Tuesday, July 31, 2012

PB Chocolate Chip Cake Cookies

Once upon a time I was a high school kid getting ready to head to college.  My brother and I were going to live in an apartment together and I didn't know how to cook (hard to believe, I know).  My long time childhood, middle school, high school BFF did cook.  One big problem.  She was going to OU and I was heading to NSU.  Have no despair.  She put together a cook book for me full of my favorite things she knew how to make.  Gosh, I love her.

One of the recipes she added was my all time favorite cookie made from cake batter.  They are so simple and delicious.  I could eat them all.  No, really.  I ate them all once.  That was back when I could see all my abs and weighed about 115 lbs.

I digress.  Without further ado I would like to introduce the best cookies ever...

PB Chocolate Chip Cake Cookies
2 eggs
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup butter/margarine
1 cup peanut butter
1 package yellow cake mix
1/2 package chocolate chips

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees
  • Beat eggs, water, butter, peanut butter, and half of cake mix (dry).
  • Stir in remaining cake mix and chocolate chips.
  • Bake 10-12 minutes
Told you it was easy!  You might want to go ahead and pick up two boxes of yellow cake mix because you'll have some chocolate chips left over.  You wouldn't want those to go to waste would you?

Monday, July 30, 2012

Menu Monday

YIKES!  I'm pretty late getting this week's menu up.  I blame it solely on the Olympics.  Here's the menu...

Monday-Chili Con Queso Pasta, Corn Saute
Tuesday-Key West Chicken Skewers, Brown Rice, Honey Balsamic Zucchini and Carrots
Wednesday-Dinner Out Before Church (supporting our beliefs)
Thursday-Fajita Bake
Friday-Pizza Bread and Salad
Saturday-Crispy SW Chicken Wraps, Fresh Raw Veggies
Sunday-Dinner at Mom's

Friday, July 27, 2012

The Middle Child

Little Miss.  My only precious little girl in a world of boys.  Two brothers. Two boy cousins. Boy, girl, boy, boy, boy.  That's the order of her in the boy world.  On so many levels she fits right in.  Just yesterday she was working with a shovel showing the boys how to dig a good hole in the empty lot near us.  She was the dirtiest of them all and it didn't phase her one bit. Two hours later she was playing dress up with her Minnie doll.  She's a tom boy and girly-girl all wrapped up in one spunky body.


My Tom Boy.  Notice she wanted her shoes off.  Not five seconds after I snapped this did she have a fist full of mud making a mud castle.  She was also torturing her brother by pretending to chunk mud at him.  She's an ornery one.




My Girly Girl.  She enjoyed the make-up, crown, pretty dress, and sparkly shoes more than the candy.  She whirled and twirled the entire night and looked to Steven for approval.  He's a good daddy for a girl.  She doesn't get overlooked him, and she knows it.

 

She's such a perfect blend of sugar and spice.  She's sassy, but sweet.  Loving, but ornery.  She's daring, but...daring.  She's a little risk taker and fears few things.  She's a...she's a...she's a little replica of me.  God knew what he was doing when he gave us just one girl.  She's all the girl we could handle.  Thankfully, she's got part Daddy in her too.  The world would be a bit scary if there were two of me.  You all know what I'm talking about!

Thursday, July 26, 2012

An Encourager Like His Daddy

My husband.  I just love him.  My Little Man.  I just love him. He is so much a little white replica of his father.  He walks like him, talks like him, and encourages like him.  There are few people who can take their kind of encouragement.  I can take it.  It annoys me, but I can take it.  Case in point.

In May I was working hard to improve my 5k time for an upcoming race.  I was running about 3.1 miles in 33 minutes, and I wanted to get it down to under 30 minutes.  Steven knew my goal and was supportive in his own competitive spirit way.

When I would head out for my runs, Steven would take the kids out to play and wait for me to complete my my first 1.5 miles (the loop I take in the neighborhood is exactly 1.5 miles).  He would shout out my time, and then yell, "14:08.  Pick it up, babe."  Geez, I was keeping a good pace.  I was going to finish well under 30 minutes, but apparently he wanted me to finish in 27 minutes.  His goal for me.  Not my goal.  I didn't get a 'good job'.  I didn't get a 'well done'.  I got a 'pick it up'.

Despite my annoyance at his kind of encouragement, it did make me work harder.  If he had good jobbed me, I would have slowed it up knowing I was already under the pace I set for myself.  His hard nosed encouragement worked.  It allowed me to finish my race in 28:16 (official time).
(me and my gal pal, Jackie)

I tell you about Steven's unconventional encouraging tactics so you can appreciate Little Man's encouraging ways.  The night before my race, Steven ran.  Of course he finished in 21:34.  Yes, he ran 3.1 miles in 21:34.  He placed 4th in his age group.  An amazing job.  Of course he wasn't happy because he didn't win.  Such a competitive man.

Anyway, since Steven runs fast he was in the lead group.  We were waiting for him to finish when the walkers passed by us at the tail end.  Little Man was getting bored so he bent down and started playing with some chat in the road.  He was right at the edge where the walkers were passing by.  I didn't even think he was paying attention until he looked up at the rather large lady right in front of him, moving very slow, and said, "Man, PICK IT UP!"  

The lady had to have heard him.  I wanted to die.  My friend, whose husband was also running, died from laughing.  I totally chalked this experience up to him being like his father.

If you think that is bad, it gets worse.  

A few days ago, we were at our neighborhood pool and Jackie's sister was working with her oldest girl trying to get her comfortable with jumping in.  The poor thing was so fearful of the deep end.  She stood so close to the edge ready to jump, but just couldn't bring herself to the actual plunge.  My heart went out to her.  Wanting so badly to do something, but not being able to take that last little step.  Then Little Man swims by and offers his two cents, "Man, you've been standing there FOREVER!"

Yes, another 'I Want To Crawl In a Hole' moment brought to you by Little Man.  At times he is so compassionate and caring, just like his father, but when it comes to physical activity he only understands one mentality.  It goes along the lines of do it to the fullest or don't do it at all.  Just like his father.

Now here's the true confession time.  My friends pointed out the other night that I am the same way.  We were discussing a run that two of my friends did.  One friend piped up that I would have not enjoyed it because there were so many walkers that made it impossible for you to run the entire race. I'm not one to pay money to enjoy a leisure run. If I'm going to run a race, it will be for a purpose.  That's why I've only done 3 races in my entire life.

This next part is very insensitive of me, and I know it...now.  (Thank you, Jackie, Erica, and Melinda for helping me see the error in my ways).  I said to the girls, "I just don't understand why on Earth you would do a race and walk the entire thing.  Unless you're a speed walker or something."

Their faces just dropped and then they started laughing.  They know me too well.  Erica, the wonderful fitness instructor, said, "Amanda, for some people getting off the couch and beginning that first step is a big deal.  Walking the entire 3.1 miles is even a bigger deal."

And then I hung my head in shame...

I am just like my husband, and our competitive spirits have been compounded into one little, tiny boy named Little Man.  May his competitors and coaches be able to handle all of him.  Amen.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Thoughts on CFA and Ellen

I am under no illusion that this post is controversial.  I try very hard to avoid controversy. I don't like drama, but sometimes I speak out. Now is one of those times.

I'm pretty sure you all know I'm a Christian.  I spend a great deal of time working to live similar to how Jesus lived on this Earth, demonstrating love, compassion, and sharing truth.  Jesus rarely showed anger (there was the one time in the temple).  He showed love and truth.  He corrected with truth and love. I am far from being just like Jesus, but I try.

In light of Don Cathy's, owner of Chick-fil-a (CFA), statement regarding not support gay marriage, I've read so many things that slap my Jesus, my God, and other Christians in the face.  I have a problem with that.  Just as I would have a problem with someone spreading non-truths about my friends or family.

Honestly, I don't care if you are a customer of Chick-fil-a or not.  We are.  We love Chick-fil-a, but I don't care if you do.  It's not about supporting a business or not supporting. It's about truth.

I am a believer that the Bible is true.  The whole entire Bible.  Not just the parts I want to be true.  There are times I discover new truths in the Bible and it has me adjusting the way I think and the way I conduct myself. Since I believe the entire Bible is true, I do not feel like I get to pick and choose what I want to follow.  Hence, I am the one who changes.  Not the Bible.

There are a lot of misconceptions about people who follow Christ, mainly because there are a few crazies that call themselves 'christians', and don't live the Christian life.  I am by NO means perfect, but I do try to live what I believe.  As far as gay marriage, I believe it's wrong, just as I believe cheating on your spouse (physically or emotionally) is wrong.

I know many gay/lesbian people.  Do I hate them?  Not at all.  I know many people who have cheated on their spouses.  Do I hate them?  Not at all.  Both groups of people made their choices (yes, I believe in both cases you choose to do what your flesh wants).  I love both groups of people as individuals, but I hate the sin.  Love the sinner, hate the sin.  There is such a love.  I promise.  Others would like to classify me as a judgemental hater, and there is little I can do to change their mind.  I'm okay with that.  I'll just continue to try and live as closely as how Christ lived, and let that be my action to show others.  After all, talk is cheap.

Now that I've given you my Biblical stance on marriage, I want to talk about Ellen.  Is she a lesbian?  Yep.  Do I boycott her show?  Nope.  In fact, I find her show very entertaining.  My sister-in-law (also containing the exact same beliefs as me) and I dream of going to one of her live shows.  It's on our bucket list.  There are many things I love about Ellen.  I love her giving spirit.  She has blessed and continues to bless a lot of people and organizations in need.  I may not agree with her lifestyle, but I don't hate her.  I don't hate her show.

And now, my controversial post is over.  Whew!  I welcome any comments you have on this matter, but they must be respectful.  If not, I will delete them, because I am the author of this blog and what I say goes.  Ahhh, I just love power!!!! ;)

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

The Dying Breed

I'm getting ready to exit out of a dying breed.  The dying breed.  The breed of person who has a prehistoric cell phone.

For humor purposes, I'd like to show you my phone.  You can laugh.  It is funny.


Okay, so it's not THAT bad, but it's bad.  Here's what I really have...


I'm just one of those people who goes by, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."  OR, in this case, "If it ain't broke, don't get a new one."

My phone for the last three years has served me well.  I can do what it was intended for...contact people in the ways I like to contact them.  Three years ago, this was a smartphone.  Today it is a dinosaur phone.  However, I've had a difficult time coming to terms with replacing it.  Why spend money on a new phone when I have a phone that works.  Sure it's embarrassing when people say can't you look it up on your phone?  Well, sure I can.  Do you have a couple of hours?

Despite the embarrassment, the phone works, or was working.  As of now it is dropping calls left and right and it no longer takes pictures, but it's still hanging on.  I want the thing to completely DIE before I shell out the $100 for the iPhone charge (I've been eligible for a credit towards a new phone for over a year now).

I realize I could get a free phone to replace it but it's not what I really want.  Now that I've been exposed to my iPad (free of course), I want the phone that goes with it so I can share all my info with both devices and pretend that I'm ultra techy.  Key word, pretend.

Now, if any of you would like to donate to my iPhone fund you can send donations to...

Rescue Amanda From Rotary Dial 
123 Crazy Lane
Ihaveissues, OK


Monday, July 23, 2012

RL Winner and Menu Monday

Some of you may be foaming at the bit to know who won the $20 gift certificate to the Fall/Winter Rhea Lana of South Tulsa event.  Welp, after plugging the numbers in to the random number generator, the winner is...

DAWN CHESSER!!!

Congrats Dawn!  Shoot me an email at WispClips@hotmail.com for directions on how to claim your prize!

Now for this week's menu...

Monday-Garlic Chicken, Zucchini Boats, Buttered Bread
Wednesday-Balsamic Chicken Pasta, Crescent Rolls
Friday-Spaghetti and Meatballs, Green Beans, Italian Bread
Sunday-Dinner @ Mom's

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Hell Hath Frozen Over

RL $$$ Giveaway still going strong.  Enter here.

My beautiful baby boy is STILL waking once a night.  Little booger.  Good thing he's cute because I don't get up for everybody.  In fact, I get up for few people.

Since Chubby Cheekers is waking me, I have quit my morning exercise routine for sleep. After all sleep is an intricate part of health.  At least that's the excuse I use.  However, I am already up and on mile 1 by the time you even read this.  I never thought I would do this.  Ever.  The only thing I can equate to me getting up early and waking during the night is...

Hell has frozen over,
the pigs have flown,
and the fat lady sang.

I AM UP!

Tomorrow is going to be even worse.  I'll be up and at a friend's Bootcamp at 5:30am!  The fat lady is really singing on this one.  All this exercise is simply because I'm still jiggling in the mid section, and the only thing that should be jiggling is jello.  Not me.  I'm living with a new motto...


But, honestly, I may be running forever to stop all that I got goin' on.



Wednesday, July 18, 2012

I Love Joe...A Lot

Rhea Lana $20 Gift Certificate is available for giveaway here.

For the past three years, I've had two loves.  Steven and Joe.  I don't really talk about Joe much because he's kind of my dirty little secret.  He's a little pick me up when I'm feeling low.  Joe and I first met shortly after having Little Miss.  She was having difficulties sleeping at night which was giving me difficulties waking up in the morning.  Without Joe, I would be sluggish.  I would pull myself from bed and Steven would have Joe ready to go.  My hot cup of joe!

Now I enjoy one small cup of coffee every morning.  Heavy on the hazelnut creamer.  I used to think drinking coffee was ridiculous.  If you were tired, then go to bed earlier.  Then I had multiple kids and I began to realize sleep was a luxury I only get to enjoy on rare occasions.

So here's to all you coffee drinkers reading this blog and sipping on your coffee.  Enjoy my friends, enjoy!

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Rhea Lana of South Tulsa

Giveaway ends Sunday, July 22nd at 9pm.  Winner announced Monday, July 23rd.

If you are looking for a little (or a lot) of extra cash look no further than your kids' closets.  Back to School ads are already in full force and we all know that heading back to school can get expensive.  Whether you are planning to shop and/or consign, Rhea Lana of South Tulsa really is the way to go.



If you're like me and you need to see for yourself the ladies of Rhea Lana have put all the information you need to know right at your fingertips.  Here are all the ways you can get in contact with them...


(www.southtulsa.rhealana.com)

Email
christa@rhealana.com

Phone Number
1.479.872.8612

I really suggest you join their mailing list AND 'Like'-ing them on Facebook.  It's just perfect for updating you on sales and information.  They don't bombard your email with unnecessary junk or post ridiculous items into your feed.  They only update you on pertinent information that keeps you informed of deals, tips, and giveaways.  Speaking of giveaways, I've got one for you right now!!!!!!!!

How about a $20 Gift Certificate to the sale???

Of course I'm going to ask you to do something.  First put your left hand on your right cheek palm side out.  Then lift up your left foot.  While holding your hand to your face and lifting up your left foot, hop three times. Did you do it?  Of course not.  That would be ridiculous (however, if you did do it, will you tell me so I can laugh?).  

In all seriousness, I'm only going to ask you to...
  • Join their mailing list from their website.
                             OR
If you do both, guess what?  I'll give you two entries 'cause I'm generous like that.  All you have to do is leave a comment telling me what you did.  If you do not have a Google Account, you can leave a comment under 'Anonymous' (just leave your name in the comment).  

If you have already joined their mailing list and/or 'Like' Rhea Lana of South Tulsa, you are not out of luck.  Just let me know and I will count ya' in...and I will be checking people!!!  No liar, liar pants of fire-s.  Got it! Don't make me pull out my teacher skills on cheatin' and lyin'.  Them are some fine tuned skills...



Monday, July 16, 2012

Menu Monday

My wittle, bitty, baby turns 5 months old today.  FIVE.  Where has the time gone?  He's such a little blessing  to our family.  Little Miss and Little Man adore him, and his parents are wrapped around his chubby little thighs.  Gosh, that boy melts my heart.

Today I will sit and rock him and hold him and kiss him and talk baby talk to him all day long.  Then maybe, just maybe, I'll make his brother, sister, and dad some dinner.  Maybe.  I do have something planned though...

Monday-Hamburgers, Pineapple Salsa and Tortilla Chips
Tuesday-(I still haven't made this) Sweet-n-Sour Chicken, Veggie Saute with Brown Rice
Wednesday-Chicken Tortilla Bake and Salad
Thursday-Man Pleasing Chicken, Wild Rice, Green Beans with Onions
Friday-DaTe NiGhT +1 (Chubby Cheekers goes where the milk twins go)
Saturday-Pizza, Salad, Cheesy Bread
Sunday-Dinner @ Mom's, right Mom, right?  Hint, hint!

Friday, July 13, 2012

Not Too Bad

I'm rounding out my second successful week of entertaining and caring for five kids.  I honestly thought the first six months with the babies and three older kids would leave me completely exhausted and frazzled by the end of each day.  It hasn't.  In fact, I've really enjoyed my time with them.  Maybe because I know these are the LAST babies for our families.  I'm trying to cherish every single moment.  Even the poopy ones.  Literally.  The poopy ones.  No pun intended!

I know there are a few of you out there that read this blog that find me completely nuts for keeping 5 kids under the age of five, and two of those being a 2.5 and 5 month old, at my house.  I've found it useless to convince people I am, in fact, not crazy, so instead I'll give you three reasons as to why I am crazy for doing this.

REASON #1:  I wipe way more butts in one day than any human should endure for a week.  Each of the big kids poop at least once a day.  Right there that's 3 sets of cheeks.  Then the babies each poop at least 3 times each. There's 6 more wipe ups.  Basically I spend the majority of my day with toilet paper or wipes in my hand.

REASON #2:  I never have the use of both hands at one time doing something for me.  If I'm checking email, one hand is typing and the other hand is either bottle feeding Mr. Fluffy Pants or rubbing Chubby Cheekers gums.  I now find myself unable to keep both hands focused on the same task at once.  I think they developed A.D.D.


REASON #3:  The thought of having another baby crosses my mind often (don't worry honey...I'll listen to you when you say, "We are DONE!").  I think this because there are WAY too many penises in this house during the day.  I have seen more bolas in these last two weeks than I care to see for a lifetime!  I need some more girl parts around here.


I'm sure there are more reasons to share, but I'll close with that.  Now, go.  Be with your one or two kids and say, "Thank goodness I'm not Amanda Torres!"  It's okay.  I'll understand.  I'll understand that it appears to be crazy, but yet it's so rewarding.  Rarely do people get to have a relationship with their nephews like I have with mine.  Even in the frustrating moments, I wouldn't change it for the world!  I love me some Chunky Monkey and Mr. Fluffy Pants!!! 

Thursday, July 12, 2012

The Chitlins...5 month Edition

All of our kids at 5 months old.  You can definitely tell they all belong to the same family, and which one is a big 'ol ham happy, happy baby.
 Little Man

Little Miss (and a cutie pie Little Man)
Photo: Morning exercises include rolling over and blowing raspberries.  http://instagr.am/p/Mn59mihs1L/
Chubby Cheekers

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

GNO...Aye, Aye, Aye

GNO=Girls Night Out

GNO+Amanda Torres=A Whole Lotta Work

Let me make one thing clear.  I love my friends.  Love them.  They are all so different, but so loving and fun. I enjoy the time I get to spend with them, and last night I got 4 uninterrupted hours with some of my closest friends.

Let me make one more thing clear.  I hate getting ready for GNO.  Even though I'm going to spend time kidless with women who really accept me and all my craziness, prepping the family before I leave is time consuming. 

About three hours before I was supposed to leave, I started getting myself and the house ready for my departure.  I cleaned up, fixed my hair and nails(gasp!), and ironed my clothes.  Meanwhile, I'm starting on dinner for Steven and the kids.  Running back and forth from my bathroom to the kitchen.  Chunky Monkey and Little Man thought this to be a good time to start playing Army Guy.  This would consist of them running around with their toy M16's shooting each other and screaming (I know, your kids don't play with guns...mine do).  This would have been fine and dandy except Chubby Cheekers was sleeping.  Key word...WAS.

After getting on to the boys for their excessive noise, I grabbed Chubby Cheekers from his crib, gave him some milkies from the twins, and then went back to fixing my hair...and cooking dinner.  Since I was no longer allowing the boys to run around like banshees, I decided to have them sit in my bathroom while we did storytelling.  I was halfway through with my story and my hair, when Lindsay came to pick up Chunky Monkey.  I stopped what I was doing, even though I looked ridiculous, and helped her gather all of Chunky Monkey's things from the day.

As they were walking out the door, I finally mixed all the ingredients for the casserole, threw that in the oven, and went to finish my hair. Finally.  

To make a long story short, Steven got home from work, the kids were sitting at the table ready to eat, I gave Chubby Cheekers a 'top off' of milk before leaving, and I threw on my 'going out' clothes.  Then I got in my car and took a deep breath.  FREE-DOM!

I drove slow, changed the radio station when I wanted, and then turned it off and listened to...wait for it...SILENCE!

It was a glorious night of laughing and leisure.  I can't tell you the last time I sat at a restaurant or Starbucks and just talked to adults.  

After late nightin' it, we all decided it was time to return home to our duties...it was 9:30pm...yeah, we're wild.
Once I was home, I filled Steven in on the evening and decided to hop in the shower.  I stuck my hands in my pockets before I chunked them in the dirty hamper, but guess what?  My pockets weren't there.  Huh?  Did they fall off?  I quickly reached around the back to feel if they were there.  Yep.  I had put my shorts on backwards and wore them like that the entire night.  And that is precisely why GNO+Amanda Torres=Work.  



Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Consigning

The ladies of Rhea Lana of South Tulsa asked a few weeks ago if I would advertise their sale.  I've had the opportunity to do it for their last two sales, but this is the first time I have consigned with them.  Today, I wanted to do my own personal review outside of advertising.


A couple of years back, I consigned with Just Between Friends in Tulsa.  I had a good experience, but it was a lot of work.  Despite the amount of time I spent chasing down the right kind of hangers, safety pins, tags and clear packaging tape, then tagging and securing each item, I would do it again...

...but then I was introduced to Rhea Lana of South Tulsa.  I was familiar with the name of the sale and equated it to 'just another JBF', until my glorious neighborhood gal pal, Erica, taught me otherwise.

As we speak I am prepping my Rhea Lana of South Tulsa items.  I find it to be so much easier, and here's why...

  • I don't have to pin my items to the hanger to prevent theft, and ALL my items labeled in the store are guaranteed!  If it gets lost or stolen, I get paid like it was sold.
  • Entering the items are a cinch.  You are given options in drop down menus.  I did this on my iPad.  Touch, touch, touch, done!  No typing!
  • As I'm entering my item, I put a string tag on my item and number it.  That's all I have to do.  They'll print the labels at the store to put on my numbered string tag. I can't tell you how frustrating it was to print out my own tags on cardstock, pin the cardstock to my item, and then put packaging tape over the pin.  Tagging just got soooo much easier and faster.
  • I automatically get 70% of my sale price, and there are options to earn a higher percentage. 
  • The consigning fee is only $7.50.
  • The sale is a store front, not a gigantic warehouse.  I know all my hard work in prepping my items will not go unnoticed.  There's no way my items will get overlooked.
I could go on and on about why I'm loving this sale, but I won't.  Next week, I'll share specific info about the sale and a few weeks from now I get to do a giveaway.  I don't want to give too many clues, so I'll just give you a two word hint.  Are you ready?  Gift. Certificate.  Hope you can figure that one out!

Now, my amigos, if you decide to consign with Rhea Lana of South Tulsa for the first time, would you tell them I sent you.  If I get 5, only FIVE, people to mention me (and they bring at least 15 items to the sale) then I get 80% of my sale price.  Hello, my name is Amanda Torres and I'm begging you to mention me.  Come on peeps!  I've got a ton of baby girl and maternity stuff I'm unleashing and I'd like to make as much as I can.

Signed,
I Have No Shame

 

Monday, July 9, 2012

Menu Monday

Yesterday I sat down with my morning coffee to check the coupons and sale ads.  I love Sundays, but yesterday I saw some very disturbing information in the paper.  Back to School ads...in early July.  JULY, people, JULY!

Now when I was a new school teacher, the back to school ads brought a tinge of excitement.  The fresh school supplies, meeting my new students, planning for a year of fun.  I loved it all.  Then I had Little Man, and a few years later Little Miss.  The back to school ads brought me to tears. It was a reminder that I would have to leave my baby, and later babies. 

The first few years of being a SAHM, the back to school ads were welcomed.  It was refreshing to see them knowing they no longer applied to me, but that has changed again.  Little Man will go back to school in the Fall and this time he will be attending all day long.  Did you catch that?  All. Day. Long.  

I'm sure some of you are wondering, "How does this apply to me and Menu Monday?" Well, technically, it doesn't.  I just needed to share that I had a mini heart attack yesterday.  Life can go on now.  Especially since I counted out 46 days that I still have with Little Man before I turn him away from me for seven hours a day.  Yikes.  Heart attack #2 just occurred.  Better get to the menu.

Monday-Turkey Veggie Spaghetti, Salad, Garlic Bread
Tuesday-Tater Beef Bake and Crescents
Wednesday-Monterey Chicken, Broccoli Casserole, Buttered Bread
Thursday-Chicken Tacos, Mexican Rice, Refried Beans
Friday-Sweet and Sour Chicken, Zucchini/Carrot Saute, Brown Rice
Saturday-Out to Dinner for Papi's Birthday

Friday, July 6, 2012

Chubby Cheekers

It's been awhile peeps and I thought I'd check in.  Life as a baby keeps me busy.  This growing and learning stuff keeps me pretty busy.  


Speaking of learning, I've accomplish by best feat yet.  Rolling over both ways.  I'm totally good at it. Here's how it works...I see a toy.  I lean my head over, push with my toes, lift my big 'ol booty, and flop over.  Then I keep on leaning and flop over again.  I'm really proficient at it.  There's no toy safe from me now, and Mommy says my brother and sister are going to have to pick their toys up better.  By the looks on their faces, I don't think they were very happy.


I've also learned to blow raspberries.  Yesterday I spent my leisure time rolling to my tummy, then to my back, and then I'd blow a raspberry to celebrate the accomplishment.  Repeat this about 10 or 15 times and you'll find yourself really tired.  I took a pretty good snooze after that one, but not before I got my milkie snack.


Photo: Morning exercises include rolling over and blowing raspberries.  http://instagr.am/p/Mn59mihs1L/

Since I'm a mature (almost) 5 month old, I've decided to quit the car crying.  That's SOOOO baby-ish.  Don't get me wrong, I do it every once in awhile just to remind Mommy and Daddy how good I've been by not crying.  Those people are so funny when they get frustrated...especially Daddy.  I think he develops twitches when I start crying.  

Given that I've stopped the car crying, I really needed to pick up another 'not so fun' habit.  I wouldn't want the other babies to get jealous of my awesome baby skills, so I decided that waking up consistently at 2am would do the trick.  You know, I've been sleeping through the night consistently from 8:30pm-7:30am, but I missed Mommy.  If I started crying at 2am, she'd come in and give me the milk twins. I love those guys.  So I decided 2am it is.  Except I kind of messed up a few nights ago.  I was so tired from all the fireworks I missed waking up and slept straight through the night.  I guess I can cut Mommy a break every once in a blue moon.

Besides all of my latest developments, my cousins started coming back over.  I really missed Chunky Monkey and there's a new cousin too.  He's about my size and feels really fluffy on top of his head.  I think he's going to be my best friend.

Photo: Best buds http://instagr.am/p/MtHghVhsxr/

It's about time for me to bring this to a close.  I think Mommy is on to me.  She found some drool on her keypad.  I tried to tell her it was from Daddy, but she isn't buying it.

Love,
Chubby Cheekers








Tuesday, July 3, 2012

The Work Behind the Money

Before I even start this post I have to share I successfully completed my first day having five children under the age of five under one roof.  Little Man was gone for part of the day, but the babies did great.  I'm so thankful to have the opportunity to know my nephews closely.  They are such precious gifts.
Photo: The little crew http://instagr.am/p/MmcX_-hsxb/




Little Man acquired his first card a couple of weeks ago.  A library card. Since my mom likes to spoil the kids, she took him THAT day to get a wallet to hold his card.  He was so proud to slide that card into his Lightning McQueen wallet.  My mom also handed him a dollar and some change to add to it.  Then he turned to me and said, "Mom can I have some money?"

Our kids don't go without around here.  We are able to provide for all of their needs and a lot of their wants, but we don't go around handing out money for no reason.  It was time for a little lesson on earning.  As I was talking with him about doing chores to earn money.  He was quick to respond that he could get paid to pick up his toys.

Uh...

He was missing the point.  We expect him to pick up after himself.  After a bit of explanation on his responsibilities vs. working towards earning cash, we decided that if he made his bed for a week without prompting he would earn a dollar.  Now, Little Man's bed is not easy to make.  It's a chore for me to make it.  For him to do it, it would be real work.   As far as him earning a dollar, the task wasn't about the amount of money he would be earning, it was just about earning.  He has no need to have excessive cash.  The boy is only five and has a nice stash already in his Mason Jar (it never dawned on him to take cash out of that jar to add to his wallet).


Long story short, he made his bed for a straight week and earned his dollar.  I was really proud to hand him what he earned.  He did the work and stuck with the tasks, and then his little sister started whining that she wanted a dollar too.  She wanted money for doing nothing at all.  I started to talk with her about why she wasn't going to get any money and Little Man pulls the dollar out of his wallet and gives it to her.


My heart melted.  What a selfless act.  He has a heart like nothing I could have put in him.  He has something   that only God could have put in his little spirit.  It amazes me.


Unfortunately for his sister, I made her give it back.  He earned his money, and he was going to keep it.  We encourage giving around here, but this was a time for him to enjoy the fruits of his labor.  Little Miss is going to have to learn that lesson too!







Sunday, July 1, 2012

Menu Monday

Dinner @  blah, blah, blah... is what we're gonna call this week.  You'll see why...


Monday-Dinner @ Mom's
Tuesday-Dinner on a Stick...MUST MAKE...DeLiCiOuS!!!
Wednesday-Cookout
Thursday-Monterey Chicken, Broccoli Casserole, Crescents
Friday-Lemon Garlic Chicken Quarters, Green Beans, Buttered Bread
Saturday-Dinner @ Church
Sunday-Dinner @ my MIL's