Reese was up bright and early again today...6:50 AM to be exact. I thought I'd at least make it through my morning workout without interruption, but that was not the case. Oh well...such is life. She is back on a going on the potty kick again and went 2 times within 10 minutes of getting up. Her desired "special treat" for today...."noids!!" That's Nerds for those who don't speak toddler. Yep she was mighty enthused about eating Nerds in the early morning hours...more excited that I'd ever be, that's for sure. But at least she's back to going on the potty again...hopefully it lasts this time.
We tried something new for Thanksgiving this year instead of the traditional blessing. I have been asking the kids each night what they are thankful for for quite some time. Well, for the month of November, we were writing down everything that they said and putting their "Thanks" in a jar to read on Thanksgiving. There were some pretty funny ones as each person read a couple going around the table. The kicker was when Derrick's sister read hers, "Doggy Poop" and "Playing with guns." Oh dear....where do I start in explaining this??
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Oh the things kids are thinking...
Carter and Reese wanted to go puddle jumping yesterday after we had some heavier rain. I took them out in the backyard with their boots on and they thoroughly enjoyed finding the biggest puddles to splash in. Carter loved to find the really muddy ones. He had some kind of epiphany during his muddy puddle splashing and stopped to tell me this gem: "Mamma, mud is like doggy poop. It's brown, it's yucky, and you don't want to touch it." Wow, that's deep...
I made these roasted veggies tonight:
3 potatoes - cubed
1 sweet potato - peeled and cubed
1/2 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 beets - peeled and cubed
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
This quote hit home for me today:
You will know that forgiveness has begun when you recall those who hurt you and feel the power to wish them well.”
I made these roasted veggies tonight:
3 potatoes - cubed
1 sweet potato - peeled and cubed
1/2 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 beets - peeled and cubed
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
In a small bowl, stir together thyme, rosemary, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss with vegetables until they are coated. Spread evenly on a large roasting pan.
Bake in preheated oven a 475 for 35 minutes
This quote hit home for me today:
You will know that forgiveness has begun when you recall those who hurt you and feel the power to wish them well.”
Monday, November 28, 2011
Thanksgiving
I am so thankful for my wonderful family. We were able to spend a fun-filled 4 days together over the holiday weekend and it was really great to catch up and go on some fun adventures together. (Not to mention eat a lot of really delicious food!)
We really enjoyed Thanksgiving this year combining the Alfano and Berad clans under the same roof. On Friday, we went to the Strip District and Hartwood Acres for the Festival of Lights, which is always quite amazing. On Saturday we did some family portraits which turned out nicely. Each night we shared some laughs while we competed against eachother on the Wii.
With 6 extra "helpers" in the house, we were able to put up our outdoor Christmas lights in a flash.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Time for some Dough...
A few I've tried over the past week:
San Francisco Sour Dough Bread....need I say more??
I've been making these 30 minute Rolls at least once a week...so yummy!
Celery stuffing for Thanksgiving tomorrow....hope it turns out well. I added carrots and crushed garlic to mine.
Made these Chocolate Cookies with the kids a few days ago. They are SO good...I made some into thumbprints with strawberry preserves in the middle.....
I can't take credit for these but Derrick made these Pumpkin Waffles with Apple Cider Syrup that were quite amazing.
This is not "dough" but I made this Chicken Parm variation last week and it was easy and good also.
San Francisco Sour Dough Bread....need I say more??
I've been making these 30 minute Rolls at least once a week...so yummy!
Celery stuffing for Thanksgiving tomorrow....hope it turns out well. I added carrots and crushed garlic to mine.
Made these Chocolate Cookies with the kids a few days ago. They are SO good...I made some into thumbprints with strawberry preserves in the middle.....
I can't take credit for these but Derrick made these Pumpkin Waffles with Apple Cider Syrup that were quite amazing.
This is not "dough" but I made this Chicken Parm variation last week and it was easy and good also.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Kiddie Time
If there's anything I've learned from having kids, it's that there is no such thing as a "Schedule". No, kids are in their own little world when it comes to time and making plans and sticking to a schedule, much to many-a-parents' dismay. Just when you start settling into a comfort zone, thinking you've mastered one of their stages, thinking you can start having a normal life again, that is when they throw you for a loop. Reese has been waking up in the middle of the night again after months of sleeping well. I'm guessing it's night terrors?? Who knows. But this morning was the kicker. Today she woke up at 4 am and wanted NOTHING to do with going back in her crib. (Oh and I should mention it was after midnight by the time I got to bed last night.....what was I thinking????) After trying for an hour to get her to go back down with her staying wide awake and chipper the entire time, I gave up and brought her downstairs. "I want to go downstairs." was the first thing she said to me at 4 when I went in to see why she was crying. After rocking her for 20 minutes and even letting her lay down in my own bed for 20 minutes, she was still wide awake, asking me to make her and egg and cut up a grapefruit for her. And so the day began...
I knew she was tired and sick though because two things happened today that NEVER happen with Reese. 1) This morning she watched TV for a full 30 minutes. She was in a chair the whole time....shocking I know!!! Now I didn't say she was sitting in the chair. She was standing in it...rocking back and forth, turning around and around, singing...but she stayed in the chair and did watch the show I put on. This was all at 6 in the morning to keep her from waking Carter up. 2) Reese took a 3 HOUR NAP!!! I guess all I have to do to get my kids to nap is wake them up at 4 am...sheesh why didn't I try that before?
I ventured to a place no sleep-deprived parent with her sleep-deprived child should go today...the grocery store...2 days before Thanksgiving. My eyes were burning from fatigue before the trip even began. Fortunately Derrick was with me and we split up to try to make it go a little faster. HA! Like Fast and Costco 2 days before Thanksgiving could be any more polar opposites!? I was trying to find a ham to supplement our 20 lb. turkey because we are hosting 20 people this year!! I found this enormous 15 lb. pork roast and was carrying it around on my hip like a small child, looking for my husband and children among the crowds of other shoppers. Yea...did I mention I was up at 4 am today? Yep, grocery shopping this week is almost as crazy as going Black Friday shopping....almost...
I knew she was tired and sick though because two things happened today that NEVER happen with Reese. 1) This morning she watched TV for a full 30 minutes. She was in a chair the whole time....shocking I know!!! Now I didn't say she was sitting in the chair. She was standing in it...rocking back and forth, turning around and around, singing...but she stayed in the chair and did watch the show I put on. This was all at 6 in the morning to keep her from waking Carter up. 2) Reese took a 3 HOUR NAP!!! I guess all I have to do to get my kids to nap is wake them up at 4 am...sheesh why didn't I try that before?
I ventured to a place no sleep-deprived parent with her sleep-deprived child should go today...the grocery store...2 days before Thanksgiving. My eyes were burning from fatigue before the trip even began. Fortunately Derrick was with me and we split up to try to make it go a little faster. HA! Like Fast and Costco 2 days before Thanksgiving could be any more polar opposites!? I was trying to find a ham to supplement our 20 lb. turkey because we are hosting 20 people this year!! I found this enormous 15 lb. pork roast and was carrying it around on my hip like a small child, looking for my husband and children among the crowds of other shoppers. Yea...did I mention I was up at 4 am today? Yep, grocery shopping this week is almost as crazy as going Black Friday shopping....almost...
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Turkey time
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Focus
I was blessed with a few hours away from my kids last night to go run some errands. Nothing all that exciting, but a much-needed break to be sure. Once summer is over and we change the clocks back, I'll admit to succumbing to some serious winter blues (and yes I know it is not even winter yet). I realize my patience runs thin a little quicker, my attitude is a little lacking on the positive side, and my ability to tough it out during the tenser moments is greatly diminished. In short...I need to really work on my overall attitude or I will just let my kids drive me completely crazy for the next 5 months!
While I was waiting in some bad traffic to get home from my errands it was tempting to again succumb to the bad attitude of, "I can't believe I have to wait in this traffic. I never get out by myself and here I am sitting in lousy rush hour traffic." And then through the dark and rain...my headlights reflected on a word on the back of the car in front of me. It said "Focus"...yes, that's as in Ford Focus...I'm a dork, I know. But I had no where to go and not much else to look at but the car in front of me and it did make me think.
When I stop worrying about all the things I didn't get done today, stop wishing my life were easier...my kids were better behaved or more self-sufficient...or whatever...when I do stop to focus on all the things I have to be thankful for...wow...where do I start?
I need to have more perseverance...to get through the long and trying days of being with the kids. I need to have a more positive attitude and not let the small setbacks get under my skin and ruin my outlook. And I need to have more patience to deal with the craziness that is life.
Thanks for that little reminder to focus...
This morning we had a different kind of visitor at our bird feeder. When Carter told me there was a "really big bird" there, I wasn't sure what I'd see but I wasn't expecting a turkey! He then asked me, "Is the turkey we eat for Thanksgiving like a real turkey?" Uhhhhh, not sure how to answer that one, buddy. ;)
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| At our backyard bird feeder today! |
While I was waiting in some bad traffic to get home from my errands it was tempting to again succumb to the bad attitude of, "I can't believe I have to wait in this traffic. I never get out by myself and here I am sitting in lousy rush hour traffic." And then through the dark and rain...my headlights reflected on a word on the back of the car in front of me. It said "Focus"...yes, that's as in Ford Focus...I'm a dork, I know. But I had no where to go and not much else to look at but the car in front of me and it did make me think.
When I stop worrying about all the things I didn't get done today, stop wishing my life were easier...my kids were better behaved or more self-sufficient...or whatever...when I do stop to focus on all the things I have to be thankful for...wow...where do I start?
I need to have more perseverance...to get through the long and trying days of being with the kids. I need to have a more positive attitude and not let the small setbacks get under my skin and ruin my outlook. And I need to have more patience to deal with the craziness that is life.
Thanks for that little reminder to focus...
This morning we had a different kind of visitor at our bird feeder. When Carter told me there was a "really big bird" there, I wasn't sure what I'd see but I wasn't expecting a turkey! He then asked me, "Is the turkey we eat for Thanksgiving like a real turkey?" Uhhhhh, not sure how to answer that one, buddy. ;)
Monday, November 14, 2011
Meant for More
I find myself going through seasons of great peace and contentment and then seasons of stress-filled days and a longing for more. I never could have imagined, 4 years ago, what life would be like being a full-time stay-at-home mom with 2 crazy-exhausting kids.
During the times when life is tough and the kids are giving me a run for my money (um, almost daily!) I do find that humor helps me get through. I enjoy the kids antics and the funny things they say...those are the things that truly keep me going....and in retrospect, many of the crazy things that happen to me every single day can be funny after-the-fact.
Take this morning, for example...I knew it was going to be a tougher than usual day because both the kids started to get sick last night. So I got up a little early so I could get in a good workout before they woke up. I managed to pull that off successfully and was in the shower when I hear a little voice saying something in the bathroom. I looked out and Carter was standing by the toilet looking like he really needed to go. I tried to coach him to open the lid and go, but before I could get one sentence out he was standing there in a huge puddle of pee. I got out ASAP, refilled the tub and threw him in, started clean-up duty, and could hear Reese crying from her crib. Yes, a nice, relaxing start to my day.
Driving home from the store today, Reese called out from her seat "Momma, I'm stuck. I'm stuck!" Um, yea Reese...next time you're wondering, that is called a seat belt, OK?
Carter has a stuffy nose today and keeps sniffing every 30 seconds. He refuses to blow his nose....keeps saying "I can't I can't I can't." So I'd read in Parents magazine about teaching kids to blow their noses...give them a straw and have them try to blow bubbles in a bowl of water. I told Derrick about it and he tried to get Carter to do it...but of course Carter just sucked water up his nose and started screaming. (Oh and did I forget to mention that Derrick had added soap to the water to make it even more bubbly as some extra incentive) Bet that burned... I think I may have scarred him from blowing his nose now till he's a teenager...sigh...
Yep, life does have a way of sucking every ounce of your strength out by the end of the day and it is harder some days than others to stay positive. I found this awesome quote today that definitely makes you think...by one of my favorite authors...but of course:
"If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world." C. S. Lewis
It is tempting to seek fulfillment in the people around you and in your children, and I definitely fall into this trap plenty. But this will always leave us coming up short. It gives me hope and a purpose to know that I am made for more...that I have an eternal destiny to look forward to...that the mundane, day in and day out stresses of life are temporary bumps in the road on my journey toward heaven.
During the times when life is tough and the kids are giving me a run for my money (um, almost daily!) I do find that humor helps me get through. I enjoy the kids antics and the funny things they say...those are the things that truly keep me going....and in retrospect, many of the crazy things that happen to me every single day can be funny after-the-fact.
Take this morning, for example...I knew it was going to be a tougher than usual day because both the kids started to get sick last night. So I got up a little early so I could get in a good workout before they woke up. I managed to pull that off successfully and was in the shower when I hear a little voice saying something in the bathroom. I looked out and Carter was standing by the toilet looking like he really needed to go. I tried to coach him to open the lid and go, but before I could get one sentence out he was standing there in a huge puddle of pee. I got out ASAP, refilled the tub and threw him in, started clean-up duty, and could hear Reese crying from her crib. Yes, a nice, relaxing start to my day.
Driving home from the store today, Reese called out from her seat "Momma, I'm stuck. I'm stuck!" Um, yea Reese...next time you're wondering, that is called a seat belt, OK?
Carter has a stuffy nose today and keeps sniffing every 30 seconds. He refuses to blow his nose....keeps saying "I can't I can't I can't." So I'd read in Parents magazine about teaching kids to blow their noses...give them a straw and have them try to blow bubbles in a bowl of water. I told Derrick about it and he tried to get Carter to do it...but of course Carter just sucked water up his nose and started screaming. (Oh and did I forget to mention that Derrick had added soap to the water to make it even more bubbly as some extra incentive) Bet that burned... I think I may have scarred him from blowing his nose now till he's a teenager...sigh...
Yep, life does have a way of sucking every ounce of your strength out by the end of the day and it is harder some days than others to stay positive. I found this awesome quote today that definitely makes you think...by one of my favorite authors...but of course:
"If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world." C. S. Lewis
It is tempting to seek fulfillment in the people around you and in your children, and I definitely fall into this trap plenty. But this will always leave us coming up short. It gives me hope and a purpose to know that I am made for more...that I have an eternal destiny to look forward to...that the mundane, day in and day out stresses of life are temporary bumps in the road on my journey toward heaven.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Super Hero Birthday Party!!
Well, we celebrated Carter's 4th Birthday yesterday and it was a Super Hero party to remember! Well, he might remember it vaguely in a few years, but I'll certainly remember it from all the work it took to put everything together! It was all worth it though to see all the kids wearing their superhero outfits and having fun together. When all the guests arrived, Carter in his typical shy fashion was clinging to my leg and asked me, "Who are all these people? I don't know anyone here." Oh, only all of your best friends in the world, Carter...sigh...
A friend lent me this nifty projector thing that I used to trace the outlines of the big super heroes onto paper.I made a shield (cardboard circle), mask, arm cuffs and cape for each child.
I found the super hero lollipop idea on Etsy and made my own version. Also found the balloon wall "pinata" idea on Pinterest. You fill each balloon with a piece of candy and I gave the boys each a toothpick to pop them with and a bag for their candy loot. It was loud but they really seemed to enjoy it and it's WAY cheaper than buying a pinata.
We had a really fun weekend with the party, visiting with Nani and PopPop a trip to North Park to hike and feed some ducks and a visit to the Strip District today where Carter posed with some monster super hero murals. I've had my fill of all things super hero for one weekend!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
4 Years Old
Happy 4th Birthday to my wonderful, imaginative, energetic, thoughtful, fun-loving, affectionate, CRAZY son! It is hard for me to even believe that 4 years passed so quickly.
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| 1st birthday |
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| 2nd Birthday |
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| 3rd Birthday |
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
DIY Lately
I am just so excited about some of the things I've found and tried from Pinterest lately and wanted to share a few.
Party favor masks for Carter's 4th Birthday this weekend.
Was skeptical about this but a homemade fruit fly trap worked WONDERS. Within minutes of putting this baby together, there were already several flies inside. YAY!
Made another owl (well I'm making it...still need to sew and stuff) for a baby gift.
This hand-painted sign for a baby gift. I used carbon paper to get the letters to come out right.
Found this "necklace onesie" and couldn't resist. So happy with how it turned out. The flower was from this tutorial.
Party favor masks for Carter's 4th Birthday this weekend.
Was skeptical about this but a homemade fruit fly trap worked WONDERS. Within minutes of putting this baby together, there were already several flies inside. YAY!
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