I just tried Starbucks ice cream tonight, and let me tell you - De.li.cious! Well, if you like coffee anyway! I tried a scoop of the Mocha Frappuccino and a scoop of the Java Chip Frappuccino - so creamy and tasted like more...but I held myself back and left the containers in the freezer, and yes, I did share with my hunny!
If you ever wanted to try Starbucks ice cream, now would be a great time to do so, because you can print off two $1 Coupons here! (and that would be the main reason why I decided to try it...and it was worth it!)
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Vacationing at Home - Food
Once we decided that we were going to take a vacation and stay home, I realized that I needed to prepare what we were going to eat for the week...so, I began by making up our menu. After the menu was made, I did as much prep work for the food before vacation began.
Breakfast choices would be:
buttermilk pancakes
waffles - "regular" and pumpkin spice
cereal
eggs and Canadian bacon on toast
eggs and toast
I had this list posted and then Dawson and I would decide what we would serve that day...it was not a la carte - those were just the ideas and we would choose one of them! Now, I love pancakes and waffles, but I really did not want to make them during vacation...I wanted to FEEL like I was on vacation! So, I decided to make them in advance and freeze them! After I cooked the pancakes and waffles, I let them cool, then I placed them on a cookie sheet (put a layer of wax paper on the cookie sheet first), then I topped it with a layer of wax paper, and repeated. This way, I could freeze them flat and separate from each other. Once they were frozen, I took them off of the cookie sheet and placed them on top of each other in a bag and threw them in the freezer. When it was pancake day, we took them out of the freezer, and heated them in the oven until they were warmed through - they also do great in a toaster. They tasted fresh!
Lunches
Tuna sandwiches
Egg salad sandwiches (Brady's favorite!)
Grilled cheese
Peanut butter and jellly
Not too much advance prep was needed for this part of the menu. However, I did try to mix up the tuna or egg salad at night, and I made enough for it to last at least 2 lunches each.
Dinners
We did not want to go out to eat every dinner - it is nice not to cook, but my 15 month old, only lasts about 45 minutes to an hour when we go out to eat - and that includes waiting for out meal to come! We realized that since my birthday was the week after vacation, that we would actually get some BOGO birthday certificates, so we decided that we would use two of these while on vacation - one with the kids (which we actually had a last minute change of plans with) and one by ourselves...a DATE! :)
Our choices:
three bean chili - this was tasty on chips and with sour cream
subs
stir fry
pizza - homemade (love this new quick recipe! Will have to post it soon!)
night out with the kids
date night
something else, that I cannot remember!
Planning the meals ahead of time really helped to make me feel like I was taking a break from the regular rigors of each day. I definitely suggest that you consider doing this if you ever take a vacation and stay at home. I did not have all of the meals prepped ahead of time, and that would be one thing that I would change, if we ever decided to do this again!
Next up: Our Activities!
Breakfast choices would be:
buttermilk pancakes
waffles - "regular" and pumpkin spice
cereal
eggs and Canadian bacon on toast
eggs and toast
I had this list posted and then Dawson and I would decide what we would serve that day...it was not a la carte - those were just the ideas and we would choose one of them! Now, I love pancakes and waffles, but I really did not want to make them during vacation...I wanted to FEEL like I was on vacation! So, I decided to make them in advance and freeze them! After I cooked the pancakes and waffles, I let them cool, then I placed them on a cookie sheet (put a layer of wax paper on the cookie sheet first), then I topped it with a layer of wax paper, and repeated. This way, I could freeze them flat and separate from each other. Once they were frozen, I took them off of the cookie sheet and placed them on top of each other in a bag and threw them in the freezer. When it was pancake day, we took them out of the freezer, and heated them in the oven until they were warmed through - they also do great in a toaster. They tasted fresh!
Lunches
Tuna sandwiches
Egg salad sandwiches (Brady's favorite!)
Grilled cheese
Peanut butter and jellly
Not too much advance prep was needed for this part of the menu. However, I did try to mix up the tuna or egg salad at night, and I made enough for it to last at least 2 lunches each.
Dinners
We did not want to go out to eat every dinner - it is nice not to cook, but my 15 month old, only lasts about 45 minutes to an hour when we go out to eat - and that includes waiting for out meal to come! We realized that since my birthday was the week after vacation, that we would actually get some BOGO birthday certificates, so we decided that we would use two of these while on vacation - one with the kids (which we actually had a last minute change of plans with) and one by ourselves...a DATE! :)
Our choices:
three bean chili - this was tasty on chips and with sour cream
subs
stir fry
pizza - homemade (love this new quick recipe! Will have to post it soon!)
night out with the kids
date night
something else, that I cannot remember!
Planning the meals ahead of time really helped to make me feel like I was taking a break from the regular rigors of each day. I definitely suggest that you consider doing this if you ever take a vacation and stay at home. I did not have all of the meals prepped ahead of time, and that would be one thing that I would change, if we ever decided to do this again!
Next up: Our Activities!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Does Your Child Wear a Size 4 Diaper?
A few weeks ago, I signed up to do a diaper study for the company called Arquest. I sort of forgot that I signed up for it, until I received a phone call today!
The company is currently doing a diaper study for size 4 diapers, and Smiles is signed up for the study!
So, what exactly happens???
I will be sent some FREE diapers in the mail in a few weeks. I use the diapers, fill out a questionnaire, they will call me at an already scheduled time to give them my answers to the survey, and then...they will mail me a check for $10!!!
I'm totally "in" and excited about this! FREE diapers and $10! :)
It will be interesting to use a new brand of diaper, but it is well worth it!
Do you have a child that wears a size 4 diaper and are you interested in signing up for the study? They told me to let others know! Simply call the number below, and if you do not get to talk with a person right away, leave a message, and they will call you back! (Be sure to let them know that you are interested in the size 4 diaper study)
BOYS 1-888-342-7372 ext. 634
GIRLS 1-888-342-7372 ext. 646
If you have a child in diapers, but they are not wearing a size 4, I suggest that you call and let them know what size diaper your child wears, and that you would be interested in future studies!
The company is currently doing a diaper study for size 4 diapers, and Smiles is signed up for the study!
So, what exactly happens???
I will be sent some FREE diapers in the mail in a few weeks. I use the diapers, fill out a questionnaire, they will call me at an already scheduled time to give them my answers to the survey, and then...they will mail me a check for $10!!!
I'm totally "in" and excited about this! FREE diapers and $10! :)
It will be interesting to use a new brand of diaper, but it is well worth it!
Do you have a child that wears a size 4 diaper and are you interested in signing up for the study? They told me to let others know! Simply call the number below, and if you do not get to talk with a person right away, leave a message, and they will call you back! (Be sure to let them know that you are interested in the size 4 diaper study)
BOYS 1-888-342-7372 ext. 634
GIRLS 1-888-342-7372 ext. 646
If you have a child in diapers, but they are not wearing a size 4, I suggest that you call and let them know what size diaper your child wears, and that you would be interested in future studies!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
A Different Vacation
Last week, Dawson was on vacation. We originally were thinking about going away somewhere, but the more that we thought about it, we decided to stay home for the week! We figured that it might be easier to do that with two little ones (ages 1 and 3). There were some things that we have been wanting to get done around the house anyway, so we thought that this could be a chance for us to do some of those things.
When I was thinking about the vacation, I thought to myself - I really want to feel like I am on vacation...at least a little bit...and not just doing the same old thing. So, I realized that I needed to come up with a plan. I decided that I did not want to feel like I was cooking all of the time, but I also did not want to eat out all of the time either. I also wanted the boys (especially Brady) to feel that this was a vacation - so, I decided to plan activities for us to do each morning, before nap time. I will share more about this later in the week.
Now, vacation is over, and Dawson has to go back to work. I will miss not having him around, but I am looking forward to all of the time that I do get to spend with him in the evenings and on the weekends. Speaking of spending time with him...I need to go and do that now! I look forward to sharing more later in the week.
Tomorrow, it will be time to get back into the swing of things...time to exercise again! (Can't wait to see my sis!)
When I was thinking about the vacation, I thought to myself - I really want to feel like I am on vacation...at least a little bit...and not just doing the same old thing. So, I realized that I needed to come up with a plan. I decided that I did not want to feel like I was cooking all of the time, but I also did not want to eat out all of the time either. I also wanted the boys (especially Brady) to feel that this was a vacation - so, I decided to plan activities for us to do each morning, before nap time. I will share more about this later in the week.
Now, vacation is over, and Dawson has to go back to work. I will miss not having him around, but I am looking forward to all of the time that I do get to spend with him in the evenings and on the weekends. Speaking of spending time with him...I need to go and do that now! I look forward to sharing more later in the week.
Tomorrow, it will be time to get back into the swing of things...time to exercise again! (Can't wait to see my sis!)
Thursday, March 19, 2009
I'm Still Around!
A lot has been going on around here, and I am trying to prioritize my time, and limit my computer time. So, I have not been making the time to blog...but much has been happening around here...
1. Potty Training - I am definitely a first time mom at this! You see, I thought that Brady was completely trained after he did pee and poop into the potty last week...however, the poop has not happened in the potty since then!!! :( I am not sure why he does not let it out when he tells me that he has to go, and we get him on the potty...he seems more comfortable to do it in his pull-up (at nap time) or in his diaper (bed time). This has definitely been a test in my patience area. So, I think that I am going to make up a sticker chart - thanks, sis!(I had thought of doing that before, but have not yet). I am hoping that this will motivate him to do the poop on the potty, because he LOVES stickers! Overall, he has been peeing just fine on the potty, with an accident here and there. I will keep you updated!
2. Smiles - He is my adorable little 14 month old! He is enjoying sitting on the little potty too...fully clothed of course! He is so cute! Smiles is starting to babble A LOT and to say q few words too: Dada, Mama (sometimes!), bib, baby, that, bye-bye - those are the main ones that I can think of right now, probably a few more! His personality is bursting forth! He is so friendly and loves people...but likes to be with mommy and daddy the most! It is also fun to watch him and Brady play together - they have so much fun running around and chasing each other, and playing in their "semi-permanent" tent.
3. The Semi-permanent tent - my kids love playing in the little blanket tent that we made in the corner of the living room...so, instead of taking it down and putting it up every day, I have left it in place for the time being. It is so cute to watch them come downstairs and head right for the tent. Since they play in it daily, and it is in the corner of the living room, I really do not have a problem with having it up right now.
4. Organizing my time - this is something that is still in process. Some days, I feel like I have NO TIME to get anything done, besides taking care of the kids - feeding them, clothing them, playing with them, etc. I know that those are all good things, but I really need to get other things done. So, I am trying to evaluate my time, and how I am spending it, and re-prioritizing things. I don't have a lot to say about this, but will try to post things as I grow in this area.
Ok, that is all of the time that I have for the computer right now! I have much to do - we have a fun family week coming up, and I have planning to do for that!
1. Potty Training - I am definitely a first time mom at this! You see, I thought that Brady was completely trained after he did pee and poop into the potty last week...however, the poop has not happened in the potty since then!!! :( I am not sure why he does not let it out when he tells me that he has to go, and we get him on the potty...he seems more comfortable to do it in his pull-up (at nap time) or in his diaper (bed time). This has definitely been a test in my patience area. So, I think that I am going to make up a sticker chart - thanks, sis!(I had thought of doing that before, but have not yet). I am hoping that this will motivate him to do the poop on the potty, because he LOVES stickers! Overall, he has been peeing just fine on the potty, with an accident here and there. I will keep you updated!
2. Smiles - He is my adorable little 14 month old! He is enjoying sitting on the little potty too...fully clothed of course! He is so cute! Smiles is starting to babble A LOT and to say q few words too: Dada, Mama (sometimes!), bib, baby, that, bye-bye - those are the main ones that I can think of right now, probably a few more! His personality is bursting forth! He is so friendly and loves people...but likes to be with mommy and daddy the most! It is also fun to watch him and Brady play together - they have so much fun running around and chasing each other, and playing in their "semi-permanent" tent.
3. The Semi-permanent tent - my kids love playing in the little blanket tent that we made in the corner of the living room...so, instead of taking it down and putting it up every day, I have left it in place for the time being. It is so cute to watch them come downstairs and head right for the tent. Since they play in it daily, and it is in the corner of the living room, I really do not have a problem with having it up right now.
4. Organizing my time - this is something that is still in process. Some days, I feel like I have NO TIME to get anything done, besides taking care of the kids - feeding them, clothing them, playing with them, etc. I know that those are all good things, but I really need to get other things done. So, I am trying to evaluate my time, and how I am spending it, and re-prioritizing things. I don't have a lot to say about this, but will try to post things as I grow in this area.
Ok, that is all of the time that I have for the computer right now! I have much to do - we have a fun family week coming up, and I have planning to do for that!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
VICTORY in Potty Training!
Ok, so two weeks ago, we did the pull-ups and he really did not "get it" - the pull-ups just absorb way too much! So, after some advice from some of my friends (thanks guys!), and then taking that advice to the Lord in prayer, I decided to do the underwear thing. I just could not even think of doing the naked butt thing...and I had an epiphany of why I cannot!
You see, both of my kids spit up for the first 8 months of their lives, and I had to clean it off of my carpet many, many, many times. I just do not want to have to clean up things off of my carpet any more...well, if I can help it anyway! Smiles actually spit up randomly two weeks ago on the carpet, (yes, he is 14 months old - so, it was strange), and when I was cleaning it up, that is when I had this epiphany!
Now, getting back to the potty training...
I took the week off last week - was praying about what to do with this ordeal.
So, on Monday of this week, I talked and prayed with Brady about what he was supposed to be doing, I put him in underwear that is a little thicker in the pee pee area, and we started our day - confined the the kitchen and the hallway (the only areas in our house that does not have carpet) - I brought toys into that area. He had two accidents that day - and was startled by it - I thought COOL! It was "funny" to see him realize that something was wrong - "Pee pee is on the floor, Mommy!" - yes, I had a puddle to clean up!
On Tuesday, I had MIA meeting, so he was in a diaper all day - I was not happy with that, but I had to go, and it was great.
Wednesday - he did NOT want to wear the underwear, he wanted to wear a diaper, but I told him that it was not an option and stayed firm about it. So, our day began...he sat on the potty a few times - nothing...for 2 hours...hello, when is the pee pee going to come out! Then, he sat on the potty (I had it in the kitchen); I was doing dishes, and I hear "Mommy, I'm going pee pee" - I did not know if I should believe him or not, but when I got over there, I saw him doing it - VERY COOL!!! I was SO PROUD of him and hugged him, he got a Hershey Kiss (yes, I decided to give a chocolate as a reward), and we called Grammie and Daddy to tell them the awesome news! He did not have ANY accidents the rest of the day!!!
I did put him in a pull up for nap and when he got up, it was wet, but that will come in time. I was hoping that the pull up would absorb it all, and it did - which is awesome. I did not want to have to put him in a diaper during naptime, because I want consistency during the day (with underwear). That night, Dawson "caught Brady" when he was starting to poop (standing, of course) - he went over to him and got him to sit on the potty just in time, and we praised him and made a big deal about it! I was so amazed that he did both "deeds" in the potty on the same day!
Thursday (today) - I was really praying and hoping that the potty training would continue to go well, and not really sure how the pooping part would go - but was hopeful! The day started off great and continued in that way! Brady actually told me that he had to go poopie. I asked him where he was going to go and he said, "THE POTTY!" - he sat and nothing happened. So, I reminded him that he would probably have to go again soon, and to go sit on the potty again. This whole scenario repeated in about 5 minutes - still nothing...then, it happened. He told me that he had to go poopie, ran over to the potty on his own, pulled off his underwear, sat down and POOPED INTO THE POTTY! I praised him and Smiles and I clapped for him! It was GREAT! We then had to call Grammie, Poppy and Daddy and tell them the GREAT NEWS!!! I also gave him a chocolate as a reward! I am so amazed and in awe that this has all happened!
Oh, and we do have him wear a diaper at night still, because a pull-up would not be able to handle his pee from the night time! So that is the long and the not so short of it!
If you are thinking of doing the underwear thing, I would say, go for it and expect to have accidents the first day! Also, I thought that having the potty in an easy to access place was a great idea - and I just had to teach Smiles not to run away with it! Smiles actually likes to sit on it (fully clothed, of course)! Consistency, firmness, focus, and praise were some of the things that have really helped in Brady's potty training. The TV was not on at all, and we played in the kitchen.
I am SO THANKFUL that Brady has had victory in the potty training area! It is wonderful!!! :)
You see, both of my kids spit up for the first 8 months of their lives, and I had to clean it off of my carpet many, many, many times. I just do not want to have to clean up things off of my carpet any more...well, if I can help it anyway! Smiles actually spit up randomly two weeks ago on the carpet, (yes, he is 14 months old - so, it was strange), and when I was cleaning it up, that is when I had this epiphany!
Now, getting back to the potty training...
I took the week off last week - was praying about what to do with this ordeal.
So, on Monday of this week, I talked and prayed with Brady about what he was supposed to be doing, I put him in underwear that is a little thicker in the pee pee area, and we started our day - confined the the kitchen and the hallway (the only areas in our house that does not have carpet) - I brought toys into that area. He had two accidents that day - and was startled by it - I thought COOL! It was "funny" to see him realize that something was wrong - "Pee pee is on the floor, Mommy!" - yes, I had a puddle to clean up!
On Tuesday, I had MIA meeting, so he was in a diaper all day - I was not happy with that, but I had to go, and it was great.
Wednesday - he did NOT want to wear the underwear, he wanted to wear a diaper, but I told him that it was not an option and stayed firm about it. So, our day began...he sat on the potty a few times - nothing...for 2 hours...hello, when is the pee pee going to come out! Then, he sat on the potty (I had it in the kitchen); I was doing dishes, and I hear "Mommy, I'm going pee pee" - I did not know if I should believe him or not, but when I got over there, I saw him doing it - VERY COOL!!! I was SO PROUD of him and hugged him, he got a Hershey Kiss (yes, I decided to give a chocolate as a reward), and we called Grammie and Daddy to tell them the awesome news! He did not have ANY accidents the rest of the day!!!
I did put him in a pull up for nap and when he got up, it was wet, but that will come in time. I was hoping that the pull up would absorb it all, and it did - which is awesome. I did not want to have to put him in a diaper during naptime, because I want consistency during the day (with underwear). That night, Dawson "caught Brady" when he was starting to poop (standing, of course) - he went over to him and got him to sit on the potty just in time, and we praised him and made a big deal about it! I was so amazed that he did both "deeds" in the potty on the same day!
Thursday (today) - I was really praying and hoping that the potty training would continue to go well, and not really sure how the pooping part would go - but was hopeful! The day started off great and continued in that way! Brady actually told me that he had to go poopie. I asked him where he was going to go and he said, "THE POTTY!" - he sat and nothing happened. So, I reminded him that he would probably have to go again soon, and to go sit on the potty again. This whole scenario repeated in about 5 minutes - still nothing...then, it happened. He told me that he had to go poopie, ran over to the potty on his own, pulled off his underwear, sat down and POOPED INTO THE POTTY! I praised him and Smiles and I clapped for him! It was GREAT! We then had to call Grammie, Poppy and Daddy and tell them the GREAT NEWS!!! I also gave him a chocolate as a reward! I am so amazed and in awe that this has all happened!
Oh, and we do have him wear a diaper at night still, because a pull-up would not be able to handle his pee from the night time! So that is the long and the not so short of it!
If you are thinking of doing the underwear thing, I would say, go for it and expect to have accidents the first day! Also, I thought that having the potty in an easy to access place was a great idea - and I just had to teach Smiles not to run away with it! Smiles actually likes to sit on it (fully clothed, of course)! Consistency, firmness, focus, and praise were some of the things that have really helped in Brady's potty training. The TV was not on at all, and we played in the kitchen.
I am SO THANKFUL that Brady has had victory in the potty training area! It is wonderful!!! :)
Friday, March 6, 2009
Bruster's Ice Cream - PJ day!
PJ day is here again! Call before you go, but rumor has it, that it is on Saturday, March 7th!
Wear your PJ's to Bruster's tomorrow, and you will get a FREE single scoop waffle cone...which is pretty huge, if you ask me!
I am so there!!!
When you go to the place, just be sure that they know that you are "wearing your PJ's" - so that they will not charge you! :)
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