Friday, April 9, 2010
The Blue Bubblegum Mohawk
This morning at 6:15 a.m. my bathroom light turned on. It woke me up. I sleepily asked who turned it on. It was Ethan. I said, groggy and annoyed, "Ethan, what are you doing?" He replied, "I'm cutting gum out of my hair!" Not the kind of project you want to wake up to. "Ethan, put the scissors down and I'll help you get the gum out in five minutes. I need to wake up first! Give me a minute." I quickly get my whits about me and stumble out of bed to my bathroom. I thought this would be just a wad of gum in one place in his hair. No such luck. This child, I kid you not, had blue gum in a straight line from his forehead bangs, across the top of his head, down the back of his head ending in a big mess of gum on the skin on the back of his neck! I ran to get the camera so I could remember this precious moment-and to prove to Todd that mornings with our boys are hectic to say the least. But alas-dead battery! Ugh! Unbelievable, a bubblegum mohawk at six freakin' thirty in the morning!! Not to mention, Ethan had cut a couple of nice chunks of gum laden hair from his bangs with my cuticle scissors! I'm thinking to myself-how am I going to get this all out? I ran downstairs to get the Goo Gone. After a soaking application, I began to pull the gum residue from his hair. It took awhile and whallah-gum gone! Now I had to figure out how to fix the bad haircut. I hate it when my kids cut their hair.(talk about a hair raising experience not to mention anguish about how to fix the damage.) A barber girl I am not. A snip here a snip there and he looked pretty Ok. I tried my best. After a shower and shampoo, I sent him off to catch the bus. I was exhausted and it was only 7:55 a.m. This child is going to be the death of me. I know, I know, some day I'm going to look back on this and laugh. However, today, not so much!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Random Ramblings
It's pretty pathetic that my life is so seemingly boring that I haven't had a thing to blog about in 6 weeks! So here are some random ramblings: 
THIS IS IT! A couple weeks ago I rented the Michael Jackson movie "This is It." In one word: AMAZING! I had been wanting to see it. Keep in mind that I was a 15-16 year old, living through the era of Michael Jackson when he was in his King of Pop prime. MTV was pretty new to the scene and M.J.'s "Thriller" song and video was all the rage. In the mid 80's everybody loved and listened to Michael Jackson's music.
I am so glad I watched the movie! It reminded me of just what an amazingly talented person he was. He was a phenomenal performing genius! On the flip side, I feel really bad about the fact that he was plagued by so many personal demons during his life. Sad, that despite all of his talent he had to resort to such powerful drugs just to sleep...drugs that would later cause his ultimate and oh so early, demise. What an incredible loss. I would have paid for tickets to see his "This is It" tour. If you haven't seen the movie-I highly recommend it. You'll see what I mean.
Today, Todd and I took the kids to see the new Percy Jackson Lighting Thieves movie. Cole was so excited to see it. He just finished reading the last book in the series a couple of months ago, and thoroughly enjoyed each and every book. For Cole, that's a big deal. He unfortunately, is not a big reader. However, he couldn't get enough of this series. Cole said for him, it was the equivalent of the Twilight series for me. (And you know how much I loved and anticipated the movies.) The movie was exciting and entertaining. It was well cast, too. I can see why he likes the books. I might even be enticed to read them now.
In the last month, I've been able to spend some much needed time with girlfriends. Friends from my old neighborhood as well as my new one. On more than one occasion, I have really felt grateful for my friends. I can't imagine my life without them! Something about getting together with other women just fulfills a need that cannot be filled any other way. Women just understand each other-and we love to talk-about just about ANYTHING! I always come home a little lighter, a little happier and just plain grateful for girlfriends! They are the perfect balance of sugar and spice in my life.
O.K., enough rambling for one day.
THIS IS IT! A couple weeks ago I rented the Michael Jackson movie "This is It." In one word: AMAZING! I had been wanting to see it. Keep in mind that I was a 15-16 year old, living through the era of Michael Jackson when he was in his King of Pop prime. MTV was pretty new to the scene and M.J.'s "Thriller" song and video was all the rage. In the mid 80's everybody loved and listened to Michael Jackson's music.
I am so glad I watched the movie! It reminded me of just what an amazingly talented person he was. He was a phenomenal performing genius! On the flip side, I feel really bad about the fact that he was plagued by so many personal demons during his life. Sad, that despite all of his talent he had to resort to such powerful drugs just to sleep...drugs that would later cause his ultimate and oh so early, demise. What an incredible loss. I would have paid for tickets to see his "This is It" tour. If you haven't seen the movie-I highly recommend it. You'll see what I mean.
Today, Todd and I took the kids to see the new Percy Jackson Lighting Thieves movie. Cole was so excited to see it. He just finished reading the last book in the series a couple of months ago, and thoroughly enjoyed each and every book. For Cole, that's a big deal. He unfortunately, is not a big reader. However, he couldn't get enough of this series. Cole said for him, it was the equivalent of the Twilight series for me. (And you know how much I loved and anticipated the movies.) The movie was exciting and entertaining. It was well cast, too. I can see why he likes the books. I might even be enticed to read them now.
In the last month, I've been able to spend some much needed time with girlfriends. Friends from my old neighborhood as well as my new one. On more than one occasion, I have really felt grateful for my friends. I can't imagine my life without them! Something about getting together with other women just fulfills a need that cannot be filled any other way. Women just understand each other-and we love to talk-about just about ANYTHING! I always come home a little lighter, a little happier and just plain grateful for girlfriends! They are the perfect balance of sugar and spice in my life.
O.K., enough rambling for one day.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
The Toolbox
Today, I realized that I did not come with a full toolbox when it comes to solving problems and generally dealing with my kids. Not only did I not bring to parenthood the tools that I needed, but I also didn't get an instruction manual, either. I didn't get a caution or warning label and I certainly did not get a promise that satisfaction would be guaranteed. Today, I am unsatisfied with my parenting and my kids. To tell you the truth, some days I wonder why my children were sent to me to be their mother. I just don't have the tools I tell you. When I asked Todd this question today, he said that, " they were sent to me so that I could learn." To which I promptly replied, "Yea, like what?" Didn't think about that one before it flew out of my mouth. What more could I possibly NEED to LEARN? Um, like how to accumulate some more tools for that toolbox? Where can I go to find the answers I'm looking for to solve the issues I'm having with my kids? My Mom's answer to that question would be simply to pray and read the scriptures. Can it be that easy? Will the answers come? O ye of little faith?
I'm just feeling a little overwhelmed, O.K., maybe today a lot overwhelmed with the responsibilities of parenthood and how to deal with all of the challenges my kids are bringing to the table as of late. I need some more tools in my toolbox, like how to nail Cole's butt down to the chair so that he can get his homework done and put the screws to him about how important grades are and that his performance in school will be in direct correlation to the kind of adult he becomes. Does he care? Nope. Or all the times I try to hammer into Ethan's head the importance of being kind to his friends and cousins, including everyone and sharing and not saying mean things when he doesn't get his way. And that yes, reading is important, everyday to become a good reader. Maybe I'm not motivating them the right ways...Maybe I'm not....Maybe I need to.... Maybe, just maybe, I need to turn this over to the Lord. He'll know. He'll send me the tools I need, right?
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Note to Self
I just updated the quote of the day (see right). I'm thinking my life would be so much better and easier if I were taking heed to the things in that quote! Why, oh why, is it so hard for me to read my scriptures on a consistant basis? Or, at all some months. I really could use those promises in my life right now. I think I'll dust off my B of M tonight and do some readin'! If you have any suggestions on how you make scripture reading work in your life, I could use some.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Try These! Sweet and Spicy, Cool and Crunchy
Been awhile, huh? We celebrated my birthday on Oct. 28th (whoopee!!) and Ethan's on Nov. 8th. In between, both he and I have been sick--him with the lovely H1N1 for a stinkin' week! We're both feeling better thank goodness! I wanted to post Halloween pics but can't seem to find where Todd downloaded them so I'll save that for another time. It's been a crazy couple of weeks!
Last night I made these! De-lish! They are the perfect balance of sweet and spicy & cool and crunchy. I'm addicted to any lettuce wraps so when I found this recipe, I wanted to try them. Even my picky Ethan ate two and said they were really good! (Which he rarely does and says.) I highly recommend these, even though they're not really "Fall fare". They would be awesome in the summertime, though.
If you try these, I'd love to have your review on a scale of 1-10 and any other comments you'd like to share.
P.F. C's Lettuce Wraps
1-2 heads bibb/butter lettuce (depends on the size of your family and the size of lettuce head)
Rinsed, spun dry in salad spinner and refrigerated to get really cold
Chicken Mixture:
1 1/3 lbs. ground chicken (I bought @Maceys)
1 sm. can water chestnuts, drained & chopped
2/3 c. fresh mushrooms, chopped
3 green onions, chopped white & green parts
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
Bring 1 TBL. canola oil to high heat in lg frying pan or wok. Saute the chicken til done. Add rest of ingred. Cook until mushrooms are done sweating. Drain any juice/oil. Add stir fry sauce and simmer 4-5 min. more on low heat.
Stir Fry Sauce:
1/2 c. soy sauce
1/2 c. brown sugar
2 tsp. rice vinegar
Special Sauce:
1/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. water
2 Tbl. soy sauce
2 Tbl. rice vinegar
2 Tbl. catsup
1 Tbl. lemon
1/4 tsp. sesame oil
1/2-1 tsp. siracha chili sauce
Assemble lettuce wraps by spooning filling into bibb lettuce cup. Top with special sauce and white rice. ( You could also add matchstick carrots and red bell peppers sliced thin.)Fold up like a taco and devour!
Last night I made these! De-lish! They are the perfect balance of sweet and spicy & cool and crunchy. I'm addicted to any lettuce wraps so when I found this recipe, I wanted to try them. Even my picky Ethan ate two and said they were really good! (Which he rarely does and says.) I highly recommend these, even though they're not really "Fall fare". They would be awesome in the summertime, though.
If you try these, I'd love to have your review on a scale of 1-10 and any other comments you'd like to share.
P.F. C's Lettuce Wraps
1-2 heads bibb/butter lettuce (depends on the size of your family and the size of lettuce head)
Rinsed, spun dry in salad spinner and refrigerated to get really cold
Chicken Mixture:
1 1/3 lbs. ground chicken (I bought @Maceys)
1 sm. can water chestnuts, drained & chopped
2/3 c. fresh mushrooms, chopped
3 green onions, chopped white & green parts
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
Bring 1 TBL. canola oil to high heat in lg frying pan or wok. Saute the chicken til done. Add rest of ingred. Cook until mushrooms are done sweating. Drain any juice/oil. Add stir fry sauce and simmer 4-5 min. more on low heat.
Stir Fry Sauce:
1/2 c. soy sauce
1/2 c. brown sugar
2 tsp. rice vinegar
Special Sauce:
1/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. water
2 Tbl. soy sauce
2 Tbl. rice vinegar
2 Tbl. catsup
1 Tbl. lemon
1/4 tsp. sesame oil
1/2-1 tsp. siracha chili sauce
Assemble lettuce wraps by spooning filling into bibb lettuce cup. Top with special sauce and white rice. ( You could also add matchstick carrots and red bell peppers sliced thin.)Fold up like a taco and devour!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Just the Best Breadsticks
I've decided to add a recipe of the week to my blog. Last night I made homemade Lentil Soup and these delectable breadsticks. They are quick and easy and just the best. They would be great with your family's favorite soup or pasta dish-like spaghetti. YUM! I had some leftover Alfredo sauce and the breadsticks from last night were pretty darn good dipped in that today, for a snack-or lunch;) Give them a try. You won't be disappointed.
Just the Best Breadsticks
1 1/2 c. warm water
1 TBL. instant yeast ( I used the quick kind)
2 TBL. sugar
3 1/2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
Mix all ingred. together in a lg. bowl or electric mixer with dough hook. (I used my Kitchen Aid stand mixer.) Let knead for three minutes. Turn off machine and let the dough rest for ten minutes. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and spray with non-stick spray. Flour your working surface. With a rolling pin, roll out dough to 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick. Using a pizza cutter, cut 1 inch strips. Twist each strip and place on baking sheet about 1/4 inch apart. Sprinkle with garlic powder and grated parmesan cheese. (Or, use whatever herbs your family likes: Italian seasoning, rosemary, thyme, poppy seed, sesame seed, Mrs. Dash.) Cover with a towel or plastic wrap sprayed with non-stick spray. Set in a warm place and let rise for 30 min. Bake 15-20 min. until golden brown. Remove from oven. While hot, using a basting brush, coat each breadstick with melted butter. Sprinkle more parmesan if desired. Enjoy!
Just the Best Breadsticks
1 1/2 c. warm water
1 TBL. instant yeast ( I used the quick kind)
2 TBL. sugar
3 1/2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
Mix all ingred. together in a lg. bowl or electric mixer with dough hook. (I used my Kitchen Aid stand mixer.) Let knead for three minutes. Turn off machine and let the dough rest for ten minutes. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and spray with non-stick spray. Flour your working surface. With a rolling pin, roll out dough to 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick. Using a pizza cutter, cut 1 inch strips. Twist each strip and place on baking sheet about 1/4 inch apart. Sprinkle with garlic powder and grated parmesan cheese. (Or, use whatever herbs your family likes: Italian seasoning, rosemary, thyme, poppy seed, sesame seed, Mrs. Dash.) Cover with a towel or plastic wrap sprayed with non-stick spray. Set in a warm place and let rise for 30 min. Bake 15-20 min. until golden brown. Remove from oven. While hot, using a basting brush, coat each breadstick with melted butter. Sprinkle more parmesan if desired. Enjoy!
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