It's COMING!!

GROUNDHOG DAY!

February 2, which means 3 days! 

I didn't realize this until this morning. 

I love groundhog day. I don't know why, but I do. Ever since I did my student teaching.

It was fun.

It was fun to take an ordinary, freezing cold day and turn it into a silly event. 

The night before we make our predictions--will he or won't he see his shadow? 

Make a graph and chart the answers (math).

Then go all crazy, and grab some popsicle craft sticks, a picture to color of a groundhog, and a paper lunch bag. 

Cut a hole in the bottom of the bag, glue the groundhog cutout to the craft stick, and pop him in & out of the hole to see is he sees his shadow. (Science)

Ready for more fun? 

Grab some flashlights and play shadow search. Seriously. It's fun. 

I may sound like a 5 year old here, but I'm really just a groundhog day enthusiast. :)

ONE DAY, I WILL go to Punxsutaney, PA, and join in the festivities. 

It will be cold, fun, and include a lot of chocolate and hot chocolate. (uh, Social Studies + Geography)

So what do ya think?

Will he see his shadow? Will we have the worst of winter still to come, or hear birds chirping sooner than we think? (If he sees his shadow, we're in for more winter. If he doesn't, spring is on its way!)

I'll share a quick tid-bit from the site:

"Punxsutawney held its first Groundhog Day in the 1800’s. The first official trek to Gobbler’s Knob made on February 2nd, 1887. In 2008 it will be the 122nd prediction."  (making this year the 124th!)

GROUNDHOG DAY! Be there or be square. 

Thankful Thursday

I haven't done this one in a while, but I was feeling it today, so here goes:

• I'm grateful for turning the tv OFF more this week. 
• I'm grateful for fun playing with my kids, playing cops & robbers & other politically incorrect games
• I am thankful for life. It's so true that each day is a gift. I am lucky enough to have a supportive husband and 2 boys to love. 
• I'm thankful for CSI. Yeah, the tv show.
• I'm thankful for exercise replacing the emotional-eating tendency I always had.
• I'm thankful for my son's teacher. 
• I'm very grateful for the blogging friends that have become real friends to me. 
• I'm thankful for several people recently who have made me feel great by telling me *I* inspired them. How humbling.
• I'm so grateful for our emergency fund.

My world isn't perfect. I am so far from perfect. But at times, things perfectly line up to make me see that I am blessed. 

Could You Say Some Prayers, Please?

February 23 my mother is having major surgery on her back, with hopes to repair nerve damage from past surgeries.

She's endured hefty pain for some time now, and she'll be going a few hours away from their home so this specialist can do the operation. She'll be in the hands of Emory University's hospital in Atlanta. It's estimated to take about 7-8 hours.

My mother is a very tough cookie. She's had many surgeries.
I talked to her yesterday on the phone, and she is very nervous. Understandably so, but more nervous than I've ever heard her. I feel for her, and it makes me really wish I could get down there to see her before her surgery.

If you can, please say some prayers for her peace of mind. Pray for the doctor and medical staff. Pray for my father to see her through this.
It's times like this I really hate living so far away. Your prayers are greatly appreciated.

This Messes Up Your Metabolism (plus a scary fact I learned)

HFCS: high-fructose corn syrup. 

I've done reading about it on my own the past 2 summers, but I just learned a few more things that were disgusting to find out.

Most disgusting?
" many infant formulas are more than 50 percent sugar -- 43 percent being corn syrup solids. You might as well be giving your baby a bottle of Coke or Pepsi."


Seriously?!
I never knew that.
I've breastfed my kids, but it wasn't because I thought formula was so bad. I thought breastmilk was superior, but never knew what all was included in the making of formula.
**Don't get me wrong here. I'm not preaching that everyone should breastfeed, and I know we're blessed to live where we have this formula to offer, compared to some countries**
It's scary & sad to know this crap is right there in infant formula, being fed to babies from the very start. 
WOW. Makes me glad I'm able to breastfeed, and determined to do it with each baby I have from here on out.


For some time I've made a point to buy products free of HFCS. Aunt Millie's brand bread, for one, has right on their label "NO HFCS". Fortunately it's on sale enough where I can buy it, too. 

I stopped buying the fruit snacks for Aidan due to the HFCS (as well as red dye). Besides, I don't see how they are much different from gummy bears. (we've found an awesome replacement fruit snack, Archer Farms Organic Fruit Strips, available at Target).

Dr. Mercola's article also taught me that HFCS has only been around for one generation, which shows that the long-term [harmful] effects are just recently being learned.

I would love to see it mandated that this item be removed from products.

I won't drag on much longer, but there's just one last thing:

"Corn syrup is now found in every type of processed, pre-packaged food you can think of. In fact, the use of HFCS in the U.S. diet increased by a whopping 10,673 percent between 1970 and 2005, according to a report by the USDA"

&

"Processed foods account for more than 90 percent of the money Americans spend on meals."

ICK. Processed foods account for more than NINETY percent?! Does that really make it cheaper in the long run when it could mean spending more at doctors' visits in the future?! 

It was just an awe-causing article for me. 

I'm not perfect, we do eat some processed foods, etc. But when I can learn & strive to do better, I will. 

Source: This Common Food Ingredient Can Really Mess Up Your Metabolism, by Dr. Mercola.

Menu Plan Monday--January 25, 2010

How was your weekend?

We had a low-key weekend, and I barely left the house. That is not typical for me. My sinus infection has left me not feeling too pleasant, so I was fine with staying in.

Saturday my husband grilled out some awesome chicken...mmmm. We marinated boneless, skinless chicken breasts in some garlic, teriyaki, onion powder, and squirt of lemon juice. He grilled it w/ a green pepper & onion, and it was delicious. We ate it in pita pockets. Even the chicken leftover, eaten cold, is awesome. So glad I married a man who loves to grill!

On with the week:

Monday: Baked pork, seasoned rice, peas
Tuesday: Pasta Night (meatless)
Wednesday: Boys' Night to cook (oatmeal pancakes?)
Thursday: Slow Cooked Italian Chicken w/ Noodles (new recipe)
Friday: Black Bean & Corn Tacos

What are you eating this week?
Thanks to Laura for hosting Menu Plan Monday!

It's Nice to See You Again

Ah, today I reunited with a number on the scale I hadn't seen since 2003. Since I got pregnant with my oldest, 6 years ago. It's been way too long.

I debated about making this post, because I certainly don't want to come off as one who is bragging.
Because you know what? This didn't happen easily for me.

My weight-loss journey has been a very long one.
One with many ups & downs, and more downs than ups.

I have worked very hard over the past few months to achieve a weight I am happy with.
It's taken a lot of hard work...many hours of exercise, much menu planning, looking endlessly for recipes that are low fat & still enjoyable.
It's doing the daunting task of writing everything down that I eat, measuring servings, going to meetings for motivation, turning to friends for inspiration.
It's meant being selfish at times, putting my need to exercise over my family's wanting to play a game, etc.  (no worries, most of the time it's only 25 minutes!)

So because of all of that, I can post this, because I worked hard for it.
I will have to continue to work hard to maintain this, for the rest of my life.
Exercising and eating well are not a stage. No, it's a lifestlye change I've gradually made over the last 6 years.
Best of all, it's a change I am happy my boys will grow up knowing.
Wheat vs white, diet vs regular, baked vs fried...it may sound trivial or like something to roll your eyes at. but it's good health. I value good health.

There was a day I thought the 120's would not be a number I'd see on the scale again.
I foolishly excused it, telling myself that I'm a mother now, and it's harder for moms to be a healthy weight.

That is true. But being a mom, in my opinion, makes it that much more important to aim for healthiness.
I'm not much away from 130's, but my personal goal was to just even see 129.9 on the scale. Today I saw 129.8 (never thought I'd publicly list my weight...lordy lordy). I could be smaller, thinner, but I am happy. I have this, written here, now, to remind myself I can do it. If the day comes where I don't believe again, I can come back to this.

I am a 29 year old woman who has had 3 pregnancies. I am a woman who doesn't have the money to spend on all fresh-all organic foods. I work with a grocery budget of $150 every 2 weeks.
I stay home, have no gym membership, and a husband who is gone to grad school a few nights a week.
All of that used to be reasons excuses why I was a higher weight, or why I wasn't exercising.
I had no gym. I had a lack of money to eat healthy. I had a body that endured 3 pregnancies.

Guess what? That doesn't matter. A tight budget, using your home as a gym, whatever...it can be done.
This post here, this is my reality check.

These words I am pouring out into the world, right now, are my "hey you!" words.
If I say I can't again, I will read this.
Because I can.
And so can you.

The Great Pretender

That was my parents' song at their wedding reception, back in 1960.
They will be celebrating 50 YEARS of marriage this June 11. We're planning their party,and I can't help but get a lump in my throat.
50 years...it's amazing. Some would say a miracle.
I am so thrilled for them, and I feel so blessed that they are my parents.
If you have any tips or great ideas for a 50th anniversary party, leave me a comment& please share!

Update

Doctor said sinus infection.
Bring on the drugs! (ok, "prescriptions").

God knows I am thankful for our health savings. This was our 3rd trip to the doctor this week, 3rd round of prescriptions for a family member.

 Phew!

One Box By MYSELF

I wish I was talking about girl scout cookies. 
Sadly, I'm talking about Kleenex. 


I've gone through an entire box by myself today, since 8:20 this morning when I bought them at Giant Eagle. :( My poor nose is raw & red, and it doesn't even feel like there is lotion in the tissue any more.


Ick. I am congested, and have an annoying constant drip. I better be prepared if I turn my head, because there is gooey stuff coming out!


Dayquil did nothing to help. 
I bought some Benadryl, and I'm taking it now that it's late enough where I can safely get drowsy.


Ick. Just ick. I feel sick and moms shouldn't be allowed to get sick. 
Anyone wanna come play me for a few days while I sleep this off?

Home Invasion

I experienced a first as a home-owner.
I'd love for it to be my last, but my father nicely insists that it won't be, because life is life.

A stinking VOLE invaded my home. My home I've kept mostly clean, because there are two precious boys inside.
A VOLE. Disgusting.

The way I see it, if I wanted animals in my home, I'd have a pet. And it certainly wouldn't be a vole, or anything resembling a mouse. (for the record, it'd be a dog. Cats are evil)

It was an annoying past 24 hours. Fortunately the stupid animal fell for the trap. Even more fortunate, my heroic neighbor was home to move the critter for me (Pat was at work). I owe my neighbor. I'm thinking Starbucks giftcard.

I thought about posting a picture of a vole, but seriously, that just makes me itch. You can go on & google it for yourself.

God doesn't make mistakes, right?
Then someone tell me what the reason behind these critters is. Anyone?

Home invasion, the first. Please, let it be the only.

I finally figured it out

Brennan. My 2 year old.

I've figured it out.

He has to be 2 boys stuck in one body.
Two boys, energy to match two boys, trapped in his itty bitty body.

How else could you explain his massive amount of energy?
How else could you explain his non-stop jumping on the couch, running around in circles, and so on?

I caught myself saying, yet again, the other day, that sometimes Brennan is like having twins. He is that energetic (often enough), and active.

Then it dawned on me. He must be 2 boys stuck in one body.
I finally figured it out.

Happy Birthday to Perpetua!

Happy 4th Birthday to a girl whose cup will always be at least half-full!

Love ya!

Dum.....DUM!!!!

That's supposed to be "dummmmm" as in a deep bell that rings when you're doomed.
Got it?

So the "dum" is this:
Patrick (my husband) is getting over pink eye and a sinus infection.
My 2yo has not been sleeping well at night.
And today we learned my 5yo ALSO has pink eye (milder than hubby's), and while we were in there with the doctor, he had a coughing fit. The doctor said Aidan also has bronchitis! Joy. (not)

Fortunately neither seems too intense for Aidan, and now that we have his prescriptions, we're hoping it stays mild.
Gack. Too much going around. I pray Brennan & I don't get it.

In an attempt to maintain perspective, I'm listing things that make me happy right now. I saw a list of 10 on someone's blog, so I'll go with that number, too.

10 Things that make me happy right now:

1. Not having to cook dinner today, thanks to a giftcard to Little Caesar's
2. Our car now being paid off. No more car payment.
3. Being that much closer to having 2 other debts completely paid off.
4. My husband not only woke up w/ the kids today, but he also took them to the park & gave me some me-time.
5. I've done the shred for the past 5 days. It feels great.
6. I'll be enjoying the Lean Cuisine Cheesesteak tonight for dinner (after kids are asleep)
7. Menu Planning. Dorky as it sounds, it saves us stress & money. I enjoyed looking at others' menus today.
8. 4 day week!
9. Watching Aidan smile with excitement when he puts on his new Sketchers (compliments of his marmar & buppa0
10. My kids are going to bed soon, my hubby is home tonight, and I have a dvr of shows to watch. 

There. 10 things, though some trivial, that are making me happy right now.

I want my family healthy again. I want my child to sleep again.

But my world could be worse. Let's hope it doesn't. ;)

Menu Plan Monday--January 18, 2010

How was your weekend? I hope it was a good one for you. Fortunately we're still on our weekend, since hubby & my 5yo have off tomorrow for MLK.

We did well staying on our menu last week. I think this week will be pretty easy to stick with, too.

Monday: Little Caesars Pizza (giftcard)
Tuesday: Cola Pork Sandwiches, potatoes, raw carrots (I do mine in slow cooker & it's delicious!)
Wednesday: Vegetable Fried Rice, side tbd (fruit?)
Thursday: Chicken with Apples & Cider (with noodles)
Friday: Pita Pizzas (meatless)

Check out I'm an Organizing Junkie for MPM headquarters! Thanks for stopping by!

You All Are Great

Thanks for boosting me up after my last post.

I do suppose I was like the comic above: Little Miss Crabby Ass.

After your kind words--by the way, you all are the best & I love you for it-- I was feeling better.

My glass if half full today.

I had some good time with my husband.
I had a good weigh-in at Weight Watchers.
Aidan had a wonderful time with his grandparents today.
I've been good to my body.
I have an evening to relax and unwind, with my family safe & sound, healthy, and provided for.

I know we are a single unit as a family. It's us together that makes us work. At times I seem to isolate our roles, and I don't know why. I shouldn't, because it's not the way we function. One person's actions effect another's, just as one person's wages help us all, one person's laundry-washing helps us all, etc.
We work together. All 4 of us.

We're together today. And my glass feels half-full again.

Struggling

I'm struggling right now.

To not feel like a bad mother because my child misbehaves.
To not feel like a lousy mom because of disrespect.

To not feel like a Weight Watchers failure because I gained 1.4 this past week.

To not feel like I fail in my role because I don't contribute to a bank account.

To not feel like an unpleasant person because I am quick-tempered.
To not feel unheard because I pray for patience, I pray to be a better wife & mother, and my actions & words repeat themselves.

I struggle to not feel like a failure.
Perhaps it's the inner perfectionist in me. I'm sure hormones are playing a part, but it just flat out stinks.

It stinks to struggle and feel all of this.
But today, I am.

TGIF! 1st in 2010

Oh, Friday. I'm so glad you're here. Welcome! Please be a good one for us. :)

How was your week?

I actually had a pretty decent week, thank the Lord.
I'll dish out the not-so-good first, but the coolest thing is how much more GOOD I have.

Not-so-good:

• I've had a cough/cold all week that's just draining me. 
• Our fridge is junk and there may be another problem.
• Patrick started classes back this week.
• I gained weight.
• Lady friends-do you find yourselves to be bottomless pits right before your monthly annoyance begins? Oh my goodness, my appetite could have matched any food challenge & won. Every stinking month. 

The Good:

• Aidan has a long weekend! No school today or Monday. :) We're playing some serious Uno later, and maybe watching the Tinkerbell Pirate movie.
• I've teamed up w/ Andrea and started the shred again. 
• We paid off our car! Woo-hoo! If we follow Dave Ramsey's plan strictly, this means we may very well never have a monthly car payment again. Just a car purchase. Wow. I love that we're changing our boys' future (financially) like this. Lessons learned & practiced!
• We stuck to our menu plan.
• Did more organizing
• Started a Google Doc with a list of items for our first garage sale in the spring. Any garage sale tips? Leave them in my comments, please! 
• Aidan's first report card comes next week. 
• I kicked butt w/ following my Motivated Moms planner this week. My house thanks me.
• Brennan napped the other day. It was heavenly. I was able to work out & get a ton of cleaning done, plus watch a CSI episode. It was a good day.

When I list like this, I really see that despite my negativity, I am blessed. Especially when I see the reports on Haiti. Boy do we need to pray for the people of Haiti! 

This weekend isn't anything fancy. Tomorrow my in-laws are coming down, taking Aidan on his "date" with Grandma. She gave him a Kohl's giftcard for Christmas, and they're going shopping tomorrow. He is excited to buy new shirts to wear on school Jeans Days. (so cute)

TGIF! What are your plans?

Wordless Wednesday: Smart

My beautiful niece/goddaughter, who just got her report card & made straight As, again!

Excellent work, Haleigh!

One was 4.5, one was 2.5

For first movie in the theater. :)

Aidan didn't see a movie in the theater until he was 4.5-last year, October, High School Musical 3. (hush, negative comments!)

Brennan got to go to the movies for the first time this past Saturday. Actually, it was the first time we all went as a family. And it was fun!

Our cheap theater runs current movies, and tickets for a matinee were only $2.50. How can you beat that? We went Saturday at noon.
It's not an updated theater-it's the old style, not stadium seating, etc. But none of us cared. It was fun.

Aidan loved the movie. I thought it was pretty cute, too. Loved the music.
Brennan did much better than I expected. Pat did wind up taking him out once or twice, but he was really pretty good.

I loved seeing a Disney movie that was real animation again, not computer-y stuff.
It was very cute, and Aidan has already decided we need to buy this dvd when it comes out.

It's funny, though, the way things can happen for younger siblings sooner, thanks to the older siblings paving the way. I probably would have taken Aidan to the movies at Brennan's age, but that was a very difficult time for us, and we never thought of it seriously.

It was fun. I recommend the movie!

Menu Plan Monday--January 11, 2010

Monday: Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie, salad
Tuesday: Crockpot Ranch Potatoes & Chicken, green beans (maybe w/ pork instead)
Wednesday: Pizza Meatloaf w/ Pasta, salad or broccoli
Thursday: Angel Hair Pasta Chicken
Friday: Taco Pizza (recipe similar to this)

Sick Day

Ick.
Yesterday I woke w/ a decent sore throat, the kind that comes along with the stinging between your eyes and nose, light-headed-ness, etc. So much fun.

I'm about to kick it back with some Benadryl, but I realized I hadn't posted since Thursday. Not that I am very interesting, but still.


Brennan, my 2yo, is asking for ice cream right now. At 7:13 in the morning. While I give the kid credit, um, heck no!

Aidan needs a hair cut. I'm thinking he & daddy should do that today.
If I feel better, he & I might go see The Frog and the Princess. He can be freshly groomed for our date.

If you're on Facebook, you probably noticed people the other day posting just a color. Well, that was linked to women listing colors of their bras.
Perhaps I have a ticket to burn in hell, but I think it's so ridiculous how much it's getting blown out of proportion.
I realize I circle in a pretty conservative group, but come on! Listing how inappropriate it is...posting a color without stating what is represents...assuming that adult men are like children in a candy store, automatically thinking they're going to be in a state of mortal sin or something by reading a color.
Sorry, I don't buy it, and I just feel a tad shocked the number of people who posted updates to disapprove or shake a finger at those of us that did post a color word for a status update.
And gosh, the e-mail I received, it stated to not inform males what is what for. Meaning, to them, it could have been interpreted as us posting our favorite color, or the color of our socks, etc.

I realize I'm crabby from sleeping poorly and being sick, but it makes me roll my eyes and feel like I am not connected to people like I thought I was, if they're over there thinking I am such a bad person for POSTING A COLOR. Seriously?! We are not teenagers. We're not in college any more. We're adults.  Girls talk & post about girl things, much like guys do. If a 30 year old guy gets turned on by reading a color word,  then i feel quite sorry for that guy.

Rant over.

As I said in my title, I am sick. Physically sick, and sick of crap on Facebook and chores that need to be done.

Ugh. My husband will be home in an hour, and I am going back to bed.

This & That

It's coming down. The Christmas tree. I'm ready for my space back & normalcy, but I'll miss it. Most of the other decorations have been down for a week now, but the tree is so cozy w/ nothing else on, sitting on the couch relaxing. Until next year...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Patrick goes back to school next week. It's been so nice having him actually home. I'll miss him, so will the boys. BUT, there is finally light at the end of the tunnel! If everything stays on schedule & according to plan, he will finish off 2010 with his MBA! That makes this all seem so much more tolerable, finally being to this point.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm watching The Biggest Loser for the second time around, thanks to Amy's getting-me-hooked. We finished the season premier last night (even though it came on on Monday). I enjoyed it, but it is very concerning to see how they threw the contestants into a biking marathon. Lat season it started off with a 1-mile race, and they went from that to biking 26 miles?! What the heck?! I just don't think it's safe. Even with medical staff on site. It made me lose some respect for the people behind the scenes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I started The Love Dare. After hearing Crystal talk about it, I thought it sounded like a great idea.
In good timing, I also started reading Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus. I'm enjoying both, and really feeling like my patience is improving. Have you read either of these before?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Weekend plans? Anything exciting?
It's our last weekend here without Pat being busy with school. We're organizing Christmas decorations, he's working some, planning to go to Saturday Vigil Mass, and if the roads aren't too bad, Aidan & I might go see The Princess & the Frog movie. It's at our cheap theater-fun!

Wordless Wednesday: Moving In Weather?

I think not.
But, such was the weather we had a year ago, when we moved into our first house.
With about a foot of snow on the ground.

If given the choice, we will never do a major move in the winter again.

Do You Wanna Know?

All the junk I ate over Christmas break?

Seriously. I know that's an odd thing to bring up, but I think it will surprise many of you. Some of you seem to think I am a health-nut, so I'm going to share. Rest assured, I can pig out like no other, when I allow myself.
And of course I feel the guilt, but I'll touch on that at the end.

Are you ready? You may feel sick to your stomachs, FYI.

Over the break, I gave myself time-off of tracking my points and let myself enjoy food. We ate at my in-laws', enjoyed snacks from others, homemade baked goods, etc, so it didn't all come from our funding.

I ate:

• bacon-wrapped filet
• bacon-wrapped breadsticks
• loaded baked potato
• Vito's Pizza, the best on the planet (as in 6 pieces)
• prime rib
• Little Caesar's
• chocolate
• cookies
• Taco Bell, especially the chili-cheese burrito
• Moose Tracks ice cream
• an entire bag of Garden Salsa Sunchips, by myself
• bread rolls w/ butter
• wine
• Schlotzky's Turkey-Bacon Club
• Pasta. A crazy amount of white pasta.
• Bagels

That's not even all of it, I'm sure. 

But see? I pigged out like no other. That was in 2 weeks' time, people. Kinda gross, huh?

I don't do it all the time. I allowed myself that free range long enough for guilt to set in & pounds to come back on. Not a ton, but I could feel the difference. I very easily feel when I gain or lose weight. (I suppose years on Weight Watchers will do that for ya).

I enjoyed it, but now it's back to being disciplined until the next bout of it, probably over Spring break.

I am back to tracking, and I'm really trying to condition myself again, physically. 

If I happen to get pregnant this year (I am not pregnant, just planning ahead), I want to be in very good physical condition. I want to be the healthiest I have ever been.

And it's a tad vain, but I really want to see if I can get my weight into the 120's again. I am close, but have not reached it yet. It won't last, I am sure, but I really feel I want to challenge myself. 

For exercise I'm trying some new things (still love the shred, but want a break from it):

Cardio Max, level 1. It's On Demand, and oh my goodness, it is tough. The thighs & toosh are feeling it.

Walk Away the Pounds, Family Walk. It's 2 miles. I never got into WATP before, but I'm liking it. It's one I can see myself doing life-long. Easy on the joints, but still effective.

On Demand right now has a 10 minute Yoga for Core. I always thought Yoga was for the tree-huggers and probably easy. WRONG! Ok, maybe it is more hippy-type or something, but it is not easy. Boy was I wrong! My abs were definitely challenged, and many of the moves were things we did in dance.

I did these 3 last night, in this order. I plan to stick with this routine for this week & see what it does come weigh-in time.

It really is amazing how good you feel mentally after exercising. I dread doing it much of the time, but so glad I've done it once it's done.

Menu Plan Monday--January 4, 2010

Happy New Year!!
2010...wonder how long it will take for that to sound normal. It looks so much more futuristic than 2009, doesn't it?
Another year, hopefully more healthy meals that actually taste good. ;)

Monday: Crockpot Applesauce Chicken, barely
Tuesday:  Seared Chicken with Pan Gravy
Wednesday: Scrambled eggs, toast, applesauce
Thursday: Black Bean & Corn Quesadillas
Friday: Bean Burritos w/ all the fixins

When I was His Age...

What were you like when you were your kids' age?

I got to thinking about this last night. There are so many differences from generation to generation, but when it comes down to it, it seems kids are kids.

I don't really recall what I was like at Brennan's age, being that he is not even 3 years old.

I do remember being Aidan's age, though. Aidan is going on 6.

When I was Aidan's age:
-I went to half-day kindergarten. I rode the bus with my oder brother & sister (A-8).
-I was incredibly shy.
-I loved the cartoon Inspector Gadget. I would get up early to watch it, at 7:30. Yes, 7:30 was getting up early for me! (unlike my kids)

-I went to kindergarten in the a.m., took the bus home, then often had a tv dinner for lunch w/ my mom. I thought it was the coolest thing. I remember watching Ryan's Hope and then Days of Our Lives with her.

-When I was Aidan's age, I rode in the front seat of the car. And by 5, I was not in a car seat.
-I shared a room, bunkbeds, with my brother John. We're 17 months apart in age.
-By Aidan's age, I had seen many, many horror films, including The Exorcist.

-I loved running errands with my mother. I remember most driving down one road--Ryan Rd, before it was widened, and taking it a few miles to Kmart. Also the meat store, and the dry cleaners, where they always gave me a penny for their gumball machine. I believed I was the only kid that special.

-I loved My Little Pony, She-Ra, and I was entering the world of Gem (maybe a tad later). When my brother wasn't looking, I would snatch his He-Man action figures and make them date my She-Ra.

Times have changed. It's fun to look back like this, and I hope that by this post, Aidan can one day find it and read to see what my childhood was like, compared to his own.

What were you like when you were your kid's age?

The Past Decade

It was my 20's.

It was a very milestone-filled decade for me, probably more so than any I will experience until my kids go off & marry & become parents, themselves.

This decade, 2000's...

I survived Y2K! (snicker, kidding)
I turned 20, and 21... :)

I met Patrick (January 2000), my husband.

Endured my 1st terrorism even in the world, 9-11. It forever changed my patriotic spirit, views of the military, and built in me a fear of flying.

2002 was a big year: got engaged, graduated college w/ my BS, moved from SC to MI, lived completely on my own, began my first professional job using my degree (taught 1st grade). Had my own health benefits. Big year.

2003: I got married, went on Hawaii for our honeymoon, and 6 weeks later got pregnant. I taught another year.

2004: I became a mother. I experienced depression for the 1st time. My heart grew. My oldest was Baptized.

I joined Weight Watchers 3 different times this past decade. It took the 3rd time for me to reach my goal weight.

I tried Jazzercise, Atkins, joined a gym for a short time.

I learned to cook and plan meals.

I had a 2nd pregnancy. I had my 1st miscarriage.

I had a 3rd pregnancy. He woke us up at 5:15 this morning. :)

This past decade, I: waited tables, tutored in college, did my student teaching, worked at Walgreens, taught 1st grade in a Catholic school, worked a day in Chili's restaurant, worked at CVS, Sylvan Learning online, Dollar Tree.

I drove my 1st car, a Honda Civic. I paid off my 1st car.
We bought our 1st minivan, and still drive it today.

I witnessed many friends getting married, lost both of my grandmothers, lost my uncle/godfather and another close family friend.

I started this blog.
I made incredible new friends.

We got our first laptop, palm pilot, i-pod, i-pod touch, joined MySpace (bla), Facebook, Twitter. Gained the awesome DVR, fell in love with CSI, Lost, Dancing with the Stars, The Office, that's-what-she-said jokes, Grey's Anatomy, & much more. We bid farewell to Friends, Everybody Loves Raymond, and MONK, too. (happy, Sue?;)

Gained 8 new nieces/nephews, 2 sisters-in-law, and 2 brothers-in-law. Also 3 new godchildren.

We bought our 1st house. We endured Financial Peace University.

We developed a clear plan for our future.

Our future is happening now, and we are starting this decade off in a much better way than the last one.

I feel this is going to be another milestone-full next 10 years. I feel it will be a decade where we become debt-free, maybe even including our mortgage, hopefully have another baby (or two), buy another car paying cash, watch my husband graduate with his MBA, buy another, bigger, more permanent house.
(not in all that order;)

I raise my glass (ok, coffee cup) to the end of the 2000's, appreciating the good that it brought, and welcoming the new decade. Here here!