Well, I made it through my first week as a stay-at-home mom. We'll call it SAHM. To be snazzy. You see, Monday morning, I was called for my weekly conference call at 9am sharp. Only it wasn't the team on the other line, but the president of my company. He had news that was "as hard for him to say as it was for me to hear". That's a laugh. In an attempt to finally run the company completely into the ground, he laid off the ENTIRE sales team. Let's see...no sales team...no sales. Am I missing something here? If someone can explain it...please do. Immediately we canceled child care, so I've been home for a week playing mommy. I have to admit, it hasn't sucked. My kids are sweet as can be. But I like to have a job. The blackberry is silent and it's kind of creepy. I'm on the job hunt - be sure to include me in your prayers that God will place me in the perfect position.
This is the first time I've ever stayed home. I've worked from home for 6 years, but not with kids around. It's different. I thought I'd share with you some things I've learned this week. Then I have to go take a shower. Yes, it's 4pm. What?? So I haven't gotten my groove yet. It will happen!!!
Observation #1 -
I wondered how to know when it was time to change my toddler from his pj's to day clothes. 10am, 11am? Answer? When he sticks his hand down the toilet...that's when.
Observation #2 -
Bill Rancic from The Apprentice season 1 is a total sell-out. He's on some lame iVillage cry fest on NBC and I swear I heard today "stay tuned for today's contest...guess that pilates pose." I'm not lying. Sellout.
Observation #3 -
I miss my blackberry. I mean, it's still here, but there's no email buzzing in.
Observation #4 -
The Doodlebops have some sort of magical power over childern. We've never watched the Doodlebops because I am TOTALLY creeped out by them. As "open minded" as I've become, these folks are just too *woo hoo* for me. But they came on today and I was on a call with a potential employer. The power they had over my child was too hard to explain with words.
So there you go. Good thing I love my kids. They've made the transition fun.
Have a good weekend!
Guys, if your woman is a SAHM, give her some props tonight.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
You MUST Click on This
It's been a horrible day. I fell across this. You MUST click on it. I almost split a rib, busted a gut and piddled a little. Share it with your friends.
disclaimer - I don't speak spanish, so don't judge me for whatever commentary is surrounding the most hilarious thing you've ever seen.
Oh, and if you don't think it's funny, lie to me. I'm not joking when I say it's been a bad day.
disclaimer - I don't speak spanish, so don't judge me for whatever commentary is surrounding the most hilarious thing you've ever seen.
Oh, and if you don't think it's funny, lie to me. I'm not joking when I say it's been a bad day.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Preston Rocked the House Today!
As I've posted before, Preston is playing basketball in the city league this year. He's on the Lakers. He's really good at stealing, guarding, passing and rebounding. He's never taken a shot. He played last year...never took a shot. It's scary to take a shot. I think he was just nervous about missing. Plus there are some really good kids on his team. If he gets the ball, he usually tosses it to them.
Today, I did not get to go. Bergen is still pretty sick. As Preston left for the game, I told him to shoot the ball today. No matter what. And it did not matter if he made it or missed it.
20 minutes in to his game I got a text message from TV Joe. Preston shot the ball, missed, got the rebound, shot again and MADE IT!!! Yea! I cried thinking of how proud he must have been. I wish I could have been there. TV Joe said the crowd went nuts. We've all been waiting for this day!
When he got home, I told Preston this was a life-changing day. He crossed the line from support player to scoring player. The smile on his face was amazing.
Go Preston! We are so proud of you!
Today, I did not get to go. Bergen is still pretty sick. As Preston left for the game, I told him to shoot the ball today. No matter what. And it did not matter if he made it or missed it.
20 minutes in to his game I got a text message from TV Joe. Preston shot the ball, missed, got the rebound, shot again and MADE IT!!! Yea! I cried thinking of how proud he must have been. I wish I could have been there. TV Joe said the crowd went nuts. We've all been waiting for this day!
When he got home, I told Preston this was a life-changing day. He crossed the line from support player to scoring player. The smile on his face was amazing.
Go Preston! We are so proud of you!
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
This is for Janna, who introducted me to the world of food photography. Apparently food photography (or food p*rn, if you will) is the hot new thing for blogging. It's as addictive as the other p*rn, just not as destructive. Unless you count my cholesterol levels. Ha. The following is my first attempt. Let me know what you think.
I made Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies last week to take to a friend's house. They were a huge hit. I was a bit shocked because I am not a good cook, at all. Seriously. The best thing I make is Taco Soup. In fact, when Preston was inhaling his cookie, I said "Guess who made that cookie?". His answer? "Janna". So you would imagine my excitement when everyone raved about my cookies. Janna told me to post the recipe and pictures.
I made Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies last week to take to a friend's house. They were a huge hit. I was a bit shocked because I am not a good cook, at all. Seriously. The best thing I make is Taco Soup. In fact, when Preston was inhaling his cookie, I said "Guess who made that cookie?". His answer? "Janna". So you would imagine my excitement when everyone raved about my cookies. Janna told me to post the recipe and pictures.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
makes about 2-1/2 dozen
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1-1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups oats (quick or old-fashioned, uncooked)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus a few more for good measure!
Heat oven to 350 degrees
Beat together butter and sugars until creamy.
Add eggs and vanilla; beat well.
Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Mix well.
Stir in oats and chocolate chips; mix well. (I do this by hand)
Drop dough on ungreased cookie sheet by the tablespoon full.
Bake for 10 - 15 minutes, depending on your oven. They need to be almost raw in the middle to keep their chewy texture. Remove when the edges start to look done. Even if they are a little raw, they will set as they cool.
The key to this recipe is the cinnamon. Today, I forgot the cinnamon in the first batch, but added to the second batch. It's crucial to make these bad boys delicious.
Enjoy!
Friday, February 15, 2008
Lent Update
Want to know how Lent is going? Rent Chocolat and fast forward to the part where Comte Paul de Reynaud the mayor is lying in the window of the chocolate shop. Ugh. Our house has been so stressful lately (Joe...flu, Bergen...bronchitis, Valentine's party...preparation) that it's been difficult to stay on track. Sweets are like prozac for me. It makes me happy. I wasn't raised to fear breaking Lent. Thank the Lord for grace and forgiveness!!!If you haven't seen Chocolat, it's worth the rental fee. One of my favorite movies. Johnny Depp sure does own that pirate role!
Bergen is 18 Months Old!
Happy 18 Month Birthday Biggie B!
I would take your picture today and post it, but you are so sick with bronchitis (!!!) so I will spare you. Poor baby. 101.9 temp, runny nose and coughing. Who wants to babysit?? Kidding, only kidding. I have not left his side today, or that's actually flipped. He has not left my side. Let's just say it's been a very Wiggle-y day.
Bergen, in honor of you, here's list of some of your words. If I missed any, I'll add more later.
mommy, dada, bubba, Pressy (Preston), Nana, Grandaddy (ran dada), Mimi, Grandad, cereal, water (wawa), dog, cat, moo, light, night night, shoes, socks, airplane, shower (showah), bath, yea, hi, bye, cookie, made a mess, I'm done, all through, no, no-no, movie, please (psss), thank you (tay too), bed, bottle, milk, outside, swing, uh-oh, Elmo, baby, Mickey Mouse (me mouw), hotdog, Greg, Anthony, Jeff, Murray, Wiggles, one, two, I love you (i ov ou), amen
We love you Bergen!
I would take your picture today and post it, but you are so sick with bronchitis (!!!) so I will spare you. Poor baby. 101.9 temp, runny nose and coughing. Who wants to babysit?? Kidding, only kidding. I have not left his side today, or that's actually flipped. He has not left my side. Let's just say it's been a very Wiggle-y day.
Bergen, in honor of you, here's list of some of your words. If I missed any, I'll add more later.
mommy, dada, bubba, Pressy (Preston), Nana, Grandaddy (ran dada), Mimi, Grandad, cereal, water (wawa), dog, cat, moo, light, night night, shoes, socks, airplane, shower (showah), bath, yea, hi, bye, cookie, made a mess, I'm done, all through, no, no-no, movie, please (psss), thank you (tay too), bed, bottle, milk, outside, swing, uh-oh, Elmo, baby, Mickey Mouse (me mouw), hotdog, Greg, Anthony, Jeff, Murray, Wiggles, one, two, I love you (i ov ou), amen
We love you Bergen!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
TUESDAY!!!
Seriously? Tuesday - what's your beef with me? Can we get a stinkin' break here?
What did this Tuesday bring me? TV Joe has the flu. Please pray that he doesn't share the germs. None of us got that nasty flu shot this year. Don't lecture me. There's way too much bad press on the flu shot.
We covet your prayers. Biggie B does not need the flu after his fight with RSV last year. Thankfully Mimi is keeping him overnight tonight so I can sanitize the house.
Tuesday... I need to find a way to make you love me again...
What did this Tuesday bring me? TV Joe has the flu. Please pray that he doesn't share the germs. None of us got that nasty flu shot this year. Don't lecture me. There's way too much bad press on the flu shot.
We covet your prayers. Biggie B does not need the flu after his fight with RSV last year. Thankfully Mimi is keeping him overnight tonight so I can sanitize the house.
Tuesday... I need to find a way to make you love me again...
They Deserved It
Preston is a fan of reality TV. His favorites are American Gladiator, America's Funniest Home Videos and Extreme Makeover Home Edition. He wants to be a Gladiator when he grows up, which is great because when he asks for an unhealthy snack, I can tell him, "Gladiators eat apples!" It works, for now at least!
Preston loves the big reveal on Extreme Makeover Home Edition. He's finally learned that these kids aren't "lucky" to get that awesome Star Wars room. They, in fact, will spend more time in a hospital bed than in the X-Wing fighter bed that Ty Pennington constructed with his bare hands. That was a hard lesson to learn. You see, our kids are spoiled. All of the kids around us are spoiled. My friend's kids are spoiled. I was spoiled growing up. I didn't get everything I wanted, and my kids don't get everything they want. But in comparison to the kids on EMHE, what makes our kids spoiled is the fact that they have a bed. Or their own room. Heat, water...basic needs covered. Lord willing, my kids will never have to wonder what's for dinner or if the blankets will keep them warm. I thank God every day for that.
Sunday night EMHE was on until 9pm, way past P-Diddy's bedtime. So we set the DVR to record the end so he could see the big reveal and the cool rooms. So yesterday after school, he got his snack and sat down to watch the big reveal. If you didn't catch Sunday's episode, it was about a man named Daniel, a Marine. He served in Desert Storm and felt led to re-up to served in Iraq this time around. (There's another post there about military personnel and their feelings on the war in Iraq, but I'll stay on track here.) He lost his leg in Iraq. He almost lost his life. But he fought hard and recovered...came home to his 4 kids and wife. He had a long road of rehabilitation. His wife became "overwhelmed" and left him with the 4 kids. He's now a single dad, 4 kids, 1 leg. This is one brave man. They lived in a split level shack where his kids shared a room. Yes, all 4 - boys and girls - sharing 1 room.
Ty and his crew came in to save the day, giving him a 1-story home that's safe and where the kids can finally be kids - run around and have their own space. Preston watched as each kid got their own room. Then Daniel (the dad) was shown his room. He was full of emotion throughout the entire the entire episode. Dude has every right - 1 leg, single dad - not to mention the tramas of war. This show was full of military pride and many of Daniel's Marine brothers were there for the big reveal. After it was all over, Preston came into my office with little tears in his eyes. He said, "that man, Daniel...he deserves that room. He deserves that house for everything he's done to protect us." Gulp. Then he gave me a big hug. It was seriously the sweetest thing I had ever heard. I just pray he remembers that feeling. I pray that I can help him remember other people's needs and that we are very blessed. I just love to see how his little heart is shaping.
Preston loves the big reveal on Extreme Makeover Home Edition. He's finally learned that these kids aren't "lucky" to get that awesome Star Wars room. They, in fact, will spend more time in a hospital bed than in the X-Wing fighter bed that Ty Pennington constructed with his bare hands. That was a hard lesson to learn. You see, our kids are spoiled. All of the kids around us are spoiled. My friend's kids are spoiled. I was spoiled growing up. I didn't get everything I wanted, and my kids don't get everything they want. But in comparison to the kids on EMHE, what makes our kids spoiled is the fact that they have a bed. Or their own room. Heat, water...basic needs covered. Lord willing, my kids will never have to wonder what's for dinner or if the blankets will keep them warm. I thank God every day for that.
Sunday night EMHE was on until 9pm, way past P-Diddy's bedtime. So we set the DVR to record the end so he could see the big reveal and the cool rooms. So yesterday after school, he got his snack and sat down to watch the big reveal. If you didn't catch Sunday's episode, it was about a man named Daniel, a Marine. He served in Desert Storm and felt led to re-up to served in Iraq this time around. (There's another post there about military personnel and their feelings on the war in Iraq, but I'll stay on track here.) He lost his leg in Iraq. He almost lost his life. But he fought hard and recovered...came home to his 4 kids and wife. He had a long road of rehabilitation. His wife became "overwhelmed" and left him with the 4 kids. He's now a single dad, 4 kids, 1 leg. This is one brave man. They lived in a split level shack where his kids shared a room. Yes, all 4 - boys and girls - sharing 1 room.
Ty and his crew came in to save the day, giving him a 1-story home that's safe and where the kids can finally be kids - run around and have their own space. Preston watched as each kid got their own room. Then Daniel (the dad) was shown his room. He was full of emotion throughout the entire the entire episode. Dude has every right - 1 leg, single dad - not to mention the tramas of war. This show was full of military pride and many of Daniel's Marine brothers were there for the big reveal. After it was all over, Preston came into my office with little tears in his eyes. He said, "that man, Daniel...he deserves that room. He deserves that house for everything he's done to protect us." Gulp. Then he gave me a big hug. It was seriously the sweetest thing I had ever heard. I just pray he remembers that feeling. I pray that I can help him remember other people's needs and that we are very blessed. I just love to see how his little heart is shaping.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Thursday is the New Tuesday
You may have caught my rant on why Tuesday has turned its back on me a few weeks ago. This past Tuesday was no different, but that's a whole other story. Aside from watching Jackie get booted from Biggest Loser, Tuesday was still, well...Tuesday. Poor Tuesday.
Now, it's all about Thursday!
Thursday has always been good to me. Back in the day, it was Cosby, Cheers and LA Law. When TV Joe and I were first married, and he wasn't so skinny and healthy, Thursdays meant good pizza and a night of Friends, Seinfeld and ER. Before this hideous strike, Thursdays were filled with competing, excellent television and thanks to the DVR, we never have to miss a thing. We love My Name Is Earl, Scrubs and The Office. I love 30 Rock (TV Joe can't stand Alec Baldwin so he refuses to watch). I love Ugly Betty and Grey's Anatomy is "appointment television" (Chuckism). Then came the strike. The dark, glooming strike. Yes I feel sorry for the people who are basically living off food stamps now because they haven't been paid in months due to no production. But I also feel sorry for ME! Yes, ME! I work hard all day, it's a fight to get kids to bed and I want to mindlessly watch while someone entertains me from 8:00 pm on. And as much as I love American Gladiators...it's not the same laughing at 'roided-up freaks as it is laughing at well written comedy.
Last week, everything changed. ABC and NBC held some goodness back and it's rolling out now!
Last week, we got the return of Lost. If you are not watching...shame on you. But aside from the premiere of Lost last week, we were dished Eli Stone. Did you watch Eli Stone? I LOVED it! But I love quirky, well written television. And, I love George Michael. Don't tease me, you know you sing along to "Faith" whenever you hear it. Jonny Lee Miller is so talented. This role was made for him. His dumbfounded, confused looks are priceless. Did you know he was once married to Angelina Jolie? I guess before Billy Bob Thornton? Girl's got skills. Anyway... The great Victor Garber is Eli's boss, and soon to be his father in law. I loved Alias so much. VG was so good as Jack Bristow aka spydaddy. Sigh...I wish I was Jennifer Garner.
(For those keeping score at home, clearly I did not give up ADD for Lent. I'm still random as ever. Yesterday's clarity was clearly a "God thing".)
Now, it's all about Thursday!
Thursday has always been good to me. Back in the day, it was Cosby, Cheers and LA Law. When TV Joe and I were first married, and he wasn't so skinny and healthy, Thursdays meant good pizza and a night of Friends, Seinfeld and ER. Before this hideous strike, Thursdays were filled with competing, excellent television and thanks to the DVR, we never have to miss a thing. We love My Name Is Earl, Scrubs and The Office. I love 30 Rock (TV Joe can't stand Alec Baldwin so he refuses to watch). I love Ugly Betty and Grey's Anatomy is "appointment television" (Chuckism). Then came the strike. The dark, glooming strike. Yes I feel sorry for the people who are basically living off food stamps now because they haven't been paid in months due to no production. But I also feel sorry for ME! Yes, ME! I work hard all day, it's a fight to get kids to bed and I want to mindlessly watch while someone entertains me from 8:00 pm on. And as much as I love American Gladiators...it's not the same laughing at 'roided-up freaks as it is laughing at well written comedy.
Last week, everything changed. ABC and NBC held some goodness back and it's rolling out now!
Last week, we got the return of Lost. If you are not watching...shame on you. But aside from the premiere of Lost last week, we were dished Eli Stone. Did you watch Eli Stone? I LOVED it! But I love quirky, well written television. And, I love George Michael. Don't tease me, you know you sing along to "Faith" whenever you hear it. Jonny Lee Miller is so talented. This role was made for him. His dumbfounded, confused looks are priceless. Did you know he was once married to Angelina Jolie? I guess before Billy Bob Thornton? Girl's got skills. Anyway... The great Victor Garber is Eli's boss, and soon to be his father in law. I loved Alias so much. VG was so good as Jack Bristow aka spydaddy. Sigh...I wish I was Jennifer Garner.
(For those keeping score at home, clearly I did not give up ADD for Lent. I'm still random as ever. Yesterday's clarity was clearly a "God thing".)
Anyway...
I encourage you to check out this show. And if you missed last week, you can watch it on abc.com.We'll also be recording Lipstick Jungle. I was not too impressed with Cashmere Mafia, and I hear they are pretty much identical twins. We'll see. Happy tubing! And check back tomorrow - I'm making dinner tonight and I might just have some "food p--n" to post. If I'm not Jennifer Garner, can I be Ina Garten? Could they be any more opposite?? See...there's that ADD again. Night night!
ps - Janna are you impressed with my word linky things?
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday - The seventh Wednesday before Easter and the first day of Lent, on which many Christians receive a mark of ashes on the forehead as a token of penitence and mortality. (thank you answers.com)
I'm Southern Baptist. Notice how I said that without hanging my head in shame? I'm proud of my beliefs and of my denomination. I don't agree with everything that comes from the SBC, but the basic doctrine works just fine for me. First, the Bible is the inspired word of God. Period. Jesus died for our sins, rose again on the 3rd day, and in order for us to have eternal life in heaven, we physically ask Him to be our Savior, live in our hearts, and forgive us of our sins. (John 3:16, Eph 2:8, Acts 4:12, Romans 6:23) We, in turn, strive to live as He did. We fail, at times (ok a lot of the time), but thanks to the saving grace of Jesus, our sins our forgiven. I can feel His presence in me, even when I fail Him. It's what gets me out of bed everyday. That's the cliff notes version...if you want more information, I'd be happy to share more with you!
Moving on...
I had a wonderful youth minister in high school. Her name was Debbie. In the 90's, it was pretty controversial to have a female staff member at a Baptist church. Thank the Lord we rose above it because she taught me things I still hold close. She was raised Catholic and the spring of my senior year, she took us to the local Catholic church for Ash Wednesday services. The priest was kind enough to let us sit and observe this sacred service. We did not take communion, but we did line up to have the mark of the cross placed on our foreheads. It was a beautiful ceremony and I remember it to this day. She also took us to the Jewish synagogue to witness a Passover service. Equally beautiful, deep rooted in tradition.
It was at that time that I started practicing Lent. I think it is a really lovely way to remind myself of the sacrifice Christ made on the cross. I know that as Christians, we focus on the resurrection because that's where our faith lies. But as Mel Gibson reminded us, the road the resurrection was not easy. It's the greatest sacrifice ever made.
Today is the first day of Lent. I'm giving up something that will be difficult but not impossible. It's a personal decision. Every time I reach for this "thing" and turn it down, it's a sacrifice. Not at all like the sacrifice Jesus made for me, in fact, it's rather silly in comparison. But at least in my busy, hectic world, I can be reminded of my faith many times throughout the day.
I'm Southern Baptist. Notice how I said that without hanging my head in shame? I'm proud of my beliefs and of my denomination. I don't agree with everything that comes from the SBC, but the basic doctrine works just fine for me. First, the Bible is the inspired word of God. Period. Jesus died for our sins, rose again on the 3rd day, and in order for us to have eternal life in heaven, we physically ask Him to be our Savior, live in our hearts, and forgive us of our sins. (John 3:16, Eph 2:8, Acts 4:12, Romans 6:23) We, in turn, strive to live as He did. We fail, at times (ok a lot of the time), but thanks to the saving grace of Jesus, our sins our forgiven. I can feel His presence in me, even when I fail Him. It's what gets me out of bed everyday. That's the cliff notes version...if you want more information, I'd be happy to share more with you!
Moving on...
I had a wonderful youth minister in high school. Her name was Debbie. In the 90's, it was pretty controversial to have a female staff member at a Baptist church. Thank the Lord we rose above it because she taught me things I still hold close. She was raised Catholic and the spring of my senior year, she took us to the local Catholic church for Ash Wednesday services. The priest was kind enough to let us sit and observe this sacred service. We did not take communion, but we did line up to have the mark of the cross placed on our foreheads. It was a beautiful ceremony and I remember it to this day. She also took us to the Jewish synagogue to witness a Passover service. Equally beautiful, deep rooted in tradition.
It was at that time that I started practicing Lent. I think it is a really lovely way to remind myself of the sacrifice Christ made on the cross. I know that as Christians, we focus on the resurrection because that's where our faith lies. But as Mel Gibson reminded us, the road the resurrection was not easy. It's the greatest sacrifice ever made.
Today is the first day of Lent. I'm giving up something that will be difficult but not impossible. It's a personal decision. Every time I reach for this "thing" and turn it down, it's a sacrifice. Not at all like the sacrifice Jesus made for me, in fact, it's rather silly in comparison. But at least in my busy, hectic world, I can be reminded of my faith many times throughout the day.
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