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