Semi Last Minute

Have you ever had that moment when you think something is really far away, then you look at the calendar and realize, "STINK!  I have one week left!!!!"?

Yeah, that was me this morning.  I woke up realizing we leave very soon for vacation and there are some essentials we MUST have before road-tripping it. 

We leave for the beach (my most favorite place ever) next week.  Thankfully, we have out of town family staying at our house while we're gone so I don't have to plan anything there.  BUT, a ton of other things I've been putting off need to be done, like, to-day!

We Torreses turn into the ultimate beach bums on vacation.  We wake up, have breakfast on the patio, put on our swimsuits, ride bikes for an hour or so, then hit the beach until dinner time.  Then dinner on the patio and back out for a walk on the beach.  Total slacker lifestyle! 

Since we pretty much crawl out of bed, beach it, and crawl back into bed I have a Beach Essentials' List.  Here's what we'll be packing.  Don't worry!  Swimsuits will be packed as well.  It's not that kind of beach.

AWAKEN AROMASSENTIALS BODY SPRAY

This is our natural bug spray.  It's made as a body spray so it smells light and fresh, but it's a natural repellant with lemongrass.  Obviously, there are no harsh chemicals so it has always gone on Chubby Cheekers' skin since he was a babe.  No bites, no chemicals. Works beautifully!

SEASOURCE BODY GELEE

I don't get chaffing from bike rides, but someone in our family does.  I won't embarrass him Steven, but someone chaffs.  Plus, this is our lightening quick answer to burns and scrapes.  This mama don't leave home without it!

BABY POWDER

Arbonne doesn't make a baby powder, but this is another beach must have.  It takes off sticky sand in a flash.  Sprinkle on the skin, dust it off.  Viola!  Learned it on Pinterest.

 SUNSCREEN

The only two sunscreens we use.  Last year I couldn't find our ABC Sunscreen for the kids so I used another popular 'good for you' sunscreen on our kids.  With the ABC I don't have to reapply.  With the other popular brand it said it had longer coverage time.  It didn't.  My kids got burned.  Never again.  As for the adult sunscreen.  Just as fabulous.  Plus one bottle lasts the entire summer.  LOVE long lasting stuff!   We'll also be pocketing the LipSaver Chapstick with SPF 20 so we don't look like pufferfish with burnt lips.

 

Potty Training....UGH!

I'm sure some of you have read my fool proof way of potty training.  Worked like a charm for my friends and for Little Miss.  I find it super duper effective...if you are not lazy.  My problem this time around with #3, I'M LAZY!!!

In fact, potty training was this thing I knew needed to be done, but not one ounce of me wanted to do it.  I loathe the whole process.  Changing wet undies, dumping poop in the potty, cleaning it out of undies, the laundry, the following around.  I just couldn't bring myself to do it.

Until my mom steps in and buys Chubby Cheekers some new undies (Smooth, Mom.  Real smooth!).  Undies that he wants to wear, like, ALL. THE. TIME.  Can someone put me in a straight jacket now?

I'm sure you've recognized that Chubby Cheekers has always been our kid who moves to the beat of a different drum.  It would only be fitting if I shared with you his journey of potty training.  It's been very different.

First off, he takes the doggie approach to peeing.  If he has to go, he goes to the backyard, finds a spot on the grass and lets it flow.  This wouldn't be totally unacceptable except he doesn't pull down the undies.  Just stands there and pees in them.  Then waddles himself back inside to let me know how awesome he did going pee-pee.

Yeah,  that has happened multiple times.

Secondly, he insists that entire family comes with him to the bathroom (when he actually goes to IN the bathroom).  Once he does his business, he asks you to clap.  When he gets his undies back on, he asks your for high fives.  When you give him a high five, he gives you the biggest hug.  It's an all out celebration.

And lastly, he now wants to celebrate everyone else who goes potty.  I have received so many claps, high fives, and hugs for going pee-pee myself.  More than the average Torres in this household thanks to pregnancy.  Really, I'm just giving you fair warning.  If you come over, a certain 2 year old will celebrate you too.

Fortunately, I still have my sanity after 3 days of this 'training' business.  If I would just crack down and do the Potty Training in a Week method, then this would probably get over a lot sooner.  Unfortunately, laziness is still my #1 stumbling block.  Poor Torres #4.  She may wear diapers her entire life by the time I get to training her.  Aye, aye, aye.

And without being too revealing, here's my spirited boy in his cutie patootie undies...

 

I have to admit, his little biscuits look adorable in his undies.  Like totally pinchable!

Menu Monday

Are you ready for some super exciting news that will make you leap right off the chair in which you are sitting?  Well, you are going to get it!  In fact I have two very earth shattering announcements.

#1: The Torreses have decided on a name for Baby Girl #4!!!

Hello?  Are you there?  I know, you passed out from excitement.  And the name is....

Ha!  Not telling.  We're going to attempt to keep this a secret.  Even though we've already forgotten it's a secret, like multiple times, and told at least 10 people the name. 

#2:  I felt Baby Girl #4 move from the inside and outside this weekend. 

Hello?  Are you there?  I know, you passed out from excitement...again.

Exactly what this means for you is I will ask you to awkwardly put you hand on my belly and wait and wait and wait until she moves again so you can feel it too.  It's just the way I was made.  I like sharing.

Moving on.  I have a menu, and let's be honest.  You are more excited about this than my unsuccessful secret keeping and moving baby.

Monday-Dinner Meeting
Tuesday-Burrito Bowl (Chipotle style)
Wednesday-Coconut Chicken*, Roasted Asparagus, Sweet Potatoes
Thursday-Homemade Pizza and Salad
Friday-Baked Seasoned Chicken, Steamed Broccoli, Berries
Saturday-Taco Lettuce Wraps, Seasoned Brown Rice, Salad
Sunday-Dinner with our Chicago Family :)

*We sub out a few things in this recipe to keep it clean.  We use coconut oil to 'fry', unsweetened almond milk to beat with the eggs for dipping, unsweetened coconut flakes, and almond flour or coconut flour for coating.  No dipping sauce required.

You Mess With One, You Get All FIVE!

There are some days these little minions eat my lunch.  They are a ferocious bunch.  Not really.  They are funny and compassionate and caring and fun loving and playful.  Until, you mess with one of them.  Then they are ferocious!

Steven and I have always told the kids to stick up for their siblings.  They are to be kind, but firm with anyone who picks on or bullies someone in our family.  This includes cousins, friends, anyone for that matter.  They are to stand up for what is right.  So when we were at the park the other day and a little thang started showing a not so nice side, all five Torreses were on it.  I was one proud aunt and mama.

At first this little girl was so sweet just chatting with us while we were eating lunch.  When it was time to get up and play she started getting possessive with Little Miss.  Little Man went to sit by her, and she pinched him.  When he told her he wanted to sit by his sister, she told him to shut up. 

He came to me for some advice.  This little girl was younger than him and he was looking for a solution on how to deal with her.  I told him to firmly tell her, our family doesn't play or talk like that and we don't allow people to play or talk like that to us.  Meanwhile, I call Little Miss over to guide her to separate from this little girl. 

Well, Little Miss was already on it.

Mom!  She pinched Mason and told him to shut up.  I told her I can't play with her since she's being mean to my brother.

Score one for Little Miss.  She doesn't get many opportunities to play with girls so for her to stand up for what was right and her older brother made me celebrate her boldness.

All the while, Little Man headed over to deliver his message he sought advice for.  As he's delivering his speech, Chunky Monkey has his best tough guy face on, arms crossed, nodding his head in agreement.  And the babies?  They were standing back up too.

Moral of the Story...

If you mess with one, you get all FIVE. 

We Torreses run in packs.  In our family, there is no such thing as one person's problem.  The truth is, I am proud of them.  They stood for what is right and stood for each other.  They kept their cool, but were firm.

On the way home, the kids began talking about what happened.  They aren't used to people treating them ugly.  As they were getting wrapped up in all the drama, I found it to be the perfect teaching moment.  And they got this speech...

You will have multiple times in your life where people are ugly, unfair, or just plain mean.  You have a choice.  You do not have to stand for it.  You are a Torres.  We stand for what's right.  We stick together.  We support those who need supporting.  More importantly, you are a child of the Most High God.  You are powerful.  God says you are special.  You must know who you are, then decided if what the person is speaking is the truth or a lie.  If it is the truth, you may need to make changes for the better.  If it is a lie, you may need to separate yourself from the person or situation.  

I really think it was hitting home, until someone passed gas and they were dying laughing...then gasping for air.  We'll just say Little Miss can clear a room ;)  Hopefully, they got the lesson.  If not, until next time, because there will always be a next time.

  

Connections

Last Friday Steven and I spent some time hearing about the vision for our church.  The vision was first casted during our previous weekend's sermon and we were excited.  After meeting for lunch and listening to the deeper vision and passion behind the change, we are elated.  Making better connections to serve people in an intimate and engaging relationships, while maintaining the crucial teachings that Pastor George is so gifted at delivering.

Steven and I have been apart of our church for over a decade and the relationships we have with our church family is cherished.  To help offer that connection to others who walk through our doors is really moving.  I wish I had more words to express the true emotion behind being apart of this vision, but every word I come up with fails to reflect how we feel.  It lacks the luster.

Then I was reading Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick and I came to this passage.  It sums up every ounce of where our family stands in the world of Christianity.  It sums up what our church has a vision for, so I will let the passage speak for me...

"No matter who pays your salary, you're a full-time employee of the kingdom of God.  And wherever you work, that's your ministry.  Whatever you're good at, that's your calling.  The components of your assignment are the sources of your significance.  And there are burning bushes all around you.  Every business negotiation is an opportunity for Christ to shine through you.  Every teachable moment with your children is a bright spot in the making.  Everywhere you set your foot is potential holy ground.  And this concept is the key to effectiveness in the local church."

The End.

I have no more. 

Nah, I do.  I love that our church is grouping those together to inspire meaningful connections to others so we can, together, get out of the church and BE the church to our communities.  To serve others. Love others.  See others. Connect with others outside of our church to make a lasting difference in the world we live in.

Who doesn't want to be apart of that????

I'm sure you'll hear more of this from me as Steven and I step into this journey of building sections in our church, but more importantly, I can't wait to share the stories that come from new connections made.  It's. All. So. Exciting.

Complex Thoughts

Earlier today, when my brain was still working, I had a really great blog post floating around in my head.  I was reading Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick and thoughts were just pouring through me and things were getting underlined and MAN!  I had some good stuff.

Then a kid woke up...and another...and another...then a toddler, and well, you get the point.  Thoughts pushed back, notes taken, and book and notebook shut.

Now that's it's late at night and I am cuddled in bed, I'm not evoking so much thought.  So instead you can have random thoughts I remember from my day.  You have to make one promise though.  You cannot judge me.  M-kay?

• What in the world am I doing up here?  It's hot.  I'm knocked up and climbing through a tunnel chasing two year olds.  Have I lost my mind?
• Don't eat the cake in the fridge!!!
• If I locked myself in the closet, how long would it take before someone found me?
• Do I go for the protein shake or eat the leftover french toast from Father's Day?  
• Does my butt need it's own zip code yet?
• How much longer can I squeeze into this shirt before my belly starts hanging out the bottom?
• Don't eat the cake!!!
• I wish I were Mr. Miagi so I could catch these dang flies with chopsticks.

 

• Do these kids think we live in a barn?  Close the door!!!
• Oh my gosh!  I've turned into that mom.  Go ahead, leave the door open.
• Wait!  Don't leave the door open.  It's hot.  And those DANG flies!

As you can tell I have some very complex thoughts throughout the day. I do promise to give you something to think about tomorrow.  Although, I'm sure you're thinking why you stopped by today.  So I guess I did give you something to think about!

Menu Monday & A Wedding

Do you ever have those moments where you feel young and vibrant and knocked up and totally cool, only to realized, "DANG!  I'm getting old."

Saturday night Steven and I went to a wedding to celebrate the marriage of a precious young woman I coached while she was in high school.  It was a beautiful wedding, but it sure reminded us we are in an older stage of life.

First off, getting out the door was not young and vibrant.  It was more like chickens running around with their head's cut off. Trying to get three kids out the door for a Grandparent Date all the while making ourselves somewhat presentable for an evening wedding...MADHOUSE!

Double add in a woman trying to figure out what to wear, or at the very least, something that fit and resembled a dress... 

Ohhhhh!  This dress will work. 

NOPE!

What about this one?  It fit last month in Vegas.

NOPE!

Almost resorting to my nicest of yoga pants (and you think I'm kidding), I remembered the bag of maternity clothes passed to me (I gave all my maternity clothes away to a teenager at the Tulsa Homeless Shelter 2 days before I found out I was pregnant).  JACKPOT!!!  I found a dress that fit the bulging midsection. So make-up bag in hand we hopped in Steven's truck and headed to the wedding.

Seeing all the girls I coached in cheerleading, all grown up, starting their careers and families was awesome.  Their stories, their dreams, their passions...so amazing to listen to them all.  But, one thing remained.  Steven and I are so far removed from starting our lives together.

 

{A few of the girls from the 2004-2005 years & the coaches}

At one point we were dancing with all the other married couples.  When 10 years was called out, there we were...still dancing.  I glanced around and we were surrounded by all these mid-life peeps.  What the heck??? How did we get here?  We're with the oldies!  WAIT!  We are the OLDIES!

So with the wrinkles and aches and oldness, Steven and I celebrated where we are in life now.  And let me tell you!  It's not something we would change one bit.  Three kids and one more (the LAST one) on the way, we have been blessed with a life we could have never earned on our own.  We've been allowed experiences to grow us where we are today.  We have a community of people who support and love us in ways I would have never imagined in our 20's.  We totally look forward to our 40's and beyond.

Old or not I love this man far more than I did the day I married him.  I can only hope he ages along with me. Good thing I have an amazing eye cream!

Now, you see how old I am?  I forgot it was Menu Monday.  Here ya' go...

Monday-BBQ Quesadillas, Pineapple Salsa and Brown Rice Chips
Tuesday-Turkey Chili, Cornbread, Salad
Wednesday-Grilled Chicken Salad, Honey Butter Croissants
Thursday-Baseball Party
Friday-Grilled Chicken, Asparagus, Berries
Saturday-Club Sandwiches, Fresh Veggies
Sunday-Dinner @ Mom's

I hope you have an amazing week!

Raising the Next Generation

It has been a weird, weird Mommy week.  Two outings with the 5 kids and two weird Mommy moments.  First up, the library.  My spunky nephew was playing with a wire beaded track when an older boy came and put his hand over my nephew's so he couldn't move.  Not even a few seconds later the older boy tried to push him out of the way.  Knowing my nephew, I waited for him to take care of it.  He immediately told the boy, "NO!" over and over and over.

As I watched my two year old nephew taking care of business, I kept waiting for the mom of the other boy to redirect him.  Instead, she bribes and coerces and baby talks her son to move to the other side.  He wasn't budging and my nephew kept up with his NOs, and he's not a quiet one. 

Finally, the mom pries the boy away and he gets to working on something else.  Not a minute later Chubby Cheekers tries to push this older boy out of the way because he wanted to play.  I immediately grabbed him and told him he wasn't going to take a toy from someone else.  He'd have to wait.

What came next made me wish I had a picture of my own face.  The mom looks at me and says, "Oh, it's not him we had a problem with."  Then she whispers real soft, "It's this little boy," and she points to my nephew. 

Say whaaaaat???? 

I loved telling her he was mine too, and I totally supported him telling her child no.  He had been there playing quietly for a while and didn't need to give up his toy to make her son happy.  I don't think she was too happy with me.  It was awkward, but don't think for a second I will let my kids feel like they did something wrong for standing up for what's right.

Weird Mommy Moment #1.

If that wasn't awkward enough, we head to the park the next day.  Chubby Cheekers found a good size mud puddle and was stomping around in it.  Totally content.  Having a blast.  I had not one problem with it.  He was happy.  It was just mud.  I love watching the kids get messy. 

Then another mom comes over to me and says, "Ummmm, do you know one of your kids is in the mud?"

Again, I needed a picture of my own face.

Well, yes, I actually do.  He's a boy that loves dirt.  I'm okay with that.

Not five minutes later the mom's little girl goes to get in the mud.  The little girl cries because she's dirty.  Mom rescues her and says, "If you hadn't seen that little boy get in the mud you would have never done that, would you?"

I get parenting is so unique and takes a different approach.  Maybe they were headed somewhere later.  Maybe the idea of mud is too much to handle.  I don't really care.  You do what works for you.

One thing that works for us is letting the Torres kids handle issues appropriate for them and getting into stuff.  We're in the business of boundaries and messy.  I mean, just look at this bunch...

 

They are wild.  They are crazy.  They are messy.  BUT, one thing they are not are pushovers. Although, life would sometimes be easier if they were pushovers when it came time to listening to their parents vs. doing what their own wills want.  Whew!  That takes a lot of shaping and work.

We have a couple more outings this week, so let's all raise our glasses to skipping out on Awkward Mommy Moments.  I'm not sure I can handle anymore drama moments this week.  We've had our fill fo' sho'!

Sub It Out

In my former life subbing out was a headache!  Like spend hours preparing for someone else to walk in your classroom and keep the flow similar to how you would run things.  Or maybe I am too controlling.  I don't know, but it was always way more work than being at work.  Such the hassle.

Nowadays, subbing out is my lifesaver.  Long ago when I agreed to do the detox or clean eating, I thought it would be a l-o-n-g and painful month.  Now, I've learned that it was about subbing new items for my old ones.  Those slight changes have made major differences in our health and our kids' health.

So, I'm gonna share with you my most favorite, easiest food sub.  Drumroll PLEASE......................

BROWN RICE PASTA!

This is an easy, easy switch.  I purchase mine at Walmart.  It's found in the gluten free section.  The specific brand I go to is Tinkyada.

 

Brown rice pasta is my fav because the taste and texture is so comparable to regular spaghetti noodles my family knows no difference.  Anytime we have noodles in a dish now, we use brown rice pasta.  It eliminates gluten in our diet which, we have learned, affects us in more ways than one.  Major reason for the brown rice love...no bloating.  No poochy evening belly (well, except now that I'm pouchy 24/7).  No stomach cramping for Steven. It's an overall win.

And since I'm sharing how to sub out gluten, I have a very super duper delicious fresh summer salad for you.  I stole it from a friend out in California.  Chubby Cheekers killed my portion at lunch the other day so I had to toss together more.  It's loaded with protein, veggies, and yumminess so the joke was on him.  Muah ha ha ha!

Cucumber Salad with Roasted Chickpeas 

I cut out the peanuts (known for a high mold content) and the used extra virgin olive oil instead of vinegar (known to contribute to the growth of candida yeast).  And just FYI, before Arbonne I knew NADA about mold content and candida yeast.  

If you are curious about the Clean Eating Challenge and why one would subject themselves to such discipline, you can check it out virtually from the privacy of your own home on Thursday, June 12th at 9pm CST.  Simply click the link and you are there...

https://global.gotomeeting.com/meeting/join/909834285

This can even be done from you iPhone or iPad, but you will need to download the free app.   What's really great is I will be on and you can chat privately with me if you have a question.  You can turn the video off  yourself and even mute.  The duration is about 30 minutes and SUPER informative.  I recommend watching just to catch some new info that could really change the way you think about fueling your body.

Totally Privileged

For the LONGEST time Steven and I have wanted to upgrade our cozy queen bed to a king.  We've fought it for years.  Our kids don't sleep in our bed, but after 11 years of marriage we are a little over cuddling all night.  More like a swift kick to get over to your side of the bed.  I mean, YOU BE CROWDED ME, BABE!!!

So finally we headed to the auction so we wouldn't be out of pocket too much.  I love the new furniture auction in our area.  I get a serious adrenaline rush listening to the auctioneer while trying to snag the best deal.  Lucky for me, there were 7 king sets of mattresses that I liked and not a big crowd.  All I had to do was wait for the last few sets and then go for my bid.  And guess what???  This girl snagged the most comfy $3,000 mattress set for $500.  Talk about a savings I love.

The bed is so roomy and comfy, but let me be real.  It's been a little over a week and I have thrown a bit of an internal hissy fit about a few things. 

1.  My new mattress set is chilling on the floor.  We haven't had time to get a frame just yet to lift it up. So we're riding low.  It's annoying me right now.

2.  I haven't put away the cash to pick out the bedding I want.  This also means I will more than likely redo the whole bedroom.  Meaning I will need to stash away more cash. Also, annoying me right now.

Then I got a bit of reality check in the mail.  The Compassion International magazine came out on top of the pile.  Article after article reminded me of how over-abundantly privileged we are. 

 

Not that anything is wrong with having nice things...or a king size bed, but throwing an internal hissy fit about a bed on the floor or not having the bedding I want...GEEZ Amanda!  Get a grip!

I like these little reminders about where we are in life.  We are blessed to be a blessing.  We live a comfortable life, but more importantly this comfortable life is to be shared with others.  It's a time to reflect on how easy things are for us compared to those who are searching for a way to feed their children and keep them free from disease.  It's a reminder that no matter how rough I think we may have it in certain situations, there are others struggling with much more in depth issues.

I'm also reminded that in light of all of my issues and the issues of the world, I don't have to feel like what I want or need or desire is insignificant.  God is bigger than me, bigger than these world issues, but He needs me and my family to help and serve.  So as we enjoy this totally privileged life, we are also totally privileged to help others.

So here's where I'm asking you for help.  Yeah, you knew it was coming. 

Each month we serve through the Tulsa Homeless Outreach and needs are abundant.  Hunger being a great need.  If you are in the Tulsa area, would you consider getting together sack lunches?  A sandwich, bag of chips, and granola bar speaks volumes to someone who is hungry. 

If providing food is not on your heart, maybe a collection of backpacks or sunscreen or chapstick or ball caps or toiletries...you get the point.  There are needs and there is no way my family can tackle filling needs without the support of our friends and family and supporters. 

So far we have been blown away with all of the donations, and we are so thankful for those of you who have gathered items, donated money, prayed for people, and those who have simply asked how it's going.  So for all of that, I just want to say THANK YOU from the bottom of my 'totally privileged' heart.  I love you guys!

Menu Monday

I don't mean to brag, but my WHOLE house is clean!  You bring in some major rain and no plans for a weekend and I'll show you two parents who tackle a house together.  Clutter on the counters...gone.  Dirty bathtubs...clean.  Crumbs on the floor...fed to the kids (I kid).  Laundry mountains...washed, folded, and put away.

Man, I used to be so on top of the house stuff.  Then I had three kids, and introduced two nephews, and began a profitable business, and started serving more, and well, a clean house moved to the bottom of the list.

At least for one day, everything is clean.  I am in heaven.

Now to move onto tackling my pregnancy cravings.  Those are OUT. OF. CONTROL.  I am working hard to keep fresh and clean in the front of my day, but as you can see for dinner, it all breaks loose!

Monday-Turkey Burgers, Sweet Potato Fries, Strawberries
Tuesday-Balsamic Chicken Pasta Salad, Honey Butter Croissants
Wednesday-Tomato Cream Pasta with Grilled Chicken, Salad, The Bread
Thursday-Grilled Chicken and Veggies, Blueberries and Pineapple
Friday-Greek Tacos
Saturday-Date NIGHT!
Sunday-Father's Day Cookout

We Like Hot Dogs. We Like Hamburgers.

If I were to cook dinner right now, I'd serve up 3 hot dogs and 2 hamburgers. We like hot dogs and we like hamburgers.  It just so happens we're a little unbalanced over here. 

With 5 in our family right now it's always unbalanced.  BUT, not for long.  We're getting ready to serve up 3 hot dogs and then turn around it match it up with 3 hamburgers.  You may be thinking?  Who's eating the extra hamburger over there?  Only, I'm not talking literally.  I'm speaking figuratively.

This Torres family is getting ready to even itself out because come November we're adding another GIRL to this family.  So that makes 3 hot dogs and 3 hamburgers, if you know what I mean ;)

Little Miss is over the moon excited.  She has prayed for a sister ever since we told the kids another minion was on the way.  Right now, we're working on names.  Do we go with the 'A' name so the girls have 'A' names and the younger boys have 'M's'? OR, do we go with a name that ends in -son like Little Man and Little Miss' names?  But that leaves Chubby Cheekers the odd man out.  OR, do we go with naming her Stevie after her Daddy???  Then there will be 2 A's, 2 M's, and 2 S's, and I will feel like my world is in balance again?  OR, do we go with the name my mother HATES??? OR, do we just name her whatever we think of when she comes out?

So. Many. Decisions.

As of now, I am no where near choosing a name.  So all suggestions welcome!  Just think, YOU could choose the next Torres baby name! 

Obssessions

Little Man has his first love.  His first obsession.  His first Gotta Do It All The Time.  He's in love with all things balls!  This boy has a ball in his hand at all times.  Football, Basketball, Baseball, Dodgeball...if it's a ball, he's got it.  If it's something that somewhat resembles a ball, he's made up a game with it.  Last weekend I was deathly afraid to go outside because he and Steven had made up game that was a cross between dodgeball and baseball. All I know is balls were flying and hitting the house left and right.  I can only imagine what the neighbors think!

Right now he's in the middle of a basketball camp at a local university in our area.  Most of his close friends are at camp with him so he's even more pumped.  He goes from morning until noon and by the time I pick him up he's still not had enough basketball time.  As soon as he gets home that boy picks up his mini ball and starts playing in the house. 

He did take one little break.  Not to eat.  Not to pee.  Not to get a drink.  I guess it dawned on him that he needed to practice for their daily talent show.  Seriously.  That happened.  I'm not sure what genre of dance he was going for but it was somewhere in between break dancing and convulsions.  Surely to entertain all spectators.  I just hope someone catches it on video.  I'm all for winning $10,000 capturing the special moments of his life.

So far, it's been a great week with friends and playing ball.  Now here's to bringing home the gold with a dance off win.  I am totally serious.  Okay, I'm not. I'm dying laughing. 

 

By the way, I just love how each kid is giving their best Thumb's Up pose...and then there's my kid.  

Where does he get this from???

Menu Tuesday

It's broken.  Her poor elbow is cracked.  Little Miss suffered the whole weekend with a sling and some Tylenol.  First thing Monday morning we were at a very reputable orthopedic who caught the crack immediately.  Good news...cast is only on for 4 weeks.  Bad news...no water for 4 weeks.  She wasn't eligible for a waterproof cast since it has a bend.  She handled it so well.  Mainly, because she knows this earns her special dates with Grammy.  Grammy made that known about 2.5 seconds after the cast went on her tiny arm.

For right now, we're just learning the art of living with a cast.  The lack of mobility, knocking stuff over, taking baths, and itching the itchies.  All things considered she is doing great!  The part that makes me the most sad is she is just now letting us in on how much pain she experienced over the weekend. 

 

So as life tries to resume to normal, I wanted to leave you with a menu.  I sure hope your week has begun WAY better than ours.  Aye, aye, aye!

Monday-Croque Monsieur, Fresh Bell Peppers and Carrots, Strawberries and Cantaloupe

Tuesday-Greek Tacos and Salad

Wednesday-Whole Roasted Chicken, Baked Sweet Potatoes, Steamed Broccoli

Thursday-Southwest Wraps and Corn on the Cob

Friday-Grilled Tilapia, Brown Rice, Grilled Zuchinni Squash

Saturday-Date Night

Sunday-Family Dinner Out

Big Ouchies

Menu Monday will be tomorrow.  

Have you ever had a weekend that you wished was over?  Weird, huh?  I prayed for Monday to come and I'm so ready to get it going today.

I bet you're wondering why.  I mean, who really wants Monday to come over a weekend?  But, I tell you what, we had a rough one.

Friday night I ran to Aldi.  Usually Little Miss goes wherever I go, but I encouraged her to stay home and play with her new friend, Lilly.  So I left and Little Miss grabbed her scooter to play with her friend.  I go to the store and get home about and hour later.

As I was unloading groceries, Little Miss walks in crying and I knew something was wrong.  She told me she fell off her scooter and her arm was hurting.  Come to find out, she had fallen off her scooter an hour earlier.  Right after I left she hit a bump and flew off.  Steven went to get her. She cried for a bit and then said she wanted to play.  Fast forward and hour and she was still in pain and her elbow was swollen.

I threw her in the car and headed to an after hours.  Two hours later we walk out with a sling and inconclusive X-rays.  Poor thing has been in pain ever since.  So this morning we are headed to an orthopedic specialist to get some answers.

Meanwhile, Chubby Cheekers has a throat that looks like whipped cream exploded on his tonsils so he's off to the doctor with Daddy.  I mean, we're really utilizing that health insurance plan.

Honestly, we're thankful for doctors.  Thankful for healthcare coverage, but more thankful that God has this in control.  I do not know how to do life without relying on His Holy power.  More thankful for a church that has taught our children how to pray and believe for their own health and healing. 

Just look at this little thang.  Ten o'clock at night still hanging at the after hours and she's smiling.  Poor thing was in pain, but said nothing.  Not even when the doctor was asking.  She would just tense up during the mobility testing.  That's the only way I knew she was hurting.  This girl is tough as nails. I love her to pieces. 

So if you'll say a little prayer for my tough as nails girl while we get some answers for her and hopefully some relief from her pain.  Nothing worse than watching those you love hurt.