I'm trying something new today...I stole the idea from Melissa D'Arabian, but I didn't like the flavors she used. However, I loved the idea of a layered picnic in a jar, so I'm stealing the idea and making it my own. I'll be layering the following things in a jar...whether or not we actually picnic with it will be determined later:
1. veggie pasta spirals with Italian dressing
2. chickpeas, seasoned with garlic and onions
3. shrimp
4. veggies (zucchini, squash, carrots, mushrooms, tomatoes, and spinach)
I'm making this for us as well as Chad and Kayla. I think there's a concert in a park somewhere we could go to with this, but I don't know if we will. I'll give the verdict later on how this turns out.
***The Verdict: While I liked it, the rest of the family did not...so I won't try it again, at least not this way. I'm thinking maybe a chicken/tomato sauce/veggie combo might be better...or maybe a bbq pulled pork/coleslaw/beans one?
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Restless
I'm feeling restless in my own skin today. I don't know if it's because we had a long weekend out of town and there's lots to be done or if it's something else. We've got a lot going on in the next couple of weeks as summer comes to an end for me. Maybe that's it...summer's ending. And I always feel like I didn't do as much as I'd planned, wanted or could have. I'm making progress on the huge to-do list, but it just keeps getting longer.
Let's see...here's what's floating around my mind:
1. I forgot to register SB for Cheer Camp and so I won't get that time to get things done or play with R and she won't get the experience.
2. Jessie...why, oh, why did we get a puppy?! She tore up a cushion on one of our outdoor chairs and we won't be able to replace it with a matching one. It's too expensive to replace all six chair cushions. Now what?
3. Zumbathon...I hope it's successful, but I'm not sure it will be. Just not enough PR. And it's hot. And it's summer.
4. The house...is a mess. I know it's from a wonderful weekend away, but it clutters my mind. But I'm tired and don't want to get up to fix the problem.
5. Running...my hip hurt again this morning and I'm about to lose two toenails. I officially start an 8-week training plan to run another 10K in September. I'm excited but afraid.
6. Headaches...they're back. I've had one every couple of days now. Ibuprofen doesn't seem to work. Even the Excedrin migraine isn't working. Maybe it's sinus related...guess I should have picked up some more medicine.
7. Kids...SB starts school this year. I hope she's ready. I know she'll like it. I just want her to be happy there. And to have fun. And to learn, both academically and socially. R is growing up too. He's so much more talkative, has a funny sense of humor, and is so sweet. Change is hard, huh?
8. The never-ending to-do list...once again, I know I could be checking things off, but I'm wiped out. I guess it wouldn't kill me to write a couple of checks and fill out a couple of forms (one for my 10K and one for HHH, but again, just a 10K).
9. Health...ok, really, when I say health, I mean weight. Good grief, what happened. I blinked and gained a few pounds. And so I said, today is a new day...and I ate a donut for breakfast. And a Coke and burger for lunch. Yeah, new day, my foot. But, I'm going to make some yogurt this afternoon...no, really, I will. I've been saying it for two weeks, but today's the day. So breakfast tomorrow will be better. And I'm making a healthy dinner...stir fry. And tomorrow's is light and mostly healthy. See...maybe it is a new day after all.
10. School...I really haven't thought about it much, but there were a couple of projects I wanted to work on this summer. I've done bits and pieces here and there, but they aren't ready to hit the ground yet. One of them is a girls' group I want to start at school...a sort of mind, body, spirit type of group to teach girls to make healthy choices in all aspects of their lives. I've got a few things in the works for it, but not enough to implement the plan yet.
Ok, that's about all that's rattling around...there's still some sort of uneasiness in my bones today. I thought my run this morning would clear my head, but it didn't, at least, not as much as I'd hoped.
Let's see...here's what's floating around my mind:
1. I forgot to register SB for Cheer Camp and so I won't get that time to get things done or play with R and she won't get the experience.
2. Jessie...why, oh, why did we get a puppy?! She tore up a cushion on one of our outdoor chairs and we won't be able to replace it with a matching one. It's too expensive to replace all six chair cushions. Now what?
3. Zumbathon...I hope it's successful, but I'm not sure it will be. Just not enough PR. And it's hot. And it's summer.
4. The house...is a mess. I know it's from a wonderful weekend away, but it clutters my mind. But I'm tired and don't want to get up to fix the problem.
5. Running...my hip hurt again this morning and I'm about to lose two toenails. I officially start an 8-week training plan to run another 10K in September. I'm excited but afraid.
6. Headaches...they're back. I've had one every couple of days now. Ibuprofen doesn't seem to work. Even the Excedrin migraine isn't working. Maybe it's sinus related...guess I should have picked up some more medicine.
7. Kids...SB starts school this year. I hope she's ready. I know she'll like it. I just want her to be happy there. And to have fun. And to learn, both academically and socially. R is growing up too. He's so much more talkative, has a funny sense of humor, and is so sweet. Change is hard, huh?
8. The never-ending to-do list...once again, I know I could be checking things off, but I'm wiped out. I guess it wouldn't kill me to write a couple of checks and fill out a couple of forms (one for my 10K and one for HHH, but again, just a 10K).
9. Health...ok, really, when I say health, I mean weight. Good grief, what happened. I blinked and gained a few pounds. And so I said, today is a new day...and I ate a donut for breakfast. And a Coke and burger for lunch. Yeah, new day, my foot. But, I'm going to make some yogurt this afternoon...no, really, I will. I've been saying it for two weeks, but today's the day. So breakfast tomorrow will be better. And I'm making a healthy dinner...stir fry. And tomorrow's is light and mostly healthy. See...maybe it is a new day after all.
10. School...I really haven't thought about it much, but there were a couple of projects I wanted to work on this summer. I've done bits and pieces here and there, but they aren't ready to hit the ground yet. One of them is a girls' group I want to start at school...a sort of mind, body, spirit type of group to teach girls to make healthy choices in all aspects of their lives. I've got a few things in the works for it, but not enough to implement the plan yet.
Ok, that's about all that's rattling around...there's still some sort of uneasiness in my bones today. I thought my run this morning would clear my head, but it didn't, at least, not as much as I'd hoped.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Crazy Me
What possessed me to plan two birthday parties, on the same day, back-to-back, in my house?! We are having a rock star party for SB...it will be her first "kid party." They are decorating some white, cardboard guitars to get things started, followed by karaoke (yes, I realize that 5-year-olds can't read and therefore karaoke is really pointless). Then we'll have cake (store-bought, thank goodness) and open presents and end with a guitar-shaped pinata.
Then, right after that, we've invited our families as well as a couple of our friends with boys R's age to stay for hotdogs and an all-star party as a way of celebrating his birthday. We're switching decorations to sports themed centerpieces, and to top it all off, I'm making baseball and football cake balls. The baseballs are funfetti cake with vanilla frosting. The footballs are devil's food cake with chocolate frosting. I've yet to dip or decorate them and I'm already regretting this idea. Why didn't I just book Jump for Joy or Chuck E. Cheese or Gymnastics Sport Center?!
But, for those that have never tried making cake balls, here are the steps. I had the passing thought to take pictures while I made them, but like I said, it was a passing thought, one that didn't even hang around long enough for me to find the camera. But...I will try to post pictures of the finished product.
Ok, back to the steps. Boy, these thoughts are passing like crazy.
1. Bake a cake, any flavor, according to the directions on the box. Yes, you can bake a cake from scratch. But why would you?
2. Let the cake cool for a few minutes and then crumble into a big mixing bowl.
3. Add 1/2 to 3/4 a can of frosting. Your choice in flavors. Make sure it goes with the cake though. I'm not to blame for your choices. It will be hard to mix. Use your hands if you want. A spatula will work though.
4. Let this chill for a while. Actually, don't. I tried cooling it today. It didn't work as well.
5. Form into balls, or in the case of the above-metioned footballs, weird pointy oval shapes. I use a cookie dough scoop, but you'll want to roll them a little to smooth them out. Place these on waxed paper and chill. This time, you really want to chill them.
6. Melt some almond bark or other coating, if you prefer, and then dip the balls to coat. I use two forks. It's messy no matter what you use. Put them back on the waxed paper. You can decorate with another color coating or sprinkles or icing. I'll be using icing to make the laces on the balls.
7. Enjoy. You'll want to hide at least half of them, or they'll be gone before you really meant to serve them.
Then, right after that, we've invited our families as well as a couple of our friends with boys R's age to stay for hotdogs and an all-star party as a way of celebrating his birthday. We're switching decorations to sports themed centerpieces, and to top it all off, I'm making baseball and football cake balls. The baseballs are funfetti cake with vanilla frosting. The footballs are devil's food cake with chocolate frosting. I've yet to dip or decorate them and I'm already regretting this idea. Why didn't I just book Jump for Joy or Chuck E. Cheese or Gymnastics Sport Center?!
But, for those that have never tried making cake balls, here are the steps. I had the passing thought to take pictures while I made them, but like I said, it was a passing thought, one that didn't even hang around long enough for me to find the camera. But...I will try to post pictures of the finished product.
Ok, back to the steps. Boy, these thoughts are passing like crazy.
1. Bake a cake, any flavor, according to the directions on the box. Yes, you can bake a cake from scratch. But why would you?
2. Let the cake cool for a few minutes and then crumble into a big mixing bowl.
3. Add 1/2 to 3/4 a can of frosting. Your choice in flavors. Make sure it goes with the cake though. I'm not to blame for your choices. It will be hard to mix. Use your hands if you want. A spatula will work though.
4. Let this chill for a while. Actually, don't. I tried cooling it today. It didn't work as well.
5. Form into balls, or in the case of the above-metioned footballs, weird pointy oval shapes. I use a cookie dough scoop, but you'll want to roll them a little to smooth them out. Place these on waxed paper and chill. This time, you really want to chill them.
6. Melt some almond bark or other coating, if you prefer, and then dip the balls to coat. I use two forks. It's messy no matter what you use. Put them back on the waxed paper. You can decorate with another color coating or sprinkles or icing. I'll be using icing to make the laces on the balls.
7. Enjoy. You'll want to hide at least half of them, or they'll be gone before you really meant to serve them.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
World's Worst Blogger
I must be the world's worst blogger...I have ideas I want to share...pictures to post...but I forget to take the pictures...and then forget to blog.
I made zucchini bread again using my healthier recipe. Why didn't I take pictures? I have no idea. Maybe it's because the kids woke up on the wrong side of the bed, and I was just thrilled they were playing nicely at the table with Play-Doh that I didn't want to risk it by stopping to take pictures.
I'm making kebabs later to take to my brother, his wife and their new baby...well, obvioulsy, the new baby won't be eating any (at least not directly)...but it's because of the little Princess that I'm taking the meal in the first place. She's absolutely beautiful, and I am so excited and happy for the new family! I've somehow become Meal Coordinator for them...and I love it! I'm so amazed that people are so generous and thoughtful and want to help them out during this time of adjustment!
It's an overcast summer day, and while I should be taking advantage of it by getting outside with the little munchkins, I'd really like to be in the kitchen trying something new...like PW's coffee bread recipe or baked French toast casserole. Of course, neither of those things are helping me get back on track with my healthy eating. I've got to get back to making healthy choices, both when it comes to food and exercise. I haven't run in a week, so I'm going to do that again starting tomorrow...just jumping right back into my training plan. And yes, I am training. For a 10K. Again. This one is Sept. 25, so I know I have to get started. And part of that is running...duh. But part of that is eating healthy foods. We have lots of fruit and veggies now, so it's just a matter of choices.
Isn't that really what everything is about...making choices? Making the choice to be happy. To not yell. To model good behavior instead of doing the whole "do as I say and not as I do" thing. To smile. To laugh. To find joy in the little things. To be generous. To help others. To love. Those are my choices today.
I made zucchini bread again using my healthier recipe. Why didn't I take pictures? I have no idea. Maybe it's because the kids woke up on the wrong side of the bed, and I was just thrilled they were playing nicely at the table with Play-Doh that I didn't want to risk it by stopping to take pictures.
I'm making kebabs later to take to my brother, his wife and their new baby...well, obvioulsy, the new baby won't be eating any (at least not directly)...but it's because of the little Princess that I'm taking the meal in the first place. She's absolutely beautiful, and I am so excited and happy for the new family! I've somehow become Meal Coordinator for them...and I love it! I'm so amazed that people are so generous and thoughtful and want to help them out during this time of adjustment!
It's an overcast summer day, and while I should be taking advantage of it by getting outside with the little munchkins, I'd really like to be in the kitchen trying something new...like PW's coffee bread recipe or baked French toast casserole. Of course, neither of those things are helping me get back on track with my healthy eating. I've got to get back to making healthy choices, both when it comes to food and exercise. I haven't run in a week, so I'm going to do that again starting tomorrow...just jumping right back into my training plan. And yes, I am training. For a 10K. Again. This one is Sept. 25, so I know I have to get started. And part of that is running...duh. But part of that is eating healthy foods. We have lots of fruit and veggies now, so it's just a matter of choices.
Isn't that really what everything is about...making choices? Making the choice to be happy. To not yell. To model good behavior instead of doing the whole "do as I say and not as I do" thing. To smile. To laugh. To find joy in the little things. To be generous. To help others. To love. Those are my choices today.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Oh, wow!
Now I know what it feels like to have 4 children...and let's just say, I don't know how you parents out there with 4 or more do it! It's quite the circus around here...fun, but crazy! We took all the kids swimming yesterday and are going back again in just a little while. Thank goodness for my in-laws who helped us out in the pool. We just don't have enough arms for four little one in the pool! The plan for today is to swim, come home and eat lunch, take baths, and watch a movie. That should get us to the evening, and then I have no idea what I'm going to do to entertain them...alone! Chad has to work! I'm hoping for an early bedtime :)
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Today's plan
We are headed to the Farmers Market. I just love that place. I can never decide what to get, but today, I know I want zucchini and squash! I'll let the kids each pick something as well, although they very rarely eat it :) I'm working on that! After that we have some errands to run and then it's back home for some cooking time. We're making pizza rolls for lunch, and they can help with that. Then I'm thinking a nap sounds good...for all of us! We'll have a healthy snack after that and off to a birthday party we go. Busy day...but that usually means a good bedtime.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Hello again
It's been a while since I've been on here...life does that.
I'm in a happy homemaking kind of mood today...I want to cook yummy things, like Pioneer Woman's Berries and Sweet Cream or her Lazy Chile Rellenos (with added ground beef for a meal). I want to make healthy snacks for the kids...one has already eaten homemade banana bread, carrots, string cheese and fruit snacks...the other has had fruit snacks, shredded cheese and a granola bar. I want to have a clean house. Please note: I did not say I wanted to clean house...just that I want one. I want to spend time outside...but it is so blessed hot out there! But I might not mind a little sweat if I was swaying in a hammock in the shade.
So, the snacks I have in mind for the next few weeks:
Tortilla wraps (ham and cheese, cream cheese and fruit, peanut butter and apples)
Quesadillas (same as above)
Smoothies
Yogurt parfaits
Trail mix
Dippers or skewers (meat, cheese, veggies, bread)
Pita pockets
Wonton chips (both sweet and savory)
Mini pizzas
Veggies and fruit with dips
We're headed to the Farmers Market tomorrow and I can't wait! I want some zucchinni and squash and anything else that looks good...tomatoes, beans, fruit. I have to be careful not to get too much since I will be out of town next week, and I know it will just go to waste if I'm not here to fix it.
What is it about summer that makes me want to eat healthy and light? Is it the heat, the lazy days, or the swimsuit I have to wear? I'm in the mood for some lemons to add to my water as well...just light and refreshing.
I'm in a happy homemaking kind of mood today...I want to cook yummy things, like Pioneer Woman's Berries and Sweet Cream or her Lazy Chile Rellenos (with added ground beef for a meal). I want to make healthy snacks for the kids...one has already eaten homemade banana bread, carrots, string cheese and fruit snacks...the other has had fruit snacks, shredded cheese and a granola bar. I want to have a clean house. Please note: I did not say I wanted to clean house...just that I want one. I want to spend time outside...but it is so blessed hot out there! But I might not mind a little sweat if I was swaying in a hammock in the shade.
So, the snacks I have in mind for the next few weeks:
Tortilla wraps (ham and cheese, cream cheese and fruit, peanut butter and apples)
Quesadillas (same as above)
Smoothies
Yogurt parfaits
Trail mix
Dippers or skewers (meat, cheese, veggies, bread)
Pita pockets
Wonton chips (both sweet and savory)
Mini pizzas
Veggies and fruit with dips
We're headed to the Farmers Market tomorrow and I can't wait! I want some zucchinni and squash and anything else that looks good...tomatoes, beans, fruit. I have to be careful not to get too much since I will be out of town next week, and I know it will just go to waste if I'm not here to fix it.
What is it about summer that makes me want to eat healthy and light? Is it the heat, the lazy days, or the swimsuit I have to wear? I'm in the mood for some lemons to add to my water as well...just light and refreshing.
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