Menu Plan Monday ~ November 30

During the day I have a home daycare and the toddlers, ages 18 months to 3 years, have become picky eaters. This is driving me bonkers as one day they love it and the next they don't even look at it. My two are following the trend so please forgive the simple dinners. I only hope they indulge me and eat what I have planned.

Monday ~Spare ribs (crock pot with pork seasoning and bbq sauce), canned corn, zucchini, mashed potatoes

Tuesday~ Baked Pasta with Sausage, salad

Wednesday ~ Pub-style chicken burgers, steamed carrots, potato wedges or fries

Thursday ~ Leftover buffet

Friday ~ Homemade Pizzas, Salad

Saturday ~ Steak, baked potatoes, some sort of veggies

Check out more menus at I'm An Organizing Junkie.

I Know Her!

I was flipping through the winter 2009 ParentsCanada magazine and I saw a friend's little girl in an ad for Oral-B Teeth Technique. She looks adorable and it made me proud to see her featured. Good job, Suvi! Looking great and you have a wonderful, white and healthy smile!!

Check out her mommy's blog, Crumbs in the Minivan.

The Christmas Spirit

I am getting into the Christmas spirit! I'm on my second Christmas book, I've been knitting and crocheting since June so I have a lot of gifts made. Currently I'm making a cardigan for one lucky recipient and I have the back 97% done. :)

The Christmas lights have been put up and turned on this past week, I painted the front and garage doors a nice red this week so they are ready for wreaths and the plan is to get out the Christmas decorations. I want to get the tree done but the hubby wants to wait as he thinks it will start to have all the needles dried up by the time Christmas arrives.

I am also getting super inspired by all the creative bloggers out there. I hope to have time to make some beautiful home decorations this season also.



It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, friends!

Friday Fill-Ins ~ November 26

1. Wait! Wait, don't forget the baby.

2. Verbal diarrhea followed at once by embarrassment.

3. The trouble is when the child doesn't sleep.

4. A beautiful, white sandy beach with sky blue waters exists many miles away.

5. With a faint pop my water broke.

6. The parking garage is shadowy and ominous.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to the New Moon movie, tomorrow my plans include swimming lessons, great grandparents visiting the kids, then visiting with the in-laws and Sunday, I want to knit!

Ten Tasks In Ten Days ~ Day 8

I am doing my ten tasks in ten business days, so I have until Friday to complete them all. I'm making a pretty good dent in them but the deadline looms as it is Wednesday.

I am at "school" with the kids in their classrooms. I am going to use my kid-free two hours to cut out the pattern for my apron, pin onto the fabric, and do my markings and cut the pieces out right now. The sewing should be a cinch.

Fall Back In Love With Your Spouse

Let's face it, we all get into a rut at some point. Marriage has been going very well for my husband and I (speaking for myself here) but with two young children who demand our constant attention, it is easy to put each other last. I found some interesting ideas at Men's Health on falling back in love with your spouse. I'm marking some highlights but check out the full article here.

If you feel your relationship may be in peril, try this strategy: Fall back in love. It can be done. In fact, 64 percent of couples who were verging on breaking up but who stuck with their marriages found their way back to conjugal happiness within a few years, according to an Institute of American Values study.

Marriage Stressor #1: Your nerves are frayed
Your Fix: Eat late. Take time to unwind after you arrive home by doing what you want to do, instead of diving right into dinner.

Marriage Stressor #2: You're misreading each other
Your Fix: Stop dreaming about alternatives. If you're always wondering just how much happier you'd be with a wife who "didn't act like that" or who really understood you, stop focusing on alternatives. "Constantly visualizing ideal spouses makes you less happy because it creates more potential for unproductive desire or regret," says marriage therapist Joshua Coleman, Ph.D., author of The Marriage Makeover.

Marriage Stressor #3: You're on the wrong side of the libido gap
Your Fix: Touch without the turn-on.

Marriage Stressor #4: You're seeing too much of each other
Your Fix: Wrangle your buds. The best way to improve your outlook is to go out with friends-organize an after-work happy hour, hit the bar for Monday Night Football. If setting up your own event isn't your style, home in on a group identity by joining a rec league or political committee. Being part of a group can enhance a sense of belonging that could be a buffer against marital dissatisfaction, according to Louise Hawkley, Ph.D., the associate director of the University of Chicago's social neuroscience lab.

Marriage Stressor #5: You're ignoring the little things
Your Fix: Schedule sacrifice. Write down a few things you know your partner likes, and set a reminder on your smart phone to do one of those things each week. If, on the other hand, you think you're the one who's sacrificing more, analyze the situation.

Menu Plan Monday ~ Nov 16-22

Monday ~ Crockpot Peking Pork Chops, Wild Rice, Carrots & Potatoes
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon 5 Spice Powder
1/2 cup gluten free soy sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
4 cloves garlic, chopped
(there is a box of salt pictured, but I didn't use any; the soy sauce was plenty)

• Put chops into the stoneware.
• In a small bowl, combine sugar, spices, soy sauce, ketchup, and garlic. Pour evenly over the top of chops. No need to add any other liquid. If you had an onion in the house, it might be a nice addition, but not necessary for flavor.
• Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for about 4. If your chops are frozen they will take longer to cook. The longer you cook the meat, the more tender.

Tuesday ~ Lasagna, Salad, Garlic Bread

Wednesday ~ Omelettes, Homemade Hash Browns, Fresh Fruit

Thursday ~ Leftovers

Friday ~ Homemade Pizza

Saturday ~ Steak, Mashed Potatoes & Veggies

Sunday ~ Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu
4 chicken breasts (or tenders)
~1/2 bottle Honey Dijon dressing
4 slices of honey ham
4 slices of Baby Swiss cheese
1 C bread crumbs (or Stove Top Stuffing)

• Spray the crockpot with cooking spray. Layer the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Drizzle Honey Dijon dressing over the chicken, to taste (around 1/4 C).
• Layer ham and cheese over the top of the chicken.
• Top with stuffing, and drizzle about 1/4 C more dressing over the top.
• Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until chicken is 180 degrees and tender.

Check out more menus at I'm an Organizing Junkie.

40 Days Until Christmas ~ Sibling Gifts

I have been following the 100 day Countdown to Christmas and have received some wonderful ideas for preparing for Christmas 2009. Only 40 days left!

Today's post is about sibling gifts. My children are only 1 and 3 years old so it's not going to be that much of an issue for a few years but it would be a fabulous tradition to start. A great idea is to "set up Mom’s Store every Christmas with objects she had been collecting throughout the year that she knew would interest her children. ...Designate a place in [your] home as Mom’s Store, ...set out a number of items appropriate to one child, then ...bring in one child at a time to “buy” a gift from that selection for [their] brother or sister. Then [Mom] cleared those items and prepared to do another round.

The Countdown to Christmas Challenge for today is to take some time to consider gifts for siblings. Maybe you want your children to make gifts for each other. Maybe you have a special night when you take each of them shopping alone. Maybe you’d like to try Mom’s Store. Whatever the case, preparation is key. You’ll need to be sure you have the materials you need on hand.

*Check out ListPlanIt’s Blog for a List of Gifts to Collect for Mom’s Store."

(courtesy Countdown to Christmas)

Friday Fill-Ins #150

1. The last band I saw live was The Wiggles.

2. What I look forward to most on Christmas is seeing everyone together in the same house.

3. My Christmas/holiday shopping is well under way. I started making gifts in the spring!

4. Thoughts of my children's laughter fill my head.

5. I wish I could wear my small wardrobe but I'm working on it.

6. Bagpipes are played by men in kilts with no underwear.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to cuddles with my kids and hubby, tomorrow my plans include a dinner date with my husband and Sunday, I want to go to the gym to work off the dinner!

The Eyes

My eyes are wonky again. When I was pregnant with Ava in 2006 I had to leave six weeks prior to my due date because I'd go home and be physically ill after a day on the computer. My eyes gave out. That was the longest time waiting for Ava to be born (and then having her 11 days overdue!). Not only was I physically uncomfortable, but I also wasn't able to read or watch television or do much except for lay on the sofa. What a boring time.

I'm not bored this time around with the lot of kids about but I am starting to have trouble concentrating on the computer and reading and knitting. Luckily I can touch knit and crochet so that is at least something I can do this time around while toddlers swarm around me.

This is just a warning that I might not get on as often as I like to the blog either but I will try my best.

Interview with My Mom

Mama's Losin' It has another assignment I'd like to tackle. I realise this was an October challenge but, after FINALLY watching the trailer for the movie Motherhood (see below) I was inspired.

I haven't heard about this movie in Canada but I sure hope it comes out. When I watched the trailer I had both understanding and anxiety as I am in those footsteps daily! And I think I dress that frumpily these days too with the extra 25+ pounds I am trying to lose - and have been since June 2009 but have so not been motivated to get off. That's another post though. For today I am going to interview my mother.


Me: How has motherhood changed you?
Mom: Motherhood has taught me patience and unconditional love.

Me: How has being a grandmother changed you?
Mom: It has brought joy to my heart.

Me: What ages were your favorites?
Mom: Infancy to kindergarten.

Me: Do you miss having kids in the house?
Mom: Yes (and no ~ the peace is nice).

Me: What was the most difficult part of being a mom for you?
Mom: I didn't find it difficult; I found it fulfilling.

Me: What was the most rewarding part?
Mom: Watching you guys grow up into wonderful adults.

Me: Have I met the expectations you had for me when I was born?
Mom: Oh, you exceeded them ~ which I knew you would.


Oh, and if you want to check out the woman the Motherhood movie is based on, check out Eliza's blog here.

Love Letter to the Anthony Wiggle

Occasionally I find the opportunity to sit down and to the assignments from Mama's Losin' It. Today's challenge is to write a love letter to the object of your affection.


Dear Anthony Wiggle,

My children have made me fans of yours. I watch you over and over again on VHS and DVD. Your singing and quirky ways melt my heart. And the fact that you have made millions in your creation of the Wiggles and other endeavours has nothing to do with it! Your Australian accent is pretty hot too. Now I find out you used to be a Cockroach (rock band) in the 80s and that just makes you that much more fun to watch jumping around in your blue skivvy. It doesn't hurt that my daughter's favourite colour is blue just like you. She wears blue every day and I think of you.

Thanks for creating the Wiggles. I will be watching you multiple times a day.

Is it wrong for a Mommy to crush on her kids' idol?

Crushing Mommy

Friday Fill In #149

1. Plans and schedules have gone by the wayside and it's only the start of the weekend!

2. I'm happy when things work out so that I can go to the gym and resist junk food.

3. The last thing I drank was chocolate milk.

4. One of the most valuable things in my life is my family.

5. I like spinach, cheese, tomato sauce and ham on my pizza.

6. Dear November, please don't bring too much snow.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Ghost Whisperer, tomorrow my plans include Weight Watchers meeting, swimming lessons and depositing my pay cheque and Sunday, I want to enjoy family time!

Check out what others are doing or link yours at Friday Fill-Ins.

Ten Tasks In Ten Days

The Shabby Chic Cottage has a fantastic idea to complete ten tasks in ten days. I believe it's over now but I thought I'd like to join in on the getting things done. My list will primarily include Christmas gifts I need to complete but it's decorating, right?!

Join me and The Shabby Chic Cottage. Here are my ten tasks ...

1. Take inventory kids craft supplies
   
2. Reorganize the kids craft supplies to make them better accessible
3. Sew Christmas apron (gift)
4. Sew apron for me
5. Mend
6. Knit sweater for Travis (gift)
7. Find paint supplies for front door (this could take a whole day to locate)
8. Paint front door, garage door, outside door (if not too cold)
9. Winterize front hall closet
10. Organize linen closet
    

The Tongue Family

I was looking at photos taken this year that I just uploaded from my camera. I suppose the kids and their father got on it one Saturday morning while I was sleeping in.

This is what I found ... do you think they are related?!.

Patchwork Afghan

I did it! I finally finished the afghan I've been working on for the past month. I think it turned out nicely and masculine for the man on my Christmas giving list.

My daughter insists it's for her "Uncle P" so we'll have to see when all is said and done who it goes to.

Oh, and thanks to my hubby for arranging all the squares. It was overwhelming for me after crocheting all those granny squares.

It Seems I'm Not the Only One in a Funk

I can SO relate to this post by Mama's Losin' It about how her "life has become a cycle of poopy diapers, reality television, and making friends with people who may or may not be who they say they are" and that she is "in a serious housewife funk...either that or I'm in the pre PMS stages...either that or I'm pregnant...either that or I'm menopausing."

Here here, sister! She's even a daycare provider ... her life is parallel to mine. If only she lived closer and we could do play dates and get out of our funk ... or PMS, pregnancy or menopause together.

Menu Plan Monday ~ November 2 - 8

This week I need to focus on what I am eating. I need to lose some weight and it is only by forethought that this has any hope of happening.

I eat boring lunches (tuna and salad or microwave dinners) most days since I have a home daycare and cannot get that creative BUT dinners I can prepare in the afternoons during nap time so I'm going to try to be more creative there (and then have better lunch leftovers too!).

Monday: Maple Salmon and Tuna fillets served with Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes and steamed carrots and Cornbread

Tuesday: Chicken Broccoli Divan served with whole wheat noodles and salad

Wednesday: Makeover Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta

Thursday: Leftover buffet

Friday: Homemade Pizza

Saturday: Rotisserie-Style Chicken served with mashed potatoes and veggies

Simple Supper Sunday

Check out more menu plans at I'm an Organizing Junkie.

Fall Projects for the Home ~ List

Thanks again to List Plan It for a great list of fall projects for the home.

• Rake the leaves from the yard.
• Put outdoor toys in storage.
• Clear the leaves from the gutters.
• Have furnace/chimney cleaned and serviced.
• Put up storm windows.
• Winterize sprinklers and indoor pipes.
• Have carpets cleaned for fresh holiday festivities.
• Prepare for patio/deck winter storage.
• Give landscaping a good pruning.