Getting Ready for Christmas

This blog is because I promised my sister, Nicole, that I would post a blog about the things that have been happening the last few days!

Nicole came to town Wednesday Night.  It was exciting to see the girls and how excited they were to see their Auntie Coley!  They love their Aunt a lot and she clearly (anyone who would deny that fact, would be nuts, since all they have to do is see how Nicole is with her Nieces, and now her Nephew!) loves them back. 

Thursday was a long day.  Nicole, Jenni, Julio, Andres (my nephew!) and I went to the store because I needed to get the girls Christmas Presents.  So I actually made it under budget, which is a huge shock for me!  Then Nicole finished up the girls Christmas dresses, which turned out very cute!  Maybe if I bug her enough, she'll blog about the dresses!!

Then the girls and Auntie Coley helped me make Rice Crispy Treats!  I made them in the Christmas colors, and then Auntie Coley helped Lizzie cut out the shapes.  Kenna was really only interested in eating the treats, which I am sure she gets from her Auntie Coley!  Then we enjoyed a nice meal of Bean and Veggie Stew (made especially so Aunt Coley could eat with us!)

Lizzie and Kenna ready to cut into the Treats!

The Finished Treats!

Today was a rush of Auntie Coley finishing Kenna's dress, and me sitting the girls down to get Christmas Presents made.  I had planned to make cookies today as well, but I guess that is something that we will have to save for either tomorrow or Monday.

After nap, I gave the girls a bath, washed their hair, and then got them dressed in the dresses that Auntie Coley made.  They were so adorable!  We even made little bands to place onto their headbands!  Then the girls and I walked to the Church that is right next to our house.  The church had so many nice people.  They got us in almost right away. 

First we had our picture taken, the girls got so many comments about their beautiful dresses.  Then we (me and the wonderful lady who was our escort for the event) took the girls to another woman who would be watching them for a few moments.  She read the girls a story and then after that she'd take them to a craft room until I was ready to pick them up.  I was led up the stairs to some rooms where they had me pick out some toys for the girls.  Kenna is getting one of those shape hammer and nail toys and a cute bear.  And Lizzie is getting a build-your-own soccer bear and a Peter Pan doll.

The girls in their beautiful dresses made by Auntie Coley!

I was then led back downstairs and was given some food.  There was so much stuff in the bags I was completely amazed.  A whole Chicken, stuffing, Chicken broth, Apple Pie, Spaghetti and Sauce, Two bags of Rice, Pinto Beans, Green Beans, Chips, Canned Sweet Potatoes, Homemade Sourdough, and Pita Bread.  It was so humbling to know that these people could be so kind.  I was grateful that Lizzie's school recommended us for this event! 

Then I went to go pick up the girls.  They were in a room, making Angels.  They got to pick out their craft, and the lady said the angel was the first thing they went for!  The girls get such an amazing job on the angels, that I punched some wholes into them, tied a string into it, and hung them on the tree! 

Kenna (Right) and Lizzie's (Left) Angels

The picture, I then copied and framed.  I plan to give the picture to my husband as a Christmas Gift from me and the girls (I don't have to worry about him reading this, because he never does...haha).  But I think he'll like the gift a lot!  He'll be able to hang it right next to his computer!  Even if the frame is a little girlie! 

Christmas Present for Daddy!

Overall these last couple of days have been fun.  The girls were sad to see their Auntie Coley go, but I know they can't wait for the next time they'll get to see her.  Now it's on to Christmas!

The Oddity of My Children

So as most of my friends and family know...my husband and I are in fact...Nerds.  We love it, we live it, and we're proud of it!  Now I don't mean Nerds in the sense of super smart (although that does fit my husband to a tee!) but the fact that the things we like to do and have in common, are often the things other people (not our friends...mind you...who are also proudly Nerds!) consider weird, or stupid, or just plain childish. 

Now I've been weird and Nerdy my entire life...I was practically born and raised that way.  Sure people tried to make me more ladylike and proper and get me into things like shopping and cooking, but that was never who I was as a person.

So when my children came around, I had to decide how I was going to raise them, but I didn't want them only liking the things I liked.  But sometimes what I have planned isn't how it's going to go...as my children have taught me, nothing, is ever set in stone!

Lizzie trying a Ballet Class, but she wasn't ready yet

Lizzie is my oldest and she is into the randomest (I know it's not a real word, but I'm making it one...so there!) stuff.  If you ask her what her favorite movie it, she'll tell you:

The Labyrinth - the child eats that movie up!

If you ask her her favorite TV show she'll tell you:

Doc McStuffins!

& of course She-Ra!

She even has already told me that she wants to be She-Ra for Halloween!! That will be a fun costume to make!

If you ask her what she likes more then anything else in the world, she'll tell you:

Spider Man!

Yes my child was born to be a Nerd! 

Lizzie loves almost anything that is slightly boyish (yet Pink is still her favorite color in the world!) and she loves just being herself.  She doesn't care if others don't like her...which isn't an issue yet, because her teachers tell me that she's one of the more popular kids in her class.  And she isn't afraid to be weird and odd!  It's something I wish will stay with her, for her entire life, because being herself is way more important then how you look or act.

Kenna is a Proud Supporter of her Uncle Monkey!

However, Kenna is my complete Girlie-girl!  She loves everything Pink, and Princess, and Pink!

Kenna and her Baby...she doesn't leave the house without her!

Kenna loves her baby dolls and her stuffed animals...treats like the children!  She won't go anywhere without her main baby, and trying to get her to sleep without it, is like trying to get your toddler to take a nap! 

Kenna loves wearing dresses and twirling around claiming that she is a Princess!  She loves to watch Princess Movies and shows about Princesses...

But most of all Kenna loves anything that has to do with Elmo!  Yes Elmo!  She loves her little furry monster and she has plenty of them!  Lizzie is now in that, I don't wanna watch Elmo stage, but Kenna she can't get enough of him!  She knows all his songs, and she sings along to him everyday!  Elmo is everything to her!

Kenna's Best Friend!

I love my girls!  And their weirdness!  I love the drama they cause and the random things they say and the special quirks that they've managed to make all their own!  But most of all, I'm proud to be a Mom...even if my children are a little Odd.  But honestly, what child isn't odd?

Week Three Finished!!

So Week Three is done, and while I ache and hurt, I'm glad to see another week off my list!!  At first I wasn't sure I would be able to run for three minutes, since I barely ever made it through the 90 seconds, but thankfully I did six times in total!!  This week alone I managed to run for a total of 27 minutes this last week alone!  That makes me feel accomplished! 

If you don't remember Week Three is a Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then do two repetitions of the following:

• Jog 90 seconds
• Walk 90 seconds
• Jog 3 minutes
• Walk or three minutes

Knowing that I am working toward running for twenty minutes straight without stopping makes all this pain worth it.

Now I am on to Week Four, which is more in-depth than Week Three was. 

Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then:

• Jog 3 minutes
• Walk 90 seconds
• Jog 5 minutes
• Walk 2-1/2 minutes
• Jog 3 minutes
• Walk 90 seconds
• Jog 5 minutes

If you're paying attention you'll notice that I will be running for a total of sixteen minutes, which is HUGE.  A big leap from where I was before.   It will mean most likely that my legs will protest some more, and my foot may want to give out, and my back will murder me later in the week, but the fact that I'm actually managing to do this (no matter how slow the pace may be - thankfully I have time to work on my speed and pace once I actually finish this program.) means more to me than I ever thought possible.

This coming week is going to be harder to do, just because of the husband's work schedule.  I have to be back in the house by 7:15ish to allow him time to get to the bus for work, which means I'll have to be up early to get my running done. 

Some people would say, of well nights work, but honestly here in the desert, nights are worse then mornings.  Once it gets hot...it pretty much, stays hot.  So now I am on to another week, halfway finished with this program!  I'm honestly glad that my sister talked me into doing this!!

Routes and Changing Towns

Mom's usual route

This past week I've been in my hometown, for one of my best friends wedding and I knew that I needed to keep my running, and since my mom is doing the running with her, I decided to continue my training, because I worried about having a week break.  I had managed to start my first day of the week here in the desert, so I was sure that I would be able to handle the running in the mountains.  

So my mom took me on her route and man was it brutal.  So my mom's house is surrounded by hills and the elevation is higher then it is here in the desert, so I was sure that I was going to die throughout the entire run. The first day we ran her normal route, which has up-hill, down-hill, and most of all, no sidewalks...I managed to make it through the new week, but it wasn't without issues.  

Mom's and mine second day route

The second day my calf (on my right leg) started tightening up, and I couldn't figure out why it would do that.  By the end of the run, I was sure that the calf was going to give out on me, it was so tight and burning.  And my mom even shortened the route for me, because of the pain I was going through.  I literally hurt to walk (even though I was fine when I was running).  So I figured the day break would help my calf loosen, as well as a walk in my Aunt's pool.  

My usual route

Today I took my mom on my normal route, which isn't as curved nor does it have any hills as mom's route.  So we started and it was the first day of Week three, which includes - 

Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then do two repetitions of the following:

• Jog 200 yards (or 90 seconds)
• Walk 200 yards (or 90 seconds)
• Jog 400 yards (or 3 minutes)
• Walk 400 yards (or 3 minutes)

 Now I haven't figured out how I'm going to know when I've gone the required miles to run a 5k, but I figured as I go along I'd figure it out.  But the route I've mapped out is currently only about a mile long.  In a couple weeks, I'll need to upgrade to a longer route, but I'm not going to worry about that yet.  But I've found this great little website that helps map out routes and gives you miles and whatever else you need to figure out your runs! 

Route Builder - check it out, and make your own running route!  I'm pretty sure that using this will help me figure out my miles and running routes as I get further along in this training program.  And hopefully I won't have this calf issue for long!

Week Two Day One

So Yesterday ended up being a slow day for me.  I didn't wake up in time to get out there before the sun and heat became an issue, so I had planned on going in the evening, but it was still too hot to actually do that, so I figured this morning would be fine.  I actually manged to wake up this morning, placed a movie on for the girls (who had woken - and I didn't want them waking Nick) and then headed out.  The walk started out fine, and the first run was fine, but the rest was brutal. 

I made it through the whole thing, but who would have thought that the running would feel so long, when actually it was less, because I was running longer but lesser times.  I was still winded by the time I finished the five minute cool-down walk, and I was sure that I wouldn't make it.  Thankfully I did.

So I now have two days left of Week Two and I have to decide how I want to do it, since Thursday I won't have time...leaving with my Dad and Darren at 6:30 in the morning.  We're going to drop Daddy off, then have some Darren/Stephanie time while Daddy works, before they take me to Bakersfield to meet with my Mom.

This weekend is one of my best friends wedding!  And I honestly can't wait to see her again, since it's been so long!!  This will be the first time (since becoming a Mom) that I will be going anyplace for a period of time without my girls.  Nick will be taking care of them (with Jenni close by at all times!  haha) for the entire weekend, a total of five days without my girls. 

I think sometime this week, I'll be going running with my mom, since she is also doing the same program (only she's a couple weeks ahead of me) but it will be nice to at least have someone to run with!

So here's to hoping that the next time I run, it will be slightly easier and better!  Especially since I almost wasn't able to finish that last run. 

Week Three is looking to be more brutal then Week Two, and I'm not honestly looking forward to it, but I'm hoping it will be easier once my legs are used to this longer running.

Week One Completed

May I just start out by saying...I HURT!  Everywhere.  My back is killing me, has been all week.  I can't sleep properly because it hurts to move it.  My knee-caps are screaming at me, while my legs want to buckle under my all the time.  Not to mention the ankles that have always been against me - they tried rolling on me many times.  But with all that aching I'm just hoping that it will get better from here.

Sure I may have to consult a doctor to help me through this pain, but I've made it completely through Week One of Couch-2-5k.  Week Two here I come...

Day Two started out slow...I woke up late, but thankfully my husband didn't have to leave for work until twenty after nine, so I managed to get my Day Two in.  It was painful, I wasn't sure I was going to make it the entire twenty minutes.  But I did!  It was hard, and it was painful, and my legs wanted to fight with me, and my sides were protesting, but I managed to make it with plenty of time for my husband to go to work.

But I at least managed to find a jogging route that would finally work for me.  It has some hills, some up and downs, and mostly, It didn't take me far from my house. And the best part is no stoplights.  I don't have to stop for any reason.

Day Three was so brutal I was sure that I would collapse before the run was over.  My sides ached after almost every run, and while the breathing was easier, I still wasn't sure how I was going to make it.  I once again slept late, but not late enough that it would have been too hot to run (but it was almost too hot, so I really don't want to sleep in again...that is for sure).

So now I have completed Week One and I am ready, and scared, to move on to Week Two.  It will be more brutal then Week One, with a 90 second run followed by a 90 second cool down walk - for a total of twenty minutes.  I've barely made it to the 60 seconds so I'm just hoping that my body won't give up on me. 

So bring on Week Two!  Now I will start getting ready for swimming with the girls and my friend and her girls!  Can't wait for that!!

Week One Day One

So this morning I got a late start on waking up, but I did thankfully manage to wake up before it got too hot outside.  Last night I was looking for anything to help me get through this, since I didn't have the money or resources to use the Couch-to-5k App, so I decided to go to iTunes to see what I could find, and after several misses I finally managed to find an Podcast that I really liked.

It's called NHS Couch to 5K, and yes before you ask, it is actually a British Podcast, but honestly that doesn't matter.  The music is actually pretty cool, and they formed songs that let you know when what you're doing, whether walking or jogging, is about to end.  The woman's voice is comforting and she's great at getting you motivated to complete the course.

iTunes Podcast Download - Completely Free!

So I decided, after not going for the last three days, to just start the week over, since it is a new week.  It's important to me that I do this, and knowing that I was able to do the whole 20 minutes without my sister there, pushing me, was inspiring.  It let me know that yes, I could do this, and yes it will be hard, but it will be worth it in the end.

Already I feel different then I did from the first time.  Yes I ache, but I can actually move this time.  Yes I wanted to give up when actually jogging, but thankfully the jogging was ending just as soon as I was ready to throw in the towel.  Breathing was easier, and afterward I felt refreshed and ready to go.

I'm actually pretty nervous about how I'm going to handle the weeks to come, but I now know that I really can do this!  I really want to do this, I want to accomplish this one thing that I never thought I'd be able to accomplish.  So here I am, Day One of Week One done!  Can't wait to see how well I do tomorrow!

5k or Bust

So yes, I've decided to try the Couch to 5k exercising program.  Today I did Week One Day One and man am I feeling the pain.  I thought all that running for sixty seconds at a time was going to kill me.  So I know the program calls for 3 days, but I've decided to go with 5 days because we all know that if I don't I'll never get used to the new week...lol

So this is my schedule for this program, and it really is as intense as it looks... Day One just about gutted me, but I'll be back out there tomorrow doing more.  Sure it will be hard, but I really want to lose weight and I'm really looking forward to doing the 5k race in September with my Mom, Auntie Chelle, and sister Nicole!  

Week	Workout 1	Workout 2	Workout 3
1	Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes.	Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes.	Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes.
2	Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 90 seconds of jogging and two minutes of walking for a total of 20 minutes.	Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 90 seconds of jogging and two minutes of walking for a total of 20 minutes.	Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 90 seconds of jogging and two minutes of walking for a total of 20 minutes.
3	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then do two repetitions of the following: Jog 200 yards (or 90 seconds) Walk 200 yards (or 90 seconds) Jog 400 yards (or 3 minutes) Walk 400 yards (or three minutes)	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then do two repetitions of the following: Jog 200 yards (or 90 seconds) Walk 200 yards (or 90 seconds) Jog 400 yards (or 3 minutes) Walk 400 yards (or three minutes)	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then do two repetitions of the following: Jog 200 yards (or 90 seconds) Walk 200 yards (or 90 seconds) Jog 400 yards (or 3 minutes) Walk 400 yards (or three minutes)
4	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then: Jog 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes) Walk 1/8 mile (or 90 seconds) Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes) Walk 1/4 mile (or 2-1/2 minutes) Jog 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes) Walk 1/8 mile (or 90 seconds) Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then: Jog 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes) Walk 1/8 mile (or 90 seconds) Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes) Walk 1/4 mile (or 2-1/2 minutes) Jog 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes) Walk 1/8 mile (or 90 seconds) Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then: Jog 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes) Walk 1/8 mile (or 90 seconds) Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes) Walk 1/4 mile (or 2-1/2 minutes) Jog 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes) Walk 1/8 mile (or 90 seconds) Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)
5	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then: Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes) Walk 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes) Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes) Walk 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes) Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then: Jog 3/4 mile (or 8 minutes) Walk 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes) Jog 3/4 mile (or 8 minutes)	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog two miles (or 20 minutes) with no walking.
6	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then: Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes) Walk 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes) Jog 3/4 mile (or 8 minutes) Walk 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes) Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then: Jog 1 mile (or 10 minutes) Walk 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes) Jog 1 mile (or 10 minutes)	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2-1/4 miles (or 22 minutes) with no walking.
7	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2.5 miles (or 25 minutes).	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2.5 miles (or 25 minutes).	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2.5 miles (or 25 minutes).
8	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2.75 miles (or 28 minutes).	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2.75 miles (or 28 minutes).	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2.75 miles (or 28 minutes).
9	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 3 miles (or 30 minutes).	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 3 miles (or 30 minutes).	The final workout! Congratulations! Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 3 miles (or 30 minutes).

The best thing about this program is that you don't have to pay to do this.  Sure I'm nervous and not excited about the pain I'm going to start feeling tomorrow, but I know I can do this, because I actually did manage to run the entire time I was asked too.  I wanted to give up, I was sure that my legs were going to buckle underneath me, but thankful I made it!  Thankful that I let Nicole talk me into doing this, because I really want to lose weight, and I've been so confused about how to do that without actually pissing off my neighbors.

I guess I'll be kissing my late late nights goodbye to allow myself time to sleep and wake up in the morning at 6am, since I'll need to do this before Nick leaves for work every morning.

But I know I can do this, and you can too!  It just takes determination and the will (want) to do it!  I will lose weight and i can't wait for it to happen!!

A New Me, Here I Come!!

The Couch-to-5k - visit the website to check it, and maybe you can start the program on your own!

The horrible pleasures of trying to find work

So I've decided that I need to find a job, but with two children and a husband who works full time, there is no way that I can actually find a job outside of my home.  I mean to have an outside job, one would need to have childcare and in order to have childcare I would have to have a job to pay for it.  It's one of those never ending circles, which ends up just making you dizzy. 

I really don't know much about finding online jobs, but I do know what I don't want. 

1. I know I want nothing to do with those 'Get Paid to Take Online Surveys' because honestly no matter how much they promise, it's all just a bunch of fake bull.
2. I can't do anything via phone, because of my children.  There is just no way that I can take professional calls if my girls are in the background screaming their heads off.
3. Entering Data actually requires a certain Degree, which I clearly don't have...
4. Traveling is completely out...training or not.  I am a mother, a stay-at-home mother, who doesn't own a car.  I can't go anywhere for training.

But I mean in the end, what is there for me?  Honestly not a whole lot, because it seems that most online jobs seem more like a scam then actual chance for work.  And who honestly wants to enter their information on the one place where anyone can learn them?

So for now I may have to hold off on the jobs, but I'm hoping that by next year, I can get something while Kenna is in preschool, and Lizzie is in Kindergarten.  At least a part time job would be better then sitting at home all the time!

Time for Change

Yesterday was just one of those days.  First I went to the doctors and when I stepped on the scale, I was appalled over the numbers.  I know I'm overweight, but I was sure that I'd been losing...instead I seemed to be right where I was after I had Kenna.  So I've decided to take action, and I'm going to lose this weight...even if it kills me.  Today I went to the store and got the things I need to help me lose weight.  Hopefully, I will be able to see and feel a change as my body starts to naturally lose the pounds.  I'm also going to be working on portion control.  Since I've started cooking all my own foods, I'm not as worried about calorie as I am intake.  I just want to ensure that I am eating right, and exercising properly.

Every morning I will be out early, doing a 30-minute power walk, then coming home and later doing 30-minute exercises.  My goal is to lose about 100lbs and I want to do it over a period of time, because I don't want to have to worry about health issues later on in life.  I know that it will take a lot of hard work and determination, but I know that I can do it!  So here's to a new healthy lifestyle!!

The Banes of Cleaning

Being a mother one of the things I should be able to handle are the Early Mornings...but I'll admit, I hate waking up early.  I always feel like I don't get enough sleep, and I guess since I often don't get to bed until midnight or later, it's probably true.  Both my girls are early risers...Kenna mostly because Lizzie wakes her up.  They are always up before the sun...and very sneaky (Payback from my own Childhood...of that I am sure!).  Every morning my husband wakes up with the girls, because he too is an early riser, and he often tries to allow me to sleep as long as possible, then before he leaves for work, he comes in and wakes me up.  First thing in the morning, I'm always a little sluggish, and it takes me a while to get going, but once I'm up...I'm up! 

Often I wake up in the morning, dreading the state I'm going to find the living room in.  It seems like the girls know how to destroy the house in one take.  And I know what most of you are thinking...that is not possible...but believe me...it really is.  So usually I have to take the time to clean up...or attempt to get my girls to help me clean up.  That has shown to be a true challenge. 

Kenna often will pick of the things I ask her to do.  She loves picking up the shoes and the little stuff.  But Lizzie, is a force to be reckon with.  She fights and argues and whines whenever I ask her to help me clean.  After I make a few threats, and turn off the T.V. she whines some more and then sulks on the couch, before reluctantly getting up and helping me clean. 

The one mess I haven't managed to tackle, is their bedroom.  It seems like no matter how often Nick and I get them to pick it up, moments later it's a complete mess again.  It always manages to baffle me and I spend hours a day just trying to clean. 

I haven't even started to try to get the pen marks off the walls.  They clearly are not on the top of my list...keeping my house clean is more of an issue.

So here's to trying to get my girls to clean up today...since once again, the house is in a little need of some TLC!

Long Saturday...Homemade Dinner

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Today was just one of those days.  Kenna had a Doctor's Appointment in Palm Desert, so she and I had to be at the bus stop by 7:45am.  For an early Saturday morning the first thing I noticed was that there were a lot of cars and bicyclists on the road...and that was when I remembered that today was Tour DE Palm Springs...a very popular Bike race.  But here, they don't actually close down roads...they just place warning signs throughout the desert.  It was pretty cool to see, and Kenna loved watching them ride past her. 

On the Way to the Doctors

So Kenna and I hopped on the bus and were off to catch the next bus which would end up taking us to Kaiser.  After spending over an hour and a half on the bus Kenna and I arrived to find that it was very windy and that the bicyclists were also riding throughout Palm Desert.  It was, I have to admit, pretty awesome to see so many people out on their bikes!

Since Kenna and I had over an hour until her appointment was, I took us to Jack in the box for some yummy Breakfast Jacks!  Kenna loved it, and ate almost half of mine!  When it was time for Kenna's appointment she was very well behaved and allowed the Nurse and the Doctor to check her out.  She needed four shots and it was very hard to hold her down.  She did not like having the shots at all.  But she got a new book out of it, and while we waited for the bus to come, she read the new book to her baby doll and two Ty Beanie Bears. 

Kenna's New Half-undressed Doll

We took the bus to Target and I let her pick out some new dolls, because it had been a long day for her, and she was being very well behaved.  Once we were done with that we headed back home.

When I got home, had Nick finish the dishes I needed to make dinner and then I got started!  The recipe I'm going to share tonight, is the first recipe my sister Nicole, ever created for me!  If you guys didn't know, Nicole is a master when it comes to cooking!  She's always my go-to person when I'm stuck on a dish or when I have a question!

A couple years ago, I had made a complaint about how I was tired of Boxed Mac n' Cheese, so Nicole sent me a basic recipe for Homemade Mac n' Cheese.  This recipe is so fool proof that when I wasn't able to cook, I was able to make it.

Nicole's Simple Mac n' Cheese


1 Tbsp butter - unsalted
1 Tbsp flour
1 cup milk
1 box of noodles (any kind that you like)
Desired amount of any kind of cheese

Cook noodles.
Melt butter in medium pan, then add flour.  Mix flour and butter until it's the texture of sand and smells like popcorn.  Add the milk and stir until thickened.  Then add the amount of cheese, for your own desired cheesiness.  Once sauce is done, add cooked noodles. season to taste, and serve!

Finished Mac n' Cheese

So that's simple right?  It really is very simple to make, but here are some other ways that you can make it.  To make your Mac n' Cheese more creamier you could do half cream and half milk, or Nicole suggested Cream Cheese.  I also added bacon to our dish, and baked some cheese and Italian bread crumbs on top.

It turned out really well and my girls loved it!  Next time, I plan to use turkey bacon, because the bacon we used was a little too crispy, but I still liked it!

Tomorrow we're going to have a nice family day, maybe go out for lunch!  I'm really looking forward to spending the day with Nick and the girls!

Lizzie eating Dinner

Kenna enjoying Dinner!



Homemade Taco Salad

One day after we had gone to Carl's Jr. for a rare lunch out, Nick ordered the taco salad.  I sat there looking at it and I told him that I bet I could make it and that it would be better (and cheaper) then the one he always gets from Carl's. 

So he put me to the test.  The first time I used it, he was amazed at how much he liked my version of the salad...and now I'm going to share my recipe with you!

Cooked Meat

First thing I did was I started browning and flavoring the meat.  You can use any kind of ground meat you like, but I just used the beef.  I often will just use the Taco seasoning packet with a little of the HOT taco seasoning, since Nick likes his food spicy.  But you can also use any type of seasonings that you prefer.  Tonight I made my meat with a little salt, pepper, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, carne asada seasoning mix, and a little bit of Enchilada HOT sauce.  I brown it until all the sauce is gone and then set it aside.  Thankfully ground beef is the type of food that can be left alone while you work on other things.

Pre-cooked tortilla

Next I moved on to the tortilla's.  Rather then spend six dollars on pre-made tortilla shells, I made my own.  I have my sister, Nicole, to thanks for how to make a nice crispy corn tortilla without frying it in oil.  I preheated the oven to 400 degrees and then I placed some Extra Virgin Olive Oil in a bowl and then used a pastry brush to lightly brush the oil on the tortilla's.  You want to make sure that you oil both sides of the tortilla and then you can even season to taste.  A little salt and pepper will go a long way!  Once I had them oiled I placed them in the oven and just kept a watch on them.  Sometimes you can turn them every once and while, but I just left mine alone. 

Bean Mixture

Once the tortilla's where crisp to my liking I took them out to let them cool.  Now it's time to move on to the bean mixture.  Now there is no right or wrong way to make the mixture.  It's really all about what you like best.  I use three different kinds of canned beans (doesn't need to be the name brand...using the store brand is just as fine and even cheaper!) - black beans, red beans, and pinto beans.  I drain the beans in a colander and let them sit.  I then add some canned tomatoes (but I'm sure fresh will work just as well!) and olives. 

You could also add onions, but since I don't like onions I choose to leave them out.  Although often I will add onions to my husband's meat because he does happen to like onions.

Once you have all that, I add a lettuce, little shredded cheese, sour cream, and some salsa to make my salad.  You could also take your tortilla's and crush them up to make a chip-like salad. 

The finished look!

Overall for this entire meal I spent under $10 to get this meal made.  In my house we always have tortilla's, cheese, salsa, canned beans, and olives in the house, so it can make shopping easier.  But like I said, you can made your salad any way you like.  This is just the version we like in this house!  I hope you enjoy my version of homemade taco salad!  It's cheaper, healthier, and something light for those who really don't want a heavy meal.  And for you non-meat eaters (like me!) using the beans is a good way to get some substance and protein!

Baking Blunders



So there comes a time in life when you realize that what you bought...wasn't actually what you thought it was.  I bought the stick Crisco because I always remember that it's easier for me to work with...rather then trying to measure it out.  But let me tell you, when you buy the stick kind...make SURE that you buy the right kind of Crisco.  I mean I did not want the butter flavor Crisco...so instead of having nice flaky pie crust, I ended up with crust that was hard to work with and wouldn't roll out, so one of my pies died...even though it's still baking.

I so did NOT want Butter Flavor

Flat Apple Pie with Perfect Pie Crust

2011 Ree Drummond, All Rights Reserved

Prep Time: 20 min

Inactive Prep Time: --

Cook Time: 40 min

Level: Easy

Serves: 2 pies

Ingredients

• 5 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 recipe Perfect Pie Crust, recipe follows
• 6 tablespoons butter

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

In large bowl, stir together the apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, salt and lemon juice. Set aside and see how long you can keep from sneaking a slice of apple.

With a rolling pin, begin rolling out the Perfect Pie Crusts into large circles. Roll the dough from the center outward. Be gentle and patient, it'll take a little time to get the dough completely rolled out.

If you think the bottom is really sticking to the surface below, use a nice, sharp spatula to loosen the dough and sprinkle some extra flour on top. Then flip it over to finish rolling. Remember to roll from the center in single, outward strokes, no back-and-forth rolling.

Again with a spatula, loosen and lift the dough and carefully place the circles on large baking sheets.

Place half the apple mixture on one crust and the other half on the other crust. Fold over the edges of each crust so that it covers 2 to 3 inches of the apple mixture. No need to be artistic - the more rustic the better. Dot the tops of the pies with chunks of the butter.

Bake until the filling is golden and bubbly, 30 to 40 minutes. If the crust appears to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminium foil for the remaining baking time.

Allow to cool slightly, then slice into wedges with a pizza cutter. Eat 'em on the go!

Perfect Pie Crust:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 sticks cold butter
• 3/4 cup vegetable shortening
• 1 egg
• 5 tablespoons cold water
• 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar

Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add in the butter and shortening. Using a pastry cutter, gradually work the butter and shortening into the flour until the mixture resembles tiny pebbles. This step should take 3 or 4 minutes.

Lightly beat the egg with a fork, and then add it to the mixture. Next, add in the cold water and vinegar. Stir the mixture together until it's just combined, and then remove half the dough from the bowl. Yield: dough for 2 crusts.

 

Next time I will make sure I have what I need on hand... so this doesn't happen again.  I was really cringing at the finished look, but thankfully it doesn't taste as bad as it looks!  Of course now I have to try and get the goo off my cookie sheets, but overall I'm happy that they are at least editable!

At least I made Nick a happy camper!  He hasn't stopped trying to eat little bits and pieces since it was cool enough to touch.  Tomorrow we shall see what the girls think of it!

Completely collasped, lightly burned edges

Held it's shape, slightly burned in some areas

So let this be a lesson to anyone who, like me, shops and go.  Always...and I mean ALWAYS check your products before you buy them, because you don't want to end up with pie like mine.  Lesson to be learned.

Game Day

So today is game day, and while no one will be at my house...other then me and my girls...I decided to get a few things to make the day a little more special.  Earlier the girls and I headed off to the store to get a few things that I happened to be missing from my kitchen, and then we came home and tried to do a little picking up.  They tried, but we're working on it.  Once the girls were down for a nap, I got to work.

Last night I was visiting recipe sites, because I live for new things to try out!  And I came across something that looked good, and I figured it would be a good, light dessert for me and the girls!

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

2011 Ree Drummond, All Rights Reserved

Prep Time: 10 min

Inactive Prep Time: 30 min

Cook Time: 40 min

Level: Easy

Serves: 24 servings

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 sticks salted butter, cut into pieces, plus more for greasing pan
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cup oats
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• One 10 to 12-ounce jar strawberry preserves

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-by-13-inch rectangular pan.

Mix together the butter, flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder and salt. Press half the oat mixture into the prepared pan. Spread with the strawberry preserves. Sprinkle the other half of the oat mixture over the top and pat lightly. Bake until light brown, 30 to 40 minutes. Let cool completely, and then cut into squares.

Now, I'm just a simpleton, so I love that this recipe was quick and easy to make.  I didn't use a 9-by-13-inch pan, because I didn't have one, but as you can see, a 9-by-9-inch pan works just as well.  I really can't wait to try it and I know that my girls are going to love it!  My next attempt I'm going to try Raspberry Jam and I have a feeling that it will really be something that disappears quickly!

Something that I was really looking forward to make was Ree Drummond Flat Apple Pie.  I mean it seriously the smartest way I've ever seen to make a pie.  She doesn't need anything but a cookie sheet!  So I really can't wait, but sadly I left my lemons and apples at the store, so tomorrow I will have to go and get them.  Well it's almost game time and I'm gearing down for t-time!  And in case you were wondering, yes I am cheering for the Giants!