Outside Temp: 44F (it was below freezing this morning when we got up, but was in the 50's and beautiful most of the afternoon... I LOVE the weather up here!)
What I cooked today:
Burgers: Patrick and Allen were up at the Grandparents house, so I only had to make dinner for Connor, Katie, Ryan and myself. Burgers were a quick and easy solution. And everyone ate them right up!
Update:
I substituted today for the P.E. coach. I'm not sure if it was not sleeping well last night, too much stress, or if the kids were really bad. I'm figuring it was the first, since I'm too naive to believe that kids can be bad. (yes, I'm kidding).
I actually think that kids can smell exhaustion on someone, and they, in their own ways, exploit that. Needless to say, by the end of the day, I could barely drive us home. I fell into bed as I walked in the door, and slept for about 3 hours (okay, so I woke up every 10-15 minutes, to check on Ryan, but still...)
I'm a little upset that I missed the banquet at the school tonight, especially since I said that I would be there. But Patrick didn't come home (he was up helping the Grandparents) and Allen went for a bike ride, and since I was so tired, I just couldn't come up with the energy to get everyone together. I hope they'll forgive me.
I'm praying that tomorrow will be better. I'm falling back into bed as soon as I push 'publish' on this entry...
(oh crap, it hadn't even occurred to me... I really hope I'm not getting sick... )
Monday, May 7, 2012
Sunday, May 6, 2012
May 6, 2012
Outside Temp: 40 F (I expected rain today... it was beautiful all day!)
What I cooked today:
Shepard's Pie: I wanted to try something new, so I found a recipe for Shepard's Pie. I thought it was fine, but apparently, my children didn't agree. They 'tollerated' it, but I can't say they were happy about it. Oh well, I guess it was time for me to make something they didn't like.
Update:
Yea! The Grandparents are back! They have been gone for the last two weeks (or was it 3?), visiting family and friends back in California. We got very spoiled by the presents they brought back: a kumquat tree and bags of lemons! Yummm.... Ryan LOVES lemons, so now I have to decide if I should freeze some, or just hope he eats them before they go bad. Any ideas?
We also went to town today to get clothes for the kids. 3 of the 4 are being Confirmed at church on Wednesday, and I would be humiliated if Katie walked up there in a old tank top and her snow boots. Connor seems to only have jeans with holes in the knees, and Allen had no shirts that did not have holes in the neck. I guess it's only fitting that I finally break down and got some nice clothes for them. Katie even ended up with new sandals!
What I cooked today:
Shepard's Pie: I wanted to try something new, so I found a recipe for Shepard's Pie. I thought it was fine, but apparently, my children didn't agree. They 'tollerated' it, but I can't say they were happy about it. Oh well, I guess it was time for me to make something they didn't like.
Update:
Yea! The Grandparents are back! They have been gone for the last two weeks (or was it 3?), visiting family and friends back in California. We got very spoiled by the presents they brought back: a kumquat tree and bags of lemons! Yummm.... Ryan LOVES lemons, so now I have to decide if I should freeze some, or just hope he eats them before they go bad. Any ideas?
We also went to town today to get clothes for the kids. 3 of the 4 are being Confirmed at church on Wednesday, and I would be humiliated if Katie walked up there in a old tank top and her snow boots. Connor seems to only have jeans with holes in the knees, and Allen had no shirts that did not have holes in the neck. I guess it's only fitting that I finally break down and got some nice clothes for them. Katie even ended up with new sandals!
Saturday, May 5, 2012
May 5, 2012
Outside Temp: 35 F (we had a freak snow storm this afternoon, while it was 48 degrees... Not quite sure I understand that one...)
What I cooked today:
Tacos (and leftover pizza!): We had pizza from last night, and since I only had a few tortilla, I just made a small amount of taco meat, and gave everyone a choice. It worked out well, since I wanted pizza, I got pizza, and I didn't really care what everyone else did. Does that make me bad?
Update:
Ryan has been asking to go see the Avengers for weeks now. We were under the impression that it started last week, so we figured the crowd would have died down. We headed into town around noon, to catch a 1:15 showing. We got there about 25 minutes early, so I stopped at picked up burgers for the kids before heading over to the theater.
Stupid move, although it may not have made a difference. By the time we got there, there was a line about 50 feet out the door. Ugh, not a good sign, but I thought, maybe it will be okay.
Nope. We got up to the window about 5 minutes before the movie started, and they were totally sold out. They were even sold out for the 4pm showing this afternoon.
So, we proceeded to get back into the car and go home... (Okay, so we took the kids out to a real lunch first). Ryan was so upset, for the next hour, all we heard was:
R: "Go Back! I want the Avengers!".
Me: "No, Ryan... They were sold out."
R: "Not sold out. Let's try again."
M: "We'll try to go next week."
R: "Not next week. Today. Let's try again."
M: "There's no more tickets left."
R: "Yes, there are more tickets. Please?"
M: "I'm sorry, but we'll have to wait."
R: "Wait. I have a plan. Let's go see Avengers now, and THEN go next week."
Ahhh, my son and his plans. We ended up stopping at Target and got an animated version of the Avengers... That helped.
It worked out for me, since I was able to get a few more hours of work time on the web site I'm designing. I have been having those fun moments of smashing my head against the keyboard, and cursing obscenities at the screen. And then those moments of: "Yes! I am a GOD!", when something works right.
I'm praying that tomorrow is a better work day. Although I probably accomplished something, it just reminds me how far I have to go!
What I cooked today:
Tacos (and leftover pizza!): We had pizza from last night, and since I only had a few tortilla, I just made a small amount of taco meat, and gave everyone a choice. It worked out well, since I wanted pizza, I got pizza, and I didn't really care what everyone else did. Does that make me bad?
Update:
Ryan has been asking to go see the Avengers for weeks now. We were under the impression that it started last week, so we figured the crowd would have died down. We headed into town around noon, to catch a 1:15 showing. We got there about 25 minutes early, so I stopped at picked up burgers for the kids before heading over to the theater.
Stupid move, although it may not have made a difference. By the time we got there, there was a line about 50 feet out the door. Ugh, not a good sign, but I thought, maybe it will be okay.
Nope. We got up to the window about 5 minutes before the movie started, and they were totally sold out. They were even sold out for the 4pm showing this afternoon.
So, we proceeded to get back into the car and go home... (Okay, so we took the kids out to a real lunch first). Ryan was so upset, for the next hour, all we heard was:
R: "Go Back! I want the Avengers!".
Me: "No, Ryan... They were sold out."
R: "Not sold out. Let's try again."
M: "We'll try to go next week."
R: "Not next week. Today. Let's try again."
M: "There's no more tickets left."
R: "Yes, there are more tickets. Please?"
M: "I'm sorry, but we'll have to wait."
R: "Wait. I have a plan. Let's go see Avengers now, and THEN go next week."
Ahhh, my son and his plans. We ended up stopping at Target and got an animated version of the Avengers... That helped.
It worked out for me, since I was able to get a few more hours of work time on the web site I'm designing. I have been having those fun moments of smashing my head against the keyboard, and cursing obscenities at the screen. And then those moments of: "Yes! I am a GOD!", when something works right.
I'm praying that tomorrow is a better work day. Although I probably accomplished something, it just reminds me how far I have to go!
Friday, May 4, 2012
May 4, 2012
Outside Temp: 47 F (While the weatherman said there was a chance of rain, it was beautiful all day... Of course, at the end of the day, the clouds started moving in... Then a few little drops...)
What I cooked today:
Take Home Pizza: I took Allen out to dinner after his meet, so I had to make something for the rest of the family. I picked up a 'bake at home' pizza, which worked out fine... I felt absolutely no guilt.
Update:
I got to sub again today, which was great. By now, the kids all know me, and we get along great. And I've started to understand how things are done.
At the end of the day, I watched a movie with the JH kids (who were not at the meet). We all go so into the movie, that we had to stay an extra 5-10 minutes after school, to make sure we watched the end of the movie. Even though I didn't see the first 3/5 of the movie, it was still good!
After school, I raced Katie and Connor home and then raced to Allen's track meet. The meet was in Centerville, which is about 30 minutes from the house. I told him it was one of the only meets I would go to, since it was so close (I'm just a lazy mom).
I loved being able to cheer on the team. It reminded me of my days on the swim team in high school, where the best part was being able to cheer on my teammates.
I missed Allen's first few events, but I caught his running. He did the 100m, 200m AND the 400m. For the 100m, he came in second in his heat, which was a personal best. He had never done the 400m (all the way around the track), and he came in 5th in his heat, also a personal best, since he'd never done it before! For the 200m (which was after the 400m), he also made a new personal best!
I was so totally proud of him! It also gave me a chance to talk to a few other parents around the meet, which I love!
Afterwards, since he did so well, I spoiled him with dinner at the 3D (it's an awesome Mongolian Grill with unlimited food!). Of course, I had to ask permission from Patrick, who was none too happy about me going there without him. But he grudgingly agreed, as long as I brought him back pizza (which doesn't even begin to compare to the food at the 3D).
What I cooked today:
Take Home Pizza: I took Allen out to dinner after his meet, so I had to make something for the rest of the family. I picked up a 'bake at home' pizza, which worked out fine... I felt absolutely no guilt.
Update:
I got to sub again today, which was great. By now, the kids all know me, and we get along great. And I've started to understand how things are done.
At the end of the day, I watched a movie with the JH kids (who were not at the meet). We all go so into the movie, that we had to stay an extra 5-10 minutes after school, to make sure we watched the end of the movie. Even though I didn't see the first 3/5 of the movie, it was still good!
After school, I raced Katie and Connor home and then raced to Allen's track meet. The meet was in Centerville, which is about 30 minutes from the house. I told him it was one of the only meets I would go to, since it was so close (I'm just a lazy mom).
I loved being able to cheer on the team. It reminded me of my days on the swim team in high school, where the best part was being able to cheer on my teammates.
I missed Allen's first few events, but I caught his running. He did the 100m, 200m AND the 400m. For the 100m, he came in second in his heat, which was a personal best. He had never done the 400m (all the way around the track), and he came in 5th in his heat, also a personal best, since he'd never done it before! For the 200m (which was after the 400m), he also made a new personal best!
I was so totally proud of him! It also gave me a chance to talk to a few other parents around the meet, which I love!
Afterwards, since he did so well, I spoiled him with dinner at the 3D (it's an awesome Mongolian Grill with unlimited food!). Of course, I had to ask permission from Patrick, who was none too happy about me going there without him. But he grudgingly agreed, as long as I brought him back pizza (which doesn't even begin to compare to the food at the 3D).
Thursday, May 3, 2012
May 3, 2012
Outside Temp: 46 F (little sprinkles of rain, here and there. Enough to make you use the windshield wipers, but not so much that it was a problem walking in it.)
What I cooked today:
Soup: Patrick said that when it rains, he likes soup. But not the 'taco soup', that I've made the last few times. He was silly enough to say "Why don't you make a French style soup"... I told him to shove it. I made a vegetable beef soup, with some Greek seasoning (just out of spite). It actually turned out pretty good. He said I could make it again... Oh thank you, kind one.
Update:
The kids had physicals at school today. Of course, I'm not actually organized enough to have their paperwork together, so I had to run down to the school to get it filled out. Katie's physical was fine, but the boys had to have 'boy' physicals. Oh my goodness, you would have thought they had been tortured. Both boys said it was awful, although I think they must be exaggerating. I mean, how hard is it to turn your head and cough... (hehehe)
I get to sub tomorrow for the JH History, Math and then school wide music. I really like subbing for this teacher, since I get to see a wide range of students. For the younger grades, Friday's are 'Enrichment' days, which usually translates to playing games. How can you mess that up?
Patrick got some really good news on a project he has been working on for the last year or two. It might actually start 'paying', which would be just awesome. I would be happy with it just paying what we've paid out. But he thinks it might pay out a lot more than that. Perhaps patience does pay off!
This morning was in the high 20's, which is not all that unusual. But, after I got the kids ready for school, I thought I should check on the chicks. (okay, to be honest, I went back to sleep for an hour, so it was already in the low 40's when I finally checked on them). They were all out of their boxes and walking around their little caged area. I filled their food trays with no problem. Then I looked at their water. We have a gallon jug, that sits upside down and fills a plastic ring at the bottom. I realized that the chicks were not drinking, but didn't think much of it. Until I realized that the water was frozen, solid. Oh crap. I broke through the ice, and they all came rushing over for water. I'll have to keep a better eye on that when it gets below freezing.
What I cooked today:
Soup: Patrick said that when it rains, he likes soup. But not the 'taco soup', that I've made the last few times. He was silly enough to say "Why don't you make a French style soup"... I told him to shove it. I made a vegetable beef soup, with some Greek seasoning (just out of spite). It actually turned out pretty good. He said I could make it again... Oh thank you, kind one.
Update:
The kids had physicals at school today. Of course, I'm not actually organized enough to have their paperwork together, so I had to run down to the school to get it filled out. Katie's physical was fine, but the boys had to have 'boy' physicals. Oh my goodness, you would have thought they had been tortured. Both boys said it was awful, although I think they must be exaggerating. I mean, how hard is it to turn your head and cough... (hehehe)
I get to sub tomorrow for the JH History, Math and then school wide music. I really like subbing for this teacher, since I get to see a wide range of students. For the younger grades, Friday's are 'Enrichment' days, which usually translates to playing games. How can you mess that up?
Patrick got some really good news on a project he has been working on for the last year or two. It might actually start 'paying', which would be just awesome. I would be happy with it just paying what we've paid out. But he thinks it might pay out a lot more than that. Perhaps patience does pay off!
This morning was in the high 20's, which is not all that unusual. But, after I got the kids ready for school, I thought I should check on the chicks. (okay, to be honest, I went back to sleep for an hour, so it was already in the low 40's when I finally checked on them). They were all out of their boxes and walking around their little caged area. I filled their food trays with no problem. Then I looked at their water. We have a gallon jug, that sits upside down and fills a plastic ring at the bottom. I realized that the chicks were not drinking, but didn't think much of it. Until I realized that the water was frozen, solid. Oh crap. I broke through the ice, and they all came rushing over for water. I'll have to keep a better eye on that when it gets below freezing.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
May 2, 2012
Outside Temp: 36 F (another beautiful day... a little windy and a few drops of rain at times)
What I cooked today:
Frozen Pizza: Actually, Patrick made it. Since I knew I wouldn't be here, I picked up a few frozen pizzas when I was in town yesterday. I asked him to save me a slice or two, but I got home to no pizza... Really, what did I expect?
Update:
I had book club with a few of the awesome ladies from around here. It was really nice to spend an evening with women, and no kids, and no husband. As much as I adore my kids and my husband, sometimes it's nice to have a night with just 'the girls'. I think it makes me appreciate them all the more!
What I cooked today:
Frozen Pizza: Actually, Patrick made it. Since I knew I wouldn't be here, I picked up a few frozen pizzas when I was in town yesterday. I asked him to save me a slice or two, but I got home to no pizza... Really, what did I expect?
Update:
I had book club with a few of the awesome ladies from around here. It was really nice to spend an evening with women, and no kids, and no husband. As much as I adore my kids and my husband, sometimes it's nice to have a night with just 'the girls'. I think it makes me appreciate them all the more!
My wonderful husband spent about 4-5 hours today, outside (yes, outside, and for those who know Patrick, you know how amazing that is in itself), mowing our yard. He did the entire back and front yard. It looks so amazing! Of course, by the time he was done, his ears were ringing and his hands were buzzing. But it was totally worth it! Allen asked if he could do it next time, so we might have to let him. How much trouble could he get into, really? Oh, that much, eh?
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
May 1, 2012
Outside Temp: 41 F (In the 50's most of the day, but really windy. As long as you stayed out of the wind, it was beautiful!)
What I cooked today:
Burgers: I just had to use our new meat from Cascade. It was delicious! Although they packed it in 1 lb packets, instead of 1 1/2 lb. packs, which is going to be a problem. I should have repacked them in 1 1/2 lb packs before putting them in the freezer, but oh well. I'll make it work. It actually worked out great today, since Allen had dinner with his track team, so it was only the 4 of us... 1/4 burgers, anyone?
Update:
It was a bittersweet day.
The good news: Allen made his best times for both the 100m and the 200m. The last few meets, he's been coming in 7th out of 8, consistently. Today, he came in 4th and 5th out of 8... Awesome! I am so proud of how hard he is trying and how much he has improved!
Also, Patrick was able to go out and mow our lawn. Our lawn fills up most of our 1/2 ac. yard. So, even with our new riding lawn mower, he was out there for about 2 hours, and only managed to mow about 1/3 of the lawn. Granted, it hasn't been mowed since before we moved in, so he had to go back over the same spot a few times, each time lowering the blades. But still, 6 hours to mow a lawn? That's crazy.
That being said, I am totally grateful that 1/3 of the lawn is mowed. That section looks so much better! I can't wait for it all to be done.
And the bad news: Ryan went out and played with the chicks this morning, and he forgot to close the gate. We're not sure exactly what happened next, but one of the Cornish Roasters was taken (probably by a cat) and munched behind the shed. Patrick went out there when we left for school, and found that the gate was open. Then, he counted chicks and came up with one missing. He didn't immediately see the carcass, so he thought it might have been a hawk. But when Ryan and I got home from school (about 3 hours later), I found it.
Patrick then added more chicken wire around the cage, and wired closed the gates, so Ryan won't be able to open them easily.
We also decided that the rest of the chickens were ready to head outside. They were flying around the area inside, so he figured it was time. The weather has been nice, and it's only supposed to get into the high 30's tonight. Since the other chicks have been doing so well, we figured they'd probably be fine. It's been 4 weeks.
When we went back out to check on the chicks later this evening, there was an orange cat sitting next to the cage, just watching. We figure he was going back for seconds. Patrick scared him off, but I'm seriously considering getting a dog.
All the kids were upset, but mostly Katie. She said it was her favorite, although I couldn't really tell the difference between them. She has spent more time with them than anyone, so I'm not surprised that she's upset. She probably would have handled us slaughtering them better, since she could have been prepared. And we've told her that when we do it, it will be quick, with as little pain as possible. I think she was envisioning it, and it scared her. She made us check the cage again tonight, just in case.
I know this is just part of having animals. I'm more upset about the loss of the meat, but I can understand why the kids are taking it hard. They have heard friends of theirs talk about losing livestock (just yesterday, there was a mare, who didn't survive birthing her foal, and a pig). But, I think losing your first animal is hard for anyone.
What I cooked today:
Burgers: I just had to use our new meat from Cascade. It was delicious! Although they packed it in 1 lb packets, instead of 1 1/2 lb. packs, which is going to be a problem. I should have repacked them in 1 1/2 lb packs before putting them in the freezer, but oh well. I'll make it work. It actually worked out great today, since Allen had dinner with his track team, so it was only the 4 of us... 1/4 burgers, anyone?
Update:
It was a bittersweet day.
The good news: Allen made his best times for both the 100m and the 200m. The last few meets, he's been coming in 7th out of 8, consistently. Today, he came in 4th and 5th out of 8... Awesome! I am so proud of how hard he is trying and how much he has improved!
Also, Patrick was able to go out and mow our lawn. Our lawn fills up most of our 1/2 ac. yard. So, even with our new riding lawn mower, he was out there for about 2 hours, and only managed to mow about 1/3 of the lawn. Granted, it hasn't been mowed since before we moved in, so he had to go back over the same spot a few times, each time lowering the blades. But still, 6 hours to mow a lawn? That's crazy.
That being said, I am totally grateful that 1/3 of the lawn is mowed. That section looks so much better! I can't wait for it all to be done.
And the bad news: Ryan went out and played with the chicks this morning, and he forgot to close the gate. We're not sure exactly what happened next, but one of the Cornish Roasters was taken (probably by a cat) and munched behind the shed. Patrick went out there when we left for school, and found that the gate was open. Then, he counted chicks and came up with one missing. He didn't immediately see the carcass, so he thought it might have been a hawk. But when Ryan and I got home from school (about 3 hours later), I found it.
Patrick then added more chicken wire around the cage, and wired closed the gates, so Ryan won't be able to open them easily.
We also decided that the rest of the chickens were ready to head outside. They were flying around the area inside, so he figured it was time. The weather has been nice, and it's only supposed to get into the high 30's tonight. Since the other chicks have been doing so well, we figured they'd probably be fine. It's been 4 weeks.
When we went back out to check on the chicks later this evening, there was an orange cat sitting next to the cage, just watching. We figure he was going back for seconds. Patrick scared him off, but I'm seriously considering getting a dog.
All the kids were upset, but mostly Katie. She said it was her favorite, although I couldn't really tell the difference between them. She has spent more time with them than anyone, so I'm not surprised that she's upset. She probably would have handled us slaughtering them better, since she could have been prepared. And we've told her that when we do it, it will be quick, with as little pain as possible. I think she was envisioning it, and it scared her. She made us check the cage again tonight, just in case.
I know this is just part of having animals. I'm more upset about the loss of the meat, but I can understand why the kids are taking it hard. They have heard friends of theirs talk about losing livestock (just yesterday, there was a mare, who didn't survive birthing her foal, and a pig). But, I think losing your first animal is hard for anyone.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)