Old MacDonald had a farm

Summer's at the delightful age where, if she hears anything that reminds her of anything, her blue-grey eyes grow big and she squeals (and o! how she squeals!... in falsetto, mind you), "MAMA!!!  That's just like ______!"  For example, we're memorizing Ephesians 6, currently.  And every day, when, at the end of verse 3, we say, "...so that it may go well with you, and you may have a long life in the land." she squeals, "MAMA!!!  It say 'land' just like airplanes land!!!!"  Yes, m'darling, it does.

All that Summer trivia so that you can imagine how "Old MacDonald has a farm... E-I-E-I-O" is sung with gusto every time we visit our local farm.  Yes, we are fortunate to have found a diamond in the rough here in Tampa.  Amidst all the hustle and bustle of the city life, we found a farm tucked away at the end of a cul-de-sac, four miles from our home.

There are cows and pigs, chickens and bees, homing doves and kitties.  In fact, two TWIN calves were born just a few days ago and we were able to see them on day 2.  Amazing.  We've been quite a number of times now, and have gotten to know the owner.  He is very gracious and welcoming, allowing us to watch him do his chores and teaching us all about farm life.  He invited us to watch him (and help!) milk the cows, too, so Saturday evening we ventured over.

This farm sells their fresh eggs, honey, raw milk, and has a vegetable garden in the spring.  You pay on the honor system in a bucket out under the porch.  You can imagine how the quaintness of it all give me a warm, gooey feeling all inside.

We were able to watch Rosie be milked, and then took her raw milk home with us to enjoy with our freshly baked cookies made with their hens eggs.  It was DIVINE.  I've read up on raw milk and I understand there are two sides to every coin.  It was delicious.  And it is purely organic.  I SAW my milk being pumped!!  But, it also was $8/gallon.  So... I probably won't be buying all my milk from there, but when we do visit, I'll pick up my eggs and milk.

I'm not completely sold on buying organic 100% of the time.  In fact, organic was just another word for expensive to me up until recently.  I do gain much pleasure, though, from buying local.  And after visiting this farm and getting to know Joe and Marion (the farmers), seeing all their hard work and the beauty of literally working the land, I truly love buying from them.  Really, nothing can beat seeing where your food comes from.  I know the good ol' days were full of trials and hard work, and we (I) probably romanticize them much to readily, but hey, I truly think we'd all be a mite (or lot!) better off if we could live like the good ol' days.  Fresh food, hard work, good night's sleep.  Here's to a bit of the good ol' days right here in Tampa!

stuff I've read

Thought I'd compile a teeny tiny list of some things I've read lately, that I deem "pass-along" worthy:

• "My uterus.  My business."  Elizabeth shares how asking a woman, "When're you having another baby?" is such a loaded question.  And while I've never dealt with infertility or health issues related to bearing children, I have many MANY friends who have and, through their journey, have learned to have a sensitive heart towards questions of such a nature.  I deem this post worth your while.
• You may have seen this spoken poem floating around.  It's titled "Embarrassed" and was written by a woman who was stuck on a public toilet's seat, after her just-nursed baby fell asleep.  I applaud her words.

• I don't really read much anymore... but I came across this site that lists 14 books to read before they hit the Big Screen.  I'm not sure how great all the books are, but some of them looked enticing.  And you know how I'm such a "book trumps movie" gal...
• And just because I'm not allowed to have sugar (imposed by myself) and all I can think about are desserts and sodas (grrr...), here is a recipe you have got to try.  If you like sugar cookies and frosting and that sort of deal.  So so yummy.

Thursdays treats

Ahhhh... this Monday feels like a breath of fresh air!  Last week was one full of sickness and jammies and LONG (think: midnight) nights for my husband, so that by Friday afternoon, I was about to have a huge breakdown.  I texted Trav, knowing full well he probably wouldn't respond (he rarely gets to use his phone at work), and lo and behold, he walked through the door at 1:30 p.m.!!  Done for THE DAY!  It was the biggest gift he could have given me - I wept on the spot.

Needless to say, this week looks much brighter.  And there is much fun cooking/baking to be done!  Yes, I, Jenny, am enjoying cooking/baking more and more these days.  I think this is due to a couple factors:

(1) I am learning more about what I/my family likes to eat, and how to make it.  It feels good to make a delicious meal enjoyed by all.

(2) My family is growing and the children are older and able to eat all that Trav and I do.  It is an accomplishing feat to provide and feed.

(3) Being pregnant, I LOVE to eat.  And I'm not counting the calories.  Which makes butter and salt and breads and yummies sooo much fun to make.

Without further ado, I present a couple of recipes I am using for this year's Thanksgiving.  I give all my thanks to Pinterest.  (Links are in the titles)

My turkey:

Last year was my first year making a turkey.  I used this recipe to brine/bake it.  It was divine, to say the least.  I'm gearing up to repeat this year.  It takes some prep the days before, but is not difficult and the turkey is beyond moist and flavorful.  FANTASTIC.

My potatoes:

This are sinful.  But I can't go back.  I rarely make mashed potatoes, but when I do, I have to use this recipe.  Because once you've tasted HEAVEN ON EARTH, you simply can't regress.  These are a MUST on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

My pie:

I'm not a pie fan.  Or anything pumpkin flavored fan.  So, Thanksgiving deserts are always a bit disappointing.  I always make a batch of cookies to have "for the children" (and Jenny).  But, my husband LOVES LOVES LUUUUUURRRRVES pies.  Especially Apple.  My friend, Nikki, posted her "Best Apple Pie" recipe and it even sounded good to a pie-hater such as myself.  I'm giving it a whirl this year.

So there you have it!  I hope your menu is just as delish!  And I hope your battle with the grocery store lines is over...  

pretties

For my couch.

Very fall-y.

Big Bow pillow cover.

For my camera.

Very trendy.

(but who can resist the saffron chevron??)

Camera strap pattern.
Fabric from Hobby Lobby.

For dinner.

Very yummy.

Hummus Melts

I love to create.

But mostly, I love that other people let me borrow their

patterns and recipes.  Makes life so much easier.

a review: Anna's cookies

I have this dear little friend.  She (and our other sidekick) and I were inseparable in High School.  She's the epitome of the stereotypical Californian girl: long, thick, shiny, (natural!) white-blonde hair; athletic and outdoorsy; just enough hippie to be cool.  She's funny and come to find out, she's rather creative too.

She has a blog... and she's just started this "series" where she puts her love of baking into action.  Every first Wednesday of the month, she'll state a genre of baking (September's genre was cookies!!) and if you leave a comment with your favorite of that genre, you've entered yourself into a giveaway where she'll pick a winner and bake their favorite and then mail it to them!!  Well... guess who won September's giveaway??  ME!!!  (Granted, there was only 5 or so entries, but I won!!!).

This was clothepinned  to the twine that wrapped around my box.
So clever and quaint.

My sweet package arrived in the mail today, and of course, I broke right into it before thinking to photograph the cuteness.  But, I remembered half-way through, as shavings of the cookies going down my gullet were beginning to cover my counter tops.  Here's just a peek:

The darlingly wrapped cookies...

I know, I'm an awful photographer...
but the cookies were in perfect condition,
and still soft!

Of course, she remembered my girls and wrapped their own cookie separately.
Bella commented, after indulging in hers,
"Anna sure does love me!"

We all enjoyed our cookies, Anna!!  Here's proof from the girls' faces:

So... readers.  Hope on over to Anna's blog on the first Wednesday of every month.  I'll drop a hint in October to remind you.  And maybe you too could be the lucky recipient of Anna's "You Bake Me Happy" giveaway!!  Thanks, Anna.  You da bomb diggity.

heaven on earth: a recipe

This may be totally elementary to some of you, but for a girl who grew up never tasting homemade croutons, my soul compels me to share!!  As Travis says, "Homemade croutons take salad to a whole new level!!"  And I quite agree.  I was a bit intimidated at first, but never fear.  These are pretty un-ruin-able (unless you burn them... so set your timer).  Everyone in your family will love you.  Truly.

(Go ahead and click on the recipe card to make it bigger)

Here's where it gets fun: I usually just season mine with a pinch of salt, pepper and *just enough* cayenne to flavor it (we're not into spicy foods in this household).  But, this evening, I flavored them with a teaspoon of Santa Maria seasoning (a Californian blend).  And my croutons came out tasting like bite-sized garlic bread pieces!!  HEAVEN!  So, I suppose if you're making a taco salad and want croutons, season them with cumin and oregano.  Like I said, un-ruin-able.  Enjoy, my friends.  We sure did.

What I Made for Thanksgiving

Not the best food photography, but you get the picture.

I don't mean to toot my own horn, but this was by far the BEST Thanksgiving meal I've partaken in.  Oh my.  Every dish was absolutely deLISH, if you catch my drift.  Maybe that's because we barely ate all day, in order to have a big appetite.  Or maybe it's because I'd been slaving away for three days straight.  Or maybe it's because all my recipes were da BOMB diggity.  Seriously folks.  Here was our menu:

Turkey.  Oh my.  This was my first time making a turkey and I think I'll be using this method/recipe forever now. I snagged the recipe from ourbestbites.com - a favorite cooking site of mine.  It did take a lot of time (brining), but not a lot of hard work (using a bag).  And the result was AMAZING.  Sooo tender, so juicy and flavorful.  I've never tasted anything like it.  Superb.  *****

James and Travis did a manly job of carving their first turkey.

Mashed Potatoes.  Again.  Mouth-watering, Die-and-went-to-heaven sort of reaction.  Super creamy, warm, buttery.  Delightful.  Of course, these came from the one and only Pioneer Woman's cook book.  It did use a cup of butter and an 8 oz. bar of cream cheese, but Thanksgiving comes once a year and butter is a MUST!! Another *****

Green Bean Casserole.  Betsy made these.  I'm not usually a huge fan of green beans, but this casserole was yummers!  She carmelized her own onions and made her own white sauce.  It was cooked to perfection and added the right amount of color and veggies to our carb-loaded table.  ****

Stuffing.  I honestly didn't try it.  I hate stuffing.  But I tried a recipe (for those other stuffing-lovers at my table) from Real Simple.  The recipe involved Italian Sausage, which, in my books, you can never go wrong with.  Everyone loved it, or so they said.  ****

Cooked carrots.  Another one of Betsy's dishes.  I totally forgot to try these as well!!  I don't know how I missed them, as they looked divine.  She made some sort of glaze to cover them.  I'll give 'em a go today at lunch.  ***

Rolls.  Again, the Pioneer Woman's recipe.  Again, to die for.  *****

Apple Pie.  Compliments of me.  *****
Pumpkin Pie.  Compliments of a can.  ***
Chocolate chip cookies.  Compliments of me. *****

That was it for the homemade dishes.  We also had canned corn and cranberry sauce, compliments of the Jeffrey's.  Oh, and Kellie made the gravy, which was sublime.  ***** for that.

So sleepy.  She didn't nap all day, thus retiring at 4:50 p.m.

I purchased mini Martinelli's for each place setting.  I also channeled Pinterest and made these utensil holders which involved a fun, spur-of-the-moment game.  Each person had to try and incorporate one of the paint names into our conversation at the table throughout the meal.  Funny.

We had a wonderful time together - cooking, caring for the babes, eating, sharing our thankful thoughts.  Family really is the most wonderful, and as my bro-in-law shared, only a shadow of the things that are to come.  Such a sweet truth.  Thank you, Lord, for all your blessings!!

the only sensible thing

Summer woke up.

At 5:15 a.m.

Teething.

This girl is a complete 180* when she's teething:

snot.

weepy eyes.

CrAbBy.

CLINGY.

fever.

& more snot.

I did the only sensible thing to do on days like this.

On days when...

your 3-year old has two random potty accidents.

it's freezing outside, thus locking us all indoors.

pms is in full swing.

resume healthy eating

and "cleaning-1-room-a-day" scheduling

tomorrow.

(or next week)

two noble aspirations, pt. 1

This week, I'm aspiring to begin two new things (that will hopefully last *at least* the rest of this week):
+ cooking/eating healthy* foods
+ cleaning one room per day

*"healthy" definition:
- less sugar
- less processed foods
- less carbs
- more fruits and veggies
- eat out less

does NOT mean:
- organic foods... 'tis for the birds, in my humble opinion
- no sugar... a girl's gotta have something to look forward to in life!
- any crazy cleansing methods... ya.

So... anyhoo.  I've hemmed and hawed for awhile now (i.e. my whole marital existence) how I hate cooking/meal planning.  But, while in Alabama, certain factors (via life and new-made friends) helped me embrace my role as cook.  I may not love it, but I can try and love it, instead of loving hating it.  Am I making sense?  I better roll up my sleeves and get movin', I decided.

Trav's a crazy-work-horse here in Kansas.  I am not finding enough desire time to get to the gym. Therefore, I'm trying to make yummy, healthy, well-proportioned meals.  It's actually not as a bad as it seemed... Here are two recipes I've enjoyed lately.  Both fell within my criteria (ingredients I regularly have around the house and fit within my budget).

Green Smoothie:

image

+ 1 banana
+ 1 (or 2, or 3) handful[s] of fresh spinach
+ a dash of milk
+ a handful of ice
+ 1 T of flax seed meal (since I have no clue as to what this even IS... I omitted this)

grind it up - and enjoy.  The banana flavor totally cancels the spinach... making it delish.  And healthy.  Spinach is the POWER veggie!


Smoked Turkey and Artichoke Panini:

image

This sandwich was ... uhh.... DIVINE.  Unfortunately, I didn't have any artichoke hearts on hand, so I improvised, but I can't wait to try it again.  I also just used sandwich bread, as that's all I had, but it worked.  The secret ingredient was her Garlic-Herb mayo.  Yummers.  To add a bit of crunch, I added slivered Granny-Smith apples... trust me.  So.Good.  We sided this with Tomato soup.  A spinach salad is a good alternative.

Here's the recipe.  In fact, if you're ever in a quandry on what to make for any occasion, one of my favorite cooking sites is this one: Our Best Bites.

Alrighty.  I wrote a lot.  Tomorrow I'll expand more on my second noble aspiration...
Go, ye, therefore, and cook!

you miss me??

I am in CALI-for-Ni-A.  Ahhh... although, I do have to admit: It's a bit cold here!!  I was liking that 90 degree weather back in the midwest - tornados and all...

So, the girls and I are adjusting to the cooler climate and the Pacific Standard Timing.  Let's just say that the first few days here did not include happy wake-up calls...

We are surrounded by family.  LOVE it.  Bella's lavished in cousin love, and I'm soaking up Atticus and Summer's sweet babyness.

So what's the plan for this next month??
- Lots of family time.
- Celebrating my new sister-in-law (come August 14).
- Hiking mountains.
- Visits to the ocean.
- Trying to sqeeze some exercise in here somewhere, amidst all the stuffing of our faces.
- Celebrating my sister's birthday, mom's birthday, brother-in-law's birthday and my 5th anniversary.
- A trip to Yosemite (WOO-HOO!!!!!).  25 family members included.  Wish us luck.

Oh, and by the way, did you get the memo that May officially ended on the 24th??  I did.  I'm sure I did.  Because No-Fun/Sugar May has officially ended, beginning with the 3 cokes I had during my day of traveling.  And it's continuing through the 5 cupcakes, pieces of lemon meringue pie, ice cream, etc. that continues to find it's way to my mouth.  Sorry, folks.  It was nice while it lasted.  :-)

No Sugar update: Week 2

Week 2: ya, I hate this.

Confessions: Well, I had a couple sips of a soda one day, and a full soda on Friday.  The first day was just because I wanted to, and the second one was because I was driving a long way and needed caffeine.  It tasted divine.

Observations: I crave sugar.  I'm still craving it, even though it's been 15 days.  I thought the craving would go away.  Water is becoming yummier, though.  And interestingly enough, if I drink water with lemon or chew gum, my craving goes away.  Cravings are deceptive little things.

Feelings: While I hate this meaningless restriction on my life, again, I am seeing how often I turn to sugar first to satisfy.  So, again, it's good that I'm restricted for a time.

Weight gain/loss: I think I've lost a couple pounds.  I'm not quite sure, as I fluctuate.  But now I'm fluctuating in lower numbers.  And my pants are fitting better.

What I miss the most: Just the freedom to have some fun.  For example, Bella attended a birthday party on Saturday and after all the kids ate, the parents were invited to have some cake.  I desperately just wanted to have a piece.  I love cake.

No Sugar update: Week 1

Week 1:  Sooo... I did it.  I survived the first week.

Confessions:  But, a small confession first: I ate some chocolate yesterday -- because it was Mother's Day, and I'm a mother x2, Darn It!

Other than that small slip up, I'm clean.

Observations:  This is hard.  Period.  Dot. Exclamation point.  I'm realizing how much sugar I really was eating, by the quantity of food I'm eating less (does that sentence make sense?).  For example, after the girls go down, I crave sugar.  Now, I'm snackless.  Sure, I could make popcorn or pull out some fruit, but I don't want salty or fresh!  I want SUGAR.  And if I can't have sugar, I'll just not eat.  Snacks, that is.  I'm still eating meals.

Feelings:  I'm still thinking this is a good idea for me, no matter how hard.  I know I have an end in sight (21 days, to be exact), and I know that sugar is totally in my future.  I know that I can enjoy it in moderation and sugar is not going to kill me.  But, I also know that I have some self-control and learning to do.  Thus, my sugar fast.

Weight loss/gain: 0 lbs.  I thought I lost 2 lbs. but then after yesterday, I was back to my pre-sugar fast weight.  I fluctuate.

What I miss the most:  SODA.  I love soda.  I love it, I love it, I LOVE IT.  One can of soda can totally fix my sugar desire.

How are all YOU doing, those who joined with me???

no-fun May

Well, today I goofed.  I was supposed to start something come May.  But May just kinda jumped in and surprised me... so, I'll start tomorrow.

NO SUGAR.  FOR THE WHOLE MONTH OF MAY (except today).  BAHHHH....

For those of you who don't know me personally, I LOVOVOVOVOVOVE sugar.  Candy, soda, ice cream, juice, chocolate... you name it.  And while I was pregnant with Summer girl - I was a bad girl.  Gave in to every little desire.  And now, sugar has its sweet, little talons embedded deeply in me... and I'm hooked.

SO, I'm giving it up.  For a month.  Mostly to break my habit, but also to see if it will help me lose these last 10-12 lbs of baby weight.  I know it probably will make some difference in my weight, but even if it doesn't, I know it'll be good for me to not depend on it so much for happiness throughout the day.  Goll, I love sugar.

Trav's doing it with me (right, babe?).  Anyone else want to join??  I need mucho accountability.  MUCHO.
----------------

Post script: NO SUGAR means this: all natural sugars are A-OK.  The foods I am going to avoid are:
- soda/juice (except OJ - I love OJ and NEED it in the morning)
- cookies
- candy
- candy bars (aka chocolate)
- any type of dessert, basically
- doughnuts
- etc.  you get my drift.

bonus points

Kate asked me why I haven't been doing the photo challenge.  I know... I need to get back on that.  I will, I just might take it as it comes.  So, patience, my dears, patience.

In other news, I've really enjoyed my life the past 3-4 days.  I don't know why that seems rare, cuz I do have a wonderful life, but each day has been filled with joy and not many disappointments, which is so sweet every now and then.  Here's some sharing:

- My husband came home Thursday night from a 2-week trip.  Gawl, was it sweet to see his face.  Bella couldn't hide her elation either.  I know I always comment on how sweet those two are together, but really, it is a love story in and of itself.  Reunions after lengthy trips like these are nearly always hit and miss for Trav and me: learning to jive together again, picking up where we left off, etc.  But this time, I do believe, has been our sweetest reunion to date.  We've been getting along, really in-love, and I can't get enough of him.  I'm truly thankful for this, as I know it's a gift from the Lord.

- Bella's been kinda getting into the "princess" stage.  I was dreading it, as I am not a super girly-girl and I didn't want her to be "one of those girls", but she finally discovered Snow White awhile ago and then I borrowed Cinderella from the library.  It's interesting, though, because she could really care less about the actual princesses, but she can't get enough of "their daddies."  She loves to explain to Trav and I how... "Cinderella LOVES her Daddy!!"  and each time she sees a picture of them, she goes on and on about how much they love their daddy, just like she loves HER Daddy... I simply love the innocence and smallness of her world right now.  It's a beautiful thing to watch unfold.

- She also learned a new song in Sunday School.  She sings it from morn to dusk.  It goes like this:  "Deep and wide.  DEEP AND WIDE!  There's a mountain floating in the sky..."  I crack up every time I hear her bust out those lyrics.

- We have a phenomenal babysitter that has become a good friend of mine.  I can't help but feel like she is such an answer to prayer.  We're different ages and at different stages in life, but we connect and she loves Bella dearly, which warms my heart.  Here they are during a recent date night for Trav and me:


- WINTER.  I know, you're all surprised.  I thought you ABHORRED winter?!?! you say.  I know, I know!  And I mostly do.  But this year, it's different.  And here's why I'm enjoying it:

1. The frigid weather outside makes me feel a bit less lazy than I currently am at 38-weeks pregnant.  It's socially okay to sit on your butt and enjoy the warmth of a home.
2. It brings our family together.  As much as I love summer and being outside, we have been "forced" to just relax at home, play together, BE TOGETHER.  And I'm really loving the slow pace.
3. Trav actually likes the flannel sheets.  Ahhh...
4. Cooking has been a *mite* more enjoyable.  I tried this soup the other day: http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/10/tortellini-sausage-soup.html. Oh, my flippin-de-dippin-de word. YUM.

- I've been having contractions nearly every day for the past week.  And multiple bouts of Braxton Hicks.  While I know this could mean nothing on the "near" horizon, it is thrilling me to know that this pregnancy is almost done and soon, we'll be holding our baby girl.  Hip Hip Hooray!!

titleless

I went to get doughnuts this morning.  For the fam.  Before Trav left for work.  Something about being 36-weeks pregnant, and already surpassing the 30 lb. weight gain marker, and not caring anymore......

I'm sort of a doughnut snob.  HATE any doughnuts from the gas station.  Krispy Kreme are my fa-zav-or-ites! but they are also a good 10-15 minute drive from my home and a bit pricey.  I opted for the closest option, thus equaling less time in my freezing car.  It's a dark, ol' dingy place, and the doughnut selection isn't always the best, buuuuttt... the lady there is super nice and it's reasonable.

"HIIIIII!!  Happy MONDAY!!!!" the Asian lady squealed, as I walked through her door.  "OH A BABY!!!  HOW MANY MORE WEEKS???"  She was now jumping up and down and clapping her hands.  Every time I come to this place, I silently wonder if she is on some sort of happy-drug.  But then, I mentally reprimand myself and try and think the best... that maybe she's just really this happy, all the time.

We chatted for a bit, during which I watched her, amused, for most of the time.  I decided to get a dozen doughnuts, just so I could keep some in my freezer to save for later snacks.  I'm smart like that.

I ended up with 15 doughnuts, 2 cinnamon rolls, and 6 doughnut holes ... all which she considered "a dozen". And all for $5.  And this is how it is EVERY TIME WE GO.  Sure, the icing is spread a bit thin, and the doughnuts might taste a tad stale... but really?  $5 for that?  And a slice of happy on the side??  I'll take it.

***

To continue on with my Photo-a-Day exercise... today is DAY 13: A PHOTO OF YOUR BEST FRIEND[S].

I have a lot of great friends.  I could say my husband.  Or my sisters.  Or my mom.  I could pick a best friend from every place I've lived... but my college buddies take the cake.  Maybe it's because I stink at keeping in touch, and with these ladies... well, we actually have kept in touch.  Maybe it's because they seem more like sisters to me than "friends."  I don't know.... I just love them and love our memories.  Without further ado, my pals from the Northern land:

"Might as well...."

I mentioned yesterday the junk food I bought at Wal-Mart.

Do you ever just finish something (as in food) because you want it out of the house??  Good reasoning right there, I tell ya.  My husband does this often.  He usually explains himself to me by quipping, "Might as well!"

These are delicious.  Don't ever buy them.  600 calories.  Straight to your hiney.  I opened them at lunch, to give Bella a piece or two for finishing her lunch (and to just take a nibble to see what they tasted like).  The package is now empty.  I almost put it away when it was half gone, but then, I was blogging and when I finished my previous blog, there was only ONE ROW LEFT.  That's when Trav's famous saying, "Might as well..." ran through my head.  I am now 600 calories heavier.  Or my daughter-in-utero is 600 calories bigger.  Which is good - because I'm going to deliver early, right?  And she needs as much as weight as she can have for her early arrival...

Oh, btw, this was my favorite part of the packaging.  Made me laugh out loud.

"I Wuh You, Mama."

Thank you all for your helpful tips and insight on Mission: Eating Healthier.  Not going to lie... it seems like a lot of work, and with me being pregnant, knowing I won't be able to shed a pound until this baby is born, I'm not too eager to change my eating habits.  Buuuut, I will endeavor to change at least for a month (until the PT test is over) and I'll make another evaluation afterwards.  All those pretty fruits and veggies do brighten up my kitchen and seem to proclaim, "Potential!   Potential!  Potential!", thus urging me to discover their yumminess. 

(I don't know why I need to include this picture, except for the fact that

I love her little legs, and feet, and curls, and everything...)

Tomorrow marks the start of a three-day weekend for our family of three.  And a half.  *side note* Does it ever bother you - families with small children - when, upon visiting a restaurant, the hostess looks at your family of three and says, "Two and a half?" as if Bella were half a person??  This has happened to me MULTIPLE times and each time, I bite my lip to prevent a sassy remark from bursting forth.  A sassy remark somewhat resembling, "HALF?  Yes, my daughter is missing her head and right arm, and thus, I can see how you would call our family two and a half.  Sure lady..."  Anyways, it drives me nuts and even though I know she means well, I still am tempted to trip her every time she leads us to our table.  Are these feelings considered pregnancy hormones??  *end side note*

Like I was saying, tomorrow marks the start of a three-day weekend for our family of three.  And a half.  And I was excited.  Because we were planning on visiting the pumpkin patch.  And eating at a friend's house.  And being outside (because it's still in the 80's and the Fall-Rebel inside of me is rejoicing).  Because this will be Trav's first weekend home in four weekends.  But then, when Trav drug his weary self through the door last night, my heart sunk.  Because he looked awful.  And when his first words were, "I think I'm sick," my selfish heart became indignant and mad, because Gosh Darn It!  I Want A Weekend!!  And then, last night as I lay awake because of Trav's shivering and feverish sleep, and because of a kicking baby, and because my hiney was sore from working out for the first time in a week... my heart was telling itself to Buck up, and enjoy the weekend anyway, because, after all, it is in the 80's outside, and Trav is home, and Bella is a sweetheart.  And so is the baby who is killing my ribs.

Speaking of Bella, during the past week, she has begun telling Travis and myself that she loves us - all on her own with no prompting.  She'll fling her arms around my leg or neck, press her soft cheek against mine, and say, "I wuh you, Mama.  I wuh you!" and squeeze me as hard as she can.  I'm pretty sure that Trav and I feel like kings and queens after each and every one of these episodes.

P.S. Bonus points to anyone who can tell me the correct time from the clock in the background of this last picture!  Click to enlarge...

help!

As many of you know, my dear hubs had foot surgery about two months ago.  Before the surgery, his gout attacks had been bothering him quite frequently, thus limiting his physical activity as well.  He just got cleared to exercise again, and he's in a doozy.  Here's the problem:

1. He's - all in all - in great shape.  Before he graduated college, he was very active physically and will still choose to participate in any sort of sport if there is time, but as you know... there just isn't much time these days. 

2. Because of his surgery, he was unable to do anything for 6-8 weeks.  Ouch.  During which time, my mom came out and made delicious meals.

3. He has his annual PT test for the Air Force in ONE month and needs to lose about 10 pounds and 2 inches off his waist to pass with an "Excellent."

With the stress-level in his life the way it is right now (very high), of course I want to help.  Cooking and having healthy meals is my way to aid this cause, but here's the problemo: I've always just cooked "normal."  Nothing too extravagant, but never dieting either.  I know that he (who am I kidding? Me too!) basically needs to be eating lots of veggies and protein, and cut out the carbs, but I am at a loss as to how to make that into a yummy meal!  It doesn't help that I despise the kitchen and cooking...

Sooo... any tips?  Good recipes?  Knowledgable facts on cutting the calories and losing a bit of weight?  I'm all ears...

a lovely weekend

What fun it is when family gets together!!  Seriously!  My aunt and mom both visited this weekend, and while my aunt had to leave today (*tear*), I still get to keep my mom for TWO MORE WEEKS.  Ahhhh... All of us are eating up this time together.

The weekend was a busy one, filled with FOOD, outdoor time, laughter, knitting, chatting, eating, laughing...

B kept us laughing and really was a sweet girl to all... gotta love it when your children behave and make life easier and sweeter.  She is more than loving having Mimi around to read more books and take more walks and sneak more treats out of.

As for the food, we made some delicious meals together.  I have have have to mention this one in particular:

FIRE ROASTED ARTICHOKES

And while I'm a sucker for artichokes in any style, I usually just steam them and eat them whole.  We came across this recipe at this blog and it was TO DIE FOR.  Literally.  Oooohhhh so good.  We grilled some chicken breasts along with it, added a fruit salad and called it a meal.  Healthy, delicious, and new.  We raved for hours about it afterwards.  Ooh, I love artichokes!  Try it out before fall sets in...

That's all for now folks... happy new week!

tid bits

• I found this little treasure at the thrift store yesterday:

... for $3.  She ooh-ed and ahhh-ed when I presented it to her and promptly said, "Buy it, Mama?"
Bought it, we did, and every baby and stuffed animal has enjoyed a scrumptious feast - ranging from crayons to pieces of mulch from outside.

(Yes, the Frankenstein, ex-Halloween bag is her crayon holder purse.  She loves it, too.)

• I just attempted my first batch at homemade granola.  Trav's been begging me to make some ever since he tasted my mom's recipe our first year of marriage.  I found a recipe in a magazine and was reminded of my wifely duties.  So, I just pulled it out of the oven and my kitchen smells glorious, if I do say so myself!

• The four days that Trav and Bella spent together has bonded them eternally.  From the time she gets up til the time he comes home from work, I hear the phrase, "Where KaEe go?" about 20,547 times.  And when he does finally arrive home, after his gruelingly LONG stressful days... not much could make him feel more appreciated than a pair of chubby, tan legs running as fast as they can into his arms, shouting "YAYAYAY!!! KaEE!!!!"

• We met with the Speech Therapist yesterday and she was blown away by Bella's progress.  She said that Bella is ahead of the curve in every way and doing so well.  "You have a smart young lady on your hands," were her exact words.  I told Trav that I'm never quite sure how to respond when I hear those things.  Part Most of me wants to grin like a silly schoolgirl and tell the whole world how smart my baby is... but then, I don't want to appear like one of those foolish mothers that claim their child is a genius, at age 1.  :-)  But, I am proud, in a happy, full-heart sort of way.  She's come a long way.