Even though our trick or treating has been moved to Sunday and we just carved our pumpkins tonight because of the hurricane, my little lion wants to wish you a Happy Halloween!
Linking up at Five Minutes for Mom and Angry Julie Monday
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Organizing 101: Dining Room
Toni over at A Bowl Full of Lemons is hosting Home Organizing 101, a 14-week challenge to get your home organized. I have not been keeping up with it, but decided to start this week and play catch-up at my own pace (primarily because I am home today because of Hurricane Sandy).
The main problem with our dining room is that the buffet and table become a catch-all for everyone's stuff. Mail, paperwork, school work...it all ends up here.
Here are the pictures of the chaos on a daily basis:
To start with, I removed all of the clutter. Got rid of school papers, junk mail, and filed everything where it belonged.
I pulled out and sorted through some of my place mats and cloth napkins that I use for entertaining. This is only HALF of the napkins because I have a ton that I need to iron.
Top drawer of the buffet holds place mats (some holiday ones are with the specific decorations):
Second drawer holds napkins and napkin rings:
Third drawer is my camera bag and more napkins will go here:
The buffet has two cabinets. One has my china and some candle holders that I use for tablescapes (I can't believe I used that word in a sentence). The other cabinet currently holds my entertaining pieces, although I *may* move these and use this cabinet for something else, like a homework station.
The main problem with our dining room is that the buffet and table become a catch-all for everyone's stuff. Mail, paperwork, school work...it all ends up here.
Here are the pictures of the chaos on a daily basis:
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| My clean buffet and Halloween decorations |
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| Crap to be filed. |
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Top drawer of the buffet holds place mats (some holiday ones are with the specific decorations):
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The buffet has two cabinets. One has my china and some candle holders that I use for tablescapes (I can't believe I used that word in a sentence). The other cabinet currently holds my entertaining pieces, although I *may* move these and use this cabinet for something else, like a homework station.
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| Yeah...our dining room is small and there is not much room to take pictures of the buffet! |
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Clean and happy. Don't be jealous of the pumpkin coffee mug. |
A Hurricane Day?
Here in Cleveland, it is very common to have snow days. Lake effect snow and wind chill can be a bitch, and we know that unless it is SUPER COLD, a snow day just won't happen.
But.
A hurricane day?
Never in a MILLION YEARS did I think this was going to happen. The windy is pretty crazy here, although nowhere near as bad as on the East Coast.
But I will definitely enjoy this day home with all of my kiddos.
Praying for those who are suffering from the effects of Hurricane Sandy.
But.
A hurricane day?
Never in a MILLION YEARS did I think this was going to happen. The windy is pretty crazy here, although nowhere near as bad as on the East Coast.
But I will definitely enjoy this day home with all of my kiddos.
Praying for those who are suffering from the effects of Hurricane Sandy.
Jamie's 16th Birthday: The Invitations and Menu
Not going to lie. Jamie's party kind of crept up on us. I am stressing out over everything, especially since it is a full week. And I have a 31 party on Friday night and our family pictures are on Saturday. Yikes.
Here is the invitation we ordered from Etsy store 3Tots Design (except, clearly, with Jamie's name, age and our info) and we really love it:
The Menu
I asked Jamie what she wanted and her response was fried chicken and cheesy potatoes. Okay, kiddo, whatever you want! Doing a "rainbow" theme with a teenager is kind of difficult, especially if you don't want to just do desserts.
Here is the invitation we ordered from Etsy store 3Tots Design (except, clearly, with Jamie's name, age and our info) and we really love it:
The Menu
I asked Jamie what she wanted and her response was fried chicken and cheesy potatoes. Okay, kiddo, whatever you want! Doing a "rainbow" theme with a teenager is kind of difficult, especially if you don't want to just do desserts.
- Fried chicken
- Cheesy potatoes
- Green salad
- Fruit tray
- Chips and dip
- Soft sugar cookies
- Rainbow cake with buttercream frosting
- Cupcakes
- And if I have time...a candy buffet.
I did lots of cleaning this weekend and hope to just be able to upkeep this week and then do one more major clean on Friday afternoon before my 31 party.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Menu Planning Monday
Monday: Shepherd's Pie
Tuesday: Rosemary and kale linguini and cauliflower
Wednesday: Chili, cornbread, kale chips
Thursday: Leftovers
Friday: Homemade pizza
Saturday: Depends on our CSA
What is on your menu? Link up at OrgJunkie!
Saturday, October 27, 2012
CSA Week 21
Here is a picture of this week's CSA contents:
I have not been very diligent about posting about our CSA from Fresh Fork Market. The irony is that we only have one week left and I finally feel like I have a handle on it. Although we have a ton of cabbage and cauliflower and I just don't know what to do with it!
Here is Week 21's bag contents
Here is Week 21's bag contents
- 1 head cauliflower
- Rutabega
- Rosemary and kale linguine from Ohio City Pasta
- Kale
- Red cabbage
- 1 red onion
- Goat's milk gouda
- 3# red potatoes
The cabbage and kale are killing my menu options. And the family is just not as fond of kale as I wish they were. But, God bless them, they are always willing to try something new. Here is how I am using some of the produce this week and weekend:
- Black bean and sweet potato burritos to freeze for my lunches (sweet potatoes from a few weeks ago)
- Butternut squash soup to freeze for my lunches (squash from a few weeks ago)
- Serving the linguine with the cauliflower and olive oil
- Kale chips to go along with our chili and cornbread tradition on Halloween
- Pork roast with polenta and kale, a recipe I found on Fresh Fork's website
- I think I am going to use the potatoes for some homemade pierogies tomorrow. I think that it will be a great project for the girls and I while Logan is napping.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Logan and Lilah
From Red Wagon Farm on Sunday. Some shots of the little man and my adorable niece (I can't believe she is going to be ONE soon!)
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| Um, hello?? |
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| Sweetness |
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| Meh |
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| Hey...look at me... |
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| Smooches! |
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| Really?? |
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| High five! |
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| I give up. This kid just wants to play with the stupid hay. |
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Back to School/Homecoming
The blog has been pretty quiet this summer. I have so much to discuss and posts to write and things to catch up on and recipes to share...but first I need to show off my kiddos and their back to school glory and my pretty girls in their Homecoming gear!
Jamie and Alexys started school a week before I did. It was like both girls were starting high school, even though Jamie is in 10th grade, because she was in Florida for ninth grade. We did a little bit of back to school clothes shopping the week before they started with my mom, but the vast majority of our fall/winter shopping will be in a few weeks. I am trying to give up some control when it comes to their wardrobe; not allowing them to dress inappropriately, but allow them to choose their own styles and embrace their own personality. Jamie is pretty edgy, with a skater-ish style (she is obsessed with anime and all things Japan), and is really the polar opposite of me, and Alexys is heading that way I think too. I have been having a really hard time letting go. I miss the little kids I used to dress in coordinating outfits.
Another big change we had around here is Logan starting day care. It was a really tough decision but I think he will benefit from the structure and interactive play with other kids. I absolutely loved the babysitter he was with (she is a close family friend) and when I went back to work after six weeks, it was a huge comfort knowing he was getting so much love and attention and he has loved it there. But this is a necessary step in getting ready for preschool, we believe. The first drop-off was much harder on me than it was on him...I cried in the parking lot. Chuck asked if I was such a mess now, what was going to happen when he started kindergarten?
Thanks to my bloggy and IRL friend Shannon for sneaking in after dropping her kids off to take these pictures and send them to me. He was perfectly happy and playing wonderfully and my mind was totally put at ease.
Due to our school consolidation, I did not start until Monday, August 27 and our kids started a day later. I spent the three days without kids prepping for my school year in my class room and out, which included organizing some things around the house. Oh and getting my hair done :) Priorities, right?
And Homecoming. How are my girls so grown up?
Jamie and Alexys started school a week before I did. It was like both girls were starting high school, even though Jamie is in 10th grade, because she was in Florida for ninth grade. We did a little bit of back to school clothes shopping the week before they started with my mom, but the vast majority of our fall/winter shopping will be in a few weeks. I am trying to give up some control when it comes to their wardrobe; not allowing them to dress inappropriately, but allow them to choose their own styles and embrace their own personality. Jamie is pretty edgy, with a skater-ish style (she is obsessed with anime and all things Japan), and is really the polar opposite of me, and Alexys is heading that way I think too. I have been having a really hard time letting go. I miss the little kids I used to dress in coordinating outfits.
Due to our school consolidation, I did not start until Monday, August 27 and our kids started a day later. I spent the three days without kids prepping for my school year in my class room and out, which included organizing some things around the house. Oh and getting my hair done :) Priorities, right?
And Homecoming. How are my girls so grown up?
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| What's up, TERRIBLE LIGHTING IN OUR HOUSE |
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| She wore her pink converse. Awesome. |
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| Um, my mom took this. Wow. |
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Slow Cooker Chicken Caesar Sandwiches
Slow Cooker Chicken Caesar Sandwiches
As seen on The Girl Who Eats Everything
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1/2-1 C creamy Caesar dressing
1/2 C shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 C chopped fresh parsley
Ground Pepper
Fresh Romaine
4-6 hamburger buns
Directions:
-Place chicken in slow cooker with 1-2 cups of water and cook on low for 4-6 hours
-Remove chicken, drain water, shred chicken, and put it back in the crock pot. Discard any fat.
-Add dressing, cheese, parsley, and pepper to chicken. Mix it up and cook on low for 30 minutes or until mixture is hot.
-Serve on burger or slider buns, topped with Romaine lettuce and leftover cheese.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Menu Planning Monday
Sunday: Chicken Puffs, roasted rosemary acorn squash, roasted cauliflower, au gratin potatoes
Monday: (I have a wake and a 31 meeting) Spaghetti with pesto and salad
Tuesday: I have dinner plans so the kids and C will be having pizza
Wednesday: Hamburgers with mustard greens and sweet potato fries
Thursday: Thai Chicken Salad
Friday: Depends on our CSA
Saturday: Depends on our CSA
This week I am also making black bean and sweet potato burritos to keep frozen to take to work.
What is on YOUR menu? Link up at OrgJunkie.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Reflecting
Sometimes, I feel lost. And inadequate in every way. And jealous of those who have more than us. And frazzled. And crunched for time. Like there is never enough time to do it all and that I am incapable of being the kind of mother, wife and teacher I want to be.
Then, something tragic happens.
Two years ago, while 7 months pregnant with Logan, I had to deal with the death of a student. We thought it was suicide, but apparently he was participating in a "choking game" and died from this. An emergency staff meeting was called that morning to tell us all about it.
On Friday, we had another emergency staff meeting called.
A teacher, 35-years old, married to another Special Ed teacher, football and track coach, with a 4-year old daughter, had died. He had been battling cancer for a few years and it had come back in his bones last year. All summer he was fighting infections and was unable to receive any treatment. He was taken home from hospice with hospice care on Thursday afternoon so he would be comfortable for the remainder of his life.
That life ended around 11 PM on Thursday.
We had another emergency faculty meeting to make sure everyone knew. We shuffled out of the meeting, crying not only for the loss but also for the pain that his wife must be feeling and for his daughter, who will never really know her daddy. I had to look into the eyes of four of my 11th grade football players as our principal made the announcement to them that one of their coaches had passed. And I had to console one of those boys after class as he shed tears of sadness and anger.
Anger. Because in what world is this fair? He was a strong man. A college football player. Healthy. How does something life this happen?
When something like this happens, you can't help be reevaluate your life. Things have been tough around these parts recently and I have been pretty stressed out. But I am thankful. SO SO SO thankful to have my family. My husband. My girls. My baby boy. My parents and brothers and their significant others and my niece. My in-laws and friends. We have a roof over our head, steady jobs, and our health.
This has caused me to really think about my life. Am I living it to the fullest? Am I living it purposefully? Am I an involved and engaged parent? Am I making the most of my time on this world?
I want to be able to say yes to all of those things. I need to make some changes. Because I want to live every second on this earth as if it is my last. Because in the blink of an eye, the world tilts on its axis and everything changes.
Then, something tragic happens.
Two years ago, while 7 months pregnant with Logan, I had to deal with the death of a student. We thought it was suicide, but apparently he was participating in a "choking game" and died from this. An emergency staff meeting was called that morning to tell us all about it.
On Friday, we had another emergency staff meeting called.
A teacher, 35-years old, married to another Special Ed teacher, football and track coach, with a 4-year old daughter, had died. He had been battling cancer for a few years and it had come back in his bones last year. All summer he was fighting infections and was unable to receive any treatment. He was taken home from hospice with hospice care on Thursday afternoon so he would be comfortable for the remainder of his life.
That life ended around 11 PM on Thursday.
We had another emergency faculty meeting to make sure everyone knew. We shuffled out of the meeting, crying not only for the loss but also for the pain that his wife must be feeling and for his daughter, who will never really know her daddy. I had to look into the eyes of four of my 11th grade football players as our principal made the announcement to them that one of their coaches had passed. And I had to console one of those boys after class as he shed tears of sadness and anger.
Anger. Because in what world is this fair? He was a strong man. A college football player. Healthy. How does something life this happen?
When something like this happens, you can't help be reevaluate your life. Things have been tough around these parts recently and I have been pretty stressed out. But I am thankful. SO SO SO thankful to have my family. My husband. My girls. My baby boy. My parents and brothers and their significant others and my niece. My in-laws and friends. We have a roof over our head, steady jobs, and our health.
This has caused me to really think about my life. Am I living it to the fullest? Am I living it purposefully? Am I an involved and engaged parent? Am I making the most of my time on this world?
I want to be able to say yes to all of those things. I need to make some changes. Because I want to live every second on this earth as if it is my last. Because in the blink of an eye, the world tilts on its axis and everything changes.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Thai Chicken Pizza
Thai Chicken Pizza
slightly adapted from Annie's Eats.
Ingredients
1 recipe pizza dough (I use Pioneer Woman's because it is my favorite)
Olive oil, for brushing
1/4 C sweet chili sauce (which I was afraid I wasn't going to be able to find...so easy actually)
1 shallot, thinly sliced
1/2 zucchini, thinly sliced (I had a yellow squash from our CSA so I used it)
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 C shredded cooked chicken (I bought a rotisserie chicken and used the breasts)
2/3 C mozzarella cheese
3-4 tbsp chopped peanuts
2 tbsp minced fresh cilantro
2 tbsp minced fresh basil
Directions:
-Preheat a pizza stone in the oven to 500 degrees
-Roll out pizza dough and brush the perimeter with the olive oil. Spread the chili sauce on the dough, then top with the chicken, zucchini, and shallot, red pepper flakes and cheese.
-Bake for 10-12 minutes, until cheese is brown and bubbly.
-Sprinkle with peanuts, cilantro, and basil. Drizzle extra chili sauce over top.
-Slice and enjoy :)
-The key to a good pizza is preheating the stone. I use parchment paper because I can't ever transfer the dough successfully. And it is so delicious and crispy when you do it right!
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Jamie's 16th Birthday: The Inspiration
It is so hard to believe Jamie is going to be 16 in less than a month. It seems like not so long ago I was planning her Twilight-inspired 13th birthday party And now...we are planning her 16th!
At the beginning of the summer, when we first talked about her having a big party, she wanted an Iron Man/Captain America/Avengers party. Because she is apparently a 10-year old boy? No. It came down to Hello Kitty or rainbows (I give the girl credit. She is her own person and just doesn't care what people think). So now I am in the midst of planning her big bash and of course, have been scouring the web and Pinterest for ideas. Here are some inspiration pics.
It may seem a little odd that a 16 year old wants a party with rainbows everywhere. But I gotta tell ya. Jamie is all her own. She doesn't care what other people think. She loves anime, has a creative soul, and has a Thirty-One book bag that says "Brony" on it (it has something to do with the new My LIttle Pony cartoon...which is apparently really popular?). She wanted rainbows. So we are going to do what we can to make her party awesome and full of rainbow-happiness.
At the beginning of the summer, when we first talked about her having a big party, she wanted an Iron Man/Captain America/Avengers party. Because she is apparently a 10-year old boy? No. It came down to Hello Kitty or rainbows (I give the girl credit. She is her own person and just doesn't care what people think). So now I am in the midst of planning her big bash and of course, have been scouring the web and Pinterest for ideas. Here are some inspiration pics.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Menu Planning Monday
Sunday: Breakfast: Waffles of Amazing Greatness; dinner at my parents'
Monday: Salsa chicken, cilantro lime rice, corn
Tuesday: Orange chicken and fried rice
Wednesday: Angel hair pasta with butternut squash and sage
Thursday: Bacon corn hash
Friday: Pizza and Caesar salad
Saturday: Unsure, as it depends on our CSA
What is on your menu this week? Link up at OrgJunkie!
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