Parenthood

Have you ever seen the movie Parenthood?  Not the show, but the actual movie.  It paints such a clear picture about what parenthood is all about.  Working our tails off to bring up our kids the best way we know how.  Despite doing our best we know parenthood is hard.  We know parenthood is fun. We know parenthood is agonizing.  We know parenthood is hilarious.  We know parenthood is irritating.  We know parenthood is rewarding.  And we definitely know parenthood is challenging. 

If you're a parent you know exactly what I'm talking about.  It's a job raising these monkeys kids.  Some days I'm pleased with the job I'm doing, and other days I'm just mad at myself.  A while back Steven and I made a list of traits we wanted to instill in our kids before they leave home.  We wrote them on an index card and stuck them to the side of the fridge.  You're curious what our words are, aren't you?  Well, I'm not gonna share.  Kidding.  Here they are...

• joyful
• successful
• blessed
• wealthy
• righteous
• influential
• gracious
• compassionate
• generous
• just
• secure
• triumphant

If you're curious where we came up with these crazy ideas, it's from the Bible.  Psalm 112 to be exact.  It's the picture of a Godly family.  Having these visible keeps me accountable throughout the day.  It reminds me that what I do daily affects them greatly.  I have to be intentional to teach them to how to be the above words.  It's a hard job.  I look forward to the day when I can put little check marks by the trait they've mastered.  Like really, really look forward to it.

Corn Saute

Poor Alice asked about this recipe months ago.  At the time I told her I would get it up 'soon'. Well 'soon' never came.  More like later.  Much later.  So in this situation I'm going to use the phrase 'Better late than never'. 

Here's the long awaited Corn Saute modified from the Aug/Sept 2010 Simple & Delicious cooking magazine...

Corn Saute
1 large zucchini, thinly sliced
1/3 cup sliced onion
1-1/2 tsp olive oil
3/4 cup whole kernel corn
2 garlic cloves
1/2 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp lemon-pepper seasoning

• In a large skillet, saute zucchini and onion in oil until crisp/tender. 
• Add corn and garlic. Saute for 2 minutes longer until vegetables are tender.
• Sprinkle with sugar, salt, and lemon-pepper.

Really easy and really yummy.  The sugar combines well with the flavors.  A little sweetness.  Like Walter Payton. Complete Sweetness.

Happy Cooking

Menu Monday

Have you ever had one of those weeks were you feel you're chasing your own tail?  The previous week was it for me.  The return from an 8 day trip, only to prepare for a weekend trip did me in.  Did me in good.  I'm hoping today is the day I get caught up on life.  Since I'm a little behind on life, very little effort went into the menu.  I basically looked at what was in the pantry, fridge, and freezer, skipped the grocery store, and made the menu.  My mantra to the family will be the same mantra I used with elementary kids, "You get what you get and you don't throw a fit."  You either eat it, or you make yourself a PB&J.  Very loving.

Monday-Parmesan Pork Chops, Corn Saute, and Homemade Parker Rolls (dough recipe)
Tuesday-Bubble and Squeak (google it), Green Beans
Wednesday-Soup and Sandwiches
Thursday-Hamburgers with Pineapple Salsa
Friday-Broccoli Rice Casserole and Honey Butter Bread
Saturday-Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce and Grilled Chicken, The Bread, and salad
Sunday-Steven and Rene's 32nd birthday dinner out

Well, that's all folks.  I'm off to catch up on life.  Wish me luck!

The Expense of Christmas

We usually do pretty well at Christmas as far as our expeditures go.  I try to buy presents for others early to spread the cost out a little more, but this year I'm trying something new.  After having a successful go with the envelope spending in Chicago, we decided to do the same for Christmas.  We knew exactly how much money we wanted to spend on everyone we buy for, so we took that amount in cash and divided among the various envelopes.  

On the front each envelope is the amount of $ inside (covered up for this post), and on the back lists the items we would like to purchase.  Inside the envelope is the cash and coupons for any items we plan to purchase.  If items are purchased online, that amount of money is taken out of the envelope and designated to the credit card payment. 

So far this is working better than I thought it would.  Since I actually SEE the money, I am much more careful to look for deals and coupons.  We have most items already purchased for the kids and family with only half of the designated money spent.  Any leftover money is going to the vacation fund!  Holla!

Shutterfly Photo Card

Pop Art Ornaments Christmas

Make a statement with Shutterfly Christmas photo cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

If you're wondering why on I would post our Christmas photo on this blog, it involves getting a $25 gift certificate to Shutterfly.  For the life of me, I cannot find the link to the info now.  If I do, I'll share it with ya!

An Audience of Readers

When I'm out in public I run into people I know who comment about reading this blog.  A lot of times I have to ask, "What blog? My blog?"  It shocks me.  People read what I have to say?  I sure hope they don't really take my advice.  Unless it's advice that comes via The Pioneer Woman.  She's awesome.  (By the way, if you know her, hook me up with a meet and greet!  I might pull an Ellen and start a campaign to meet TPW.  I mean, she's in the same state as me.  OKLAHOMA!)  Okay, back to the blog thing...Originally, I started this blog to keep family in touch.  Then I started sharing family recipes.  Then I shared about the adventures of being a teacher.  You just never know what you're going to get these days.  From the nice pile of leftovers on my hardwood floors to encouraging you to be you, it's all in here.  All of this to say, if you read this blog leave me a comment sometime.  I love reading them.  I cherish them.  I write them down on little fuzzy pieces of heart shaped paper.  Then I snuggle with them all night long. 

Enough about the comments.  I really write this blog because it's my own little piece of an adult world.  A world free of food splatters, sippy cups leaks, and stinky booties.  A world free of whining, crying, and thrashing.  I do love being a SAHM, but I also like doing things that have a purpose for me.  Writing has a purpose for me.  Cooking has a purpose for me.  Lists have a purpose or me.  I don't do idle very well.  I'm always moving. Always thinking.  Always doing. So whether you enjoy my crazy tangents or you just feel sorry for my lack of normalcy, I'm glad you stop by.  I'm thankful that you do.  So bringing this post to a close I'll leave you with this deep, deep quote...

I feel a very unusual sensation - if it is not indigestion,

I think it must be gratitude.

- Benjamin Disraeli

La Vida Loca

I'm really contemplating changing the name of this blog to La Vida Loca.  Much more fitting, right?  I mean, I have a life AND it IS crazy.  La Vida Loca.  Yes, that sounds nice.

I'm pretty sure our recent photo session with MelHun Photography embodied the essence of my la vida loca.  Three small kids, four adults, a papi with his motorcycle...it all adds up to craziness.  Let's just say our last two photographers stopped doing family sessions shortly after they worked with us.  I try not to take it personally.  However, if Melinda Hunley quits I won't be surprised.  We just have that effect on people.

Despite the craziness, Melinda did a fabulous job. We have a ton of amazing shots to capture this moment in our lives.  I'm thankful for the opportunity to have family photos.  I know in a short time Steven and I will be sitting on the couch reminiscing through these photos wondering how time flew by so fast.