Cheers November - Welcome December!

Wow.  Today is the big finale to November. 

Tomorrow begins December, the month offering loads of festive opportunities:

decorating

baking

parties

shopping

giving

receiving

traditions

holiday TV specials

family

friends

faith

hope

snow

an instant go to threat for dealing with your kids "Santa's watching!"

hot cocoa

lost mittens

ringing the bell

other acts of service

moments of quiet

balanced with moments of excitement

And as the month of December has drawn near my focus has been on getting our holiday shopping done.

Ed is a last minute guy.

He has wondered what my obsession has been with getting the kids Christmas shopping done.

I really wanted to have everything done by this weekend so that I could instead wrap, bake, invite friends over for crafty projects and coffee.  I wanted to enjoy the season with our tribe of three instead of feeling like I had to worry about when I was going to escape to get things done.  We are getting there.  But still have a bit to accumulate in our growing pile of gifts.

This morning we are supposed to be slowing down and attending our weekly class together (Sydney, Henry, and Mama).  It is a time that I know I will give my kiddos an hour of attention without the distraction of a to do list.  I also get a bonus hour of sitting with other inspiring moms and getting ideas and insight into different parenting topics.  However, Sydney has been a sleeping nightmare lately.  Yesterday she was a napping nightmare too.  And I am scared out of my wits that she is going to hit a wall of over tiredness...and the every two hour waking will turn into looooong drawn out night wakings.  At least now she goes back to sleep pretty quick.  I think she is teething.  So I am trying to be patient.  Knowing this season too shall pass.  But it is hard when I am lacking the sleep that is so vital for my sanity.  So today we are staying put so she can maybe give herself the permission to curl up and take a morning nap.  We'll see.

Henry and I have slowly been decorating.  Waiting for Charley has been important.  But today we are going to break out the Christmas lights and try and do a little jolly business with them so we can surprise Charley when he gets home.  I like to hang some above our cupboards in the kitchen and the our tiny fake tree that sits somewhere different each year. 

Today is an extra cup of coffee kind of day.

Today is a slow down and realize that even though Miss Syd is sleeping like crap - she is happier than ever and finds so much joy in exploring - and zhu zhu pets are a hilarious new toy that brings squeals!

Monday night was pork tenderloin.

Last night "fancy" brats - ON THE GRILL.

Tonight...not sure what is in the works...need to figure that out.

Here's to a productive day that has a good serving of playful moments with my two littlest tribe members. 

How are you sending off the 2011 month of November?

How will you welcome December?

Thanksgiving part 2

Here's the truth...

I posted about my family first because it is easiest.  And I don't worry about posting pictures of them on my blog.  

But they were actually our second Thanksgiving celebration.  

Our first celebration was with Ed's family.

We have been so blessed to have a Thanksgiving and Easter route around Wisconsin that allows us to fit both families in.  Thank goodness - because my boys LIVE to see their "big cousins" who are actually more like second cousins.  They crave their visits to Aunt Katy's house - because, as Henry put it on Friday morning, "This is the best house in the whole world."  They are starting to realize that they are the BIG cousins to their "actual" cousins Morgan and Eli - but at this point - these BIG cousins are like super stars. 

And boy howdy do they give the boys some fabulous attention.  Thank you BIG cousins.

Sadly, I have no more pictures...and I sit here and wonder why?  I had my camera right there.  And as I sit and think about it I realize it is because for most of the time at Aunt Katy's the boys are off in their own world and I don't get to see them all that much.  The time flies and I try to soak in all the moments. 

  Thanksgiving at Katy's means..

-a gathering of many around tables with heaping piles of food.

-8-12 fabulous deserts to choose from and devour.

-it means catching up and sharing news.

-it means sharing our children with their Great Grandma.

-it means giving thanks - led by Uncle Jim

-it means slush drinks (or slushies to some)

-it means late night games of canasta (and someday I will be able to join in without the worry of little tribe members waking and needing me)

-it means snuggling with cousins and maybe a little romping.

-it means taking breaks to run laps around the house.

-means football

-it means potato dumplings, stuffing, broccoli cauliflower dishes, many jello choices, squash, turkey, green bean casserole, and so many more things I can't even remember.  

-it means needing to put on my comfy pants soon after the big meal.

-it means late night chex mix

-it means searching through the black Friday ads for all the deals

-it means that some get up in the wee hours to try and score some of those deals.

-it means memories and laughing about old stories (which for me is a glimpse at the special past that they all have shared for Ed's lifetime)

-it means the boys get to know that family, extended or immediate, are precious and the travel and packing are worth it the moment everyone is together. 

I say it every year - but Ed's Aunt Katy and Uncle Jim offer up their house and their time, space, and food, to host every year.  And they let us all crash and find nooks and crannies to curl up to sleep.  Their home is a place where our boys cheer for.  It is a blessing to be apart of their celebration. 

Maybe at Easter someone could remind me to take my camera out.  My mom and sister remind me when I am home.  I need to be reminded...because like everyone else - I relax, find myself in a food coma, and the time flies by way to fast.  

Thanksgiving offered much to be thankful for.

I hope that you and yours all were able to take in the entire holiday.

And now, let the Christmas craziness begin!

I added some of my favorite holiday songs done in my player at the bottom of my blog. 

Thanksgiving #1

This Thanksgiving at my mom and dad's there were three little boys running around with fantastically blinking and obnoxiously beeping "shooters." 

This Thanksgiving at my mom and dad's Miss Sydney joined us for the big meal and nibbled lots of real food...and I realized that last Thanksgiving I was rubbing my enormous belly wondering who would be sitting beside me in 2011.

This year at my mom and dad's we all took a moment to wonder who would be joining my sister's family next year.  Due in February meant she was definitely indulging in the ability to eat for two.

This Thanksgiving at my mom and dad's we were missing three amazing men.  My dad treated his two son in laws to an amazing day in Madison attending the Badger game.  They left early in the day and enjoyed a full day of beverages, spirit, peanuts, and good old football.  And this meant the world to me.

This Thanksgiving at my mom and dad's we only had to worry about Gluten free foods..instead of gluten free, vegetarian, and dairy free.  But we immensely missed the vegetarian and diary free family that couldn't be there.

This year at my parent's I had three kids to care for, without my better half, and I was able to enjoy a glass of wine and some penny poker around 2pm on Saturday. 

This year at my mom and dad's Charley started his penny poker legacy and walked away with 85 cents after winning several hands.

This year at my mom and dad's all three kids slept well in one bedroom.

This year at my mom and dad's we celebrated my cousin's UW-Madison acceptance.

This year at my mom and dad's we all filled out leaves sharing things we were thankful for.

 

This year at my mom and dad's there wasn't late night games but there was plenty of chatting.

This year at my parents we went down to the basement and brought home the doll house that my grandpa built for me when I was a little girl.  We have a good year or so to add our touch to the home and then it will be gifted to my little girl.  Still can't believe I have a little girl. 

This year at my mom and dad's we had green beans, rolls, turkey (carved by my aunt), mashed potatoes, squash, apple walnut bars, chocolate cake, coleslaw, relish tray items, stuffing, and of course....finger jello shaped like turkeys.

Thanks mom for hosting another great holiday.
We are always comfortable, well nourished, and entertained by just simply being there.

What's for dinner? - Easy Pizza Rolls

This was the second pan and I smashed them in.  If you leave more space they pop out much easier.

BIG HIT last week were these pizza rolls.  The recipe calls for thawed loaf of frozen bread dough.  I used some of my homemade pizza dough.   All the boys in the house ate them up.  We had only two leftover and just like she mentions in her cookbook, you can freeze or serve them cold in a school lunch.  We reheated and they tasted yummy the next day.  I doubled the recipe but my pizza dough makes enough for two pizzas - so I didn't double that. 

Easy Pizza Rolls

1 loaf frozen bread dough, thawed

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

pizza sauce

2 tsp. dried oregano

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup chopped pepperoni (I just laid pieces on in rows, each row about 2 inches apart)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Coat baking dish with cooking spray (I used 9 x 13 dish and a 8x8 dish).

Roll out dough into a rectangle, making it thin.

Spread cream cheese evenly over the dough.

spread pizza sauce, lightly, over the cream cheese.

Lay pepperoni and top with cheese and spices.

Roll up jelly-roll style (like you are making Cinnamon rolls) and slice.

Lay cut side down in pan with some space between because they do expand. 

Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown!

sisterly reminders

This morning we had to get gas and so I whipped into the gas station and was getting my gas.  A lady using the pump nearby was getting into her car and then I heard something being poured on the ground.  I looked over and she had one of her at home coffee mugs and she was pouring out a big cup full of old coffee.  RIGHT THERE where she had gotten out of her car to get gas.  I was so irritated.  I couldn't stand it.  So I explained to the boys what I saw and asked them what was wrong with what she did.  They right away went to littering...and I said, yes, it was kind of like littering but the coffee would eventually dry up.  But I pointed out where she dumped it and what would happen when the next person drove up to get gas, stepped out of their car, and then stepped back into their car.  YES!  They got it.  They understood that the coffee would get trekked into the next person's car.  GEEZ - how rude of her.  But I let it roll off my shoulders and heck - maybe she looked down and there was a giant spider climbing around in her cup and she panicked and had to dump it fast.  Maybe...

My sister has written a lot lately about being aware that everyone is walking around with their own story going on.  And you don't always know why they are snappy in the check out line at the store, or giving you the finger or honking because you are taking an extra second to start moving at a green light.  You don't know why they didn't smile back at you as you pass them exiting the library.  You don't know why they look like they rolled out of bed when you see them hurrying through Target.  Or why checking out takes longer because they have a handful of coupons they are hoping work.   Everyone has their reality and it is major and important and all consuming to them. 

I have appreciated the reminders my sister has given me lately.  It makes me stop and slow down and realize that this season is so full of hustle and bustle, shopping,  baking, events, and family.  It is full of commitments and expectations.  And it tends to overload people.  And their actions can come off as inconsiderate - when actually they are just distracted by major things going on in their life that day. 

I am vowing this season to smile a little more.  Slow down and give up the close parking spaces - even if I have three kids in tow.  Give myself an extra 10 minutes to get places and smile and wave if I think I have irritated someone.   Like I tell my kids when one of them has done something unkind, "be the better person - rise above and do what's right."  And as I read that phrase I realize - it isn't about being the better person but rather making the kinder choice and having an empathetic outlook on the busy world spinning around you. 





Today is "Tackle it Tuesday" and my friend Jessie and I are determined to get things done. (Do you have a friend who you can check in with as you try and tackle things during the day?  Heather and I are always talking about cleaning our bathrooms, Sarah and I always try and get things checked off our lists, Jessie and I try to be productive in the afternoons, and Lynelle pops in and gives me reason to pause and celebrate a moment not worrying about a to do list.) 
I want to get a handle on our bedroom and the laundry that needs to get put away.
I want to have the house tidy enough that I can focus on packing tomorrow afternoon.
I have a few pans of mac and cheese to make and freeze for those we love.
I want to make a "Things we are THANKFUL for tree" as a family.
I want to get the boys haircut and attempt a picture for our Xmas card that I am inspired to try....it involves all three kids sitting on our kitchen table. 
Lots to do - let's get crackin'

Finding JOY during a car appointment gone bad.

This morning I scheduled a standard oil change appointment for 9:15 am. When making the appointment I confirmed the length of the appointment and shared I would probably have two kids in tow. They said, "one hour."

I got the boys out the door extra early (8:40) so we could pop in on our neighbors and meet the hamster they babysat all weekend.

Dropped off Charley (9:02) and as he got out I confirmed that he had his shoes in his backpack. Confirmation failure. He forgot. I didn't have time to race back home so I told him to deal and I would maybe get him his shoes at lunch.

Arrived on time at the dealership.   There was an unusual line of people waiting to speak with the attendants. Got a little nervous. A gal came and got the cars stats and told me to go get in line. UM, hello? It is like 30 or 40 degrees out and this is basically like standing outside since the garage doors are open and I have a 9 month old who I hadn't planned to have outside. Luckily, she did have a jacket and socks on. Henry was dressed for anything. phew!

At 10:05...45 minutes of standing in the cold, we got our information turned in and could go sit in the waiting room. He assured me we would be in the express lane since it was just a standard oil change and he would rotate the tires for free, if they needed. He would have us out of there by 11:15 Whoopee - that helps the situation. (rolling my eyes)

I fed Sydney breakfast, we played on her blanket, she proudly held my phone, and Henry worked in his workbook. We looked at a hunting magazine...tried to find a free cookie (but the tray was empty, thanks to all the solo adults with their snazzy ipads and computers or yummy novels in hand). We gazed at the vending machine...but I wasn't giving this place any more money than we needed.

11:20 the guy rolled out to tell me I also needed a new battery and four new tires. BONUS! He insisted they could throw the battery in and it would only take a few minutes. 1 hour later I packed up my partly whole tribe and went to voice my frustrations. I didn't want just a free tire rotation - in my mind, I don't even understand a tire rotation. It wasn't going to make missing Sydney's breakfast, nap, and now lunch, any better.

Oh, and I had to postpone a playdate that was supposed to arrive at 1:00.
Had to say no to helping a friend who had a doctor appointment.
And wasn't able to pick up some items on my to do list.
I also had to interrupt Ed at work several times to share my whoa is me moments.

The guy helping me felt bad. No tire rotation was needed so he gave me the labor on the battery for free and only changed me for the battery. That made it a little better. But still. What a frustrating experience.

BUT THERE WAS SOME JOY!

I was surrounded by those lucky adults that had their coffee and book and their quiet. And I caught glimpses of tipped heads, sighs, and chuckles as Henry and I chatted and Sydney did her cute Miss Sydney thing. I felt a vibe of "I'm glad I'm not you at this moment" from many who passed by...but this only motivated me more to enjoy these quiet moments with my two. I have admitted in the past that sometimes I feel like the best mom every when I am in the waiting room of a car dealership, because my best comes out. My patient comes from deep parts that I didn't know existed. I focus on my children and not the laundry, the messy kitchen, or the 100s of other things. I am always blessed with children who go with the flow and find fun in a workbook, a cup of water, a game of "eye spy", or just chatting.

So this morning, in between frantic texts to my friend Sarah about how I was slowly losing it and feeling like Debbie Downer lately, I found much to be thankful for. Thankful that we had a car to take care of, that my children were with me and happy and behaved, that I had friends emailing about the weeks plans, and a husband who answered his phone even though he should have just had his "work brain" turned on.

Sydney's napping now.
Latte is made.
Friends to arrive momentarily - and I have decided to let go of the need to pick up just a wee bit more before they get here.

It's Monday.
We are alive.
It is a holiday week.
And there is so much grace to be felt.

How's your Monday? Hope your Monday morning wasn't spent in a car dealership's waiting room.

hello monday.

hello monday.

hello winter driving - not super excited to greet you

hello to a week where I get to fill in as "grandma" at Charley's school

hello to a year of first grade birthday party invites...they keep rolling in

hello to Miss Sydney sitting at the big kid snack table during our class last Wed

sorry for the poor picture quality...through the secret window with my phone camera.

hello tooth fairy - Charley lost his second tooth a week ago

hello learning not to take your other kids when one child has a giftcard to spend 

hello laundry baskets that keep littles out of trouble.

hello to lots of hours in the car 

hello precious time with family to celebrate and give thanks

hello place cards for my families Thanksgiving meal

hello little girl in her cage

(notice a theme here...keeping Miss Sydney confined)

But check this out.  I hosted a playgroup and we put the two tiniest in the fenced in jail of a play area and look who joined them...all the big kids.  All us moms had to laugh that this was our solution to relaxed playdates - confine the kids and uncork the wine :)

hello short week but full week.

hello to a healthy week so we can all enjoy the holiday festivities.

What are you saying to hello this week?

This is linked up here.

all pictures taken with phone (except last one).

Removing the screens...a new perspective.

As a mom sometimes I wake up and only see my failures.

The daunting to do lists.

The busy day ahead.

The overwhelming job that being a mom entails.

The days where you go without talking to friends or other adults.

The moments when the kids are driving me nuts.

The window into my mind and soul can feel like a window that has been opened all fall,

and has gathered all the dirt, seeds, and other debris floating in the air.

It gives me a very ugly view.

And though it gave us fresh summer breezes - it leaves my vision very blurred.

It is hard to see all the blessings.

But taking a few moments to remove the screens.

To breathe.

To clean up and organize my thoughts.

And to realize that during this season of the year I don't even need the screen.

I will miss the fresh air blowing through but the view without a screen is pretty amazing too.

I am offered a fresh view.

A view that allows me to see my sons enjoying the first snow.

A time when the world looks fresh, new, and refreshing...

of course, that is before the snow turns a dirty brown and it is bitterly cold and the sun doesn't shine for days and days....every season needs a filter change every once in a while.

But for now, we are celebrating a clean window (or perspective) and a new season of exciting outdoor activities.

Time to hang the bikes up, daddy.

The sleds are greased and ready to soar.

I am blessed to have a new perspective each day.

And I am amazed how cleaning that window that I look out of...when I am cleaning up this mess...

And a better view when dealing with this overloaded mess....

has me way more inspired to end the day with a kitchen that looks like this:

So that the next morning starts off with joy and not a heavy burden looming as I descend on motherhood.

Hope your Sunday brings you a peaceful end to your weekend so you can kick off your week filled with

grace for all the blessings in your life.

Today:

What the heck is up with Charley getting phone calls from friends I have never met about the ski hill being ready for action and sleepover invites I am not ready to have happen..

Ed got his deer and is arriving home early. 

Hoping to get my hour to plan ahead for our week of regular old routine mixed with a nice big helping of family, food, and travel.

 

This is the season...

A few weeks ago we got all the kids sleeping AND THEN I ran out to get the sitter. And we scooted out to have sushi with Ed's brother and wife, like friends and adults. The babysitter knew to call me if Sydney woke up - as I am her pacifier. So a half hour into dinner the phone rang. I scooted home, nursed her, put her down, and was joining them for the second round of sushi only 20 minutes later. This is our season.

This week I spent a good two hours Christmas shopping, online. I wondered if I would feel less spirit by shopping online. But dragging three kids into a mall, during the mass "best price of the season" crowds...Ya, I think I will have WAY more holiday spirit doing the online shopping thing this year. This is our season.

The laundry is never ending. It is all up to me. Soon I know I will have helpers. But for now...This is our season.

Take out or diapers, someday that $30 bucks will be spent on the splurge and not the necessity...This is our season.

Mommy friends, gathered around the kitchen table, at 11am. Talking recipes, coupon cutting, our little's attitudes...we aren't at a coffee shop or wine bar...because what would our 7 littles do there? This is our season.

This week I tried some new recipes. And as I cleaned up each night, there was always one plate that had food that was barely touched. This is our season.

Today I went snow boot shopping and I got us all a pair. I drooled over a pair like this....but instead went for a snow pair that will be more practical for standing and watching ski lessons and sledding tricks, and shovelling for hours this winter.  This is our season.

Friday night rolls around and we aren't heading out to some new restaurant or club.  Nope, we are looking forward to some comfort food and a good old game of Candy Land.  And once our tribe is sleeping...we won't be far behind.  This is our season.

I have a friend that lives near enough that we could run into each other at Target.  We talk of getting together for a walk, coffee, breakfast, dinner, or a movie.  It never happens.  This is our season.

Waking up in the night and having one little standing beside our bed asking if he can crawl in with us doesn't happen very often, but it did last night.   Having another call out - resulting in severe foot pain as you step on some random sharp toy laying in your path... This is our season.

This weekend, my focus is on the kiddos. 
I want to embrace the ups and downs. 
The calm and the quiet. 
This is our season.

Describe your season.

Real.

Giving thanks.

Waking up to this mess means we ate well last night.

Waking up to this means Henry and I read a few extra stories.

Waking up to this mess means Sydney got to explore a new area of the house, with my supervision.

Waking up to this mess means I took time for myself last night.

Waking up to this means I got an extra half hour of sleep. 

However, 

Waking up to this means mama wasn't up for making pancakes like the boys wanted. 

Which results in crabby boys and a snappy mama. 

It means cleaning it up today will take twice as long because it has now dried on and will require elbow grease. 

Lesson:  take the 10-20 minutes to clean it up before putting my feet up, and still do all the things mentioned up above.

Today: 

Feeling in the groove to get somethings done around the house. 

What's on your agenda?

Mama Inspiration - am I off my rocker?

Back when I was a teacher I LOVED inservice days. I loved attending workshops and conferences. I loved circling up with fellow teachers and brainstorming solutions.  I LOVED being inspired to try and implement new things in my classroom to make my job new, exciting, and more successful.

Nothing has changed. I am one of those moms who loves reading parenting books, reading parenting blogs, talking to other mommy friends about being a mother. My Christmas list this year and last has a number of mommy books on them. And I wonder if people in my family think I am crazy, I hope not.   And even though sometimes reading and talking about things too much can become overwhelming; for the most part it inspires me each day. It is where I get my "get up out of bed each morning and start the day with a fresh attitude" feeling.

I know there are people who don't like to read parenting books or talk parenting strategies.  They trust their gut.   And I am so grateful that I have friends in my life that enjoy these things too. And lately I have felt silly with a few people because I think they think I am a little off my rocker.

I went on that retreat and I came back SUPER excited about my full time job as a mommy. And I know there are people out there that would not have an interest in sitting around for a Saturday talking about mom stuff. But I LOVED it.

I think of my full time job, during this season in my life, as a full time mom. I don't share my brain with a different career. My days with my children are long and non-stop. My bag of tools has to be filled with more tricks of the trade, than when I shared my thoughts with my teaching profession. If my kids have a cranky morning, I have to turn it around so that by lunch we aren't still cranky. I have to be able to manage the care and entertainment of my children but also the upkeep of the house...because when we are here all day the mess is messier. When we eat three meals at home there are three times the dishes.

That retreat was my professional development conference. Reading books keeps me in the game and on top of my children's ages and stages. Talking to friends about mommy matters motivates me to follow through with ideas and do the best I can.

I am not reading the books, going on the retreats, and talking my friends' ears off because I am trying to be the perfect mom.  WE ALREADY ARE THE PERFECT MOMS FOR OUR OWN KIDS. Rather, I am doing these things so that I feel confident and content with my performance as a mom.   I am not worried about being a good mom or a bad mom.  I am trying to just do the best job I can.  I want to enjoy the ride and not go into autopilot and spin out of control because we have a bad hour. And each day I need to wake up with the right attitude so that I give my best to this job that I am committed to doing.

I said to Ed the other day, "I know that there is a part of us that wants me to be working and bringing home a pay check.  But we have to appreciate that my focus is only on our family right now and he can work late, travel for work, etc. and not worry about kid sick days, homework getting done, and forms that need to be filled out."  He does worry about those things, but those things are getting done more easily and are less of a worry or stress because that is my only focus. 

 
My full time job right now is a mom.  And some may not regard it as a profession.  But I do.  Lately, I am changing my mindset so that I take what I am doing seriously.  I am committed.  I am working to raise children who will become hardworking citizens, who do the right thing, and give themselves in all the ways their passions lead them.   Heck, my multi-tasking skills, management skills, negotiating skills, and organizing skills are being challenged on a moment to moment basis.  My job right now deserves thought, pondering, strategy, and support.  I am living my profession and I want to get the most out of each experience - not just get through the hours and days.  Because they go way to fast.      
 
And golly gee, if you do have a second profession that takes you away during the day and takes up your time and energy, you have an incredible transition to make each day. Because amazingly, if you are home all day with your children or away from the home all day and have just reunited...we all struggle from 4-6pm. Your next chapter of the day needs inspiration. There has to be strategies that get dinner on the table and the kitchen cleaned up so that the next night you aren't coming home to last night's mess. And it is pretty near impossible to turn off the mommy part of your brain during your work day.



As a mom, where do you find your inspiration?  Do you have a favorite parenting book, blog, friend, or resource?    When you feel in a rut, how do you get out of it?   Where do you get your ideas for new tricks to try, recipes to bake, and ideas that will possibly make your life more easy to balance and feel success.



This post is linked to Shell's Pour Your Heart Out.

What's for dinner? - Chicken Pot Pie

A friend (Laura from ECFE) shared this chicken pot pie recipe and we had it last night.  EVERYONE loved it.  It was really easy and all things you could potentially have on hand!  It went together fast, especially if you skipped cooking up your own veggie mix.  The pie looked beautiful - my camera was dead.  THIS IS DEFINITELY one of my new favorite standard recipes (meaning, we'll be having this once every two weeks...and after Thanksgiving maybe we'll make it with turkey instead!)

Chicken Pot Pie

1 16oz. can mixed vegetables (I sauteed some carrots, celery, and corn...my boys don't like peas and I am not a fan of mixed frozen or canned veggies)

2 cups cooked and cubed chicken

1/2 cup milk

1 egg

2 cans cream of potato soup

2 read made pie crusts

Mix all the ingredients and spoon into pie crust.

Top with second pie crust.

Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes.

It's Tuesday. Just sayin'

Would give anything to be sitting by the lake sipping my coffee right now.  You too Raina? 

Charley's teacher is a MN Gopher fan. She emailed this weekend in response to a school task that I am working on and she ended it with her disappointment in the outcome of the Gopher vs. Badger football game...but that she still thought that our family was pretty cool. I read Charley the email. On Monday's they have sharing and his teacher shared her high and low. He said her low was the Gohper's loss. He then smiled and said, "I told that my high was that the Badger's won." I told him that as long as he said it like that and not "I am glad the Gopher's lost" then he is showing some sportsmanship and pride in his team's win. But that it wouldn't have been kind to say it the other way. His teacher told me he said it respectfully, I'm glad. Just sayin'

The Candy countdown going on here is working like a charm. They eat their candy after breakfast and there is no more begging for candy the rest of the day. Unfortunately, the candy witch took the candy but returned it to a secret canister and I have been nibbling. Not helping my jean size. Just sayin'

It isn't so much the snow and cold that gets me these next few months. It is the gloom. The grey skies. The dead trees. The brown grass - or brown snow. Just sayin'

My coffee is soooo much more cozy when it is chilly out. It really makes me excited to wake up. Lovin' the at home latte I have going here, and it might not taste as good to others but it works for me. Just sayin'

Henry heads off to school like a champ these days. He lets me do the carpool lane drop off. And this brings me great joy. Just sayin'

Miss Sydney is such a go with the flow gal. She has been sleeping a wee bit better and she goes down for a nap after Charley gets off to school. Leaving me with sometimes two hours of bliss on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. She ate scrambled eggs this morning. French toast this weekend. But avocado is her favorite. I wish they kept better and weren't so expensive. Just sayin'

I need to start my Christmas shopping. I am putting it on my list of things to talk to Ed about tonight - got that honey. Just sayin'

I am in charge of the parent room treat and the kid treat at ECFE class tomorrow. Trying really hard to come up with something I can bake that doesn't require a store run. Sydney is not napping - darn. Not the plan today. Jinxed it. Just sayin'

Ed folded the Mt. Everest pile of laundry that had taken up residence on our couch this weekend...and then it appeared again yesterday, and he folded again. Thanks. Just not my favorite thing. Just sayin'

Funny how I wanted to start our family rules off with the rule of PEACE but we have had some asking issues crop up and so we might readjust our plan and start with another rule on the list: Asking. Charley needs to be reminded that he is the child and we are the parents. The kid likes to make playdates, at our house, without asking. I think the rules will take on more meaning if we attach them to real life circumstances. So this week asking, forget the peace. Just sayin'

Well, I guess Sydney isn't going to nap. Boo :( Time to get her up and get her busy. She loves exploring our house and the boys have been really good about keeping their little toys and Lego's off the floor. I am really impressed with their effort. Just sayin'


I am not even sure if the Just sayin' thing fits today. But I was feeling down that I didn't have some great post, event, or picture to share. Maybe later.

I do have to say that the morning was smooth. And the day ahead looks filled with fun. So let's get to it. Time to stop typing about life and head off to live it.

Love ya all!

Shout out a just sayin' in your life today.

hello monday

{goodbye} mellow weekend, hanging out with family, and getting things done in a leisurely kinda way.  Sydney is sad that daddy is back at work, Charley is back to school, and it is nap time.

{hello} monday - we're jumping right in.

{hello} friendly neighbors who raked the most beautiful pile of leaves and called us and invited the boys to jump in them. 

{hello} one more chance to snap some shots of the kids in a leaf pile. 

{hello} to calling a GREAT Aunt to say hi and realizing how fun it is to talk to her.

{hello} to sharing in my mom's new exciting purchase.

{hello} to daddy frying up our cottage fish and watching Henry gobble it because he was so proud of having caught most of it.

{hello}  to moments gathered around our kitchen table elbow deep in paper scraps, crayons, and glue.

{hello} to letting go of the desire to do the project for your child and enjoying their hard work. 

{hello} to Henry's first big school project...disguising a turkey. 

{hello} SpiderTurkey.

{hello} grocery shopping and staying in budget (while feeling like I was on my own episode of that couponing show).

{hello} starting off our Monday cozy at the kitchen table working on some Star Wars counting and coloring with Henry. Thanks to this website.

Friends, 
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  The weather was perfect here, gray but pretty warm, and I kept telling Charley that his bike riding days were numbered.  Ed got SO much done outside...I think we can say that we are ready for winter.  Trying to see our week as simple but there is a lot jammed into the days and evenings.  Taking it hour by hour and enjoying the ride - that's my plan. 

What are you looking forward to this week?
This post is linked here.