What does it take?
June 25, 2009, 11:30 am
Filed under: Family, Thoughts | Tags: , , ,

You know, sometimes a lot of times as “moms” we put a lot of expectations on our shoulders.  We look at other moms who seems to have it all together, are super creative, or just seem to be “SuperMom”.  In turn, we sometimes feel like we have to do more, or get more creative in our plans or activities with the kids.

I’ve definitely felt that more this summer than ever.  Maybe it’s just because my kids are a year older…or that I only have 8 weeks at home with them and want to make the most of that time.   Last weekend after our little vacation, I gave Abbie and Peyton a “very special assignment” — to make their “Summer List”.  A list of all the things they wanted to do while they were on summer break.  Take a quick look:

  • Cook
  • Play Softball
  • Paint
  • Draw
  • Go to the pool
  • Play
  • Cuddle
  • Give hugs
  • Give kisses
  • Talk
  • Take walks
  • Have tea parties
  • Do puppet shows
  • Play house
  • Be lazy
  • Play games
  • Just have fun!
  • Play baseball
  • Play football

That’s it!  In my daughter’s eyes (ok, let’s be real…Peyton only contributed the last two!) that’s what would make a great summer with mom!  Don’t get me wrong…I’m still planning some special crafts and outings with the kids, but this really served as a great reminder that it doesn’t take a lot to make an impact in our kids’ life.  Just living life with them is what matters!!!!



Meal Plan Monday…

orgjunkiempm12

Jason and I had a great week last week at Cedarly…a wonderful retreat of rest and reconnecting!  I am very excited to get back to the kids and life here this summer, though!  Here’s a glimpse at our menu for the week.

Monday-  Coney Dogs (with homemade Dog N Suds Coney Sauce), Fresh Baked Fries, Watermelon

Tuesday- Pretzel Crusted Chicken and Zuccini Strips with Cheddar-Spicy Mustard Dipping Sauce and Fresh Veggies

Wednesday- Mike’s Baby Back Ribs (one of our WONDERFUL meals at Cedarly), Sweet Potatoes, Asparagus

Thursday- Grilled Pork Chops, Potatoes, Green Beans with Almonds

Friday-  Fettucini Alfredo, Salad, “Red Lobster” biscuits

Saturday- Cilantro Lime Chicken with Warm Corn Salad and Fruit

Be sure to check out other weekly menus here!



Incentives…
June 8, 2009, 12:49 pm
Filed under: Family

The things I do to get my kids (and their friends) to eat their food!!!



cornhole
June 2, 2009, 7:22 pm
Filed under: Family | Tags: ,

Well, I was finally introduced to the game of Cornhole…honestly, I can’t believe I hadn’t played it before, and my skills definitely need honing (as evidenced in the video below!).  But, we did have a great night with friends!!!
(And just to clarify the background conversation at the end of the video where Bailey says “Peyton insists that you are pregnant”…I am not.  Peyton was trying to convince her that I was pregnant or had a son I didn’t know about named Corban.  Corban is my nephew.  Man, that kid wants a little brother badly!  But it’s not happening…sorry!)



Menu Plan Monday…

orgjunkiempm12

Now that I’m off work for the summer, my meal planning is even MORE necessary.  Not just because money gets tighter with only one paycheck, but because if I don’t plan?  Not a good situation when it comes to meal time.  So…for the next couple of months I will be including my menu plans for all three meals (and maybe that habit will actually bleed into the fall!).

 

Breakfasts:

Banana Pancakes and Apples
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothies and Toast
Omelets and Toast
Biscuits and Gravy, Cantelope
Yogurt with Homemade Granola, Muffins
Whole Wheat Waffles and fruit
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Lunches:
Chicken Caesar Wraps
Pizza Pockets and Carrot sticks
Sandwiches and veggies (Grilled Cheese, Egg Salad, Lunch Meat)
Leftovers when available

Dinners:
Sunday- Breakfast Tacos, Cantaloupe, Smoothies (usually go with 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt, 1 banana, 2 strawberries, 1-2 teaspoons of flax meal and milk or OJ to thin out to desired consistency)
Monday- Ribeye Steaks, Baked Potatoes, Corn on the Cob
Tuesday- Tropical Pork Kabobs, Pineapple Rice
Wednesday- BBQ Fajitas with Sweet Corn Spoon Bread
Thursday- Chicken & Rice with Steamed Veggies
Friday- Grilled Pork Chops, Baked Potatoes, Sauteed Zucchini and Yellow Squash 
SaturdayTeriyaki Spare Ribs, Broccoli, Rice 

Be sure to check out hundreds of more meal plans over at OrgJunkie!