Thursday, March 31, 2011

Done

Day 31:  Done

That word fits so many things today.  But first and foremost, this blog meme has come to an end.  Overall it has been fun.  I haven't really stressed out about it or anything.  I have felt bad that some days are only two sentences.  Sometimes there aren't enough hours in the day to write about everything I want to write about. And sometimes a public blog just isn't the forum.

Onward!  April is here!  Wait?  What?  When did that happen?

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Vacation

Day 30:  Vacation

As in I need one!  Usually around this time of year...the monotony gets to me.  Not sure if it's from the cabin fever brought on by being inside all day every day for five days in a row.  Or if it's just that I get tired of doing the same things over, over and well..over again.

This part of the year is where there are no paid holidays for a five month period.  When I was working I would find myself restless and in a sort of mental fog.  So then I would sneak in a "mental health day" every now and then.  Since I haven't had a "paid" job in over three years, I still find myself in this funk.  Mental Health days are harder to come by these days.   I am lucky if I get a Mental Health hour.  Which now days I take what I can get.

I have been in a "Thoughtful Spot" the last couple of days.  Trying to figure out the root cause of the semi funk.  All I have seemed to come up with is that there is only so much dish/laundry/underwear washing one person can take.  I love having the opportunity to take care of my family.  I know the hubs works hard so that I can stay home and take care of Clover.  I know that I am not unhappy.  Just stuck in this fog.  As nerdy as this reference is going to sound, I feel like Peter from Office Space.  Just doing enough to keep under the radar.  But not really enjoying vacuuming the floor for the third time this week.

I think part of it is also attributed to down time.  I was doing so much planning and reflecting for Clover's birthday.  I was able to focus on that.  Now that we have successfully pulled off the party, I find myself with some down time.  Down time is dangerous.  I dread it.  There is a reason they call it the "Calm before the storm"  and I find myself never enjoying the down time because I am too busy mentally preparing for the weather ahead.  I will admit that I am slightly paranoid due to a relatively short period of time in our past where every moment we had to relax was followed by some nasty storm clouds.

I think I am just having a moment where I am being paranoid, which maybe where some of the funk is coming from.  I know what I need but unfortunately it is going to be awhile until I find myself on a blanket on the beach.

I need...

A Beach Blanket
An Umbrella
A Sweater
The Waves
Possible some overcastyness (since the sun and I don't get along)
Sunscreen
Sand toys for Clover
Something from Starbucks      
A Camp Chair for Hubs
Something Chocolaty

The last one is optional but would do wonders for my mood.
 

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Tales

Day 29:  Tales


Tales from the Hamster Files.

I was a bit curious to why her stool was flipped over in the kitchen.  Upon further inspection I discovered that she was using it as a Hamster playpen.  Yesterday she had trapped him under a colander.  For some reason I felt the need to let him be freeeeeeeeee and was reprimanded.    

"NOOOOO Don't let him OOooUUuuuTTTTt!"

Poor thing just spins his wheels until he realizes he isn't going anywhere then turns himself off.  At least he isn't on the kitchen floor running into my ankles while I am doing the dishes.  Maybe Clover is on to something here with the Hamster playpen...

Monday, March 28, 2011

Glad

Day 28:  Glad

Things that make me glad:

*Hubs & Clover
*Decaf hot Tea
*Diet Cherry Coke
*Cadbury Cream Eggs
*Greg Behrendt's Cadbury Cream Egg Rant <-- linked hit play when the player pops up.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Time-out

Day 26:  Time-Out

Yes, I am counting it as one word.  This story is too cute to keep in the archives of my brain.  And yes, in the future if my darling daughter ever stumbles across my run on sentences she may get a little embarrassed. I am okay with that.

I am working on the dishes and Clover is playing with her Zha-Zu hamster (or whatever the thing is called).  If you haven't seen these, they are little animatronic hamsters with squeeeeky voices and run into your feet at random times and scare the crap out of you.

So all of the sudden Clover starts yelling at her hamster.

"Nooooooo! StOOOOOP, DOOOONNNTTTT!"

It doesn't stop and continues to go in the opposite direction that she wanted.  She picks it up to stop it and chucks her arm back for the wind up and the pitch.  I inform her that she is not allowed to throw her toys.  So then she gives me that "but Moooom" head half way to the side look.

"I'm MAAAD!"

"Why?"

"He isn't listening to meeeeeee"  Even though the hamster is bright pink she has decided that its a "He"

She then takes the hamster and walks off with it.  I am totally curious at this point and peek my head down the hallway.  She walked down to her room and put the hamster in her room and shut the door.  Then she walks back to me and proclaims...

"I put him on time-out in my room.  I'm mad he wasn't listening to me!  So he went on time out!"

Disclaimer:  She hardly ever goes on time out.

She said it so matter of factly.  She was also very confident in her decision to put him on time out.

I couldn't help but laugh.
  

Friday, March 25, 2011

Mellow

Day 25:  Mellow

As in Marsh.  Home made Marshmallows to be more specific.

We spent the day loungin around the house.  I worked out in the back and then tidied up the house a bit.  Then Clover and I got in the kitchen.

"Can we make them colors?

Why not?  So we followed this recipe by Alton Brown.



The peanut butter on the counter will be used at a later time.  We followed all the steps.  Clover measured and added and entire container of blue food coloring to the gelatin.


Marshmallows are pretty easy to make.  I've made them in the past with both a hand mixer and with a stand mixer.  It is do-able with a hand mixer but my hand went numb from holding the mixer for fifteen minutes.  I prefer my stand mixer now days.


We spread them out in the pan and very patiently waited for them to firm up.



After dinner we took our bounty outside and roasted them over a fire.  They were very delicious and very messy.  Not only did the three year old get covered in them but I took a hit too.  Bright blue melted marshmallow goo down the front of my shirt.

Silliness followed after Clover went to sleep.  There was some left over chocolate and some toasted coconut that just happened to be laying out and just happened to somehow make it onto the marshmallows. Two were slathered with peanut butter and dipped in chocolate for the one that doesn't do coconut.  They are currently hardening in the fridge.



I have to say that this is a pretty mellow way to end a very crazy week!

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Drip

Day 24:  Drip

It's been a little wet around these parts...always reminds me of this song but I never get past the drip drip drip lil April showers part.  And then there is the small fact that it's still March.

Here is the vid link below and the lyrics just in case you wanted to follow along.

Little April Shower



Drip, drip, drop
Little April shower
Beating a tune as you fall all around
Drip, drip, drop
Little April shower
What can compare with your beatiful sound?
Beautiful sound, beautiful sound
Drip, drop, drip, drop

Drip, drip, drop
When the sky is cloudy
Your pretty music will
Brighten the day
Drip, drip, drop
When the sky is cloudy
You come along with a
Song right away
Come with your beautiful music

Drip, drip, drop
Little April shower
Beating a tune as you fall all around
Drip, drip, drop
Little April shower
What can compare with your beautiful sound?

Drip, drip, drop
When the sky is cloudy
You come along with your
Pretty little song
Drip, drip, drop
When the sky is cloudy
You come along with your
Pretty little song

Gay little roundelay
Gay little roundelay
Song of the rainy day
Song of the rainy day
How I love to hear your patter
Pretty little pitter patter
Helter skelter when you pelter
Troubles always seem to scatter

Drip, drip, drop
Little April shower
Beating a tune as you fall all around
Drip, drip, drop
Little April shower
What can compare with your beautiful sound?

Drip, drip, drop
Little April shower
Beating a tune as you fall all around
Drip, drip, drop
Little April shower
What can compare with your beautiful sound?
Beautiful sound, mmm

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Comfort

Day 23:  Comfort

Today is a total comfort food kind of a day.  It's been a long one.  More dental work done.  So since I have been on the soft food diet I decided to keep with it one more day.  So tonight I made Biscuits and Gravy.  I an finishing up the night with a cup of hot tea and some Piroulines.  Yes, I had to look at the box to spell that.

Kicking back watching some Guy on Triple D on the food network.  Sorry I'm not more exciting for you tonight.  I am taking the night to rejuvenate.  I'll get back to working out tomorrow.        

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Pip

Day 22:  Pip

Her eyes are droopy.  The red curls rest on her pillow.  The pig named Olivia held tightly in her arms.  All snuggled in under the Toy Story blanket.  I can tell that she is moments away from dreamland.  And then we get to that part in the book.

"...He can make the sound of a goldfish kiss"

"Pip"

Eyes wide open now.  She pops up...almost argumentative.

"Mom...That's NOT what a fish says...they don't say Pip...they say..."

Then proceeds to make the fish pop-pop-pop sound with her mouth.

Who am I to argue about what a fish kiss sounds like?  

Monday, March 21, 2011

Gluttony

Day 21:  Gluttony

To celebrate the fact that all is good around these parts I have been a little relaxed about the whole eating healthy thing.  I even gave myself the night off from the elliptical.  And since this day of gluttony is coming to an end I have to say that...

I shouldn't have had the chocolate cake.

Just Another Chapter In Our Never-Ending Story

3 years ago...

We really had no idea.  When asked, we confidently responded that we were prepared.  We really believed that we were.  The onsies were folded neatly in the dresser.  Diapers and wipes were stacked on the diaper changing table.  Powder and cream placed in the bins.  Phone numbers listed in order on the sheet for when the time came to make the calls of the joyous news.

I didn't worry about having a newborn.  I had years under my belt of taking care of kids.  It is of course what I have studied since I was 14.  Of course I was ready to have my own.  I laugh now about how much I didn't know.  

We patiently waited as the due date drew near.  All the fantasies of those TLC baby shows played in my head.  The perfect birth scenario was quickly changed by the recommendation of a C-section.  Hours later we came face to face with just how much we didn't know.

Our daughter was born with a tumor.  She was whisked off to the local Children's hospital.  While there she was taken care of by a great surgical team and lots of very caring nurses.  She was 9 lbs 1oz when she was born and 6 lbs 10 oz after surgery.      

She was born with a Sacrococcygeal teratoma.  Roughly translated a "monster tumor of the coccyx aka tailbone".  

My darling husband spent his time in two different cities at different hospitals visiting his girls and went home to an empty house at the end of the night.  I still to this day cant imagine the magnitude of how hard that was for him.  

We waited for the parade of visitors we had originally prepared ourselves for.  Even though what we were going through was hard we greeted the brave few with a smile.  I hold those who visited very dear to my heart.  

For three days I focused on getting out of the hospital and seeing my daughter.  That and the Carmel Delites that were in my gift basket that the hospital gave us.  Every year I buy a box specifically to have on her birthday.

Even though I was in mental shock there was one thing I was sure of.   I knew in my heart that my daughter was going to be fine.  After all she had been growing inside of me for months.  She had a power kick that would make any ninja action star jealous.  I knew that she was stronger than anyone gave her credit for.  Now days when she ends up sleeping next to me, I get bruises thanks to the power kicks.  Which is why the co-sleeping didn't work out.      

Thankfully, she was only in the hospital for six days.  The day that we took her home was one of the happiest days of my life.  Little did I know, our adventure was just about to begin.  As cliche as it sounds, adventure is pretty darn accurate.

Being a new parent is exciting, thrilling, scary and rough all at the same time.  We had so much to learn and in such a short time to soak it all in.  Everything that we bought sat on the shelf for a month.  Every time we had to change her we had to wash her down with soap and water until her little butt-butt had healed.  

We patiently sat in waiting rooms and waited to be called.  Preoccupied on the outside, fearful and scared on the inside.  Scared by each article we read online.  We believed that if we could knew more about SCT that maybe we wouldn't feel so helpless.  We endlessly searched for any piece of information that might help us understand what was happening.  Each Dr's visit went better than the last and we always left feeling better than when we entered.  

Between the diaper washing and the juggling our new rolls there were lots of sleepless hours spent wondering why?  It was my own personal internal struggle.  It took me a little while to figure out that sometimes there is no why.  


We leaned on each other, our family and a few friends.  We eventually learned how to stand on our own.  During a lot of dark moments, we held on to each other, a bit of faith and a spark of hope.  Until eventually that spark grew brighter and brighter until we could once again see the future.  

Three years later, I have learned that we truly are stronger than we ever thought possible.  We have learned how to pull together and face whatever life hands us.  

Not only have we survived, but we have thrived.              

As her birthday approaches this year I noticed that it seems a bit different.  I seem more reminiscent than apprehensive.  Time has seemed to take a little more of the sting out of the memories.  Her birthday is such a joyous occasion for us.  But it also happens to be the anniversary of her surgery and the start of this adventure.  

Things have calmed down a bit since that day three years ago. Now we find ourselves worrying about regular kids stuff.  Bumped heads, skinned knees, her fear of dogs all fit into this category.  At times it's nerve wracking but at the same time we take comfort in the fact that it's all normal.  Every three months we worry about her routine blood test but then after we get the results, everything goes back to the somewhat crazy routine.  

I have to say that I find myself just as amazed by my daughter now as I was three years ago.  Most parents gush about their children…but I am truly in awe of her.  Her strength continues to astonish me.  Her emerging personality surprises me at times and leaves me bewildered.  We are constantly impressed by her ability to go with the flow.  She is always up for another adventure.  

We never thought we would find ourselves so preoccupied by something so little.  

I never thought I would find myself so preoccupied by poop.  

We never thought we would find ourselves so wrapped around the little finger of that amazing curly red haired cutie! 

Like I said before…

We really had no idea! 

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Sprinkles

Day 20:  Sprinkles

I had planned in my head to set some time aside to write our story.  I think enough time has passed now.  I even have moments where I can peacefully reflect on the past.  I think being comfortable with the present has something to do with that.

However, today is the first day I haven't had a to to do list a mile long.  So now I feel lazy.  The weather isn't helping either.  All I want to do is sit around and consume massive amounts of coffee.

Right now, Clover and I are camped out on the couch watching cartoons in our pajamas.  Both of us are nibbling on left over Birthday Bark with Sprinkles.    

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Cupcakes

Day 19: Cupcakes


Today we celebrated Clover's third birthday.  Our Mickey/Minnie themed party was very successful.  We had a small issue with the weather.  It was not cooperating with our park plans.  So we switched it over to the house.  Everything went pretty well.  I do wish that we had more seating.  We have a couple of spots in the living room but it always seems like we are short.  Sorry to everyone that ended up on the floor.

Clover had an awesome time and loved that all her friends and family came over.  And more importantly we survived.  It was made a bit easier with all the helpers that we had.  Now I am recuperating and watching some comedy with a nice glass of something sweet.    

Friday, March 18, 2011

Shoes

Day 18:  Shoes

I am nowhere near a fashionista...but one should probably wear appropriate footwear.  Especially when it is raining.

Flip Flops do not fall into this category.  I'm just sayin.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Jeans

Day 17:  Jeans

After I had Clover I went up two sizes.  Then I hit the diet bandwagon and went down 4.  Here is where I pat myself on the back for a quick second.  Since Valentine's day I have hit the elliptical 3-4 times a week, anywhere from 30-50 minutes a time.  I have lost a whole whopping 1.5 pounds according to the scale.  I have noticed that my clothes are fitting better.  

About an hour into this morning I realized that the pants I put on were absolutely not going to work.  I didn't have a chance to go home and change so I was stuck with them.  Seeing as I am hosting a birthday this weekend for my darling Clover, I decided that I should probably head by the store and pick up a pair of pants that fit.

Thus begins my 45 minutes of frustration.  Which ended with me leaving the store empty handed.

So I figured that I must be down at least a size since these were barely hanging on.  I was totally happy with myself until I got to the store.  Three pairs of jeans later...

First of all the store I shop at has decided in its infinite wisdom to ONCE AGAIN change their sizing system.  A few years ago they changed to single digits.  This left me confused.  Then they added shapes in an effort to "help you find the perfect fit".  Really the slogan should be "to confuse you so bad, you don't notice the price".

Since I don't shop for myself that often I was a little surprised to find that they switched the sizes back but kept the funky shape system.

So pair number one was one size smaller than the ones I was constantly pulling up.  I put my leg in and instantly disappointed.  Checked the tab and it was the "right shape" and size and I squeezed into the anyways.  I could close them but I wouldn't say they fit.  The phrase "muffin top" doesn't even come close.  Muffin would imply that it was a lil tight.  These were more like "whole loaf of bread top".

So then I decided to try another shape.  Went from a triangle to a circle.  The size was the same size I was in.  I couldn't get my calf in.  Sad face.

Third pair was the same size and shape as a pair I had at home.  According to the "conversion" table was supposed to be the size I was wearing.  These fit better.

So I stood in line behind a lady who was checking out but not done shopping yet.  Oh and did I mention that I did all of the trying on and shopping with Clover by my side.  Every time we went into the changing room she wanted to change too.  So after I peeled off the jeans I had to redress her.  One person asked to help me and then went on her merry way.  Standing in line I just found myself frustrated that I couldn't find the jeans I wanted in my size and had settled with a different wash.  And for anyone who needs petite jeans this store was stocked.  As a matter of fact it was all I could find.

So after waiting for the one checker, while the two other girls sat around folding stuff while the line accumulated, I got frustrated and left empty handed.

I am a little bummed that I wasn't the size I thought I was and slightly frustrated that the jeans I had purchased are no longer fitting but the sizes are all "supposed" to be the same.  Grumble grumble.

At least I know that after this Cupcake Weekend Extravaganza, the elliptical will be waiting for me.

I will be ready.  

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Dryer

Day 16:  Dryer

Yes, dryer.  That big metal box next to the washer that is supposed to dry your clothes.  Mine does...when it feels like it.  It's finicky and needs a lot of attention.  Not to mention it's fairly new.  Well, it's two years old.  So I am I bringing all of this up now?  Because I spent this afternoon cuddling mine.  And when I say cuddle I mean squeezing my butt into the laundry closet (it is really a closet) and tearing out the vent tube and cleaning it.  Lots of vacuuming involved as well.

I never worried about this at my parents house or in the two apartments we lived at before the house.  But after the previous dryer caught fire it has become a hobby of mine to clean it all out.  That was a fun winter.    The dryer and the water heater went out at the same time.  We were new parents dealing with failing appliances and sick family members.  So then the replacement dryer caught on fire and filled the house with smoke.  The firemen who came to check on us recommended that we have it professionally cleaned.  Which we did.  But the cleaners wouldn't go on the roof due to the type of material it was.  So they only cleaned it out from one side.  That next spring I was up on a ladder with a pole trying to get what I thought was a dead bird out of the dryer duct.  Turns out it was not a bird but a massive amount of lint that they shoved up there when they "cleaned" it.  It was humorous to say the least.  Me up on a ladder repeating several rounds of "EwwwWWWww".  I was a little less grossed out when I figured out it was just lint.

So if you get one thing from reading my run on sentences, hopefully it's to clean out your ducts.  Out of all the things to get on my soap box about...it turns out to be the dryer.  

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Solo

Day 15:  Solo

Running solo today with Clover.  Hubs was away on business.  Days like these are hard because there is no break.  Clover is no longer taking naps so we go straight from 6 am to 8pm with no Quiet Mommy time.  I love my lil red head but these are very long days.  We watched Movers, made bows, cleaned house, played in the yard, drew with chalk, cleaned some more and went for a walk.  Overall it was a good day but pretty long.

Just getting ready for bedtime.  Whoo Hoo I made it!

And then my Husband of mine brought me home a bottle of California Raspberry wine.  He does love me!  

Monday, March 14, 2011

Funkalicious

Day 14:  Funkalicious

I find myself once again sitting here with the curser blinking at me.  I had a thought that I was going to run with and then the thought got up and ran away without me.  That compounded with the sucky cupcakes I made this weekend and my confidence has taken a nosedive!

The time change has messed with me and I feel all sorts of funky.  Any motivation what-so-ever is missing.  I should put out an APB on it.  Maybe someone will find it and bring it back to me.  I have a small list of things I should get done before Clovers birthday party.  I know they will get done eventually I just have no will to do any of them right now.  Unfortunately sitting on the couch is only acceptable for so long.  I know that soon I will have to get up and be somewhat productive.  

Perhaps some good (in my opinion) music and some experimenting in the kitchen will help.  

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Ick

Day 13:  Ick.

Somethings just aren't meant to be blogged about.  But some of us do anyways.  This weekend was going pretty good until my daughter woke up on Saturday night covered in puke.

Puke, Throw Up, Barf, Vomit...whatever you call it, it was all over.  We went through every blanket and towel in the house and the Hubs and I have taken turns loading the washer and dryer today.  Started at ten last night and didn't stop til about 8:30 this morning.  Make that 9:30 thanks to the stupid time change.  Which is another ick on my list.  I hate time changes.  I don't see their purpose other than to mess with our rhythms and leave me with a child that doesn't want to go to bed cuz in her mind it's 7:00 not 8:00.  My poor Clover!  Needless to say she has been babied today.  She got to watch movies and shows and eat whatever she wanted since she actually felt like eating.

She is feeling much better and I would say that her energy level is almost back to normal after her nap.  She watched High School Musical with her Daddy and crashed right out.  Positives from this experience are...that it was this weekend and not next.  That we pulled together as a team.  Hubs did a few loads of laundry.  And finally that it only lasted a day.  See sometimes the glass is half full.    

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Thoughts

Day 12:  Thoughts

Due to the lack of posting on my social networking sites, I have been forced to actually think.  I haven't had anyone to entertain me so I have resorted to thinking to myself.  You're shocked right?

My red-headed almost three year old chose this exact moment to hop on my lap and join me under the Mad Hatter blanket.  I think that once she hears the clickety of keyboard it triggers something.  She moves my computer on over.  Then she demands (oh so lovingly of course) that we look at pictures of her friends.   And when I say friends I mean her three favorite girlie friends and Mommy's friends which are no longer my friends but hers.

Almost three year old.  Geez.  Where does the time go?  I remember waiting and waiting.  Waiting for her to get here.  Waiting for the drama to subside.  Waiting for her to hit her milestones.  Waiting for her to walk.  Lot's of waiting.  I have learned that she has her own time table and even though it might not be MY time table I just have to be patient.  Her time is important too.  She does a lot of waiting on me too.  Waiting to go outside.  Waiting to go to the park.  Waiting on the mac n cheese.  Hopefully she develops my patience level.

Even though I have studied Child Development since I took my first class when I was 14, I really had no idea.  I say that lovingly because being a new mommy for three years has taught me more than I could have ever imagined.  Even though I worked at a day care for years and years, I never understood parents.  I used to say things like "my kid will never sleep in my bed" and "my kid will never have a binkie".  And for the record I have done both of those and pretty much everything that I said that would never do has been done.  I get it now Life.  Thanks for the lessons.

I never knew I would be so fascinated with something so little.  I have always been intrigued by kids that I have taken care of.  Since we knew she was on her way I have been amazed and captivated by her.  I am absolutely amazed by her strength and persistence.  I am fascinated by her emerging strong personality.  I once had a lady stop me while grocery shopping and comment about her red hair and how beautiful it is.  She followed up with "A lot of things are going to be blamed on that red hair!  But you know that's not the cause right?"  I was taken back and laughed.  I do know it's not the cause.  We blame the red hair anyways.

Seeing as the lil Clover's birthday is coming up there will most definitely be more gushingly cute post.  Posts about how life is and how it's changed.  Possibly some peaceful reflections on the past.  Maybe even a craft post or two as I get prepared for the big day.  We aren't going all out or anything but I think 3 years is something to celebrate!  Time to celebrate our not so lil baby girl.  Especially since

"Mommy, I'm not a baby!  I'm a big girl!"

Who taught her how to talk?  Oh yeah, we did.      



     

Friday, March 11, 2011

Sixteen

Day 11:  Sixteen

If you saw us driving down the street tonight...you were probably laughing at us.  Three grown women singing at the top of their lungs.  And what were we singing?

Ask the almost three year old!

High School Musical 3.

She will tell you as soon as she gets into the cars eat.  "Mom!  I want Sixteen".   She loves all the fast songs and knows all the words.  Except for the small fact that she has renamed all the songs.  So unless you have been in the truck with her before, you will probably have no idea what she is talking about.  It was on the Disney Channel one rainy day when we turned the tv on.  She watched part of it and was hooked.  She will seriously sit through the entire movie and sing all the songs.  It's totally a weird thing for a three year old to be into but she digs it.  And it makes all the car rides smoother because it seems to calm her down.  Except for when she demands that you

"Sing with me!!!!"

So there we all were.  Three blocks beltin out High School Musical 3.  It was a sight.

Happy Friday Ya'll.  Laugh away :)

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Ode

Day 10:  Ode


Here is my ode to my Irish heritage.  If in fact, I had an Irish heritage.  My parents like to tell me that I am a "Heinz 57" and that I have a lil bit of everything.  I think that translates into "we really have no idea sweetie".  So back to the food!  Corned Beef and Roasted Cabbage.

Every March the Super Markets stock up on the Corned beefs.  I wonder why.  I just follow the instructions on the package.  I don't make it for St. Patty's Day.  I just really like good corned beef.  NOT that stuff that comes in a can either.  ewwwww.  I even make a point to ask when we try a new breakfast place if the hash if from a can.  Which embarrasses the Hubs.

The Cabbage recipe I got from Kalyn's Kitchen.  I didn't have any lemon because the stupid thorny lemon tree wouldn't give any up so I just roasted it with Olive oil.  It was delish!   

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Family

Day 9:  Family

We took the opportunity to annoy the family by calling them last minute and asking to crash at their place.  Moments like this are rare for us from this side of the fence.  We have had our share of peeps crashing at our place.  So with that being said, we know what NOT to do.  Hopefully we can be somewhat close to decent guests.

Lots of drive time this week.  Lots of hours in the truck getting lost in my thoughts.  Reflecting thoughts on what I'm not happy with and brainstorming ideas on how to fix it.  If any of it is mine to fix.  Rackin up the miles on Rojo Grande reminds me to take it in and get it serviced.  

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Perspective

Day 8:  Perspective

So I thought this blogging meme would be a piece of cake.  Yeah, not so much.  Blogging at the end of my day has presented a challenge in itself.  Since I have to pick a word for the day I had picked the evening time to blog.  And as it turns out...I'm pretty damn tired at the end of the night.  Most nights I am lucky if I don't fall asleep on my daughters floor trying to get her to sleep.  So that being said, my brain is pretty mushy at the end of the night.

The last couple of days have been busy.  As you can tell by the super short paragraphs in the few previous posts.

Hubs went up to take his test.  He didn't quite make it.  But that's okay.  We both know he will get there.

I am proud of him.  Absolutely and without a doubt.  To keep trying and not give up.  Persistence to the max!  I am proud of us as a family as well.  It hasn't been easy but we have pulled together to offer our support!  GO TEAM!

  

Monday, March 7, 2011

Home

Day 7:  Home

Through tall waving grass
Shy antelopes roam
It's been a long day
They're headed for home.

Snuggle Up, Sleepy Ones
by Claire Freedman

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Supporting

I have spent the day trying my hardest to play the roll of supporting wifey.  Hubs takes his lab test tomorrow for his CCIE and Clover and I are along for the ride to play the part of cheerleaders!  Lots of studying on his part.  Lots of me picking up the flack and taking out the garbage.  Lots of us missing him and him missing us.  It's been a long ride and we are all going to ROCK it tomorrow!  

But for now we are chillin.  I've got a chilled bottle of California Raspberry Wine and a box of Carmel Delites and my loves.  We're good.  

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Spoiled

Day 5:  Spoiled

I work hard.  I have days where I do not sit down.  Just like any other mom, I take care of a family, myself and the house...not to mention Rojo Grande.  Sometimes I fall short.  Sometimes I need help with the slack.  But with the hubs studying constantly not to mention working, sometimes stuff just doesn't get done.

And here is the part where I have to admit that every now and then, I get spoiled.  I have awesome friends.  Friends that don't mind coming over or going out at the last minute.  Friends that don't mind playing with my daughter for a few minutes so I can take a break.  I have said before that I love my friends.  I do.  Even the ones that don't listen when I tell them "No Cleaning".  

Friday, March 4, 2011

Pink

Day 4:  Pink


Another busy day out and about.  Lovely day for a zoo visit.  The Flamingos were out also and very pink.

We hit up Osh and picked up a cherry tree and and avocado.  Yum!  They are still pretty little trees so I can't wait til they are actually fruit bearing.  I love growing my own food.  I just wish I had the space to do it.  The sun is behind our house so we get limited sun in some places, leaving me with barren ground.  The tree behind us has gotten so large the spot where I usually plant my tomatoes is now in the dark.  So no sun, no fruits or veggies.

Then it was over to the store to get some sunscreen.  The both of us were sun kissed yesterday after  our playtime in the park so I had to pick some up since I knew we were going to be out and about today.

Then we hit the Zoo with some more girly girls.  Some animals, snacks and lots of pink!    

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Beauty

Day 3:  Beauty

Spent the afternoon in a beautiful park, on a beautiful day with some beautiful girls.


It was a nice day in the park with a friend of mine and her girls, complete with a picnic on a blanket and ice cream afterwards.  The weather was nice and even borderline warm when the sun was out.  Speaking of the sun...I need to buy sunscreen already.

And speaking of sunscreen, I have this thing where it makes my skin feel funny so I am kind of picky when it comes to sunscreen.  I know I need it but I hate the oily feeling and the feeling that it's just sitting on my skin.  I have found that I am a fan of the powder sunscreen.  I found it at a dermatologist.  It was called colorscience (i think).  But now you can find a bare minerals one at Sephora.  So now I have to make a trip across town, but at least I will have it in my bag for the next park trip out.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Nerdy

Day 2:  Nerdy

Every now and then I like to surprise the Hubs.  Today I worked on a project just for him.  I was able to get my Crafty on and my Nerdy on all in the same day.  Hubs got a tablet.  It needed a cover.  I made him one.  But not just any...a personalized one.


Okay so it's an Android.

I followed the basic tutorial  from the Cottage Home.  I just made a few adjustments.  For the android cover I cut out fabric that was 11x8 but if I make any more I might add on half an inch more on the length and height so it's not as snug a fit.




I used some heavy duty denim that I bought some time back.  It felt good to use up some of my stock I already had.  I used bright green broadcloth for the android applique.  The lining is neon green fleece.  I used a simple button and elastic loop closure.

I already have several projects that I have lined up that I want to work on but for some reason I really wanted to work on this today.  I wanted to make something for the Hubs and he is all about gifts that he can use.  It's not every day that I am able to surprise him.  If he doesn't like it...I'll just sell it on Etsy.  Kidding of course.  He loves it.  I love that he loves it.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Relief (partial)

Day 1. Relief (partial)

Guess what?  I am participating in another blog meme with NaBloPoMo or National Blog Posting Month.  The theme for March is In One Word.

So one word about today?  Relief.  I added (partial) because this has been an ongoing saga of the tooth.  Today was another dental appointment.  I was to get my impression for my crown.  I got poked and prodded and drilled.  As soon as the numbing stuff wore off I was only supposed to be "a little irritated".

Some Ibuprofen, a cup of coffee and a half an hour later the tension in my body started to subside as the pain in my gums started to fade.

Ahhhhhhh

Relief!

I am so ready to be done with this!