In 2 days, we'll be here:
Soaking up these:
While sipping on these:
With these people:
And missing these people:
Life is rough.
Vegan Tofu Spiced Chocolate Pudding
2 days ago
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
February 14, 2001 - May 27, 2011
We've had a sad few days in our household. Our sweet dog, Spencer, had to be put to sleep on Friday.
We noticed that he hadn't been eating for the past few days, and that his stomach was kind of swollen looking. When Kevin tried to get him to play fetch with his favorite little rag toy and he wouldn't, we knew that something was really wrong.
After an emergency trip to the vet, x-rays showed a huge mass in his abdomen - almost taking up every inch of his little body. He was anemic and likely had internal bleeding. Surgery wasn't really an option.
We had friends coming from out-of-town for the holiday weekend, and wanted to know if we could bring him home, make our decision and let them know on Tuesday, but they advised against it, saying that Spencer was likely in a lot of pain and it wouldn't be good for him. We loaded up the kids (and us) in the car, and went back to the vet to say our final, tearful goodbyes.
I'll miss him! Shortly after Kevin and I got married, I told him that I either wanted a baby or a puppy. Kevin jumped on the puppy bandwagon, and Spencer joined our family. He has been a super sweet addition - the kids adored him, and he loved them, too! Rest in peace, sweet boy.
Newborn Spencer with his brothers and sisters:
Sweet, playful puppy:
We noticed that he hadn't been eating for the past few days, and that his stomach was kind of swollen looking. When Kevin tried to get him to play fetch with his favorite little rag toy and he wouldn't, we knew that something was really wrong.
After an emergency trip to the vet, x-rays showed a huge mass in his abdomen - almost taking up every inch of his little body. He was anemic and likely had internal bleeding. Surgery wasn't really an option.
We had friends coming from out-of-town for the holiday weekend, and wanted to know if we could bring him home, make our decision and let them know on Tuesday, but they advised against it, saying that Spencer was likely in a lot of pain and it wouldn't be good for him. We loaded up the kids (and us) in the car, and went back to the vet to say our final, tearful goodbyes.
I'll miss him! Shortly after Kevin and I got married, I told him that I either wanted a baby or a puppy. Kevin jumped on the puppy bandwagon, and Spencer joined our family. He has been a super sweet addition - the kids adored him, and he loved them, too! Rest in peace, sweet boy.
Newborn Spencer with his brothers and sisters:
Sweet, playful puppy:At 1-year-old, right before Megan was born:
Spencer with 1-week-old Megan. He LOVED to be close to her!
Spencer with 1-week-old Megan. He LOVED to be close to her!Spence and 5-week old Meg:
Christmas 2008 - the sweater was because Iowa gets damn cold!
Our sweet boy, last Easter:
Our sweet boy, last Easter:
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
My new favorite blog
When I find new blogs, I tend to compulsively read the whole thing, so that I haven't missed anything, and then wait and wait and wait for each new entry. Not with this one.
I followed the link from my friend, Michelle's, blog, and I can't get enough! It's called Do They Have Salsa in China? It follows a California family that has twin girls adopted from China. I started out reading it because adoption is near and dear to my heart (2 of my nephews are adopted from Russia and 2 of my cousins have adopted from China). I thought it would be a typical "adoption story" blog, which would make me cry with each entry and be ready to fly overseas to adopt a child, but this one is different! It's partly about their lives, partly about food, and partly shows off the amazing crafts that they do together.
With all this cool stuff, do you know what excites me the most? The amazing photographs! Wow! I wonder if the mom is a photographer or something! The colors and composition are amazing! It makes me want to dress the kids up in colorful, crazy outfits, find something green outside and park them in front of it while I click away! Just gorgeous! Because I'm so in awe of the pictures, I'm taking my time with this blog, reading leasurily when I have the time.
I followed the link from my friend, Michelle's, blog, and I can't get enough! It's called Do They Have Salsa in China? It follows a California family that has twin girls adopted from China. I started out reading it because adoption is near and dear to my heart (2 of my nephews are adopted from Russia and 2 of my cousins have adopted from China). I thought it would be a typical "adoption story" blog, which would make me cry with each entry and be ready to fly overseas to adopt a child, but this one is different! It's partly about their lives, partly about food, and partly shows off the amazing crafts that they do together.
With all this cool stuff, do you know what excites me the most? The amazing photographs! Wow! I wonder if the mom is a photographer or something! The colors and composition are amazing! It makes me want to dress the kids up in colorful, crazy outfits, find something green outside and park them in front of it while I click away! Just gorgeous! Because I'm so in awe of the pictures, I'm taking my time with this blog, reading leasurily when I have the time.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
What do you do all day?
You may have heard this one before, I certainly have, but I feel like it is worth putting in here for when I forget...
A man came home from work and found his three children outside, still in their pajamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn all around the front yard.
The door of his wife's car was open, as was the front door to the house and there was no sign of the dog. Proceeding into the entry, he found an even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked over, and the throw rug was wadded against one wall.
In the front room the TV was loudly blaring a cartoon channel, and the family room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing.
In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, the fridge door was open wide, dog food was spilled on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand was spread by the back door.
He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles of clothes, looking for his wife. He was worried she might be ill, or that something serious had happened.
He was met with a small trickle of water as it made its way out the bathroom door. As he peered inside he found wet towels, scummy soap, and more toys strewn over the floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a heap and toothpaste had been smeared over the mirror and walls.
As he rushed into the bedroom, he found his wife still curled up in the bed in her pajamas, reading a novel. She looked up at him, smiled, and asked how his day went.
He looked at her bewildered and asked, "What happened here today?"
She again smiled and answered, "You know how yesterday you came home from work and asked me what in the world do I do all day?"
"Yes," was his incredulous reply.
She answered, "Well...today I didn't do it."
* Many thanks to my dear friend, Giselle, who posted it on her blog and had it stolen by me. Love you, girl!
A man came home from work and found his three children outside, still in their pajamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn all around the front yard.
The door of his wife's car was open, as was the front door to the house and there was no sign of the dog. Proceeding into the entry, he found an even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked over, and the throw rug was wadded against one wall.
In the front room the TV was loudly blaring a cartoon channel, and the family room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing.
In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, the fridge door was open wide, dog food was spilled on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand was spread by the back door.
He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles of clothes, looking for his wife. He was worried she might be ill, or that something serious had happened.
He was met with a small trickle of water as it made its way out the bathroom door. As he peered inside he found wet towels, scummy soap, and more toys strewn over the floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a heap and toothpaste had been smeared over the mirror and walls.
As he rushed into the bedroom, he found his wife still curled up in the bed in her pajamas, reading a novel. She looked up at him, smiled, and asked how his day went.
He looked at her bewildered and asked, "What happened here today?"
She again smiled and answered, "You know how yesterday you came home from work and asked me what in the world do I do all day?"
"Yes," was his incredulous reply.
She answered, "Well...today I didn't do it."
* Many thanks to my dear friend, Giselle, who posted it on her blog and had it stolen by me. Love you, girl!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Easter 2011
Easter this year was very low-key. For the last 6 weeks, we haven't had an entire weekend at home together (I was gone for my half-marathon, we were at my parents for Spring Break, we visited Kevin's family twice, Kevin had a work trip, I went home for my uncle's funeral, etc.). Because of all this, we decided to just stay at home alone. Of course, this meant that I had to miss out of my mom's Easter cookies (BOO!) and the kids having an egg hunt at my in-laws (double BOO!) but we didn't have to travel anywhere!
My sweet, "save the Earth" girls decided that we needed to recycle our old Easter eggs. When we got their baskets out of the attic, we found a huge bag full of empty plastic eggs. Meg then wrote the Easter Bunny a note, asking him to just fill up however many of them he wanted, rather than give us "new" eggs. So sweet! Of course, the Bunny Man had no problem doing that, and the kids felt like they did something great for the planet!
The kids got way too much stuff (but blessedly, not much candy), including books, a movie each (Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure, The Princess Diaries and Gulliver's Travels) and summer t-shirts.
After going through all their loot, it was time to get all gussied up for church.
Megan decided that even Mom and Dad needed a picture in the sunshine (truthfully, I think she just likes playing with my fancy camera)!
I hope everyone had a great weekend!
After going through all their loot, it was time to get all gussied up for church.Megan decided that even Mom and Dad needed a picture in the sunshine (truthfully, I think she just likes playing with my fancy camera)!I hope everyone had a great weekend! Monday, April 18, 2011
New Look
After seeing my friend Michelle's blog, I decided it was time for some "spring cleaning" on mine. I'm not 100% sure if I'm in love with the new layout, but I'm going to leave it up for a bit and see if it grows on me. If not, it's easy to change!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
Meal Plan Monday
Haven't done one of these in a while! In fact, it seems like we've had nothing but convenience foods lately! Not sure why that's been the case, but I'm ready to get back to semi-healthy eating and cooking again! Because of that, here's this week's menu:
Monday: Beer Can Barbecue Chicken, Roasted Broccoli, Corn
Tuesday: Homemade Pizza, Salad
Wednesday: Mighty Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Corn (probably leftover from tonight's meal)
Thursday: Orange-Teriyaki Pork Chops, Sesame Noodles with Edamame
Friday: Maryland Crab Cakes, Homemade Fries
ETA: What's wrong with the spacing? Sorry if this is hard to read - I'm having some blogger issues. Okay...all kinds of issues! The time is wrong, too! I posted this while Owen was napping - about 1:30 or so! Argh!
Monday: Beer Can Barbecue Chicken, Roasted Broccoli, Corn
Tuesday: Homemade Pizza, Salad
Wednesday: Mighty Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Corn (probably leftover from tonight's meal)
Thursday: Orange-Teriyaki Pork Chops, Sesame Noodles with Edamame
Friday: Maryland Crab Cakes, Homemade Fries
ETA: What's wrong with the spacing? Sorry if this is hard to read - I'm having some blogger issues. Okay...all kinds of issues! The time is wrong, too! I posted this while Owen was napping - about 1:30 or so! Argh!
M.I.A.
I'd like to say that I've been doing something productive with my time, like writing the Great American Novel, volunteering with the homeless or training for a marathon (hey...wait! I DID run a half-marathon!), but really, it's been pretty quiet around here. Normal life stuff, and with my Lenten internet break (I'm only allowing myself to be on when the kids are in bed or on my phone when I'm waiting in the pick-up line at school), I haven't been around much. I did, however, feel like visiting here today, and hopefully I'll get back at it soon!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Keep on Keepin' On
Wow! I didn't realize it had been so long since I've updated. I guess there really hasn't been much excitment in our house lately! Busy with school, work and life in general, but nothing truly noteworthy has been going on!
On February 25, Megan turned NINE! I'm still not quite sure how that happened! I keep asking her to stop growing up, but you know how obstinate kids can be! ;-)
Hopefully I'll get back in the habit of posting here. Facebook has sucked a lot of my time lately, and for Lent, I'm giving up the internet during daylight hours (I'll only be on early in the morning and late at night, when the kids are in bed). My one exception will be checking Facebook and my email on my phone when I'm waiting in the car for school pick-up! Wish me luck!
On February 25, Megan turned NINE! I'm still not quite sure how that happened! I keep asking her to stop growing up, but you know how obstinate kids can be! ;-)
Hopefully I'll get back in the habit of posting here. Facebook has sucked a lot of my time lately, and for Lent, I'm giving up the internet during daylight hours (I'll only be on early in the morning and late at night, when the kids are in bed). My one exception will be checking Facebook and my email on my phone when I'm waiting in the car for school pick-up! Wish me luck!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Meal Plan Monday
After all of our travels last week, I'm ready to get back to normal! However, with Christmas fast approaching, I feel like I'm already in survival mode! Time to slow it back down and at least eat normally!
Monday: Ramen noodles. Don't judge me. Kevin was sick. Owen was sick. The girls love it. I had somewhere to be at 7:00. To make it super healthy, they also had apple slices.
Tuesday: Garlic-Mustard Grilled Beef Skewers, Corn, Roasted Potatoes - This was on my last menu, but we didn't get around to making it. Tonight it is!
Wednesday: Chicken Stir-Fry, Rice
Thursday: Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Sauteed Zuchini & Carots
Friday: Homemade Pizza, Salad
Monday: Ramen noodles. Don't judge me. Kevin was sick. Owen was sick. The girls love it. I had somewhere to be at 7:00. To make it super healthy, they also had apple slices.
Tuesday: Garlic-Mustard Grilled Beef Skewers, Corn, Roasted Potatoes - This was on my last menu, but we didn't get around to making it. Tonight it is!
Wednesday: Chicken Stir-Fry, Rice
Thursday: Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Sauteed Zuchini & Carots
Friday: Homemade Pizza, Salad
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Six Years. Gone.
How did that happen? One minute, I had a tiny little girl, and the next, a budding tween! My Hannah-belle is 6 years old today! I think I'm in a state of shock.
She had attitude from the day she was born!
She got bigger, and into lots of things.
Here's a look through the past six years...
She was an adorable newborn, with a big sister who wasn't quite sure about her.
She had attitude from the day she was born!She got bigger, and into lots of things.She took pictures in the bluebonnets with Megan, like all Texas kids do at some point.
She hung out with a purple monkey.
She played ballerina with Megan.
She looked beautiful in the Iowa sunshine!
She had Pantene commercial-worthy hair (and loved on Owen).
She played ballerina with Megan.She looked beautiful in the Iowa sunshine!She had Pantene commercial-worthy hair (and loved on Owen).She was all smiles when she turned 4.
She indulged mom in an in-house "photo shoot".
She was a sassy 5-year-old.
She modeled some accessories from India.
She was a sassy 5-year-old.She modeled some accessories from India.She rang in the new year in style!
...and she became even sweeter and more beautiful that before!
WE LOVE YOU, HANNAH JOY! We are so proud of the sweet young lady that you're turning out to be!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Meal Plan Monday
I'm not feeling very inspired this week, and my boring menu reflects that!
Monday: Chicken Tortilla Soup - Several years ago, my cousin Monica had an arts and crafts store. She also sold little packets of dip and soup mixes. This is from a mix, but is the most flavorful tortilla soup ever! I add chicken and frozen corn to it, and top my bowl with crushed tortilla chips and shredded cheese. Yum!
Tuesday: Hamburgers, Baked Beans, Chips
Wednesday: Happy birthday to Hannah! We'll be going out to the restaurant of her choice. Most likely, it will be O'Hana Steakhouse and that is A-OK with me! Yummy!
Thursday: Garlic-Mustard Grilled Beef Skewers, Rice, Green Beans
Friday: Homemade Pizza, Salad
Sometime this weekend, I'm planning to make Game Day Chili (I leave out the beans, but otherwise make it pretty close to the recipe) . Kevin just asked me about chili this weekend. I guess he's hungry for it, too! Corn bread and fritos on the side!
Monday: Chicken Tortilla Soup - Several years ago, my cousin Monica had an arts and crafts store. She also sold little packets of dip and soup mixes. This is from a mix, but is the most flavorful tortilla soup ever! I add chicken and frozen corn to it, and top my bowl with crushed tortilla chips and shredded cheese. Yum!
Tuesday: Hamburgers, Baked Beans, Chips
Wednesday: Happy birthday to Hannah! We'll be going out to the restaurant of her choice. Most likely, it will be O'Hana Steakhouse and that is A-OK with me! Yummy!
Thursday: Garlic-Mustard Grilled Beef Skewers, Rice, Green Beans
Friday: Homemade Pizza, Salad
Sometime this weekend, I'm planning to make Game Day Chili (I leave out the beans, but otherwise make it pretty close to the recipe) . Kevin just asked me about chili this weekend. I guess he's hungry for it, too! Corn bread and fritos on the side!
Conversations with Owen
I did a similar "survey" with the girls a year or so ago. My friend, Kara, just re-posted this on her blog and thought it would be funny to ask Owen these questions. Here's his survey, at 3 1/2 years old!
1. What is something mom always says to you? Keep out! - not sure I've said that exactly, but I have told him to leave my room before...
2. What makes mom happy? kisses
3. What makes mom sad? crying
4. How does your mom make you laugh? when she tickles me
5. What was your mom like as a child? 8-years-old (not sure he understood)
6. How old is your mom? 7 - 8 - 9
7. How tall is your mom? 3 inches long
8. What is her favorite thing to do? read a book
9. What does your mom do when you're not around? draws (?)
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for? Hannah (hmmm...maybe I'll be a stage mom?)
11. What is your mom really good at? playing soccer (?)
12. What is your mom not very good at? playing other sports
13. What does your mom do for a job? work at home
14.What is your mom's favorite food? chicken salad (it's one of them!)
15. What makes you proud of your mom? when you're happy
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be? Princess Peach (this kid has Mario Kart on his brain 24/7!)
17. What do you and your mom do together? go to the grocery store and you push the biggest cart of all and I push the tiny cart
18. How are you and your mom the same? We both like Phineas and Ferb.
19. How are you and your mom different? Your shirt is black and mine is white, Mama. And your hair is white and mine is short. Yours is long.
20. How do you know your mom loves you? hugs
21. What does your mom like most about your dad? to dance with him
22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go? home
1. What is something mom always says to you? Keep out! - not sure I've said that exactly, but I have told him to leave my room before...
2. What makes mom happy? kisses
3. What makes mom sad? crying
4. How does your mom make you laugh? when she tickles me
5. What was your mom like as a child? 8-years-old (not sure he understood)
6. How old is your mom? 7 - 8 - 9
7. How tall is your mom? 3 inches long
8. What is her favorite thing to do? read a book
9. What does your mom do when you're not around? draws (?)
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for? Hannah (hmmm...maybe I'll be a stage mom?)
11. What is your mom really good at? playing soccer (?)
12. What is your mom not very good at? playing other sports
13. What does your mom do for a job? work at home
14.What is your mom's favorite food? chicken salad (it's one of them!)
15. What makes you proud of your mom? when you're happy
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be? Princess Peach (this kid has Mario Kart on his brain 24/7!)
17. What do you and your mom do together? go to the grocery store and you push the biggest cart of all and I push the tiny cart
18. How are you and your mom the same? We both like Phineas and Ferb.
19. How are you and your mom different? Your shirt is black and mine is white, Mama. And your hair is white and mine is short. Yours is long.
20. How do you know your mom loves you? hugs
21. What does your mom like most about your dad? to dance with him
22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go? home
Monday, November 1, 2010
Meal Plan Monday
Monday: Beef with Snow Peas, Rice - Another Pioneer Woman recipe (what did I do before her?). The picture alone has my mouth watering!
Tuesday: Garlic Chicken, Roasted Asparagus, Pan Fried Potatoes
Wednesday: Chicken Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Corn
Thursday: Broccoli Cheese Soup - I have a recipe from a friend, and can't wait to try it! I've heard great things about her soup!
Friday: ??? - My in-laws are coming, so I'm not sure if we'll go out, or if I'll have to plan on something. I'm thinking, I'm thinking...
Tuesday: Garlic Chicken, Roasted Asparagus, Pan Fried Potatoes
Wednesday: Chicken Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Corn
Thursday: Broccoli Cheese Soup - I have a recipe from a friend, and can't wait to try it! I've heard great things about her soup!
Friday: ??? - My in-laws are coming, so I'm not sure if we'll go out, or if I'll have to plan on something. I'm thinking, I'm thinking...
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Meal Plan Monday
Hello, all! The past few weeks have been strange. Way too much fast food/take-out and running around. This week should finally slow back down to normal, and I'm happy to be back to a regular meal plan!
Monday: Homemade Chicken Strips, Creamed Corn, Fries
Tuesday: Spaghetti, Roasted Broccoli, Cheesy Garlic Bread
Wednesday: Pioneer Woman's Braised Short Ribs, Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Asparagus - I saw this on her site a couple of weeks ago, and had it in my mind ever since! I can't wait to try this one!
Thursday: Breakfast Burritos - Kevin will be gone overnight on Thursday, so, as usual, we're having breakfast!
Friday: Baked Ham and Cheese Sandwiches, Fresh Fruit, Chips
Monday: Homemade Chicken Strips, Creamed Corn, Fries
Tuesday: Spaghetti, Roasted Broccoli, Cheesy Garlic Bread
Wednesday: Pioneer Woman's Braised Short Ribs, Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Asparagus - I saw this on her site a couple of weeks ago, and had it in my mind ever since! I can't wait to try this one!
Thursday: Breakfast Burritos - Kevin will be gone overnight on Thursday, so, as usual, we're having breakfast!
Friday: Baked Ham and Cheese Sandwiches, Fresh Fruit, Chips
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Pizza Party
Tonight was pizza night here! I made the dough early in the day, so putting it all together in the evening was quick and easy. My dough recipe follows. It is super simple, but very tasty! I like to stretch it out thin and pile the toppings on!
For the kids, I normally make small, mini pizzas, so they can all have their favorite kind. Hannah likes everything, Owen likes nothing, and Megan doesn't like sauce, so it's an easy way to let them each have their way.
As for me, I like my pizza with prosciutto and spinach. When we lived in West Des Moines, there was an AWESOME little pizza place that specialized in wood-fired pizzas (Red Rossa). It was divine! Kevin, the kids and I all loved it and ate there frequently. Sadly, there isn't anything nearly as good here. Through trial and error, this is pretty darn close!
Pizza Dough (originally from my friend Angela)
2 Tbls. olive oil (separated)
1 tsp. honey
1 cup warm water
1 pkg. yeast
3 cups flour (divided)
1 tsp. salt
Put 1 Tbls. olive oil and honey in a bowl; add in 1 cup of very warm water and stir. Add in 1 pkg. of yeast. Stir to combine and let sit for 5 minutes. Add in 1 1/2 cups flour and salt. Stir to form a soft dough. Add in an additional 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup at a time. Turn onto a clean surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes. Put 1 Tbls. olive oil in a large clean bowl. Place the dough ball in the bowl and roll it gently in the oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and then a dish towel and place in a warm place for 2-3 hours.
My Sauce
(I've never written it down before, so bear with me). I like pizza sauce to be unfussy. Only a handful of ingredients. Pour a Tbls of olive oil in a nonstick skillet. Add 4 or 5 cloves of minced garlic and cook until just browned (you can obviously use less, but I'm a garlic addict). Add a jar/can of strained tomatoes (any brand) and cook on low, until bubbly. Add kosher salt and pepper to taste (about a Tbls. of salt). Chop a small handful of fresh basil. Wilt into the sauce and continue cooking for 5-10 more minutes.
That's it.
Preheat your oven to 425. Lightly grease your pizza pan. Stretch/press your dough into a thin layer. Top with lots of sauce (don't be skimpy)! 
Course chop a few slices of proscuitto (I use about 3) and layer over the pizza. Top with fresh, soft mozzarella and then pile high with fresh spinach (it wilts a lot in the oven). It is so, so good! You'll most definitely be ruined for Pizza Hut and the rest of the greasy pizza chains for life!
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