Outside Temp: 16 F (the snow has stopped, for now.)
What I cooked today:
Patrick's Tomato Soup Stuff: He offered to cook tonight, which is just great. I had a bit of a headache, so it was really, really nice to not have to cook dinner. Of course, the dishes didn't get done, so I'll have to do them tomorrow morning. :)
Update:
The snow came in today, as we were sledding, which was awesome. It was about 25 and the snow started in flurries, so you could see different shapes and formations when it landed on your hand or something. So pretty! The snow stopped after a few hours, and I think it won't be back until around Sunday. I just hope it stays cool enough to keep it from melting, or else the kids will be ticked that they can't go sledding!
We talked with the people in Geyser about our snow tires for the van. We realized that as awesome as the snow tires are on the Aveo, we really can't legally fit all 6 of us in it. We need snow tires on the van. There was no snow on the main highway roads, but the roads in town were a little snowy, and the van kind of slid around. It was time. So, the tires have been ordered and we should get them sometime next week.
The guys at the place we are getting the tires have 2 really cute kittens. Ryan kept chasing them around the garage. I really, really wanted to bring them home with us, but we are trying to be strong. It didn't help when Lance said we could take them... :)
The kids brought home a flyer about a bake sale at the school. They are raising money for the Great Falls Women's Shelter at the YWCA, which I thought was kind of cool. Each class is donating baked goods on a different day, and all the money raised is going to the shelter. Of course, that means I need to make cookies, or brownies or cupcakes 3 times in the next week and a half. Fortunately, I have everything I need already here, so it shouldn't be a problem. I just need to remember to actually do it!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
December 6, 2011
Outside Temp: 37 F
What I cooked today:
Burgers and Mashed Potatoes: I'm still working on my ground beef recipes, and I've noticed that a lot of them require something that I don't have. I hate that. So, I went back to my old standby for tonight. I should have enough recipes set aside soon so I can go to the store and make sure I have everything I need. I think that's the secret to cooking dinner each night: planning and making sure you have everything you need ahead of time!
Pumpkin Bread: So, my sweet bread recipe calls for 7 1/2 cups of flour. My pumpkin bread calls for 4 3/4 cups of flour. I should have known there was a problem when I used my glass bowl for the flour and it was almost overflowing. Needless to say, I used way too much flour for my pumpkin bread. Ugh. I still cooked it, but it turned out really dry. I was tempted to toss it, but I was convinced that someone might eat it. After all, if you put enough butter on it, anything can taste good. :)
Update:
It was in the 40's today, which just felt hot. Okay, not hot, but not cold either. But tomorrow night, we should have snow again, so I think this is just how it works around here. One day it will be below 0, and the next it will be 40.
We have gotten into the routine (in the last 2 days) of going up to the parents for sledding after school. The only problem is that we get there around 4pm, and the sun starts going down around 4:30. So, after about an hour, the sun is down and it's dark. I'm looking forward to December 21st (for probably the first time in my life).
The kids were worried that their snow would melt, but I promised that there should be more snow tomorrow night, so they're okay. We will probably be taking them up skiing on Saturday, so hopefully, I'll have some pictures. Of course, I haven't been on skis in years, and the last time, it was not pretty. I'm not sure if Ryan can do skis yet, so we'll have to see how things go.
Patrick and I have been (slowly) sealing the windows with plastic. We did Ryan and Katie's Rooms yesterday, and it really seemed to make a difference. We still have the boys bedroom and one window in our bedroom to finish, but I think it's helping keep the cold out. Of course, it was pretty warm last night, so we'll have to see if it helps when it gets really cold. I'm sure it won't hurt!
What I cooked today:
Burgers and Mashed Potatoes: I'm still working on my ground beef recipes, and I've noticed that a lot of them require something that I don't have. I hate that. So, I went back to my old standby for tonight. I should have enough recipes set aside soon so I can go to the store and make sure I have everything I need. I think that's the secret to cooking dinner each night: planning and making sure you have everything you need ahead of time!
Pumpkin Bread: So, my sweet bread recipe calls for 7 1/2 cups of flour. My pumpkin bread calls for 4 3/4 cups of flour. I should have known there was a problem when I used my glass bowl for the flour and it was almost overflowing. Needless to say, I used way too much flour for my pumpkin bread. Ugh. I still cooked it, but it turned out really dry. I was tempted to toss it, but I was convinced that someone might eat it. After all, if you put enough butter on it, anything can taste good. :)
Update:
It was in the 40's today, which just felt hot. Okay, not hot, but not cold either. But tomorrow night, we should have snow again, so I think this is just how it works around here. One day it will be below 0, and the next it will be 40.
We have gotten into the routine (in the last 2 days) of going up to the parents for sledding after school. The only problem is that we get there around 4pm, and the sun starts going down around 4:30. So, after about an hour, the sun is down and it's dark. I'm looking forward to December 21st (for probably the first time in my life).
The kids were worried that their snow would melt, but I promised that there should be more snow tomorrow night, so they're okay. We will probably be taking them up skiing on Saturday, so hopefully, I'll have some pictures. Of course, I haven't been on skis in years, and the last time, it was not pretty. I'm not sure if Ryan can do skis yet, so we'll have to see how things go.
Patrick and I have been (slowly) sealing the windows with plastic. We did Ryan and Katie's Rooms yesterday, and it really seemed to make a difference. We still have the boys bedroom and one window in our bedroom to finish, but I think it's helping keep the cold out. Of course, it was pretty warm last night, so we'll have to see if it helps when it gets really cold. I'm sure it won't hurt!
Monday, December 5, 2011
December 5, 2011
Outside Temp: 26 F (it was beautiful today!)
What I cooked today:
Chicken Noodle Soup: I was able to use up some of my chicken stock today, which was great because the kids were cold from sledding.
Update:
We brought Ryan up to the grandparents before AND after school to go sledding. He is so spoiled! Apparently, he was great in class today, which I figure is directly related to the amount of snow time he had before school.
After school, everyone got to go up and sled for about an hour before dinner. It was a great way to end the day. The sun was setting, to a beautiful sunset, and I had a rough time getting Katie and Connor back inside... they wanted to stay for 'one more run'.
We also got the final, final, final documents on the house in California. It closed last week and we are finally done with it. Woo Hoo! I still think my favorite part is that I don't have to pay HOA fees anymore!
What I cooked today:
Chicken Noodle Soup: I was able to use up some of my chicken stock today, which was great because the kids were cold from sledding.
Update:
We brought Ryan up to the grandparents before AND after school to go sledding. He is so spoiled! Apparently, he was great in class today, which I figure is directly related to the amount of snow time he had before school.
After school, everyone got to go up and sled for about an hour before dinner. It was a great way to end the day. The sun was setting, to a beautiful sunset, and I had a rough time getting Katie and Connor back inside... they wanted to stay for 'one more run'.
We also got the final, final, final documents on the house in California. It closed last week and we are finally done with it. Woo Hoo! I still think my favorite part is that I don't have to pay HOA fees anymore!
Sunday, December 4, 2011
December 4, 2011
Outside Temp: 3 F (yes, 3, like single digits... But still above zero, for now... )
What I cooked today:
Cream of Wheat: I had Allen shovel the front walkway and driveway this morning, so he got his choice of breakfast. Of everything out there, french toast, pancakes, eggs, etc, he picked cream of wheat. Ahh, nice and warm and cozy. Everyone inhaled their breakfast and went looking for seconds.
Take Home Pizza: Since we went into town for shopping today, the parents asked us to pick up a Papa Murphy Take Home pizza. You pick out your pizza in town and they make it and you bring it home and bake it. Since it takes 45 minutes to get home from town, any normal pizza would be frozen by the time you got home! This way, you get nice warm pizza, and all you have to do is cook it! :)
Update:
With Ryan being at the hospital all week, we were a little behind on our shopping. So, today we decided to have the kids stay with Grandma and Grandpa, while Patrick and I went into town.
The snow was falling lightly, and the roads were pretty slick, but Patrick's new snow tires (with the studs) were totally awesome! We had no problem driving the whole day, up to the parents place, into town, back home, etc. I can't imagine trying to drive in this snow without them!
In Sam's Club today, Patrick saw a 70" flat screen TV. Not only do I not have a wall big enough to house a 70" tv, but I can't imagine being spoiled enough to spend $2500 on a toy like that. Of course, he was quick to remind me that only 5-10 years ago, you couldn't even buy a TV that big, and if you could, it would be over $10,000. Wow, how the times they are a-changing. :)
The kids had no complaints about staying with Grandma and Grandpa, since they got to go sledding, and then movies with the grandparent's big TV. Our TV is only 32", so it's pretty small. And they have BlueRay and 3D and a whole mess of really cool things. We had to stay and watch the last 45 minutes of Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark, for those who wanted to know), which was kind of cool. I haven't seen it in years, but it's still pretty awesome. Some great lines...
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What I cooked today:
Cream of Wheat: I had Allen shovel the front walkway and driveway this morning, so he got his choice of breakfast. Of everything out there, french toast, pancakes, eggs, etc, he picked cream of wheat. Ahh, nice and warm and cozy. Everyone inhaled their breakfast and went looking for seconds.
Take Home Pizza: Since we went into town for shopping today, the parents asked us to pick up a Papa Murphy Take Home pizza. You pick out your pizza in town and they make it and you bring it home and bake it. Since it takes 45 minutes to get home from town, any normal pizza would be frozen by the time you got home! This way, you get nice warm pizza, and all you have to do is cook it! :)
Update:
With Ryan being at the hospital all week, we were a little behind on our shopping. So, today we decided to have the kids stay with Grandma and Grandpa, while Patrick and I went into town.
The snow was falling lightly, and the roads were pretty slick, but Patrick's new snow tires (with the studs) were totally awesome! We had no problem driving the whole day, up to the parents place, into town, back home, etc. I can't imagine trying to drive in this snow without them!
In Sam's Club today, Patrick saw a 70" flat screen TV. Not only do I not have a wall big enough to house a 70" tv, but I can't imagine being spoiled enough to spend $2500 on a toy like that. Of course, he was quick to remind me that only 5-10 years ago, you couldn't even buy a TV that big, and if you could, it would be over $10,000. Wow, how the times they are a-changing. :)
The kids had no complaints about staying with Grandma and Grandpa, since they got to go sledding, and then movies with the grandparent's big TV. Our TV is only 32", so it's pretty small. And they have BlueRay and 3D and a whole mess of really cool things. We had to stay and watch the last 45 minutes of Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark, for those who wanted to know), which was kind of cool. I haven't seen it in years, but it's still pretty awesome. Some great lines...
Saturday, December 3, 2011
December 3, 2011
Outside Temp: 26 F (not snowing, but there is still plenty of snow on the ground)
What I cooked today:
French Toast: I made french toast for breakfast and added some egg nog, instead of just milk. Everyone seemed to like it, although Allen and Katie said they liked my regular french toast better. I guess I'll be making 2 batches of french toast for a while, at least until Christmas season is over, and I can no longer get egg nog in the store.
Patrick's Tomato Soup Stuff: He called it Taco soup, but it barely has any taco seasoning, so I just can't call it that. It's tomatoes with celery, carrots, onions and green peppers, with browned hamburger. Then he adds Chili Powder, cumin and some taco seasoning. Everyone ate it up and it was great after a chilly day of sledding. And most importantly, I didn't have to cook it! Woo Hoo, it's like a day off!
Update:
We went sledding today at the parents house. Everyone had a great time, even though I still need to learn how to take good pictures. Somehow, I managed to forget to take a picture of Allen, but I promise he was there... I'll be sure to get at least 1 good picture of each child next time!
What I cooked today:
French Toast: I made french toast for breakfast and added some egg nog, instead of just milk. Everyone seemed to like it, although Allen and Katie said they liked my regular french toast better. I guess I'll be making 2 batches of french toast for a while, at least until Christmas season is over, and I can no longer get egg nog in the store.
Patrick's Tomato Soup Stuff: He called it Taco soup, but it barely has any taco seasoning, so I just can't call it that. It's tomatoes with celery, carrots, onions and green peppers, with browned hamburger. Then he adds Chili Powder, cumin and some taco seasoning. Everyone ate it up and it was great after a chilly day of sledding. And most importantly, I didn't have to cook it! Woo Hoo, it's like a day off!
Update:
We went sledding today at the parents house. Everyone had a great time, even though I still need to learn how to take good pictures. Somehow, I managed to forget to take a picture of Allen, but I promise he was there... I'll be sure to get at least 1 good picture of each child next time!
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Friday, December 2, 2011
December 2, 2011
Outside Temp: 21 F (it snowed most of the day, so we have plans for sledding tomorrow!)
What I cooked today:
Walnut Chicken: Woo Hoo, I was finally able to eat a home cooked meal! It's amazing how much you miss that. Of course, I don't miss having to clean up afterwards, but it sure tasted good! :)
Update:
We're home! Yea!!
We have a few days of antibiotics at home, but his cultures have been negative for 3 days now, and they had no problem sending us home. I was a little worried, because Ryan was getting a little stuffy in his nose, so last night I kept waking up to his snoring, and had to keep checking his temp, to make sure he wasn't getting sick. I figure he was just reacting to the dry air in the hospital. Once we got home, his stuffy nose and red eyes were gone and they haven't come back. Then again, it's also about 10 degrees colder in here, and we don't have the forced heated air like they do in the hospital.
It has been snowing here most of the day, so I was a little concerned about the drive home. The roads were clear for most of the drive, but once we past Belt (about 20 miles from home) the roads got a little slick. I saw at least one car that ran off the road. It was a little strange since it had crossed the road and went straight into the snow bank on the opposite side. The driver was fine and the car didn't seem damaged, just sticking into a pile of snow. It made me slow down just a little more. I also thought it was interesting that the roads were actually covered in dirt or mud, I'm not sure which. The parts that were 'dirty' were easier to drive on, I guess because they didn't have any ice. But I never thought of adding something when the snow plow plows the snow. I'll have to ask around....
The turn up to our house was pretty snowy, and I was a little concerned that I couldn't make the turn without sliding into oncoming traffic. It all worked out and I was able to make it up to our driveway, which Patrick had conveniently forgotten to shovel. I drove through about 8-10 inch high snow drifts, but my garage door opener worked and I was able to just drive right into the garage. I'm trying not to think about the puddles of melted snow on the floor of my garage right now.
Once we got home, Patrick took Ryan up to the parent's place to go sledding. It seemed appropriate, since he's been stuck in a hospital room for the last week. I heard that Patrick's mom got some great pictures, but Patrick forgot my camera, so I'll have to see if I can get them. Otherwise, we'll take everyone up tomorrow and try to get some good pictures! Ski season doesn't start for another week, so the kids will have to suffer with just sledding. I've decided that Allen and Connor get to be lucky enough to drag Ryan up the hill over and over. They should be totally buff by the time the snow melts in June... :)
The temperatures shouldn't get above freezing for the next few days, and there will be snow on and off all weekend. I'm still loving the snow. The house is warm (enough) and we've (almost) got enough snow 'stuff', like gloves and snow pants. I still need to get Katie a good pair of waterproof boots, but everyone else is pretty covered.
And I just realized that the kids don't get out of school until the Thursday before Christmas. I was hoping for 2 full weeks off, and I only get a week and 2 days. Oh wait, I mean THEY only get a week and 2 days. What was I thinking... :)
What I cooked today:
Walnut Chicken: Woo Hoo, I was finally able to eat a home cooked meal! It's amazing how much you miss that. Of course, I don't miss having to clean up afterwards, but it sure tasted good! :)
Update:
We're home! Yea!!
We have a few days of antibiotics at home, but his cultures have been negative for 3 days now, and they had no problem sending us home. I was a little worried, because Ryan was getting a little stuffy in his nose, so last night I kept waking up to his snoring, and had to keep checking his temp, to make sure he wasn't getting sick. I figure he was just reacting to the dry air in the hospital. Once we got home, his stuffy nose and red eyes were gone and they haven't come back. Then again, it's also about 10 degrees colder in here, and we don't have the forced heated air like they do in the hospital.
It has been snowing here most of the day, so I was a little concerned about the drive home. The roads were clear for most of the drive, but once we past Belt (about 20 miles from home) the roads got a little slick. I saw at least one car that ran off the road. It was a little strange since it had crossed the road and went straight into the snow bank on the opposite side. The driver was fine and the car didn't seem damaged, just sticking into a pile of snow. It made me slow down just a little more. I also thought it was interesting that the roads were actually covered in dirt or mud, I'm not sure which. The parts that were 'dirty' were easier to drive on, I guess because they didn't have any ice. But I never thought of adding something when the snow plow plows the snow. I'll have to ask around....
The turn up to our house was pretty snowy, and I was a little concerned that I couldn't make the turn without sliding into oncoming traffic. It all worked out and I was able to make it up to our driveway, which Patrick had conveniently forgotten to shovel. I drove through about 8-10 inch high snow drifts, but my garage door opener worked and I was able to just drive right into the garage. I'm trying not to think about the puddles of melted snow on the floor of my garage right now.
Once we got home, Patrick took Ryan up to the parent's place to go sledding. It seemed appropriate, since he's been stuck in a hospital room for the last week. I heard that Patrick's mom got some great pictures, but Patrick forgot my camera, so I'll have to see if I can get them. Otherwise, we'll take everyone up tomorrow and try to get some good pictures! Ski season doesn't start for another week, so the kids will have to suffer with just sledding. I've decided that Allen and Connor get to be lucky enough to drag Ryan up the hill over and over. They should be totally buff by the time the snow melts in June... :)
The temperatures shouldn't get above freezing for the next few days, and there will be snow on and off all weekend. I'm still loving the snow. The house is warm (enough) and we've (almost) got enough snow 'stuff', like gloves and snow pants. I still need to get Katie a good pair of waterproof boots, but everyone else is pretty covered.
And I just realized that the kids don't get out of school until the Thursday before Christmas. I was hoping for 2 full weeks off, and I only get a week and 2 days. Oh wait, I mean THEY only get a week and 2 days. What was I thinking... :)
Thursday, December 1, 2011
December 1, 2011
Outside Temp: 20 F (I think... but no more snow... maybe more this weekend)
What I cooked today:
Nothing, again. Ugh, I want to go home, if for no other reason that because I want to eat homemade food again!
Update:
So, Ryan's infection seems to be gone. His cultures are all negative and (God willing), we are headed home tomorrow. But don't let Ryan know that or else he'll do something to change it.
Since his line is no longer infected, we are going to delay our trip to meet the new team at Seattle Children's. Hopefully, we can start talking to the team and schedule a trip out there in the next few weeks. Until then, we will go home with a few more days of antibiotics and then it's back to a normal life!!
The Geyser Junior High Boys Basketball had their first game of the division tournament today, and they won! While my boys weren't playing, I wanted to go to the game to cheer on our team. They played great!
And I was lucky enough to run into my uncle Tom (Patrick's mom's brother) at the game and I got to have dinner with him afterwards. It's always great to be able to spend time with family and being cooped up in the hospital for the last few days has made it that much better. I probably won't be able to watch the game tomorrow, to see if the boys advance to the next level, but since they are playing against Belt, the odds are against them. But I think they've done a great job and I'm already excited about next season!
Patrick said there was still a lot of snow at the house, so I've asked him to make sure the driveway is shoveled, before I get home, so I can park in the garage. I'm taking bets as to whether or not it's done. But the good news is that I should have some great pictures of the kids playing in the snow this weekend!
What I cooked today:
Nothing, again. Ugh, I want to go home, if for no other reason that because I want to eat homemade food again!
Update:
So, Ryan's infection seems to be gone. His cultures are all negative and (God willing), we are headed home tomorrow. But don't let Ryan know that or else he'll do something to change it.
Since his line is no longer infected, we are going to delay our trip to meet the new team at Seattle Children's. Hopefully, we can start talking to the team and schedule a trip out there in the next few weeks. Until then, we will go home with a few more days of antibiotics and then it's back to a normal life!!
The Geyser Junior High Boys Basketball had their first game of the division tournament today, and they won! While my boys weren't playing, I wanted to go to the game to cheer on our team. They played great!
And I was lucky enough to run into my uncle Tom (Patrick's mom's brother) at the game and I got to have dinner with him afterwards. It's always great to be able to spend time with family and being cooped up in the hospital for the last few days has made it that much better. I probably won't be able to watch the game tomorrow, to see if the boys advance to the next level, but since they are playing against Belt, the odds are against them. But I think they've done a great job and I'm already excited about next season!
Patrick said there was still a lot of snow at the house, so I've asked him to make sure the driveway is shoveled, before I get home, so I can park in the garage. I'm taking bets as to whether or not it's done. But the good news is that I should have some great pictures of the kids playing in the snow this weekend!
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