: Who are you?

I haven't written a Demented Thursday post in what seems to be ages.  I had to leave it be for a while.  Give myself a break on documenting and commenting and sharing my experiences with my grandmother.

Today I'm going back for a little while to discuss the evil that is Alzheimer's Disease.

This past Friday I decided to load up my grandma's mini van and take her out with us for our Friday errands. She needed to sign a document in town and I thought why not make a day out of it.  I know the struggle of having your two kids with you and then throwing in someone who is totally your elder but also your third child when you're taking them with you.  I prepped myself - remain calm, listen as if its the first time she's said everything you know she's going to say, just smile.

It started out just fine.  She was actually ready fifteen minutes ahead of schedule (and that rarely used to happen).  She was cheery.  The sun was shining and summer had returned to our hometown and her personality.  We made our first stop.  The surveyor's office.  She needed to sign a document.

She can write.  However, it took her five minutes to write her name (it was supposed to be a signature but was more of block print) I asked quietly if that was ok and he shook his head yes.  Then she made a connection with him.  She could link him to my uncle.  Woo hoo take that brain disease!  And then she was asking if he was married and then like a school girl she had that flirty giggle and started complimenting him.  We all smiled, it was funny.  He knew she was old and probably "not hitting on all four cylinders" and we let it go.

When I walked in that office I swear my grandma was by my side.  When I walked out that different person who looks like her was walking with me.

We drove down the road, chatting.  

I made a stop and got back in the car all within five minutes.

We drove a little farther and the question that anyone with a loved one who has Alz/Dem said to me:

Who are you?

Not psycho babble who are you but a serious who the hell are you.

Who am I?  Did she really just ask me that?  Who am I?

I'm Melissa's daughter.

To which she said, "I have a daughter named Melissa"

And I said, "Yes, that's who I am talking about."

Silence.

"Where does your mama work? Who are your people?"

Silence on my end.  I could so run left field - start talking like Tarzan all that jazz - but I didn't.  She was seriously asking me and I needed to seriously answer her.

"She works at the school.  You are my people.  Edd was my grandpa.  Edwin is my uncle.  You are my grandma."

Silence on her end.

"Does your mother know my daughter?"

A smile on my face:  "Dear God I hope so or there could be some problems!"

She laughed....clueless.

I know I'm just a grandkid and the knife-to-the-gut-on-that-question now coming at me couldn't be as hard as it will be when it is her own children she cannot place.  

We need a cure for Alzheimer's.  I don't want my children to one day be taking care of me like you do a toddler and me to stare at them like they are the newest family to move in the neighborhood.  It isn't fair, it isn't right, it has to end.  Support the people in your community who are taking care of loved ones who are right before them but so far away.  Support the fight and crusade for science to find the anecdote.  Pray to God that He allows this disease to be a thing of the past in good time.

I know my grandmother won't have that miraculous cure in her future.  She's close to ninety years old now.  However, we should be hell bent against it being a diagnosis for our future generations.

A First Birthday Weekend

This is the picture that sums it up - he is a big boy now!

I'm not a cake decorator but I also cannot justify spending $$$ on a cake that will be demolished.

Are you sure this is right?

Ok here I go!

Why are you staring at me?

Oh my goodness I love this!

Puppy One

Puppy Two

Puppy 3!  We got the litter.

Yay!  Its as big as he is!

A boat - what his sister said he needed the most.  Perfection!

Big Sister reading the birthday boy a book before breakfast (alliteration anyone).

IHOP pancakes yummy birthday treat.

His sister stressed over the perfect gift.  She picked this out and didn't even want to wrap it.

Afternoon fun playing in the yard!

He loves her & she loves him!  So happy.

My kids love sand.  Notice his face :)

Heart melter

Perfect birthday weather?  Yes indeed!

My soon to be six year old.  I remember when she was one.

Should have removed all clothing for this meal....but bath time was extra fun!

Daddy's party face!

Mommy's party face!

Opening his first ever birthday present was fun.

Dear God - Its the First Day of School.

Dear Lord -

I think she got enough sleep last night.  I thank you for helping her snooze right off, keeping her asleep, and keeping worry at bay.

I have her book bag and lunch box ready to go.  I also have half of Walmart ready to turn into her teacher to help the year go a bit smoother.

This morning I ask you to please be with her all through her year of school.  If she ever feels afraid, sad, or upset just give her that warm feeling that it is all going to be okay.  I'm not real worried about her but I ask that you please do this for me.

I also ask that you keep those germs down to a minimum.  Let her class be a healthy one and the booger eating be lessened for not just the wellness of the class but also for the teacher and assistant's sanity as well.

Allow her to learn, thrive, and grow.  Give me patience to help her succeed as she goes forward.

I'm done with that part now, Lord.  I need to ask another favor.

Please be with her teacher.  Give her confidence, as she is a new teacher.  Give her wisdom.  Let her patience be a mirror of your own.  Let her heart feel the joy that it seems only a five year old has.  Make her heart melt at the sweet and funny words that will roll off the tongues of these babies.  When she's at her wit's end give her a gift that shows exactly why you made her to be the perfect fit for her occupation.  At Christmas let her gift bags of mugs be at a minimum (I had to throw that in there).

Lastly, be with me please, Lord.  She's only going 100 yards away for the day but she's entering a new and exciting world that I will only hear about in stories and see in actions.  I'm cool with her growing up but I know that this one day alone is the fast forward button on the next 18.  I admit that makes me sad.  Just give me a little grace in the face (I guess in more ways than one).  Let me realize it is OK to have a tear or two fall down and I don't have to let the fluorescent bulbs dry them out.

Thank you for a good school, good teacher, great kid, and my beautiful ordinary blessed life.

And all God's creatures said -

Amen.

Happy Birthday Little Man!

One year ago today I lay in a hospital bed watching boring television, reading magazines and awaiting the birth of my son.

 

 

That pregnancy was anything but great.

 

 

However, at 3:23pm on Friday, August 24th, 2012 after three pushes my little prince came into this world....

 

Perfect.

 

Do you want to know how fast a year goes by?  Ask a mama.

 

Our Little Man has brought so much happiness and joy and completeness to our little family.

 

He's the best baby.  The sweetest son.  The most adorable little brother.

His sister says, "He'll always be my baby mommy!"

 

Happy Birthday Monster Man!

 

 



5 on Friday: Stuff I learned on a Thursday

It may be sappy.

 

Five things I've come to find out this week - as an upcoming Kindergarten mom.

 

 

 

1.  I can prepare myself 110% and I'm not ready.

 

We went into her classroom to a swarm of kids and parents standing around talking, filling out papers, playing, just looking around.  It wasn't much to me until we found her seat.  Seeing her name on the table flipped a switch and I felt my throat swell and my eyes bubble.  That whole surreal - "This is really happening" hit me.

 

I thought I had it under control.  We've done preschool and I'm used to seeing her name on handwriting paper, laminated, and neatly placed. This time for some reason was different.  I kept saying - why is this so different, I've done this twice before? 

 

Well...its different because I know that Kindergarten is the gateway to brand new everything.  She's going to be influenced by kids I don't know.  She's going to have her feeling hurt.  She's going to do great work and she's going to find that some things may be more of a struggle.  The safety net of preschool and praying time has came and gone.  It is time to see what my little girl shapes into with less of mommy guiding and more of her own instincts leading the way. 

 

2.  My child looks older having already spent time in her classroom.

 

We were only in her new learning environment for about thirty minutes.  Walking in she held my hand and stayed by my side.  Within five minutes of being there she was off playing and I was filling out paperwork.  I'd look around for her to see her doing just fine exploring on her own.  When we left and took the walk home I saw her differently - a big girl.  She was excited and ready to go back.  Did she morph when I wasn't looking?  From my little girl to my little big girl?  I guess so.

 

 

3.  Having a baby at home doesn't ease the transition.

 

I thought it would.  I thought well I'll be just fine because I have my widdle biddy boy at home.  Negative.  Realizing how fast my little girl has gone from my tummy to the classroom only makes me realize that these tender years fly by ever so quickly.  I have to seriously cherish the last time I have a tiny person in my home.

 

4.  Her lunch hour is when I'm working.

 

This suddenly means a lot.  I want to be able to attend lunch times with her for certain events.  Luckily, I have a superior who believes in putting your kids first.  Everyone doesn't get that blessing.  So yep I can make that birthday lunch.

 

5.  I've tried so hard.

 

For the past six years I have tried so incredibly hard to build a smart, kind, happy, grounded little person.  I have read to her nearly every night.  I have prayed with her.  I have made sure that she got a good mama who has always let her know my love for her is endless.  She's not just a kid to me she's my angel, my amazing little gift.  She's my everything.  Sitting in that classroom I realize not every child gets that experience with their parents.  That breaks my heart.  I just pray that my most complicated and rich work of trying to be the best mom for my child radiates to all of those around her.  I hope she passes love and friendship and kind words to her classmates and teachers.  If that is felt I will feel like I have done a good job thus far and can take the next steps with her with my head held high and a smile

 

Yeah, Monday may sting a little bit.  My tears are extra salty.

Dreaming of a Renovation Part 2

Still sitting here scavenging through more and more pieces of design, paint chips, incredibly expensive crap no one needs....I'm ready to get this project under way.

A lot of people have sent me emails and messages asking what all our remodel entails.  I guess my very basic response of "a lot" isn't quite the answer you are looking for.  So today I will bring you into my world (err nightmare) of what the coming months hold for the Casa de Brownie.

 

 

Let's start from the ground up - literally.

 

Once upon a time there was a house built (circa 1930-33ish) and it was built before the school was built and before paved roads were the rage and when agriculture was truly the bread and butter.  The house sat on a level playing field with everything around it.  Speed forward oh forty years or so and ba-boom there's a DOT crew who has built a big, fancy paved road.  There's a school in close proximity.  There's new irrigation patterns.  There's a house that was built (circa 1930-33) and its sitting in below the level of the road, the school, etc.  Fast forward to 2013 and there's a house (same one) that sits so far below the road's surface that drainage issues are a nightmare and the foundation/basement is paying for years of bad irrigation and sitting in a hole.

 

If you didn't catch the message - we're having to get our foundation basically some botox!  We're up for resealing, removal of brick, a new aesthetic and some hardcore masonry work.

 

Not a headache, I can deal with that.

 

 

My Father is a Jewish carpenter - but he's retired from that line of work.

 

Next is the interior and the construction dudes.  If Jesus could come back and do some remodeling on the house I bet he'd do it free because he's cool like that.  Anyhoo ---- the carpenters are putting in heavier sheetrock, new ceilings, removing a door that leads to no where, removing chimneys, removing windows, replacing doors, replacing windows, totally moving my laundry room around, building a new deck, recasing the doorways (apparently back in the day it was cool to have as many doors as possible....ok ok I know it is more of a heating issue).  They will also be re roofing this five layered shingle home. 

 

It's electric - run away!

 

New lighting systems, new plugs, new outlets, moving everything to a centra switch, outdoor lights, moving the 220 to a new wall.  New basement lighting.

 

That's plumb gorgeous!

 

The original bathroom is getting an overhaul.  Our cast iron tub is not going anywhere so we're re-walling around it and making it useful again.  Then he has to check the newest bathroom because that thing is up to no good if you ask me (shooo weee) and do some magic for the new washer lines.

 

Painting is fun - but not without a canvas and wine!

 

The painting guys are coming in to repaint the kitchen, living, hallway, bath, and laundry room.  I smell fumes!  (Could be the bathroom?)

 

The KITCHEN!

 

New cabinets, counters, appliances, sink, flooring, windows, paint, everything!

 

Floors....

 

Well new flooring in three rooms - one word:  TILE.

I guess that's a more in depth version of "a lot" :-)