Meal Plan 8/1/11

I have desperately missed meal planning.  My lack of planning has resulted in quick-fixes, eating out and an extra 5 lbs that is NO LONGER welcome!!!

Monday - Spaghetti Carbonara
Tuesday - {Slow Cooker} Chicken Taco Stew
Wednesday - Chili with Whole Wheat Cornbread
Thursday - Broccoli and Chicken Noodle Soup
Friday - Ranchero Mexi-Chicken Crostada
Saturday - Crust-less Quiche with broccoli and cheese
Sunday - Spinach Rice Casserole (*new*)

Someday...

Jason's attempt at setting the table for dinner. For five of us. At 3pm.

Someday, I'll be able to walk across the floor without stepping over (or stepping on) toys.

Someday, I'll get to eat my meal hot off the stove, instead of lukewarm because I first had to serve hungry little people and cut their food into bite-sized pieces.

Someday, the cereal bars in the pantry will be their proper shape, not crushed from a toddler's hand carrying them around while begging for a snack.

Someday, I will be able to complete a workout video without little ones jumping on my back during push ups, hand weights disappearing before my eyes and a roll of toilet paper being unraveled throughout the house. (those all happened yesterday, by the way)

Someday, I will be able to blow dry my hair without fear of waking someone up on the other side of the wall.

Someday, things will be right where I left them, like the cordless mouse, the remote control and the contents of my nightstand.

Someday, I will get to check off everything on my to do list every day. 

Someday, I will be able to have a full, uninterrupted conversation with my husband at any time of the day or night.

Someday, certain phrases will be foreign to me, like, "Inside voices, please," and "Use your words, not your hands," and "Shut the door - you're letting all the cold/hot air inside the house," and "Is that food?  Then get it out of your mouth," and "How many times should he have to scream, 'STOP' before you actually stop?" and "Please don't use your brother's head as a drum."

Someday, I won't have to do laundry every morning.

Someday, I won't have to pack lunches every night.

Someday, the sliding glass door will be free of hand prints, the floor will be free of crumbs and the house will be filled with silence.

Someday, I will miss the chaos.

Someday, I won't need to yell to feel heard.

Someday, I will wish my house was full of life and laughter again.

Someday, I will long for what I have at this exact point in time.

Someday, I will stop complaining.  That day is today.

Jason-speak

At 21 months old (I can't wait to stop counting his age in months) it is officially time for our first edition of Jason-speak.

"baby suit" = bathing suit

"ah no not" = absolutely not (I must say that a lot...?)

"fruit salad" = fruit leather snack (when I say it slowly back to him, he calls it "fruit thah-thah")

"heavy" = hand weights - when I workout at home and he tries to lift them, I say, "Those are heavy, be careful!" so he thinks they're called, "heavy."

"warm" = towel - at the beginning of the summer, it was cold when he got out of the pool and I asked if he wanted to be "warm" then would wrap him in a towel.  So now he things "warm" is a terrycloth noun.

"I one too" = I want one, too

"tv-tv" = DVD

"movie" = the sound a cow makes AND what he watches on DVD
"monkey crawl" = monkey, the animal AND using his hands to move along the edge of the pool
"meer" = come here, as in "Meer, Kaylin..."  He also thinks the review mirror in the car is a "meer."
"horsey movie" = Tangled (he thinks the movie is about a horse)
"hey cow" = Holy Cow
"my my mouse" = Mickey Mouse
"hi kitty" = Hello Kitty

When Jason picks up the phone (pretend or real), he says, "Heh-no? Haaaay!"  Apparently, I say, "Hello?  Hey!" when I answer the phone.

Here's Jason singing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" followed by the ABCs with a full mouth.  He's just so stinkin' cute!

Q&A Wednesday - Pantry Questions

Based on my recent pantry makeover post, someone anonymously asked:

"1. What about things like Ritz crackers? Out of the box and in a container still in the sleeve? Out of the sleeve and in a jar??   
        
2. With the pasta, does it work ok to mix brands. (i.e. sometimes I buy Walmart brand spaghetti and sometimes I buy cremette). The cooking times for various brands differ and I'm curious how you get around that."

Okay, #1 is easy for me.  I'm a fan of getting rid of as much packaging as possible.  For crackers, I do generally keep them in the boxes, because we don't have many.  But if you like the idea of jars, take them out of the sleeve and just have the crackers openly in the jar.

As for #2...only mix the pastas if they're exactly the same shape/size and have identical cooking instructions.  I tend to buy the same brands over and over, so most of my jars have the cooking time cut out and pasted onto the top or side of the jar.  If you buy different brands often, double check that the instructions are the same before dumping the pasta into the jar and if it's different, cut and replace the new instructions so you know your pasta will be cooked properly.  It seems that most brands vary slightly, so I vote for keeping the directions accurate for the pasta inside the jar.

#44 - Call a locksmith to unlock our empty file cabinet

After five years of having this desk in our possession, I can finally, FINALLY make use of the file cabinet drawer!  With my business paperwork multiplying by the day, I've been itching for a new space to dedicate to getting it all organized.

I found someone who promised to unlock it for me for $10 if I brought it to his shop, saving me the $50-75 trip charge I had been quoted by a dozen other places.  I loaded up the kids, drove across town and the dumb thing was unlocked and re-keyed in under 10 minutes.  It took me five years to fix a 10 minute, $10 problem. 

Regardless, YAY for small victories.  #44 is finally crossed off my 101 in 1001 list!!!

#93 - Plan an International Trip with Mike

I'm shocked, but it's actually planned.  It's in pencil, but an international trip has been planned!

Stonehenge - 2003

We visited one of my best friends when she lived in London and now it's officially time to visit her in Holland.  While across the pond, Mike also wants to go to Germany and we'll likely hit Ireland, since some distant church friends just moved back there.  (we like to take advantage of free, experienced tour guides)

Next year, we have some major traveling on the agenda, so our European vacation will likely be in 2013. (Mike's parents are taking us on a Mexican cruise for Mike's 40th birthday and I'm a hairline fracture away from earning an all expenses paid trip to Cancun through Tastefully Simple, but Mexico wasn't the kind of international trip I had in mind, so neither of those "planned" trips really counted for this goal!) 

And it has been suggested that if we're going to Germany, Mike would enjoy Oktoberfest, so I'm narrowing this trip down to October 2013. 

So there you go.  Our international trip has officially been discussed, thought out and planned enough to cross #93 off of the list!

#9 - See the Grand Canyon

I am on a mission to get as many of the remaining 25 items done as I can from my 101 Goals in 1001 Days list.  With only 64 days, I'm actually scheduling them on my calendar, as well as dropping hints like, "I sure would like to go on a hot air balloon ride for my birthday..." to Mike.  Subtle?  Not really.  But I'm determined!

This weekend, two of my Tastefully Simple parties rescheduled, so I immediately suggested to Mike that we pack up the kids and drive to the Grand Canyon.  Thankfully, my mom agreed to take Jason overnight...I've heard the railings aren't much of a safety net for little ones!

The big kids were far more excited about staying in a hotel than seeing a huge hole in the ground. Everything from the room keys to the ice machine was an event for them.

And once we were at the Grand Canyon, every squirrel that caught their eye was the most fascinating creature imaginable.

But in the end, I think they actually did think it was pretty cool.  If I wasn't scared of them falling to their death, I would have allowed them to climb and explore more.  The restrictions were more than they could bear!

Overall, I'm very glad we went.  It was a great trip to take {just} with the big kids.  They got along famously, we all enjoyed each other's company, it was a nice little weekend getaway!

Picture Projects

After a recent trip to IKEA, I stocked up on some cheap frames.  I knew I wanted to hang a collage of pictures from our recent baking photo shoot in the kitchen, plus a couple others under our cabinets.  They turned out super cute!

Then I found these $1.99 frames in primary colors.  I thought I was creative for planning to putt them in the playroom to display artwork, until I discovered that the 8.5" x 11" papers fit in the larger frames perfectly.  Clearly, they were meant for drawings, not 8x10 photos!  (I'm not as creative as I thought...)

I bought the black shelves at IKEA, too.  I need to play around with the composition of the pictures a little, but I love how it looks with the kids' canvas hand prints intermingled.

Kaylin has had some picture projects of her own.  She draws and colors 2-10 pictures every day...the kid loves to be creative!  I found this note and thought it was hilarious.  Apparently she's run out of recipients for her masterpieces...

Then there's Ryan.  I didn't understand the tiny chair covered in blankets, until I saw a crown nearby and this sign hanging on the wall above.  While I was busy one day, the big kids took turns being in charge of each other.  That explains why I was hearing a lot of "Yes, master!" and "Right away, sir..." that day. 

{Yet Another} Pantry Makeover - Julie's Corner Closet

A friend of mine just moved into the first house she's ever had that has a pantry.  Until now, food and baking items have been in cabinets and drawers.  So, of course, I offered to help organize her new pantry!

The "before" picture is stuck on her camera, which is currently in a coma, but I do have plenty of "after" pictures.

My goal when organizing a pantry is to keep like items with like items.  I always pull everything out of the space and try to logically group things into categories.

In this case, the categories were: pasta, rice and dinner items, canned goods, baking, breakfast, protein powders and other drinks, sweet snacks and salty snacks.

I'm a big fan of taking things out of their packages and putting them in an open or glass container.  This may seem pointless, but hear me out. With this method, you don't need to reorganize the entire pantry when you go grocery shopping.  Why?  Because everything has a place.  Pasta has a jar, spaghetti has a jar, rice has a jar, snacks have containers, baking supplies have containers, even granola bars and grab-and-go snacks have a basket.  After you shop, you open the boxes, refill each designated bin, recycle the boxes and everything looks the same as before your grocery trip.  Make sense?

You might also notice that I generally put the necessary packages (bags of chips, the remainder of the sugar and flour) in the back and the nicer-looking containers in the front.  If your pantry shelves are deep, things get lost easily, so put the big stuff in the back.  It's easy to see, easy to grab, easy to replace.

And for pantries that have a large, awkward corner on each shelf, I strongly recommend utilizing Lazy Susans.  The giant ones are great for tall bottles of oil, sauces and backup condiments.  The shorter, stacking ones are great for smaller items like spices, sprinkles or rarely used baking supplies.

We used as many baskets, jars and containers as we could from around her house, but this makeover did require a quick trip to IKEA: 

- We bought some canvas bins (I can't find the link!) to contain oatmeal packets, popcorn bags, granola bars and random baking items like bags of chocolate chips and nuts.

- The glass jars came in various sizes for pastas, rices, nuts and sweet snacks.

- On the floor are a couple of Vessla Storage Crate with Casters for paper goods and picnic supplies.

Word got out on Facebook that I was in a pantry-organizing mood, and another friend said, "I'm next!"  She's still sending me the before and afters of her pantry to share, too.  What is it about an organized pantry that gets me all giddy...?

(for more pantry inspiration, read Alison's pantry makeover and see how I redid my own pantry)

Kid Definitions for Godly Character Traits

In the last several months, I've been focused on teaching my kids several key Godly character traits.  We don't go over them every day, but I try to review the ones that we're struggling with a few times a week.  After breakfast, in the car, during a conflict, at dinner, whenever.  

The original definitions seemed a little above their heads, so I came up with some kid-friendly versions that they can actually apply to their lives.  Take a look; I welcome any additional, simplistic input that you might have!

Disclaimer: Please ignore the grammatical errors!  I try to keep the explanations to my kids short and understandable at their ages.

Orderly

Big kid definition - Arranged or disposed in some order or patter; governed by law, well behaved.

Little kid definition - Keeping things neat; being well-behaved.

Attentive

Big kid definition - Mindful, observant; heedful of the comfort of others.

Little kid definition - Being aware of the people and things around you.

Teachable

Big kid definition - Capable of being taught; apt and willing to learn.

Little kid definition - Willing to learn.

Obedient

Big kid definition - Submissive to the restraint or the command of authority; willing to obey.

Little kid definition - Doing what you're told, right away, without being reminded.

Respectful

Big kid definition - An act of giving particular attention; high or special regard; esteem.

Little kid definition - Treating someone as more important than yourself.

Honest

Big kid definition - A fairness and straightforwardness of conduct; adherence to the facts.

Little kid definition - Telling the truth.

Forgiving

Big kid definition - To grant relief from payment; to pardon.

Little kid definition - (My kids know what this means, but I can't neatly sum it up...any ideas...???)

Peacemaker

Big kid definition - One who promotes harmony in personal relations.

Little kid definition - Having a good attitude; no complaining or arguing.

Courageous

Big kid definition - Mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear or difficulty; brave.

Little kid definition - Being brave.

Discerning

Big kid definition - Showing insight and understanding.

Little kid definition - Trying to understand all different situations.

Content

Big kid definition - Feeling or showing satisfaction with one's possessions, status or situation.

Little kid definition - Being happy with what you have.

Servant-hearted

Big kid definition - Someone that works for someone else.

Little kid definition - Wanting to do things for others with a happy heart.

Thankful

Big kid definition - Expressive of thanks; well pleased; glad.

Little kid definition - Being happy with what you've been given.

Self Control

Big kid definition - Control of your feelings and behavior.

Little kid definition - Being calm, even when you feel excited, frustrated, angry or tired.

Loving

Big kid definition - Having affection or warm regard; tender.

Little kid definition - Showing others that you care about them.

Humble

Big kid definition - If you show humility, you are not too proud, and you recognize your own faults.

Little kid definition - Not bragging about what you're good at; knowing that you're not better than everyone else.

Prayerful

Big kid definition - Devout, earnest, sincere.

Little kid definition - Turning to God in prayer when things are good and bad.

Modest

Big kid definition - People who are modest are not boastful about their abilities, possessions or achievements.

Little kid definition - Not telling others how great you are; dressing without showing a lot of skin.

Joyful

Big kid definition - Happiness and delight in your heart that comes only from Jesus.

Little kid definition - Having a happy heart, no matter what happens.

Generous

Big kid definition - People who are generous are happy to use their time and money to help others.

Little kid definition - Giving money or time to help others.

Responsible

Big kid definition - Trustworthy, accountable; having or involving important duties.

Little kid definition - Doing the right thing whether or not someone tells you to.

Compassionate

Big kid definition - A feeling of sympathy for and a desire to help someone who is suffering.

Little kid definition - Showing others that you are sad that they are hurting.

Kind

Big kid definition - Friendly, helpful and generous.

Little kid definition - Being nice to others.

Patient

Big kid definition - Bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint.

Little kid definition - Waiting without asking questions or complaining.

Diligent

Big kid definition - Characterized by steady, earnest and energetic effort.

Little kid definition - Trying your best; working hard at everything you do.

Faithful

Big kid definition - Loyal and trustworthy.

Little kid definition - Loving someone even when they make bad choices.

101 in 1001 mini-scrapbook

Inspired by this post back in February, I decided to make myself a 6x6 scrapbook of all of the  completed 101 goals in 1001 days.  I mean, I took pictures of most of them and blogged about all of them, so it should be easy, right?

I started in Photoshop: cropping each picture to 6x6 and adding text about the goal and when it was accomplished.  I planned to print 4 each on a 12x12 page at Costco for $2.99 each.  The files were pretty large, and with my snail-like computer, the process wasn't quick.  But I didn't care. I spent about 3 hours one evening starting my little project and was so proud of myself.  So excited to share it with you.  So ready to see the completed project!!!

Then I did the math.  For 101 goals, 4 goals per page, I was going to spend $75 on JUST the printing?!?!? 

(*sigh*) I stopped production immediately.  And realized that I'd wasted three hours of my life that I will never get back.  Awesome.

I ended up finding a spare photo album that was gifted to me years ago, yet never put to use.  It has two 4x6 slots, one on top of another.  The scrapbooker in me finds it totally boring, but the home economist in me finds it PERFECT! 

So I started over, adding the text to each 4x6 picture, which will be much cheaper to print, if not free with all of the online specials that pop up. 

 

 

In fact, I just picked up the first 20 prints which were FREE, thanks to a Target sale combined with a coupon.  That is what I am talkin' about!!!

I have 73 days left with a whopping 25 goals still to accomplish.  Looking at the list, I can only {realistically} see myself crossing off another 8-10 of them.  Because there's just no way I'm going to get to build a snowman with the kids before September 27th!  And there are several other items that I also don't see happening: Lasik surgery, a hot air balloon ride and most of the remaining home improvement dreams, to name a few.

Maybe I'll give myself to the end of the year to accomplish as many as I can...? 

Christmas in July - 2011 edition

This year for our Christmas in July celebration, I let each of the big kids choose two friends to join us.  Their choices were a boy and girl from two families that we're close to, so I decided to invite over all of their kids (four in one family, three in another) and give the parents a childless date night.

I had planned to keep it simple: decorate sugar cookies, drink cocoa and watch a Christmas movie.  But (apparently) I've set the hostess bar a little too high for my son, because at 2:00 yesterday, Ryan looked around the house and asked, "Where are all of the decorations?!?"  That question resulted in busting out a Christmas box or two.

And the party was simple no more.

We still decorated sugar cookies.


And drank cocoa.


And watched The Polar Express.


But I decided to add a craft to the madness.


And a gift exchange.


And I made Peppermint Almond Bark goodie bags for each family.

We even played a Left/Right game with prizes, but I can't find a link to share with you.  Sorry!  I'll look harder later.

So what happens when you give 10 kids a bunch of cookies and cocoa?  They get so wild that it's necessary to send them to the backyard to run off the extra energy.  Even when it's 100 degrees.

Overall it was an exhausting a really fun night.  Ryan and Kaylin each had a friend spend the night and we all collapsed into bed by 9:00.  A good time was had by all!

Best...Chocolate Chip Cookies...Ever. Seriously.

Thanks to my BFF, I officially have a new favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe.  Alton Brown (from Food Network - a little quirky, but always informative) has a video explaining WHY these are the best chewy cookies ever created.  It's only 2 minutes long and worth watching, but if you just want to see the recipe, well...here it is.

Sift together:
2 + 1/4 cup BREAD flour *
1 t. salt
1 t. baking soda

Melt (yes, melt) 2 sticks (1 cup) butter.

Beat the butter with:
1/4 cup sugar
1 + 1/4 cup brown sugar
1 whole egg + 1 egg yolk
2 Tbsp. milk
1 + 1/2 tsp vanilla

Add the dry mixture (above) and 2 cups chocolate chips.

Bake at 350 for 13-15 minutes and Alton insists that you should only bake 6 cookies at a time.  I cooked the first batch for 15 minutes and they were WAY too brown, but still disappeared before I could get a picture for this blog post.  The second cookie sheets were baked at 12-13 minutes and were absolutely perfectly soft and chewy and delicious.

Yields: about 3 dozen.

You are welcome.

*If you're annoyed at the idea of buying bread flour and don't want a huge 5 lb bag sitting around, I strongly recommend trying Martha's Olive Oil Bread recipe.  The bread flour makes a huge difference.  You'll thank me for this recipe, too...I promise.