Jesus Loves Me Project

Awhile back, I scored this wood “canvas” crate thingy from my grandparent’s basement.  I had no idea what it was, but I saw potential for it.

Grant did not see that potential.  He rolled his eyes several times, and tried to convince me we didn’t have enough room for it on the way home, nor did we need another thing cluttering up our junky garage.  He was half right.  But I was persistent.   

And, I won.  I got my wood canvas crate thingy. 

And after months of  it sitting in the garage, while I tried to figure out what I wanted to make it into, I got inspiration from this creative company. 

So this is what I came up with

 

Likey? 

Now I just need to figure out where to hang it…. and get used to the fact that I will have that song stuck in my head quite a bit. 

Fruit Snack Junkies

A few months ago this was a problem in my house.  The boys loved them…. like, as in they loved them three times a day….  and I mindlessly snacked down those empty calories too. 

Finally, one day it hit me.  These weren’t special treats anymore, as they were intended to be.  They were just so easy for me to hand out, and became Jagger’s go-to snack every few hours.  He was a junky.    And perhaps they were part of the reason that he jumps and such all day long.  Uh, duh.  Why does it take me so long to two and two together? 

So, I decided to quit buying them, cold turkey, hoping this would affect his behavior. … and save myself a few of those calories as well.  And hello, how about trying some actual fruit instead.  There’s a novel idea.   

Anyway, fast forward to a few months later.  I notice a difference in the levels of his hyperactivity and concentration, for the better.  Obviously, the lack of records and measurements makes this a less than scientific experiment, but still, I am going to call it a success. 

So I am pretty pleased that I found one small thing that I can do to make the boys a tad bit healthier.  I bet their dentist is pretty pleased, too. 

The batch of brownies that we eat daily, however, is another story.  We’ll tackle that in its own time. 

Soup: It’s What’s for Dinner

These are my Go-To recipes during Soup Season.  They are quick, easy, and the whole family loves them.  (Well, not the whole family, since Cash doesn’t eat anything that is not in Nugget form) … But you get the idea. 

 

Tortellini Florentine

  Adapted from a BHG recipe

• 1  9 oz package of frozen/refrigerated 3-cheese tortellini
• 2 14 oz cans of chicken broth
• 1 jar of Alfredo sauce 
• 2 cups of deli roasted chicken, or other cooked chicken
• 3 cups of fresh spinach
• Parmesan cheese, for topping

In large pot, cook tortellini according to package.  Drain and set aside.

In same pot, combine broth and Alfredo sauce.  Stir in chicken.  Heat to boiling, reduce heat.  Simmer uncovered 5 minutes.

Add tortellini, and spinach.  Cook 2 minutes more to wilt spinach. 

Serve with Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top. 

 

Cheesy Broccoli Potato

• 1 can cream of celery soup
• 1 can cream of chicken (or cream of mushroom works fine too)
• 3 cups milk
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (leave this out of you don’t like it spicy)
• 3 cups of frozen/fresh chopped broccoli
• 1 handful of frozen tater-tots, or hash browns
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

In large saucepan,  combine first six ingredients. 

Stir in broccoli and potatoes, and heat through until potatoes break up. 

Just before serving, sprinkle with cheese. 

 

Chicken Mug Stoup

Adapted from a Rachael Ray recipe

• 1 tube of jumbo biscuits
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 lb chicken breast pieces, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
• Salt and pepper
• 2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 handful of frozen tater-tots or hash browns
• 1 pint milk
• 1 quart chicken broth

Bake biscuits according to directions

In large pot, cook chicken in butter for two minutes over medium heat, then add veggies and season with salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning.  Cook five minutes more.

Add flour, then cook another minute. 

Add potatoes, then whisk in milk and chicken broth. 

Bring soup to boil by raising heat, then turn back to simmer for 10 minutes. 

Serve on top of biscuit in bowl. 

Goodbye Nursery

Goodbye Fishy Nursery.  I loved you.  

But….

The boys want roommates. 

And Cash does just great sleeping on the bottom bunk. 

And momma needs a little more space. 

So the nursery is getting disassembled as we speak.  

Does anyone need this crib?  I’m willing to give it to a friend in need, otherwise, it’s going on Craigslist soon. 

Tear.  My baby is all growed up. 

 

The Day Cash Pooped in the Bathtub and I Barfed while Cleaning it Up

I know what you’re thinking.  And, YES, my life is glamorous.

Anyway, the title pretty much says it all.  I just thought you should know.  For those that want the awesome details, read ahead. 

The day started out as an innocent snow day.  School was canceled and we were not going anywhere.  I had this weird feeling that I should be a good mom, and take the kids to play in the snow, and do lots of other fun things to create memories:  hot chocolate, homemade brownies, board games, maybe a craft, and other such nonsense those boys love.  I even documented it all, and made a Picasa collage to prove I was good mom and was capable of doing more than putting them in front of the TV and rearranging accessories in the living room. 

See that?  This proves it, right? 

And that’s when it happened. Seconds after that last photo was taken… the tub water turned a murky brown.   I didn’t notice it until Jagger kept laughing and saying “Look at the poopy.  Look at the poopy.”

Please a be a Lincoln Log that made it’s way to the bath tub.  Please don’t be what I think you are. 

Oh no, life was not so good anymore.  I quickly ushered the boys to the shower, and tried to figure out what to do with a tub full of poo. 

It was gross, incase you had any doubt.  So gross, that I gagged numerous times and eventually threw up while trying to clean it all.  Luckily the toilet was just a head-spin away.   I’ll spare you anymore details.

Yes, it’s a glamorous life I lead. 

I would love to know if this has happened to you.  Please share, it would make me feel so much better.

Oh Cash

I leave the room for one minute.

And I come back to

Cash.  Naked.  Watching a Veggie Tale at the most awkward angle possible. 

I had to laugh out loud.  Take a picture.

And blog about it.   He’s silly and I love him and I wanted to share it. 

New Years Smew Years and Running

I am usually not into making New Year’s  Resolutions.  There’s no point.  I never keep them.   And it’s not really a disappointment, because no one ever knew about the goal anyway.   And I can easily pretend I never made any goals.  It comes pretty natural to me. 

Anyway, this year is slightly different.  I actually have set a small goal for myself that I think will keep me on track… or treadmill. 

400 miles.

It’s not huge; I realize this.  Many people probably do this without even thinking about it.  But for lazy me, it means I have to stay committed and can’t slack off for more than a few weeks this year. 

And it’s an actual number that I can count to.  And, I just told the whole world (meaning all four of my readers) so it would be totally embarrassing for me not to reach this goal.

This is incredibly boring to you, I am sure.  I am only writing this because of that whole accountability thing.  Also, I am keeping track of my miles on my sidebar.  More crappy accountability. 

In related news,  my wicked sisters have signed up for the Nashville 1/2 Marathon again.  Me?  Well, I am not excited about training for it. Running is hard and it hurts my legs and lungs.  But if I don’t do it, my parents will probably make fun of me, being that I am their laziest daughter.  So 1/2 marathon here I come.   Dragging my feet.  I am so mad at those sisters. 

But I guess those miles will come in handy in helping me to reach my little goal…. and to help me burn off the half-dozen cookies I just devoured.  Both, really. 

2 down, 398 to go.